Chapter 781: Not Giving In
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
Ye Leng’an’s actions and voice instantly snapped Murong Yumeng back to reality, though there was still a hint of confusion in her eyes.
Nevertheless, being from a prominent family, Murong Yumeng quickly composed herself. She turned to Ye Leng’an with a faint smile and continued speaking, “Junior Sister Ye, I never expected to run into you here. It truly seems like fate! Although I’ve heard your name mentioned many times back at school, we’ve never had the chance to meet. It’s quite unexpected to cross paths here in this small town.”
“Senior Sister Murong, do you believe this is fate?” Ye Leng’an smirked slightly. “You seem to have forgotten why you wanted to find me. Have you truly forgotten the reason?”
These words caused Murong Yumeng to falter.
Clearly, she now remembered the recent event and was well aware that Ye Leng’an and her companion had witnessed everything.
“Junior Sister Ye, please don’t misunderstand.” Murong Yumeng regained her composure and smiled. “Since you’re already aware of everything, there’s no need for further explanation. I came here solely for that suite. Can you accommodate me? Of course, I’ll compensate you generously – double the room rate, plus arrange another suite for you. If you have any other requests, feel free to ask. If it’s within my means, I’ll do my best to fulfill them.”
There was no hint of arrogance in her tone, nor did she attempt to bully others. Instead, her attitude was remarkably humble. Hence, despite sharing the same objective as Xiao Lingling, to outsiders, she didn’t appear in the wrong.
Ye Leng’an smiled and responded without hesitation, “Since Senior Sister Murong has expressed yourself sincerely, I shall respond in kind. That’s not possible.”
Before Murong Yumeng could interject, Xiao Lingling couldn’t hold back any longer. “You don’t know what’s good for you!”
Not only Xiao Lingling but also the other young masters and misses from Murong Yumeng’s entourage wore unfavorable expressions. When they looked at Ye Leng’an, their gazes were filled with hostility. If it weren’t for the inappropriate setting and Murong Yumeng’s silent reprimand, they might have intervened earlier.
No one present expected Ye Leng’an to outright refuse Murong Yumeng.
After all, Murong Yumeng had already humbled herself. Ye Leng’an could have easily agreed to relinquish the room, satisfying everyone. Yet, contrary to expectations, she unhesitatingly declined.
Especially considering Murong Yumeng’s distinguished background as a member of the Murong family, Ye Leng’an showed no fear of offending anyone.
Murong Yumeng appeared momentarily stunned, unable to comprehend. “Are you rejecting me?”
“Yes,” Ye Leng’an affirmed with a smile. “What? Senior Sister Murong, are you negotiating with me or trying to coerce me?”
She completely disregarded Xiao Lingling, directing her gaze solely at Murong Yumeng. It was evident she didn’t take Xiao Lingling seriously, treating her as nothing more than a mere distraction.
Xiao Lingling’s expression soured further, but constrained by the public setting, she remained silent, standing sullenly by.
“I didn’t intend that.” Murong Yumeng’s smile appeared strained. “Since Junior Sister Ye disagrees, we won’t force the issue.”
“In that case, we’ll take our leave.” Ye Leng’an clasped Huangfu Ruiling’s hand and waved at Murong Yumeng, smiling. “Goodbye.”
Without waiting for Murong Yumeng’s response, Ye Leng’an left the homestay with Huangfu Ruiling.
Murong Yumeng, left behind in her spot, wore a smile that seemed particularly strained, her eyes clouded with gloom. If it weren’t for the presence of so many people, perhaps she would have lost her composure long ago.
Observing Murong Yumeng’s demeanor, Xiao Lingling dared not speak.
Being Murong Yumeng’s follower, she understood her temperament well. Thus, she knew Murong Yumeng’s outward kindness belied her true nature.
After a while, Murong Yumeng remained stationary, prompting Xiao Lingling to cautiously ask, “Senior Sister Murong, what should we do now?”
The others didn’t step forward to speak to Murong Yumeng, so she had no choice but to approach her herself. After all, she was the one with the lowest status here. If she further upset anyone, she genuinely feared being sent back.
Murong Yumeng cast a cold glance at Xiao Lingling before speaking, “What do you think? Should we not secure a room yet? Do you expect us to spend the night in the lobby?”
Without hesitation, Xiao Lingling promptly responded, “Senior Sister, I’ll book a room right away.”
With that, she hurried to the counter to arrange for accommodations.
“Yumeng, do you know Ye Leng’an?” Xiao Xueqing, another member of their group, and the young lady of the Xiao family from the capital, approached Murong Yumeng with a hint of discontent. It was directed at Ye Leng’an, not Murong Yumeng.
“She’s a junior from our school.”
Murong Yumeng’s demeanor softened compared to her earlier interaction with Xiao Lingling. She appeared somewhat melancholic. “Though we’ve never met, she probably doesn’t hold a favorable impression of me.”
“Is it because of the school belle competition?”
Having gleaned some information from their conversation, Xiao Xueqing’s tone was tinged with disdain. “Judging by her demeanor, she’s likely not from a prominent family in the capital. Coming from a humble background, her vision is indeed limited. I wonder what kind of benefactor she’s found to secure the most luxurious suite here.”
As Xiao Xueqing spoke, many couldn’t help but think of the distinguished man who stood beside Ye Leng’an earlier, eliciting fluttering hearts from the girls present.
“Xueqing, refrain from baseless remarks.”
Murong Yumeng shook her head gently, cautioning Xiao Xueqing. “Without knowing the truth, we shouldn’t tarnish someone’s reputation.”