Chapter 767 You have to repay such a big favor
On the first day of the Lunar New Year, the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion was quieter than ever before.
The servants in the mansion all lowered their heads, walked very lightly, and dared not even breathe, for fear of accidentally offending one of their masters.
When the doorman announced that the eldest son of the Qian family was coming to pay New Year's greetings, the air in the entire front hall seemed to freeze for a moment.
Countless gazes, some curious, some worried, and some inquiring, all fell on the figure who stepped over the threshold.
Qian Zhenyun was wearing a festive robe today, which made him look tall and straight and his face calm and gentle.
He walked over step by step with a calm expression, as if the turmoil last night that was enough to overturn the capital had nothing to do with him.
In the main hall, Gu Junze and Chu Ruohan sat in the main seats with mysterious expressions.
The tea on the table was still steaming, but the chill was even colder than the new snow outside.
"My nephew Qian Zhenyun greets the Duke and Aunt Chu. I wish you both good health and success in the new year." Qian Zhenyun bowed in a standard, unhurried manner.
Gu Junze didn't say anything, but just stared at the young man in front of him with his deep eyes.
It was Chu Ruohan who spoke first, her voice lacking warmth: "Mr. Qian is so brave."
These words were said without any compliment.
Qian Zhenyun stood up and met her gaze without dodging. "Aunt Chu, you are too kind. I just did what I should do."
"What should be done?" A hint of coldness appeared on Chu Ruohan's lips. "Gambling with your own life and the future of the entire Qian family? In my opinion, this is extremely foolish."
"If it's for Qingchen, I can afford this bet." Qian Zhenyun's voice was soft, but every word was clear, with an unquestionable firmness.
Chu Ruohan was choked by him for a moment.
She looked at this young man who was always gentle, honest, and even a little dull, and discovered for the first time that he had such a shocking calmness and courage.
Gu Junze finally spoke, his voice as deep as a bell: "There's been no movement from the Crown Prince."
This is not a question, it's a statement.
"Yes," Qian Zhenyun said frankly, "but the calm before the storm never lasts long."
"Aren't you afraid?" Gu Junze asked.
"I'm afraid," Qian Zhenyun's answer was surprisingly frank. "But there are always more important things in this world than fear."
Gu Junze stared at him for a long time, his sharp eyes seemed to see through him. After a long while, he slowly nodded: "Go check on Qingchen, she is in her own yard."
Gu Qingchen did not stay in the house.
She stood alone under the bare plum tree in the yard, looking up, wondering what she was thinking.
"Still worried about what happened last night?"
A gentle voice sounded behind her, bringing her back to her senses.
Gu Qingchen turned around suddenly, his face showing surprise and joy that could not be concealed: "Get out!"
He stood not far away with a faint smile on his face. The morning light fell on him, dispelling some of the winter chill.
Gu Qingchen walked quickly up to him, his face filled with relief at having survived a disaster and a thick layer of guilt: "Why are you here? Are you okay? Did the prince give you any trouble? And your family..."
A series of questions were asked quickly and urgently, with obvious panic.
He just looked at her quietly, waiting for her to finish her questions.
"I'm fine." He said softly, "Father and mother are fine too, don't worry."
"How can I not worry!" Gu Qingchen's voice was tense. "I was too impulsive. I didn't think it through and dragged you into this. I..."
"Qingchen." He interrupted her gently, "I said, I am willing."
"But the price is too high!" She was so anxious that her eyes were red. "This is not a small matter, it is betrayal of the crown prince! Your future and the safety of your family have been ruined by me!"
He suddenly smiled, and that smile was like the first melting snow, instantly diluting all the heaviness and haze.
"It's not destroyed yet." He said in a casual tone, "But..."
He paused, a sly glint in his eyes.
"I risked my life to put on such a big show for you. You can't just let it go like this, right?"
Gu Qingchen was stunned, unable to react to his sudden change of heart: "What?"
"You have to compensate me." Qian Zhenyun restrained his smile and said seriously, "You have to repay such a big favor."
Gu Qingchen stared at him blankly, his mind going blank.
At this critical moment, he is actually talking to her about compensation?
"Compensate you?" She repeated subconsciously, feeling bewildered. "You, what do you want?"
Qian Zhenyun looked at Gu Qingchen's dazed expression, and the smile on his lips deepened.
He took a step forward, walked in front of her, stretched out his hand, and gently, as if brushing away dust, tidied up her hair that was messed up by the wind.
The action was natural, with a touch of intimacy, yet maintaining just the right distance without crossing the line.
"You owe me such a big favor, you can't just refuse to pay it like this, right?"
His voice was gentle, with a hint of teasing.
Gu Qingchen felt a little uncomfortable with his sudden action, and her cheeks flushed slightly.
Song Ruyan's words "Are you sure you don't want to try rolling with my family" were like a curse, circling in her mind!
No way...
She subconsciously took a half step back to avoid his touch, her heart beating faster.
"Of course I won't default on my debt!"
She said hurriedly, trying to sound calm.
"Tell me, how do you want me to compensate you? As long as I can do it, I will definitely..."
"oh?"
Qian Zhenyun raised his eyebrows, a mischievous smile in his eyes, "So generous? What if I want you?"
Gu Qingchen's face turned red all the way to his ears.
She raised her head suddenly, only to meet his smiling eyes.
His eyes were clear, without the lust she had imagined a man might have when looking at a woman. Instead, it seemed as if he was making a harmless joke.
"You, what are you talking about!" Gu Qingchen was embarrassed and annoyed, but didn't know how to refute.
She knew he was joking, but for some reason, a complex emotion that she couldn't explain welled up in her heart.
Qian Zhenyun looked at her embarrassed look and finally couldn't help laughing out loud.
When he smiled, his eyebrows and eyes curved, and his usually calm and introverted temperament became lively and vivid because of this smile.
"Look how scared you are."
He stopped laughing and his tone became serious again, "Don't let your imagination run wild. I'm not that kind of person who would take advantage of someone's misfortune."
Gu Qingchen breathed a sigh of relief, but also felt a sense of indescribable loss.
She patted her chest and said angrily, "You scared me to death!"
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