Chen Yuan's easygoing nature gave Gu An'an a bit of a headache. She smiled and brushed him off, saying, "Maybe he won't even pass the first round. We'll see then."
These words made Chen Yuan's expression turn slightly colder, and he didn't say anything more.
Chen Bei, however, looked confident and said, "Mingyi will definitely pass the exam, Sister Gu, don't worry. The signature dishes at Wuweiju are quite good, Sister Gu, you can try them. But I think your cooking is still the best, Sister Gu."
"It's alright."
Gu An'an modestly offered a few words, then glanced at Chen Yuan out of the corner of her eye and saw his indifferent expression, making her hesitate to speak.
This young general rose to fame at a young age and held military power, making him a figure of great influence and influence.
Perhaps I shouldn't have been so evasive just now.
Even though she was usually quick-witted, she didn't know what to say at this moment.
Just as I was organizing my thoughts, I suddenly heard that cold voice, "Are you planning to make a big scene, or just have a small-scale fight?"
Gu An'an was thinking of explaining when she suddenly remembered that this person had helped transcribe the competition rules, so she didn't really need to explain so much.
She said cautiously, "We're thinking of making it as big as possible, since there are many merchants coming and going from the capital, and any new or interesting things can quickly become popular."
“In that case, I think you can have someone specifically come to vote.”
"A dedicated person?"
“Since there are two competitions, let’s compare them. One can have a professional commentator, and the other can have the public vote.” Chen Yuan dipped his finger in tea and drew a line on the table. “After all, you are targeting the noble ladies of the capital. It’s not appropriate for other men to comment on a young lady’s needlework.”
"If we're going to follow your line of thinking, then the other one needs to be judged by a special person, since most of the participants are girls. Do you think men like you would participate?"
Zhao Qianqian raised a new question, and she couldn't even believe that she had said it herself, after all, it was a bit too bold.
Chen Yuan frowned but didn't say anything, while Chen Bei weakly raised his hand, "Actually, if Sister Gu needs me, I can participate."
As soon as he finished speaking, Chen Bei was swept by his elder brother's gaze, and he shrank back.
But they did not change their tune.
Zhao Qianqian, however, couldn't help but widen her eyes upon hearing this. "Wow, Chen Bei, you're not kidding, are you?"
Zhao Qianqian even doubted that she had heard correctly when he, a man, participated in this arena competition.
Under Chen Yuan's oppressive aura, Chen Bei dared not speak again, his doe-like eyes looking timidly at Gu An'an.
"Thank you, Abei. I appreciate your kindness, and I will definitely ask for your help if I need it."
These words relieved Chen Bei. In fact, he was used to his brother's imposing manner, but he always hoped that his good intentions would be appreciated.
Just like now, as long as my feelings are understood by others, that's enough.
Chen Yuan keenly noticed the change in his brother's emotions. Watching him chat and laugh with Gu An'an, reminiscing about some interesting things that happened when they were studying at the Imperial Academy, made him fall into deep thought.
Her mother always said that Chen Bei was not close to her and would only answer when asked a question.
But now it seems that Chen Bei did not dislike being close to people, but simply did not want to be close to his family.
This ailment, unfortunately, can only be cured by Gu An'an.
This caused Chen Yuan's gaze to fall on Gu An'an once again.
Compared to the last time we met, the young woman in front of me looked much more composed.
It seems there's nothing she can't handle.
Many noble ladies are so composed, but that's because they've been raised on a life of luxury and extravagance. How did Gu An'an cultivate such poise?
For a moment, Chen Yuan was so engrossed in watching that he was not until someone gently touched his arm.
Zhao Qianqian felt that she must have discovered something incredible, but if she continued to look around like this, could Gu An'an still stay here?
"Cousin Yuan, are there any fun places to go in the capital? I'd like to explore them when I have some free time."
Chen Yuan looked at the curious young woman and said, "There are a few places that are alright, but the weather is getting colder now, so they're probably not suitable."
"Is that so? By the way, do you have any other ideas? About our arena match."
This matter is of great importance, and even Gu An'an looked over, her expression slightly solemn.
Chen Yuan picked up his teacup, took a sip of tea, and then began to speak slowly and deliberately.
This lunch was undoubtedly the most agonizing meal Manniang had ever eaten.
Of all his past patrons, which one could compare to this young General Chen before him?
After eating until she was half full, Man Niang made an excuse to leave.
Not long after she left, people from the Chen family arrived, looking for the two young masters, saying that the old master of the mansion had invited them.
"They're finally gone." Zhao Qianqian breathed a sigh of relief, wishing she could just collapse there. "What do you think of my older cousin?"
"He achieved fame at a young age, is steady in his conduct, and is friendly to his brothers and sisters. No wonder he holds great power at such a young age."
Zhao Qianqian's eyes widened. "You think so highly of him?"
"I'm stating the facts, what's wrong with that?"
It seemed there was no exaggeration, but Zhao Qianqian still couldn't help but say, "Don't you think he's too cold and a bit heartless?"
This is not hard to understand. "At such a young age, he is the military commander of the three prefectures of Anling. It's not right for him to always be joking and cursing."
“That’s true.” Zhao Qianqian ate the dried fruit that was served, chewing it carefully. “I think he likes you.”
Gu An'an, who was drinking tea, almost choked on her words. She took out a handkerchief and carefully wiped her mouth. "You can't just eat whatever you want or say whatever you want."
“I’m not making this up. I can tell you very seriously that my older cousin is never a helpful person. He’s very quiet and reserved, the kind of person who won’t make a sound if you hit him with a stick. But this time he took the initiative to help us.”
“You said it yourself, that’s your cousin.” Gu An’an didn’t think Chen Yuan had any romantic feelings for her. “Besides, I said that he seems cold, but he takes good care of his brothers. It’s probably because Chen Bei and I get along well, so he wants to find out from me how to better understand Chen Bei.”
For a fleeting moment, Zhao Qianqian felt as if she had been convinced. "Is that so?"
But she felt it didn't quite seem like it.
The way Chen Yuan looked at Gu An'an clearly revealed a man's feelings for a woman. Was she mistaken?
"You're overthinking it," Gu An'an emphasized firmly. "He's a young general who rose to fame at a young age, wielding great power. What kind of woman wouldn't he want? Why would he like me?"
Zhao Qianqian felt she had been convinced, but as she left Wuweiju, looking at Gu An'an bathed in the warm early winter sun, she suddenly blurted out, "What if he has unique tastes and likes someone like you?"
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