Chapter 109 Will you dare to be so insolent again! How dare you take…
Fu Yun glanced at Qian Qingling, then turned to Cheng Jincheng and instructed, "You can handle this for me. I'll leave as soon as I'm done here."
"Aren't you curious who came to see you?" Xiao Ba interjected.
Fu Yun: "Being curious won't help. We can't just leave people hanging here halfway through the conversation. We can only finish the discussion as soon as possible and get out of here."
Okay! This is probably what you humans call a matter of manners, right?
Fu Yun did not respond to Xiao Ba.
Seeing that Fu Yun said this, Cheng Jincheng didn't ask any more questions and cooperated readily: "Okay! I'll chat with him for a while, and you can come out as soon as you're done talking."
Fu Yun nodded and waved for him to go quickly.
After Cheng Jincheng left, Fu Yun, not wanting to linger too long because someone was waiting, temporarily put aside the discussion about spies and brought up the matter that was truly urgent for him: "I want to confirm with you one last time that the preliminary work for the fitness training camp is complete. Are you sure I can requisition your space at any time?"
Although Qian Qingling found it strange that Fu Yun suddenly changed the subject, she didn't dwell on it too much. Instead, she answered his question, "The venue has been prepared, and you can enter at any time."
She thought to herself: matters related to spies are, after all, secrets of the imperial court; it would be wise for him not to get involved.
Fu Yun raised an eyebrow, her expression brightening, and her eyes curved upwards into a beautiful arc: "Very good, I have already chosen an auspicious day."
Qian Qingling paused slightly, her gaze lingering on Fu Jun's handsome features for a long time, her eyes clouded with an unyielding mist.
She asked instinctively, "Which day should we choose?"
Fu Jun's smile deepened, and her tone was light: "The eighth day of the ninth lunar month is auspicious for opening a business, making transactions, signing contracts, moving to a new home, and forming alliances, which means that our fitness training camp can officially open the day after tomorrow."
Noticing Qian Qingling's burning gaze, Fu Yun suppressed his smile and sighed inwardly. Matters of the heart are the most troublesome. He knew that Qian Qingling had feelings for him, and it was impossible for her to just let go.
He had made it clear to her more than once that he had no romantic feelings for her and no intention of getting married, but Qian Qingling seemed unable to break free from that bond in a short period of time.
Actually, if you think about it from the other person's perspective, Qian Qingling was, after all, the one who stirred her heart, and that kind of lingering affection is definitely not something that can be easily taken back.
Although Fu Yun had never been in a relationship, he could understand the bitterness and torment of unrequited love. However, in matters of the heart, he was still a novice and could not advise anyone as someone who had been through it, let alone help them get out of it. Even if he tried to offer some words of guidance, it would probably be just empty talk and would be a pale and powerless act that had no comforting effect on the person involved.
Moreover, he always felt that since he didn't like her, he couldn't be wishy-washy, let his soft heart run wild, or send her any wrong signals that might give her the false impression that there was still a chance to gradually develop the relationship. Otherwise, giving her hope only to disappoint her would be unkind and no different from being a scumbag.
He had been trying to reduce the chances of the two of them being in contact, so that Qian Qingling wouldn't have to see him. However, he had to make sure to communicate with her clearly about the fitness training camp beforehand, otherwise Cheng Jincheng's subsequent work would be difficult to carry out.
Alas, those who are sentimental are always the ones who get hurt. Qian Qingling was heartbroken because of him, and he felt very guilty. However, the two of them had a lot of cooperation, and it was unavoidable that they would meet. He could only try to avoid the opportunity for them to meet after the fitness training camp officially opened. After that, all the matters of the training camp would be handled by Cheng Jincheng. In this way, Qian Qingling's feelings for him should gradually fade away.
Thinking of this, he returned to official business: "Thank you for your hard work, General. I will calculate the proceeds from the subsequent fitness training camp according to the settlement method in the agreement, and then send someone to deliver them to your residence."
"By the way," he asked before Qian Qingling could respond, "Won't our requisition of that area affect your soldiers' daily training?"
Qian Qingling shook her head: "No, the vacant land allocated to you was already idle, and my soldiers don't train in that area."
Fu Jun was relieved: "That's good."
Qian Qingling stared at Fu Yun, her eyes dark and deep: "Don't worry, I will tell the soldiers not to disturb you."
Hearing her say that made Fu Yun feel uneasy: "There's no need to do it that way. That area is part of the training ground. The soldiers train hard, so as long as there's no conflict, they should be given this freedom."
"Pfft~"
Qian Qingling suddenly chuckled, not knowing what she found amusing about what she had just said. Her gaze swept over Fu Jun's shoulder and looked in the direction of the martial arts arena. She said leisurely, "The young men are all in groups. I'm worried that if they go to watch, they won't be able to concentrate on training properly."
"This..." Fu Yun looked embarrassed and said awkwardly, "Then, you can arrange it as you see fit!"
Qian Qingling chuckled and shook her head, her eyes shining as she gazed at the training ground, her brows furrowed with pride and confidence. Clearly, she was very proud of and admired the soldiers in the training ground.
Fu Yun understood this feeling, just like the pride and satisfaction he felt when he led his departments to win one project after another, overcome one technical challenge after another, and bring significant benefits and a great reputation to the group.
The matter could be considered concluded at this point. Fu Jun stood up from his chair and said apologetically, "I'm sorry, there are still people waiting for me outside. Let's stop here for today and discuss any other issues later."
Qian Qingling paused, withdrawing her gaze from the distance and focusing it on Fu Jun's face. A hint of disappointment flickered in her eyes, and her lips parted slightly as if she wanted to say something. However, seeing that Fu Jun's attention was not on her and that she seemed to have no desire to continue, she simply sighed and said no more. She stood up briskly from her chair and said, "Alright! Let's leave it at that for now! I also have things to take care of."
Upon hearing this, Fu Yun quickly said, "I'm sorry for taking up your time. You should go and attend to your business!"
He casually said politely, "If you have time, you can come to the shop again for a cup of tea to relax. It's on me, no charge. Consider it an apology for taking up so much of your time."
Qian Qingling gave Fu Yun a deep look, said nothing, and only said, "I'm leaving now, see you later."
Fu Yun waved and watched Qian Qingling leave through the back door of the kitchen.
As soon as Qian Qingling left, Fu Yun quickly left the kitchen and returned to the main hall.
A quick glance revealed that all the tables in the shop were already full. Except for one table in the corner with only one person sitting there, the other tables were mostly occupied by groups of two or three people drinking tea, chatting, and eating snacks. The atmosphere was relaxed and pleasant, clearly a gathering of friends.
The person sitting in the corner of the lobby seemed out of place in this relaxed and cheerful atmosphere.
Cheng Jincheng was not seen in the store, nor was he at the counter.
This guy, didn't he promise to help entertain the guests? Why did he just abandon them and run off? I wonder what he went to do?
Fu Yun shook her head, somewhat helplessly, wondering if the handsome guy Cheng Jincheng was talking about was one of the guests at these tables.
The other tables of guests didn't seem to be waiting for him, but the figure in the corner looked more like he was waiting for someone.
He turned his gaze to a corner of the hall, where a person was dressed in a dark brocade robe with elegant silver bamboo patterns embroidered on the shoulders, neck, and hem. He looked exceptionally noble and had an extraordinary air about him.
Noticing Fu Jun's gaze, the man looked up and saw a handsome but unfamiliar face.
The man's aloof and leisurely demeanor gave Fu Yun an inexplicable sense of familiarity, and he recognized the man's true identity almost instantly.
The other person didn't speak, but just stared at him calmly, with a hint of something deeper in their eyes, as if they were waiting to see a show.
Fu Yun chuckled inwardly and walked over.
Since the other party wants to play, then let's play along!
He slightly curved his lips into a polite smile and asked in a deliberately courteous manner, "Excuse me, are you waiting for someone?"
The other person's handsome eyebrows furrowed slightly, a dark glint flashed in their eyes, and a hint of coldness emanated from them, suggesting that they were in a bad mood.
Fu Yun suppressed a laugh and spoke again, "Would you mind if I sat across from you and rested for a while?"
The other person twitched the corner of their mouth, looked away from Fu Yun, neither agreeing nor stopping them.
Fu Jun smiled and said, "If you don't answer, I'll assume you agree."
The other person casually lifted their eyelids, their fingertips idly stroking the body of the cup.
Fu Yun could easily tell that the other person was unhappy.
He chuckled inwardly, but feigned disappointment and said, "It seems I've disturbed your peace. In that case, I won't bother you any longer. Please enjoy your meal."
After saying that, Fu Yun made a move to stand up from the table.
“You…” The other person raised his eyes, glaring coldly at Fu Yun. His clear, cold eyes were tinged with anger. He stared at Fu Yun for a moment, then lowered his eyes with a cold expression and flicked his sleeve: “Fine.”
Fu Yun rarely saw this outstanding face showing annoyance, and a strange feeling arose in her heart. She felt that he was much more lively than his usual calm and reserved nature.
He sat back down, the corners of his mouth curving into a wider smile, a sly grin playing at the corners of his eyes, and coaxed gently, "Alright, alright, don't be angry anymore, I was just teasing you!"
The other person's fingers paused abruptly, and they glanced at Fu Yun again, their expression shifting unpredictably before returning to calm in an instant: "Do you know who I am?"
If Fu Yun hadn't missed the person's delicate features and the fleeting look of joy, she truly wouldn't have been able to discern the other person's hidden emotions.
Fu Jun placed his hands on the table, leaned back slightly, and said in a relaxed and comfortable manner: "I recognized you the moment I saw you the first time you disguised yourself, so how could I not recognize you now that we've known each other for so long?"
He smiled, a mocking expression on his face, and quickly glanced around the hall. Seeing that no one had noticed the commotion at his table, he said in a low voice, "Your Majesty, are you underestimating me?"
"Ahem~" Zhilan coughed lightly, a suspicious blush visibly rising to the tips of her ears. She released the cup, turned her face slightly away, and after a moment of calm, she glared at Fu Yun with a tense expression, retorting in a low voice: "Insolence! How dare you make fun of me? Don't you want your head?"
Fu Yun knew that those in power were extremely arrogant and concerned with saving face, so he immediately abandoned his intention to tease Zhilan, raised his hands above his head in a gesture of surrender, and whispered, "Your Majesty, spare my life. I know I was wrong."
Zhilan raised her eyebrows slightly, lifted her chin, and was about to say that she knew what was good for her.
But then Fu Yun added, "But he'll do it again next time."
Zhilan: "..."
She narrowed her eyes, her tone dangerous: "You're itching for a beating, aren't you? You really think I wouldn't dare touch you? You believe me or not..."
She hesitated to speak, but the warning in her words was self-evident.
However, the slight upturn of her lips suggests that she was not actually angry; on the contrary, she was probably quite pleased.
Zhilan found the guy in front of her quite amusing and couldn't resist trying to deflate his arrogance.
She gave Fu Yun a half-smile and added quietly, "If you dare to do it again, I will break your legs and lock you in my harem, leaving you with no way to call for help."
A smile played on her lips, but her tone was chilling: "How about it? Still going to keep being stubborn?"
Fu Yun: "..."
You win. It's true that you can't easily mess with a lion.
We lost, we lost.
He wouldn't dare joke about his freedom.
"No! No! No! I won't tease you anymore. I'm easily frightened."
Zhilan scoffed, her expression arrogant: "Look at your pathetic self. It's not like I'm going to kill you, so why are you so afraid? I thought you had some lofty ambitions, but it seems you're nothing special."
She stared directly at Fu Yun, her eyes full of mockery: "With so little courage, you dare to argue with me?"
Fu Yun waved her hand: "No, no, no, I can't beat them, I can't beat them at all, after all, my weakness is right here!"
"Oh?" A hint of interest flashed in Zhilan's eyes: "Your weakness isn't fear of death, but fear of breaking your leg?"
Fu Yun retorted, not to be outdone: "No, no, no one is unafraid of death. Of course, I am no exception. It's just that for me, losing a leg is more terrifying than losing my life."
If he truly didn't care about life and death, he wouldn't be toiling away in a matriarchal country doing missions just to survive.
Zhilan dismissed it, saying, "It's just a broken leg. As the saying goes, 'Where there's life, there's hope.' Being alive is a blessing. Compared to life and death, what's so scary about a broken leg?"
Fu Yun hurriedly retorted, "That won't do. For me, losing a leg is a huge deal. There's a saying Your Majesty may not have heard: 'Life is precious, but freedom is more precious. For the sake of freedom, everything else can be sacrificed.' Therefore, soaring freely like a roc is what I seek in my life."
"Is life truly precious, love more valuable, but freedom the most precious of all?"
Fu Yun: "What's the difference? Don't they both mean that freedom is more important?"
[...]
Seeing Fu Jun's serious expression, which didn't seem fake, and the anxious look in his handsome eyes, Zhi Lan fell silent instantly, wondering if he had really frightened the little guy in front of her.
Her expression softened slightly, and she soothed her gently, "Don't worry, I won't arrest you."
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