Chapter 8: Xiao Yan’s Special Hobby, Yan’er’s Second Target!
Wutan City, Xiao Family.
They had been waiting restlessly since early morning until noon finally arrived, mainly due to Qi Yan'er's insistence on having lunch before they entered the Xiao family hall.
The hall was spacious, filled with many members of the Xiao family whom Xiao Zhan had summoned.
After the formalities of seating the guests and hosts were observed, Qi Yan'er happily sat next to Nalan Yanran, enjoying the delicious food provided.
Nalan Yanran couldn't help but be bewildered by Qi Yan'er's appetite. Despite eating so much during their shopping spree earlier, the child's stomach seemed bottomless.
Xiao Zhan, seated at the head of the table, scanned the hall. His expression soured upon noticing Xiao Yan had yet to arrive.
For nothing else but the certainty that the three elders below would surely make an issue out of it!
True to expectations, the three elders of the Xiao family exchanged knowing glances with smiles, silently acknowledging each other's tacit understanding.
At the same time, led by the old housekeeper, Xiao Yan arrived outside the hall.
Dang Dang Dang.
After a few respectful knocks, Xiao Yan gently pushed the door open and entered.
Inside, he found the familiar figures of his father and the three indifferent elders seated at the top, along with influential members of the family on the left. On the right, there were three unfamiliar faces.
"Distinguished guests!"
Xiao Yan's penetrating gaze swept over the trio.
Among them, an elderly man with a smiling countenance caught Xiao Yan's attention. His demeanor was amiable, but the badge on his chest made Xiao Yan's heart sink.
A seven-star fighting master!
This seemingly friendly old man was two stars higher in rank than Xiao Yan's father, Xiao Zhan. It served as a stark reminder that appearances could be deceiving.
Next to the old man sat a beautiful woman and an adorable little girl!
Girls! !
As everyone knew, Xiao Yan had traveled through time. Though currently in his teens, his true age was nearly forty. He harbored a particular... penchant for girls.
Upon closer inspection, Xiao Yan found the girl incredibly cute! Her twin ponytails and remnants of food on her dainty mouth added to her charm.
Noticing someone staring at her, the girl lifted her head and met Xiao Yan's gaze.
Qi Yan'er immediately scrunched up her nose in disdain and pouted, "Yellow hair...!!!"
"Uh..."
Confused by the remark, Xiao Yan quickly averted his gaze guiltily.
He then set his eyes on the beautiful girl.
Around his age, she turned out to be much prettier than most girls from the Xiao family. Only Xun'er, who referred to herself as "Brother Xiao Yan's sister," could rival her.
A green jade pendant dangling from the girl's delicate earlobe produced a crisp sound with each sway, adding to her elegance.
However, her most striking feature was the intense adoration evident in her face and eyes, directed towards the little girl beside her.
Observing this tableau, Xiao Yan's heart twisted like a knife.
How old was she...
And she already had a daughter so old?
Then wasn't the girl's father also a beast?
No way!
Xiao Yan quickly shook off such thoughts, refusing to let himself be labeled a beast.
He had only harbored certain thoughts towards a four-year-old girl when he was "five years old"!
Hmph~
Xiao Yan scoffed inwardly.
Nalan Yanran, if you dare insult me today, I won't hesitate to retaliate against your daughter!
"Father, three elders!"
Xiao Yan hurried forward and respectfully bowed to the four elders in charge.
"Haha, Yan'er is here, please sit down," Xiao Zhan nodded in acknowledgement, signaling Xiao Yan to take his seat promptly.
Father and son shared an understanding.
Xiao Yan understood the silent cue: "Take your seat quickly to avoid any biting comments." Xiao Yan smiled and nodded, pretending not to notice the disdain and impatience in the eyes of the three elders.
But as he glanced across the hall, he realized there was no seat reserved for him at all!
This realization sent a shiver down Xiao Yan's spine.
It was as expected!
Xiao Zhan, who had been chatting with Ge Ye, also sensed the situation unfolding. He shot a furious glance at the second elder responsible for the seating arrangement.
"Second Elder, you..."
"Ahem, my apologies for forgetting about Third Young Master. You know how it is, Patriarch; he's never around," the second elder feigned self-blame, slapping his own forehead. "I'll have a seat arranged immediately!"
"Brother Xiao Yan, please sit here!"
Suddenly, a light-hearted voice echoed from the hall.
The three elders were momentarily stunned. Seeing the young girl, they hesitated and dared not press the matter further!
The girl's voice attracted the attention of everyone present, including Qi Yan'er, who was busy eating.
Curious, Qi Yan'er turned to look.
She spotted an elegant girl in a green dress holding a book, and couldn't help but be surprised.
"Sister Yanran, it seems Xiao Yan didn't expect things to turn out so easily!"
"Oh?"
Nalan Yanran was puzzled.
Qi Yan'er licked her lips mischievously, her eyes sparkling. "Have you considered this? If he were truly a useless wastrel, how could this girl, who seems even afraid of three old men, come to his rescue?"
"Ah," Nalan Yanran nodded in understanding, finding the logic sound.
However, she affirmed softly yet firmly, "So what? Regardless of whether he's a waste or a genius, Nalan Yanran will determine her own fate!"
"Okay~" Qi Yan'er took another bite of her apple, her adorable mouth moving cutely.
But those big, watery eyes were already locked on the girl in the corner.
Daddy~
Yan'er's second target... acquired!
---
Luofan Village.
"Ahh~"
Qi Fan, who had been napping, suddenly sneezed.
"That Yan'er girl must be thinking of me!"
"I wonder how she's doing now. Not a day goes by when she doesn't need me!"
---
In a corner of the Xiao family hall.
Xiao Xun'er smiled, her demeanor elegant and calm as she playfully winked at Xiao Yan.
Seeing Xun'er's smile, Xiao Yan touched the tip of his nose, and under the jealous gazes of many youths, he walked over.
"Thank you for your help earlier," Xiao Yan said with a wry smile.
Xiao Xun'er smiled gently and flipped open the ancient book in her hands with delicate fingers.
"Brother Xiao Yan, do you know who they are?" she asked.
"You know?" Xiao Yan asked, somewhat surprised.
Xun'er lifted her eyes to glance at the trio seated opposite.
"The cloud-colored silver sword insignia on their cuffs gives them away," she replied calmly.
"The Yunlan Sect!"
Xiao Yan's expression darkened.
Seeing his expression, Xiao Xun'er spoke calmly, "It seems Brother Xiao Yan already understands their intentions without needing me to spell it out."
"Xun'er~" Xiao Yan nodded, hesitating before asking tentatively, "Do you think... could that girl be her child?"
"..."
Surprised by the question, Xiao Xun'er paused.
How could Brother Xiao Yan, of all people, entertain such perverted and unreasonable thoughts?
Even though the cute girl seemed very young, she was at least six or seven years old.
If she were Nalan Yanran's child, it would mean Nalan Yanran was barely ten years older...
Realizing this, Xiao Xun'er's pretty face suddenly paled!
Her elegant eyes turned cold in an instant.
Could it be that this thought had crossed Brother Xiao Yan's mind while sitting next to her?
...
(End of Chapter 8)