After the Fairy Maidens Fell to Darkness, They Captured Me to Ruthlessly 'Repay' Their Gratitude-Chapter 94 - "Do You Like It? I Wore This Just for You"

Liu Nansheng invited He Ange to the Liu residence for two main reasons.

First, to thank him for helping Liu Moqing regain her optimistic outlook on life.

Second, to discuss the fabric business and the designs He Ange had provided.

However, after personally seeing the clothing samples He Ange had brought, Liu Nansheng found himself with a third idea.

Since Liu Moqing’s cultivation was already crippled, why not find her a good husband and let her live a peaceful, ordinary life?

And He Ange seemed like a fine candidate.

At the banquet earlier that day, He Ange had publicly stood up for An Luo Yi. The noble families had all witnessed his demeanor, and Liu Nansheng could tell the boy had both character and emotional intelligence. At the very least, his respectful attitude toward the An family’s young lady left a good impression.

But before making any decisions, Liu Nansheng wanted to test He Ange’s character himself.

“Young Master He, do you have an interest in calligraphy?” Liu Nansheng asked casually after the initial pleasantries.

He Ange, seated across from him, glanced at the calligraphy on the table before nodding. He picked up a brush, dipped it in ink, and began to write.

Liu Nansheng stepped back to give him space, while Liu Moqing thoughtfully brought over a fresh sheet of paper and laid it on the table.

“I learned a bit as a child, under my senior sister’s guidance,” He Ange said humbly as he carefully wrote a few characters.

Liu Nansheng picked up the paper, studying it closely. The more he looked, the more intrigued he became.

He realized that this young man, who was already skilled in clothing design, also had a unique approach to calligraphy.

Traditional calligraphy often featured intricate strokes, but He Ange’s writing was simple yet firm, exuding a clean and elegant charm reminiscent of a white-robed fairy.

“Young Master He, why are your characters so simplified?” Liu Nansheng asked, puzzled.

He Ange hesitated, a bit embarrassed.

“Well, I believe Chinese characters are meant to be a means of communication. Simplifying them makes them cleaner and more practical for everyday use, especially for letters and records...”

In truth, He Ange was just avoiding the complexity of traditional characters. Being more familiar with modern simplified Chinese, he had adapted it to suit his needs.

But to Liu Nansheng, this simplification was fascinating.

“Interesting, very interesting... I didn’t expect Young Master He to have such unique insights into calligraphy. To independently develop a practical script like this, reducing so many strokes without affecting readability—it’s quite remarkable.”

“Is it, though...”

Liu Nansheng’s admiration only made He Ange feel guiltier. Many of the characters he wrote in simplified form were simply because he didn’t know their traditional counterparts.

After the calligraphy session, Liu Nansheng invited He Ange to sit again, while Liu Moqing went to prepare tea.

This time, the conversation shifted to business—specifically, the fabric shop and the collaboration on clothing designs.

Liu Nansheng, being an art enthusiast himself, warmed up to He Ange after confirming his artistic inclinations. Their business discussion became much more open and friendly.

Initially, Liu Nansheng had planned to buy the designs outright for tens of thousands of silver taels.

But He Ange, not particularly in need of money, proposed a deal: he would take a 30% share of the annual profits from the new designs. This further impressed Liu Nansheng, who saw the young man as ambitious and confident.

Thirty percent was a steep ask.

Of course, it was contingent on the new designs selling well.

Liu Nansheng hadn’t expected such a bold proposal from someone so young. Did He Ange truly believe all his designs would become bestsellers?

“I trust the Liu family’s business network. But if you feel 30% is too much, I’m open to negotiation...” He Ange began, ready to lower his terms.

In truth, he had expected to settle for around 20%. The initial 30% was just a starting point for bargaining.

But before he could finish, Liu Nansheng stood up, grabbing his hand and nodding enthusiastically.

“No, no, no! Thirty percent it is!”

He was more concerned about keeping He Ange satisfied and preventing him from taking his designs elsewhere.

Besides, Liu Nansheng wasn’t short on money. Even with 30% going to He Ange, the Liu family would still retain a significant majority of the profits if the business succeeded.

“Are you sure about the 30%, sir?” He Ange asked, surprised. He was essentially earning passive income, with the Liu family shouldering all the costs.

It seemed too good to be true.

But Liu Nansheng waved off his concerns.

“Thirty percent is fine. Since Young Master He has confidence in his designs, and considering what you’ve done for my Moqing, I trust you.”

“Thank you, Miss Moqing,” He Ange said, smiling at her. This made Liu Moqing blush slightly, feeling a bit shy.

With the business discussion wrapped up, Liu Nansheng brought up another topic.

“By the way, Young Master He, what do you think of my daughter, Moqing?”

“Father! What are you saying?!” Liu Moqing’s face turned bright red as she stood behind him, utterly mortified.

No wonder her father had been so generous during the business talks—he had ulterior motives! Liu Moqing felt both embarrassed and frustrated.

He Ange, too, was momentarily stunned. Glancing at the flustered green-robed fairy, he replied earnestly.

“I think Miss Moqing is a wonderful person. I admire her optimism and resilience in the face of adversity... And, as someone who is also half a cripple, I feel a certain sympathy for her.”

“Haha, that’s wonderful... Uh, I mean, ahem,” Liu Nansheng coughed awkwardly, straightening up after receiving a light punch from his daughter.

“It’s rare to find someone who holds Moqing in such high regard, despite her current circumstances.”

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While He Ange referred to himself as a “cripple,” Liu Nansheng didn’t take it seriously.

If it was just humility, it was commendable.

And if it were true, it didn’t matter—Moqing was also a cripple. They were well-matched.

“Since Young Master He has a favorable opinion of my Moqing, I hope you’ll look after her in Yong’an City. And if you don’t mind, perhaps you could consider... something more.”

“Father, stop saying such things!” Liu Moqing protested, on the verge of tears.

She was already deeply grateful for He Ange’s help in Yong’an City. She didn’t dare hope for anything more.

She knew He Ange wasn’t an ordinary man and suspected he might have ties to darker forces. A man as enigmatic as him wouldn’t be interested in someone as ordinary as her. She was well aware of her limitations.

“I appreciate your kindness, sir, but my heart already belongs to someone else. It wouldn’t be right to take advantage of your daughter,” He Ange said, bowing slightly.

“I see... That’s fair,” Liu Nansheng sighed, nodding in understanding. He didn’t want his daughter to be hurt by a one-sided relationship.

Still, he couldn’t help but feel that He Ange was an exceptional young man—intelligent, capable, and even respectable in cultivation. Letting him go felt like a missed opportunity.

“Well, if nothing else, treat Moqing as a younger sister. She may no longer be a cultivator, but her character and beauty are undeniable. I’m sure you’ll come to appreciate her more over time... Please, take care of her.”

“Of course, sir,” He Ange replied, humbled by the trust placed in him.

By the time their conversation ended, it was already past eight in the evening.

Liu Nansheng invited He Ange to stay for dinner, but he politely declined, knowing An Luo Yi was waiting for him at home.

As he prepared to leave, He Ange brought up an important matter.

“Sir, I hope you won’t find this presumptuous, but I’d like to ask for your support in my bid to become a certified direct disciple.”

“A certified direct disciple?” Liu Nansheng’s eyes narrowed slightly.

Business matters were one thing, but certification as a direct disciple was no small request.

To gain certification, a candidate needed the approval of at least three of the four great families.

Many talented disciples had been thwarted by this requirement, as the families often acted as gatekeepers, balancing their interests.

And clearly, He Ange was aligned with the An family.

The Liu family had no reason to support another An family candidate for the Dragon Dynasty.

“Young Master He, certification is no trivial matter... The Liu family’s vote is not easily given,” Liu Nansheng said, his tone measured.

He Ange felt a wave of pressure, realizing his request might be denied.

But then, Liu Nansheng smiled, placing a hand on his shoulder.

“However, if Young Master He were to become a son-in-law of the Liu family, this might be negotiable.”

His words were accompanied by a sly smile, leaving He Ange momentarily speechless.

“Surely you’re joking, sir...” He Ange replied with an awkward laugh.

“Of course, just a joke,” Liu Nansheng chuckled, though his tone carried a hint of seriousness.

After a moment, he sighed, speaking earnestly.

“Certification isn’t as difficult as people make it out to be. For us family heads, it’s just a matter of nodding in agreement. I won’t force you to marry Moqing, but at least promise to look after her... Treat her as a sister, if nothing else.”

“Naturally,” He Ange agreed.

“Still, why are you so kind to her? You don’t seem to have romantic feelings for her, so what’s your motive?” Liu Nansheng asked, his curiosity finally getting the better of him.

According to Liu Moqing, it was He Ange who had approached her first, offering his help. Liu Nansheng had assumed it was because He Ange was interested in her.

But now, it seemed that wasn’t the case.

“Could it be... you’ve been eyeing the Liu family’s vote all along?” Liu Nansheng speculated, narrowing his eyes.

He Ange shrugged helplessly.

“Sir, you’ve likely heard about the chaos in Yong’an City. Miss Moqing’s misfortune was indirectly tied to my senior sister... And my senior sister’s absence that night was, in part, due to me.”

“I feel responsible for what happened to Miss Moqing. I want to make amends, and I hope she can forgive my senior sister.”

His words were sincere, devoid of pretense.

Liu Nansheng, however, didn’t grasp the full weight of what He Ange was saying. He simply saw him as a young man with a strong sense of responsibility and nodded sympathetically.

“I see... You’re a kind-hearted person, Young Master He. And since Moqing holds no grudge against you, it’s clear you’ve treated her well.”

“No, it’s because Miss Moqing is inherently kind.”

“Is that why you’re so good to her? Why you go out of your way to help her?”

“Yes, that’s all there is to it.”

He Ange nodded, the atmosphere warm and cordial.

But just as the mood settled, He Ange added, “Of course, I also hope the Liu family will support my certification.”

“You little rascal,” Liu Nansheng muttered, shaking his head with a wry smile.

…

By the time He Ange returned to the An residence, it was close to nine o’clock.

The capital at this hour was much quieter than Yong’an City. Most vendors had packed up, leaving the streets deserted. Walking alone through the dimly lit streets, He Ange couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was watching him.

But whoever it was didn’t make a move.

When he finally reached the An residence, he was greeted by the sight of a silver-haired fairy sitting on a long chair in the main hall, wrapped in a blanket.

At this hour, the rest of the household had retired for the night.

Only An Luo Yi remained, waiting for him.

She sat with a long blanket draped over her legs. Though the capital’s winter chill was biting, An Luo Yi, with her Ice Spirit Vein, rarely needed such warmth. In fact, He Ange couldn’t recall ever seeing her use a blanket before.

When she saw him, she waved him over.

As he approached, she said nothing, simply lifting the edge of the blanket.

From his standing position, He Ange could see beneath the blanket—a glimpse of her black silk-clad legs and the silver-belled shoes wrapped elegantly around her ankles.

When An Luo Yi looked up at him, her cold eyes carried a hint of grievance and dissatisfaction.

“He Ange, I wore this just for you, and you made me wait here until it was dark?”