Chapter 407 - 248: Wind and Thunder

Chapter 407: Chapter 248: Wind and Thunder

"Lan’Er, your aunt understands what you’re thinking. What young woman doesn’t dream of love? It’s not wrong to want to find someone you truly like."

Widow Yu looked at Wen Lan and said in a gentle tone:

"But you also must understand that not everything in this world can go our way. Sometimes, we need to make compromises and concessions."

"You’ve met the person this time—it’s Fang Yue, from the Fang Family Village. While I haven’t interacted with him much, I can tell he’s a talented and ambitious young man.

He currently holds a position at the Observatory, so his future is limitless. Besides, his family lives right next door. We know his background, so you won’t be mistreated if you marry him."

Widow Yu pleaded patiently with Wen Lan, hoping her niece would understand her good intentions.

She knew Wen Lan was proud and had high standards, always wanting to find someone worthy of her.

But in this world, how many men were there who could truly be worthy of Wen Lan?

Instead of chasing some unattainable ideal, it was better to cherish the person right in front of her.

"But..."

Wen Lan tried to say more, but Widow Yu cut her off.

"No ’buts.’ No matter what, there’s no harm in at least meeting him."

Seeing the resolute look in her aunt’s eyes, Wen Lan knew there was no point in arguing further.

So, she nodded and agreed. "Alright, I’ll go meet him."

Although Wen Lan had agreed, she didn’t have high expectations.

She didn’t know much about Fang Yue, only that he was a commoner from the sticks.

’How could someone like that possibly be worthy of me?’

’Did he really think that getting into the Observatory by a stroke of luck was enough to be my match?’

’Naive. Far too naive.’

’My future husband must be a Martial Dao expert. At the very least, a Martial Master who has reached Great Success in Qi Sensing.’

’As for an Innate Grandmaster... Wen Lan only dared to dream. She was merely from a branch of the Wen Family. If there really was an Innate Grandmaster of a suitable age for marriage, it certainly wouldn’t be her turn.’

Although Wen Lan had outwardly agreed to meet Fang Yue, she had already made up her mind. She would just be going through the motions.

In her eyes, someone like Fang Yue could never, ever be her husband.

「The next day arrived in the blink of an eye.」

Early the next morning, sunlight streamed through the gaps in the curtains, casting a warm and gentle glow on Wen Lan’s face.

She slowly opened her eyes, her thoughts gradually clearing.

Though her disdain and rejection of Fang Yue from the night before still lingered in her mind, she knew that since she had promised Widow Yu she would meet him, she should at least try to be polite and respectful.

Wen Lan got up, washed, and dressed, choosing an elegant yet simple dress that was neither ostentatious nor beneath her station.

She gave a small smile in the mirror, trying her best to look natural.

Although she had no expectation that anything would come of this meeting, she didn’t want to disappoint her aunt.

She left the house and headed straight for the restaurant where they had agreed to meet.

"Well, if it isn’t Miss Wen. What a coincidence. Where are you off to?" A somewhat familiar voice called out just as she was about to arrive.

Following the voice, a young man in a sharp, dark blue martial arts uniform approached her.

His clothes looked simple and practical at first glance, but a closer look revealed the uniform was made of the finest Ice Silkworm Silk. A precious jade pendant hung from his waist, and his entire bearing radiated an air of opulent grace.

Wen Lan stopped and looked up at the newcomer.

When she saw his face clearly, a flash of surprise crossed her eyes.

She did indeed recognize him. It was Lin Hao, whom she had met once at a Wen Family banquet.

"Young Master Lin, hello."

Wen Lan greeted him politely.

Lin Hao looked at Wen Lan, a flicker of admiration in his eyes.

Thinking of his purpose for approaching her, he couldn’t help but flash what he believed to be a charming smile.

’A naive little girl like her will never be able to refuse me.’

’This bet is as good as won.’

As it turned out, Lin Hao and a few of his scoundrel friends had been carousing with courtesans at the nearby Celestial Fragrance Building.

He had caught an accidental glimpse of Wen Lan, and the group immediately made a bet on who could win her over.

Such wagers were nothing new to Lin Hao. They often used them to show off their charm and methods.

"Miss Wen, what a coincidence," Lin Hao walked up to Wen Lan and said with a smile, "I didn’t expect to run into you here. Where are you headed? Why don’t I accompany you?"

"That won’t be necessary, Young Master Lin."

Wen Lan thought about her ’matchmaking meeting.’ Bringing an unrelated man along would be extremely rude.

She immediately refused, "I already have an appointment with someone, so I can’t walk with you."

Seeing Wen Lan’s firm refusal, Lin Hao felt a surge of displeasure.

He considered himself dashing and refined. He wasn’t just some simple scion of a Noble Family, either; his Martial Dao Talent was considerable. In his early twenties, he was already a Qi Sensing Martial Master.

While not a prodigy, he was better than most, if not the best—truly impressive in his own right.

Lin Hao believed his qualifications were excellent. Whether it was his family background, talent, or looks, he had plenty of confidence.

Yet, Wen Lan’s rejection left him feeling a bit frustrated.

But the more she resisted, the more he felt compelled to rise to the challenge.

"In that case, I won’t disturb you any longer." Lin Hao immediately bid Wen Lan farewell.

However, he had no intention of giving up. Instead, he planned to follow Wen Lan secretly to see just who she was meeting.

Lin Hao turned and walked away, but he didn’t go far. He began to tail Wen Lan discreetly, maintaining a safe distance.