Bad Intentions

Bad Intentions...

In the midst of this period, Leng Ning's existence within the confines of the Leng Clan could only be described as miserable and agonizing, bordering on unbearable.

The aftermath of Yan Kong's defeat at the hands of Qin Wentian set off a series of events that would cast a dark shadow over Leng Ning's life. Not wanting to admit his own defeat, Yan Kong twisted the narrative and painted a portrait of Leng Ning as having an illicit relationship with another man. This falsified tale promptly reached the ears of Yan Kong's uncle, Yan Tie, a man whose disturbing reputation preceded him.

With an air of authority, Yan Tie dispatched his men to the Leng Clan's doorstep, where Leng Ning was swiftly apprehended. Instead of returning to her own abode, Leng Ning found herself imprisoned within the Yan Residence – an unsettling prospect that instilled profound fear in her heart. The Yan Clan was no stranger to rumors of Yan Tie's monstrous tendencies, and the mere thought of stepping into that den of horrors was enough to paralyze her with dread.

In a cruel twist, Leng Ning's very own clan added to her misery by relentlessly pressuring her to comply with Yan Tie's demands. Her father, once her protector, now echoed the orders. Stripped of her freedom and trapped in a suffocating existence, Leng Ning teetered on the precipice of despair. In her darkest moments, she even contemplated ending her own life. To her, death seemed preferable to the monstrous fate that awaited her in the Yan Clan.

Among the Leng Clan's servants, there were those who empathized deeply with Leng Ning's plight. To see such a radiant young woman sentenced to such a terrible fate was an injustice they could hardly bear witness to. The outrage simmered beneath their surface, simmering with a desire to see Leng Ning escape this cruel destiny.

One day, Leng Ning's father appeared in her courtyard once more. His words, however, only fueled her resentment. "Leng Ning, the time for the exchange is drawing near. Why haven't you accepted your role in the Yan Clan?"

Leng Ning's gaze was like ice, her bitterness palpable. She met her father's eyes with a searing intensity, her thoughts echoing loudly, "The exchange? Is this my worth to the Clan? Am I merely a pawn to gain favor from Yan Tie?"

"Leng Ning, you misunderstand. Yan Tie is a third-ranked Divine Inscriptionist, an esteemed position. Many would vie for his attention, but only you have been chosen. Becoming his concubine would elevate your status immeasurably. This is a rare opportunity," Leng Ning's cousin, Leng Lin, chimed in with a mocking smile.

Leng Ning's laughter was devoid of humor. "A rare opportunity, you say? How about you take it then? Why don't you experience this 'opportunity' firsthand?"

Leng Lin leaned on the arm of a young man at her side, her smugness palpable. "I've already found my special someone," she declared with a hint of arrogance.

"Leng Ning, you should understand the significance of this trial for our clan. We lack skilled Divine Inscriptionists and Yan Tie's support is crucial for our success. By becoming connected to him, you can strengthen our position," Leng Ning's father continued to persuade her.

Her eyes ablaze with anger, Leng Ning shot back, "So, we resort to begging and bartering for scraps, all while selling me off to save face? You all have lost every shred of dignity."

Leng Ning's heart had been plunged into darkness, no longer recognizing her place within the Leng Clan. Fan Le's advice seemed more valid than ever – why cling to a clan that treated her like a pawn? Escape felt like the only viable option, and she resolved to take it as soon as possible. Hope had deserted these halls.

The sound of a familiar voice broke through the turmoil. Leng Ning's heart skipped a beat as she recognized it. In an instant, her once-frigid gaze softened, replaced by a warm smile. She turned on her heels and sprinted toward the source of the voice.

"Where do you think you're going?" Leng Ning's father's voice rang out, but she paid him no mind. Beside her, a snowy pup bounded eagerly, its fur a flash of white against the backdrop of turmoil.

Qin Wentian felt a pang of melancholy. His arrival at the Leng Clan had been met with resistance from the guards, despite his connection to Leng Ning. He couldn't shake the unease that settled in his gut – Leng Ning's circumstances had taken a turn for the worse.

A flurry of white rushed into his embrace. Qin Wentian ruffled the fluffy head of his furry companion, a soft smile touching his lips. "Did you miss me?"

"Yiyiyaya!" A chorus of joyful sounds resonated in his mind as Little Rascal nuzzled Qin Wentian's chest, a bundle of boundless energy and affection.

Then, a familiar silhouette appeared before him. Leng Ning, with traces of weariness etched onto her face, greeted him with a warm smile. "How's life at the Institute treating you? Spending so much time with Teacher Bailu must be quite the experience."

"Can't complain," Qin Wentian replied with a casual nod, his demeanor nonchalant. Leng Ning couldn't help but roll her eyes – Bailu Yi's company could hardly be reduced to mere "can't complain."

"And you?" Qin Wentian's gaze softened as he regarded Leng Ning, her fatigue evident. Guilt twinged in his chest – his absorption in the study of Divine Inscriptions had blinded him to Leng Ning's plight.

Leng Ning's lips curved into a wry smile. "It's not terrible, except for the absence of someone boasting in my vicinity."

Qin Wentian's gaze shifted, taking in the figures of Leng Ning's father and the couple they'd encountered earlier. A veil of discomfort seemed to shroud their faces, especially Leng Ning's father, whose expression was a clear reflection of his inner turmoil. Qin Wentian pieced it together – Leng Ning's smile was a mask concealing deeper turmoil.

A humorless laugh escaped Leng Ning's father. "How audacious of you to still show your face here." The weight of Yan Tie's wrath bore down on Qin Wentian, a consequence of his rumored closeness to Leng Ning.

Qin Wentian's brow furrowed in confusion. Why wouldn't he dare to show his face?

"Cousin, did you really decline the marriage proposal from the Yan Clan because of this guy?" Leng Lin chimed in, a mocking smile dancing on her lips. "And you, after ruffling feathers with Yan Tie, went into hiding for so long, yet now you dare to resurface?"

At last, the puzzle pieces snapped into place for Qin Wentian. Yan Tie, the decrepit old fellow, was the very monster Leng Ning had warned him about back then.

As for the offense against Yan Tie, Yan Kong must have had a hand in it. That spineless rat didn't dare seek his revenge on his own – he'd sought the protection of his uncle instead. The collateral damage: Leng Ning.

Leng Lin's presence grew more pronounced, but Qin Wentian had little interest in her. He felt a twinge of sorrow instead – Leng Lin's demeanor was shaped by her environment, one of privilege and superiority.

"What are you planning to do about this?" Qin Wentian turned his gaze squarely to Leng Ning, deliberately ignoring Leng Lin, whose irritation was palpable. The audacity of this man, acting so dismissively within her clan's domain.

Leng Ning met Qin Wentian's gaze, thoughts swirling within her eyes. Yet, ultimately, she held back, choosing silence. She knew that the Yan Clan's might was overwhelming, and that Qin Wentian's third-ranked status as a Divine Inscriptionist couldn't hold a candle to the experience and status of Yan Tie. She didn't want to embroil him in her troubles. This was her fight, not his.

"They're a perfect match, don't you think?" Leng Ning sighed, a wistful smile gracing her lips. Then she turned her attention to Qin Wentian. "You should leave this place. Chaos is brewing, and it's no longer safe for you all to stay here."

Leng Lin couldn't resist a scornful snicker. Leng Ning's actions seemed driven by intelligence, but Leng Lin knew that beneath it all, her cousin was attempting to sever any ties that could link misfortune to her friends. Leng Ning didn't want to drag them into her turmoil. This issue had nothing to do with them.

"This girl…" A rueful chuckle escaped Qin Wentian as he observed how Leng Ning avoided his gaze. Her words might be sharp, but her heart was a wellspring of kindness.

"Third-ranked Divine Inscriptionist, right?" Qin Wentian muttered quietly as he approached Leng Ning, his fingers gently clasping hers. Leng Ning's eyes widened in astonishment as she stared at him, almost incredulous.

A radiant, sunlit smile painted Qin Wentian's features. "It's not as complicated as you think."

With that declaration, he turned his attention to Leng Ning's father. "Leng Ning is under my care now. If Yan Tie is interested, tell him to have a chat with me."

With those words, Qin Wentian dismissed Leng Ning's father from his thoughts. He wasn't worth further consideration. Leading Leng Ning by the hand, he guided her toward her courtyard.

In Leng Ning's eyes, sparks of brilliance ignited. Witnessing the genuine smile on Qin Wentian's face, her heart raced uncontrollably.

This guy was still the same – brazen and carefree as ever.

Yet now, in this moment, he felt dependable to her.

"I wish I could be his girlfriend," Leng Ning mused, her cheeks flushing. Almost immediately, she berated herself. Had she lost her mind? Why would such a thought even cross her mind?

Meanwhile, her father, Leng Lin, and her boyfriend watched on, rendered speechless. This man's arrogance knew no bounds. Was he treating himself as the lord of their domain?

For Yan Tie to pursue Leng Ning, he had to approach Qin Wentian directly? Could he even muster the courage for that conversation?

"Hey, are you planning to hold my hand forever?" Back in her residence, Leng Ning glared at Qin Wentian.

Startled, Qin Wentian released her hand, a sheepish grin forming on his face.

"Hmph, you're awfully straightforward, aren't you? Haven't you even asked if I agree or not?" Leng Ning huffed, though her irritation seemed feigned. She was jesting – if Qin Wentian had seriously asked her to be his girlfriend, Leng Ning would have agreed in a heartbeat.

"Well, you can always decline," Qin Wentian remarked, gazing at her with a hint of mischief.

"You…" Leng Ning was momentarily speechless, confronted by the playful grin on his face. Did this rogue not understand the delicacy of the situation? Did he not comprehend the dance of emotions between a man and a woman?

He was too audacious, too sure of himself. Leng Ning clenched her teeth in exasperation.

"Okay, okay, just pretend I'm being too forward. You can just kick me to the curb once this is all settled," Qin Wentian offered, understanding that Leng Ning was still a young woman navigating her feelings. Getting a guy to play her boyfriend? How many girls would dare initiate such a conversation? Even if they weren't shy, they'd likely be concerned about sending the wrong signal.

"Hmph, deal," Leng Ning replied with a satisfied smile.

"Oh, Leng Ning, didn't you mention earlier that the original candidate was supposed to be Leng Lin? If that's the case, this matter should be easy to solve. Your clan could switch the candidate to you, so switching it back to Leng Lin shouldn't be a problem," Qin Wentian suggested casually, a hint of annoyance creeping into his tone as he recalled Leng Lin's less-than-pleasant attitude.

Leng Ning's eyes twinkled with amusement as she listened to Qin Wentian. She grinned mischievously at him. "You're really something, you know that?"

Deep inside, she felt a surge of delight. Yes, this was an absolutely brilliant idea!