Chapter 16

Sang Yao, if she didn’t move, it would be fine. But once she did, her body followed suit, trembling faintly, hidden in the close-fitting fabric, which, under the pressure of her arms, changed shape, becoming even more fragrant and attractive.

Xie Yun moved his expressionless gaze away, facing the girl’s accusation without any guilt.

He calmly thought to himself, many things in this world are noticed not because the observer is interested in them, but because they are inherently eye-catching. Just like how pale white appears even more so next to bright red, people’s eyes are naturally drawn to the red.

It was the same just now.

Because she was different and eye-catching, he couldn’t help but take a second look.

Sang Yao covered her chest, feeling that today couldn’t get any worse. She pointed at Xie Yun and cursed, “You despicable man!”

Xie Yun calmly said, “But didn’t you call me over?”

This woman was always like this, always taking the initiative and turning the tables. He hadn’t even asked her why she appeared in front of him dressed like this, but she had already felt wronged.

Sang Yao choked up. She hadn’t even noticed that her clothes were see-through just now. Fortunately, she hadn’t run into anyone on the way, or else her reputation for debauchery would have been completely solidified.

“But I… I didn’t know…”

Xie Yun didn’t answer, seeming too lazy to bother.

The silence made Sang Yao suddenly aware of her embarrassment, because she suddenly realized that it really did look intentional.

But she really didn’t.

Sang Yao bit her lip, too embarrassed to continue accusing him.

From the grievances that had been accumulating since earlier, to now finally overflowing, she had been very unhappy all day.

She thought she could return to being friends with her former friends, so she had been treating each of them seriously. But in the end, they just thought she wanted to be Lu Ting’s mistress, so they became close to her.

She was mocked for her appearance, and they shamelessly used vulgar jokes to make fun of her, not thinking they were doing anything wrong.

She was doused with cold water by a little maid, who didn’t even remind her that her clothes would become transparent when wet.

And now, she was wearing wet clothes, sticky all over in the sun. She was pale, trying to cover her chest, but it didn’t really help. Xie Yun stood coldly in front of her, facing sideways.

All of this made Sang Yao feel terrible.

She lowered her head, her eyelashes drooping, her eyes filled with tears silently falling.

After a long silence, Xie Yun finally glanced at her.

Her beautiful face was covered in tears, her red lips trembling, and her dark lashes hiding her watery eyes. Tears gathered, clinging to the girl’s snow-white chin before finally falling to the ground.

Why was she crying again?

“Why are you crying?”

He hadn’t bullied her, just accidentally glanced at her. It wasn’t his fault, was it?

Sang Yao ignored him. She was calmer now, wiping the tears from her face. She couldn’t cry here; she had to hold it in until she could cry in the carriage.

She didn’t want to deal with Xie Yun anymore. Regardless of what he thought, Sang Yao walked forward, wanting only to change her clothes quickly and go home.

Xie Yun’s gaze stayed on Sang Yao.

As they reached a corner, Sang Yao glimpsed a blurry figure approaching quickly along the corridor, unsure if they had seen her.

Sang Yao was so frightened her face lost color. She screamed, quickly turning around and grabbing the man’s waist belt, hiding behind Xie Yun in a panic.

Xie Yun, caught off guard, was forced to turn sideways, his tall figure blocking her.

Hastily, the man arrived by Xie Yun’s side, speaking before reaching them, still panting, “Young Master, everything’s settled. Shall we return home or go to the palace?”

Huh? The master’s expression doesn’t seem right.

The scene before him gradually became clear.

A tall man, followed by a girl wearing a soaking wet dress. Her long hair was slightly damp, her clothes were wet, revealing a snow-white and rounded shoulder. Her body trembled slightly, her slender fingers tightly gripping Xie Yun’s sleeve.

Why did she look like Miss Sang?

Strange.

Something’s wrong.

It’s like a scene from a dream.

“…?”

After a moment of silence, Xie Yun furrowed his brow, his face cold as ice. He almost gritted his teeth as he said to the man, “What are you standing there for? Close your damn eyes.”

The man was displeased. Why close them? What’s with the swearing?

He quickly closed his eyes and turned his body towards the white wall, saying cautiously, “My apologies, Young Master!”

Xie Yun exhaled subtly, then slowly turned around, lifting his arm and speaking emotionlessly, “Let go.”

Sang Yao was still crying. She slowly withdrew her hand, her shoulders trembling as she cried. Her hands hugged her chest, feeling as if she wasn’t wearing any clothes.

A few servants passed by not far away, but Xie Yun blocked their view, so they didn’t pay much attention. However, they were still a bit of a distance from the room. Sang Yao didn’t know if they would encounter anyone else.

But none of this had anything to do with Xie Yun.

Closed.

He was never one to meddle in others’ affairs, let alone with someone who had ill intentions despite being unrelated.

Xie Yun looked down at her. Even though he was controlling his gaze, he still caught a glimpse of some allure, coupled with the pitiful face of the girl, which made one feel a desire to destroy.

She was just a delicate woman, completely defenseless if something were to happen.

Xie Yun was cold by nature, but he wasn’t indifferent. Moreover, Sang Yao had helped him before, so it counted as a favor.

Xie Yun glanced at Jing Lian and ordered, “Take off your outer garment.”

Jing Lian naturally didn’t dare to disobey. He quickly untied his belt, but as he did, a sudden realization struck him…

Why did the master want him to take off his outer garment?

Obviously, it was to give it to Miss Sang!

Ignoring the fact that the master had suddenly become so kind, Sang Yao’s clothes were wet, so she needed something to wear. Also, the current scene could easily be misunderstood, and the master definitely wouldn’t call anyone else over.

So, if he didn’t take it off, the master would have to do it himself.

He recalled what the master was wearing today. He was wearing a black jacket with gold-threaded embroidery… Wouldn’t it be suitable to take it off?

Jing Lian’s movements slowed down. His heart was beating fast, and after a brief struggle, his emotions won. He risked answering, “Master, I remembered… I’m only wearing one garment today because of the hot weather. If… it’s inappropriate.”

“Just do it.”

Jing Lian: “??”

You’re going too far!

Sang Yao probably knew what Xie Yun was thinking. She looked up at his clear and handsome face. His jawline was sharp, with a defined curve.

Sang Yao was used to his indifferent attitude. After all, his feelings towards her had always been hidden.

But now, because Xie Yun hadn’t just stood by and watched, she felt that everything didn’t seem so bad after all.

She stopped crying, tugging at Xie Yun’s sleeve and said, “Forget it.”

She glanced at the room not far away and suggested softly, “Just a short distance, can you walk in front of me?”

Xie Yun looked at Jing Lian.

Sang Yao said, “He’s too thin to block me.”

Unlike Xie Yun’s broad shoulders and long legs, Jing Lian’s frame was smaller. It would be a bit of a stretch for him to block her effectively.

Jing Lian thought to himself sarcastically, “Thanks, but I’m actually quite strong.”

Xie Yun wanted to refuse, but in the end, he turned expressionlessly and said, “Which room?”

A snow-white hand reached out from behind, pointing not far away. “That one.”

Xie Yun walked over.

He had long legs and took big steps, not deliberately waiting for Sang Yao. She had to hurry to keep up with his pace, but it didn’t detract from the sight.

Jing Lian followed behind the two, looking pleased.

Xie Yun’s visit today was indeed unexpected, and more precisely, an unpleasant surprise.

Originally, Xie Yun was supposed to meet the governor who had just returned from Tongzhou, as per Elder Xie’s instructions, to discuss the case of salt and iron smuggling related to the court.

The governor and Minister Li were fellow students, so Elder Xie had arranged for the meeting to take place at the estate owned by the Xie family, which was not inappropriate.

However, when Xie Yun arrived on time, the person he saw upon entering was not the governor, but Minister Li’s daughter, Li Yao Ge.

Xie Yun immediately turned cold and didn’t even give Li Yao Ge any face, turning around and leaving directly.

Xie Yun’s marriage had always been a major concern for Elder Xie and his wife. It was no secret that Li Yao Ge was fond of Xie Yun. Because of Elder Xie’s and Minister Li’s friendship, and their good relationship, as well as Li Yao Ge’s dignified and gentle demeanor, she was considered a suitable wife. So, the couple had been trying to match them up.

However, before, it was mostly verbal persuasion. This time, they actually used this method to force the two to meet.

According to his master’s character, he might have been willing to compromise due to his parents’ wishes before. But after this incident, it was no longer possible.