Rejected Beauty Practices the Villain Play-Chapter 969 - 944: Hidden Motives
Fang Chuning and Xie Jue were silent for a long while. Perhaps sensing the drastic changes in Fang Chuning since they reunited in Yangzhou, Xie Jue pondered for a long time. Seeing that Fang Chuning didn’t give him an out, he knew that without speaking, he couldn’t get past today’s issue.
"The Xie Family has three sons. The eldest brother is wise and handsome, capable of upholding the family legacy. Zhixu is sharp and clever, while I’m frail and often sick, with half Sannan blood, a solitary and peculiar nature, not liked by people. Except for you, no one is willing to socialize with me. Actually, before meeting you, I was very close to the youngest of the neighboring general’s family. We shared interests in reading books over riding and archery and often studied together. Once, when I went to find him, I inadvertently overheard him talking with the general. He didn’t really like associating with me, and it was the general who forced him to. He always wanted to climb up the social ladder of the Marquis Mansion. Since the eldest brother was busy with his studies and Zhixu was seen as unruly by elders and still young, only I was around his age. I heard him telling the general that Xie Er was boring and strict, just a bookworm, and he didn’t want to be friends with me. He was crying, asking the general not to force him to come to the Marquis Mansion anymore. The general scolded him, calling him immature, and slapped him. He cried, saying he hated me and wished I would die from illness. Then no one would force him to be with me. After that, I never interacted with him again. I didn’t hate him; I just didn’t want to make things difficult for anyone. Later, the general’s family was convicted, and the whole family exiled. He came to beg me to plead for them, but the charges were set by my father. As a son, how could I plea? At that time, he said many harsh words, and my elder brother threw him out of the mansion. After that, I lost all interest in making friends. Given my unlikable nature, those who approached me for friendship were likely after the Marquis’s reputation, not a genuine friendship."
Fang Chuning wanted to curse. Before meeting him, Ting Feng had even had a playmate, but he ended up with an ungrateful person. No wonder, back at the Marquis Mansion, when he was warm and eager, Ting Feng was indifferent.
Xie Jue said, "Most of the sons at the Imperial College come from noble families, many connected to the Marquis Mansion in various ways. My elder brother was focused solely on his studies, indifferent to socializing, only associating with his cousin. Many young lords tried to befriend me, but ultimately all failed. Even under family pressure, they were unwilling to truly connect with me. You can imagine how unlikable I am. Yet, for reasons unknown to me, you’re willing to put aside your pride and befriend me, despite my harsh words. We met too early, knowing each other’s roots, and in decades of emotions, our personalities aligned naturally. Everything happened naturally; there was neither instant attraction nor love developed over time, but more of a habit. We both are too comfortable in this relationship, comfortable enough that neither wants to end it or change it. You’re not one who likes change, and neither am I. The way you look at me after losing your memory, it’s too unfamiliar and too distant. I kept wondering, without the ties of childhood, as strangers, would you still feel for me? From reuniting in Yangzhou to Zhongzhou, I haven’t seen even a trace of love in your eyes. Then I had a selfish thought, wishing that before your memory returned, you could like me."
Fang Chuning felt heartache and anger. So many years of feelings, in your words, are just habit and companionship? You want me to slap you? But he had amnesia and couldn’t recall anything. Getting angry would expose him.
Besides, Ting Feng is cunning and might be provoking him intentionally. He couldn’t let Ting Feng lead his emotions. Deep breath, don’t get angry. He must be doing this on purpose!
But... really angry!
How could he call it habit!
His genuine feelings were fed to dogs!!!!!!!
"You just met the wrong people, forget that ungrateful one!" Fang Chuning couldn’t help but attack Xie Jue’s childhood friend, refusing to be led by Xie Jue’s emotions.
Thinking about it, he felt a wave of heartache.
Ever since he was young, Ting Feng faced many rumors due to his heritage and frail body, saying he was unlike the men of the Marquis Zhenbei Mansion. Fortunately, he took after the marquis, or else the rumors would be worse. He was always carefully protected, never leaving the mansion, surely longing for companionship. To have a playmate, an only friend, turned out to be reluctant, must have made him extremely sad to hear those words.
"Already forgotten!"
Fang Chuning sneered. No wonder he felt like he was hitting a cold wall for so long before Xie Jue would befriend him. He’d never heard Xie Jue mention this.
"Xie Tingfeng, it’s human nature to wish I’d still like you even after losing my memory. I understand. But reducing mutual affection to mere habit, I cannot agree." Fang Chuning tried to speak calmly, "Perhaps your nature isn’t likable, so what? You don’t need to please anyone, nor aim to be adored by everyone. Your birth is something most men in the world can only dream of, with a distinguished family background and integrity. You’re the most handsome man I’ve ever seen, and the rare quality is your vast knowledge and experience. As a son, you are filial to your parents. As a courtier..."
He initially wanted to say loyalty and courage, but the Xie Family had already betrayed the Yuwen Dynasty. Fang Chuning said, "You are considerate of the people and strive for justice. Most importantly, as a noble son, you have no bad habits. Traveling north with you, aside from being a bit aloof, you’re nearly perfect without a flaw. Anyone with eyes would admire you. Those who didn’t associate with you weren’t disgusted but fearful. A cool nature isn’t a flaw you need to dwell on."
The more he spoke, the more he felt that Xie Jue was intentionally provoking him! 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂
Ting Feng has always been extremely proud. How could he wallow over not having friends due to his aloof nature? It is impossible!!!
Being childhood friends with Xie Tingfeng for so many years, knowing each other’s temper, not only is he proud and arrogant, apart from a few select individuals, he really doesn’t care about others! Ting Feng isn’t the kind to reciprocate kindness without reason; what he seeks is compatibility in temperament, rather than settling. In all these years, Fang Chuning never heard Xie Jue complain about lacking friends, nor envy that he had so many. By this, it was clear his words were half-truths.
Ah, all his careful thoughts directed at him.
Fang Chuning thought for a moment, and if that’s the case, then don’t blame me, "But... I really don’t like overly aloof people. I prefer lively, enthusiastic men, like Zhou Buyan or Cui Lansong. They are so easy and comfortable to be around."
Xie Jue, "..."
