I Was Supposed to Be the Villainous Consort

Chapter 343: Chapter 135: Willing to Try Despite the Danger

Ji Yunting emerged from his study, his lonely figure walking through the cold winter wind. Though the weather was frigid, his heart was warm.

He had sent an invitation to Helan Yue, asking him to meet for drinks at the Yuquan Building.

Helan Yue hadn’t wanted to come. What kind of friendship did he have with Ji Yunting that they should drink together? Besides, the man had wronged his sister.

But he also wanted to know why he had been invited, so after some hesitation, he came anyway.

The Yuquan Building had become the most famous restaurant in the Capital City, second only to the Three Yuan Building. Some even said that at its current rate of growth, it might just surpass the Three Yuan Building next year to become the number one restaurant in the Capital City.

The owner of the Yuquan Building had unearthed a genius from who-knows-where, whose storybooks and play scripts were all fantastic. After their in-house Derong Troupe shot to fame with a private performance at the Prince Zhenbei Mansion, they were now a must-have for any banquet hosted by the Capital City’s high officials and aristocrats.

Helan Yue was a little late. He had joined the army before the New Year, starting as a common soldier, and was still just a grunt. It wasn’t easy for him to get away.

In times of peace, it was difficult to earn military merits for a promotion. But his family was different from others. As the Princely Heir of a Prince Manor, this was a path he was destined to walk.

He pushed open the door to the private room and saw Ji Yunting sitting there, clad in white robes. He looked as refined as a cool breeze under a bright moon—just like a painting. ’No wonder my sister chased after him for so many years.’

He shut the door behind him, strode over, and plopped down onto a chair. Looking at Ji Yunting, he asked, "What do you want?"

Ji Yunting observed that Helan Yue was tanner and more muscular than before. He no longer radiated the same intense hostility, as if he was always ready for a fight.

"You know, we actually got along quite well when we were children," Ji Yunting said, pouring Helan Yue a cup of wine.

Helan Yue frowned. "Why bring that up? That was years ago. Who even remembers?"

"I don’t know when it started, but at some point, it was as if we became enemies."

Helan Yue’s expression froze. He fell silent for a moment, then downed the wine in one gulp. He picked up some food to line his stomach before finally speaking. "I was an idiot back then. Let’s not talk about the past. What is it you wanted to see me about? I have to get back to the barracks and don’t have time to dawdle. If you have something to say, say it."

Ji Yunting gazed at Helan Yue. ’It seems he really doesn’t remember what we were like back then. It was so long ago. We were just kids, our families were neighbors. He and I used to play together, and He Lan Yun would always tag along like a little shadow.’

"I’m planning to accept a post outside the Capital."

Helan Yue nearly spat out his wine. "A post outside the Capital?"

Ji Yunting met his shocked expression. "Surprised?"

"A little. Why would you suddenly want a post outside the Capital?" Helan Yue paused, then immediately added, "You broke off the engagement with my sister, and I gave you a beating for it. As far as I’m concerned, we’re even. My family isn’t hounding you."

Ji Yunting smiled. "It has nothing to do with the Prince Manor. I just feel like I can’t breathe in the Capital City. I want to get out and see the great landscapes I’ve only read about in books."

Helan Yue muttered, "Scholars are so melodramatic."

Ji Yunting didn’t take offense. He simply said in a low voice, "About the engagement being broken off... I know that even though I apologized to the County Princess, you all felt I wasn’t sincere."

"Good, as long as you know it," Helan Yue said huffily. "You didn’t even like my sister, yet you still agreed to the engagement. And you only agreed because someone else persuaded you. Tell me, how is that not hurtful?"

Ji Yunting toyed with his wine cup, his head slightly bowed. "You probably won’t believe this," he said softly, "but my father had already discussed the marriage with me before her letter arrived. I couldn’t have anticipated that letter. But there’s no point in saying this now. It just sounds like I’m making excuses."

Helan Yue’s anger flared. "You’re right, I don’t believe you! Do you hear the nonsense you’re spouting? Back then, with Qin... If you had no feelings for her, why did you always scold my sister because of her? You knew I liked her, and since you claimed you didn’t, why didn’t you keep your distance? What’s the use of being so hypocritical now?"

Ji Yunting shook his head. "I told you there was nothing between her and me, but none of you believed it. Still, you’re right. Since I had no romantic interest, I should have kept my distance. But every time I ran into her by chance, you two would also happen to be there. I wouldn’t have been able to explain myself clearly even if I had ten mouths."

"So according to you, it was our fault," Helan Yue sneered. ’Whoever believes that is an idiot.’

But Ji Yunting hadn’t come specifically to explain these things. He looked at Helan Yue and said earnestly, "I just feel guilty toward Princess Ming’an. I should have made things clear to her long ago so she could have given up on me sooner. Then none of this would have happened. After I leave this time, I don’t know when we’ll meet again. I’m too ashamed to face the County Princess, so I’m asking you to please convey my apologies to her on my behalf."