Chapter 3

In the timid gaze of the girl, the noble and handsome man stared into her eyes, his thin lips opening slowly as he said, “Are you not satisfied yet?”

Sang Yao: “What?”

But Xie Yun seemed to be too lazy to say more to her. He withdrew his gaze, his tone icy and merciless, “Take your things and leave.”

So harsh.

But those familiar with him knew that his tone was particularly heavy at the moment.

But Sang Yao didn’t know. She had been a crybaby since she was a child, often unable to control her tears.

When she argued with her peers, she would often start crying before she could even say anything, ending up losing without even getting into the argument. It was very pathetic and lacking in spirit.

Now, being told by Xie Yun, Sang Yao’s eyes began to mist up again.

The girl pursed her lips, unwilling to admit that she was upset because of Xie Yun.

She didn’t know what she had done to him. Since she came in, his expression had been so fierce, as if she were someone he particularly hated. Was it because she didn’t knock on the door?

Feeling wronged, Sang Yao lowered her eyes, the long black lashes covering her watery eyes, looking quite pitiful.

Jinglian pursed his lips, hesitated for a moment, intending to speak up to ease the situation.

But his master spoke first, as indifferent and unfeeling as ever, not softening at all. Seeing this, he not only did not relent but also continued impatiently, “You’re still not leaving? Do you expect me to see you off?”

he knew that his master could never say anything nice.

Holding back her tears, feeling even more aggrieved, Sang Yao turned her head back silently to tidy up the tray she had brought in earlier and the not-so-pretty teapot.

Xie Yun was really detestable, she thought, her eyes red.

Top of Form

She wasn’t his maid, just kindly bringing him tea. Why scold her?

If he really minded her not knocking, he should have just said so. She would have apologized.

Jing Lian pursed his lips and handed what she was holding to Xie Yun, whispering, “Young Master.”

Xie Yun withdrew his hand coldly, no longer looking at Sang Yao.

Feeling aggrieved, Sang Yao left without turning back, her face downcast, carrying her tray. She closed the door with a bit more force due to her emotions.

The door closing with a loud bang was clearly audible in the room, as if highlighting the displeasure of the person closing it.

After a moment of silence, Xie Yun, who had never been given the cold shoulder before, asked, “Did she slam the door?”

Jing Lian kept his eyes down and his thoughts to himself. “…Maybe the wind.”

In fact, as soon as the door was slammed, Sang Yao regretted it, but it was too late. She wished she could go back and apologize to Xie Yun, hoping he would overlook her mistake.

But her remaining dignity prevented her from turning back. She was now afraid that Xie Yun would be angry, which made her feel even more uncomfortable.

When she returned to the room slowly, Sang Yin could tell from Sang Yao’s unchanged tray and her daughter’s dejected expression what had happened.

Oh, as expected.

Sang Yao put down the things and muttered, “Father, I’m back.”

Sang Yin grunted in response, comforting her, “It’s okay, it’s not your fault. Xie Yun is known for not being interested in women.”

… What was her father talking about? What did it have to do with not being interested in women?

But Sang Yao was in a bad mood and didn’t want to ask more, so she just made a vague sound of agreement.

Sang Yin sighed and said no more.

With his official position at this stage and no possibility of promotion without a transfer from above, it was already difficult for him to move up further. His family had no title, and the younger generation either worked in the Imperial Academy, unsure of when they would succeed, or were still abroad. His siblings were not in a better position than him.

If there was no change, the decline of the Sang family was only a matter of time.

Just like now, he had no say in court, so if someday his family offended someone, they would be at their mercy.

He couldn’t even help himself, so how could he expect his innocent daughter to?

After a while, a servant came in and whispered, “My lord, they’re coming out.”

Sang Yin put down his pen, adjusted his clothes, and casually instructed Sang Yao, “Take someone to clean up that room.”

With that, he walked out. Sang Yao hesitated for a moment, then walked out after him, trying to avoid running into Xie Yun, so she lingered for a while before leaving.

But as soon as she walked a few steps, she unexpectedly saw Jing Lian in the corridor. He was standing by the eaves pillar, and as soon as he saw her, he walked over, as if he had been waiting for her.

Sang Yao hadn’t sorted out her expression yet when Jing Lian stood in front of her and said, “Miss Sang.”

Sang Yao’s confusion was evident. “How come you…”

Jing Lian spoke a bit quickly, explaining, “The master and Master Sang were discussing matters in the front hall, and I had nothing else to do, so I came out.”