Chapter 1917 - 1897:

Chapter 1917: Chapter 1897:

"...Are you sure?" The old man looked calm, as if he was certain He Wenyu would continue rather than be swayed away.

He Wenyu glared at the old man for a moment before collapsing, helplessly continuing to pull grass: "I’m just destined to toil!"

Who could have guessed... that old man had tempted her in advance... Compared to material rewards, what she needed more was strength!

An entire night’s busy work made it impossible for the two of them to get up the next day, but Mo was already at the scene early in the morning, as a dedicated ’watcher,’ Mo considered himself quite diligent.

After several days of successive selections, the first batch of 100 people moving forward would finally be announced in the afternoon.

That’s right, from a few thousand down to one hundred, it’s unavoidable, even though the first stage wasn’t very reasonable, nonetheless... ’all explanations owned by the academy,’ it’s the importance of the right to explain.

Whatever you assume, they’re the ones explaining, as long as they’re happy.

Moreover, the selection standards were arbitrary, maybe due to good looks, or perhaps due to timidity, entirely by chance...

Cong Ying, even without looking, knew she’d be selected, so she didn’t follow the crowd outside, choosing instead to stay hidden in her room.

After all, even stepping out cautiously these days she could spot Lin Jiayou looking around for something.

She was already very clear about what he was searching for, and even she couldn’t understand why she had to hide.

Clearly she hadn’t done anything wrong, why did she feel as if she had done something wrong? And dared not meet him?

But even though she thought this way, her hesitation continued, stubbornly staying out of sight, not wanting any contact with Lin Jiayou.

Although she knew those words were unintended on his part, her heart was still hurt. However, after so many days, she wasn’t as upset anymore, but still couldn’t just forgive him that easily.

Like Shiliu and Shiqi said, he needs a lesson.

Otherwise, he completely doesn’t know who he is, or the vastness of the world.

Hmph, saying such things? What does he mean by not begging her? Even without begging, don’t come looking for her, right? Even if he finds her, it’s pointless, she won’t foolishly give her heartfelt loyalty to the wrong person, and end up with emptiness and sorrow!

Of course, Lin Jiayou hasn’t found her yet, so why should she care? Let’s see when he finds her!

Especially, this person doesn’t even realize that she has been good to him! If not for him, not for the young Lin Nianan, why should she be entangled here for the deceased Princess’s wish?

She’s no fool! If he doesn’t wise up, she deservedly torments him!

Although she’s unsure whether Lin Jiayou is here to apologize or to scold, instinctively she opts to see the positive side, Cong Ying finds small pleasures...

Meanwhile, Lin Jiayou was indeed already in front of the notice board, clasping his hands in prayer: "Heavens, please don’t let her be there..."

This isn’t a good errand at all, he truly couldn’t comprehend why this idiot wanted to participate on impulse?

With so many people, there could be danger at any time! Not to mention, Cong Ying, Luo Qianqian, and He Wenyu are not like others; they have no one to protect them, nor are they strong, so even if they lose, they’d be bullied!

Hence, for now, he can only rely on prayer to calm himself down.

But the number secretly asked about was blatantly there; he couldn’t worry about his panic, he grabbed some pastries and rushed to the inn...

Indeed, he wasn’t a fool, the pastries from Forget Worries Tea House were ’hard currency,’ always provoking inquiry or barter when taken out!

Therefore, with these, he had already obtained the news.

Previously, he just hadn’t figured out how to face Cong Ying, considering the Eldest Princess passed away not long ago, wouldn’t any immediate actions seem too insensitive?

Moreover, with a child watching, how could he let the Princess go unnoticed by her child? Wouldn’t that render the sacrifices made by this mother to protect her child meaningless?

However, he couldn’t afford to think about that now; he must persuade Cong Ying to withdraw! If Cong Ying isn’t convinced, he would turn to Luo Qianqian and He Wenyu to orchestrate something internally!

If not for fearing disdain from these youngsters, he wouldn’t have wanted to resort to such tactics.

But Cong Ying was different, he had already said those things to her, no harm in a few more. Even if he apologizes, those words would leave a permanent mark in his heart.

He knew this all too well, right?

Just like the deepest scars he received came from family, from his father’s mom...

A bitter smile crossed his face as he thought of his father.

His father only pursued An Zilan after gaining his consent, didn’t he? Without his approval, Lin Xu would remain single, avoiding anything that might hurt him.

So how could he possibly let his own child be hurt?

He wished to consult his child’s opinion too, just like his father...

Most importantly, Cong Ying hadn’t seen much of the world yet; he didn’t want her saying anything, letting the child know any more, thus missing the intention.

So even regretful for his spoken words, his heart remained indecisive.

"Knock knock."

Hearing the knocking, Cong Ying curiously opened the door; she hadn’t ordered any food or drink, nor anything else, so who else could it be? Could it be Shiliu and Shiqi?

Just opening the door, she saw that familiar face, immediately froze, and was ready to close the door.

She had no desire to see this person now!

"Wait!" Lin Jiayou unapologetically blocked the door with a serious expression: "You can throw a tantrum, be angry, but don’t joke with your life. You’re aware of the academy’s condition, hurry up and withdraw from the competition!"

Cong Ying found it both infuriating and amusing; aware she felt uncomfortable yet no apology? What’s this accusatory tone about?

"May I ask from what angle this fellow cultivator speaks to me with such words? What qualification do they have to say this? Little lady doesn’t recall having a family member like you." Saying so, she moved to close the door, but Lin Jiayou forcefully squeezed into the doorway, blocking her action.

"Cong Ying, stop fooling around, this is for your own good." Lin Jiayou said with an exceedingly poor complexion.

"For my own good? Many things are ’for my good.’ Do I need to do them all? Even if I didn’t see the rankings, looking at your demeanor, I know I’ve successfully advanced, but thanks for delivering the news!"