C11 You Are a Martial Artist!?

"Third Master."

"Third Master Ye."

As Chu Yichen's luxury car pulled up to the Chu family estate, bodyguards were already at the ready, swiftly opening the door without concern for whether Yichen, seated within, could hear them.

They stood in two respectful lines, hands folded over their midsections, bowing slightly.

"Mm."

Yichen gave a small nod of his chin.

The luxury car resumed its journey, moving slowly toward the interior of the estate.

Su Ningning, seated in the back, was utterly taken aback by the opulence before her.

She had thought the Su family's wealth was impressive, but it paled in comparison to the grandeur now surrounding her.

The car wound its way along the mountain stream road, the scenery on either side evoking a sense of nostalgia in Ningning, a reminder of the temple that she longed for—her home.

Home!

Indeed, the dilapidated temple spoken of by others was her home.

"Third Master, we have arrived."

The silence was broken by a voice filled with deference, pulling her back to reality. A servant approached with a black umbrella, gracefully opening the back seat door and saying with respect, "Miss Su."

"I've got it!" A deep voice resonated close to her ear.

Ningning was about to lean forward and exit the vehicle.

Yichen approached with purposeful strides, taking the black umbrella from the servant.

He bent slightly, a faint smile playing on his lips, and extended his hand...

His fingers, defined and strong, were also surprisingly attractive, with a hint of calluses. Ningning instinctively placed her pale hand in his large, warm one, taken aback.

Could a man's hand be so warm and reassuring?

She found herself unconsciously caressing the calluses on his palm. "You? A martial artist?"

"Miss Ning, the Chu family has a training room if you're interested," Yichen said, his broad fingers gently brushing against her delicate ones.

Her fingers, cool to the touch, were unexpectedly soft and pliable.

He felt the subtle calluses on her palm, a twinge of empathy stirring within him.

As he moved, a jolt like an electric current surged through her heart. Ningning instinctively withdrew her hand, but his firm grip left her with no escape.

She decided to follow the man's lead and gracefully exited the car.

The black umbrella was swiftly raised, casting a shadow that shielded her from the blistering sun.

...

"Old Master, Old Master..."

Butler Ji Ye's voice was hushed, barely containing his glee, "Third Master has brought the young lady home."

"What? What did you say?" The book in Old Master Chu's grasp dropped with a thud, his weathered face registering pure astonishment. "Who are you talking about?"

He gazed at Ji Ye, incredulous.

"It's the Third Master, indeed!"

"Him?"

"Yes, he's been quite meticulous," Ji Ye said as he stooped to retrieve the fallen book and placed it back on the desk before continuing, "I never imagined the Third Master could show such tenderness."

"The young lady?" Old Master Chu's brows knitted together.

Suddenly, he bellowed, "Even young ladies are off-limits! He's already betrothed!"

His usually pallid complexion flushed with rage, causing Ji Ye to shudder in fright. He hurriedly stepped forward to soothe the old man's temper.

"How could that boy entertain the company of another woman?"

Old Master Chu's anger was palpable as he coughed violently, his voice laced with fury. "Baby Ning is still waiting for him. How could he be so faithless?"

Outside the door—

Su Ningning gazed up at Chu Yichen, her expression puzzled. Her delicate lips parted slightly, and her beautiful brows furrowed deeply.

Every word from Old Master Chu reached her ears distinctly.

Her heart was thrown into turmoil.