Chi Yan glanced at Shen Tangning several times out of the corner of his eye, his expression revealing a desire to say something but holding back.
She wasn't unaware of it: "Just say what you want to say."
He asked in a deliberately casual tone, "Actually, I don't quite understand where your hatred for your father comes from?"
Is it simply because Shen Chang favors the Fang mother and daughter?
He felt it wasn't just because of that. Filial piety was highly valued in ancient times, and Shen Tangning grew up in such a harsh environment. If Shen Chang hadn't done something she couldn't tolerate, she would never have personally sent him to his death.
Her behavior could be considered outrageous in today's society.
Coupled with what she said impulsively just now, some old details resurfaced, and he had a vague sense of unease.
Perhaps her experiences are far more burdensome than they appear.
Shen Tangning suddenly turned to look at him, her eyes as deep and dark as a pool of water, black and bright, as if they could draw a person in:
"Chi Yan, do you want to know my secret?"
When she gets serious, she calls him by his full name, but Chi Yan doesn't find it disrespectful. On the contrary, he thinks a name is the shortest spell between two people in love, carrying a unique charm.
Meeting her gaze, Chi Yan's heart skipped a beat. He felt inexplicably nervous, but not wanting to put too much pressure on her, he smiled casually and asked, "...Have you thought it through?"
Both of them carried secrets, something they both tacitly agreed on, but neither of them took the initiative to cross that line.
After all, some secrets are meant to be buried with you and never spoken of in your lifetime, and he could understand her concerns very well.
Just like himself, if his identity as a transmigrator were exposed, he would likely face a fatal disaster. If he hadn't met Shen Tangning, he would never have thought of revealing this secret.
She slightly curved her eyes: "I've thought it through."
Back at the manor, Chi Yan instructed Ba Liang to prepare several jars of wine. Ba Liang glanced at Shen Tang Ning, who hadn't gone far, his eyes almost twitching. He lowered his voice and said, "The young mistress is still here! You dare to drink in front of her, young master, have you grown too big for your britches?"
There's no other reason than that Chi Yan always waits until the smell of alcohol dissipates before going home when he's out socializing, for fear that Shen Tangning might kick him out if she's unhappy. His status in the family is obvious. This is the first time he's been so open about it.
Chi Yan's smile froze, her face darkening instantly. She slapped him on the back of the head: "I think you're the one who's gotten too big for your britches! Calling me 'Young Madam' all the time, what, I can't boss you around anymore?"
Upon learning that this was Shen Tangning's idea, Ba Liang concealed the surprise in his eyes and hurriedly went to make preparations.
"Hey, you should have said so earlier! Yuan Zhao, come and lend a hand!" With that, Ba Liang scurried off to find Yuan Zhao for help.
Chi Yan watched the two figures leave, grinding his back teeth: "You brat!"
...
Even though she was prepared to be honest, Shen Tangning was not as calm as she had imagined. Her past was a taboo subject for her, and she didn't know where to begin. She could only embolden herself with alcohol.
As night fell, Chi Yan gave the servants the day off early, leaving only him and Shen Tangning in the courtyard.
The two arrived at the pavilion, where Chi Yan placed a wine jar on the table, one in each hand. The jar was bigger than Shen Tangning's face, and she immediately felt a little intimidated: "I might... not be able to drink that much."
Everyone knows she has a very low alcohol tolerance. If she gets drunk before she finishes telling the story, she doesn't know if she'll have the courage to do it again next time.
Chi Yan said nonchalantly, "It's alright, I'll drink! I specifically told you that this wine isn't too strong, so I shouldn't get too drunk."
Shen Tangning felt relieved and was about to pour herself a drink when he stopped her with a helpless look: "No rush, eat something first, or your stomach will feel uncomfortable later."
So she obediently did as she was told.
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