Chapter 123: Reckless Brother!

The Yu Heart Lock. It was the heirloom of the Ling family, passed down through more generations than anyone could count.

According to the clan elders, the Ling family had been a prominent household since the Song Dynasty. Through countless storms and the shifting tides of history, they had remained steadfast. Whenever disaster or war ravaged the land, the Ling family always managed to rise from the ashes, reclaiming their status as a local powerhouse.

They owed it all to this Yu Heart Lock.

Legend had it that the lock was acquired by a Ling ancestor long ago. This ancestor had originally been a poor woodcutter who, through a stroke of good fortune, helped a master of the Way. In gratitude, the master gifted him the Yu Heart Lock. From the moment he possessed it, the ancestor’s luck turned; everything he touched turned to gold. Over time, he built a clan that flourished and grew, passing the treasure down through the ages to the present day.

Twenty years ago, the Ling family had been far more powerful than they were now. In the Jiangnan Province of that era, there were four great families, and the Ling house held a seat among them.

But one night, twenty years ago, the Yu Heart Lock suddenly "vanished." From that day on, the Ling family’s fortunes plummeted. Fortunately, the family possessed a deep foundation, and through sheer persistence, they managed to stabilize at their current standing. To the common eye, the Lings were still a wealthy, influential family, but the truly great houses no longer held them in high regard.

"Yes." As Ling Qiu pondered this, Deng Ruyan gently stroked the Yu Heart Lock hanging around her neck. "The heirloom of your family was not lost; it was given to me. For this grace from Old Master Ling, I, Deng Ruyan, and the entire Deng family, will be forever grateful."

In that moment, everything became clear to Ling Qiu.

In simple terms, the Old Master had done the Deng family a favor, and Deng Ruyan wanted to repay that debt. She had chosen him—the grandson the Old Master doted on most—as the object of her repayment, intending to offer herself in marriage.

*Hmm...*

It was quite a cliché. But, it was also a very logical explanation. In Ling Qiu’s view, the Yu Heart Lock was likely a spiritual artifact capable of influencing one's destiny, given that it had protected the Ling family for so many years.

"May I take a look at it?" Ling Qiu asked.

Deng Ruyan smiled slightly, unclasped the lock, and walked slowly toward him. "There is no need to ask to borrow it. It is, after all, the treasure of your family. If you wish to take it back, I will not say a word."

Ling Qiu took the Yu Heart Lock and turned it over in his palm. Suddenly, his heart skipped a beat!

Indeed! It was a treasure!

The moment his skin touched it, he sensed an incredibly dense surge of spiritual energy! Within that energy lay a complex, miniature formation. It seemed that Deng Ruyan had spoken the truth.

"Since the Old Master gave it to you, I have no reason to take it back." Having figured it out, Ling Qiu returned the lock to her.

It was a valuable item, but Ling Qiu wasn't so desperate that he would snatch it away. For him, the lock was merely a source of spiritual energy to absorb, but in Deng Ruyan’s hands, it could save her life—and perhaps the entire Deng family.

Deng Ruyan smiled faintly and crouched down slightly. This movement caused the deep cleavage beneath the collar of her red dress to be clearly displayed before Ling Qiu’s eyes.

Even more startling was the realization: "Do you not wear a bra?" Ling Qiu couldn't help but ask.

Deng Ruyan’s face flushed slightly, but she didn't seem overly shy. "I'm living alone, so I didn't pay attention. We aren't strangers; if you want to look, you may."

"I don't," Ling Qiu said, looking away, though he admitted it was indeed tempting. "I’d rather not give you an excuse to really cling to me."

"I am not an unreasonable woman," Deng Ruyan said, biting her lip with a smile. "If you are willing to marry me, I will be your wife. If you are not, I will not force you. I can endure a life of solitude." She then turned her back to him. "Help me put it on."

Ling Qiu paused for two seconds of hesitation before reaching out to fasten the Yu Heart Lock back around her neck.

Deng Ruyan stood up, turned back, and gently stroked the lock on her chest with a soft smile. "Thank you."

Ling Qiu waved a hand. "No need to thank me. I know what I wanted to know. Now that we have met, let us go our separate ways."

Deng Ruyan stared into Ling Qiu’s eyes. Her gaze was gentle and calm, as bright as the stars. "May I ask one question?"

"Go ahead."

"Do you... have no feelings for me at all?"

Feelings? Ling Qiu rubbed his chin. Looking at her patience just now, her demeanor, her attitude, and her strong sense of gratitude, she was indeed a woman who was hard to dislike.

"A little."

"Only a little?"

"Yes, only a little."

"Then, if I were to say... that as long as you marry me, I can not only help you ascend to the position of head of the Ling family, but also use the resources of the Deng family to restore your house to its former glory—would your feelings for me grow any more?"

Ling Qiu’s eyes narrowed. "Congratulations. You have just eroded the tiny bit of affection I had left for you."

Deng Ruyan: "???"

Even as clever as she was, she was stunned. What did that mean?

What she had just said was a remarkably generous promise... why would it have diminished his affection?

In that moment, she suddenly felt that she really could not read this man, Ling Qiu. She had been observing him for some time. From her initial impression of him as a good-for-nothing to discovering his hidden talents, she had faintly felt that the Old Master’s choice of Ling Qiu as his sole heir had its reasons. Out of respect for the Old Master, she trusted his judgment.

Therefore, she had always believed that Ling Qiu was a dragon among men, only lacking a stage upon which to perform. But no matter what, she had never felt that he was beyond her understanding.

Yet, at this moment, she was truly confused. She knew she was exceptional—highly exceptional—but she was not a narcissist. She didn't believe that just because she was talented, every man must fall for her at first sight. But Ling Qiu’s indifferent, casual attitude was something she simply could not fathom. She knew, deep down, that it wasn't an act.

"Although I don't know what angered you, I must apologize," Deng Ruyan said, her voice slow and steady.

"I can tell that you consider yourself a humble person," Ling Qiu said suddenly. "But in fact, you are the opposite."

Deng Ruyan raised her eyes, looking at him in confusion.

"You repaying a debt is your own business," Ling Qiu continued. "It has nothing to do with me. Do you understand?"

With that, he turned and left, never looking back.

Deng Ruyan was left standing there, dazed, trying to decipher his words. However, just as Ling Qiu was about to push the door open to leave, the door was suddenly pounded upon.

"Sister! Open the door!"