Reborn to Become A Queen: The Real Heiress's Comeback-Chapter 737: Extra Story: This Life (5)

Shui Zhihan thought about how she had just wanted to drag Xiao Chen, who was highly skilled in martial arts, away with her. She was extremely embarrassed and put away her sword, explaining, "It’s not that I can’t beat them, but a wise person doesn’t suffer immediate losses. I’ll call for reinforcements to deal with them together."

Xiao Chen nodded, "The lady did the right thing."

Shui Zhihan smiled gently, "Since we ran into each other, let me treat you to a drink, Mr. Xiao."

Xiao Chen initially wanted to refuse; he didn’t like drinking with unfamiliar women.

Who knew Shui Zhihan would pull out two new wine flasks from behind her, "These are both new, filled with good wine. I ’borrowed’ them—no, I took them from my father’s collection. Consider it a thank you!"

Seeing her sincerity, Xiao Chen accepted the flask, pulled out the cork, and was greeted by a fragrant, enticing aroma.

He thought to himself, if Zhan Lan were here, he would definitely love this aroma!

Xiao Chen pulled himself back from his thoughts, took a sip of the wine, and instantly felt as if he was bathed in a spring breeze.

"Good wine!" Xiao Chen sincerely praised.

Shui Zhihan’s eyes lit up, "If you like it, next time I’ll sneak... I mean, take more from my father’s cellar!"

Xiao Chen found Shui Zhihan quite amusing.

Despite being someone who can’t hide thoughts, blunt and straightforward, she likes to travel the martial world with a sword.

"The martial world is dangerous. You should return to the Shadow Sect!" Xiao Chen finished the wine in the flask.

Shui Zhihan tilted her head to look at him, her eyes suddenly brightening, "Mr. Xiao, with your martial skills, how about we team up?"

Xiao Chen was used to traveling alone and only liked to work with Zhan Lan.

He thought for a moment, glanced at the distance, and refused, "Lady Shui has experts protecting you; you don’t need my company."

Shui Zhihan watched Xiao Chen leave with ease and suddenly realized the meaning behind his words.

"Come out here, you lot!" Shui Zhihan shouted angrily.

A few nimble martial artists emerged from the woods not far away.

Shui Zhihan angrily said, "Second Senior Brother... stop following me!"

Second Senior Brother awkwardly replied, "It’s the sect master who insists we follow you, miss."

Shui Zhihan snorted, "Father is really something; I’m not a three-year-old! Why is he so worried?"

"Forget it, do as you please!"

Second Senior Brother and the others silently retreated into the shadows.

Shui Zhihan looked at Xiao Chen’s gradually disappearing silhouette, secretly thinking, maybe fate will let us meet again.

...

In the following three years, Xiao Chen frequently had unexpected encounters with Shui Zhihan, and he eventually got used to her tagging along like a little tail.

Until the Shadow Sect’s Sect Master found him, explained his purpose, and wanted to marry off his daughter to him.

Xiao Chen bowed his head and refused, "I apologize, I have no intention of marrying."

Sect Master Shui was infuriated by Xiao Chen’s words, exclaiming, "If Zhihan didn’t like you, I wouldn’t have brought this up."

Xiao Chen apologized, "I feel that one can live free and unrestrained. I have no desire to marry in this lifetime."

Sect Master Shui looked at Xiao Chen with disappointment, "I only have one daughter; if you marry Zhihan, the Shadow Sect will belong to you in the future!"

Xiao Chen refused once more, "If I agreed for that reason, then I would be a despicable person."

Sect Master Shui’s lips curled into a smile; he was satisfied with Xiao Chen’s response.

Compared to the aloof and cold-hearted Mu Yan, Xiao Chen seemed much more approachable.

And since he could say such words, it showed that Zhihan hadn’t chosen the wrong person.

Shui Zhihan overheard her father’s voice and said sternly, "Dad, who said I wanted to marry Xiao Chen?"

She was extremely exasperated. After all, such matters should be mutual feelings.

She had a fondness for Xiao Chen, but it wasn’t to the extent of demanding marriage.

After Mu Yan’s withdrawal of their engagement, she was no longer the weepy little girl.

"Dad, I have my own things I want to do now. I appreciate Mr. Xiao, but I’ve never thought of marrying him. Please don’t make decisions on your own from now on!"

Sect Master Shui sighed, "Alright, whatever you say goes! It’s my fault for saying too much."

Shui Zhihan led her father away and said to Xiao Chen with a flourish, "Mr. Xiao, sorry for the disturbance today, please don’t take it to heart."

With that, she left.

Xiao Chen watched Shui Zhihan’s departing figure. Over the past three years, he often ran into her, and they had even righted wrongs together.

But, Zhan Lan’s place in his heart remained unshaken.

He couldn’t have two women in his heart, or perhaps Zhan Lan had become a part of his life. Knowing she was well brought joy to his heart.

Shui Zhihan was also great, a very commendable woman.

But he didn’t want to become that kind of relationship with Shui Zhihan; being friends was nice too.

...

Another nine years passed, and Xiao Chen returned to Ding’an City.

He discovered Li Sui had married Qiuyue, and they lived in mutual respect and love. Their daughter was already eight years old.

He met his court friend Wang Qingchen and found he had married. Years ago, Wang Qingchen and Zhong Lianyi had a great conversation at a literary meeting, hit it off, and eventually got together.

...

At Xiao Chen’s house.

Huang Gun came running briskly.

"Little Chenchen, long time no see. You’re like a watermelon peel; wherever you slip, that’s where you end up."

Xiao Chen laughed; Huang Gun wasn’t wrong.

Huang Gun continued, "You let Zhong Lianyi slip through your fingers, then Shui Zhihan too. Are you planning on being a bachelor all your life?"

Xiao Chen gave a slight smile, "Who says? I’m quite busy at the moment."

"With what?" Huang Gun curiously leaned in.

"Petition lawyer." Xiao Chen curled his lips into a smile.

Huang Gun’s pupils widened, "Don’t tell me you’re the number one petition lawyer, Yue Chen!"

Xiao Chen nodded, "One needs to do something meaningful in life. I feel I’ve found mine."

Huang Gun smiled broadly, "Just like that Water Heroine?"

Xiao Chen glanced at him sideways, and Huang Gun continued, "I heard that Water Heroine is wholeheartedly determined to travel the martial world and help others, just like you are set on becoming a petition lawyer for the commonfolk without silver. I feel you two are a perfect match..."

Slap!

Huang Gun’s head received a smack from Xiao Chen, and he grimaced, "You’re not getting any younger. Don’t you want to get married?"

Xiao Chen raised an eyebrow, "Has the Regent King Ye Xiuhan gotten married?"

Huang Gun scratched his head, "That’s different. I’ve got a suspicion the Regent King doesn’t like women!"

Xiao Chen looked behind Huang Gun with a slight smile, "Why has the prince come?"

Huang Gun was so startled he almost screamed, but he composed himself, "Does the Regent King like men instead? Our Regent King is someone with his heart set on the world, deeply moving!"

After saying that, Huang Gun smiled brightly at Ye Xiuhan.

"Ah, the prince is here!"

Ye Xiuhan gave a faint smile, "Mr. Huang, maybe I really do like men."

Suddenly Huang Gun covered his buttocks instinctively.

Both Ye Xiuhan and Xiao Chen looked at Huang Gun disdainfully.

Ye Xiuhan sat down and said, "Mr. Xiao, your petition last time helped the Zhang Family of thirteen overturn their injustices and helped the court solve this case of family murder, thank you."

"No need for thanks. There are many in need of petition lawyers among the common folk, and I just did what little I could."

Huang Gun, seeing them discussing official matters, smiled with crescent eyes, "I’ll take my leave since you two are talking business." 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

These two aren’t getting married, so they have all the time for public affairs, unlike him who has to go home and take care of the kids.

Lu Yibing gave him another daughter; he came up with a particularly beautiful name. But his father-in-law Lu Zhong said if his granddaughter is named Huang Huacai, he would turn against him.

Hey, Old Man Lu just doesn’t appreciate artistry!