Facing Dugu Yan's enthusiasm, Ye Lingling's heart was in a state of chaotic uncertainty. However, she didn't dare let her conflicted emotions show on the surface, fearing that Dugu Yan might spot the subtle clues of her "betrayal."
Gu Xuan spent about an hour catching up with Dugu Yan, Ning Rongrong, and the rest of the group, claiming he had just stopped by the academy to see how they were faring. Afterward, he led Dugu Yan away to her private dormitory. In the Genius Class of the Seven Treasure Academy, the elite students enjoyed significant perks, including individual three-story villas. Dugu Yan lived in one such house alone, while Ning Rongrong shared a villa with Li Li, and the four boys—Zuo Yan, Yang Pojun, Ma Bao, and Zhan Yu—occupied another.
The moment they stepped into her small nest, Dugu Yan couldn't restrain herself. She threw her arms around Gu Xuan and pinned him down. Months of separation had pushed this mature "Big Sister" type's longing to its peak. If it weren't for the fact that Gu Xuan was only thirteen, she might have truly "reversed" the situation and claimed him then and there. Looking at the deep tenderness swirling in her eyes, Gu Xuan nearly lost his own resolve, but his reason managed to triumph over his desire.
Inside her room, Dugu Yan snuggled into Gu Xuan's embrace, her fingers playfully twisting the two blue locks of hair that framed his face like dragon whiskers.
"Xiao Xuan, are you really not going to transfer here?" she murmured.
Gu Xuan shook his head helplessly. "Not for now. The Clan has close ties with the Heaven Dou Empire. If I leave as well, it would put Uncle Ning in a difficult position."
Dugu Yan let out a resigned sigh. "I heard Lingling and her family have joined the Clan?"
Gu Xuan nodded. He wasn't surprised she knew. Although the Ye Family's migration was a secret, Ning Rongrong and Dugu Yan visited the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan frequently and could easily get information from Ning Fengzhi.
Seeing his confirmation, Dugu Yan beamed. "That's wonderful. Now I can always be with Lingling as best friends. I'm telling you, that girl has had such a pitiful life. When I'm not at the academy, you aren't allowed to bully her."
Dugu Yan felt a deep sympathy for Ye Lingling. As best friends, they shared similar childhood traumas, both having lost close relatives at a young age, which created a natural, unbreakable bond between them.
Gu Xuan's expression shifted slightly as he listened. He responded with sweet words, eventually explaining the intricacies of the Nine-Hearted Begonia's curse and the strategic importance of their bloodline. By the time he was done, Dugu Yan's heart was fluttering, and her lips were slightly reddened from his persistent pecks.
Sensing the mood was right, Gu Xuan spoke softly. "Yan Yan, there's something I need to discuss with you."
Dugu Yan, still playing with his hair, nodded happily. "Go ahead."
"It's about Lingling. Now that her curse is lifted, the Nine-Hearted Begonia will rapidly expand. To ensure that the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's status in the support world isn't threatened, Grandpa and Uncle Ning both want me to... unite with Lingling. That way, the two families stay permanently bonded..."
Dugu Yan listened intently. She understood the first half—the logic of power and status. But the second half? "Unite with Lingling"? She wasn't stupid. She knew exactly what that meant: any children Gu Xuan had with Ye Lingling would be part of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, binding the two legacies forever.
But! She was his first fiancée! She hadn't even "used" her man yet, and now a second woman was entering the picture? In truth, Dugu Yan was quite open-minded. She knew a man as exceptional as Gu Xuan would never lack for companions. In the world of great powers, marriage was the strongest bridge for maintaining alliances. Understanding it was one thing, but she hadn't expected the day to come so soon.
Seeing her face change, Gu Xuan quickly interjected. "Yan Yan, don't misunderstand—"
Dugu Yan stared into his eyes for a long time. Finally, she spoke. "I understand your burden. But I hope you won't neglect Lingling because of me in the future. However, let me be clear: your 'first time' must be mine, and every sister who comes after me has to call me 'Big Sister'!"
Gu Xuan, who had been mentally preparing a long speech to convince her, was stunned. Then, a wave of realization and gratitude washed over him. He pulled her closer and gave her two more fierce kisses. To have a woman as talented as Dugu Yan be so understanding was the best possible outcome.
"Don't worry, Yan Yan. No matter what happens in the future, you will always be number one in my heart. Everyone else has to line up behind you," Gu Xuan promised, layering on the sweet talk.
Dugu Yan gave him a final warning. "I'm being understanding, but don't you dare go out and play the butterfly. If you just bring home random women, Lingling and I won't give you any face."
After settling the matter, Gu Xuan decided to leave Gu Jian at the academy. Since he lived in the capital, it wasn't convenient to keep a dragon out in the open. Gu Jian was destined to be the Clan's Guardian Beast; staying at the Seven Treasure Academy would allow her to grow while acting as a sparring partner for Zuo Yan and the others. Although the boys were now Soul Ancestors, Gu Jian's strength was nothing to scoff at.
Though Gu Jian was reluctant to leave her "Papa," she was obedient, and she found she liked her "Mamas" well enough. From then on, whenever Dugu Yan or Ning Rongrong wanted to visit the Clan, they didn't need a carriage—they just rode Gu Jian home.
Gu Xuan eventually took Ye Lingling back to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan to meet Ning Fengzhi and Gu Rong, officially settling their engagement. While Gu Rong was delighted, Ning Fengzhi found himself becoming rather sentimental.
'The second one! It's already the second one, and he's only been out for a year!' Gu Xuan was only thirteen, with five years to go before his official wedding at eighteen. Who knew how many more women he would bring home in that time?
The most peculiar reaction, however, came from Ning Rongrong. At twelve, she had her own budding understanding of romance, especially after living with Dugu Yan. Hearing that Gu Xuan had found a second "sister-in-law" left her completely stunned.
She had always liked her Brother Gu Xuan. She had suppressed her feelings because she thought he would only ever be with Dugu Yan. But reality had shattered her expectations. If there was room for a second, why couldn't there be room for her? She was the only Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda owner, after all.
She realized she was worried—she liked him, too! And since she and Dugu Yan were already like sisters, she felt she should have been next in line. Ning Rongrong, in her simple-hearted way, eventually confessed her thoughts to Dugu Yan, even asking her for advice on how to make Gu Xuan accept her.
Dugu Yan had seen through Rongrong's feelings long ago. Since she was already resigned to sharing Gu Xuan, she didn't mind if it was someone as close as Rongrong. In fact, if the future Clan Leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan followed Gu Xuan, his power and status would be unshakable.
With Dugu Yan actually plotting and strategizing on her behalf, they were simply waiting for the next time Gu Xuan appeared—to officially take down "Rongrong's Brother Gu Xuan" once and for all!
(End of Chapter)
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