Chapter Twenty: Hmph, Scoundrel!

When Liu Ji reached the doorway, he saw a graceful figure in a violet gown standing there—there was no doubt that this was Mu Wanjun, whom he had not seen in a long time.

To his surprise, however, Liu Yuqing was also present.

For reasons unknown, she stood with her hands on her hips, cheeks puffed in anger as she glared at Mu Wanjun, as though the two had just quarreled.

Noticing Liu Ji’s arrival, Liu Yuqing’s face lit up. She hurried to him, grabbing his hand and pointing at Mu Wanjun. “Second Brother, I’m so angry! You can’t imagine what she just said about you. I was so furious I couldn’t help but stand up for you!”

Liu Ji smiled. “Oh? And what did she say about me?”

“She said you’re nothing more than a useless wastrel who bullies others by relying on your family’s power, and that she despises people like you the most!”

Her little face flushed red with indignation, as though it was she herself whom Mu Wanjun had insulted. “Second Brother, did you hear that? How can she say such things?!”

Liu Ji laughed softly, unconcerned. “Isn’t there some truth to her words?”

Liu Yuqing stared at him in disbelief. “Hey, Second Brother, I’m on your side here! Aren’t we supposed to be allies? How can you defend her? Do you have any sense of solidarity? You’d better give me some money as compensation!”

Her eyes sparkled with anticipation as she finished.

You just want to claim credit for yourself, don’t you?

Liu Ji thought helplessly, ignoring Liu Yuqing. He walked up to Mu Wanjun and simply stood there, silently gazing at her.

At first, Mu Wanjun could withstand his stare, but the longer it went on, the more uncomfortable she became. At last, she muttered in a small voice, “Why are you staring at me like that? I… I wasn’t wrong, was I? You are just an arrogant wastrel who bullies others…”

For some reason, she felt that the Liu Ji before her was different from the one she used to know. The most obvious change was in his eyes and in the aura he now carried—he was like a completely different person.

His gaze now made her uneasy, almost oppressive.

Liu Ji asked, “Why are you looking for me?”

Mu Wanjun’s expression returned to its usual coldness. “My father sent me to find you… to accompany you on a stroll through the city. Don’t get any ideas—it’s only because my father asked me, not because I wanted to!”

I know you didn’t come willingly, but must you repeat yourself?

That’s rather hurtful!

Liu Ji thought to himself, then said with disdain, “What’s so interesting about the Southern Prince’s City? I’ve long since grown tired of it. Only someone like you, who never leaves her residence and has seen nothing of the world, would find it fascinating.”

With that, he turned to leave.

“Hey! You—!”

Mu Wanjun’s lips parted in shock. Was Liu Ji rejecting her? That couldn’t be right—wasn’t he always supposed to be overjoyed to see her, wagging his tail like a lapdog?

Had he gone mad today?

And to say she was the one who hadn’t seen the world?

Are you kidding me?!

Though she truly disliked Liu Ji and had no desire to walk by his side, the fact remained that he was the heir to the Prince of the South. As her father had said, if the Mu family wished to rise…

They could hardly do so without the Liu family’s help.

So she couldn’t just kick him away entirely.

She had to keep him dangling…

Meanwhile, Liu Yuqing was almost moved to tears. Her second brother had finally come to his senses—he finally realized what it meant to be the heir of a noble house!

He should have acted like this all along. There were countless beautiful women in the world—why get hung up on a single pretty face?

And as for all his previous declarations of undying love for Mu Wanjun, what nonsense! Was that really love?

He was obviously just lusting after her!

With this realization, Mu Wanjun bit her lip, her expression shifting between emotions. At last, she managed to say with great difficulty, “You… you… wait!”

Liu Ji turned around and looked at her. “Does Miss Mu have further business? If not, please don’t waste my precious time.”

Mu Wanjun was infuriated—your time is precious?

Am I delaying your pleasures?

She took a deep breath and said, “In a little over ten days, the River Lantern Festival and the Martial Tournament will be held here in the city. Preparations have already begun. If you’re free, would you care to join me in enjoying the festivities?”

Liu Ji crossed his arms and replied with mockery, “I am, after all, the heir of the Prince of the South. If I did whatever you asked, wouldn’t that make me look weak?”

Mu Wanjun gritted her teeth, forcing a smile. “Young Master Liu, I have come to invite you to enjoy the river lanterns with me. May I have the honor of your company?”

“There—that’s more like it.”

He stepped up to her, patted her shoulder approvingly, and said, “When dealing with important people, you should act and speak with the proper respect. Don’t you agree?”

Before she could reply, he strode out of the residence with a smile on his face and his hands clasped behind his back.

“Second Brother—I’m coming too!”

Liu Yuqing bounced after him, laughing as she clung to his right arm. “You did well, Second Brother! That’s how you should always treat women like her. Don’t let her walk all over you!”

Liu Ji smiled lightly.

Mu Wanjun watched his departing figure, her chest heaving with rage, her eyes practically shooting flames.

Had this man lost his mind today?

How infuriating!

Her maid Xiaoqing snorted, “Miss, don’t stoop to his level. He’s just arrogant because of his status! Without the Prince of the South, who would care about Liu Ji? He’s not even worthy of your attention!”

“Let’s go!”

Still fuming, Mu Wanjun hurried to catch up.

After Liu Ji, Mu Wanjun, and the rest had departed, a pair of eyes belonging to a manservant behind them suddenly flashed, and he quickly followed.

The Southern Prince’s City was especially beautiful beneath the evening sky. Even at night, the city blazed with lights, like a breathtaking painting.

It was bustling with excitement.

Today was the middle of November, 1386, by the calendar of the Nuoxi Empire.

The River Lantern Festival was set for early December, coinciding with the city’s martial arts tournament. Preparations were already underway.

As Liu Ji, Mu Wanjun, and their party walked through the city, many people greeted Liu Ji respectfully, calling him “Young Master Liu,” which was pleasant to his ears.

Mu Wanjun, on the other hand, scoffed inwardly—they were all sycophants.

Throughout their walk, Mu Wanjun’s lovely face remained cold and aloof, like an icy mountain, warning all to keep their distance.

She didn’t exchange a single word with Liu Ji.

For his part, Liu Ji paid Mu Wanjun no mind, instead enjoying the company of his little sister, who skipped beside him, endlessly curious and full of energy.

Liu Ji rather liked her lively nature, and soon forgot about Mu Wanjun altogether, leaving the famed ice beauty as nothing more than a decorative figure!

This infuriated Mu Wanjun, but she could do nothing about it. She silently resolved that if she ever went out with Liu Ji again… she would call herself a little dog!

Even Xiaoqing felt her mistress had been wronged. After all, in the Southern Prince’s City, her lady was considered the most beautiful and talented, admired by countless young nobles. And yet, Liu Ji ignored such a beauty and played happily with his own little sister.

Mu Wanjun herself was bewildered. In the past, Liu Ji’s eyes would light up whenever he saw her, like a puppy seeing a bone.

Yet, after just half a month apart, he had become so cold, barely acknowledging her existence. And to think he once swore that he truly loved her—what a fickle heart!

Hmph, as expected, there’s not a single good man in the world!

...

...

PS: Second update.

Crying and begging for recommendation votes.