Chapter Forty-Three: His Name Is Ye Qiu

“Of course not! My name is Zhao Yingjun, really not Ye Qiu. If you don’t believe me, ask them what my name is…” Ye Qiu patted his chest as he spoke, thinking to himself that since no one here knew him, surely his identity wouldn’t be exposed.

Just then, several figures quietly appeared behind him. The moment Ye Qiu saw them, he sucked in a cold breath.

“Damn, how could I have forgotten about them…”

These people were none other than Wang Yuan and his companions, along with several members of the Tianfeng family…

Yuechan didn’t press Ye Qiu further. Instead, she cast a cold glance around, then asked softly, “Do any of you know the senior’s name?”

Everyone froze at her question.

“That’s odd—why is Fairy Yuechan suddenly asking this? Why not just ask the senior himself?”

“I don’t know, seems like there’s some history between them.”

“So should we tell the truth? If we do, will we get beaten up? Both of them are terrifying—neither side is easy to offend…”

“In my opinion, compared to Fairy Yuechan, the senior is more approachable. If we offend him, he probably won’t kill us with a slap…”

“True, I feel the same. The senior is gentle, low-key, dislikes violence, and has a good temper. But who knows if that’s just an act? If we annoy him, we might still end up dead…”

Everyone was at a loss, uncertain how to decide.

At that moment, a sly voice came from behind: “He’s called Ye Qiu, he’s called Ye Qiu…”

Who was speaking?

Ye Qiu stared wide-eyed and saw that it was Daoist Fufeng.

Damn it, that old rascal! When did he show up? And now he’s exposing me?

Upon hearing Fufeng’s words, Yuechan smiled coldly, her gaze lingering on Ye Qiu with deep meaning, saying nothing, waiting to see how he would explain himself.

Ye Qiu, anxious, pointed fiercely at Fufeng and said, “Hey… I’m telling you, this is slander, old man, you’re dead meat!”

Fufeng was startled, but seeing Yuechan standing in front, he suddenly grew confident, grinning, “Heh heh, senior! A true man never changes his name whether standing or sitting. What is there to hide? Unless you’ve done something shameful and are deliberately concealing it?”

“Yes, we can confirm it too—his name is Ye Qiu…”

Everyone laughed and stepped forward to testify.

Now Ye Qiu was even more flustered. Damn that old rascal, exposing his secrets.

And saying things like, ‘Unless you’ve done something shameful’—well… that might actually be true.

It’s over.

Yuechan’s half-smiling, half-serious expression was fixed on him, making Ye Qiu even more nervous.

“Concealing? Heh heh, how could I be that kind of person? I walk upright, sit properly, do nothing wrong, and fear no ghosts knocking at my door! What am I afraid of? Old man, stop talking nonsense, don’t smear my reputation, or I’ll beat you…”

Ye Qiu threatened, never daring to meet Yuechan’s gaze, cursing inwardly. At first, he’d found the old man agreeable, but now Ye Qiu deeply regretted it. This guy was never trustworthy.

Who else would do such things? Only a petty person would betray others.

Shameful…

Fufeng chuckled, “Heh heh, you said yourself: do nothing wrong, fear no ghosts. So why hide the truth?”

Hell, will this never end?

“Fine! Looks like I can’t hide it. Who would have thought, after all my effort, you’d still find out. Truly… handsome people always shine brightest no matter where they are. I won’t pretend anymore, I’ll lay it all out! My name really is Ye Qiu—one leaf heralds the depth of autumn.”

Even now, he still praised himself—what a narcissist!

But, honestly, he wasn’t wrong. He was handsome, possessed unmatched bearing, and did stand out wherever he went.

Everyone was speechless…

Ye Qiu spread his hands wide. Whoever wants to do what, let them. If he dies, so be it.

My name is Ye Qiu—so what? If you dare, come at me…

Yet what surprised him was that Yuechan didn’t act. Instead, she narrowed her eyes, looking at him and said, “Not going to pretend a bit longer?”

“Pretend what? I don’t know what you’re talking about. Though I’m called Ye Qiu, I assure you, I don’t know you…”

Ye Qiu stubbornly refused to admit it, preferring to die with dignity rather than carry the stain of being branded a scoundrel.

The Devouring Sparrow cast him a contemptuous glance, “Why do I feel someone’s legs are shaking? Is that a sign of a guilty conscience?”

“Shut up, want me to roast you into spicy chicken?”

Ye Qiu glared at it, then stared straight into Yuechan’s eyes. She didn’t flinch, but found the situation even more amusing.

She said coldly, “Oh, then perhaps I’ve mistaken you. Maybe it’s just a case of identical names.

The Ye Qiu I knew was nothing but a street thug, a little beggar, and quite the lecher, unable to walk past a beauty! He had a face like a shoehorn, constantly dripping snot wherever he went, dark-hearted, sinister, cunning, with shifty eyes.”

Ye Qiu’s face turned black at her words.

Why does it feel like you’re insulting me in a roundabout way? And I can’t even retort?

Damn, looking so elegant, stunning, a peerless empress—who could have guessed you’d be so devious inside?

Is this deliberate?

Ye Qiu was thoroughly depressed. The more he looked, the more certain he was she was purposely insulting him. That little beggar—wasn’t that him?

But Ye Qiu couldn’t rebut her. If he did, he’d be admitting the little beggar was him. He could only swallow his frustration in silence…

“Damn it, this woman’s too vicious! When have I ever been shifty-eyed, dark-hearted, sinister, and cunning? Do you have to blacken my name like this…”

Ye Qiu fumed silently, as Yuechan continued, “That person could never compare to the senior. He’s nothing but a lowly…”

“Enough!”

Damn, won’t she ever stop?

Ye Qiu couldn’t take it anymore. He realized Yuechan was definitely doing this on purpose, trying to provoke him into admitting the truth.

Impossible—Ye Qiu would never confess.

He said nervously, “Alright, I have no interest in whoever you’re talking about! Let’s leave it at that…”

What a headache—she’s pure trouble! That cunning nature is just like his own…

Who would have thought, the innocent little girl from years ago had grown so cunning; truly, time spares no one.

What has this girl been through all these years? From a naive child to becoming an empress—the speed of her rise, even novels wouldn’t dare write it.

Back then Ye Qiu could bully her, but not anymore! She’s invincible now, while he remains a frail scholar.

Where’s the justice?

What can I do? Just swallow my pride. Even Liu Jianchen, who used to brag with him, is now a mighty sword immortal.

Why does everyone around me become amazing, while I remain useless?

“Oh…”

Interrupted by Ye Qiu, Yuechan wasn’t angry at all. In fact, she found watching Ye Qiu squirm rather entertaining…