Chapter 319: The Furious Guh Family and Qin Family (1)
She was talking about the incident where she had challenged Guh Siqing. Among the many notables of Xuanjin, it was Old Master Duan who had stepped forward first. Although he did not do it to help her, his outspoken and generous nature still commanded her respect.
Duan Jingning looked at An Yiqing and chuckled light-heartedly, waving his hand and saying, "Hey! What of it! I simply couldn’t stomach her haughty airs! She was a disgrace to the reputations of our great families!"
Looking at the two who seemed perfectly at ease with each other, Ma Tianci was utterly confused. He hadn’t been there on the first day, and although he had heard a rough account of what had occurred, the part where Duan Jingning took a stand had been glossed over by gossipmongers.
"Er...girl, do you know this old man?" Ma Tianci asked, pointing at Duan Jingning and looking at An Yiqing.
The girl nodded, smiling gently as she said, "We met briefly on the first day of the Jade Stone Association. Elder Duan is generous and righteous, and I greatly admire him."
"Oh? What a coincidence!" Ma Tianci exclaimed. "Girl, do you have some time? The old man would like to treat you to a meal! Bring this fellow along too! I’ve got to properly host you, so that next time I want to see the Jade Spirit, you’ll do me the favor, haha!"
An Yiqing was at a loss whether to laugh or cry at Ma Tianci’s joking; she responded with a tender laugh, "Grandpa Ma, even if you don’t treat me to a meal, you’re welcome to see the Jade Spirit anytime you wish to visit me. But it has been quite some time since I last saw you, so I should be the one to invite you for this meal. It’s also a chance to show Elder Duan some hospitality from his host. What do you think of that?"
Her words warmed the hearts of both Ma Tianci and Duan Jingning, and their regard for her soared.