Chapter 232: Chapter 197: Soft and Boneless

Love at first sight.

When Liu Wen uttered those four words, the private room fell silent.

A barely perceptible smile touched Liu Zhaoxue’s lips as her gaze shifted to Xiao Wan’er.

She watched as the eldest daughter of the Dingyuan Marquis’s Mansion, a figure renowned throughout Shu State, revealed an unsurprising expression of astonishment.

It was exactly as she had predicted.

But when Liu Zhaoxue’s gaze landed on Chen Yi, a flicker of confusion inexplicably crossed her mind.

’This Mr. Qingzhou... he seems far too calm.’

Xiao Wan’er glanced at Liu Wen, her astonishment turning to displeasure. Lowering her head slightly, she said softly,

"Though I am a woman, I know one must be prudent in word and deed when away from home, so as to reflect one’s family teachings and personal refinement."

"For you to speak so brazenly, Young Master Liu, is this a reflection of the Jing State Liu Family’s principles?"

Just two sentences were enough to make Liu Wen, who had been staring at her with smug composure, scowl.

To accuse someone of having poor principles and lacking refinement was, in this era and for someone from a Noble Family, tantamount to a vicious curse.

"You..."

Before he could finish, Chen Yi started to laugh.

His laughter was tinged with ridicule and disdain.

He didn’t look at the sullen-faced Liu Wen, however. Instead, his gaze was fixed directly on Liu Zhaoxue.

"Sister Wan’er has a point."

"However, in my opinion, Young Master Liu is merely the second son of the main branch of the Jing State Liu Family. He can hardly represent the family as a whole."

"Miss Zhaoxue, on the other hand, has been nothing but dignified and poised in every word and deed since arriving in Shu State. Now *that* is what one would expect from the fine heritage of the Jing State Liu Family."

Liu Zhaoxue’s expression faltered as he steered the conversation toward her.

Just as she was about to speak and defuse the tension, Liu Wen shot to his feet, pointed at Chen Yi, and barked,

"And who the hell do you think you are?"

"You’re just a bastard cast off by the Chen Family of Jiangnan Prefecture! A dog who married into the Xiao Family and lives at their mercy!"

"How dare you lecture me?!"

The words had barely left his mouth when Xiao Wan’er, her face flushed with anger, snapped, "Young Master Liu, watch your tongue!"

She had rarely gotten angry in her entire life.

Even when she did feel upset, she seldom argued with anyone.

Even when Chen Yi had fled their wedding, causing the Old Master to fall gravely ill, she had merely felt it was wrong. Afterward, she had even joined the Old Master in persuading Xiao Jinghong to be lenient.

But now.

Upon hearing Liu Wen’s disparaging words against Chen Yi, anger flared in Xiao Wan’er’s heart, and her usual gentle demeanor turned stern.

But Liu Wen ignored Xiao Wan’er, his cold glare still fixed on Chen Yi as he said,

"Don’t think you can get all high and mighty just because you have good handwriting and have earned a little fame."

"Mr. Qingzhou? Hah! What a joke!"

At this, Chen Yi raised an eyebrow. His gaze, however, remained locked on Liu Zhaoxue as he said with pointed mockery,

"A fool, oblivious to his own impending doom."

Liu Zhaoxue’s face paled. She stared at him, alarmed and suspicious, feeling as if his eyes could see right through her.

’What does he mean by that?’

’Who’s facing impending doom? Me?’

’Or Liu Wen...’ 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

’But how could he possibly know the purpose of my invitation today?!’

Yet before the bewildered Liu Zhaoxue could collect her thoughts, and before the furious Liu Wen could speak, Chen Yi withdrew his gaze and gently patted the back of Xiao Wan’er’s tightly clenched hand.

"Sister Wan’er, there’s no good to be had at this banquet. Let’s go home."

Xiao Wan’er, still simmering with anger, felt a warmth spread through her heart as his hand covered her own cold one.

She looked up at Chen Yi, and seeing his usual gentle smile, she nodded.

Chen Yi smiled, rose to his feet, and took her hand, leading her toward the door.

Seeing this, Liu Wen barked, "Stop!"

But clearly, neither Chen Yi nor Xiao Wan’er had any intention of getting entangled with him.

As he saw them about to leave, Liu Wen flew into a humiliated rage and threw a punch straight at them.

Hearing the commotion, a murderous glint flashed in Chen Yi’s eyes as he smoothly pulled Xiao Wan’er in by the waist.

Just as he was about to dodge, the door burst open, and Xie Tingyun appeared in a flash.

With a single palm strike, she slapped Liu Wen’s fist aside. "What do you think you’re doing?!"

Feeling the True Essence that erupted from her palm, Liu Wen used the force of the blow to retreat, staring at them with a mixture of shock and fury.

"You!?"

Xie Tingyun’s face was cold. "Attacking the eldest daughter of the Xiao Mansion in public? I take it you don’t plan on leaving Shu State alive!"

Seeing this, Liu Zhaoxue had no time for further thought. She quickly rose, pulled Liu Wen back, and forced a smile.

"Sister Wan’er, please forgive him. My second brother just has a bad temper. He didn’t mean to offend you."

Liu Wen violently shook off her hand.

He was about to speak again, but his eyes met Xie Tingyun’s, then fell on Shen Huatang standing outside the door with her hand on her sword. He opened his mouth, but all that came out was a cold snort.

Only then did Xiao Wan’er, still held in Chen Yi’s arms, realize what had just happened behind her.

She hesitated, pulling back a little, and said softly, "Let’s go."

Chen Yi grunted in agreement and led her out of the private room.

Xie Tingyun shot the silent Liu Wen a glare, muttered, "Spineless coward," and followed after them with Shen Huatang.

Before they could even exit Fengchun Building.

They heard the sound of crashing and shattering from behind them.

Chen Yi looked at Xiao Wan’er beside him and said with a smile, "You were quite formidable back there, Sister Wan’er."

Xiao Wan’er’s face flushed slightly as she lowered her head. "W-Was I? I... I just didn’t like him being so brazen."

"Mm, but how did it feel to curse someone out, Sister Wan’er?"

"Ah? Were those few words I said considered cursing?"

"Compared to me, you’ve still got a ways to go."

"Cursing... it’s not right. But I couldn’t help it, especially after what he said about you..."

"Don’t worry. It takes a villain to punish a villain."

Behind them, Xie Tingyun saw Chen Yi and Xiao Wan’er holding hands. Her eyes darted about mischievously before she immediately leaned over to whisper in Shen Huatang’s ear.

After listening, Shen Huatang froze for a second, then also cast a strange look at the pair ahead of them.