Chapter 2 — Wanwan, You’re Not Obedient Today

Xie Xianyu’s estate occupied the entire eastern garden, separated from the rest of the residence by a lake. Secluded and tranquil, it was a place where ordinary people were not allowed to enter.

Wanru circled around from the west side of Shou’an Hall, passed through a garden, then wound her way into a hidden path. After threading through jagged rockeries for a full two quarters of an hour, she finally stepped into his estate.

“The Young Master is in the waterside pavilion study.”

By the lakeshore stood a waterside pavilion, where Xie Xianyu had set up his study. With open views on all sides, it overlooked the lake—a place Xie Xianyu was especially fond of.

Wanru, however, disliked it. She always worried that someone walking along the opposite bank might catch sight of her inside the pavilion.

Pressing her lips together, she still raised her steps and entered.

Xie Xianyu had already changed into his everyday attire, a silver-gray robe. His half-unbound hair hung loosely down his back, fixed with a silver crown at the top—his appearance carrying the languid grace of an idle noble son.

He sat at the desk by the window, writing. Only a few strokes remained to finish, and he did not look up.

Putting on a show again, Wanru cursed inwardly.

Then he suddenly raised his eyes—dark as ink, as if they could pierce through one’s heart. Wanru’s breath caught, and she instantly lifted a smile.

“I’ll grind the ink for Cousin.”

Xie Xianyu did not refuse, so Wanru went straight to the desk, picked up an ink stick, and began grinding.

He continued writing. Wanru stole glances at his expression. He was unusually quiet today, which likely meant he was in a bad mood.

Had he perhaps been slighted at court, unable to show it before the Old Madam, and now intended to vent it on her?

How unlucky could she be?

Her smile grew even more attentive.
“Cousin, you haven’t returned for three months and seem much thinner. Was the food in Jiangnan not to your liking?”

“It was acceptable.” His voice was light.

“Then it must have been the hardship of travel. This trip to investigate the case must have brought many obstacles. With so much exhaustion, you must rest more.” Her words dripped with care.

He gave no reply.

Wanru’s heart hung in suspense, irritation rising. Why had he come back after only three months?

Finally, he spoke slowly.
“Grandmother mentioned your marriage today.”

Wanru’s hand holding the ink stick stiffened. She forced a smile.
“Old Madam was only talking about Fifth Miss and the others. She merely brought me up in passing. How could she truly mean it?”

He lifted his gaze to her. His ink-dark eyes carried a hint of coldness.
“And you? What do you think?”

A chill rushed up Wanru’s spine. His oppressive presence made her falter with fear.

Everyone said the Eldest Young Master of the Xie family was as warm as jade, like a clear breeze and bright moon, the model of a gentleman. But only Wanru knew that beneath that façade lay ambition and ruthless means.