Chapter 171 (1/2)

Chapter 171: Seeking Attention

”Enough,” Nan Xun snapped, cutting Rong'er off mid-sentence. His cold gaze landed heavily on Rong'er. ”You're only making me hate you more. Do you know how much I despise you now? If you have even a little shame left in you, you'll disappear from my view. I truly cannot stand looking at you for another second.”

Rong'er was rendered speechless. She had always fancied herself a beautiful woman. It was the first time a man insulted her like this. She stared at Nan Xun, who had already turned away from her. He was proving his point through his actions.

Rong'er was a woman after all. She couldn't stand staying here after being insulted by Nan Xun. She felt her eyes sting as tears streamed down her cheeks. Even in this state, she refused to let Jun Huang off the hook. She hurled insults at Jun Huang as she stormed away.

Jun Huang wasn't going to pay any attention to Rong'er, but her words had hit Jun Huang where she was most tender. She froze.

Rong'er didn't notice Jun Huang's reaction. She ran away crying with her seniors s.h.i.+elding her from the outside world.

Nan Xun knew the pain Jun Huang kept to herself. Her face had gone as pale as sheet. He took Jun Huang's hand in his. ”Don't pay any attention to other people's words. You should not be weighed down by them. Don't let those with ulterior motives hurt you. Don't let them win.”

Jun Huang looked up at him. His eyes were more serious than ever. She nodded after a pause and smiled. ”I know.”

Her smile dropped off as quickly as it appeared. In its place was a deep frown. Nan Xun pursed his lips. It was Rong'er's fault. It was already rare enough for Jun Huang to be happy. Rong'er's insults had put a damper on Jun Huang's mood.

The audience turned their attention back to the stage. Jun Huang didn't want to stay here anymore. She looked up at the blue sky before walking away with a sigh. She wanted to return to the inn.

After some deliberation, Nan Xun caught Jun Huang's hand when she turned away. Jun Huang frowned at their entwined hands. Her heart was pounding hard, but she kept her expression in check. She looked at Nan Xun, waiting for him to explain.

Nan Xun was worried that he had crossed a line. He let go of Jun Huang's hand with an awkward smile. After a moment of silence, he said, ”You're in a bad mood. Staying in the inn may only make you feel worse. We haven't had a chance to look around in Yun Town since our arrival. The weather is nice today. How about we go out for a walk? We can find peace in this bustling city.”

Jun Huang hummed. It was as Nan Xun said. They had tread through every part of the town looking for Jun Hao and Yin Yun. Never had they stopped to look at the scenery. Yun Town never left an impression on them. They should remedy that. It would be a good outlet for her foul mood.

She nodded with a faint smile. Her face regained some of its usual color.

Nan Xun let out a sigh of relief. He feared that Jun Huang would be trapped by her pain and decided to shut everything and everyone out like a celestial being.

He knew that there was no celestials in the world. Those who were known to be outside the mortal realm were simply put on the pedestal by others. If there was going to be a celestial being in the world, however, it would be Jun Huang – with her fine features and distant smile, she possessed such a surreal grace.

She was dressed in men's clothes, but her aura was captivating. How could anyone not be infatuated with her?

Nan Xun didn't understand why Rong'er kept taunting Jun Huang. He came to the conclusion that she was jealous of Jun Huang's grace.

Jun Huang took a few steps before realizing that Nan Xun had stopped walking. She frowned. What was with him? She turned around to look at him and asked, ”What?”

”Nothing. Let's go.” Nan Xun jogged up to her with a quiet laugh. He suddenly wanted to hold Jun Huang's hand, but he didn't know if Jun Huang would allow that. He tilted his head toward Jun Huang and smiled.

”If there's anything you set your eyes on today,” Nan Xun said slowly, earnestly. ”Tell me. Even if I have to pay a thousand gold, I will do so willingly to get a smile from you.”

If those words had been uttered by anyone else, Jun Huang would consider them to be shameless men who didn't know what boundaries were. From Nan Xun, however, she didn't feel being taken advantage of. Her earlobes burned hot.

Silence stretched. Jun Huang jokingly asked, ”How many times has Your Highness said that to a woman?”

Jun Huang's eyes were as clear as crystal. Hidden inside was her vision for an ideal world – there would be no killings. Only peace and harmony. She wanted to make this chaotic world a prosperous country where everyone could lead a happy life.

”Only once,” Nan Xun said. His honesty was clear in his eyes. Jun Huang had meant the question as a joke. Nan Xun's serious response caused her to forget what she was going to say.

Awkwardness filled the s.p.a.ce between them. Jun Huang was caught off guard by Nan Xun's response. She looked away bashfully and coughed.