Chapter 044
Chapter 44: I Will Be Obedient…
Shi Zi Chu set down his chopsticks and lifted the wine cup, sipping lightly before returning Clan Chief Yu Wen’s lecture with a question of her own, “Clan Chief Yu Wen, do you think I should leave some mercy?”
Clan Chief Yu Wen raised his cup again to Shi Zi Chu, his attitude notably softer, “Little friend Shi is so clever; I’m certain you already know what to do.”
Shi Zi Chu smiled and raised her cup in return.
Through just a few simple words, it seemed the two had silently reached an understanding.
Clan Chief Yu Wen set down his wine cup, turned his head, and spoke sternly with a cold voice, “Wanwan, apologize to little friend Shi.”
Yu Wen Wan’s expression instantly changed.
But due to fear of her father, she had no choice but to rise and bow in apology to Shi Zi Chu.
Watching Yu Wen Wan apologize unwillingly, Shi Zi Chu calmly picked up a piece of meat from her bowl and placed it in her mouth.
The already juicy and tender meat tasted even more delicious!
Chu Zhi Rou, who had been quietly observing everything, never expected things would end with Yu Wen Wan apologizing!
She put down her chopsticks, cracked from how tightly she gripped them, and slowly clenched the hands resting on her lap.
The luncheon concluded, and the embarrassment Chu Zhi Rou anticipated never came.
Shi Zi Chu had been elegant and poised the entire time, following every etiquette perfectly without a single misstep.
Jiang Wan Sheng lightly rubbed the head of the star gem, his dark eyes unreadable.
Qing Qing was extremely familiar with such banquets and their etiquette, either because she had learned it or someone had taught her.
Who that person was became abundantly clear.
Moreover, Qing Qing possessed an unrivaled beauty, yet her true charm lay in her confident, vibrant presence and calm, unshakable aura.
A pretty face was easy to nurture, but a splendid and resilient soul was not.
Xing Lan had clearly poured tremendous resources and affection into Qing Qing.
He felt grateful for it, even a little thankful to Xing Lan for raising Qing Qing so well, yet it also filled him with dread and insecurity.
Xing Lan’s affection toward Qing Qing was directly reflected in her.
With Xing Lan already in her life, would Qing Qing still notice him?
Would Qing Qing find him useless?
Would she abandon him?
Jiang Wan Sheng lowered his eyelashes, hiding the unease and dark obsession in his gaze.
The luncheon was nearing its end when City Lord Yan leisurely spoke up, “Everyone, no need to hurry. The auction is arranged for tonight. It will begin after dinner.”
Everyone agreed with the arrangement.
Chu Zhi Sheng glanced at Shi Zi Chu and suddenly came up with a plan. He slightly raised his voice, addressing City Lord Yan, “It’s quite boring during midday; perhaps we can find an elegant activity to pass the time.”
City Lord Yan smoothly asked, “Does Clan Chief Chu have any ideas?”
“What about a Floating Cup Poetry game?”
“That won’t do,” City Lord Yan gently declined with a smile, “I’ve already planned a Floating Cup banquet for tonight.”
City Lord Yan smiled and suggested, “Young people may not enjoy being constrained. Let them have free time to relax as they please.”
At that moment, a maid approached City Lord Yan and whispered a few words.
Before dismissing everyone, City Lord Yan called Chu Zhi Rou, seemingly having something to say.
After leaving the banquet hall, before Elder Yuan Ying could approach, the tavern owner and the Yan siblings hurried over.
“I’m sorry, I’m borrowing this person.”
A cold voice suddenly spoke.
Jiang Wan Sheng reached out, grasping Shi Zi Chu’s wrist, a hint of pleading visible in his eyes.
Shi Zi Chu smiled lightly and politely excused herself to those present, “Please excuse us first.”
As the two quickly disappeared around the corner, Yao Ruo Ruo’s sweet voice carried a teasing edge, “Senior brother, someone seems to have overtaken you~”
Yan Zhou Bai’s gaze passed over Yao Ruo Ruo, greeting his little aunt—the tavern owner—with a polite bow, “Little aunt.”
The tavern owner’s name was Yan Yan. She was City Lord Yan’s younger sister. Although she appeared youthful and beautiful, her cultivation was actually at the Great Ascension stage.
Running the tavern and dancing there was purely out of her own enjoyment.
Yan Yan looked at the senior brother and junior sister with interest, “You two know that little girl?”
“Little aunt knows her?” Yan Zhou Bai asked in return without answering.
The banquet hall’s entrance wasn’t a suitable place for conversation, so the three walked toward the gardens.
Once in a quieter spot, Yan Yan looked closely at the pair.
“She came to drink at my tavern and asked me to teach her to dance,” Yan Yan stroked her chin thoughtfully. “After coming and going, we became close enough to address each other as sisters. Perhaps you should also…”
Meeting Yan Yan’s mischievous gaze, Yan Zhou Bai kept a straight face.
“But who would have thought that a strict little stickler like you would actually know her?” Yan Yan circled Yan Zhou Bai with intrigue. “You don’t actually like her, do you?”
Such direct words left Yan Zhou Bai extremely uncomfortable. He wanted to deny it but ended up saying nothing at all.
“Oh~,” Yan Yan said knowingly, hooking her arm over Yao Ruo Ruo’s shoulder, “A little attraction, but not quite love?”
How truly annoying this little aunt was.
Seeing Yan Zhou Bai’s discomfort, Yan Yan spoke more seriously, “Though you’re remarkable, how can you compare to Young Master Jiang’s extraordinary brilliance? Prepare yourself for a one-sided love.”
Inside the tavern, she had clearly seen the intimacy between Jiang Wan Sheng and Shi Zi Chu.
As for her wooden nephew—his chances were slim, extremely slim!
Without a word, Yan Zhou Bai turned and walked away.
Watching her senior brother flustered, Yao Ruo Ruo laughed.
Yan Yan gently squeezed Yao Ruo Ruo’s soft, round cheeks, “Not jealous? Don’t you like him anymore?”
She wasn’t unfamiliar with Yao Ruo Ruo. The little girl was always sticking close to Zhou Bai. Nine out of ten times Zhou Bai returned home, Ruo Ruo was there, and naturally, they became familiar.
Yao Ruo Ruo puffed her snowy cheeks, her round eyes filled with a little accusation. Her soft voice sounded coquettish, “Little aunt, you’re so annoying.”
Yan Yan laughed warmly.
“Run along and play,” Yan Yan gently patted Yao Ruo Ruo’s cheek before turning away.
Yao Ruo Ruo turned and chased after Yan Zhou Bai.
Meanwhile, at the Lake Heart Pavilion.
Shi Zi Chu was pressed into the goose-necked chair by Jiang Wan Sheng’s hands firmly on her shoulders.
The tall, slender man stood so close his figure nearly touched her knees, casting an ominous shadow.
Shi Zi Chu leaned back, looking up into Jiang Wan Sheng’s anxious eyes. Her gentle voice was filled with care, “What’s wrong?”
The luncheon had been perfectly fine—so why had he suddenly changed afterward?
Jiang Wan Sheng slowly studied the beautiful face gazing softly at him. Beneath his unsettled eyes, deep obsession stirred.
Those bright, gentle eyes reflected his cold, gloomy face, yet they seemed to hold only him in her entire world, tender and caring.
Abruptly, he raised his hand, covering Shi Zi Chu’s eyes.
Everything went dark. Shi Zi Chu blinked, her long, curled lashes fluttering like butterfly wings against Jiang Wan Sheng’s palm.
A ticklish sensation spread from his palm to his heart, making him curl his fingers slightly. His voice turned suddenly hurt and pitiful, “Qing Qing is too cruel.”
Shi Zi Chu, unexpectedly blamed, laughed softly, “Isn’t it you who’s cruel, little ugly freak?”
“I’m not ugly,” Jiang Wan Sheng stubbornly replied, sounding deeply wronged.
Shi Zi Chu laughed helplessly, her voice even gentler, “Tell me, what’s really wrong?”
“Qing Qing, please don’t despise me.”
Taking advantage of Shi Zi Chu’s temporary blindness, Jiang Wan Sheng’s gaze became a tangible, venomous snake, wrapping boldly around her.
“I will be obedient. I’ll listen to everything Qing Qing says. Please don’t abandon me.”
Shi Zi Chu gently pulled away Jiang Wan Sheng’s hand. Sunlight streamed brightly into the pavilion, making her squint to adjust.
When her vision cleared, the man before her looked crestfallen, appearing pitifully sad, like a wet, abandoned puppy.