Chapter 132: Chapter 132: Love and Hate
Qu Fulan indeed had a deep impression of Miss Tan; during that trip to Hanshan Temple, if she hadn’t made such excessive demands, the Pei and Tan families might already be engaged by now.
But sadly, ifs don’t exist. Since she made such demands, it shows she wasn’t satisfied with Mr. Pei’s son. Who would dare marry her back then?
Mr. Pei also resolutely refused, and now that she’s come again, it seems a bit shameless.
However, the Tan Family wasn’t foolish and knew to bring the Liu Family along, which made it less abrupt.
And this Miss Liu was the same Miss Liu Ying that Qu Fulan had seen when Mr. Pei went to Sunset Lake for a match-making event.
Back then, the Liu mother and daughter had even gone to the private room to pay respects to the old lady. Later, Qu Fulan heard that the Liu Family intended to arrange a marriage with Heir Pei, but the Princely Heir refused, even citing political positions, and the old lady did not agree to the marriage.
The matters not agreed upon then naturally wouldn’t be agreed upon now.
But since they came over as guests, can you really turn them away at the door?
And the Third Miss, as the legitimate daughter of the second branch, always stepped forward to entertain when the family had young female guests.
Now that she was seeking Qu Fulan’s assistance, it was clear she was quite troubled.
Even Heir Pei glanced at her, his look only understandable but unspoken.
Qu Fulan didn’t step forward directly but whispered something to the maid beside her.
Meanwhile, Miss Liu actively engaged Princely Heir in conversation, "The annual polo match is about to start. In previous years, you weren’t around, so you couldn’t participate. Will you join this year’s polo match?"
Miss Liu’s enthusiasm only received a simple "no" from Pei Ji’an.
Not getting the answer she hoped for left Miss Liu a bit disappointed. If he participated in the polo match, she could witness his charisma.
Fang Yuan was interested in chess and adhered to the rules of not speaking during it. Truthfully, she also thought Miss Tan and Miss Liu were quite noisy, but since guests are guests, she didn’t say anything.
Just after Miss Liu asked her question, Miss Tan chimed in.
"I heard Mr. Pei is also good at polo. Unfortunately, I never had the chance to watch him play in person as Mr. Pei has withdrawn from the competitions."
He withdrew because he got married and had children. A father naturally wouldn’t be as energetic as young bachelors.
Mr. Pei didn’t explain and just smiled indifferently without saying a word.
Coincidentally, at this moment, a servant came over, saying there was an urgent matter for the Heir out front.
Pei Ji’an then stood up, first saying they’d continue another time, then apologizing to everyone present, before turning and leaving.
With the chess match abandoned, Mr. Pei naturally found an excuse to leave immediately as well.
Miss Liu and Miss Tan, despite having much to say, had to swallow it back and absentmindedly followed the Third Miss and others to stroll elsewhere.
Qu Fulan followed the Heir, also asking about the polo match.
Every year, before the autumn hunt, a polo match is held as a warm-up. Stretching well beforehand ensures an impressive performance during the autumn hunt.
She had heard Heir Pei mention this in passing because, now that she was in business, she needed to be more informed than others to seize opportunities.
The opening date of "Burning Immortal Grass Milk Tea" was also specifically calculated to ensure it opened before the polo match began; otherwise, it wouldn’t coincide with the polo match boom.
"Princely Heir, will you participate in the polo match?" Qu Fulan asked.
"It’s not certain yet. Why, are you hoping I participate?" Pei Ji’an replied.
Qu Fulan smiled, "It’d be better if you did attend, so I could go and watch the excitement. If you don’t participate, I’d like to ask for leave in advance to watch the match on that day."
With no one bothering him, Princely Heir slowed his pace, folding his arms as he looked at Qu Fulan, "You don’t seem like someone who’d join the crowd just for fun."
Qu Fulan indeed didn’t join the crowd without reason; she had a purpose.
Not a hidden motive; she wasn’t afraid to say it.
"I think that while the polo match is on, there will surely be a large audience. If we temporarily rent a place nearby to sell milk tea, it would surely sell very well."
To waste such traffic would be a huge waste, and Qu Fulan couldn’t stand to see such a waste occur.
However, renting a temporary spot near the polo match to sell milk tea would require some connections from Heir Pei. Otherwise, relevant authorities wouldn’t allow random stalls.
"Besides, I heard there are bets during the polo match. I’d like to join in on that as well."
During modern times, she had also played in polo matches, learned from her boss, and participated in several matches, winning a few and earning awards.
Thus, she was interested in betting on such matches. Despite the risk of losing money, the winnings could be significant.
One can’t fear taking risks if one wants to make money.
"We’ll discuss it then. Even if I don’t go, I’ll arrange it for you," said the Princely Heir.
Qu Fulan instantly felt relieved, "Thank you, Heir."
On Miss Tan’s side, although she followed the Third Miss and others around, her heart wandered somewhere unknown.
Ever since returning home from Hanshan Temple, her feelings for Mr. Pei grew stronger.
Especially when compared to other potential matches, Mr. Pei excelled over others in every way.
This was understandable, after all. The Pei Family’s genes are evident here, seen clearly in Heir Pei’s extraordinary looks. His cousins aren’t far behind either.
And Mr. Pei, except for being divorced with a child, had no other faults.
Miss Tan had regretted more than once, blaming herself for hastily making such demands and slightly resenting Mr. Pei for being ruthless.
Even if she had spoken poorly, couldn’t he have just said a word or two to her instead of being this heartless?
Such a vexing relationship they had.
To Mr. Pei, Miss Tan felt a complicated mix of love and hate.
Miss Liu, on the other hand, wasn’t too troubled. She knew it wasn’t easy to marry the Princely Heir, likely due to his disinterest in marriage. Otherwise, someone else would have already approached him, sparing her the opportunity.
She merely sought more opportunities to engage, hoping one came along after several attempts.
Thinking of this, she became even more cordial with the Third Miss, aiming to establish a good relationship for easier visits in the future.
After all, both Miss Liu and Miss Tan came from well-off families, with fathers holding official positions of the fourth rank, making them quite reputable anywhere.
They naturally regarded the equally noble Third Miss and Miss Fang, but tended to downplay Miss Cheng.
Merely a cousin, whose father’s official position was said to not be significant, such a person was unworthy of association in their eyes.
Therefore, during Miss Cheng’s remarks, the two stayed silent, conveying a strong sense of exclusion.
How could Cheng Ru not feel it?
She had to find a way to resolve this awkward situation.
After thinking for a moment, she said to Fang Yuan, "Now it seems you’ve grown closer to Miss Qu. How come you’re no longer jealous of her drawing your second brother’s attention?"