Chapter 6: Shen Yanran

Chen Yang’s name had become renowned after the battle at the Murong estate, destined to stir up tumult across Yunzhou. It would not be long before his reputation echoed through the great families of the region.

After the banquet at the Murong estate dispersed, Murong Qing kept behind only Chen Wanxian and Chen Yang.

“Last time at the Hall of Longevity, you saved my daughter, and I am deeply grateful,” Murong Qing said, his gaze settling on Chen Yang. But then his tone shifted abruptly. “However, today, you should not—no matter what—have broken Chu Feng’s legs.”

Murong Xue’er, standing nearby, frowned slightly at this. She knew her father’s temperament well and dared not interject at such a moment.

Chen Yang merely curled his lips in disdain. “I had no intention of breaking his legs either. But he was far too noisy. The fact that I didn’t take his life is already merciful enough.”

Murong Qing’s expression darkened. “Even if you are a young master and have done my family a great favor, the Chu family of Yunzhou is no pushover. They have master-level experts as well. If you face them alone, I fear…”

He stopped veiling his intentions and went straight to the point. “Why not join the Murong estate? No matter how arrogant the Chu family becomes, they would never dare move against us.”

Murong Qing was an astute businessman, always calculating. If it were anyone else, perhaps they would have yielded, but unfortunately for him, this was Chen Yang.

In his previous life, Chen Yang had been a notorious Killing God in the immortal cultivation world. Not to mention a mere Chu family—even the super clans of Yan Jing in the Nine Provinces would not have fazed him. He understood that, with his cultivation, Earth would eventually fall into his hands.

By then, he could abstain from eating beef whenever he wished.

With a contemptuous look, Chen Yang replied, “If the Chu family wants to settle scores with me, let them come.”

At these words, Murong Qing’s face grew even more unpleasant. He felt he had lowered himself enough to win Chen Yang over, yet the latter remained unmoved. In this world, young masters were known to perish early, more often than not.

Seeing the awkward atmosphere, Chen Wanxian hurried to smooth things over, speaking to Murong Qing with a hint of deference. “My son has always been stubborn since childhood. Please don’t take offense.”

Murong Qing softened his tone. “No matter. Young people are full of vigor—it’s understandable.”

With that, Murong Qing turned and left, leaving one last instruction: “Xue’er, see our guests out.”

Chen Yang had no intention of lingering; he had long felt Murong Qing was not a good man. If Chu Feng was a true villain, then Murong Qing was the epitome of hypocrisy.

Murong Xue’er, however, seemed genuinely sincere.

Outside the Murong estate, Murong Xue’er lowered her head. “Senior Chen Yang, I’m truly sorry. My father’s temperament is what it is—please don’t take it to heart.”

Chen Yang waved it off. “We’re about the same age. There’s no need to call me ‘senior’; it sounds awkward.”

“Alright.”

Murong Xue’er was delighted, immediately taking out her phone. “Last time you left in such a hurry—how about we add each other on WeChat?”

Chen Yang did not refuse; it was a trivial matter for him.

Father and son climbed into the car. They had only driven a short distance when, before Chen Wanxian could speak, Chen Yang took the initiative. “Dad, you want to ask me why I know martial arts, don’t you?”

Chen Wanxian replied, “I trust my son. If you want to tell me, I’m listening.”

Chen Yang spoke earnestly, “It’s not that I don’t want to tell you, but now is not the time. When the moment comes, you’ll know everything.”

Chen Wanxian smiled knowingly. “I still stand by what I said—I trust my son.”

They changed the subject. The urgent matter at hand was saving the Chen family’s real estate; that was the top priority.

After pondering all night, Chen Yang decided to start with Wang Mingyuan. After all, the Wang family was the root cause of everything. From the beginning, Chen Yang had never intended to let them off.

“Mom, I’m heading out!”

Just after breakfast, Chen Yang called out. At that moment, his mother, Liu Mei, rushed out from the kitchen, calling, “Wait, son! Didn’t I tell you last time? Aunt Bai’s daughter, Shen Yanran—I gave her your phone number, and I’ll send you her contact info on WeChat. The weather is so nice, why not find a place and have a good chat?”

Liu Mei’s face brimmed with anticipation; it was clear she truly wished to have grandchildren.

Chen Yang felt helpless. He had just been reborn, just been betrayed by his fiancée, and now his mother wanted him to meet a girl who had just graduated from university.

What kind of situation was this?

Nevertheless, he did not refuse; he didn’t want to disappoint his mother. He could always find a reason to brush it off later.

At ten in the morning, Chen Yang’s phone rang—it was an unfamiliar number.

“Hello, are you Chen Yang?” came a sweet female voice.

He guessed it must be Shen Yanran.

“Yes, it’s me,” Chen Yang replied calmly.

“I’m Shen Yanran. Are you free to meet somewhere and chat?” Shen Yanran got straight to the point.

“Sure, it’s almost lunchtime anyway. Let me treat you to a meal,” Chen Yang offered generously; he wanted to meet her too. Dragging things out would do no good.

Shen Yanran said, “Do you know Dream Century City? I’m there now.”

“Alright, fifteen minutes.”

Without further words, Chen Yang hung up, hailed a cab, and soon arrived at the destination.

When he got there, he was surprised to find Shen Yanran wasn’t alone. Beside her was an adorable girl with twin ponytails—they were clearly close friends.

“Yanran, why isn’t that guy here yet?” The twin ponytail girl hugged her stomach and complained, her face scrunched up. “I’m starving over here!”

“Sugar, just wait a bit longer. He said he’d be here in fifteen minutes,” Shen Yanran comforted her.

Her name was Su Sugar, Shen Yanran’s best friend from university.

Su Sugar stuck out her tongue mischievously, lively and charming.

“I really don’t get what Mom is thinking,” she grumbled. “Everyone knows the Chen family is on the verge of bankruptcy. Why does she want me to meet Chen Yang? Isn’t she pushing me into the fire pit?”

Shen Yanran was a little resentful; she didn’t understand her mother’s reasoning.

Su Sugar chuckled, “Maybe Chen Yang’s actually a handsome guy?”

“What good is being handsome? You can’t eat looks for lunch,” Shen Yanran replied, exasperated.

Su Sugar smirked, “Oh really? Back in school, I seem to recall a certain young lady shamelessly chasing after the school heartthrob. Now you’re pretending otherwise?”

“Sugar, say one more word and you won’t get lunch later!” Shen Yanran pouted.

“Fine, fine, I’ll stop. That’s enough, right?” Su Sugar relented, though she couldn’t help but mutter softly, “Tsk, heartbreaker.”

No malice was intended; it was just friendly teasing between confidantes.

Just then, Chen Yang strode up and looked at Shen Yanran. “Hello, I’m Chen Yang. You’re Aunt Bai’s daughter, I presume?”

He had silently used a technique to shrink the distance, so neither girl noticed him right away, startling them both.

Shen Yanran and Su Sugar both turned to Chen Yang.

Su Sugar couldn’t help but exclaim, “Wow, are you part cat? How do you walk without making a sound?”

After speaking, she sized up Chen Yang, resting her chin in her hand. “Hmm, he’s quite handsome, and tall too. Definitely a heartthrob.”

Su Sugar was straightforward and often said inappropriate things without regard for the occasion. This time was no exception.

Her unfiltered remark nearly made Chen Yang—a monster of a hundred years—blush.

“Sugar, stop talking nonsense!” Shen Yanran quickly stopped her friend, afraid she’d say something even more outrageous.

“Chen Yang, since you’re here, why don’t we eat together first?” Shen Yanran said. “I know a Western restaurant with excellent food.”

Chen Yang did not refuse.

Shen Yanran glanced at him, curious. “By the way, where’s your car?”

Chen Yang replied simply, “I just returned to Yunzhou. Haven’t bought one yet.”

Su Sugar whispered, “Nowadays, not having your own car makes getting around so inconvenient!”

Chen Yang answered, “It’s fine. I usually fly above the clouds, and occasionally soar with my sword—it’s much faster than a car.”

At this, both girls were utterly stunned.

After a long pause, Su Sugar couldn’t help but burst out laughing. “Hahaha! Didn’t expect you to be a late-stage nerd. Flying with your sword? You think you’re an immortal cultivator from a novel?”

Shen Yanran secretly scoffed: What a fool. Does he really think he’s funny? Or does he believe such a corny approach can win over girls? If so, Chen Yang might just end up alone for life.

That was Shen Yanran’s first impression of Chen Yang.

Summary: Not reliable at all.