Both Zhang Heng and Mr He had known each other for many years and knew each other extremely well.

Mr He didn't have to explain himself to Zhang Heng. Zhang Heng knew that very well.

"Haha," Mr He laughed. "What do you think?"

He left Zhang Heng hanging, but Zhang Heng wasn't anxious. The punishment had already been meted out, so there was nothing more that he could say to change that. But it had been rare for Liu Chuandao to get so angry.

Liu Chuandao wasn't exactly a well-tempered man but he rarely displayed outbursts of anger, especially to the elders in the sect and the principals of the courts.

Zhu Qi and his gang had incurred the wrath of the Liu Chuandao this time, and that had been unexpected.

Zhang Heng poured a cup of tea for Mr He and narrowed his eyes.

"Is it because of that young punk?"

A stranger had appeared in Liu Qing's courtyard suddenly without any explanation. Zhang Heng couldn't simply feign ignorance.

That had been the only thing that had changed. It was the only thing that could have caused Liu Chuandao's outburst of anger.

Mr He gave Zhang Heng a thumbs up as soon as he heard that. The gesture was followed swiftly by excessive flattery.

"This is why you're the principal of the Inner Court. What astute observational skills. Nothing escapes you."

Zhang Heng snorted. He relished the flattery even though he knew that the other man was going out of his way to compliment him. It still made him feel good. "You're right. It is because of him."

The expression on Mr He's face shifted faintly.

He could tell that Zhang Heng's interest was piqued. He looked around, then lowered his voice.

"Do you know who he is?"

Zhang Heng shook his head.

Why would he bother asking if he did?

"What do you think of him?" Mr He asked.

Zhang Heng froze momentarily. He didn't know the man and he knew nothing of where he had come from. How was he to judge?

"He seemed level-headed. His relationship with the sect leader seems to extend beyond the ordinary."

That had been what he had observed.

Jiang Ning had remained seated when Liu Chuandao had turned up. No one in Qingshan Sect would have dared to do that. There was no question that this young punk wasn't a member of Qingshan Sect. In fact, he was probably someone important.

At the very least, he wasn't bound by decorum when in the presence of Liu Chuandao.

"Of course it does!" Mr He said seriously. He lowered his voice again. "Do you think he's a good match for Third Miss?"

Something flickered across Zhang Heng's eyes before a look of incredulity settled on his face, as if he had heard something unexpected.

"Are you saying that he's earned Chief Liu's favor and he's going to promise Third Miss' hand in marriage to him?"

Zhang Heng took a deep breath. He found that quite unbelievable.

Mr He raised his finger and placed it against his lips.

"Keep your voice down!" he said hastily. There was a secretive look on his face.

"You're not joking, are you?" A hint of panic flashed across Zhang Heng's eyes. "Where did you hear that from? Did the sect leader tell you? This punk... where does he come from?"

"Why would the sect leader tell me something like this?" Mr He rolled his eyes. wasn't suggesting anything. I was simply asking you if you thought that he was a good match for Third Miss. It was just a question. Don't get too paranoid."

Upon saying that, he leaned back, lifted his teacup to his lips and savored the tea. He blew lightly at the steaming liquid and took the opportunity to observe Zhang Heng. He seemed to be waiting for Zhang Heng to do something.This text is © NôvelDrama/.Org.

Zhang Heng had pursed his lips. He didn't say a word. There was a strange look on his face.

It was torn between faint panic and some degree of suspicion.

He eyed Mr He. "The sect leader should be the judge of whether the young punk's a good match for Third Miss, shouldn't he?"

Liu Qing was going to marry whomever her father decided that she would marry. She had no choice in the matter.

Mr He merely smiled without saying a word.

"Is he going to marry Third Miss to the young punk? Tell me, is it true?" Zhang Heng asked anxiously.

"What am I supposed to tell you? I'm in no position to confirm that," Mr He replied.

He placed his teacup down.

"Alright then. I dropped by because I was in the area. It was a casual question. Don't think too much about it. That's all.”

He stood up, turned and left without a word.