Chapter 963: Calculating Scholar 18

Tang Wan responded in a gentle, understanding tone, “It’s good that you realize your mistake. Also… we’re both grown now. To avoid unnecessary trouble, it’s better if we don’t talk alone like this in the future.” As she spoke, her expression turned slightly aggrieved. “Brother Afu, you don’t know how those people talk about me behind my back… Sometimes I feel so ashamed I could just jump into the river.”

Seeing her like this, what else could Li Fuze say?

If he continued bringing up money or hinted at wanting her help, she would definitely refuse—and worse, she might even become wary of him. That wasn’t what he wanted right now.

So he could only nod and soften his tone. “I understand. But we are neighbors after all—we grew up together. Don’t take what others say too seriously. Those who are upright don’t fear gossip. As long as we conduct ourselves properly, rumors won’t hurt you.”

Hearing this, Tang Wan almost laughed out loud.

“Those who are upright don’t fear gossip”? How many people had been ruined by rumors throughout history? Could a single sentence really erase what others said behind one’s back?

She didn’t actually care about gossip—but being tied to someone like him through those rumors? That was something she absolutely couldn’t accept.

“Brother Afu, you’re right,” she said calmly. “But I’m not a saint. I can’t completely ignore what the villagers think. It’s getting late—you should head home. I need to go back inside and eat.”

“Alright. Take care of yourself. I’ll go back first,” Li Fuze said, his mood clearly soured.

“Mm. Goodbye, Brother Afu.”

The moment he left, Tang Wan shut the door without hesitation and slid the latch firmly into place.

Standing behind the door, she let out a cold snort. “Shameless.”

Then she lowered her head and looked at the yellow dog beside her, which was tilting its head curiously. “Ahuang, next time you see him, don’t wag your tail at him. He’s not a good person.”

The dog barked twice, though it was unclear whether it understood her.

Meanwhile, after returning home, Ye Qingtong found himself unable to stop thinking about Li Fuze.

He had heard of him before. In the nearby villages, Li Fuze had gained quite a reputation over the past few years. He had passed the examination at the age of twelve and was considered a promising young scholar. His reputation was good, his appearance refined and handsome—the kind that many girls favored.

And Tang Wan had grown up with him. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say they were childhood companions.

Did she… like him?

If she really liked someone like Li Fuze, what chance did he have? He was just a rough hunter who couldn’t even read properly—how could he compare to someone who had already become a scholar?

The more he thought about it, the more uneasy he became.

Clutching Tang Wan’s embroidered shoe in his hand, he muttered in a low voice, “No… she wouldn’t like him.”

When she looked at him, her eyes had been soft and shy—wasn’t that the kind of look only given to someone she liked?

But when she faced Li Fuze, her expression had been completely normal, without any of that tenderness or affection.

Still… what if he was just imagining things? What if he had misunderstood everything?

With that thought, Ye Qingtong lay down, only to sit up again moments later, restless. He tossed and turned the entire night, unable to find any peace.