Chapter 111

Pei Jian had some external injuries, but nothing too serious.

After leaving the clinic, Father Wen enthusiastically invited Pei Jian to their home as a guest. “We owe you so much today. If not for you, I would have suffered greatly. It’s the Winter Solstice Festival—come join us and celebrate at our home.”

Pei Jian, now much more measured and cautious, worried about losing the goodwill he had painstakingly earned. He repeatedly declined, saying: “Thank you for your kind invitation, Uncle. But as today is the Winter Festival, I, as an outsider, shouldn’t impose. As for that rogue, please rest assured, Uncle. I will ensure that justice is served and that he never causes trouble again.”

Hearing this, Nianxi couldn’t help but glance at him. Their eyes met, and there was a mutual understanding.

In the past life, it had been because Father Wen fell on his own, and the Minister of Revenue, Zhang Hongzhe, pulled strings behind the scenes that the matter was eventually brushed aside. The Wen family had suffered silently, and Father Wen had endured great injustice.

This was why Nianxi had hired a ruffian to handle things. Her approach was straightforward and blunt, meant purely to vent her frustration, though it lacked consideration for the consequences.

However, Pei Jian had set up a deliberate plan.

This time, the rod struck Pei Jian squarely. Assaulting a court official—given his capabilities, he would certainly not let the wrongdoer escape unscathed.

This was the first time they worked together to resolve an issue in this reborn life. Their methods differed, but they still managed to help Father Wen avoid disaster. The outcome wasn’t too bad.

Father Wen wanted to persuade him further, but Nianxi softly said, “Why not wait until this matter is settled, and then, Father, you can invite Lord Pei another day. It’s getting late—we should head home early.”

Father Wen could only relent.

After everyone boarded the carriage, Nianxi quietly said to Pei Jian, “Thank you.”

Pei Jian didn’t respond, simply lowering his gaze to look at her. A dim light surged in his eyes, deep and intense. He didn’t need to say anything more—the sentiment was clear: You never need to thank me.

Nianxi did not respond further. Her gaze remained as calm as ever.

The carriage rumbled past, disappearing around the street corner. Only then did Pei Jian lower his head with a faint, wistful smile. He couldn’t help but raise his arm and take a sniff of his own scent.

Standing close earlier, he had caught a familiar, faint fragrance from her. Even though she had now gone far away, the scent lingered around him, leaving him slightly intoxicated.

Pei Jian stood at the winter street corner, feeling refreshed. Even the cold air he breathed in carried a crisp, sweet taste. He began walking back, pondering his next steps—how to best utilize that rascal’s value to win Nianxi’s favor.

Suddenly, he heard a voice call out, “Cousin.”

Pei Jian turned around. The carriage curtain was half-lifted, and a delicate and frail young woman soon stepped down. Her face was pale, her lips light-colored, embodying the look of a classical “sick beauty.”

She was a woman who naturally evoked pity at first sight. However, having just seen Nianxi, whose radiant smile lingered in his mind like a blooming rose, Pei Jian found it difficult to be moved by the gentleness and delicacy of his cousin, Xu Wanxin.

But he was in an excellent mood today and said warmly, “What brings you here?”

Xu Wanxin gave a soft smile without mentioning that she had already seen Pei Jian earlier at the teahouse and had followed them to the medical hall, only revealing herself after Nianxi’s group had left. Tilting her head slightly, she coughed weakly and said in a frail voice, “I haven’t been feeling well.”

Xu Wanxin had always been physically delicate and frequently ill, so Pei Jian did not ask further. He nodded and said, “It’s getting late. You should head home soon.”

After a brief pause, Xu Wanxin asked with concern, “Cousin, what are you doing here? Are you unwell?”

Pei Jian was truly happy; his brows and eyes were filled with smiles, and his usually indifferent expression showed a hint of warmth. For once, he was patient. “I’m fine,” he said.

However, Pei Jian’s patience with his cousin Xu Wanxin was limited. After saying this, he was ready to leave again.

Xu Wanxin pressed her nails into her palms, took a deep breath, and then spoke again, “I saw you talking with Miss Wen earlier…”

Hearing Nianxi’s name, Pei Jian slowed down the steps he had just raised.

Xu Wanxin lifted her delicate face slightly, showing a considerate smile. She asked, “Cousin, do you like Miss Wen?”

There was nothing to hide about this. Although Pei Jian disliked having his private affairs scrutinized, love is like boiling water—it bubbles and overflows, hard to conceal. Even the strands of his hair seemed eager to confess it.

When Nianxi was mentioned, Pei Jian’s cold expression softened slightly. He replied, “I admire her.”

“That’s wonderful.” Xu Wanxin seemed genuinely pleased. Under the dim skies, she appeared to be a sister sincerely happy for her elder brother. With her hands clasped together and full of hope, she said, “Miss Wen must like you very much as well, right?”

The bubbling excitement slightly subsided, and Pei Jian did not respond. Even though he wanted to deceive himself by saying she liked him, the truth was that, at best, Nianxi did not dislike him yet.

Pei Jian furrowed his brows lightly, and his tone grew colder. “Why are you asking this?”

“I’m just happy for you, cousin.” Xu Wanxin’s voice carried a smile, but in the places Pei Jian couldn’t see, her lowered gaze was filled with icy mockery. “I was thinking, the girl cousin likes must be remarkable. I should get closer to Miss Wen, too.”

Nianxi was indeed a very likable girl—passionate, interesting, considerate, and resilient. Compared to the frail and melancholic Xu Wanxin, she exuded a fresh and vibrant charm.

Pei Jian nodded and said, “She is indeed excellent. Spending more time with her would be beneficial for you, too.”

However, Pei Jian quickly recalled that Nianxi and Xu Wanxin had never been particularly close in his past life. Xu Wanxin had visited their house a few times, but Nianxi had always been indifferent toward her.

Because of this, Xu Wanxin had once unintentionally mentioned to him, “Does sister-in-law not like me?”

Pei Jian had long forgotten how he had responded then, but friendship among girls likely depended on a certain fate.

With this in mind, Pei Jian added, “There’s no need to force it.”

“…Alright,” Xu Wanxin replied.