Chapter 287: Love at First Sight

“……”

In front of the gate of the Zhu Estate, Zhu Nan hesitated.

The gate wouldn’t open; it seemed to be locked from the inside.

“Does someone live here?”

“We’ll find out if we go inside and check.”

At this point, Wang Haoran gently knocked on the gate, looking at Zhu Nan.

She nodded and, after adjusting her emotions, successfully pushed open the gate and went inside.

“……”

“……”

“…Has someone been taking care of this place?”

Walking through the courtyard of the Zhu Estate, the area seemed eerily quiet, with fallen leaves and dust covering everything, indicating no signs of life.

However, the grey-white walls and light brown wooden beams, although worn-down, showed no signs of being burnt.

Moreover, there were no traces of blood or combat marks from when the Zhu family was massacred; it seemed someone had renovated the place.

Seeing this, Zhu Nan began eagerly inspecting the surroundings.

After thoroughly checking inside and out, she nostalgically spoke.

“The rooms… the main hall… it’s just like before!”

“I wonder who was so thoughtful… Maybe one of my parents’ friends… I must thank them properly…”

Simultaneously, Zhu Nan wondered about her family’s remains… If this kind-hearted person helped to bury them, she wanted to express her gratitude even more.

No matter the cost, she would be willing to give all her silver coins in return.

Seeing the Zhu Estate as though it hadn’t been through a disaster, Zhu Nan felt some of her sadness lift, starting to eagerly hold Wang Haoran’s hand and introducing the place.

“This room behind the main hall was where my parents lived.”

“My two older brothers and younger brother lived in the three rooms to the east.”

Leading Wang Haoran to a side room, she continued,

“And this one was my room! I lived here from childhood!”

Though the room was empty, a sandalwood bed and dressing table were still there, clearly once used by Zhu Nan.

Smiling nostalgically, she walked over and gently touched them.

Wang Haoran and Ning Xueluo patiently watched from the doorway.

Just as Wang Haoran deemed the time appropriate to walk over and sit beside Zhu Nan—

“……Someone’s here……”

He suddenly sensed someone entering the Zhu Estate.

“……Luo Luo, stay here with Nan Nan.”

“Mm!”

Ning Xueluo obediently nodded, not asking for specifics.

Then,

Wang Haoran headed back to the front courtyard alone.

As he exited through the side door of the courtyard, the newcomer was about to enter the main hall.

Hearing footsteps, the person turned their head.

Their eyes met, and it was like an electric shock.

“……!”

“……!”

Seeing the delicate and shy girl blushing and lowering her head, Wang Haoran was stunned.

Is this… love at first sight?! I never expected this to happen!

He hurriedly used a skill to identify her—

[Zhu Xiwang: Villain

Martial Arts: 300 (late-stage Dark Strength)

Physique: 140

Spirit: 200

Affection: 90]

(tln : LMAO her affection already 90.)

“……”

What the… Wang Haoran was dumbfounded.

Zhu Xiwang, isn’t she Zhu Nan’s suspected female lead sister from another genre? How did she turn into a villain too?

And, on our first meeting, she has an affection score of 90 for me, more outrageous than Zhu Nan!

At least Zhu Nan consumed one of my pure desire potions!

This is odd, really odd! If you fall for me at first sight, what about that crippled heir of the Mo family?!

While internally questioning and complaining,

Zhu Xiwang also suppressed her joyful embarrassment, gathering the courage to ask Wang Haoran.

“……Young Master… May I ask who you are?”

Usually straightforward and decisive, Zhu Xiwang was now timid.

Having come to the area to treat a patient, she was informed that someone had trespassed into the Zhu Estate.

She hurried over after finishing her tasks, intending to confront the intruders.

Seeing the gate open, she was already angry.

But… upon seeing the young man before her, she froze.

Her intent to scold vanished, leaving only one thought in her mind—

Meeting you brings joy, pledging my life in our first encounter.

Her questioning turned into asking, with a tone subconsciously becoming gentle and somewhat deliberately coy.

Wang Haoran replied, “……Wang Haoran, Haoran as in ‘vast righteousness.’ And you?”

“My name is Zhu Xiwang, taken from ‘Qingyang Wanxi.'”

Repeating his name softly a few times, Zhu Xiwang couldn’t help but smile.

“Young Master Wang, what brings you here?”

“…This is my wife’s maiden home. Why wouldn’t I come?”

“…Maiden home?!!”

For a moment, Zhu Xiwang couldn’t process it.

She had stayed with the Zhu family before and was sure she hadn’t seen Wang Haoran.

Moreover, the Zhu family… her former home had suffered, and if Wang Haoran’s wife was truly from the Zhu family, the most likely one would be…

Zhu Xiwang’s heart grew complicated: “Your… your wife’s name?”

“Zhu Nan.”

Wang Haoran didn’t hide it and answered truthfully.

“Miss Zhu Xiwang, I’ve heard Nan Nan mention you!”

“…………”

So it’s Zhu Nan!

Though she had guessed, hearing Wang Haoran confirm it still shocked Zhu Xiwang.

When the Zhu Estate was attacked, she only found out the next day.

By then, it was entirely burnt down.

Even the bodies were mostly unrecognizable.

Though she had cut ties with the Zhu family, seeing her former family die so tragically saddened her.

Later, her search confirmed her parents and siblings hadn’t been burnt since their bodies were found in the courtyard.

As for Zhu Nan… the sister who caused her demise in a previous life… her body wasn’t found; she either escaped or was burnt to ashes.

Back then, Zhu Xiwang felt conflicted.

Despite her hatred for her seemingly pure but calculating sister, she didn’t wish for her to die without a trace.

Fortunately, it seemed Zhu Nan managed to escape.

Hearing the news of Zhu Nan’s return, Zhu Xiwang was unsure how to react.

“Is Zhu Nan inside?”

“Yes, would you like to see her?”

“I…”

Zhu Xiwang hesitated, but Wang Haoran continued.

“I think you should meet her!”

“Even if you don’t seek her out now, in the future, she will come looking for revenge!”