Chapter 93.3: The General's Daughter Who Eloped with the Lowly Stage Actor (1)
Tang YingShao, a young man with promising prospects, had the advantage of receiving both traditional Chinese education and a Western education during his earlier years abroad. This diverse education endowed him with extensive knowledge, refined manners, and eloquent speech. In his family, Tang YingShao held the position of the second son, with an elder brother assisting their father and a younger sister assisting their mother with daily tasks. This allowed Tang YingShao the freedom to focus on his own pursuits. Upon his return to ShangHai, he took the initiative to establish a bank, capitalizing on his family connections and the support of friends. Within a short period of time, he successfully established himself as a prominent figure in ShangHai's business community. Tang YingShao possessed intelligence, wealth, a prestigious family background, and handsome looks, which made him the target of numerous women's affections. As a sought-after bachelor, he enjoyed the lively social scene in ShangHai. However, a few days ago, his family arranged a marriage proposal for him with Xue HeZe, marking a turning point in his life as a bachelor.
With a seven-year age gap between them, Xue HeZe and Tang YingShao were a striking couple. Xue HeZe, a woman of remarkable beauty, and Tang YingShao, a tall and handsome man, garnered praise from those unfamiliar with their respective backgrounds. However, those acquainted with them couldn't help but anticipate the amusing scenarios that might unfold between the two behind closed doors.
Xue HeZe openly expressed her admiration for Qian YunSheng, while Tang YingShao played the role of Qian YunSheng's behind-the-scenes patron. The intricate dynamics between these three individuals left onlookers eagerly anticipating the potential drama that would unfold if they were ever brought together. It was a spectacle that no one wanted to miss!
"Do you not find it surprising? Well, I, on the other hand, am rather taken aback. How did you manage to find your way here and specifically seek me out?" Gu MingYue smoothed out the carefully styled waves of her hair, adjusting them elegantly with her fingertips, before taking a seat on a nearby chair.
Tang YingShao responded with a subtle smile, shaking his head and speaking in a nonchalant tone, "Miss Xue, with your remarkable intelligence, I believe you are well aware of the reason behind my presence here. So, what's with the feigned ignorance?"
With his words, Tang YingShao directly addressed Gu MingYue's pretence, leaving little room for her to manoeuvre. It seemed like he intended to make her uncomfortable, and she was uncertain of how to proceed.
The atmosphere instantly turned awkward, and an uncomfortable silence settled between them.
Hidden beneath her facade, Gu MingYue clenched her teeth in secret frustration. This Tang YingShao was truly detestable. If she were the real Xue HeZe, his provoking words would have ignited a fiery rage within her, tearing apart any semblance of civility.
But alas, she was not the infatuated Xue HeZe, and she refused to let Tang YingShao's words get under her skin like an annoying pest.
"Well, the rumours on the streets may not always be reliable... However, in this particular instance, I must reluctantly admit their accuracy," Gu MingYue spoke calmly, her eyes lowered. Her long, fluttering eyelashes concealed the emotions swirling within.
"Haha... Interesting, this is truly interesting......"
Contrary to his expectations of seeing Gu MingYue's furious reaction, Tang YingShao burst into laughter, his gaze fixated on the woman standing before him. She wore a delicate pink silk blouse with intricately embroidered blossoms, paired with a flowing skirt adorned with layered lotus leaf edges. As he continued to observe her, his eyes gleamed with increasing fascination.
Although they had recently become engaged, their rushed betrothal had prevented them from meeting in person until now.
Xue HeZe, the esteemed daughter of the Xue family, exceeded all expectations of her beauty, even surpassing her appearance in photographs.
Her lustrous black curls cascaded down her shoulders like silk, with a pearl hairpin adorning one side, securing it behind her ear. The delicate fringe of her forehead gracefully rested upon her arched eyebrows. Her eyes were round and large, framed by long, curled lashes. The deep, glistening pupils resembled polished black onyx, shimmering with a watery radiance. Her straight nose and petite nostrils perfectly complemented her exquisite small mouth, resembling the vibrant petals of a freshly bloomed rose. Her flawless porcelain skin, with no visible pores even upon close inspection, possessed a smooth and radiant texture. Furthermore, her slender and well-proportioned figure showcased her alluring curves, exuding an aura of elegance and grace.
Judging by her appearance alone, it was clear why Tang YingShao agreed to this arranged marriage. Observing her composed demeanour and eloquent speech revealed a depth of character beyond the rumours of a whimsical and spoiled young lady. It was clear that she would make a capable and poised wife, able to maintain their social status and uphold the family's reputation.
Tang YingShao had planned to meet Qian YunSheng in private to express his dissatisfaction with the engagement. However, after encountering Gu MingYue, his thoughts took an unexpected turn, and he sincerely considered marrying her instead.
Consequently, meeting with Qian YunSheng as originally planned would no longer be feasible.
Leaving on his own was an option, but leaving her behind...
Tang YingShao stood up, retrieved his jacket from the chair back, and approached Gu MingYue with his hand outstretched. To no surprise, he was completely disregarded.
Just as he thought.
"HeZe, until next time." Tang YingShao, maintaining his composure, smiled as he withdrew his hand, before gracefully pushing open the door to leave.
Though he felt a hint of reluctance, perhaps he needed to come up with a plan to temporarily send Qian YunSheng away from ShangHai. SuZhou seemed like a suitable place...
Upon reaching the corridor, Tang YingShao coincidentally crossed paths with Qian YunSheng, who was heading back to the dressing room.
With a faint smile, Tang YingShao lightly patted Qian YunSheng's shoulder, and for the first time, left without exchanging any words.
"Ah, what do we have here?" Wen ChuanXi leaned against the wall with his arms crossed while a smirk of satisfaction beamed on his face. He subtly gestured with his chin towards Qian YunSheng's dressing room and commented, "Fierce. Drove him away so easily."
So that's what happened.
Understanding the situation immediately, Qian YunSheng disregarded Wen ChuanSi's insincere "concern." And with a composed demeanour, he entered the dressing room and promptly closed the door behind him, shielding himself from prying eyes.
New arc! I've personally not read this arc before, so I'll be reading it as I translate. Please do let me know if there were some mistakes/mismatches in the story plot as it is also my first time reading the raws.
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