Chapter 90: Chapter 42: Guan Jingshuo_2
Yueyao had just recalled those events with some regret. Seeing Ning Shaoming spit out words that were not human speech, she barely gave him a second glance, “Uncle, let’s go!” Raised by two renowned scholars, Lian Dongbo and Wen Chengxiang, Yueyao carried a proud spirit in her bones. She had no regard for the likes of Ning Shaoming. Speaking to such a person would only lower her own taste.
Moreover, although Qingfeng Bookhouse did not restrict access to men and women, under normal circumstances, large households would not allow their daughters to come to the bookhouse. After all, the bookhouse was a world for men. Having been brought here today by her uncle, she was certain to face some controversy back at the Lian Mansion. This was only possible thanks to her enlightened uncle, otherwise, she wouldn’t have had the chance to come at all.
If being scolded or despised was tolerable, being ignored was the most unbearable. Ning Shaoming was so angry that he didn’t know what to say.
But Guan Jingshuo apologized to Yueyao, “Miss, please forgive me. My cousin has always been uncensored, and I hope you will not take it to heart.”
Yueyao’s expression did not change at all with Guan Jingshuo’s words, “You’re right, I was looking at you. I just wanted to see what the Heir to Marquis Yongding, renowned throughout the Capital City, was like. If I was abrupt, please forgive me.” Yueyao’s words fell short of saying, “I’m looking openly, there’s nothing shameful about it.”
Ning Shaoming was dumbfounded, and even Guan Jingshuo was momentarily taken aback. He had seen many young ladies express their admiration, but none so righteous and, well, so hearty. Guan Jingshuo found this young lady quite interesting, “May I ask then, what was the regret that showed in Miss’s eyes just now?” He genuinely didn’t understand why this girl had a look of regret when she looked at him. What was there to regret about him? He was undeniably a favored son of heaven.
Yueyao shook her head, “Heir Apparent, you are mistaken. Uncle, let us go!” Even if her family had wronged her, what would it matter if she spoke out now? People would think she was insane.
Guan Jingshuo looked at Yueyao’s retreating back, his face full of confusion. That intense look of regret, he was certain he had not misread. But why feel regret looking at him? He was convinced that the girl had not known him before. It was only after Lord Ma’s introduction that she showed a look of regret. Why?
Ning Shaoming, however, was pulling Guan Jingshuo away, “Let’s go, this girl is definitely trying to catch your attention with this method.” His own cousin, although only eleven years old, was the most sought-after groom in the Capital City. As for those young girls, which one did not swoon over her cousin? This renowned daughter of the Lian family was no exception; another with a crush.
Mr. Lan led the two of them to a small private room, presenting two books. Yueyao opened one and was thrilled, “Mr. Lan, I will take both of these.”
Having just learned that Yueyao was a student of Lian Dongbo, Mr. Lan knew that Qingfeng Bookhouse excelled at discovering talent. They especially supported the not yet famous, promising limitless returns. Qingfeng Bookhouse did not limit their sights to gender; their goal was profit, maximizing profit.
Intrigued by this young lady, whom even Jiangnan’s Greatest Painter had lamented was a pity for being a woman, Mr. Lan wanted to see just how talented she was to deserve such praise. If she was truly gifted, she was worth nurturing, “If Miss could leave a painting with Qingfeng Bookhouse, these two books would be gifted to Miss.”
Yueyao shook her head without hesitation. Books were only worth a few hundred silvers. But if her paintings were to get out, her skill, which had taken years to cultivate and wasn’t obtained overnight, would soon be revealed. Those Great Painters had incredibly sharp eyes and would certainly see through her. Even if she wasn’t exposed, she would be hailed as a prodigy. She had enough of being hailed as a talented lady in her last life. In this life, she wanted no part of that cursed fame, “Currently, my paintings are not worthy of your gaze, sir. When I feel they are ready in the future, I will seek your advice.”
Mr. Lan was a bit disappointed, but after so many years in the business, observing people’s expressions was his specialty. If Yueyao had hesitated, he would have pursued the matter further. But the young lady in front of him had refused without a second thought. He was convinced that even without these two books, the third young lady of the Lian family wouldn’t draw for him to see, “Miss, you’ve purchased many books from the bookhouse today, I will offer you a thirty percent discount.” She brought over a hundred books and a book of calligraphy, these two being limited editions, all quite expensive.