Chapter 990: Calculating Scholar 45

Worried that other men might catch sight of Tang Wan’s face, Ye Qingtong had carefully covered her with a curtain. But as they stepped out of the shop, a sudden gust of wind lifted the veil, exposing her features for just a moment.

That fleeting instant was enough.

The stout shop owner, who had just arrived at the entrance, looked up—and froze as if struck by a spell.

What a breathtaking beauty.

By the time he came back to his senses, Tang Wan and Ye Qingtong had already walked away. He hurried inside and asked the shopkeeper eagerly, “The man and woman who just left—what did they buy?”

“A jade bracelet worth five taels of silver,” the shopkeeper replied.

“Did they leave a name? Where they’re from?” the owner pressed.

The shopkeeper shook his head. “No, but I heard them say they were going to buy clothes. That man dotes on his wife quite a bit.”

Hearing this, the owner relaxed slightly—so they weren’t from a wealthy family. Then a trace of disdain crept into his expression. A man who could only afford a five-tael bracelet—what was the use of doting on his wife? A woman of such beauty should be adorned in silver and gold, treasured properly.

Almost immediately, he sent people to follow them and investigate. A beauty like that—if he didn’t get a chance with her, he would regret it for the rest of his life.

Meanwhile, Tang Wan and Ye Qingtong had already reached a clothing shop. After selecting two outfits, Tang Wan also picked out some fabric, intending to make clothes for Ye Qingtong herself. Once they finished shopping, the two of them set off happily for home, completely unaware that they were being followed.

But after leaving the bustling marketplace, Ye Qingtong’s sharp instincts kicked in. He noticed the faint presence trailing behind them.

His eyes narrowed.

Stopping the ox cart beneath a large tree, he said quietly, “Wanwan, someone’s following us. I’ll pretend to step away and draw them out. Don’t be afraid.”

Tang Wan nodded obediently. “Alright.”

But inwardly, she sneered. As expected—the jade shop owner had taken a liking to her face.

Seeing the cart stop, the two men tailing them approached, pretending to ask for directions while planning to strike up a conversation and probe for information.

But just as they got close, Ye Qingtong suddenly stepped out from behind the tree, his gaze cold and sharp.

“Why are you following us?”

Startled, one of the men forced a smile. “We’re not following you. We just wanted to ask how to get to Xiaoyang Village.”

“Still lying?” Ye Qingtong let out a cold laugh. In the next instant, he grabbed one of them, twisted his arm, and slammed him against the tree. “Speak—or I’ll break your arm.”

The two men hadn’t expected him to act so ruthlessly. Panic flashed across their faces.

“It’s Boss Liu!” one of them blurted out. “Boss Liu sent us to follow you and find out who you are!”

“Boss Liu?” Ye Qingtong narrowed his eyes. He didn’t recall knowing anyone by that name.

“He’s the owner of the jade shop!” the man hurriedly added. “We don’t know why he’s interested in you!”

Ye Qingtong’s expression darkened.

After a moment, he released them. “You’d better not be lying.”

“We swear we’re telling the truth!” the two men said hurriedly.

“Then get lost.”

With a shove, Ye Qingtong sent them stumbling away, his gaze turning colder as he watched them flee.