Chapter 321 - Chapter 321: Chapter 329: Unexpected (1/2)
Chapter 321: Chapter 329: Unexpected
“I have known Shangguan Wuyou since we were children. We are all people from the same circle and have become good friends. He has always been quite spontaneous and casual in his ways. After all, he is not the eldest son of his family. Both his elder brothers are very outstanding, so he doesn’t need to shoulder as much responsibility. Everything he does is based on his personal inclinations. If it suits his temperament, then everything is easy to discuss; otherwise, he simply can’t be bothered. There are many who seek to ingratiate themselves with the Shangguan Family, as you have probably seen, but he can’t even be bothered to pay lip service. However, with the Shangguan Family’s support behind him, he does not have to worry about future troubles.”
When Deng Chen said this, his tone carried more admiration than anything else. Not everyone could afford to live like Shangguan Wuyou, who, despite his family background, had to withstand the temptations of power and desire. Like Deng Chen himself, who also yearned for such a life but was incapable of achieving it.
“I’ll take you over, introduce you, and let you meet him. If his attitude isn’t good, don’t take it to heart.” If it were an ordinary person, out of respect for their friendship, they would at least show some courtesy on the surface even if unwilling. However, with Shangguan Wuyou, Deng Chen really couldn’t say for sure. That’s why he made a point of saying this to Han Yu in advance, so it wouldn’t be too awkward if it didn’t work out.
“The Young Master Wuyou indeed lives such a carefree and unrestrained life. It is truly enviable,” Deng Chen said with a smile as he approached.
Shangguan Wuyou looked up at Deng Chen, but as for Han Yu standing by his side, he acted as if he didn’t see him unless he spoke up: “The world itself is free of troubles; it’s people who bring trouble upon themselves. If you’re willing, you can do the same.”
“I’m a mundane man unlike Brother Shangguan, burdened with too many thoughts and concerns, with too much I can’t let go of. Hence, I can only envy you from afar.”
“Everyone has their own way of living in this world; it all depends on your choices. As long as you have no regrets, that’s all that matters,” Shangguan Wuyou said before he went back to his wine and said no more.
Deng Chen and Han Yu exchanged glances, and then Han Yu stepped forward: “My name is Han Yu. I am honored to meet Young Master Wuyou.”
Since Shangguan Wuyou held an official position at the Imperial Court, he was present at the event. When Han Yu addressed Shangguan Wuyou in this manner, he was following Deng Chen’s advice. Shangguan Wuyou least appreciated the formalities of officialdom. Even with personal connections, it was best not to bring official status into the picture.
“So, you are the Han Yu who dealt with that lawless band of bandits. Quite courageous indeed,” Shangguan Wuyou said without much warmth in his voice. Hearing this, Deng Chen was delighted, knowing from his friend’s attitude that there was some admiration for Han Yu, and he felt more at ease.
Deng Chen had been worried that Shangguan Wuyou might not give Han Yu the time of day as Shangguan Wuyou generally disliked those who were sycophantic and obsequious. Though he knew Han Yu was not that kind of person and that Han Yu had gotten to where he was today on his own strength, even risking his life with only a small portion of it down to luck, others didn’t see it that way. Given Han Yu’s rapid rise at such a young age, there were plenty of rumors about him, some of which were unpleasant to hear.
“That is indeed me,” Han Yu responded straightforwardly, not downplaying his actions. His forthright demeanor seemed to match Shangguan Wuyou’s temperament.