Spoiled Eldest Miss x Two-faced Madman

CHAPTER 36: “Sorry, I Accidentally Knocked Over The Bowl.”

 

　　Early in the morning, the servants of the Jinshe Villa delivered breakfast on time, and everyone in the small courtyard gathered in the main hall to eat. 

　　Ming Yi immediately claimed the seat beside An Jiu, eagerly leaning in. 

　　“Miss An, do you have any plans for today?”

　　An Jiu smiled and said, “Plans? No, I'm just an idle person, what plans could I have?” 

　　Her words fell on everyone's ears. He Ziqing didn't understand, Pei Ji didn't react, but Lin Qingyan couldn't help but glance at An Jiu. 

　　It wasn't that she was excluding An Jiu, but An Jiu was simply too delicate and frail. Once, she accidentally bumped her hand against the corner of a table, and An Jiu immediately teared up, as if someone had bullied her. 

　　This Miss An was like a delicate piece of porcelain, only suitable for being carefully treasured at home, unable to withstand the wind and sun. 

　　Lin Qingyan and He Ziqing were out and about every day, practicing their swordsmanship, and they wouldn't dare to bring her along.　　 

　　Ming Yi laughed when he heard this, “Then that's perfect, I heard there's a horse farm at the Jinshe Villa, why don't we go horseback riding together?” 

　　An Jiu didn't want to stay cooped up in the courtyard all day, and immediately agreed, “Okay, okay!”

　　As she spoke, she picked up a small steamed bun and stuffed it into her mouth. 

　　Ming Yi's gaze was fixed on the girl's face. He had never seen such a beautiful woman as Miss An. Every time he saw her, he felt like he was feasting his eyes, and he couldn't tear his gaze away from her. 

　　“Hmm? Miss An, why are your lips a little swollen?” Ming Yi's voice was filled with confusion, his eyes scanning the table. “Is the food too spicy?” 

　　Jinshe Villa was located in the south, where the climate was hot and humid. The locals loved eating cornus peppers and spicy food. 

　　Ever since moving into the little courtyard, all three daily meals were provided by the villa—and quite a few dishes were loaded with chili. 

　　Could it be that Miss An couldn't eat spicy food? 

　　Ming Yi's eyes returned to the girl's face. He remembered clearly that it wasn't like this yesterday. 

　　Her cherry-like lips were plump and rosy, with a vibrant red color and a juicy appearance. The originally clear lip line had become somewhat blurred, as if it had been subjected to a brutal assault, like crushed rose petals, exuding a captivating allure. 

　　Ming Yi stared and stared, his eyes almost stuck in place. 

　　“Pā—” (T/N: Someone is drinking a pot of vinegar here~🤣)

　　A crisp sound suddenly came. 

　　Everyone's attention was immediately drawn, and they looked towards the sound. 

　　They saw the young man in white clothes with lowered eyes. The porridge bowl in front of him had been knocked over, the thick white porridge spilling across the table, and the porcelain spoon had fallen to the ground, breaking into two pieces. 

　　Seeing everyone looking at him, Pei Ji paused slightly, his gentle eyebrows lifting, revealing a hint of apology. 

　　“Sorry, I accidentally knocked over the bowl.” 

　　A servant from the Jinshe Villa standing nearby immediately stepped forward, cleaning up the mess on Pei Ji's table and serving him a new bowl of porridge. 

　　With this little interlude, Ming Yi's question to An Jiu was unconsciously ignored. 

　　An Jiu seemed unaware, continuing to chat with Ming Yi with a cheerful smile. 

　　Of all the people at the table, only these two were talkative, able to chat from fashionable clothing styles to gossip about the capital, and even discuss the latest storybooks. Both being spoiled rich kids, they had many common topics and seemed to hit it off immediately. 

　　The others weren't as lively. He Ziqing was taciturn, Pei Ji was more accustomed to listening, and only Lin Qingyan was a bit more lively, occasionally joining their conversation. 

　　An Jiu ate several small steamed buns, then reached for the pan-fried dumplings on the opposite side, her layers of clothing slipping slightly, revealing a slender wrist for a fleeting moment under her fiery red sleeves. 

　　Lin Qingyan suddenly frowned and asked, “An Jiu, what's wrong with your wrist?” 

　　During their previous trip to Pinglan City, the two girls had spent several days shopping together, and their relationship had improved significantly, so they had started addressing each other by their given names. 

　　Lin Qingyan's opinion of An Jiu had also changed somewhat. Although she still thought An Jiu was too delicate, her character wasn't bad; she was simply spoiled by her family. 

　　“Ah? No, nothing…”　　 

　　The girl who was questioned blinked her eyes, somewhat nervously retracting her hand and stammering a reply. 

　　Seeing this, Lin Qingyan's brow furrowed even tighter. 

　　If she wasn't mistaken, there seemed to be a circle of bruises on An Jiu's wrist. 

　　“Were you bullied by someone? If anyone bullies you, you must tell me.” Lin Qingyan's eyebrows were tightly knit. 

　　She was a woman with a strong sense of justice. Even though she had only recently met An Jiu, since they were companions, she considered her as one of her own. 

　　He Ziqing also chimed in, “That's right. Since I've promised to protect Miss An, I will definitely keep you safe.”

　　An Jiu pursed her lips, her gaze inadvertently shifting to Pei Ji. He was holding a cup of tea, his long, dark eyelashes drooping, the tea mist swirling around him. His jade-like face was faintly visible behind the steam. 

　　“No, no, don't make a fuss. I just bumped it myself. It's nothing serious.” 

　　She forced a smile, her words hesitant and evasive, as if there was something she couldn't say. 

　　Lin Qingyan, who was sitting next to An Jiu, directly reached out and grabbed An Jiu's hand, pulling up her sleeve. Her expression instantly turned grim. 

　　On the girl's white wrist, a jagged circle of bruises stood out, contrasting with her flawless white skin, making it look even more tragic and terrifying. 

　　From the marks, it was clear that someone had gripped her forcefully, the fingerprints still visible! 

　　“How can you call this nothing serious?” Lin Qingyan's expression was serious. 

　　Seeing this, the others were also disturbed. 

　　Ming Yi's eyes were filled with pity. He wanted to rush over and cover the girl's small hand, wanting to rub it for her, but he managed to restrain himself. He quickly said, “Miss An, I have some excellent jade skin cream. I'll send it to you later!” 

　　Lin Qingyan also said, “Don't be afraid. Tell us who hurt you, and I will definitely get revenge for you. My family is close friends with Uncle Jin, and he will definitely stand up for you.” 

　　He Ziqing was even more direct, drawing his sword and slamming it on the table with a clang. He said coldly, “Miss An, please feel free to speak. Whoever dared to hurt you, I, He Ziqing, will not let them go.” 

　　An Jiu blinked, silently looking at Pei Ji. Just as she did, he raised his eyes, and their gazes met. 

　　The man's black eyes were long and narrow, the corners slightly curved, his faint smile still present. 

　　“Heh, no need.” 

　　An Jiu turned her head, her smile strained and insincere. “It was just a lecherous scoundrel. There's no need to make a fuss.”

　　As soon as she said this, everyone understood what she meant. 

　　It seemed Miss An had accidentally encountered a lecherous scoundrel who had harassed her. Although she had escaped, the incident wouldn't be good if it got out, especially for a young lady's reputation. If not handled properly, the consequences could be severe. 

　　Lin Qingyan's eyebrows shot up, and she snorted coldly, “It must be because there have been so many people coming to Jinshe Villa lately, a mix of all sorts. It seems that some morally corrupt scum have snuck in. If I ever encounter someone like that, I'll chop off their hand with my sword!” 

　　He Ziqing also said, “I didn't expect there to be such a person. They're completely ruining the reputation of the martial arts world.” 

　　Ming Yi was especially indignant. He wouldn't even dare to touch a single finger of Miss An, yet that scoundrel had dared to grab An Jiu's wrist. His heart was sour, like he'd eaten a hundred lemons, his jealousy twisting him up inside. 

　　“Yes, yes, people like that are like a malignant tumor. Miss An is so kind to let him off. You're really too kind. If I find out who it is, I'll definitely teach him a lesson!” 

　　An Jiu glanced at the motionless young man in white, and asked with interest, “Oh? How will you teach him a lesson?”　　 

　　Ming Yi, eager to impress the beauty, immediately said, “I'll cut off his… you know… so that he can never bully any woman again!” 

　　The young man's movements faltered slightly as he slowly put down his teacup. 

　　An Jiu suddenly laughed, her beautiful face brightening, her lips red and white, her eyes bright and captivating. 

　　“Good, that’s satisfying!” She said with a bright smile, clapping her hands in delight.

　　The girl was radiant and charming, like a rose blooming in the morning sun, her actions were so sweet and innocent. Ming Yi's eyes were glued to her, and he didn't even realize when the meal was over. 

　　After breakfast, everyone went their separate ways. 

　　Ming Yi stood outside An Jiu's room, waiting for her to get ready so they could go horseback riding together. 

　　An Jiu changed into a new dress she had bought in Pinglan City. It was a light pink upper garment with a crimson gauze skirt. The hem of the skirt was embroidered with silver ginkgo leaves in gold thread, making it both luxurious and charming. 

　　Seeing her in this outfit, Ming Yi's eyes lit up again. A series of compliments poured out of his mouth, making An Jiu laugh uncontrollably. 

　　As she left with Ming Yi, they passed through the central garden. An Jiu saw a white figure sitting in a wheelchair under the crimson verandah opposite. Ah Qi stood behind him, the master and servant looking at her from afar. 

　　The young man was dressed in white, his black hair like a waterfall, his long, narrow black eyes calm and still. 

　　Their eyes met across the vibrant flowers and willows. 

　　Taking advantage of Ming Yi's distraction, An Jiu tilted her head, wrinkled her nose, and stuck out her tongue at him, then silently snorted. 

　　It was a defiant grimace.

　　【Pei Ji's favorability towards you -5, current value: 25.】

　　【Pei Ji's favorability towards you +5, current value: 30.】

　　【……】 

　　An Jiu: “???” 

　　Stop it, stop it, I'm scared of you, okay? 

　　An Jiu screamed internally, suddenly quickening her pace and hurrying out of the garden. Only then did the barrage of favorability notifications finally quiet down. 

　　But in Pei Ji’s eyes, the scene looked like this: the girl avoided him like the plague, walking away with disgust the moment she saw him, unwilling to even spare him a glance. 

　　The fingers holding his fan handle unconsciously curled up. 

　　Pei Ji knew that this was actually the best outcome.

　　She remembered nothing. Misled by him, she thought she’d gone crazy from drinking and ended up barging into his room and claiming his bed. 

　　As for the wound on her wrist, Pei Ji simply said it happened during their ‘struggle’ when she forcibly entered his room. 

　　Feeling guilty, An Jiu didn’t dare tell anyone what had happened. But with her proud and headstrong nature, even if she was in the wrong, she wasn’t someone who could take a loss quietly—so during breakfast, she had secretly provoked him to vent her ‘grievance.’ 

　　His secret remained safe, and everything was still going according to plan. 

　　The only change was An Jiu's attitude towards him, which seemed to have become even worse after this incident. 

　　But… whether she likes Pei Ji or not doesn't matter. 

　　As long as she still likes Fei Yi, that's enough. 

　　Pei Ji withdrew his gaze, releasing the hand that had been imprinted by the fan handle, and said to Ah Qi, who was standing silently behind him, “Let's go.”

　　Ah Qi spoke, “Young master, nothing happened last night, did it?” 

　　Ah Qi was the only one who knew that Pei Ji would suffer from a poison attack every full moon night. However, every time this happened, he would be sent away by his young master. 

　　At this time, the young master wouldn't allow anyone to stay by his side, not even Ah Qi, who had been with him for over ten years. He wouldn't give his trust to anyone. 

　　Ah Qi had long since grown accustomed to this, but he still couldn't help but worry. 

　　Pei Ji remained silent for a moment before slowly saying, “...Nothing.” 

　　“The order to search for the Medicine King has been sent out, but young master, isn't the Medicine King already dead? Why are you...?” Ah Qi asked as he pushed the wheelchair. 

　　While seemingly just a servant by Pei Ji's side, Ah Qi was also the public face of the Qiānshā Pavilion, the Pavilion Master “Xian Wuming.”

　　Pei Ji, being unable to walk properly, had always hidden in the shadows, never appearing in public. 

　　Every time the Qiānshā Pavilion had an important task, Ah Qi would disguise himself and appear on his behalf. 

　　The Qiānshā Pavilion was established ten years ago, when Pei Ji was only eight years old. Almost the entire Pavilion was managed by Ah Qi. To be honest, Ah Qi was the true “Xian Wuming,” while Pei Ji was merely the shadow lurking behind the scenes. 

　　However, the Qiānshā Pavilion has always been under Pei Ji's control. His method of control was simple: poison. 

　　When Pei Ji was eight years old, he created the highly poisonous Yin-Yang Talisman, and he experimented with it on people right away. 

　　Once someone is poisoned by the Yin-Yang Talisman, they must take the antidote within a month. If they don't, the poison will take effect, causing unbearable pain. 

　　Pei Ji used this method to manipulate martial artists, forcing them to become assassins for the Qiansha Pavilion and serve him. Those who refused were turned into living medicine vessels—trapped in endless torment, unable to live or die. 

　　With the Yin-Yang Talisman, no matter how strong a martial artist was, once they fell into his hands, they had no choice but to be controlled by him.

　　“If he's really dead, then so be it…” Pei Ji's eyelids drooped slightly, his long lashes casting a shadow over his eyes. 

　　He really wanted to know what Pei Zhou had been doing all these years if he hadn't died. 

　　And why did he fake his death? What was he plotting?

________________

T/N: Honestly, I sometimes used "Young Master" and sometimes "Master" when Ah Qi speaks to Pei Ji. If you notice any inconsistencies like this, please let me know! I usually translate and proofread at night, so I'm often half asleep. 😅 However, I've tried my best to make the translation clear and smooth. Please point out any grammatical errors or misspelled names—don't hesitate! I really appreciate feedback because consistency is important to me.

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