I Just Wanted To Live but I Somehow Became Better Than the Protagonist

“No need to thank me; who are we to each other?” Ye Yong waved his hand dismissively.

Qin Shidream shifted her gaze slightly, looking a bit embarrassed. After all, there were others around; Ye Yong’s words made their relationship seem incredibly intimate, as if they were inseparable.

“As expected of Young Master Ye! Everyone should take notes! This is what skill looks like!” Ye Gou exclaimed, frequently reminding the younger members of the branch family to jot down their observations.

The men nodded repeatedly, believing they had learned much. The women, however, clenched their teeth in frustration. Shouldn’t it be them, the ones with blood ties, who were closer and more reliable? Qin Shidream was an outsider; Ye Yong must have been bewitched by her.

Even Ye Mao, who had always held a grudge against Ye Yong and sought to surpass him, couldn’t help but admire him at this moment.

What a line—”No need to thank me; who are we to each other?”

In just eight words, he conveyed a closeness that required no formality, perfectly illustrating their bond.

In this regard, I, Ye Mao, admit I am not your equal.

Ye Mao also pondered whether to use this line on the senior sister he was pursuing at the Sword Pavilion.

In fact, several days later, upon returning to Tianluo Sect, Ye Mao did just that. He presented the senior sister with an expensive gift, and she, like Qin Shidream, declined, stating it was too precious.

Ye Mao mimicked Ye Yong: “Do you think I lack money? You don’t understand that our relationship is priceless, do you?”

“?” The senior sister looked bewildered. “What is our relationship?”

“Just… the relationship of senior and junior?” Ye Mao was equally confused. Qin Shiming hadn’t asked like this; she had simply said thank you. The senior sister wasn’t following the usual script, and without a reference, he didn’t know how to respond.

“So, junior brother, you should take it back. I won’t accept it.”

The gift had failed, and Ye Mao realized he had been too hasty. He should have observed Ye Yong more, learned more. At the same time, he reflected on where he had gone wrong. Of course, that was a matter for later.

——

The spaceship flew for several hours, passing over desolate mountains and bustling cities, from dawn until deep night. Finally, above a certain spiritual vein, a dazzling array of luxurious buildings came into view, banners emblazoned with the character for Ye fluttering in the wind.

That was the renowned cultivation family of the Great Zhou Dynasty, the Ye family.

The spaceship landed in the clan’s open grounds, where both guards and servants stood in neat rows, welcoming the young masters and mistresses of the Ye family back. This grand display was primarily due to Ye Yong’s presence.

“It’s so late now, after the long journey, Qin niece should rest here for the night before heading back,” the elders of the Ye family said, all smiles, exchanging knowing glances with Ye Yong.

In an instant, Ye Yong understood. No wonder it felt like the return trip took longer than expected; these old geezers had secretly meddled, slowing down the flight, which was why they had arrived so late.

Cultivators didn’t need much sleep, and the distinction between day and night wasn’t too clear. But night was when the demonic sects were most active. If they simply sent a flying horse carriage to take Qin Shiming back, who knew if the demonic sect would attempt to hijack it?

After all, Qin Shiming was a prodigy, and a great beauty of the Great Zhou Dynasty; there were plenty of ill-intentioned people around her.

Though it was true that if the villains had a mind to, they could hijack during the day as well, the elders of the Ye family made their intentions clear: during the day, we will have strong protectors escort you home. That remark about the long journey was a subtle hint that it was too late now, and they needed to rest.

Old ginger is still spicier.

Ye Yong silently applauded his grandfathers.

Though Qin Shiming was inexperienced, she was sharp as ice and snow, instantly grasping the elders’ intentions. However, she and Ye Yong hadn’t developed to that stage yet; her master had also advised her against deep interactions with the opposite s*x at her current level of cultivation… But what if all of this was actually Ye Yong’s idea? What then?

Originally unwell and pale, Xiao Huan’s cheeks were now slightly flushed. As Qin Shiming’s personal maid, she naturally followed her mistress in everything. Conversely, Wu Xue’s expression had turned sour, her breathing a bit hurried.

Hua Ningyan was observing the Ye family and hadn’t heard, but even if she had, she probably wouldn’t understand the implications.

After stepping off the spaceship, Xia Shiqi was completely unrestrained, excitedly running around. Upon seeing mortals, she proudly lifted her head, striding before them with an air of indifference, relishing their awed gazes. It was as if she were the queen of this place, come to survey her domain.

Xia Shijia squatted beside Hua Ningyan, not moving but surveying the surroundings, for this was an unfamiliar environment.

The gazes of the elders of the Ye family were all fixed upon Qin Shiming, creating a palpable pressure around her.

The examination of contradictions began anew, and Qin Shiming’s mind raced. After a moment, she reached a conclusion. If this truly was Ye Yong’s intention, she would speak to him about the words her master, An Yufang, had imparted. She believed that with the care Ye Yong had shown her, he would not impose his will. If he did… no, Qin Shiming trusted in Ye Yong’s character.

Thus, she lowered her head and softly expressed her willingness to follow Ye Yong’s arrangements.

Upon hearing this, the younger male relatives were filled with envy, while the females bit their fingers in secret.

The elders’ gazes swiftly shifted to Ye Yong, all wearing smiles, as if to say, “Grandfather can only help so much; the rest is up to you.”

Who was Ye Yong? A gentleman capable of governing himself, one who understood the balance of a full meal and the clarity of division.

He caught a glimpse of Wu Xue’s pitiful gaze, on the verge of tears from her grievances.

Moreover, Ye Yong needed to maintain his public persona; even if he truly wished to do something with Qin Shiming, it would be under the cover of night, slipping into her room when no one was around. Yet, at present, Ye Yong had no intentions of pursuing anything deeper.

“Since that is the case, you shall sleep in my mother’s chamber. She has been in seclusion for some time; let you stay there to bring some warmth. When she emerges, it won’t feel too long since someone has occupied the space, avoiding an overly desolate atmosphere.”

The elders of the Ye family could not help but sigh, unsure of what to say. If Ye Yong had arranged for Qin Shiming to stay in another room, it could be understood as his reluctance to be too direct, planning to sneak over later. But placing Qin Shiming in Lin Wei’s chamber held a different meaning; no one would think Ye Yong would do anything untoward in his mother’s quarters.

The elders sighed, while the younger ones felt a sense of relief.

Though the males knew they were unworthy of Qin Shiming, it did not mean they were willing to see their goddess with another man. The females, on the other hand, felt Ye Yong was entirely justified; the bloodline of the Ye family should not be casually entrusted to outsiders.

Wu Xue clutched her chest, exhaling a long breath.

On Qin Shiming’s side, she too felt she had not misjudged Ye Yong, yet she could not fathom why, alongside her relief, a tiny thread of regret lingered in her heart.

—