Chapter 6, When soldiers come, generals will block them

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Yan Lu's common tactics towards women have always been characterized by an imperceptible indifference. He does not even bother to respond to their advances, which is consistent with his usual style. Therefore, Yu Qianqian's piercing gaze was in vain.

Yan Lu confirmed Wen Jiu's identity, and Yu Qianqian immediately directed her criticism at Wen Jiu, coldly mocking, "Your name is Wen Jiu, right? Please make sure to find out if this person has a fiancée before you become someone’s girlfriend next time, okay?"

Yan Lu only said one sentence before decisively hanging up the phone. The voice on the line was lower than usual, with a slightly tense tone

After going upstairs, the two of them each walked towards their rooms. Suddenly, Yu Qianqian's door opened, and she stood there with her arms crossed, smiling at the two of them. "How strange, aren't you two in a passionate relationship? Why aren't you living in the same room"

After speaking, without caring about Yu Qianqian's face turning pale with anger, she directly grabbed Wen Jiu's hand and pulled her into her room

... ...

As he spoke, he took Wen Jiu's arm and led her downstairs, allowing her to continue her conversation with Yu Qianqian, not knowing what story they would concoct about him

Wen Jiu suddenly felt a warmth in his ears; Mr. Yan's acting was so superb that he truly did not see it coming

Regrettably, although Wen Jiu is bare-faced, she possesses a face that is as beautiful as a painting, and her figure is also impeccable

But you look particularly impressive

Yan Lu said seriously: "Her window is facing this way, I am embarrassed, I am afraid she is watching."

Suddenly seeing this girlfriend who appeared out of nowhere, Yu Qianqian felt a mix of bitterness and anger in her heart. Her sharp gaze scrutinized Wen Jiu, carrying a kind of proud and overbearing aura, as she sought to find flaws in Wen Jiu.

Yu Qianqian was so angry that she choked a little, her voice unconsciously rising: "This is a matter that is as fixed as a nail on a board, both families are aware of it, and everyone in the entire circle knows about it. Is there really a need for any ceremony?"

Yu Qianqian gazed intently at Wen Jiu, who was descending the stairs. The woman who was brought back to her hometown by Yan Lu during the New Year could not possibly be an ordinary friend

The two people wandered in the park for half an hour, and Wen Jiu's cheeks were slightly flushed from the cold wind.

In this first round, it is evident that Yu Qianqian has lost

Grandma said: "We still need one more. Xiao Wen, can you do it?"

Yan Qingyu walked over to buy a bottle, reported the warm wine and Yan Lu's name, and asked the monk to write it down

I went to my son's house yesterday, but I am not sure what the situation is

Yan Lu was taken aback upon hearing this. Is he pursuing her?

Yu Qianqian felt a bit awkward and huffed, "You all are so strange. Once we arrive at the park, everyone goes their separate ways. As soon as we reach the path in front of the gate, you start hugging and holding hands, as if it's a performance. Are you doing this for my benefit?"

Wen Jiu smiled lightly and said, "That phrase? I have said many things. Is it about picking me up from work? I said that on purpose to make her give up. The better you treat me, the less hope she has, right?"

Yu Qianqian immediately said: "Who said that? I love playing with my grandmother the most."

Yan Lu moved a high stool and sat behind her, beginning to act as a military advisor. However, the more she warmed the wine, the more inexperienced she became, and her luck only grew more frustrating, as all the cards she drew were useless.

Yan Lu ascended to the second floor, and the door to the room where the wine was warming was closed. He lingered hesitantly at the door, contemplating whether to knock or to knock.

Yes. After tapping it, it can make the mind more astute

After watching television for a while, Yan Qingyu said, "There are many people at home today, how about we accompany Grandma to play Mahjong?"

Warming the wine, both angry and amused, it is indeed quite fast to climb the pole, so lacking in humility

Yan Lu glanced at her and said, "I am cold, that should be enough."

With a warm smile, she looked at him and said, "Yan Lu, we were just talking about you; it truly is a case of speaking of Cao Cao and Cao Cao arriving."

Warm Wine Laugh: "I can, but my skills are too good; I'm afraid I would win all of Grandma's money"

Upon hearing this, Yan Lu felt a surge of joy in his heart. With the old gentleman stepping in to assist, he had already passed a significant hurdle with his grandfather. He proudly exited the study. On the sofa, Wen Jiu was chatting with his grandmother, her gentle smile radiating warmth, her eyes curved in delight, truly becoming more and more pleasing to the eye.

This incident was truly unexpected. There were no signs or indications at all; Yan Lu suddenly had a girlfriend and even brought her back to his hometown for his grandparents to meet. This is fundamentally a disregard for her, as well as for the practices of the Gu and Ye families.

Yan Lu did not expect that the most blatant reason for his family's pressure to marry would be questioned at the warm wine gathering, and the doubts raised were quite reasonable

Wen Jiu whispered: "It will be fine for me and my third aunt to go by ourselves"

Yan Lvzhen was about to cross his legs and take a break when Wen Jiu turned his head and said: "Go prepare a pot of tea, I want Chen Pu."

Yan Lu shook hands with him: "Hello, Mayor Qi, I returned yesterday"

Yan Lu's expression darkened

Yan Lu was replying to emails in a room on the second floor when the phone on the table rang. It was a call from 9. After answering, he said hello and heard Wen Jiu's voice, but it seemed as if he was not speaking to him.

Do the two of them live in the same room

Are you going too

Since her university days, Yu Qianqian has come to pay New Year greetings and celebrate the old man's birthday every year on the third day of the Lunar New Year. She is also quite familiar with Yan Qingyu. She feels that Wen Jiu is still somewhat of an outsider compared to herself, so Yu Qianqian asked Yan Qingyu: "Third Aunt, how long have Wen Jiu and Yan Lu been talking?"

The Yu family has a distinguished lineage, and Yu Qianqian has been cherished since birth. She has always been proud and arrogant, believing that everything she desires is easily within reach. In this lifetime, she has only faltered in the presence of Yan Lu.

Wen Jiu opened the wardrobe, took out the olive green down jacket, and after changing, opened the door to find Yan Lu already standing at her doorstep waiting for him

Yan Lu extended his hand

After a while, Wen Jiu's phone rang. She glanced at the screen and said to Yan Lu, "You take over, I will answer a call"

Wen Jiu is a quick-witted person, and in a moment, she has already suppressed the embarrassment in her heart. She looked at Yan Lu and smiled gently, extending her hand towards his arm

Yan Lvrin could not help but curl the corners of his lips, smiling

Yan Lu said coldly: "I am the one asking you."

Yan Lu wanted to say something more, but at that moment, the landline on the table rang. Yan Lu picked it up, and the old man on the other end said: "A-Lu, County Chief Qi has arrived"

Wen Jiu is somewhat speechless; she truly possesses remarkable detective potential

Three people entered the room, placed down the gifts, and repeatedly expressed their gratitude to Wen Jiu. Grandfather and grandmother quickly understood the situation, and for a moment, they looked at Wen Jiu with newfound respect.

"The whole world knows, but it is of no use," Yan Lu said coldly. "Yu Qianqian, I am not engaged to you, so please do not consider yourself as my fiancée."

Upon hearing the words "husband and wife," Wen Jiu's hand loosened, and the mahjong tiles nearly fell off the table. Mr. Yan, you shouldn't get too immersed in the role.

Her expression almost instantly lost all traces of joy, and her gaze suddenly turned cold

If Wen Jiu were merely mediocre, it would be acceptable, yet she is so beautiful. If Wen Jiu were short and stout, it would be fine, but she is even taller than her. If Wen Jiu were delicate and weak, it would be understandable, yet she possesses an extraordinary temperament and a strong presence

Yan Lu tightened his grip on the warm wine, glaring fiercely at Yu Qianqian, his face slightly flushed.

I hardly have the time to engage in this; I only occasionally accompany my grandmother to play when I return to my hometown. Sometimes, when there aren't enough people, I come to lend a hand. Yan Lu curled the corners of his lips, adopting a tone of lofty indifference as if a great general would not easily take the field.

Yan Lu's car had not yet set off, while Yu Qianqian's off-road jeep had already taken the lead, dashing forward in a very stylish manner

I am not sure about that. In any case, Alu did not give any hint in advance, and suddenly brought it home on New Year's Eve, which startled both your grandparents and me.

For the sake of the daily salary of 100,000, she must also lend a good hand to Boss Yan

He had a handsome appearance, and when he smiled, it was like a warm breeze brushing against one's face, evoking a feeling that could intoxicate a person. However, Wen Jiu felt goosebumps rise on his skin and did not forget to ask with concern: "Are you alright?"

The first thought that came to mind upon warming the wine was Yu Qianqian, but upon further reflection, she had only arrived on the third day of the new year. It is possible that this young lady is a relative of the Yan family, come to pay New Year’s respects to the elder.

She knew that the last sentence would definitely bring Mr. Yan "up". How could the boss allow the employees to fight alone? He should also come up and share the same resolve against the enemy.

Clearly, Yan Lu's deliberate intimacy thoroughly infuriated Yu Qianqian. She crossed her arms and sneered, "I sensed something was off when you didn't answer my call last night. Sure enough, there is something going on. Alright, little Swallow, you have quite the nerve."

The warm wine seems somewhat strange, and I do not know what is contained in this wooden box. It appears to be quite ordinary, yet she seems to treasure it greatly

Do you still play Mahjong?

Yan Lusu has never been a talkative person, and since this is a private matter, he does not wish to discuss it further with this stranger, Wen Jiu

Wen Jiu suppressed a smile and went downstairs with him

The two have known each other since they attended the military district kindergarten together, having grown up as childhood friends. Yu Qianqian has a somewhat tomboyish personality, while Gu Yingjie has always preferred boys throughout his life. Since Yu Qianqian is the granddaughter of a close friend, he has always liked her and often invites her over to play.

At this point, Yan Lu furrowed his brows, seemingly annoyed, and after a pause, continued: "Since it is my mother's wish, everyone has tacitly accepted her as my fiancée. For the past two years, my grandfather has been pressuring me to get married, but I have not agreed. The third day of the lunar new year is my grandfather's birthday, and Yu Qianqian is coming to pay her respects and celebrate his birthday."

Who? It should be a man, right? For some reason, I feel a bit uncomfortable inside

Grandmother was still worried that Wen Jiu would be angry, but unexpectedly, Wen Jiu turned his face and smiled at Yan Lu: "It seems that Miss Yu also likes this kind of clothing. Why don't you buy her one as well? I don't mind matching outfits."

Yu Qianqian was so furious that her vision went dark, and she couldn't help but retort: "Don't you think being a third party is despicable and shameless?"

The surface of the pond was frozen, shining brightly like a large mirror. Wen Jiu stood on the steps of the small pavilion, momentarily curious, and stretched her foot to step on the ice, wanting to see how thick the ice was. However, just as her toes reached out, an arm crossed her waist, and a strong force pulled her back, as she was tightly embraced by Yan Lu.

Wen Jiu smiled lightly and said, "But rest assured, from the first moment I saw you, I knew we were not suited for each other. I will not have any thoughts about you."

Yu Qianqian was left dumbfounded. When has Yan Lu ever been the type to allow himself to be bullied? She actually dared to pinch his flesh, and he surprisingly did not fly into a rage and jump onto the beam.

Yan Lu was taken aback; if it were any other girl, he would not be so anxious. Some girls would scream in fright at the sight of a cockroach, but Wen Jiu was different. Given her personality and aura, she must have encountered something unexpected to let out such a scream

However, Yu Qianqian looked directly at her hand and smiled: "Just now, you were so far away, how is it that as soon as I arrive, you both start showing off your affection?"

Ah, perhaps it is better not to, as it seems a bit unlikely

The voice of Yu Qianqian continued: "The whole family recognizes me"

Is it fun?" Wen Jiu smiled and glanced at him, her tone unexpectedly carrying a hint of childlike playfulness. Yan Lu suddenly felt as if she had become several years younger.

Indeed, he pursued me for quite a long time at the beginning, but I did not agree. Apart from being good-looking, he does not have much else to offer

The winter sky darkens quickly. Huan Huan played outside for the entire afternoon and, upon returning home, insisted that she was hungry and wanted to eat. Therefore, before it was even 7 o'clock, Sun Mei had already prepared dinner.

Yan Lu sat beside Wen Jiu, always feeling that his hand should rest on her shoulder, as it would be the most appropriate place. However, he also felt that today he had already had too much physical contact with her. Would she overthink it? Would she misunderstand his intentions as being more than just a pretense?

Warm the wine, but he is downstairs and not moving, what should I do, my parents are all here

Yan Lv curled his lips and said, "You actually believe this."

Wen Jiu quietly tugged at Yan Lu's sleeve, hinting for him to oppose a little, but he showed no reaction at all

The old gentleman and the old lady spoke to her warmly, while Yan Lu stood alone at the staircase, his gaze cold and his demeanor silent and indifferent

The more he acted this way, the more Yu Qianqian felt unconvinced. How many people bowed down to her, so why should Yan Lüy be an exception

Yan Lvyu was attentively observing the game across from her. After the first round, Grandma won once, Yu Qianqian won twice, and Yan Qingyu also won once, while Wen Jiu remained silent. Then came the second round, and surprisingly, Wen Jiu still did not win. Didn't she claim to have high skills? How could she not win even once?

The old gentleman smiled and nodded upon seeing Wen Jiu, saying, "Qian Qian, this is Yan Lu's friend, Wen Jiu"

Wen Jiu smiled and reached out to Yan Lu, saying: "Give me the money"

Okay, I will come down right away

Even though she knew he was acting, Wen Jiu's face turned red all of a sudden

As she spoke, she stood up and walked towards the stairs. Yan Lu heard her softly say from behind, "What’s wrong, Ruan Shu?"

This sentence seems to contain a certain meaning, causing Yan Lu to involuntarily furrow her brows

Yan Lvxin's frustration grew increasingly intense, and unable to endure it any longer, he said to Sun Mei: "Go ahead and hit me."

Wen Jiu seemed not to see him, nor did he notice his hand; her clear gaze directly passed over him, as if she were about to walk right past him.

Yan Lu said coldly: "What do you think Yu Qianqian would think if she saw you walking alone in the park?"

Yan Lu's expression immediately darkened: "You really are quite boring, have you followed me to the park again?"

Warm wine smiled: "Grandma, this is love for the house and its crows, praising me because of Alu."

Wen Jiu helped her pick up the eggs one by one and put them in the refrigerator

As soon as the warm wine was served, Yan Lu turned his face and said: "Please be mindful in the future and do not let similar incidents occur again"

Shutting the door, Yan Lu loosened the warm wine and said, "You might as well stay in my room, each doing your own thing, as it indeed raises her suspicions"

As the warm wine in the room came out of the bathroom, it slammed the bathroom door shut with a bang. With that sound, Yan Lu's heartbeat seemed to come to a halt

After careful and thorough consideration, Mr. Yan adopted a posture of crossing his arms to prevent his right hand from inadvertently resting on the shoulder of the warm wine

As she admired the plum blossoms blooming with such pride and grace, Wen Jiu couldn't help but take out her phone to take a picture. At that moment, the courtyard door swung open with a soft thud, and Yan Qingyu stepped into the courtyard carrying a basket of farm-fresh eggs.

Wen Jiu had just put on a coat, looking composed and elegant, while the down jacket she wore was brightly colored and stylish, making her appear much younger and more lively, losing some of the earlier coolness. Yan Lu had also changed his clothes, the color matching hers perfectly, as if to make them look more like a couple.

Sun Mei brought the mahjong and set it up on the nearby table. The old gentleman has never been fond of playing this game; he sat on the sofa with Yan Lu, conversing while watching television.

Neither of the two spoke, and in the quiet park, sparrows occasionally flew by, landing on the ground to search for food. Upon seeing people approach, they hurriedly hopped up, their cautious demeanor particularly amusing

She was momentarily careless and became involved; at this moment, it is impossible to withdraw.

Yan Qingyu merely thought he was being shy, and with a cheerful smile said: "Come, Third Aunt will hang it up for you. With the Bodhisattva as a witness, it is guaranteed that you will grow old together."

At this moment, Huanhuan woke up in the room and called out sweetly for her grandmother to help her get dressed

Wen Jiu jokingly said: "Ha, then let him come up, the three of you still can't handle him alone"

Ruan Shu, you need to correct a mindset: your parents are your support, not your enemies. You should discuss everything with them; concealment is not the best approach

Yan Qingyu came out of the hall and, upon seeing the warm wine, said with a smile: "There is a healing pool of the Medicine King Bodhisattva behind, as well as the Spirit Wisdom Bell and the Marriage Tree, all of which are quite effective. I will take you to see them"

Yu Qianqian seemed to have heard the greatest joke in the world, letting out a cold snort, and then sarcastically remarked: "You really know how to boast, Yan Lue would pursue women?"

County Chief Qi is not an uncommon visitor, often coming to the house, so Yan Qingyu casually greeted County Chief Qi upon entering the living room and then went into the kitchen with Wen Jiu

With a warm smile while holding the wine, he said: "You answer me first, and then I will tell you."

Saying this, regardless of whether he agreed or disagreed, she opened the door and walked out

How long did you talk with Lawyer Yan

At that moment, Yan Lu's silver-gray business vehicle swiftly overtook the off-road Jeep.

Yan Lu glanced at her and said, "You know what it means to be inseparable, right"

Yan Qingyu said: "You two should also hang a red silk up."

Wen Jiu smiled again and said, "By the way, pour a cup for Qian Qian as well."

Please come downstairs for a moment

He silently swallowed that mouthful of old blood

Yu Qianqian raised her eyebrows and smiled: "I am not that bored to follow you. I was looking at the scenery in the park with the telescope from the drawer, and who would have thought I would see you all."

Have you finished your phone call

As soon as Yan Luyi closed the door, the old man gave a thumbs up: "You young man have good taste, this girl is great, brave and resourceful, with a kind heart, this time, grandpa stands by your side"

What kind of girl is she, after all? Wen Jiu has become somewhat curious.

Wen Jiu smiled apologetically, "It's nothing, you are all too polite."

During a meal, Yu Qianqian found the food tasteless and insipid. The words of Old Master Yan and her grandmother kept echoing in her ears. However, how could she simply let go after nearly ten years of investment in this matter? Her relationship with Yan Lu was also well-known to everyone.

Wen Jiu pointed to a large clock not far away and said, "What is the significance of this Spirit Wisdom Clock?"

Warm wine approached Yan Lu's side amidst the piercing gaze of hostility.

Yan Qingyu said, "I have some change," as she tossed five yuan into the merit box

The two individuals walked down the stone bridge and entered the park, where trees provided cover, at which point Yan Lu let go of his hand

As soon as he stepped out of the hospital, Yan Lu's hand rested on Wen Jiu's shoulder

Yan Lu lowered his head and glared at her: "Is this how you speak to the boss?"

This statement instantly caused Yu Qianqian to lose face, nearly infuriating her to the point of spitting blood. Her gaze was both cold and bright, resembling two sharp, glistening long swords, aimed at Yan Lü.

His charisma is not as great as Huanhuan's

Yan Lu was feeling a bit restless, so he took the opportunity of getting up to pour tea and brought the tea to Wen Jiu's side.

Upon hearing Yu Qianqian's words, Old Master Yan exchanged a glance with his grandmother. To put it nicely, Yu Qianqian's temperament is straightforward; to put it less kindly, it is impolite

What does she mean by this sentence? At first glance, it seems inappropriate? Could it be that she hasn't even taken a liking to his appearance? Suddenly, a surge of frustration rose to her throat, and Yan Lu's expression also turned cold.

At this moment, Yan Lu beside him leisurely said: "I would very much like to, but she is unwilling."

Yu Qianqian was utterly taken aback; it was the first time she had seen Yan Lu actually serving tea and attending to a woman. At that moment, she felt a pang of bitterness in her heart, an indescribable sense of unwillingness and resentment.

Yan Lu stood beside her and looked at her, "Do you believe in Buddhism?"

After chatting with my grandmother for a while, Wen Jiu carried the tea upstairs to the third floor. The flower room was Wen Jiu's favorite place; unfortunately, in City Z, it was rare to find such a pleasant design, and even rarer to have such leisurely moments.

Wen Jiu felt his hand surrounded by a strange warmth, unsure whether it was due to Yu Qianqian's gaze or Yan Lu's firm grip

Facing the two fiery glares of hostility from Yu Qianqian, Wen Jiu approached with a smile, politely nodding and saying: "Hello"

Yan Lvrin could not help but reach out to help her draw a card. Both of them extended their hands simultaneously, and his hand inadvertently covered hers. Wen Jiu instinctively pulled her hand back slightly. Yu Qianqian watched the two with a sour expression, and this subtle action caught her attention. She felt a stir in her heart; this shouldn't be the case. They were in a romantic relationship, so how could Wen Jiu react this way.

Wen Jiu could only smile and walked out the door with Yan Lu.

He picked up the remote control, turned on the television on the wall, and then handed the remote control to Wen Jiu, saying, "Feel free to do as you wish."

After seeing off Lu Chong and the others, the old man waved to Yan Lu, calling him into the study

After dinner, Grandma said: "Qianqian, your third aunt has tidied up the room, you can go upstairs and rest for a while"

The county magistrate's discussion lasted for two hours. As they were about to leave, Yan Lu and his grandparents escorted several people out the door. Wen Jiu also followed behind Yan Lu to see the guests off

As she turned around with a smile while warming the wine, she was taken aback by the sight behind her; unexpectedly, just a few steps away stood Yu Qianqian.

Wen Jiu did not expect that County Chief Qi would be so courteous and respectful towards the young Yan Lu. It was only after she listened to their conversation that she realized Yan Lu had invested in a project in City X. Therefore, County Chief Qi took the opportunity of visiting Old Master Yan to report on the progress of the project to Yan Lu.

Even though Yu Qianqian was confident that she would not be outdone by Wen Jiu, there was still a sense of encountering a formidable opponent of equal strength

"What resentment?" Yan Lu furrowed her brows as she looked at her, feeling that she did not seem like a person harboring resentment. Ming Jing was serene and elegant, and her every gesture exuded a sense of tranquility akin to water.

He indeed chose the right person this time

At that moment, Yan Qingyu walked over and, upon seeing Yu Qianqian, exclaimed, "Qianqian, how come you are here as well"

Warm Wine said: "Isn't the red silk already hung? Is there still a need to calculate the marriage fate?"

I would like to walk a little longer

Yan Lu left the room, and Wen Jiu accompanied him downstairs

Mr. Yan crossed his arms in anger, leaning against the back of the chair, contemplating this deeply humiliating question

Originally, Wen Jiu was concerned that Yan Lu's suddenly appearing girlfriend would make Yu Qianqian feel sad and upset. However, at this moment, Wen Jiu realized that he had been overthinking. In Yu Qianqian's gaze, there was not a trace of sadness or sorrow; instead, there was more of an anger, a kind of anger that comes from having one's territory invaded or having something taken away.

Yan Lu furrowed her brows in silence, contemplating Wen Jiu's words, as if there were no better reason to explain her intentions

In contrast to the calmness of the warm wine, at this moment, Yu Qianqian's heart was truly tumultuous, like raging waves crashing against the shore

Wen Jiu tugged at Yan Lu's sleeve again, but Yan Lu remained expressionless, indifferent to the situation

The old gentleman let out a sigh of relief, planning to warm the wine and then sit down with Yan Lu and Yu Qianqian for a good talk

Wen Jiu was momentarily taken aback

A sudden, urgent sound of braking shattered the tranquility, followed by someone ringing the doorbell outside the courtyard gate

Fortunately, before long, she heard Huanhuan's voice coming from downstairs, indicating that her grandparents had brought Huanhuan back. She got up from the sofa and turned to Yan Lu, saying, "Huanhuan is back, I am going downstairs"

Yan Lvy frowned and said coldly, "You are currently in City X, and I am responsible for your personal safety, so please stay close to me at all times"

After much effort, Mr. Yan managed to turn the tide in his favor. How could he let go of such a good opportunity to press the advantage? He squinted his eyes and asked earnestly, "Jiu Jiu, are you willing?"

Yu Qianqian crossed her arms, her expression slightly peculiar, a hint of a meaningful smile playing at the corners of her lips as she scrutinized Wen Jiu and Yan Lu.

Yu Qianqian, in front of Wen Jiu, revealed his childhood nickname, deliberately tarnishing his tall and handsome image, which was simply intolerable

Soon, lunch was ready, and Wen Jiu and Yan Lv took their seats at the dining table. The Yan family's living room is particularly spacious, and in the dining area, there is a long table made of Brazilian rosewood, which can comfortably seat twelve people. In the past, Yu Qianqian always sat beside Yan Lv, but today, Yan Lv pulled Wen Jiu to sit next to him, while her seat was below Yan Huan.

Wen Jiu discovered that his hand was warmer than his own and casually remarked, "Did you not say you were very cold? Your hand is so warm."

So she is Yu Qianqian, Wen Jiu suddenly realized, but was also curious as to why she had come today

Footsteps sounded behind her, and Wen Jiu turned to see Yu Qianqian already at the door of the flower room. With her arms crossed, her beautiful eyes fixed on her, she said, "Wen Jiu, I have something to ask you"

He had no choice but to sit down in his room with the warm wine

Yan Lu said this sentence merely to deal with Yu Qianqian, without any other intention, but when he saw Wen Jiu's expression, he felt a strange sensation in his heart

Warming the wine and suppressing a smile, brushing teeth and washing face, lying down in the quilt, planning to take a good nap. Upon waking up, Wen Jiu discovered it was already 4 PM. She got up, tidied her hair, and then went downstairs

Yan Lüheng said: "Is it okay if I have a fever?"

Unexpectedly, Yan Lu said with a cold face: "I will take San Gu and warm wine over. You are dressed too lightly, go upstairs and change into a thicker outfit." As he spoke, he took her upstairs.

Yan Qingyu heard the voices in the living room and asked with a smile, "Are there guests at home?"

Wen Jiu released his grip and turned to Yu Qianqian, saying: "Miss Yu, you need not worry about our private matters."

Sixteen days

In the living room, several middle-aged men are shaking hands with grandfather in turn. "Happy New Year, old leader," said the man in his forties, wearing a khaki down jacket.

Yu Qianqian was once again left speechless by the choking sensation

Yan Lu led Wen Jiu out of the courtyard, driving her and Yan Qingyu directly towards Ningxin Temple

He walked over, sat beside Wen Jiu, and smiled at her

The shadow and form are inseparable? Wen Jiu feels that this is a bit exaggerated

Thus, Yan Lu thought for a moment and said: "Indeed, there is another reason. My grandfather had a comrade-in-arms named Ye, with whom he shared life and death. His daughter is also my mother's best friend. When my mother passed away, her greatest regret was not being able to see me get married, not being able to meet my future wife. Coincidentally, Aunt Ye has a daughter named Yu Qianqian, and since our families have been close for generations, my mother watched her grow up and liked her quite a bit."

Warming the wine, he smiled and said: "If I had known earlier, we would have brought a bottle as well"

As Wen Jiu sensed a subtle yet menacing aura enveloping him, he calmly smiled at Yan Luyuan. Then, addressing Yu Qianqian, who was waiting to watch the spectacle, he said: "I apologize, I haven't finished my earlier statement. At first, I thought he was just good-looking and nothing more. Later, I discovered that he is wise, decisive, principled, and exceptionally capable, and that is when I began to like him. You have known him for twenty years, yet you have not recognized these qualities in him, still perceiving him solely based on his appearance. How can you dare to consider yourself his fiancée?" At first, I thought he was just good-looking and nothing more. Later, I discovered that he is wise, decisive, principled, and exceptionally capable, and that is when I began to like him. You have known him for twenty years, yet you have not recognized these qualities in him, still perceiving him solely based on his appearance. How can you dare to consider yourself his fiancée?

Wen Jiu curiously walked to the window and saw, outside the main gate, beside Yan Lu's business vehicle, a parked off-road jeep.

Yes, Mayor Qi is present

I am not that delicate

Even though Wen Jiu was exceptionally quick-witted, he could not withstand the sudden and explosive strike from Yu Qianqian, leaving him blushing and momentarily at a loss for words

The old gentleman wanted to dismiss himself to break the deadlock, and Wen Jiu naturally understood this, so he smiled and said: "Sure, I was just thinking of going to take a look."

Warming the wine felt rather awkward for her as well, but a joking remark nearly exposed her. This action of hers also seemed to be an attempt to make amends, hoping that this intimate gesture would dispel Yu Qianqian's suspicions

Yan Lvyue took off the scarf and held it in his hand, hesitating for a moment before putting it back on, and said: "Let's go back"

His palm hovered in the air, merely resting lightly on the tips of his fingers. This seemingly intimate yet actually distant posture relieved Wen Jiu of any pressure, much like how she sometimes rested her hand on Xu Zan's shoulder.

Yan Lu said coldly: "Yu Qianqian, whether it is holding hands or resting shoulders with Wen Jiu, or going our separate ways, it is all part of the way we interact. Outsiders need not worry about it."

The warm wine reacted swiftly, and she reached out to grasp Yan Lu's arm, smiling gently: "Boss, I saved you the money for fortune-telling, how will you thank me?"

The three individuals, holding cigarettes, alcohol, and gift boxes, were all excited upon seeing the warm wine and quickly approached.

Grandmother couldn't help but chuckle to herself, this little rascal, it truly feels like a separation of three autumns after just a brief absence

Yu Qianqian found it impossible to gain any verbal advantage over Wen Jiu. Although Wen Jiu appeared to be calm and gentle, she concealed a sharpness within and showed no signs of yielding

Yan Lvding looked at her and said, "Could you explain what you just said?"

Wen Jiu was originally holding back her emotions to cooperate with Mr. Yan in the performance, but as soon as the nickname "Little Swallow" popped up, she couldn't hold it in and burst out laughing on the spot, leaving even her grandparents with a look of helpless amusement

The two glared at each other, and it seemed that the atmosphere was about to ignite. The old man beside them said: "Qingyu, aren't you going to the temple to offer incense on the first day of the new year? Since Wenjiu is visiting X City for the first time, you should take her along to have a look. Ningxin Temple is considered a famous historical site here, and there are many people waiting in the temple to light the first incense on New Year's Eve late at night."

I am very sorry, but you have neither been engaged to Yan Lu, nor married to Yan Lu, nor even dated Yan Lu. I do not understand where you derive the qualifications and courage to regard Yan Lu's girlfriend as a third party. Wen Jiu's tone remained calm and unhurried, neither servile nor overbearing

Upon warming the wine, I was reminded of "Little Swallow," and I suddenly understood

No wonder Yan Lu offered a high daily salary of 100,000, as it turns out he wants her to play the role of a meddler who disrupts love. Clearly, Yu Qianqian, who is about to arrive in City X, may be a rather difficult character; otherwise, Yan Lu would not have made such a grand show of offering a high price to rent a girlfriend.

Women are truly unreasonable; clearly, it was he who asked the question first. Yet, faced with such a charming smile, he found it impossible to lose his temper, nor could he leave in a huff as he did with Yu Qianqian. He could only suppress his frustration and casually respond, "Of course, it is because my family is pressuring me to marry."

Yu Qianqian sneered: "This is all your delusion, isn't it? I have known him for twenty years, and I would not know what kind of person he is."

The old gentleman said loudly: "Happy New Year, County Chief Qi"

He glanced at him while warming the wine, "Then go ahead and try to fire me."

The monk looked at the two individuals and said, "Would the two benefactors like to calculate their marital fate?"

Yan Lu's heart immediately felt a surge of frustration; she would rather go play with Huan Huan than stay here to accompany him

Yu Qianqian looked at the two of them walking down the stairs side by side with a huff, stamping her foot. She always felt that there was something not quite right between Yan Lu and Wen Jiu

Wen Jiu, possessing great composure, did not retaliate; he merely smiled and then turned his head to look at Yan Lu: "Do you have a fiancée?"

Yan Lu's smile froze, leaving him speechless. After a while, he awkwardly furrowed his brows and got up to go upstairs

Wen Jiu smiled and said: "I do not consider myself a devout believer. Sometimes, when I feel resentment in my heart, I will read Buddhist scriptures to calm myself."

Women in passionate love typically have a strong enthusiasm for such matters, and even if their partners are reluctant, they will encourage them to participate. However, when Yan Qingyu was tying the red silk, Wen Jiu quietly tugged at Yan Lu's sleeve, seemingly trying to stop him. Following that, Wen Jiu told the monk that Yan Lu was her boss

"You should wear a down jacket, it's quite cold in the temple," said Yan Lu as he entered his room and slammed the door shut, clearly infuriated by Yu Qianqian.

She turned around, wanting to take the opportunity to break free from Yan Lu's embrace, but Yan Lu's arms did not immediately release her. He stared at her and said, "How old are you?" His gaze and tone were almost the same as when he spoke to Huan Huan

As he reached the corner after descending the stairs, Yan Lu stopped in his tracks and turned back to grasp Wen Jiu's hand. Seeing the somber expression on his face, Wen Jiu suddenly thought of Xiao Yan Zi and couldn't help but smile a little.

Yu Qianqian's expression turned unpleasant as she directly confronted Yan Lu, saying: "It's not appropriate for the two of you to team up against me."

A broad and warm palm caressed the top of the head, and this action, even if it were merely a pretense, made Wen Jiu's face flush. "I was just about to take a nap when Qian Qian came to chat with me"

Yu Qianqian was sitting on the sofa talking to her grandparents when she saw Wen Jiu coming down. She raised her eyebrows slightly, casting a scrutinizing glance.

It was her first time witnessing Yan Lu handle official matters, meticulous and serious, though the coldness between his brows could not be concealed. However, this was completely different from his usual fastidious and arrogant demeanor, as if the rebelliousness and defiance within him had suddenly been reined in. In his calm and composed manner, there was a kind of imposing presence akin to mountains and seas.

Yan Lu felt completely at ease upon hearing Wen Jiu's words. Initially, he was concerned that Wen Jiu's limited speech would put him at a disadvantage in terms of rhetoric, especially since Yu Qianqian was known for her eloquence. However, Wen Jiu adeptly countered with subtlety, skillfully turning the situation around without raising his voice, truly living up to his experience in judo.

Saying this, he got up and hurried upstairs

Yu Qianqian wanted to ask something more, but upon recalling that Yan Qingyu was not at the Yan family last night, she figured she probably wouldn't be able to find out much.

Yan Lu's heart unknowingly sank, unable to let go of a person

Warm wine inquired: "Is this the Healing Pool?"

Yan Lu watched her ascend to the second floor, exchanging smiles with Wen Jiu. After a while, Yu Qianqian came down from upstairs and began anew

Yan Qingyu said: "Yes, there are quite a few minerals in this spring water, and people often take it back to boil for drinking."

Yu Qianqian's eyes were fixed intently on the hands of Wen Jiu and Yan Lu intertwined, her gaze filled with a complex and intense emotion that was almost beyond Wen Jiu's ability to describe, as if two flames were dancing in her eyes

The temple is located on a street corner in the western city. Although it has a long history, it is bustling with activity, with many people coming and going to pay their respects.

He initially hated Yu Qianqian because she gave him this childhood nickname, making it well-known among their circle of friends, and he was the subject of their jokes for a long time

Yan Lu held his phone, listening with great interest

Wen Jiu chuckled silently. This awkward man

It is one thing to pick her up from work on the way and find an excuse to invite her to dinner. However, she actually said that aside from being good-looking, he has nothing else to offer

She warmed the wine, yet appeared as if nothing had happened, looking up at him with an innocent and candid expression, as if the words she had just orchestrated were not spoken by her at all

The woman grasped Miss Wen's hand tightly, tears streaming down her face, "Miss Wen, thank you for saving my husband"

A simple sentence, delivered in a nonchalant tone, yet it is an unequivocal affirmation. Moreover, as she spoke these words, Yan Lu turned her head slightly, lowered her gaze, and looked at the warm wine, her usually proud and cold eyes unexpectedly revealing a hint of tenderness.

After taking a nap in the warm wine for an afternoon, I planned to take a walk in the park ahead. When I reached the entrance, I remembered that Yan Lu had said that I should inform him wherever I go. So, I sent him a text message.

The elderly person omitted the character "female"

In contrast to Yu Qianqian's hostility, Wen Jiu is quite calm, as she is not truly Yan Lu's girlfriend. Therefore, when facing Yu Qianqian, the so-called "rival in love," she feels no pressure and harbors no malice. Her psychological composure naturally gives her an edge in terms of presence.

If your family is pressuring you to marry, they would surely be overjoyed to see you bring home a girlfriend. However, when grandfather saw me, he was not pleased at all and called you into the study, slamming the table.

The nanny Sun Mei offered to carry the wooden box for her, but she refused, handing the suitcase to Sun Mei and personally carrying the wooden box upstairs

Upon hearing the explanation of "later" from Wen Jiu, Yan Lu's expression finally brightened. Gently stroking Wen Jiu's hair, he managed to squeeze out a smile that conveyed "thoughtful concern": "You stayed up so late yesterday, why didn't you take a rest for a while?"

Upon hearing the news, I immediately understood that I was brought here to serve as a shield. No wonder Old Master Yan was upset the moment he saw me; the family already had a universally recognized granddaughter-in-law, yet Yan Lu had unilaterally brought back a girlfriend. Wasn't this bound to create chaos?

She raised her eyes, smiled gently, and asked softly, "Then why does Mr. Yan want to sincerely rent a girlfriend?"

Wen Jiu and Yan Lü felt somewhat embarrassed upon hearing this. When there was no one around, they naturally would not hold hands for no reason. Therefore, just now, not only did the two of them have no physical contact, but they also maintained a distance of more than one meter while speaking.

Yan Lu held her hand and said in a deep voice: "I am not engaged, nor do I have a fiancée or a girlfriend; there is only you."

Yan Lu gritted his teeth, do you think I didn't hear the second half of your sentence

In front of the Linghui Bell, there is a merit box, with a sign stating that striking the bell costs 5 yuan for three strikes

Yu Qianqian glared at Wen Jiu in anger, not expecting that despite her quiet demeanor, her words were laced with sharpness, leaving one feeling exasperated. In contrast to Yu Qianqian's bitterness, her response was not only generous and magnanimous but also subtly hinted that the clothes were purchased for her by Yan Lu

When she was still ignorant and naive, the two families jokingly said they would become in-laws. As she reached the age of budding romance, many pursued her, but she looked down on them all, as she had already preconceived that Yan Lu was her boyfriend and future husband. Unfortunately, reality did not align with her wishes. As the years went by, both of their personalities grew stronger. Yu Qianqian wanted to subdue Yan Lu, but he was even prouder and more aloof than she was, treating her with distant respect and eventually ignoring her altogether. Unfortunately, reality did not align with her wishes. As the years went by, both of their personalities grew stronger. Yu Qianqian wanted to subdue Yan Lu, but he was even prouder and more aloof than she was, treating her with distant respect and eventually ignoring her altogether

Grandmother entered the bedroom, and after warming the wine, she got up and went to the third floor, sitting in the rattan chair in the flower room, browsing the internet on her phone. In the tranquil air, a delicate floral fragrance wafted through, and the warm winter sunlight filtered through the glass, falling on her. It was truly a leisurely day that made one want to sigh.

Is it really appropriate for employees to stab their boss in the back while reporting on the situation?

The events of seven years ago are old matters, and of course, Wen Jiu would not bring them up with this stranger, Yan Lu. This is a grudge between her and Shang Jing Tian, and since he has a good relationship with Shang Jing Tian, she would be even less likely to mention it

After hanging up the phone, Wen Jiu glanced at the time and realized it was getting late, so she decided not to go downstairs again. After all, playing mahjong was just to make up the numbers; since the expert Yan Lu was present, there was no need for her to go down. Therefore, she locked the door and planned to take a shower and go to bed.

Yan Lu furrowed his brows and said, "Be careful not to catch a cold"

Sitting down with warm wine, I continued to look at my phone. In less than a minute, the phone rang.

I observe the features of both of you, and it seems that this marriage will encounter quite a few obstacles; consulting an oracle may help to resolve them

Grandma said with a smile, "Grandma is not afraid, Grandma has a big bank sitting right here." As she spoke, she patted Yan Lu's thigh

Ruan Shu was silent for a moment, "I don't want my parents to know about this. I also don't want him to meet my parents."

Ruan Shu recently encountered emotional troubles, as someone showed up at her home on the first day of the Lunar New Year, staying for an entire day without leaving, insisting on going upstairs to pay respects to her parents-in-law. Consequently, her friend Wen Jiu became her confidant and source of assistance.

With a warm cup of wine, I smile and ask: "What do you say?"

Yan Lv took a breath and said, "What I meant was the last sentence"

Upon seeing this, Yan Lu's brows furrowed. Is this what they call good technique? The card-playing skills are truly lacking. To sit here pretending to be a master without changing one's expression is indeed not an easy feat

Finally, he shut down the computer and got up to go downstairs. When Yu Qianqian arrived, he felt the need to maintain an intimate closeness with Wen Jiu, so as not to arouse Yu Qianqian's suspicions. Although Yu Qianqian's personality is not likable, she is very intelligent; otherwise, her grandfather would not have taken a liking to her.

Yan Lu glanced at Yu Qianqian and, in a rare display of politeness, said: "It must be tiring for you to drive over here. Let's talk about it later, and you should go downstairs to rest."

Yan Lu curled his lips in a disdainful yet handsome smile, "Of course, what is it that I cannot excel at."

Once again it was Uncle Ruan, and Yan Lu's heart sank, unconsciously furrowing her brows

Unexpectedly, this person turned out to be the county magistrate of City X. Observing his respectful demeanor towards the elder, it is evident that the elder holds considerable prestige in City X

Wen Jiu, although trying hard to suppress a laugh, could not stop his hands from trembling

Yan Lvyuan had his hands in his pockets when he saw Yu Qianqian, and his expression changed instantly. He knew Yu Qianqian very well; just by looking at her expression, he could tell that she had heard the previous remark and was filled with suspicion.

Yan Lu descended the stairs with a warm drink, entered the room, casually closed the door, and then lowered his head to gaze at her. He was originally tall, and standing there with his arms crossed, he resembled a jade mountain.

Both grandfather and grandmother are no longer here. Sun Mei said that they took Huan Huan out to visit friends for the New Year.

Over the years, every New Year, Yu Qianqian would drive over to pay her respects and celebrate the birthdays of the two elderly people, hoping that her grandparents would also acknowledge her identity. In doing so, she effectively applied pressure on Yan Lu from multiple angles, as she did not believe that Yan Lu could fight alone and turn the tide. Therefore, each time she visited, Yu Qianqian would go to great lengths to please the two of them, often accompanying her grandmother in playing Mahjong and her grandfather in playing chess, which had become a regular occurrence

Look at your bad luck

Yan Lu: "... ..."

The county magistrate Qi saw Lawyer Yan from a distance, extended his hand, and smiled, saying: "Mr. Yan, Happy New Year, you just returned before the New Year, didn't you"

Indeed. Wen Jiu smiled and said, "You know what kind of person he is, with his awkward personality, both reserved and arrogant. To pick me up after work, he claimed it was on the way. Have you ever seen a route from East City to West City that is on the way? To invite me to dinner, he pretended to have a meeting upstairs in my office building. Have you ever seen a meeting that lasts from lunch to dinner?"

After warming the wine and sitting for a while, he walked into the courtyard

Yan Lu held the warm wine in his hand and nodded arrogantly: "Yes, she is my girlfriend."

Wen Jiu truly stepped forward and knocked three times, causing Yan Lyu's eardrums to buzz incessantly. He sighed: she changed her clothes, and not only did her face appear smaller, but her behavior also became more childish. ... However ... ... she is still quite cute

Yu Qianqian responded with a sound, "I will go get the luggage." Saying this, she stood up and went outside the courtyard gate, retrieving a suitcase and a square wooden box from the jeep.

She would think I am joking with you, just calling a nickname. Wen Jiu did not feel the problem was that serious yet, but Yan Lu frowned and said very seriously: "The mistake you made is quite serious. Because she knows that what I hate the most is others giving me nicknames, so she will definitely become suspicious."

Yan Lu still thought she was going to take his arm, taking the act a step further, but unexpectedly, a sharp pain shot through his arm, causing him to gasp sharply.

The warm wine guest politely said: "Please, go ahead."

How could Yu Qianqian miss the opportunity to stir the pot? She immediately mocked without reservation, saying: "She said that apart from being good-looking, you have nothing else." After finishing, she did not forget to add with glee: "I think so too"

Wen Jiu casually remarked, "But it doesn't matter if the whole world recognizes it; Yan Lu does not acknowledge it."

Yan Lvdiao: "Alright, I have finished speaking, now it is your turn."

Yan Lu turned around and left without a word

After the bell rang, Yan Qingyu pointed to a tree behind them and said, "Look, there are quite a few red silks hanging up there. Write the names of the two people on them, and they will grow old together for a lifetime."

The two individuals were laughing and chatting joyfully, which was extremely glaring to Yu Qianqian. Indeed, while she was unsuccessful in love, she was thriving in the casino, consistently winning at cards. Watching Wen Jiu lose game after game brought her particular delight, as it gave her a sense of triumph over her romantic rival. However, once Yan Lu arrived, Wen Jiu turned the tide, achieving three consecutive victories.

Yan Lu chose to believe, secretly feeling relieved that she had been hinting to herself not to have any thoughts about him. Otherwise, when the seven-day holiday ended, if she were to entangle him, it would be troublesome.

Wen Jiu nodded and smiled: "Yes, I will do my best"

Warming the wine and rubbing my temples, I truly do not know what to say. ... This matter is indeed a bit ... . ... It is quite a headache.

Such an overbearing tone and demeanor made Wen Jiu understand why Yan Lu did not like her. Mr. Yan is proud and arrogant, and he is certainly not someone who would tolerate being insulted

Yu Qianqian smiled at Wen Jiu and said, "This piece of clothing looks quite nice."

What are you saying to me? Mr. Yan is feigning ignorance despite being fully aware of the situation, and although he is internally distressed, he still pretends not to know. It must be quite a struggle for him to endure this.

How did you suddenly become so friendly? Wen Jiu was just about to say thank you when he heard Yu Qianqian say, "Just now, I thought you were in your thirties."

Wen Jiu could hardly contain a flutter in her heart. Mr. Yan, you actually have a great talent for acting. That gaze of yours almost gives Wen Jiu the illusion that, at this moment, she has truly become his girlfriend

"Third Aunt, you have returned." Wen Jiu put away his phone and stepped forward to take the eggs from her hand

Yan Lu: "... ..."

What should I say after knocking?

The usually aloof and proud Yan Lu spoke with absolute certainty, and his gaze was unprecedentedly infused with a touch of gentle affection, leaving Wen Jiu once again astonished by Mr. Yan's acting skills

When Yan Qingyu asked Yan Lu to tie the red silk, he surprisingly remained motionless. Although his expression was not visible, the fact remains that he did not take the red silk. Logically speaking, Yan Lu bringing the warm wine back to meet his grandparents indicated his intention to marry her. Why then did he not take the red silk to hang it up? This is somewhat perplexing

Wen Jiu blinked and said, "You are quite good-looking."

This is the answer prepared by Yan Lu, and as soon as the result of warming the wine was mentioned, Yu Qianqian laughed: "You are going home with a man after just sixteen days? It seems you are quite eager." The sarcasm in her words was evident.

Although she turned around and explained the nickname in a joking tone, Yu Qianqian did not believe her. This was because, ever since Yan Lu was given the nickname "Little Swallow" by her, the thing he hated most in his life was being given a nickname. As his girlfriend, Wen Jiu could not possibly be unaware of this fact

Yu Qianqian pressed forward step by step, her words excessive. Even though Wen Jiu was very composed, she couldn't help but feel a bit angry inside. She calmly dialed Yan Lu's number and put the phone into her pocket. This job that paid 100,000 a day was truly not easy to do, and it was necessary to let the boss know about the hardships faced by the employees

As she suddenly warmed the wine, she tilted her head and smiled at him gently, placing her hand in his palm, and then, she clasped it back.

He reached out to tuck a strand of hair behind Wen Jiu's ear, his gentle and slender fingers lightly brushing against the curve of Wen Jiu's ear like a soft breeze

Yan Lu suddenly remembered that Yu Qianqian was watching from the side. A small lapse in patience could disrupt a grand plan. He had already aroused Yu Qianqian's suspicions at Ningxin Temple, and he could not afford to show any more flaws. Since they were pretending to be a couple, they should act the part convincingly to encourage Yu Qianqian to give up sooner. Thus, suppressing his displeasure, he got up to fetch some tea leaves, brewed a pot of tea, placed it on the coffee table, and poured a cup for Wen Jiu.

This phone call lasted a full half hour, and Wen Jiu felt that she had been trained by Ruan Shu to become an expert in emotional issues, yet she herself had never seriously been in a relationship before

Wen Jiu had no choice but to return with him. As they walked up the stone bridge, Yan Lu did not rest his shoulder against hers as he had on the way there, but instead held her hand.

Not long after the sound of the warm wine conversation faded, a tall and handsome figure appeared at the door of the flower room

As he turned his face to look after warming the wine, he did not expect that the person calling him was Lu Chong, accompanied by Lu Pingyong and a middle-aged woman.

Wen Jiu smiled and said: "Time is not about its length. When fate arrives, a single day can determine a lifetime; when fate does not arrive, what does it matter if you have known him for twenty years?"

Upon hearing this, Grandma immediately beamed with joy: "I didn't even dare to bring it up, fearing that the young people might not want to play with an old lady like me"

As I walked down the stairs with a warm drink, I finally got a clear view of the girl's face. She appeared to be around the same age as me, about twenty-four or twenty-five years old, with stylish short hair dyed a grape purple and wearing light purple lipstick. Her complexion was slightly dark, complemented by a pair of spirited eyebrows and bright, clear eyes. She exuded a vibrant energy, looking strikingly beautiful with a hint of wildness.

She still perceives you based solely on your appearance, this sentence?

A moment later, a reply was received: Wait for me to come downstairs

Behind the Main Hall, there is an open area, in the center of which a spring is enclosed by a pool, and someone is filling a mineral water bottle with water

Yan Qingyu said: "Grandma has been praising you non-stop, saying that what you made on New Year's Eve is hardly inferior to that of a large restaurant"

In a fit of anger, she raised her chin and said to Yan Lu: "Your girlfriend?"

How long is this phone call? How warm is it? After finishing the call yesterday, they are calling again today. Even lovers wouldn't do this, would they? Moreover, he is playing cards to earn money for her, while she is chatting on the phone with another man. What does this mean?

Mr. Yan was actually smiling at her

This made Yu Qianqian even angrier

The warm wine and tea were prepared and placed on the coffee table, while I casually glanced at the upright and solemn Yan Lu.

Such provocative words, yet Wen Jiu remained unfazed, instead smiling: "Yan Lu thinks highly of me, and that is enough. Some people may be very good, but if he does not like them, it is of no use."

Yan Lu glared at her, retracting her arm with a sense of inexplicable discomfort. She could do this, she could do that; it seemed she no longer needed a man at all

Yan Lvzhen was about to lift his leg but then put it back down. He turned his face to look at Wen Jiu and asked why he had to be ordered to serve tea and water. My hand was burned last night, you know.

Yan Lu's expression had darkened to the point of rivaling the ink used for writing Spring Festival couplets. He stood before the warm wine, leaned forward, furrowed his brows, and asked slowly, "Is that so?" His gaze fixed on her charming yet infuriating lips, he truly wished to take a bite.

Just as I was hesitating, I suddenly heard a sharp scream from inside the house, and it was the voice of Wen Jiu

As I walked to the southeast corner of the park with warm wine, I discovered a pond here, surrounded by a wooden fence, with a small pavilion built in the middle. If it were summer, it would surely be very comfortable with a gentle breeze.

Returning to the Yan family, Grandpa was teaching Huanhuan to write in the study, while Grandma sat on the sofa watching television. As Wenjiu noticed that it was almost lunchtime and was about to head to the kitchen to help, Grandma said: "Xiaomei is cooking, come and sit down for a while, lunch will be ready soon"

Unexpectedly, he suddenly asked about this while warming the wine, and lowered his head to place the envelope containing the New Year's money on the desk in Yan Lu's room

His position in her heart is not even as good as Huanhuan's

Wen Jiu smiled and nodded: "Alright"

Yan Lv was even more disdainful; if this were true, the divorce rate in City X could be reduced to zero

After Yu Qianqian arrives, I hope you can cooperate with me more, making her believe that you are my girlfriend and that you are someone I intend to marry. This will ensure she completely gives up.

Yu Qianqian was momentarily choked, pulled out a chair and sat down, coldly stating: "I thought Yan Lu would find a much better girlfriend, but it turns out she is just like this."

His dressing style, particularly his fondness for warm clothing, is truly admirable. Whether it is a sweater or an outer coat, the designs are simple and the materials are of high quality, complementing his refined and elegant demeanor. He is indeed a man who is hard to forget at first glance

This sentence sounds fierce, but the meaning behind his words made Wen Jiu's heart stir. If she were to fall, he would save her, even after she had angered him so many times. It seems he is not a bad person; he is a man with a cold exterior but a warm heart

Warming the wine, he paused: "It is about being unable to let go of a matter and a person"

With the help and wise guidance of Yan Lu, Wen Jiu finally won a game. She turned her head to look at him and asked with a smile, "Do you often play?"

As she leaned into his embrace with a warm cup of wine, she immediately felt a strange sensation. Holding hands and resting her shoulder against him felt inconsequential, but when he wrapped his arms around her, the firm strength at her waist, the masculine scent wafting near her nose, and the hard chest pressing against her back made her feel that something was amiss

Wen Jiu appeared before him, even when teasing him, she maintained an air of elegance and composure. Yan Lu had never seen her in such a flustered state, nor had he ever seen... her in the nude.

Wen Jiu was suddenly embraced by him, and for a moment, she felt shy and could not meet his gaze. She softly said, "I know my limits, I won't fall."

Warm wine and a charming smile: "Like you, I am also pressured by my family to marry. Upon seeing your advertisement, I thought why not give it a try, since I have a holiday during the Spring Festival and nothing much to do. If I can turn this pretense into reality and become a genuine couple with this person, that wouldn't be too bad."

She went to Ningxin Temple, not to follow the two of them, but purely to make things difficult for Yan Lu. Since Yan Lu had made her uncomfortable, she did not want him to feel at ease either. Who would have thought that upon arriving at Ningxin Temple, she would witness an astonishing scene

Yan Lv pressed his hand against his chest, took a few deep breaths, silently swallowed a mouthful of blood, stood up, held his phone, and went up to the third floor

The four individuals exited the temple, and in order to allow Wen Jiu and Yan Lu to be alone, Yan Qingyu took a seat in Yu Qianqian's off-road jeep

Warm wine, dry laughter: "Thank you, but I don't need your help; I can swim by myself"

Yet he sat behind the desk, silent and unspoken, and the warm wine made time feel even slower

Yan Lu furrowed his brows, his tone somewhat guarded: "Then what do you think it is?"

Wen Jiu looked at the handsome and dignified Mr. Yan, who had been silent beside him, and jokingly remarked: "Master, you are mistaken; this is my boss"

Yan Qingyu handed the finished red silk to Yan Lu. Yan Lu appeared hesitant and awkward, as if unsure whether to accept it or not.

Yan Lv held her hand, feeling her slight tremor. He turned his face to look at her and said with a stern expression: "Do not smile"

Yan Qingyu said: "If you believe, it will be effective. Look at how much red silk is hanging above."

Yan Lu turned on the computer and sat behind her without saying a word. She watched TV while sipping warm wine. Somehow, she always felt like there was a pair of eyes staring at her from behind, but she wasn't sure if it was just her imagination. Ever since he hugged her by the pond, she felt like something subtle had changed inside her. She felt a bit uneasy being alone with him.

Yan Lü was so furious that she nearly spat out a mouthful of old blood; how dare she falter at the most critical moment!

Yu Qianqian felt more and more uneasy, so she couldn't help but come over to test the temperature of the wine. Although she handled the wine skillfully and flawlessly, her doubts in her heart were not dispelled at all.

The couple, Lu Pingyong and his wife, kept expressing their gratitude.

If I had known that Yan Lv had such a tricky trouble, I wouldn't have agreed to his pursuit.

Yan Lu patiently played mahjong downstairs for half an hour while waiting for Wen Jiu to finish her phone call, thinking that she would come down soon. However, to his surprise, Wen Jiu seemed to have completely disappeared and did not come down again.

Both grandfather and grandmother are somewhat confused and do not understand what is going on. They are even more curious about how Wen Jiu came to know people from City X. Only Yan Lu is aware of the details.

The monk smiled faintly, lowered his head to arrange the red silk, and said no more.

Yan Lu was originally just sitting behind Wen Jiu, holding a cup of tea in one hand and resting the other on his knee. Upon hearing Yu Qianqian's words, he deliberately placed his hand on Wen Jiu's shoulder and pulled him closer, speaking slowly: "There is nothing inappropriate about it. We are originally together. Isn't there a saying that goes, 'When husband and wife are of one mind, their combined strength can cut through metal'?"

I will just take a walk in the park in front of me, not going anywhere else, and will be back shortly

The weather is exceptionally fine; compared to the air in the metropolis, the air here can almost be described as fresh and crisp. Moreover, the presence of these plum trees in the courtyard adds a delightful fragrance that is truly refreshing.

Yan Qingyu opened the courtyard door, and a young woman with short hair walked into the courtyard. Because she did not look up to glance at the building above, Wen Jiu did not see her face, only noticing a tall and slender figure, short hair, long boots, and a brisk gait

Yan Lvdun immediately felt as if his heart had been grasped by someone, thumping once.

"That may not be the case, Yu," as the words were on the tip of her tongue, Yan Qingyu suddenly realized it was inappropriate and quickly changed the subject

Warming the wine and shaking his head with a smile: "It can't be like this."

Yu Qianqian smiled and said, "Well, I originally intended to come here to burn incense and see if the Bodhisattva is effective, but it seems that it is unnecessary now"

When Yan Qingyu entered the Great Hero Hall to bow to the Bodhisattva, Wen Jiu lit three sticks of incense outside the hall and placed them in the large incense burner at the foot of the steps

How will you thank me for winning you three hundred yuan

Although grandfather was unaware of the situation, upon seeing that they were familiar with warm wine and were fellow townsmen, he warmly invited them, saying: "Come, come, please come in and have a seat"

Lu Chong smiled shyly and said, "We were just planning to ask door to door, what a stroke of luck to run into you coming out."

The dialogue between the two seemed as if they had rehearsed it in advance, very natural. However, their movements were somewhat stiff. In the past, it was always Yan Lu who took the initiative to hold hands, but this time, it was unexpectedly Wen Jiu who took the initiative, and she even linked her arm with his. Yan Lu had never been held like this before, he dared not move, afraid that his elbow might accidentally touch a certain part of her chest.

After dinner, everyone sat on the sofa in the living room chatting, with seven or eight people talking and laughing, creating an incredibly lively atmosphere

As she relaxed with a warm drink, she strolled along the gravel path in the woods, taking in the sights. Although it was winter, the park was adorned with evergreen trees and shrubs, still offering a beautiful view. Yan Lu maintained a distance of two or three steps behind her, silently following.

Yan Qingyu, being of a certain age, felt quite embarrassed by such a direct question. As an elder, she was not a close aunt, so it was rather inappropriate for her to take an interest in Yan Lü.

He also changed into a deep brown double-breasted coat, with a light camel-colored scarf around his neck

In front of the tree, a monk set up a wooden table, on which lay several pieces of red silk, and beside it, a donation box was inscribed with the words "1 yuan each"

Yan Lu: "... ..."

In the third year of junior high, Yu Qianqian is about to come to City X. Perhaps telling her the truth will better prepare her, so that she will not be at a loss when the time comes and be dealt with by Yu Qianqian

If one were to say how much Yu Qianqian likes Yan Lv, it may not be entirely accurate, but she is determined to compete with him, driven by a stubbornness that compels her to seek superiority. Moreover, everyone is aware of the relationship between the two, and this matter has already become a matter of pride for both the Gu and Yu families. Yu Qianqian cannot swallow this grievance; even if she were to marry Yan Lv, she would kick him out the next day, and that would still count as a victory for her, Yu Qianqian.

Just as the county magistrate and several others had left, someone suddenly shouted: "Miss Wen"

Wen Jiu had no choice but to wait in the corridor. Before long, Yan Lu came down from upstairs and walked up to her, saying, "Let's go."

That is not necessarily the case; I certainly do not want to jump into an ice hole to save someone in the middle of winter

She sat in the rattan chair, took out her phone, and planned to read a novel for a while. The afternoon sun was just right, making one feel languid. Having not slept well due to the noise of firecrackers in the morning, she felt a bit drowsy from the warm wine and was about to go downstairs to take a nap

Yu Qianqian stood up in anger: "I am going to the restroom for a moment"

He pushed the door, only to find it locked! Yan Lu became increasingly anxious, and in a moment of desperation, without thinking much, he raised his foot and kicked the door open

This is simply as if the sun has risen in the west; from the first moment he saw her, even mockery and cold laughter do not suffice to describe it, for this is the first time he smiled at her

Wen Jiu has always appeared before him as calm and composed, her aura so powerful that it is impeccable. Yan Lu has been teased, mocked, and schooled by her time and again, wanting to retaliate but unable to find her weakness, and now, he is actually seeing her blush.