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Join the ServerUpon returning home, Wei Xiuyuan hastily ate a meal, took a bath, and promptly fell asleep on his bed.
Ji Xiao did not return to his own residence; instead, he remained at the Wei household, accompanying Wei Xiuyuan until the examination results were posted.
“I’ve already sent someone to check the results,” Ji Xiao stated. “We can simply wait here at home.”
Hearing Ji Xiao’s words, Wei Xiuyuan remained impassive. Wei Mother and Wei Xiuqin, however, exchanged a worried glance, each seeing their own apprehension mirrored in the other’s eyes.
Both Wei Xiuyuan and Ji Xiao appeared perfectly calm and composed.
Wei Mother and Wei Xiuqin, however, kept exchanging glances from time to time.
Then, Qiu Zhi’s voice rang out from outside: “Young Master! Young Master—Young Master Wei passed!”
Wei Xiuqin immediately rose to open the door.
Qiu Zhi, face flushed with excitement, rushed in. “Young Master Wei took first place! It’s the top spot!”
If the palace examination went smoothly, he might even become the *Zhuangyuan*!
Ji Xiao’s eyes curved into a smile. “Congratulations, Ziyan.”
Ultimately, this was different from the original plot.
Unlike Chen Xiao, the original host, Ji Xiao was not insatiably demanding nor unskilled, which had repeatedly caused Wei Xiuyuan discomfort.
Ji Xiao was different.
He allowed Wei Xiuyuan to relax, to enjoy himself, and never took excessively, always knowing his limits.
Wei Xiuyuan’s usually cool eyes held a faint, clear smile. “Thank you.”
Wei Mother abruptly stood. “I’ll go prepare the reward silver.”
The messengers who arrived later to deliver the good news received not only the reward silver from Wei Mother but also a generous sum from Ji Xiao. They beamed, their mouths unable to close, and showered the family with endless praise.
Neighbors, having heard the news, also came one after another to offer their congratulations.
****
That night.
Wei Xiuqin quietly slipped into Wei Mother’s room, whispering, “Mother, look at Brother and Brother Xiao, aren’t they… aren’t they…”
The joy on Wei Mother’s face faded, replaced by a trace of sorrow. “Wait until Yuan’er’s palace examination is over.”
Wei Xiuqin nodded heavily.
In Wei Xiuyuan’s room.
“If Ziyan becomes the *Zhuangyuan* and rises swiftly through the ranks, will you abandon me?”
Wei Xiuyuan replied indifferently, “Have I ever promised you anything? If I haven’t, how can I abandon you?”
Ji Xiao’s eyes widened. “All this time, we… I thought we were already… Could it be that you’ve been toying with me?”
Black Cat: “…” [Though the Leader said to just watch, this feels really uncharacteristic.]
[Host has changed, QAQ.]
Wei Xiuyuan lowered his gaze. “You are merely mistaken for now. Given enough time…”
Ji Xiao pounced on him, declaring fiercely, “Then I’ll tell you: no matter how much time passes, I want you, every day.”
“Nonsense!”
“Shh, lower your voice. Don’t let Aunt and your sister hear us.”
“Get down!”
“I won’t. You’re always saying one thing but meaning another. I want to see for myself if your heart truly holds me.”
“Ah, shameless!”
….
After the palace examination, Wei Xiuyuan indeed became the *Zhuangyuan*, parading through the streets on horseback.
He possessed an exceptionally handsome appearance and a cool, ethereal demeanor, drawing countless gazes.
A flicker of coldness deepened in his eyes as he recalled the emperor’s subtle offer of marriage in the palace, which he had politely declined.
In that moment, he had thought:
‘If I had accepted the imperial marriage, a shameless person like Chen Xiao would surely cause a huge scene, leading to utter loss of face.’
‘I am not in a hurry to marry, so there is no need.’
But was that truly the only reason?
Knowing that Wei Xiuyuan would be busy today after becoming the *Zhuangyuan*, Ji Xiao first returned to the Chen residence.
Having been away for many days, Steward Chen had been waiting anxiously, almost straining his eyes.
Recalling Qiu Zhi’s comment that Steward Chen was about to send a carrier pigeon to Mother Chen at the Chen residence, Ji Xiao simply went back to check in.
****
That night.
Wei Xiuyuan returned to his residence after attending a banquet, his clothes carrying the scent of wine.
He did not see Ji Xiao, only his mother and sister sitting together, waiting for him.
“Mother and Sister, why are you still awake?”
Wei Mother looked at his cheeks, flushed red from the alcohol, and said, “Yuan’er, now that you’ve passed the imperial examination and become the *Zhuangyuan*, matchmakers will likely be knocking on our door starting tomorrow.”
Wei Xiuyuan paused.
“You’re not young anymore; this marriage…”
“Mother,” Wei Xiuyuan interrupted her, “This matter is not urgent. After I’ve established myself…”
Wei Mother’s eyes suddenly reddened. “When you came of age, you said you wanted to focus on your studies. When you passed the imperial examination, you said you’d wait to establish yourself. After you establish yourself, then what? When will it ever be the right time?”
Wei Xiuyuan: “Mother…”
Wei Mother stared intently at him. “Yuan’er, tell Mother the truth: do you… do you like men?”
Wei Xiuyuan’s heart trembled.
‘Could it be that Mother noticed Chen Xiao lingering here all this time?’
He opened his mouth with difficulty. “Mother…”
“Kneel!”
“…”
Without a word, Wei Xiuyuan lifted the hem of his robe and knelt steadily.
Wei Mother stumbled, caught by Wei Xiuqin.
“You actually knelt! You’ve admitted it, haven’t you?”
Before Wei Xiuyuan could respond, a knock sounded from outside the door.
You’ve got to see this next! This Time, I Will Never Let You Go will keep you on the edge of your seat. Start reading today!
Read : This Time, I Will Never Let You Go
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