Chapter 991: Calculating Scholar 46

After the two men fled, Ye Qingtong frowned slightly and returned to the ox cart. “Don’t worry, Wanwan,” he said in a low voice. “I’ll look into this.”

Tang Wan nodded calmly. “Alright.”

The two of them then made their way back to the village. After arriving home, Ye Qingtong didn’t mention Boss Liu to his parents. He simply handed over the things they had bought to Mother Ye, then called Tang Wan aside and went out briefly, clearly preoccupied.

Two days passed in the blink of an eye.

On the day of the banquet, relatives and neighbors gathered at the Ye household, filling the courtyard with noise and laughter. Meanwhile, the men Ye Qingtong had asked to inquire about Boss Liu also returned with news.

Once he learned about Boss Liu’s reputation, Ye Qingtong didn’t need further explanation. It was obvious—the man had set his sights on Tang Wan.

For a moment, a heavy sense of crisis pressed down on him.

First, there had been Li Fuze—a scholar with status and prospects. Now, there was Boss Liu—a wealthy man with power and influence. Both had targeted Tang Wan.

And him?

He was just a hunter.

If things continued this way, he wouldn’t be able to protect her at all.

Because sometimes, a woman being too beautiful was itself a danger.

If Boss Liu truly decided to take Tang Wan, Ye Qingtong knew he wouldn’t even have the strength to resist. The thought made his chest tighten.

That night, after the guests had left and the house quieted down, Tang Wan noticed his distracted expression. Once they were alone, she finally asked softly, “Tongtong, what’s troubling you?”

Ye Qingtong hesitated for a moment, then told her everything—about Boss Liu, about the men who followed them, and about his growing concern. After a pause, he added in a firm voice, “Wanwan… I want to join the army.”

He didn’t know how to study. If he wanted power, the army was his only path.

But joining the army meant leaving for a long time.

What if she was bullied while he was gone? His parents were old—how could they protect her?

Tang Wan hadn’t expected this thought from him, but she understood immediately. He was doing this because he felt he couldn’t protect her.

She didn’t stop him. Instead, she said gently, “If you’re worried about Boss Liu, I actually have an idea.”

Ye Qingtong looked at her. “What idea?”

“That man is lustful. He’s only interested in my face,” she said calmly. “If my face is ruined, he’ll lose interest.”

Ye Qingtong’s expression changed instantly. “Ruined? How can that be allowed?”

Tang Wan quickly shook her head and smiled. “Don’t panic. I mean… I can pretend to be disfigured.”

With a bit of clever disguise, deceiving others wasn’t difficult.

Ye Qingtong froze for a moment, then frowned. “But wouldn’t that be too unfair to you?”

“What’s unfair about it?” Tang Wan replied lightly. “As long as you know I’m fine, that’s enough.”

Her tone was calm, but Ye Qingtong felt a surge of emotion rise in his chest.

“Wanwan…”

Seeing the look on his face, Tang Wan smiled faintly. “Besides, I don’t want my appearance to bring trouble to you. As long as our family is safe and peaceful, that’s more important than anything.”

Hearing this, Ye Qingtong could no longer hold back. He pulled her tightly into his arms, his heart full of warmth and resolve, then lowered his head and kissed her deeply.