Spoiled Eldest Miss x Two-faced Madman

CHAPTER 13: “I Refuse To Believe He Doesn't Love Me.”

　

　　An Jiu is currently staying at the Lin Manor in Jiufang City. 

　　An Jiu's wet nurse had left the Shangsu Mansion when she was five years old, marrying a merchant as his second wife. The merchant's family lived in Jiufang City, so the wet nurse also moved there. 

　　The merchant's surname was Lin, and with the connection to the Shangsu Mansion, his business had flourished over the years. The two families had maintained contact. 

　　Every year at the end of the year, the wet nurse's family would send New Year's gifts to Shangsu Mansion. 

　　An Jiu was thinking of this wet nurse, and since Jiufang City was thousands of miles from the capital, she escaped her marriage and came here. 

　　A noble lady from the Shangsu Mansion, arriving unannounced and from a thousand miles away, had caught the Lin family completely off guard. Then, upon arrival, she disappeared from the manor, causing chaos among the Lin family. 

　　Once she was finally found, Madam Lin embraced her and wept uncontrollably. 

　　After that, Master Lin decided to invite He Ziqing and the others to dinner as a thank you.

　　The Lin Manor was considered a wealthy household in Jiufang City, with spacious courtyards, artificial hills, and a lake. Pavilions and towers offered picturesque views at every turn. 

　　The dining table was set up in a gazebo. It was the perfect time in April. Not far away was a garden, filled with spring's bright light and colorful flowers. Sitting in the gazebo, one could dine while enjoying the scenery. 

　　Once everyone was seated, the conversation naturally turned back to the Dark Village. 

　　He Ziqing took a sip of wine, frowning. “The City Lord is in jail, but the Jiufang County Magistrate keeps evading responsibility, seemingly unwilling to punish him.” 

　　Master Lin sighed. “The City Lord sends gifts to the County Magistrate every year. This matter might be brushed under the rug. Jiufang City is far from the Emperor's Court, and these officials have become local emperors.” 

　　Lin Qingyan looked indignant. “And that Qingyang County Governor, is there nothing we can do about him?” 

　　Turning to An Jiu, she asked, “Miss An, do you have any ideas?”

　　Qingyang City wasn't far from Jiufang City, and they had also found evidence of the Governor's crimes in the Black Mansion. However, the Jiufang County Magistrate kept delaying, claiming the matter was too significant for him to handle and that he needed to send a report to the capital to request a higher-ranking official to deal with it. 

　　In short, he was trying to sweep it under the rug. 

　　He Ziqing and Lin Qingyan were both furious, but there was nothing they could do. 

　　The evidence and witnesses had been handed over to the authorities. They could only watch helplessly as the case progressed, unable to intervene. 

　　As soon as Lin Qingyan spoke, everyone looked at An Jiu. 

　　An Jiu looked up from her bowl. Ji Xiang promptly handed her a handkerchief, and she calmly wiped her mouth before surveying everyone at the table. 

　　The meaning behind Lin Qingyan's words was clear: she hoped An Jiu would step forward and have her father, the Minister, speak to the Emperor to punish the Governor. 

　　An Jiu observed everyone's expressions. Master Lin and Madam Lin's eyes were full of hope. Obviously, they also wanted her to return home quickly; they didn't want to bear the wrath of Minister An but were too embarrassed to say so directly to the eldest lady.

　　He Ziqing and Lin Qingyan were acting purely out of a sense of justice, hoping she could lend a hand. 

　　As for Pei Ji…

　　An Jiu's gaze shifted to him. The man's eyebrows were gentle, one hand holding his chopsticks, the other resting on his snow-white sleeve. His movements were unhurried and elegant, like a refined gentleman, every action pleasing to the eye. 

　　Everyone else was looking at her, but Pei Ji seemed detached from the situation. 

　　Was he the mastermind behind the Dark Village? 

　　An Jiu wasn't sure. If it were him, he wouldn't want her to seek help from her father, the Minister. The Dark Village's continued existence would ensure a steady stream of profit for him, wouldn't it? 

　　Noticing her gaze, the man in white slightly raised his eyelids, looking at her with a warm and questioning gaze. 

　　His expression was utterly innocent and guileless. 

　　An Jiu looked away, a cold smile playing on her lips.

　　Innocent, Pei Ji? 

　　She recalled the mindless, black-clothed men, a chilling memory that still sent shivers down her spine. 

　　With this thought, An Jiu made her decision.

　　“I'll write to my father later and have him send someone to handle this,” she said, lifting her chin. A natural arrogance flickered in her brows, her tone nonchalant. “Those people dare offend me? I won't let them off easily.” 

　　Whether he was the mastermind or not, she was determined to destroy the Dark Village. 

　　And the more upset he was, the better. 

　　After all, she knew nothing. She was just a shallow, ignorant, arrogant, and overbearing young lady. 

　　The meal proceeded pleasantly for both hosts and guests. After dinner, Madam Lin asked Pei Ji to examine her health, while An Jiu went to the study to write a brief letter detailing the situation in Jiufang City, preparing to send it to the Capital. 

　　As soon as the letter was finished, Lin Qingyan volunteered, “Miss An, my family has dedicated messengers; they're very fast. You can give me the letter, and it will reach the capital in at most two days.” 

　　Using the regular postal service, it would take at least ten to fifteen days for a letter to travel from Jiufang City to the capital. Lin Qingyan's offer was remarkably fast.

　　After asking, An Jiu learned that the main business of the Zhùjiàn Villa was also trade. The Lin family had been blacksmiths for generations, but they sold not only swords but also various iron goods, so they had shops in many cities. 

　　To facilitate communication, the Lin family had trained a flock of carrier pigeons for rapid message delivery between cities. 

　　An Jiu confidently handed the letter to Lin Qingyan.

　　Suddenly, An Jiu paused. She was holding one side of the envelope, Lin Qingyan the other. Seeing that An Jiu wasn't letting go, Lin Qingyan asked, “Miss An?” 

　　An Jiu looked intently at Lin Qingyan and He Ziqing. “I can send the letter, but on one condition.” 

　　Lin Qingyan's expression changed. She didn't understand why An Jiu suddenly changed her mind, feeling that the young lady was unreliable. 

　　Her delicate brows furrowed slightly. “What condition?” 

　　An Jiu snorted softly. “I ran away from home. Once I send this letter, my father will come to take me back. I heard you're leaving Jiufang City to travel soon. I want to go with you.” 

　　Lin Qingyan instinctively refused. “No, traveling the martial arts world is extremely dangerous; it involves sleeping rough and eating whatever you can find. Miss An, you have no martial arts skills; how can you travel with us?”

　　Upon hearing this, An Jiu immediately tried to retrieve the letter. 

　　“Then forget it. I won't send the letter.” 

　　Lin Qingyan: “...” 

　　He Ziqing, who had been listening to their conversation, spoke up, “I agree.” 

　　Both women turned their heads. The young martial artist, with an upright expression, said, “Miss An, come with us. I can protect you.” 

　　Lin Qingyan hesitated for a moment, then bit her lip, reluctantly agreeing. “Fine.” 

　　An Jiu smiled slightly and finally released the envelope. 

　　This was the perfect outcome in her mind. 

　　Lin Qingyan went to the window to whistle for her family's carrier pigeon. Seeing her unhappy expression, He Ziqing, for once showing some understanding, went over to quietly console her. 

　　An Jiu wasn't interested in listening to the young couple's whispered conversation. Feeling relaxed, she went outside to stroll through the garden. 

　　The Lin family's estate was a pure example of Suzhou-style gardens. An Jiu had lived in similar gardens in her modern life; she even owned one. But modern gardens were mostly renovated, adding a lot of artificial elements and losing their classical charm.

　　Her mood was excellent. She instructed her maid, Ji Xiang, to bring her a chaise lounge so she could take a midday nap by the lotus pond. 

　　The lotuses hadn't bloomed yet, but the pond was filled with lush lotus leaves, their round pads standing majestically on the water's surface like umbrellas. The water was shallow, and leaning on the railing, one could see colorful koi fish swimming beneath the leaves. 

　　There was at least one advantage to being in a book: she could take a relaxing break without worrying about managing a large company or scheming with a bunch of siblings and uncles for power. 

　　As An Jiu was admiring the scenery, she suddenly heard a rumbling sound approaching. 

　　She didn't need to look to know who it was. 

　　As expected, when she looked up, she saw the man in white sitting in his wheelchair, being pushed by Ah Qi from under the veranda. 

　　The wheelchair rolled to a stop in front of An Jiu, and Pei Ji gave her a slight nod, his smile faint. “Miss An.” 

　　An Jiu glanced at him and replied perfunctorily, “Doctor Pei.”

　　Pei Ji: “Miss An, you seem to be in high spirits.” 

　　An Jiu ignored him. She currently preferred ‘Fei Yi’ and disliked Pei Ji, giving her ample reason to be indifferent.

　　A Lin Manor maid was also present. An Jiu instructed the maid, “Go get me some fish food. I want to feed the fish.” 

　　“Yes, Miss.” 

　　The maid quickly brought the fish food. An Jiu found a spot with a low railing, knelt down, and excitedly began feeding the fish. 

　　As soon as the fish food hit the water, a school of fish swam over, gathering together to compete for it. 

　　“Has Miss An's letter been written?” 

　　An Jiu turned her head at the sound, giving him a ‘Why are you still here?’ expression. She noticed that the man's hand, which had been fanning himself, paused. 

　　Heh, a pretentious freak. 

　　It was only April, and he was already using a fan. 

　　She found him increasingly irritating and no longer bothered to hide it. “It's written. I gave it to Miss Lin. She said it would reach the capital in two days. What's wrong?”

　　Pei Ji lowered his eyelids, the corners of his lips curving upward, his expression becoming even gentler. “Is that so?” 

　　【Pei Ji's favorability towards you decreased by 5, current level: -64.】 

　　Oh, unhappy now? 

　　“Earlier, Miss An mentioned wanting to learn martial arts…” 

　　An Jiu interrupted him. “I forgot to mention, I'll likely need Doctor Pei's help in the future. I've agreed with Brother He and Miss Lin to travel the martial world with you.” 

　　【Pei Ji's favorability towards you increased by 5, current level: -59.】

　　A hint of disapproval appeared on Pei Ji's face. “Miss An is delicate and precious. How can you travel with us?” 

　　An Jiu: You're pretending, you're still pretending? 

　　She smiled thinly, her eyes narrowed. “It's fine. Brother He said he'll protect me. He'll take full responsibility for my safety.” 

　　The girl's tone was light and cheerful, and anyone could hear the joy in her voice. 

　　Pei Ji's fingers suddenly tightened around the cool fan ribs. His long eyelashes drooped slightly, and a hint of darkness flickered in his eyes.

　　He Ziqing. 

　　This time, the Dark Village, which he had secretly controlled for several years, was destroyed. More than ten of his carefully trained assassins were dead, and the mysterious blind old man had also disappeared. 

　　The losses were significant. 

　　But for the sake of his plan, these sacrifices were acceptable. Gold and silver were mere trifles, not as important as his life. 

　　After rebirth, Pei Ji's biggest goal is to get rid of the unknown poison in his body as soon as possible. 

　　Once the poison was gone, no one could touch him. 

　　His plan had been progressing well, but now… 

　　He gazed at her. He saw the girl turn back, extending a finger to touch a fish floating on the surface of the water. Her delicate face, no bigger than a palm, was almost translucent in the sunlight, her eyes and brows filled with an unrestrained, brilliant smile. 

　　Even if she had feelings for her savior, Fei Yi, could she also develop feelings for He Ziqing? 

　　She was truly… a fickle woman. 

　　【Pei Ji's favorability towards you decreased by 20, current level: -79.】

　　The prompt sounded in her ears, but the smile on An Jiu's face didn't falter. 

　　Jealous? No, it was more likely that he'd sensed his possession slipping from his control, triggering his possessiveness. 

　　The smile on An Jiu's lips deepened as she continued to play with the fish. 

　　Love wasn't just about being good to one person. As the saying goes, ‘A simp gets nothing in the end,’ and An Jiu thought it perfectly suited Pei Ji. 

　　Fishing for someone was like fishing; you needed to loosen and tighten the line, to give and take. 

　　Let the big fish struggle when it takes the bait, and reel it in when it's tired. That's how you maximize your chances of a successful catch. 

　　【Host, your favorability is dropping too quickly. Please focus on completing the mission.】

　　“I am seriously working on the mission,” An Jiu replied silently, a smile playing on her lips. “System, haven't you noticed that Pei Ji is paying more attention to me now?”

　　【……】

　　“To make someone like Pei Ji fall in love, simply being nice isn't enough. You have to make him experience the taste of gaining and losing, losing and regaining... By then, I don't believe he won't love me.”

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Author's Note:

Pei Ji: Am I a fish?

Honourable Miss An: The biggest one. Feel honored?

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Glossary:

Suzhou-style gardens.

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