Chapter 2083: Chapter 2078: Dancer (24)

The scene is limited after all, so it’s not surprising to run into each other, especially when no lights were on along the way; it would be difficult to notice without getting close.

It’s not hard to explain why we coincidentally gathered together again.

Although Fu Qian is inclined to think there are other reasons—for Clara, this trip might be more about people-watching than the scenery.

Judging from previous observations, if he is using this tourist group as a probe, she might be doing the same.

Even though her purpose isn’t very clear yet, and she seems more interested in this place compared to the Royal Garden earlier, it’s still hard to say if Clara came here unintentionally.

But it doesn’t matter; I have never been one to be petty.

"Couldn’t find a suitable place, so I’m trying to immerse myself in the scene from back then."

Without even turning back, Fu Qian casually explained, holding a bundle of incense sticks and gesturing toward the distant lake.

"...I originally thought you weren’t the kind of person to take things so seriously."

Unfortunately, this reason was clearly not convincing, and Clara’s response was somewhat noncommittal.

Despite a moment of hesitation, she didn’t leave; instead, she followed him to the terrace.

"It shows you’re still too young; in life, only the pursuit of enjoyment cannot be treated carelessly."

Without minding that there was nowhere for the other person to sit, Fu Qian leaned comfortably against the chair back, imparting his life philosophy.

"All self-deception will suffer backlash at the final moment, with no chance for remedy."

...

"That sounds somewhat reasonable, yet Mr. Anke doesn’t seem much older than me?"

Casually questioning it, Clara found it was elevated to a philosophical level, and after a complex period of silence, she finally found a tactful angle to question it.

"No need for ’seems.’"

At this point, Fu Qian finally turned his head, giving her a thorough once-over.

Clara also held her incense sticks, not in a hurry to light them.

"Indeed, you should be older than me."

However, Fu Qian didn’t emphasize this point and chose a different line of attack.

"...People’s understanding varies, and it cannot simply be measured by age."

This approach proved effective as Clara took a deep breath, demonstrating an ability to consider the other person’s perspective.

"So why did you choose this place to immerse yourself? It’s just an empty terrace. Can sitting here really help you experience the feelings of an ancient royal family?"

To keep the topic from straying too far, Clara promptly returned to the matter at hand.

"Yes."

Fu Qian nodded calmly.

"Why?"

Clara furrowed her brow slightly, sensing some evasion.

"Because I believe royal pride cannot be embodied within a delicate box but should be under the starry sky."

Surprisingly, the answer seemed well-considered from the start.

Fu Qian pointed once again toward the depths of the vast lake.

The lake’s surface was astonishingly calm, enough to reflect the few clouds above.

...

"On this point, I must agree with you."

Equally astonishing, the next moment Clara’s expression froze, evidently moved by Fu Qian’s words.

She whispered softly as she continued to move forward, until she leaned against the outer rail of the terrace, gazing into the distance.

"In this world, royal pride is indeed hard to showcase through others’ veneration; contrariwise, the attitude toward ’God’ reveals more.

"The ancient blessing customs were indeed conducted outdoors... it seems you already know why?"

Clara’s response undoubtedly confirmed the earlier impression that she knew quite a bit about the place’s history.

"To demonstrate, not to beg them, letting them see this lack of supplication."

Her inquiry could hardly stymie Fu Qian.

"So how do you know this? Have you specifically researched the Wenlan Family?"

Clara could no longer conceal her astonishment.

"I guessed."

Fu Qian remained in a languid posture, not even lying.

A family capable of devising a symbol unrelated to gods and believing it could protect them does not seem surprising for such actions.

Even from Fu Qian’s knowledge of certain forbidden histories, this family possessed not only a narcissistic pride but a hidden knack for luck.

Had it not been for the gods’ silence after the Long Night, and those still active entering a state akin to a dark forest, such reckless behavior would easily invite disaster.

Yet somehow they left behind a glorious history, with a luck index comparable to that of humans during the Anthropic Epoch.

"But is this truly a Wenlan Family blessing place? Honestly, its style doesn’t quite match what we saw during the day."

Acknowledging Clara’s extensive knowledge, Fu Qian didn’t miss the chance to address his earlier curiosity.

"That’s because the place you saw during the day is no longer in its original form."

True to expectations, Clara sighed lightly and explained.

"This land doesn’t belong solely to the Wenlan Family. Their glory came to an end when new forces replaced them, as Ah Lian mentioned earlier today.

"But she didn’t mention that after the Wenlan Family was ousted, the royal residence there underwent significant reconstructions, rendering it almost unrecognizable compared to its original form."

...

"I see, thank you for the explanation... No wonder I prefer this style more."

Relieved of his doubts, Fu Qian politely expressed gratitude without hiding his preference.

"You really are seriously immersing yourself... May I ask what role you envision yourself playing?"

Clara’s emotions remained complex as she carefully unpacked the incense, her gaze never leaving Fu Qian.

"Anke Wenlan, as Ah Lian suggested today. Can’t you tell?"

Fu Qian seemed surprised by her question, as if he couldn’t believe she hadn’t directly sensed it.

Uh...

Having to turn and face Fu Qian’s gaze, Clara found herself at a loss for words again.

"But... if your surname is Wenlan, then what would mine be?"

Only a breath later, Clara broke into a peculiar smile.

She countered as she lit the three incense sticks and placed them in a slot on the railing.

Oh?

Observing Clara’s subtly transformed demeanor, Fu Qian held his words.

She inserted the incense, then, enveloped in that increasingly rich aroma, stepped back and lifted her skirt slightly in a gesture.

A pose similar to the dancer’s initial performance today, only it seemed more professional.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.