Chapter Twenty-Nine: A Complete Rupture

The atmosphere in the drawing room grew heavy and oppressive. Qin Feiyang felt somewhat ill at ease. Rising from his seat, he cupped his hands and said, “Honored elders, I’ll take a stroll outside.”

“Qin Feiyang, don’t wander off,” came a warning before any of the four elders could reply. “You should know which places you may go in the Lin household, and which ones you may not.” The two young men spoke in succession, their words laden with hidden meaning.

“Thank you for the reminder,” Qin Feiyang replied with a faint smile. Turning on his heel, he exited the hall and began to wander aimlessly through the Lin estate.

Along the way, the servants he encountered looked at him with gratitude. Yet very few actually stepped forward to thank him. They had all noticed that Young Master Baili’s kindness to Qin Feiyang was only a façade. As servants of the Lin family, they had to be clear-eyed about the situation and align themselves with whoever would benefit them most.

Qin Feiyang, born into a royal household, had been surrounded by intrigue and rivalry since childhood. He understood the hearts of such people all too well. So he paid them no mind. On the contrary, he even felt a measure of pity for them.

Without realizing it, he had walked into a secluded path lined on both sides with flowerbeds bursting with colorful blooms, each vying for attention. The rich fragrance of the blossoms was intoxicating. He stopped, lifting his gaze to the scene ahead.

At the end of the path stood an exquisite pavilion, with a clear stream winding gracefully before it. In the water, beautiful fish swam together in joyful shoals. The place was tranquil, filled with a gentle serenity and peace.

“How did I end up here, almost unconsciously?” Qin Feiyang murmured to himself.

He was in the rear courtyard of the Lin family’s estate. The pavilion ahead was where Lin Yiyi resided. He had been here once before, so the place was not unfamiliar.

“I knew some people would never change their ways. Look at that—he really did come looking for Lin Yiyi. Shameless!”

“Qin Feiyang, Lin Yiyi is not yet married. You, a grown man, barging into her residence—what exactly are your intentions?” Just then, two voices, mocking and sarcastic, rang out behind him.

Qin Feiyang turned, his brows knitting in slight annoyance. The two young men from the Pill Hall and Martial Hall were striding toward him, their eyes filled with a playful malice.

“Don’t the Pill Hall and Martial Hall usually despise each other? Why are you two suddenly so chummy?” Qin Feiyang taunted. “Unless you have some special… tastes? Perhaps a liking for each other?”

He glanced at them with a wicked grin. “You know, a certain fondness for your own gender?”

“Say that again if you dare!” Their faces darkened, eyes flashing with cold anger.

“Don’t worry, I won’t look down on you. I’ll even offer my heartfelt blessings. After all, true love is rare!” Qin Feiyang laughed, striding past them with a broad grin, not looking back as he retraced his steps.

“True love?” “Blessings?” The two were left dumbfounded. When they finally came to their senses, they exchanged a horrified look, then turned away, clutching their stomachs as if they might retch.

Their minds were in turmoil. This wretched scoundrel—how dare he!

“Qin Feiyang, stop right there!” they shouted after him, struggling to contain their disgust and fury. “If you don’t explain yourself, don’t even think of leaving today!”

Qin Feiyang glanced back, the corners of his mouth curling up, and quickly returned to the drawing room. The two young men, flushed and out of breath, stormed in after him.

“Why don’t you keep running?” one barked. “If I don’t teach you a lesson today, I’ll change my surname!”

They blocked his way, eyes cold and faces grim.

“Hm?” Luo Qianxue and the others looked on in confusion. How could they be so angry after merely stepping outside?

Qin Feiyang glanced at his pursuers, then turned to the suspicious-looking Lords of the Martial Hall and Third Hall. “Are you simply going to let these two run amok here?”

The two elders immediately stood up.

“What are you two doing? This is the Lin household. Such rudeness—what do you take it for? Liu Yun, stand down!” the Martial Hall Lord barked.

“Yin Chuan, you behave yourself as well!” the Third Hall Lord followed up sternly.

Liu Yun looked at his master with a wounded expression. “Master, how can you blame me? It was Qin Feiyang who caused trouble first. He said that Chuan and I…”

Qin Feiyang sprawled carelessly into a seat, his tone sly. “Said what? Why not tell everyone, so we can all share in your happiness?”

All eyes turned curiously to Liu Yun and Yin Chuan. But how could either of them bring themselves to say it? Heads bowed, hands clenched, they silently seethed, wishing they could flay Qin Feiyang alive.

“Shall I say it for you?” Qin Feiyang laughed brightly, his smile dazzling.

“Don’t push us too far!” they snapped furiously. “Qin Feiyang, beware retribution!”

Luo Qianxue rose to mediate, smiling. “Enough, enough. I’m sure it’s nothing serious. Let’s all take a step back.”

“Very well, for the Pavilion Master’s sake, I won’t stoop to your level,” Qin Feiyang replied magnanimously.

“What?” “Won’t stoop to our level?” Liu Yun and Yin Chuan were beside themselves with rage. Could he be any more shameless?

“What’s going on? Why are tempers so flared?” The Lin family’s patriarch, the steward, Lin Yiyi, and Lin Baili entered the drawing room in succession, noting the angry expressions on Liu Yun and Yin Chuan with confusion.

“They’re young. A little friction is inevitable. Pay it no mind,” the Third Hall Lord said with a laugh.

The Lin patriarch shot a cold glance at Qin Feiyang, then smiled. “Yiyi, aren’t you going to greet the elders?”

Lin Yiyi bowed gracefully. “Greetings, uncles, Aunt Luo. If there has been any lack in hospitality, please forgive me.”

Luo Qianxue smiled. “Today, you are the star. No need to be so formal.”

“Please, everyone, be seated,” the Lin patriarch said, taking the main seat and inviting the others to sit. Lin Yiyi and Lin Baili took their seats to his left and right.

Lin Yiyi’s attire today was especially striking. She had shed her usual practical garb in favor of a floor-length white gown. Her already-beautiful face, carefully adorned, was now even more enchanting. Her long, dark hair fluttered gently in the breeze, lustrous and black. Though she no longer exuded the heroic vigor of before, there was now a refined elegance about her. Her figure was graceful and shapely.

From the moment she entered, Liu Yun and Yin Chuan had not taken their eyes off her, gazing in open infatuation. Qin Feiyang, by contrast, merely cast a bland glance her way before lowering his head to sip his tea.

Lin Yiyi, in turn, looked at him, her gaze equally calm and distant.

Lin Baili rose and swept his gaze over those assembled, pausing meaningfully on Qin Feiyang before smiling. “First, on behalf of the Lin family, I would like to thank you all for honoring us with your presence at Yiyi’s fifteenth birthday celebration.”

Qin Feiyang frowned. Who was this man, to speak for the Lin family?

“Originally, Uncle Lin planned to wait until Yiyi’s coming-of-age ceremony at sixteen to hold a banquet,” Lin Baili continued. “But tomorrow morning, Yiyi and I will be leaving for Yan City, and it may be years before we return—perhaps, we may never return to Iron Ox Town. So, after discussing it with Uncle Lin, we decided to host everyone today to express our gratitude for your care of the Lin family over the years.”

“Yan City!” The Third Hall Lord and the others exchanged looks, a flicker of surprise in their eyes.

Luo Qianxue asked, “Baili, does this mean you are from the Lin family of Yan City?”

“That’s right,” Lin Baili replied with a nod.

Understanding dawned on the elders. As the leading figures of Iron Ox Town, their knowledge far exceeded that of others; the Lin family of Yan City was no stranger to them. Not only was it a house of deep heritage, they had intermarried with the royal family for generations. With royal support, the Lin family wielded great power in Yan City, unchallenged by other clans. It now made sense: the Lin family of Iron Ox Town was evidently a branch of the illustrious Lin family of Yan City.

Lin Baili smiled again. “Let me share more good news. When Yiyi turns sixteen, she will marry into the royal family. Then, all of Iron Ox Town will bask in that glory.”

Qin Feiyang’s head snapped up to look at Lin Baili. Seeing his reaction, Lin Baili’s smile grew even broader, his eyes openly scornful.

Qin Feiyang caught the look, drew a deep breath, set down his teacup, and said coolly, “So you invited me here today just to flaunt the strength of your Lin family before me? I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed. I truly don’t see what’s so impressive about your family.”

A shocked silence fell over the gathering. No one had expected Qin Feiyang to speak so bluntly before the whole Lin family, offering them not the slightest courtesy.

The Lin patriarch, Lin Baili, and the steward, Lin Yong, all wore dark expressions. Lin Yiyi simply bowed her head in silence; no one could guess her thoughts.

Qin Feiyang stood tall and turned to Lin Yiyi, his face filled with disappointment.

“Do you know?” he said quietly. “Ever since you told me you wanted to cut ties, I kept wondering if you had some hidden trouble. Or if your father was forcing you. I even thought about how I might help you. Only now do I realize it was all wishful thinking on my part.”

“So, you and your father thought I liked you, feared I’d pester you, and would hinder your marriage to the royal family. You even went so far as to frame me, to threaten me with leverage. Truly, your planning runs deep.”

“To be honest, I’ve always considered you my best friend. If you can marry into the royal family, I ought to be happy for you, not do anything to stand in your way. Unfortunately, you’ve made a grave mistake.”

“Here and now, before everyone, I swear: from this day forth, there will be a clean break between Qin Feiyang and Lin Yiyi. We will never cross paths again.”

“As for this”—he gave a short laugh, taking out a jade bangle and tossing it at Lin Yiyi’s feet—“I was still debating whether to give it to you. But now, I find it suits you perfectly. Please, accept it.”

Everyone present was a person of status and discernment. One glance was enough to see that the bangle was a cheap trinket from a street vendor. To offer such a thing as a birthday gift was a clear and deliberate insult to Lin Yiyi and the Lin family.

The Lin patriarch clenched his fists, his eyes filled with murderous intent. Were it not for the guests, he might have killed Qin Feiyang on the spot.

“A person’s worth matches their adornments. Lin Yiyi, you deserve nothing better than this cheap bauble,” Qin Feiyang said coldly, throwing down these words before striding out of the hall without a backward glance.