Over the next few days.
Chu Qingyuan came over often. At first she only came at night, but then she began visiting during the day as well. As they grew more familiar, her fear of Zhang Yuan, an accomplished cultivator, gradually faded.
In truth, whenever Chu Qingyuan came over, Zhang Yuan spent most of his time meditating and cultivating. Even when he was not cultivating, he lay in his reclining chair with his eyes closed, resting his mind, paying no attention to Chu Qingyuan's arrival.
It was precisely because of this that little fear remained in Chu Qingyuan's heart. After all, whatever she did in the courtyard, Zhang Yuan never interfered.
At noon that day.
After eating, Chu Qingyuan followed the mountain path halfway up the mountain. Peering through the crack in the gate, she saw Zhang Yuan basking in the sun again. She slipped inside quietly, sat beside the stone table in the courtyard, and propped her chin in her hands as she gazed at him.
Zhang Yuan sensed something. Feeling Chu Qingyuan's burning gaze, he grew a little uncomfortable under her scrutiny, so he opened his eyes and asked:
"What are you looking at me for?"
Delight stirred in Chu Qingyuan's heart, but she said demurely, "I was wondering whether you really intend to leave, Brother Zhang. Could you have been lying to me, when you actually want to stay with the Chu Family for the rest of your life?"
"Mm, I don't mean that I want to keep you here, so don't misunderstand. I'm just asking. Yes, just asking."
Zhang Yuan was not particularly willing to say much to Chu Qingyuan. Her eyes were far too keen, so he simply brushed her off:
"You've actually guessed right."
Chu Qingyuan's expression did not change, but she was quite