Chapter 35 0037: He works for you? How come I didn’t know about this?

There are always comparisons to be made between women. In the face of such a stark contrast, these women truly believed that Ye Linglong’s disdain for the young men must stem from the remarkable status of her own man—or rather, her boyfriend. If not the young city lord or the deputy sect leader, then at least someone on Duanmu Ci’s level. Yet to their astonishment, this so-called “legendary” man turned out to be Ye Linglong’s fiancé?

This was simply too much for the women to resist mocking her with wild ridicule.

“I’m just as curious,” said one of the girls, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she glanced at Ye Linglong, not forgetting to point out, “With Junior Sister Ye’s talent and noble background, she could easily find someone better matched, and yet she’s chosen a man like this as her fiancé?”

She then turned to Chu Yun, feigning intimidation, “Boy, did you do something to our Junior Sister Ye?”

The laughter from the women grew even more unrestrained.

Ye Linglong sat in silence, knowing that saying nothing was the best way to quell the rising tide. She kept her eyes fixed on Chu Yun, who stood in confrontation with Cui Yuanhao on the field.

Cui Yuanhao, too, had not expected that this Chu Yun would have such a connection with Ye Linglong. Seeing Ye Linglong sitting beside Duanmu Ci, he grew cautious—Duanmu Ci was known for his jealousy and might well step in for Ye Linglong’s sake. He needed to clarify the situation first.

“Miss Ye, is he truly your fiancé?” Cui Yuanhao asked, turning his gaze to Ye Linglong.

At that moment, all eyes fell upon Ye Linglong—including those of Duanmu Ci. In an era when women were seen as possessions, Duanmu Ci, who had long resented being unable to lay claim to Ye Linglong, harbored his own agenda as he said to Cui Yuanhao, “You’d believe even the elders’ playful words?”

“Oh!” The crowd turned to Duanmu Ci, making faces and teasing, “So, Young Master Duanmu, are you defending Ye Linglong now?”

“Well, only Young Master Duanmu is truly worthy of Junior Sister Ye,” his cronies chimed in, already well-rehearsed in their banter. “Weren’t you two classmates in primary school? To both be admitted to the First Martial Academy—could that have been your childhood promise?”

“Hmm? That does seem possible,” someone else added, everyone aware of Duanmu Ci’s feelings for Ye Linglong, working hard to create an opportunity. “Come on, Young Master, be honest—are you hiding something from us?”

Duanmu Ci only smiled enigmatically, refusing to comment, keeping an air of mystery.

“So, Miss Ye, are you actually Duanmu Ci’s girlfriend?” Cui Yuanhao pressed, then looked to Chu Yun. “In that case, if I choose to deal with this man today, you have no objections?”

Just as Ye Linglong was about to deny it, Duanmu Ci leaned close, smiling softly, and murmured, “Don’t say a word. I’ll handle things with the Yi family for you.”

Ye Linglong was startled, turning to Duanmu Ci, surprised he would say such a thing.

He continued, eyes on the field, “I have too many flies buzzing around me. Think of it as helping me out for once—just as I’m helping you.”

At that moment, another striking figure appeared at the doorway, drawing the attention of every man in the room: “Who dares touch him without asking me, Hou Manman?”

The men grew even more excited at the arrival of another stunning beauty, but when it became clear she was here to support Chu Yun, their expressions darkened.

Hou Manman paid the crowd no mind. She glanced at Chu Yun in the center of the room, the corners of her mouth lifting into a slight smile as she strode inside. “I believe I made it clear back at Lanwind Academy—Chu Yun is my man. You must have heard by now—so, who was it that just threatened him?”

“And who are you?” Cui Yuanhao barked.

“Hou Manman,” she replied, resting her chin on her hand and sweeping her gaze across the gathering. “From the Hou family of River City.”

Anyone in Sentinel City with even a modicum of background knew the renowned families of the Hope Continent. At Hou Manman’s introduction, a collective gasp swept the room.

“The Hou family of River City—one of the ten great families of the Jiang Domain, and home to the famous Three Swordsmen?”

“That’s right.” Hou Manman looked quite pleased. “Those three are my grandfathers.”

Cui Yuanhao narrowed his eyes, suddenly wary.

“You’re Hou Manman—one of last year’s stars at the River City tournament?” someone exclaimed, recognizing her.

“At least someone here has good taste,” Hou Manman replied, casting a meaningful glance at Ye Linglong, who was sitting on the steps, a hint of pride in her voice. “That’s right. Last year, representing River City Martial Academy, I helped our school reach the top sixteen of the Hope Continent Tournament!”

“Wow!” The students couldn’t help but exclaim. “Top sixteen! Our own First Martial Academy rarely makes it past the top thirty-two, even in our best years.”

“That was only because I didn’t participate last year,” Duanmu Ci interjected with a self-assured smile. “This year, let’s hope your academy doesn’t have to face me.”

“You seem to forget she’s now joined Lanwind Academy,” one of his friends teased him. “Given the three slots for Guanshan Domain, we’re bound to cross paths early this year.”

Someone then jeered at Chu Yun, “Hey, you—our academy’s top talent—now that you’ve joined Lanwind, will you be representing them at the tournament?”

Laughter erupted all around.

“Don’t joke, he might actually be a main player for Lanwind!” someone added, twisting the knife.

“That’s true; if he really is Hou Manman’s man, with her status, she could easily convince them to give him a spot—wasting a precious slot on this loser.”

The laughter only grew louder and more relentless.

“Are you all finished?” Hou Manman glared at the crowd, then turned to Cui Yuanhao. “You were the one threatening him just now, weren’t you?”

Cui Yuanhao didn’t dare cross her, so he turned instead to Chu Yun with disdain. “You’re no man at all. Look around you—only women become men’s accessories, yet you cling to a woman instead?”

Chu Yun could only sigh, about to respond, but Hou Manman cut in sharply, “I’m nothing like some people who demand men to be dependent. If I choose to protect him today, so what? I said it—Chu Yun is my man.”

“When did he become yours?”

It was then that Ye Linglong, who had remained silent all this time, suddenly spoke up in a cold, clear voice.

Hou Manman’s gaze snapped to hers; their eyes met, sparks flying in the air.

“You claim he’s yours, yet how is it that I, his fiancée, know nothing of this?” With poise and grace, Ye Linglong rose to her feet on the steps, looking down at Hou Manman as she questioned her.