Arc 2: Part 25
Xiao Qingwan creaked open the door and whispered, "Brother?"
The room was dimly lit, and a figure with his back turned to her was holding a newly lit candle, about to place it on the table.
Hearing her voice, the person placed the candle down. In the soft, yellow glow, his handsome face appeared even sharper. Turning around, he said with a smile, "You've arrived?"
Xiao Qingwan couldn't help but smile and walked confidently into the room, "Brother, I've come to bring you your meal."
Xiao Lingchen secretly furrowed his brow.
Just moments ago, she had been affectionate and natural; how did she become so ingratiating and distant so quickly?
"Put the things down, there's no one else here tonight. Have dinner with me."
Xiao Qingwan was startled, then instantly angry.
As expected, that treacherous Xiao Bai Zhu had hooked up with Xiao Lingchen behind her back!
However, she dared not show her displeasure. Her eyes flickered and soon calmed down, and she agreed with a smile, "I cannot disobey my brother's request. Please have a seat, and I'll serve you the soup."
Xiao Lingchen stared at her coldly, his suspicions deepening.
That girl would never say things like "I dare not disobey."
She was always bold, telling him to sleep early and eat more. She was always the one making demands. When did she start serving others so obsequiously?
At some point, his expectations for her evaporated as he saw the girl's flattery in front of him.
He couldn't muster any affection for this girl, only annoyance.
"Brother, what's wrong?"
Xiao Qingwan's heart was racing, feeling a chill down her back. She was uneasy and apprehensive, not knowing what went wrong. She could only be cautious as she held the soup pot, carefully ladled a bowl, and gently placed it in front of Xiao Lingchen.
"Would you like to have a taste?"
Xiao Lingchen didn't move.
Xiao Qingwan got closer, a strong scent of perfume wafting over. Xiao Lingchen's nose twitched, and his frown deepened.
This wasn't right; she wasn't the type to enjoy wearing heavy perfume. He remembered clearly that she often carried a sweet, natural scent, not this artificial smell!
Xiao Lingchen abruptly waved his hand.
"Never mind, you can leave. I can drink it myself. It's getting late. You should go back and rest."
Xiao Qingwan's face abruptly changed, as if a cat whose tail had just been stepped on. She exclaimed, "Brother, what did I do wrong?"
Xiao Lingchen's expression turned cold right away. She flinched, forcing a smile before bowing her head and replying, "...yes."
No matter if she had made a mistake, she couldn't question Xiao Lingchen. He was the master of this house, the one person she couldn't afford to offend under any circumstance.
Walking away from Xiao Lingchen's main hall, Xiao Qingwan was visibly angered, gritting her teeth and storming off.
Guards passed by occasionally, greeting her with laughter. Fearing that her anger would be noticed, Xiao Qingwan intentionally responded in a friendly manner, "It's so cold; remember to keep warm. You all work hard!"
She thought she was revealing her considerate side, but unbeknownst to her, the guards were left perplexed.
"What's with the Eldest Miss? Gives me chills..."
Whether it was genuine concern or superficial politeness, people can tell at a glance.
If she truly cared, she could have ordered her housekeeper to put more coal in the room or distribute extra cotton clothes to keep them warm. That would have been sincere and heart-warming. Any of these actions would've been better than the awkward and hastily expressed concern she showed.
As it stood, the more she tried to appear benevolent, the more people felt...
It was all an act.
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