C95 Acting Arrogant and Respectful at the Same Time

Li He recognized Chu Yan in an instant.

He had never met him in person, but he was familiar with the portraits sketched by Su Yuqing.

Taken aback for a moment, Li He quickly composed himself and approached with a beaming smile.

Witnessing the renowned Master Li He coming toward him with such joy, Zheng Wen's excitement flushed his face a liverish red.

Bai Yingcai, too, was so thrilled that he shook all over.

"Li..." Zheng Wen hurried forward to greet him.

But before he could finish, Li He had breezed past him, as if he wasn't there.

Zheng Wen was left speechless.

Bai Yingcai stood frozen in shock.

Then, to their utter astonishment, they saw Li He stride directly up to Chu Yan, greeting him with boundless warmth, "Little brother Chu Yan, when did you arrive? Why didn't you let me know beforehand?"

Shopkeeper Zhao, Zhao Shude, also exaggeratedly scurried to Chu Yan's side, his face creased with a grin, his voice dripping with sweetness, "Ah, Young Master Chu, when did you grace us with your presence? My eyes must be failing me!"

"What?"

"What is happening here?"

Zheng Wen and Bai Yingcai were gobsmacked, their eyes bulging, mouths agape wide enough to swallow ten eggs whole.

Isn't this guy just a son-in-law from the Lin Family? The Lin Family isn't even the cream of the crop in Evergreen Town, so what's with all the fuss?

"I, I'm an apprentice in inscription studies..." Zheng Wen stammered to himself.

"I'm a top talent from the Bai Clan..." Bai Yingcai stood there, dumbfounded.

At this moment, Bai Feiyu's expression was particularly unsightly.

Clearly, he was haunted by the previous encounter where Chu Yan had overpowered him.

"Master Li He, a pleasure to meet you," Chu Yan greeted Li He with impeccable politeness.

Though it was their first meeting, Chu Yan, as a prince, was well-versed in the courtesies due to someone who had assisted him significantly, ensuring no one could criticize his manners.

What came next was even more bewildering for Zheng Wen and Bai Yingcai.

Li He burst into hearty laughter, clapping Chu Yan on the shoulder, "Little brother Chu Yan, you're too formal. If it's alright with you, just call me Brother Li. We're peers, after all; too much formality only creates distance."

"Brother Li?" Bai Yingcai's eyes nearly bulged out of their heads.

Why did it sound like he was sucking up to Chu Yan after hearing Master Li He's words?

Was the Lin family's son-in-law really worth all this groveling?

Zheng Wen's face was a patchwork of red and white.

He had far more insight than Bai Yingcai.

Regaining his composure, he realized that Chu Yan's background was anything but simple, contrary to what Bai Yingcai and Bai Feiyu had described.

"These two fools are going to be the death of me!" Zheng Wen seethed internally, shooting a venomous glare at the two men beside him.

Recalling his earlier threats to Chu Yan, Zheng Wen's remorse was immediate.

He hadn't anticipated the other man's close ties with Master Li. If Chu Yan so much as hinted to Master Li, where would that leave him?

This thought left Zheng Wen with a bitter taste, wishing he could sever his own tongue.

"Shopkeeper Zhao, please tend to the guests here. Chu Yan and I will head inside," Li He said, never sparing a glance at Zheng Wen and the Bai duo.

Watching Li He lead Chu Yan toward the inner hall, Zheng Wen felt his heart plummet, his limbs turning to ice.

At that moment, Chu Yan seemed to recall something, pausing and turning his gaze toward him.

"Master Zheng Wen?"

At the sound of Chu Yan addressing him, Zheng Wen's eyes sparkled with hope, as if he'd heard a siren's song. He hurriedly bent forward, amidst the astonished stares of Bai Yingcai and Bai Feiyu, shuffling over like an oversized shrimp, chuckling, "Young Master Chu, you must be jesting. In the presence of you and Master Li, how could I possibly claim the title of 'Master'? I'm merely a humble apprentice, yes, just an apprentice. I would be grateful for any guidance from you and Master Li."

Bai Yingcai and Bai Feiyu snapped back to reality, inhaling sharply.

How quickly he changes his tune! Who was it that wanted to teach someone a lesson just moments ago? And now he's a mere apprentice?

"Ah, a little apprentice," Chu Yan nodded, "I did recall something earlier, but I'm worried I might forget, so I was hoping you could help me keep it in mind."

"Rest assured, I'll take care of it to your satisfaction!" Zheng Wen thumped his chest with such force that it echoed. Following Zhao Shude's lead, his ingratiating smile blossomed like a large chrysanthemum.

"Remind that fellow who wanted 'King of Soft Rice' written on his face not to forget," Chu Yan said, tilting his chin toward Bai Yingcai.

Bai Yingcai's complexion drained of color.

"Absolutely, yes," Zheng Wen replied, steeling himself.

"And if he refuses," Chu Yan mused with a smile, "then I'll have to trouble you to etch those words onto his face."

The entire room gasped in shock.

Smiling as you say something so ruthless!

Bai Yingcai looked on the verge of tears.

Zheng Wen felt like crying too but managed to squeeze out a smile more pained than any sob, assuring repeatedly, "I will get it done, without fail."

"Good." Chu Yan nodded, and before departing, he left them with a piece of advice, "One should always maintain a sense of reverence."

"Thank you for the lesson. I assure you, I won't forget," Zheng Wen said, nodding so vigorously it was as if he was pounding garlic, not daring to utter a word of dissent.

It wasn't until Chu Yan and Li He had disappeared into the inner hall that Zheng Wen's legs gave out. He barely caught himself on a nearby chair, narrowly avoiding a collapse.

Meanwhile, Bai Yingcai and Bai Feiyu were the picture of despair, slumped on the ground with tears of humiliation streaming down their cheeks.

Once inside the inner hall, Chu Yan bowed to Li He and said with a smile, "I've just invoked your esteemed name, Master. I hope you don't mind."

Li He waved off the concern with a chuckle, "If you've acted this way, Chu Yan, it must be because they were in the wrong. Both warriors and cultivators value clarity of thought. If venting your anger brings you clarity, I'm pleased for you. Why would I take offense?"

"Then my thanks to you, Li..." Chu Yan began, but catching Li He's look, he quickly corrected, "Thank you, Brother Li."

Li He nodded with a smile.

As he ushered Chu Yan further inside, Li He chuckled, "I bet you're wondering why someone you've never met would go out of their way to write you a letter of assistance."

"Indeed." Chu Yan acknowledged with a nod.

"I had assumed the young lady would've filled you in by now."

"Young lady?" Chu Yan's eyes widened slightly. "Do you mean Su Yuqing?"

"That's right," Li He confirmed with a nod. "I had to leave town for a few days and planned to invite you over upon my return. However, I didn't anticipate your early arrival, nor that you'd have the chance to meet the young lady already."

After a brief pause, Li He's smile returned. "Well, since things have unfolded this way, it's best she explains everything to you. I'm taking you to see her now. She's quite eager to meet you, especially since she's recently come across some information that concerns you."