Quick Transmigration: The Charming Beauty Who Was Short-Lived and Alluring

"What do you mean by that?" Chu Yun frowned, looking at Xiao Qi'an with surprise and confusion.

Xiao Qi'an's lips curled slightly, revealing a very faint smile. "I wish to ask Miss Wen for her hand in marriage. If you agree, you will be the mistress of my Xiao Yue Manor. It will be perfectly legitimate for you to handle such matters, and no one will dare to object."

Upon hearing this, Chu Yun's brows furrowed even deeper. "Is the young master joking with me?"

“Miss Wen, I am sincerely asking for your hand in marriage; I am not joking at all,” Xiao Qi’an said earnestly.

Chu Yun was stunned for a long time before she finally found her voice, "Why?"

"I admire you, young lady, and wish to be with you for life," Xiao Qi'an explained.

Chu Yun instinctively retorted, "How could that be?"

The woman's astonishment and doubt pierced Xiao Qi'an's heart. He forced down the bitterness in his heart, his eyes filled with tenderness. "I know this is indeed abrupt for you, young lady, but my heart is sincere, as clear as day and night. You may not know, but I am deeply grateful for everything you have done for me, whether it's your willingness to spend time listening to my troubles, your tireless picking of the Night-Blooming Flower for me, or your willingness to get my medicine clean without minding the mess..."

At this point, Xiao Qi'an felt a little embarrassed, but seeing Chu Yun's evasive eyes, he found her quite adorable and continued, "I have never forgotten any of these things. During the days when Xiao Changfeng was causing trouble, only by repeatedly recalling these events and remembering how good you were to me could I grit my teeth and persevere."

Xiao Qi'an spoke with heartfelt sincerity, but Chu Yun didn't know how to respond and could only remain silent.

Seeing this, Xiao Qi'an pressed on, "Since you're willing to do so much for me, I've taken the liberty of guessing that you care about me. Even if I'm wrong, you certainly don't dislike me. Perhaps you could consider letting me be your husband and protect you for the rest of your life."

Chu Yun didn't want things to get too ugly, but Xiao Qi'an seemed determined to marry her. If he continued, the situation would become even more difficult to manage, so she had to cut the Gordian knot quickly. "Young Master, you misunderstand. I did all this only because we are allies, and perhaps there was also the factor of considering you as a friend. But I have never liked you, Young Master. Please forgive me for not being able to grant your request."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Qi'an's smile faded. Although he had considered that Chu Yun did not like him, hearing her say it herself still filled him with bitterness. He almost couldn't help but ask her: Do you like Gu Huaizhi?

This question had been swirling in his mind for far too long, growing wildly like weeds, and had become a source of anxiety for him. Many times he wanted to ask it aloud, but he held back. This time, reason could hardly suppress his emotions. The embarrassment of having his fantasy shattered and the jealousy, along with the constant toil of the past few days, brought a few streaks of blood to his eyes.

The words that were weighing on my heart were about to be spoken, but at the last moment, they were pulled back by reason that was about to run wild.

He couldn't ask; he had to hold back. If Chu Yun found out that he had realized Gu Huaizhi's feelings for her, then in Chu Yun's heart he would only be seen as an unrighteous and wicked person who wanted to marry the person his friend loved.

Even if that's true, he can't let Chu Yun think he's bad in the slightest.

“Since that’s what you think, I don’t want to make things difficult for you.” Xiao Qi’an clearly saw the ease on Chu Yun’s face and felt even more uncomfortable. He changed the subject, “But you can treat this marriage as a transaction.”

Chu Yun's expression, which had just begun to ease, darkened again. She asked疑惑地问道, "A transaction?"

“Indeed, my request to marry you is sincere, but there is another main reason: I need a wife, and Xiao Yue Manor needs a mistress.” Xiao Qi’an paused for a moment, then continued, “Xiao Yue Manor has been controlled by Xiao Changfeng for many years. Although I ousted him, his connection with Xiao Yue Manor is too close, and I cannot destroy all his secret operations. If I act too forcefully, I might destroy Xiao Yue Manor’s century-old foundation. If that happens, I will be unforgivable. Therefore, I need someone to stand shoulder to shoulder with me, to recruit those wavering individuals when I am unable to appear in public, and to protect my rear, so that I can rebuild Xiao Yue Manor.”

Xiao Qi'an stared intently at Chu Yun. "Miss Wen, I believe in you and admire you. Whether out of personal reasons or for the sake of business, I want you to be the one standing by my side."

Chu Yun didn't take the bait: "But you said you wanted me to treat this as a transaction. You need me, you need this marriage, but I don't need you, and I don't need this marriage."

“No, you might need it.” Xiao Qi’an shook his head and chuckled.

Chu Yun's lips tightened as she quietly watched Xiao Qi'an, waiting for him to continue.

Xiao Qi'an: "Does the young lady still remember why you first came to me?"

Before Chu Yun could answer, he said to himself, "Use my power to avenge your blood feud."

Chu Yun nodded. "Not bad."

“But Xiao Yue Manor is in ruins, and the power I can use is limited. Even if I want to help you, I am powerless to do so,” Xiao Qi’an said.

Chu Yun's expression turned completely cold. "You want to back out?"

Xiao Qi'an hurriedly replied, "No, it's just that you should know that there's a world of difference between a powerful Xiao Yue Manor lord and a Xiao Yue Manor lord with limited power. The assistance they can provide to you is also vastly different. By helping me consolidate my power, you are not only helping me, but also helping yourself. Besides, the human heart is a fickle place. If you want to take revenge, you need sufficient prestige and status. Can you really trust me completely with just my promise? Even if I am truly trustworthy, would my men be willing to go through fire and water for you?"

Xiao Qi'an's words hit the nail on the head, inevitably causing Chu Yun to fall into deep thought. Meanwhile, Xiao Qi'an continued to tempt her, "Miss Wen, I'm not saying this because I'm untrustworthy, but because I'm entirely from your perspective and considering your feelings. Over the years, I've experienced too much betrayal, and these experiences have taught me that I must never easily trust anyone, and that I must rely on myself for everything I need. If you make a deal with me, I will not interfere in your affairs. You can cultivate your own confidants and use the title of the mistress of Xiao Yue Manor to build your own power. This will be entirely beneficial for your revenge."

Xiao Qi'an was most adept at reading people's hearts. He said a lot, but only to arouse Chu Yun's suspicion—was Xiao Qi'an really reliable? Without absolute power, relying solely on others, could I really succeed in taking revenge?

Doubts lead to fear. Even if Chu Yun is clever and decisive, if you can find her weakness, you will be afraid. At this time, Xiao Qi'an will throw out the bait - become the mistress of Xiao Yue Manor, and all your worries will be resolved.

A person in a state of shock and doubt will cling tightly to any driftwood in front of them, and for this reason, Xiao Qi'an did not hesitate to make Chu Yun doubt him as well.

Having paid such a heavy price, he was 90% confident he could persuade Chu Yun.

As for Chu Yun's suspicions about him, he will use time and sincerity to gradually soothe them. For now, all he needs is for Chu Yun to agree to marry him.