Chapter 231: Chapter 196: Flustered Xiao Wan’er

It was, however, remarkably effective.

The blush on Xiao Wan’er’s face faded visibly. She couldn’t help but protest, a mix of embarrassment and annoyance in her voice.

"Brother-in-law, what are you talking about?"

Chen Yi gestured ahead, saying mischievously, "I imagine Miss Liu from the Liu Family won’t be quite as expressive as you are, Sister."

Xiao Wan’er understood his gesture and playfully swatted at him.

Still, she knew he was just clowning around to help her calm down.

And so, she did something quite out of character for her—she gave him a cute eye-roll.

"Sister Zhaoxue seems to have excellent manners. That last time..."

After a bit more small talk, Xiao Wan’er regained her usual poise, though a trace of bashfulness lingered in her heart.

It was likely because she had shown a side of herself to Chen Yi that was different from her usual self, stirring up the complicated feelings of a young woman.

Chen Yi, however, didn’t think too much of it. ’He just felt that this side of Xiao Wan’er was more real.’

’If she always acted like an ethereal fairy, untouched by the mortal world, how could she ever appreciate its lively chaos?’

Before long, the carriage stopped outside Fengchun Building.

Chen Yi followed Xiao Wan’er out of the carriage. As he scanned the surroundings, he spotted two other carriages parked to one side.

Both had ornate canopies and magnificent carriage bodies, with family crests hanging from their curtains.

When he recognized the crests, Chen Yi discreetly raised an eyebrow.

’Two carriages from the Liu Family...’

’Besides Liu Zhaoxue, has Liu Wen come as well?’

’Or could it be the pillar of the family’s second branch, Liu Yu?’

Chen Yi gazed at the bustling Fengchun Building, his expression impassive, but inwardly he grew vigilant.

’I should have checked the almanac before leaving today. I’m afraid there’s something strange about this luncheon.’

Xiao Wan’er, however, paid these details no mind.

She wasn’t one for deep-seated scheming, so after a quick glance, she simply stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Chen Yi to wait for Shen Huatang and Xie Tingyun.

Just then, a cheerful voice called out from nearby:

"Sister Wan’er, please forgive me! I didn’t realize you had already arrived. My apologies for not being outside to greet you properly."

Chen Yi and Xiao Wan’er looked over to see Liu Zhaoxue stepping out of Fengchun Building, dressed in a long, yellow gown with a fresh-faced makeup style.

Clearly, she had been waiting for them.

Xiao Wan’er gave a slight curtsy and replied gently, "I’ve only just arrived myself."

Liu Zhaoxue returned the curtsy, then came over and took her hand with practiced familiarity. "It was I who invited you, Sister," she said with a smile. "I couldn’t possibly be so improper."

Then, her gaze fell upon Chen Yi. Her smile unwavering, she said, "And this must be the renowned Mr. Qingzhou, whose name echoes throughout Shu State?"

"I was not aware you would be joining us, Mr. Qingzhou. If I am discourteous in any way later, I hope you will not take offense."

Chen Yi nodded calmly. "You’re too kind."

"Oh, but I should be. I’ve heard that countless people both inside and outside Shu State have sought an audience with you recently, yet you are a very difficult man to meet."

"How could I dare be neglectful when you have graced us with your presence today?"

Liu Zhaoxue gestured with a smile. "It’s crowded down here. Shall we head upstairs?"

Xiao Wan’er glanced at Chen Yi, then nodded. "Then we’ll impose on you."

"Not at all, Sister! Here in Shu State..."

Watching the two women enter Fengchun Building, Chen Yi glanced up toward the second floor before following along with Xie Tingyun and Shen Huatang.

Just as he’d expected, when they pushed open the door to the private room, they saw Liu Wen standing off to one side.

Xiao Wan’er froze mid-step, her smile stiffening on her face. She clearly hadn’t expected to see him here and was at a complete loss.

Liu Wen, however, approached them proactively. He gave a formal bow and said with a smile, "We meet again, Miss Wan’er." 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

Liu Zhaoxue glanced at Xiao Wan’er’s uneasy expression and quickly explained,

"My second brother happened to be hosting some friends at Fengchun Building today. He was just going to sit with us for a moment before leaving."

Hearing this, Xiao Wan’er hesitantly returned the courtesy. "Young Master Liu."

Liu Wen immediately smiled and gestured for them to be seated, shooting an approving glance at Liu Zhaoxue.

However, when his eyes landed on Chen Yi behind them, his expression soured.

But he didn’t make a scene. He simply turned to follow Xiao Wan’er and Liu Zhaoxue to the table.

Chen Yi, of course, had noted the expressions of both him and Liu Zhaoxue. He took a step forward and sat down right next to Xiao Wan’er.

Liu Wen stopped in his tracks, his face turning ugly. "You..."

Liu Zhaoxue noticed the tension and interjected with a smile, "Second Brother, please, sit down. Let’s talk."

Liu Wen shot her a glare, then with a flick of his sleeve, he sat down beside Chen Yi, directly across from Xiao Wan’er.

Once the four of them were seated, Shen Huatang and Xie Tingyun took up positions to stand guard outside the door.

Liu Wen’s voice could be heard from inside. "Miss Wan’er, my previous behavior was rash. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me."

"However, I must confess that ever since I saw you that day, I have been utterly captivated..."