Chapter 150: Chapter 150: I Call You, Do You Dare Answer?
"Who are you?" Prince An and the others became tense.
It was the worst possible time for any mishap to occur.
Rushing out to check, it was surprisingly Feng Mei’er!
"What are you doing here?" Prince An’s tone was very unpleasant.
This woman is sneaky and obviously up to no good. When did she follow us? Did she overhear anything?
Feng Mei’er appeared flustered upon being caught, "I, I came to find Qu Fulan."
Qu Fulan also walked out, and upon seeing Feng Mei’er, he just slightly furrowed his brow, "What are you looking for me for?"
Feng Mei’er tried her best to calm down, speaking steadily, "My cousin asked me to come and thank you; she has a gift for you."
With that, she handed over a string of beads, but Qu Fulan did not take it.
"The Jin Family has already given gifts. I don’t need this. When you have the time, return it to Miss Jin."
Qu Fulan’s words had implications, but Feng Mei’er didn’t notice and thought she could leave, promptly saying, "Alright, alright, I’ll relay your message to my cousin when I go back, so I’ll leave now."
This time, Qu Fulan didn’t even need to speak, as Prince An waved for the guards to detain Feng Mei’er.
"Since you came uninvited, don’t leave yet. Guards, take her away and keep her detained! If anything goes wrong, I’ll hold you accountable!"
This is what Qu Fulan implied with "when you have the time." It means she won’t have time now.
No matter if Feng Mei’er heard anything or not, appearing here at this crucial moment, for safety’s sake, she needs to be detained.
She must be confined until the competition is completely over.
Feng Mei’er excitedly began to explain, "I just arrived, and I didn’t hear anything. You can’t arrest me! If my cousin knows, he won’t let you off!"
"I’ll decide whether you can or not. I’ll explain to Jin Sheng afterwards. Take her away!"
Prince An was very angry. How could anyone come uninvited to his event?
The key was those guards, were they just slacking off? Couldn’t even watch a door properly!
The guards were also very aggrieved. They did watch the door, but one had an urgent matter and left briefly while another stayed hidden. Feng Mei’er didn’t see him, so she walked straight through.
The guard’s position was such that he couldn’t hear the conversation inside, even less likely for Feng Mei’er to overhear.
Yet Prince An was furious, so it no longer mattered whether she heard anything; he needed to vent his anger by detaining someone.
As a child, Prince An was nicknamed "Demon King An," showing how unruly he once was. Though he had restrained himself greatly as he matured, it was only in his circle that he was agreeable; he still turned heartless to anyone displeasing him.
Feng Mei’er was incredulous, "I already said I didn’t hear anything. I just arrived here when the guards caught me. Fulan, please speak for me; I’m innocent!"
Qu Fulan showed no sympathy.
If your heart wasn’t guilty, why would you follow them for no reason?
Nothing has happened now, only because she had no opportunity to act.
Trespassing into someone else’s territory without permission always has consequences.
Feng Mei’er was taken away.
Then Prince An and the others resumed their imploring demeanor.
"Miss Qiu, please lend a hand. Help us out! As long as you help us this time, whether we win or lose, I’ll owe you a favor; anything you ask in the future, I’ll oblige!"
"Me too!"
"Me too!"
"Count me in, too."
The other three nodded in agreement.
The condition was enticing, considering all the efforts Qu Fulan had made earlier only left an impression of competence, and connections were mainly due to the Heir Pei.
But if she joined the battle with them, it would be camaraderie forged through struggle, solid and genuine.
The terms were tempting, but Qu Fulan wasn’t one to hot-headedly rush into things.
She didn’t hesitate long and decisively replied, "No, anything else can be discussed, but not this matter."
"Are you worried about Feng Mei’er spreading it? Rest assured, I’ll keep her detained until the competition ends. Even if she knows something, she won’t have proof."
Qu Fulan’s disguise as a man was very successful; they saw no flaws, and others wouldn’t naturally discover it.
"That’s part of the reason, but mainly, such actions defy conventions. Prince An, Mr. Chu, Mr. Wei, Mr. Ge, I’m sorry but I cannot agree."
The risk is too great. If discovered, being a woman among so many men, what about her reputation?
If it were other women, they’d worry about future prospects for marriage, as no respectable family would marry a girl defying societal norms.
But Qu Fulan worries about her future business.
A merchant’s reputation is vital.
Unless she leaves the Capital City forever, but here is where her hard-earned network exists; she can’t just leave on a whim.
Besides, being a woman alone in this society, where could she possibly go?
Having said it plainly, Prince An and the others could no longer insist, though they each looked quite disappointed.
"Heir, the competition is about to start, you can prepare."
A guard came in and said.
Qu Fulan went out, and Prince An and the others started to change into their outfits for the game.
"What’s Prince An got you involved in?"
Back in the tent, Third Miss asked with concern.
"Someone felt unwell, so I went to check on them." Qu Fulan casually lied to brush it aside.
Third Miss believed him and continued to focus earnestly on the field, "I heard Prince An and them are about to start. It’s a pity Second Brother hasn’t come back yet; I wanted to watch his match."
Fang Yuan echoed, "So many people came to watch Second Brother’s game; they might be disappointed—they were all here for him."
Even Cheng Ru’s eyes showed a mixture of disappointment.
While they spoke, Prince An and the others’ match began.
The format was six rounds, four victories to win, and Prince An’s luck wasn’t favorable; they drew the team who defeated them last year.
If Heir Pei were present, battling them would be fearless. Now, with Jin Sheng lost as well as another main player, how could they play?
Naturally, they couldn’t compete; the first match concluded swiftly.
Prince An’s team lost.
The opposing leader was cocky, leading his entire team to mock Prince An and the rest.
"Who was it last year that said losing again meant kneeling and calling me grandfather? I await you losers kneeling collectively and calling me grandfather, haha."
"Kid, bow to us grandfathers early, and maybe later, we’ll show some mercy so you won’t lose too badly."
"Kid, grandpa is here!"
"Kid, if I call you, do you dare answer?"
Even lines from Journey to the West were thrown in, which was utterly humiliating for Prince An, who loved Journey to the West.