Chapter 146: Heartache
Although Yan Shaozhe has only one wife, his views aren't strictly monogamous. In his youth, he was quite the charmer.
As a disciple of Mu En, young Yan Shaozhe had it all—talent, strength, and background.
He had romantic escapades with many women, including two beauties from Shrek Academy—Cai Meier, the Vice Dean of the Martial Soul Department, and Xian Lin'er, the Dean of the Soul Guidance Department. It wasn't until Xian Lin'er, upset by Yan Shaozhe's marriage to Cai Meier, married the current Vice Dean of the Soul Guidance Department, Qian Duoduo, that Yan Shaozhe considered stopping. Even now, Xian Lin'er hasn't gotten over him; after decades of marriage, she and Qian Duoduo are husband and wife in name only, leaving Qian quite miserable.
Feng Ling, the Vice Master of the Holy Spirit Cult, was also one of Yan's old flames. In fact, she was his first love. Admiring Mu En, Yan mistook Feng Ling's unawakened Evil Phoenix martial soul for a Dark Phoenix, hoping to mirror the Light and Dark Holy Dragons, Mu En and Long Xiaoyao, with a pair of Light and Dark Phoenixes—a romantic notion.
Considering his past, the now-wise Yan Shaozhe assumed that Du Qianjue, a young man of greater talent, would have his romantic adventures. Since stifling Du Qianjue was out of the question, why not tie him to Shrek Academy? Zhang Lexuan was the perfect bait. Even Mu En, his mentor, had Zhang guide Du Qianjue around, suggesting he shared the idea.
Deep in thought, Yan Shaozhe pondered how to use Zhang Lexuan to bind Du Qianjue to Shrek Academy. "Dean Yan, you wanted to see me?" Zhang Lexuan, upon entering the Sea God Pavilion, noticed Yan Shaozhe deep in thought by the window. "Yes, Lexuan, you're here," Yan Shaozhe responded warmly. "Is there something at the academy you need me to do?" she asked. Yan paused, subtly scrutinizing her. Tall, graceful, with a gentle demeanor and outstanding among her peers in both talent and appearance, even a young Yan Shaozhe would have noticed her. Nodding inwardly, he smiled slightly, "Lexuan, how old are you today?" Caught off guard, Zhang felt a bad premonition but answered, "Dean Yan, I am thirty-four this year." "Yes, thirty-four. You've been with Shrek for twenty-two years," Yan said somewhat wistfully. "These years, you've dedicated so much to the academy, even neglecting your personal affairs, all of which I have seen." "You flatter me, but serving the academy, which I consider my home, is my duty," Zhang replied, her unease growing. She couldn't guess what was coming but hoped it wouldn't be too awkward.
Under the sun near the freshmen's dormitory, Mu En slowly opened his eyes, sighing softly. He could see Yan Shaozhe's intentions, nothing at Shrek escaped him. From the moment Yan stopped Zhang, Mu En had been watching, only opening his eyes when Yan spoke these words. "You're not getting any younger, and you can't remain alone forever. While you're still young, find someone to rely on," Yan earnestly advised. Was it finally coming? A bitter taste rose in Zhang's heart. "There's no need, Dean Yan, I currently have no plans to find a partner," she replied softly, shaking her head. "If it's because of the promise you made to the teacher, you needn't worry about it," Yan sighed. "The teacher has already said your engagement to Beibei can be annulled." "Beibei's heart has Tang Ya in it, and even though she's been missing, you must see that there's no room for another in his heart." "For your sake, I hope you'll consider other options."
Tears began falling on the wooden floor from Zhang's downcast eyes, the sound echoing softly. Childhood promises taken to heart were shattered when he arrived with another girl. Her heart ached as she realized Beibei's eyes no longer held a place for her, lost in his longing for Tang Ya. 'What am I even holding on to...'
Seeing Zhang's grief, both Yan Shaozhe and Mu En sighed from a distance. Mu En's regret deepened. Had it not been for Yan's words, he wouldn't have realized the depth of Zhang's sorrow. "Lexuan, let go. I've regretted making that promise since the beginning; you should pursue your own life..." Mu En's voice, filled with remorse, reached Zhang. 'How could I possibly let go...' She wiped her tears and left. Watching her leave, her usually poised figure now seemed frail and staggering. "Let Ruoruo host this year's Sea God Matchmaking Festival. I hope you find your destined one there," Yan's voice followed her out of the Sea God Pavilion. Looking up, Zhang bit her lip, her expression determined. "The Sea God Matchmaking Festival, huh?" "I understand..."
(End of Chapter)
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