Chapter 350: 357: Bound to Succeed

Smart people sometimes don’t need many words; just one look can reach mutual understanding between two men, making them more careful to protect the women by their sides.

Ye Xinxin was entirely in a state of excitement and didn’t notice the change in her man; Su Wenyue also carelessly forgot herself, eyeing the lively crowd, especially the exquisite flower lanterns on the arena, wanting to move forward a bit, only to be encircled by Han Yu.

Su Wenyue looked up at Han Yu, a bit puzzled and confused. Han Yu usually paid attention to his image when outside, maintaining a serious demeanor; why was he acting so, um, clingy today? He had been holding her hand the whole time and didn’t want to let go, and now he was wrapping his arms around her waist, a bit too intimately. Even Su Wenyue herself felt somewhat embarrassed.

“Husband, there are so many people around us, this isn’t very appropriate, is it?” Su Wenyue whispered to Han Yu, her face turning red, not knowing if it was from excitement or shyness.

Han Yu was merely thinking of keeping his daughter-in-law well within his protective range to prevent any unforeseen situations and hadn’t considered anything else. Catching sight of his daughter-in-law’s cute reaction, the corners of his mouth curved into a slightly evil smirk, as he began to entertain the idea of teasing Su Wenyue.

“Don’t worry, daughter-in-law, no one is paying attention to us. Besides, we’re husband and wife, even if someone noticed, it wouldn’t matter,” Han Yu said, his voice tinged with a hint of ambiguity, especially his hand movements which were hidden from curious eyes, making Su Wenyue even more nervous.

Su Wenyue’s round eyes scanned the people around her, fearful someone would spot Han Yu’s subtle actions, feeling a mix of a desire to cry and helplessness. She didn’t understand what had gotten into Han Yu, acting so recklessly in public, seriously challenging her limits. It was because of her nervousness that she ended up focusing all her attention on being on guard, failing to notice the trace of ridicule on Han Yu’s face.

If Han Yu had initially found his daughter-in-law’s shy and flustered appearance amusing, now he was genuinely laughing. He couldn’t help but let out a low, pleasant laugh, tinged with a seductive quality.

It was then that Su Wenyue realized Han Yu was teasing her. She relaxed a little inside but also felt a mix of annoyed embarrassment.

“Han Yu, you jerk, teasing me like this, making me so nervous, you bad guy! Bad guy!” Su Wenyue lightly punched Han Yu a few times. If it weren’t for the crowd, she wouldn’t have held back from teaching Han Yu a good lesson.

“Alright, enough with the teasing. If you keep at it, everyone’s attention will be on you,” said Han Yu, not because he wasn’t shameless enough, but because he disliked being so frivolous in the public eye. He hadn’t been able to resist earlier, as seeing his daughter-in-law’s adorable behavior made him uncharacteristically act on impulse. Now, he had returned to his usual serious self, especially with Shangguan Wuyou and his wife Ye Xinxin looking their way.

Su Wenyue immediately stopped her small movements when Han Yu said this, her face turning even redder as she realized people were looking in their direction. She mentally cursed Han Yu many times for embarrassing her like this.

“Sister Yue, you and your husband have such a great relationship, showing affectionate banter in front of so many people, hehe, truly loving. It makes me jealous just watching,” Ye Xinxin said teasingly, her eyes and tone implying mischief, making Su Wenyue stamp her foot out of embarrassment, and she stomped on Han Yu’s foot hard.

While Han Yu felt pain in his foot, his face revealed nothing. He tightened his arm around Su Wenyue’s waist, looking at his somewhat ruffled wife. Shangguan Wuyou’s wife wasn’t one to hold back her words; if she continued, his wife would surely end up so mortified she’d want to hide from everyone.

Catching Han Yu’s gaze, Shangguan Wuyou saw Ye Xinxin still keen to tease and felt somewhat helpless: “Xinxin, stop it, don’t talk nonsense.”

“Oh come on, I was just joking. Who can blame them for being so disgustingly sweet? I’m simply envious,” grumbled Ye Xinxin.

“Am I not good enough for you that you have to go envying others?” Shangguan Wuyou’s tone already carried a hint of warning; Ye Xinxin, hearing this tone from her husband, knew she’d be in for it if she continued, so she promptly behaved and refocused her attention on the arena.

Su Wenyue, seeing that Ye Xinxin had stopped her ribbing, let out a sigh of relief and pushed Han Yu, wanting to put some distance between them. Han Yu caught her hand and held it tightly.

“Give me some space,” Su Wenyue said irritably, trying to shake off his hand but Han Yu scolded her.

“Stop it, behave yourself,” Han Yu said sternly.

The jerk, who started this in the first place! Su Wenyue glanced angrily at Han Yu, seeing that he had returned to his usual demeanor, and felt indignantly upset but decided not to say anything more.

“Master, Miss Su has also arrived. Shall we…” a man in black reported, waiting for his master’s response, as his master’s attitude towards Miss Su was far from ordinary.

“Did she come with Han Yu?” Sikong Ling’s question was more of a statement. He had come to understand Han Yu as someone who doted on his wife. With Su Wenyue frequently getting into trouble, he wouldn’t feel assured letting her come out alone, and since it was the Lantern Festival, Han Yu would surely accompany her.

“Yes, they came together. Shangguan Wuyou and his wife are here too; it seems they’re here to take part in this contest as well.”

“Don’t mind them. Continue with your own competition. Inform everyone that we must win first place. I am determined to have that prize!” Sikong Ling spoke, his expression turning sterner, revealing an unknown and complex sentiment.

“Yes, we have invited Yiyang Prefecture’s Four Great Talents. The message has been conveyed to them to secure first place. It should not be a problem, but we didn’t expect Young Master Wuyou to participate as well. Known as a Genius, if he truly competes against us, predicting who will win or lose is difficult. Otherwise…?”

The man in black intended to find a way to lead away Shangguan Wuyou and his party to prevent their participation in the lantern riddle contest, ensuring a foolproof victory. However, because it concerned Miss Su, he couldn’t be certain of his master’s stance and had to come to seek instructions.

As expected, Sikong Ling didn’t approve of the suggestion and waved his hand dismissively. “No need, just let them give their all. Can’t the Four Great Talents outmatch a single Shangguan Wuyou?”

“But that item is crucial for us. Should any mishap occur…” The man in black tried to persuade further.

“Do as I said.” Sikong Ling’s gaze became fierce, speaking with unquestionable authority, and the man in black respectfully acknowledged the order and withdrew.

After the man in black left, Sikong Ling opened a crack in the window and looked out towards a particular area outside.