Victor Yun Wants to Hear Azure Seas, Vast Skies
That's right—it's nothing but trouble!
For anyone else, this would be a huge blessing. But for Serena Feng, all she felt was endless trouble. Regardless of her wishes, she had no choice but to step out of the carriage at this moment.
She absolutely couldn't risk making Master Marcus Wynn wait outside her carriage. She wasn't about to drown in the flood of criticism from the scholarly elites.
The mouths of those scholarly elites are far sharper than marketplace gossip. Haven't countless legendary strategists talked people to death or brought down nations with nothing but words?
When scholars curse someone, their words really pierce the heart. Serena knew just how lethal their spitfire could be, and right now, she had zero intention of stirring up trouble.
Serena was deeply grateful that, despite her pampered upbringing, she'd always kept up her training. She practically flew out of the carriage in two quick strides, just in time to stop Master Marcus Wynn from coming right up to her.
"Serena greets Master Marcus Wynn. Forgive me for troubling you to come in person—it's entirely my fault." Serena bowed, looking genuinely apologetic.
She was still wearing her doctor's coat—a stark white outfit that made her stand out in the crowd. Several people behind Master Marcus Wynn were clearly displeased.
There are many shades of white, but Serena's plain, unadorned white looked just a bit unlucky. Master Marcus Wynn was momentarily taken aback by her all-white attire, but quickly recovered and laughed heartily: "No need for such formality, Serena. My servant said you refused to step out, so I had to come invite you myself."
This was a subtle jab at Serena for not giving him face, for acting above her station. Marcus Wynn had always admired her and even joked about marrying her, but never truly took her to heart. Now that she snubbed him, there was no way he'd let her have things her way.
His reputation for arrogance and pride is well-earned—Master Marcus Wynn can back it up.
Even on the street, Master Marcus Wynn was surrounded by a crowd. Serena knew she had to give him full respect—if she offended him, she'd regret it for sure.
Serena looked genuinely flustered, overwhelmed by the attention. "Master Marcus Wynn, you flatter me. I'm truly unworthy—it's just that today is rather inconvenient. I wouldn't dare disturb your elegant gathering."
"Inconvenient? What kind of inconvenience? Are you feeling unwell?" Master Marcus Wynn asked, clearly hinting at something.
Serena honestly wanted to roll her eyes. Since when were men more gossipy than women? "Thank you for your concern, Master Marcus Wynn. I'm perfectly fine—it's just that I came straight from the palace and I'm still wearing my medical attire."
Serena was profoundly grateful she hadn't brought a third outfit to change into, and had refused Ninth Royal Uncle's offer to change at his manor.
No way—she wasn't about to let people say she'd spent the day in bed with Ninth Royal Uncle. She still cared about her reputation.
"What does it matter? Someone, help Miss Serena change!" Master Marcus Wynn waved his hand, and dozens of beautiful maids came out from Windchaser Inn.
With such a show of force, Serena had no way to refuse. She smiled and nodded, "Mira, Winter, you two head back first. There's no need for you to serve me here." If even she couldn't win favor in this place, her maids certainly wouldn't stand a chance. If trouble broke out, she could only protect herself.
Mira and Winter hesitated, wanting to speak, but Serena shot them a look. The two didn't dare say another word and obediently withdrew.
Serena and her group entered Windchaser Inn. Even with Master Marcus Wynn present, she still had to answer the entrance couplet before she could go in. She racked her brain and finally managed to come up with a decent line.
Once inside Windchaser Inn, Serena went to change clothes. By the time she returned, Master Marcus Wynn had already ordered a guqin to be set out, waiting for her.
"Serena, your performance of 'Azure Seas, Vast Skies' was truly exquisite—its echoes lingered for days. My friends here have all heard that you played it flawlessly on a stringless guqin. Since we're all gathered at Windchaser Inn today, why not play it for us again?" Master Marcus Wynn pointed to the only empty seat, motioning for Serena to take it.
On that seat was a stringless guqin!
Trouble never comes alone. Serena glanced around at the crowd—most were refined gentlemen like Master Marcus Wynn, genuinely interested, but some were clearly just here for the spectacle. She recognized a few: the usual gentry from the Capital's elite families.
Serena nodded to Master Marcus Wynn and gracefully took her seat. Just as everyone expected her to start playing, she spoke up: "Master Marcus Wynn, to play the qin one needs both a qin heart and artistic intent. Today I have neither, so I truly can't perform." She refused to force herself.
"Oh? What's wrong with you today, Serena?" Master Marcus Wynn was openly displeased at her refusal to give him face.
He'd gone out of his way to invite Serena, and now she was acting like a diva—truly infuriating.
"I've encountered a patient with an extremely unusual condition today, and I can't figure out the diagnosis. Right now my mind is in turmoil—I'm simply not in the mood to play." Serena's face was calm, her deep eyes steady and unruffled, showing no sign of distress. It was clearly just an excuse.
Master Marcus Wynn knew perfectly well that if Serena refused to play, forcing her would be pointless. He was about to give her a graceful way out when suddenly, a clear man's voice rang out.
"I've long heard of Miss Serena's compassion and skill. Seeing her today, I find it's all true. Her dedication to her patients is truly admirable. Master Marcus Wynn, you shouldn't make things difficult for her." The speaker was a tall, elegantly dressed man, wine cup in hand, casually leaning against the doorpost.
It was a rather carefree gesture, but coming from this man, it seemed both elegant and effortless—impossible not to like.
Of course, it helped that his clothes were refined, his bearing extraordinary, and his features nothing short of exquisite.
While Serena was still guessing who he was, Master Marcus Wynn exclaimed in surprise, "Victor Yun? What are you doing here?"
Victor Yun—the Young family's eldest son. Before William Wang Jinling rose to fame, Victor was the most celebrated gentleman in town, admired for both his talent and looks.
Thinking of this, Serena couldn't help but take a closer look. Honestly... when it came to appearance and bearing, this man was every bit as striking as Jinling. Compared to Jinling, he was less reserved and more free-spirited—each had his own unique charm.
"Recently, the Young Family Pharmacies in Eastlyn ran into some trouble, so my family sent me to check things out." Victor Yun answered lightly. Judging by his tone, he and Marcus Wynn were close and of equal standing.
Marcus Wynn nodded, indicating he understood. "Looks like we'll be seeing each other a lot—I'm planning to stay in the Eastlyn Capital for a while myself."
"Perfect. We'll have plenty of chances to meet. Miss Serena once did the Young Family Pharmacies a great favor—today, Master Marcus Wynn, how about you sell me some face and let me take her away?" As he spoke, Victor Yun raised his wine cup. "I'll drink three cups as an apology—please forgive my rudeness, gentlemen."
Victor Yun drained his cup in one go, and his attendant immediately refilled it. Without a word from the crowd, Victor finished all three cups.
He acted first, apologized later—leaving the others with no good way to refuse.
Serena began to understand why the Young family built its reputation on commerce, and why Victor Yun was so well-regarded among scholars. His style was bold and open—impossible to resent, even if you knew he was being presumptuous.
Victor Yun claimed he came for the Young Family Pharmacies, but Serena suspected his real reason was her. The matter of the craniotomy autopsy must have reached his family.
The Young clan—Serena considered it carefully. This was a valuable opportunity for collaboration. If she wanted to become a true physician, she'd need their support.
It was their first meeting, but Serena found herself liking Victor Yun. She stood, excused herself to the crowd, and left together with him...