I Became Love Rivals With My Crush Ch.38
Su Lingyu smiled gently, filled Qu Muqiu’s teacup with more tea from the pot, and just as she was about to express her gratitude, Qu Muqiu raised two fingers, indicating for her to hold back her words.
Qu Muqiu said, “Don’t forget your own words. There’s no need to be so polite between us.”
Her expression remained serene as she continued, “Besides, there’s no rush to express gratitude now. When you two become Dao companions, that’s when I should thank you for taking care of my little sister.”
“But,” she lightly tapped Su Lingyu’s teacup with her own, producing a crisp “clang” sound. She smiled with a glint in her eyes, her facial features bearing a faint resemblance to Qu Panyan, “You have to pursue Yan’er on your own; I won’t help you with that.”
Qu Muqiu only knew that Qu Panyan had never liked men since she was young, as if she had a natural aversion to them. But she wouldn’t assume that Qu Panyan must like women because of it.
Everyone has the freedom to like or dislike whatever they want, even biological parents shouldn’t interfere too much. As the head of the family, Qu Muqiu could only evaluate suitors and determine their qualifications, but she wouldn’t actively assist them.
What if Qu Panyan doesn’t like Su Lingyu back? Wouldn’t it make her feel like her elder sister is pushing her away, forcing her to be with someone she doesn’t like?
As the head of the family, Qu Muqiu had to consider many things carefully, so she chose to remain on the sidelines. She would only step in and embrace Qu Panyan under her wing when she expressed dislike for a suitor; that’s all she could do.
Su Lingyu naturally understood her thoughts and nodded, saying, “I like her on my own, so I should pursue her myself, without the assistance of anyone.”
Qu Muqiu smiled and said, “Good.” Then she added, “I also need to find a time to advise Second Master Yue to cut his losses in a timely manner.”
Su Lingyu replied, “Today should work. Second Master Yue happens to be at the Xianmeng Sect at this moment.”
Considering the time, Yue Qianlang should have arrived at the Xianmeng Sect already. Yue Xiaomeng probably took him around the sect.
She wondered what kind of person Second Master Yue was and whether he might take a liking to Qu Panyan…
Upon hearing this, Qu Muqiu responded warmly, “Then it seems like it’s fate.”
Su Lingyu said, “I’ll send someone to invite him to Tailing Peak.”
Qu Muqiu shook her head, stood up, and smiled, “I’ll go find him myself. No need to trouble him to come again.”
As soon as Qu Panyan left Su Lingyu and the others, she was taken away by Elder Changxing. He said that Yue Xiaomeng had already received Yue Qianlang and was showing him around the Xianmeng Sect.
Considering the disorder in Qu Panyan’s spiritual power and the vastness of the Xianmeng Sect, they couldn’t keep up on foot. Therefore, Elder Changxing specially summoned a wooden sword to carry her.
During the journey, Elder Changxing frequently glanced at Qu Panyan and the fire jade on her neck, as if he wanted to ask something but hesitated to speak. This left Qu Panyan completely puzzled. Finally, she heard Elder Changxing inexplicably mutter, “Interesting.”
After that, Elder Changxing never looked at her again.
Qu Panyan wondered: “???”
Qu Panyan couldn’t help but ask, “Senior brother, is there something you want to tell me?”
Elder Changxing clasped his hands in his sleeves, standing tall with an old and composed appearance. He calmly replied, “Nothing.”
Though he dared to directly mock Su Lingyu’s jade carving as ugly, it didn’t mean he dared to mention Su Lingyu’s matters in front of her. If he did, he would immediately become Su Lingyu’s enemy, and she would seek an explanation from him.
Moreover, he suddenly felt that it would be interesting not to say anything. Two people clearly interested in each other, yet both believed that the other had no interest in them.
In the《Theories of Marriage》, it was mentioned that this situation is called ‘mutual private admiration.’
Seeing it with his own eyes, he found this mutual private admiration quite amusing. He was just waiting to see when they would break through this thin layer of paper.
Elder Changxing said he had nothing to say, and Qu Panyan looked at him suspiciously. He appeared calm and composed, so she knew she wouldn’t get any answers no matter how much she asked. Therefore, she stopped asking further questions.
Looking ahead, the wooden sword glided into a dense grove of tall and straight wind bamboo, creating a rustling sound throughout the forest. When the wooden sword emerged from the bamboo forest, she saw two figures in the distance, one tall and one short.
The tall one was a young man dressed in a dark cloud-patterned robe. He was robust and tall, exuding an imposing demeanor. On the hanging sleeves of his robe, embroidered with red maple leaves, which is the symbol of the Yue Clan. He was none other than Yue Qianlang, the Second Master Yue.
Yue Xiaomeng stood beside him, her petite figure accentuating her delicate beauty.
Yue Qianlang had handsome features, a strong aura, but he was usually serious and rarely smiled. Yue Xiaomeng had long been used to his demeanor.
Although Yue Qianlang was serious and not prone to laughter, he treated her wholeheartedly well. Even at the Beast Hunt Competition, he had tried his best to win the divine deer for her to ride.
With his hands behind his back, Yue Qianlang slowed his pace to accommodate her as Yue Xiaomeng took small steps. She held onto his arm, animatedly pointing out various places in the Xianmeng Sect for him to see. He would nod in response, appreciating her excitement.
Yue Qianlang asked, “How have you been in the Xianmeng Sect?”
Yue Xiaomeng replied, “I’ve been doing great! Master has taught me a lot, and I’ve also made many wonderful senior brothers and sisters!”
Yue Qianlang nodded and said, “You should humbly seek guidance from Elder Changxing, focus on cultivating well, and live in harmony with your fellow disciples. But if anyone bullies you, you don’t have to endure it. Learn to fight back and protect yourself. Do you understand?”
Being the youngest and cutest in the Yue Clan, she had been protected like a treasure by all the elders in the family since she was young. No one wanted to let her leave their protective wings, let alone learn to protect herself. It was only later, when Elder Changxing took a liking to her and she had the opportunity to become his disciple, Yue Qianlang suddenly realized that his youngest sister had grown up and should also learn to protect herself.
Still, as an elder, he couldn’t help but worry and be concerned, hoping she would do well and fearing she might face setbacks.
Yue Qianlang softened his tone and asked, “Can our Little Six protect herself well?”
Yue Xiaomeng’s smile was pure and flawless, and she proudly puffed out her chest, saying, “Of course she can! Just the day before yesterday, I protected Qu Panyan!”
Qu Panyan? The Third Miss of the Qu Clan? He distinctly remembered her as a proud disciple of the Cangnan Sect, with strength surpassing Yue Xiaomeng’s. Now, due to some fortunate circumstances, she even became Yue Xiaomeng’s martial aunt and a true disciple of Su Lingyu.
Yue Qianlang was briefly stunned but quickly realized he shouldn’t undermine her confidence. “Really? In just one month, our Little Six has become so formidable?”
“Indeed, Sixth Miss Yue has boundless potential and progresses rapidly. Her future is promising,” the response came from another voice.
Yue Qianlang followed the sound and saw Elder Changxing and an exceptionally beautiful woman landing from the wooden sword. It was this stunning woman who had spoken. She possessed a beauty unparalleled in the world, a beauty that was indescribable and could arouse envy in those who admired beauty.
This beautiful woman locked eyes with him. Her eyes were as calm as still water and as sparkling as the stars in the night sky, an irresistible pair.
However, Yue Qianlang remained calm, even showing little interest, like a stagnant well that no one was capable of raising any waves within.
Qu Panyan: Verdict delivered. He’s not a scumbag.
Her beautiful eyes curved up as she bowed, “Second Master Yue, I’ve heard about you for a long time.”
Yue Qianlang didn’t attend the grand ceremony of Su Lingyu and An Cheng’s union, so he didn’t know if she was Qu Panyan, but upon seeing her smile, he was sure.
Yue Qianlang returned the gesture, “Third Miss Qu.”
Qu Panyan was surprised, “How did Second Master Yue recognize me?” Then she realized, “It seems I left a deep impression on everyone at Sister Lingyu’s union ceremony.”
Yue Qianlang explained, “No, it’s because when you smile, you look a lot like your sister.”
Qu Panyan’s smile just now bore some resemblance to Qu Muqiu, which reminded him of her and coupled with the fact that the Qu Clan’s celestial horse-drawn carriage parked at the entrance of the Xianmeng Sect.
She was also in the Xianmeng Sect…
Out of politeness, Qu Panyan smiled and didn’t continue the conversation. She was waiting for this man to take the initiative to ask her about Qu Muqiu, to see if his affection for her was genuine or not.
Yue Xiaomeng introduced Elder Changxing to Yue Qianlang, who displayed a humble attitude as a junior and with a relaxed expression he said, “Thank you, Elder Changxing, for guiding and taking care of my younger sister. If she does anything wrong, please feel free to correct her according to the sect rules. The Yue Clan will not complain.”
Even the youngest child must grow up and eventually learn to fly. With the guidance of the elders, she can cultivate her character and be cautious in her words and actions to avoid irreversible mistakes in the future.
Elder Changxing waved his hand, “Second Master Yue is too polite. Xiaomeng is well-behaved, sensible, and diligent. As my junior sister mentioned, she has boundless potential and a promising future. I’m very fond of this disciple of mine.”
Yue Qianlang bowed again to Qu Panyan, “Third Miss Qu is now her martial aunt, so please also supervise her. If she makes any mistakes, I hope you won’t hesitate to discipline her.”
Qu Panyan suddenly felt a bit emotional. When she joined the Cangnan Sect alone, she had no elders accompanying her or offering such guidance. But today, through Yue Qianlang, she seemed to see Qu Changye standing beside her, entrusting her to the elders of the sect.
Qu Changye would surely spout the theory of ‘If she’s wrong, you can punish her, and the Qu Clan won’t utter a word.’ However, unlike Yue Qianlang, Qu Changye’s love was even deeper. When she returned home, he would definitely take up the feather duster himself to discipline her and make her train her physical abilities.
Thinking about this, Qu Panyan couldn’t help but shudder and quickly pulled her thoughts back, only to notice that Yue Qianlang was looking at her, his eyes showing a hint of hesitation.
Qu Panyan thought to herself: Here it comes! He’s finally going to ask a question!
Taking a step forward, Qu Panyan made a gesture of invitation, “Second Master Yue, this way please let’s talk privately.”
If it were someone else, Qu Panyan truly wouldn’t bother and would have given up after judging whether he was a scumbag.
But Yue Qianlang was different. He was the Second Master of a prestigious family, and the affairs of the world were like a game of chess. Perhaps his family behind him would one day play a very important role for the Qu Clan. Qu Panyan, who had never dealt with her sister’s suitors before, had to act cautiously and inquire more about him.
Moreover, he was also Yue Xiaomeng’s second brother, and she would still consider Yue Xiaomeng’s face.
Qu Panyan and Yue Qianlang walked side by side in a leisurely manner, with Elder Changxing and Yue Xiaomeng following behind. Elder Changxing observed the gap between their shoulders, noticing that both of them intentionally kept their distance, which put his mind at ease.
He was tasked with watching over the future mistress of his master’s pursuit.
Yue Qianlang took the initiative to speak first, “Third Miss Qu, do you have something to say?”
Qu Panyan replied with courtesy, “It depends on what questions Second Master Yue wants to ask.”
Yue Qianlang fell silent for a moment, mustering up the courage for quite a while before asking, “Is…Is Clan Leader Qu currently in Xianmeng Sect?”
“Yes,” Qu Panyan responded, “Do you wish to see her?”
Yue Qianlang smiled suddenly, and his serious demeanor softened a bit, making him even more charming, “If she wants to see me, I want to see her too.” I wouldn’t just go to see her and disturb her.
Qu Panyan was stunned. Unlike Yue Qianlang, she wasn’t as composed. In the past, she always looked for excuses and reasons to get closer to Su Lingyu, wanting to catch a glimpse of her and to ease her lovesickness.
She thought it was because they loved different people. He, being a man, fell in love with a woman. And she, being a woman, also fell in love with a woman.
When women meet women, even if they are intimate, people will only think of it as sisterly affection, never considering romantic love between them. Because in the eyes of society, that would be unconventional and against the will of the heavens.
But it was fate that unexpectedly and effortlessly conquered her heart, leaving her defenseless and beyond redemption.
She was hopelessly entangled and beyond saving.
So she didn’t care about being unconventional. She loved freely and openly. If Su Lingyu didn’t like her, she would immediately hide her feelings without revealing her true intentions. But if Su Lingyu liked her, she would immediately throw herself into the embrace of love. It was as simple as that.
After Yue Qianlang finished speaking, he fell silent. Qu Panyan waited for a long time but didn’t hear any other questions from him.
Brother, are you really so composed?
Shouldn’t you take advantage of me as a younger sister to ask a few more questions about my sister’s preferences?!
Until they reached the Lotus Heart Pond, Yue Qianlang hadn’t asked another question, as if that one question was enough.
Qu Panyan couldn’t help but laugh, “Second Master Yue, do you like my sister?”
Yue Qianlang was momentarily startled but nodded candidly.
Qu Panyan chuckled, “I’ve never seen someone so composed. He doesn’t pester the younger sister of the person he likes with countless questions.”
“Because I am clear,” Yue Qianlang replied, “I am clear about the kind of person I have fallen for.”
Qu Panyan asked, “Oh? Then, what kind of person is my sister?”
Yue Qianlang replied, “Indifferent to romantic feelings, detached from the world. Only when it comes to matters concerning the Qu Family does she show a trace of worldly warmth.”
Qu Muqiu seemed to be naturally missing a certain soul, having never been moved by love or desires, living in a transcendent state beyond the mundane world. She truly resembled the holy Buddhas of the Western Pure Land, loving all beings without being devoted to just one person.
So there was no need to ask; his heart was like a clear mirror that had long seen through everything.
Qu Panyan couldn’t help but smile, “Second Master Yue is very perceptive.”
Yue Qianlang’s love was rational and clear-headed, yet resolute. He understood the kind of person he loved, and even without fate’s favor, he loved her resolutely and unwaveringly—his love for Qu Muqiu was genuine.
Suddenly, from behind, Yue Xiaomeng called out, “Sect Master, Clan Leader Qu.”
Qu Panyan turned around and saw Su Lingyu and Qu Muqiu standing there, radiating a brilliant and gem-like brilliance.
In the presence of these two, Yue Qianlang was still considered a junior. He humbly saluted them one by one, “Sect Master Su, Clan Leader Qu.”
Su Lingyu nodded slightly, and Qu Muqiu smiled gently.
Qu Panyan left Yue Qianlang and walked to Qu Muqiu’s side, naturally hooking her arm, “Sister, why have you come?”
Qu Muqiu looked kindly at her, “Sister has something to discuss with Second Master Yue. Be good, Panyan, and wait for a moment with Sister Lingyu.”
At the right moment, Su Lingyu extended her hand and said softly, “Panyan, come over, don’t disturb your sister.”
Qu Panyan obediently placed her hand in Su Lingyu’s palm, and as she felt Su Lingyu gently enclose her hand, she couldn’t help but feel delighted. She immediately began her roundabout strategy—this roundabout strategy was that she had managed to get close to Sister Lingyu!
Qu Muqiu then turned her gaze towards Yue Qianlang and took a step towards him, “Second Master Yue, may I have a word with you in private?”
Since Qu Muqiu appeared in his view, Yue Qianlang’s serious expression disappeared, replaced by a gentle tenderness in his eyes. He replied, “Of course, I will follow your lead, Clan Leader Qu.”
At the center of the lotus pond stood a triangular pavilion, rising above the emerald waters, surrounded by lush and large lotus leaves and delicate and rosy lotus flowers.
Qu Muqiu stood by the pavilion, looking out over the water. Underneath the clear waves, colorful koi fish gracefully swam, each with its unique hues and patterns. Their brightly colored fish tails lightly swished, maneuvering through the water, disappearing skillfully among the lotus leaves, leaving only tiny ripples on the water’s surface.
Yue Qianlang spoke first, “Is Clan Leader Qu trying to advise me?”
Qu Muqiu turned to him and asked, “Second Master Yue, do you think I shouldn’t advise you?”
He shook his head, “No, because I am very clear-headed. Only confused individuals need advice.”
Qu Muqiu looked back at him as he leisurely continued, “I know clearly the kind of person I have fallen in love with, and I know this love is destined to be unrequited. You love the Qu Family, and you won’t love any one person exclusively.”
Like how Buddhas love all living beings, without favoring any individual.
Yue Qianlang smiled gently, “Love, like smoke, cannot restrain the steps of Clan Leader Qu.”
Qu Muqiu had encountered many admirers, but Yue Qianlang was the only one who seemed so clear about the impossibility of their love.
After contemplating for a moment, Qu Muqiu couldn’t help but ask, “Even so, you still want to persist in this situation, subjecting yourself to pain?”
“Pain?” Yue Qianlang seemed to have been influenced by Qu Muqiu’s demeanor, maintaining a gentle smile on his lips. “I might be persistent, but I am not suffering.”
“For Clan Leader Qu is as radiant as the bright moon in the sky and to fall in love with someone as good as you, it’s my honor, not my suffering.”
Upon hearing this, Qu Muqiu suddenly felt enlightened and smiled with understanding.
Yue Qianlang didn’t need anyone to advise him to turn back and go to the shore because he had always stood on the shore. If she didn’t seek love, he wouldn’t seek it either, gently and silently guarding his “honor.”
As he had said, clear-headed individuals don’t need advice; it’s the confused ones who do.
Qu Muqiu lowered her gaze slightly and inclined her body, “Second Master Yue, since you know clearly what you are doing, you don’t need many words from others. I shall take my leave now.”
Yue Qianlang understood that she didn’t want to leave him with too many lingering thoughts. She was truly heartless; acting with both indifference and consideration, because she also cared about him and didn’t want him to get deeper into the trap.
Even the most clear-headed individuals fear confusion.
Yue Qianlang didn’t try to stop her, “Clan Leader Qu, this way please.”
At that moment, a spiritual servant hurriedly approached and informed Su Lingyu, “Reporting to the Sect Master, Liu Yizhi, the Liu Clan’s Leader from the Linshan region, is here for a visit.”
Isn’t that…part of A Yiduo’s alliance?
Su Lingyu couldn’t help but frown involuntarily, her expression becoming serious. “What does Liu Clan’s Leader come here for?”
Qu Panyan had heard a bit about this Liu Clan’s Leader, Liu Yizhi, who was recently appointed to the position. He was a young man of about twenty years old. However, she didn’t know the connection between Liu Yizhi and Su Lingyu, but just hearing his name made her face turn serious, as if facing a formidable enemy.
The spiritual servant said, “Clan Leader Liu said he came to see Sixth Miss Yue.”
Suddenly, Yue Xiaomeng, who was mentioned, looked bewildered and said, “See me? Clan Leader Liu? I don’t know him! Could he be mistaken? My father is in Kunshan…”
Naturally, Yue Xiaomeng didn’t know Liu Yizhi. She was young and not deeply involved in worldly affairs. She had never interacted with the Liu Clan, who was an ally of the Yue Clan. All the matters within the clan were handled by the elder and the younger Yue Clan Leaders, with the other four young masters and young misses occasionally offered assistance when needed.
Qu Panyan could already sense that Liu Yizhi’s visit was not just a casual one. If he truly wanted to visit the elderly Yue Clan Leader, why would he come to Xianmeng Sect? Nowadays, among these prestigious families, who among the Clan Leaders could be so clueless?
The clueless ones had long been devoured by the powerful ones.
After some contemplation, Su Lingyu looked at Qu Muqiu and Yue Qianlang, then fixed her gaze on Yue Qianlang and said, “Clan Leader Liu is visiting Xianmeng Sect to see Xiaomeng. As her elder brother, you should accompany her.”
Having an experienced person like Yue Qianlang to accompany Yue Xiaomeng was the best option.
Yue Qianlang was taken aback for a moment but agreed, “Alright. Thank you for the reminder, Sect Master Su.”
Although he didn’t know the true purpose of Liu Yizhi’s visit, with him present and the alliance between the Yue and Liu Clans, Liu Yizhi wouldn’t dare to make any inappropriate moves towards Yue Xiaomeng.
Before Yue Qianlang could take a step forward, another spiritual servant hurriedly arrived and said, “Reporting to the Sect Master, Clan Leader Liu also wants to meet with Clan Leader Qu.”
Qu Panyan instinctively felt something was amiss and discreetly grasped Qu Muqiu’s hand. Qu Muqiu comfortingly patted her hand, seemingly unsurprised that Liu Yizhi wanted to meet her. She smiled gently and said, “Then please invite him here.”
After a short while, a young man dressed in a splendid green robe appeared in the pavilion at the center of the Lotus Heart Pond.
His appearance was as beautiful as a woman’s, exquisite and delicate, and as he walked, it was as if a gentle breeze surrounded him, giving off an elegant and ethereal air. His slender fingers held a jade bone folding fan, with a red tassel hanging down, adding a touch of gracefulness.
As the Clan Leader, Qu Muqiu had attended numerous banquets and naturally seen this junior before, but they had never spoken to each other until today.
Qu Muqiu stood up and said, “Clan Leader Liu.”
Liu Yizhi returned the greeting, “Clan Leader Qu.”
Qu Muqiu looked at him, and Liu Yizhi suddenly opened the folding fan with a “swish,” then turned his body and fanned it toward the lotus flowers in the pond, as if feeling extremely hot.
Qu Muqiu maintained her composed smile and asked, “Is Clan Leader Liu feeling hot?”
Liu Yizhi cleared his throat and said, “A bit.”
There was a gentle breeze in the pavilion, and it was clearly cool and comfortable. Why would he feel hot?
Was he subtly hinting at her being a practitioner of fire-based techniques?
Qu Muqiu discreetly took two steps back, halting by one of the pavilion’s pillars while saying, “If Clan Leader Liu is sensitive to heat, it might not be easy to get along with the Ancestor of Fire.”
Liu Yizhi seemed to be poked somewhere by her words and immediately closed the folding fan with a “snap.”
The next moment, everyone on the bank clearly saw Liu Yizhi suddenly turn around and approach Qu Muqiu, placing one hand on the pavilion pillar, assertively enclosing her within the curve of his arm.
The entire scene was like a massive ‘wall pinning’ moment, leaving everyone dumbfounded.
Qu Panyan trembled, her pupils dilated and her mind exploded.
What the heck is this guy up to?!
Liu Yizhi’s fair face blushed red like fire, whether from embarrassment or anger. He stared intensely at Qu Muqiu’s black hair, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he spoke in a rigid voice, “Clan Leader Qu, you’ve misunderstood… I’m not afraid of the heat at all!”
Qu Muqiu smiled amiably, “Oh? Then Clan Leader Liu is…”
“Scared of me?”
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Translator: Glariosa
Editor: iToon
