Chapter 482: Chapter 451, Giving Advice_1
Yan Wenkai looked on, huffing in displeasure, at Daohua and Xiao Yeyang who were whispering and laughing while swinging, and then at Yan Wentao and Zhou Jingwan who were playfully tussling and building a snowman, before walking out with a gloomy expression on his face.
At the entrance of the courtyard, Wang Manman saw Yan Wenkai coming out looking sullen and immediately asked, “Fourth Master, why aren’t you playing with the ladies?”
With a forlorn face, Yan Wenkai glanced back at the two pairs in the yard and lamented, “Do you think I can fit in there?” No matter which side he joined, he felt out of place.
Uh…
Wang Manman and the others weren’t quite sure what to say.
Sensing the sympathy in Wang Manman and the others’ eyes, Yan Wenkai grew even more indignant, “I don’t even want to play with them. Building snowmen and swinging, those are for children. It’s embarrassing how much they enjoy it! Hmph, I’m going to spar with Brother Han instead.”
Having said that, he walked off in a huff.
As noontime approached, Guyu came looking for them, and only then did the four of them reluctantly leave the courtyard, parting ways in front of Chuihua Gate.
Seeing Zhou Jingwan’s brows relaxed and cheeks flushed with happiness, Daohua asked with a laugh, “What’s going on with you and Third Brother? You haven’t even managed to build two snowmen all morning.”
Zhou Jingwan gave Daohua a teasing glare and instead of answering, she counter-asked, “What about you? What have you and the Little Prince been whispering about all morning that’s been so interesting to keep you engaged for hours?”
Daohua responded seriously, “We were discussing important matters. I’ve recently acquired Hot Springs Villa, and Xiao Yeyang was advising me on how to manage it!”
Zhou Jingwan’s eyes lit up, and she hurriedly pulled Daohua’s arm, “I want to soak in the hot springs too! Once your place is ready, you must take me there.”
Daohua looked a bit troubled, “Naturally, I would love to take you, but…”
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Zhou Jingwan quickly pressed, “But what?”
Daohua spread her hands, “But the Hot Springs Villa is in Beijing, how will you get there?”
Zhou Jingwan was stunned for a moment, “Why is it so far away?” Then she laughed again, “But that’s not a problem. After my brother’s wedding early next year, I’ll be going to Beijing with my grandfather. Then I’ll be able to enjoy the hot springs.”
After she spoke, her smile faded, and she looked at Daohua with furrowed brows, “No, that’s not right. You, as the owner, won’t be there; how can I take a bath in the springs?”
Daohua was taken aback by her words, “You’re going to Beijing next year? Why?”
Zhou Jingwan nodded with a smile, “My grandfather is going to visit his former colleagues, and my mother wants me to go with him. It’s been several years since I’ve seen my uncle, aunt, and my cousins, so it’ll be nice to visit them.”
Daohua hurriedly asked, “Will you come back though?”
Zhou Jingwan rolled her eyes at her, “Isn’t that obvious? My home is in Zhongzhou, of course, I’ll come back.”
Daohua sighed with relief, patting her chest, “You scared me. I thought your family was sending you to Beijing for marriage arrangements.”
At the mention of marriage, Zhou Jingwan’s face turned red as she glared at Daohua, “What nonsense are you talking about?”
Daohua quickly apologized, “Alright, alright, I misspoke. But if your family does discuss your marriage, you must tell me, okay?”
Zhou Jingwan shyly lowered her head and softly murmured an affirmative ‘hmm’.
At that moment, Yan Yihuan and Yang Xiujun were seen approaching from a distance. They did not continue their earlier conversation but joined up and headed together towards the old lady’s house.
After lunch, Madam Li, Sun Family, and Wu Family were keeping Madam Zhou and Yan Siyu company with laughter in the presence of the old lady, while the younger ladies sat nearby.
As it neared 3:00 PM, Daohua beckoned Wang Manman over and whispered, “Go and see what they are doing in my eldest brother’s courtyard?”
Wang Manman returned after a short while, “Miss, the Eldest Master is grilling venison with Mr. Han and the cousins by the Water Pavilion. The Little Prince and the Third Master are playing chess in the Eldest Master’s study.”
Daohua nodded, tugged Zhou Jingwan, and asked, “I’m going to my eldest brother’s courtyard, do you want to come along?”
Zhou Jingwan nodded eagerly, “Yes, of course, it’s quite boring sitting inside.”
Daohua smiled, excused themselves to Madam Li, and then left the room with Zhou Jingwan.
…
In Yan Wenxiu’s courtyard, Yan Wentao was grimacing at the chessboard, having lost count of how many games the Little Prince had beaten him at. From the moment he sat down, he hadn’t won a single game.
If it weren’t for the thought of seeing his eldest sister, who might bring Zhou Jingwan along, he would have quite literally thrown in the towel.
Xiao Yeyang placed a chess piece on the board with composure and looked up at the deeply troubled Yan Wentao, “Your move.”
Yan Wentao looked at Xiao Yeyang with a beseeching gaze, “Little Prince, can we stop playing?”
Xiao Yeyang, surprisingly accommodating, nodded, “Sure, but if you don’t play chess with me, you’ll likely end up being dragged by Wenkai to help with grilling by the Water Pavilion.”
At this, Yan Wentao resigned himself to his fate, picking up a piece without much thought and placed it haphazardly on the board.
Xiao Yeyang saw this and shook his head, “Even though your chess skills are far inferior to mine, you can’t just give up in frustration. Chess is like life, there’s always a chance for a turnaround until the very end, but if you give up midway, then there truly would be no chance left.”
“Playing chess can cultivate one’s character and temperament. Sometimes, you’re just too impatient. Daohua is also poor at chess, but she never just gives up at the drop of a hat, she always finds a way to win against me.”
Yan Wentao looked up and said somberly, “That’s because you let her win.”
Xiao Yeyang remained unruffled, “The fact that she can make me let her win is also part of her skill.”
Yan Wentao stared at the chessboard, deep in thought.
Xiao Yeyang said nothing more. Some things are best left at hints; saying more would be pointless.
Compared to Wenkai, who had the support of his father and older brother, Wentao lacked some confidence and drive, often underestimating his abilities. This led him to shrink back and compromise in the face of seemingly preordained outcomes.
But this could not be all blamed on him.
Unlike Wenkai, who had his father and elder brother’s support, the burden on Wentao’s shoulders was undoubtedly much heavier.
Yan Wentao thought carefully about what Xiao Yeyang had said and felt that he certainly shouldn’t act in despair. Even if he couldn’t win, improving his chess skills was still beneficial. He was about to thoughtfully make his next move when Xiao Yeyang stood up.
“Alright, let’s stop the game here for today. Daohua and Zhou Jingwan have arrived, go out and greet them.”
Hearing this, Yan Wentao quickly put down the chess piece and followed Xiao Yeyang out.
Seeing Daohua walk into the courtyard hand in hand with Zhou Jingwan, Xiao Yeyang thought for a moment and said softly to Yan Wentao, “Have you decided what you’re going to do with Zhou Jingwan later?”
Yan Wentao was stunned and asked blankly, “Do what?”
Xiao Yeyang really wanted to roll his eyes, “Why do you think you were able to play with Zhou Jingwan all morning? Because you were making a snowman, you had something to do. If you’ve prepared nothing, are you planning to just sit and drink tea face to face later?”
Yan Wentao scratched his head, “Then what should I do?”
This time, Xiao Yeyang could not help but roll his eyes, giving Yan Wentao a disdainful look that said ‘you’re the one courting the girl, yet you want me to come up with ideas?’
Never mind, for the sake of spending time alone with Daohua, he’d have to offer this blockhead some suggestions.
“Zhou Jingwan likes to be active; she definitely won’t play chess. You should teach her later.”
Yan Wentao frowned, “What if she doesn’t like it?”
Xiao Yeyang glared at him, “You can make her like it! I’ve already given you the method, whether or not Zhou Jingwan will stay for a while longer depends on your own skill.”
By this time, Daohua and Zhou Jingwan had already arrived in front of the study room.
Daohua looked at the two of them, “What are you whispering about?”
Xiao Yeyang smiled and said, “Wentao is talking about playing chess with Zhou Jingwan.”
Zhou Jingwan looked at Yan Wentao, and seeing he didn’t deny it, hesitated and said, “But I don’t know how to play.”
Xiao Yeyang, “That’s no problem, just let Wentao teach you.”
Zhou Jingwan, “…I’m really quite slow.”
This time it was Yan Wentao himself who said, “I’m not very good at it either, so I hope Zhou Jingwan won’t look down on me.”
Zhou Jingwan shook her head repeatedly, indicating she wouldn’t look down on him.
Seeing this, Xiao Yeyang immediately nudged Yan Wentao with his elbow, “What are you waiting for? Hurry up and take Zhou Jingwan over.”
“Oh!”
Yan Wentao nodded and walked naturally toward Zhou Jingwan, “Zhou Jingwan, let me take you to the secondary room in the study to play chess.”
Zhou Jingwan did not refuse and obediently followed.
“Third Brother, I don’t know how to play chess at all, you mustn’t look down on me, okay?”
“How could I look down on you? We’ll just take our time with it.”
“Great, you’ll have to explain carefully to me, okay? Once I learn, I want to go home and play against Grandpa.”
Watching the two walk side by side, Daohua pouted, “Putting love before friendship!” She had come along and they had left her alone.
Xiao Yeyang, however, couldn’t help but smile, Wentao still had some redeeming qualities, “Weren’t we going to look at some portraits? Come on inside.”