Li Yinianâs words not only questioned his dignity as a man, but also implied something else, which made all his determination laughable.
Qiao Yanzeâs eyes were bloodshot. He stared at the womanâs smiling face and felt as if his mind was about to crumble.
Fortunately, Su Qinxue could tell that something was wrong with him. She hugged his arm tightly and smiled at Li Yinian. âSeriously, Mrs. Xiao. No matter how amazing Old Master Xiao is, heâs still advanced in age. Why are you lying to yourself?â
Li Yinian stroked her hair elegantly and said, âIf you think thatâs what Iâm doing then so be it.â She then glanced at Qiao Yanze and then at Su Qinxue. âI know itâs not easy for you. After all, some people are rotten on the outside.â
Su Qinxueâs expression changed. Most importantly, she didnât know Qiao Yanze very well. Although she wanted to back up Qiao Yanze, she didnât have that confidence.
In the end, she could only say, âYouâre really shameless.â
âYouâre too naive, Ms. Su.â Li Yinian blinked at her. âThere are some things that can be compared.â
Su Qinxue blushed.
âWhy?â Qiao Yanze suddenly uttered.
His face had calmed, but his dark eyes revealed too much emotion. After all the pain, hesitation, anger, and confusion, all that was left was longing and... reluctance.
Li Yinian looked at him for a second and was dazed for a moment, but then, she chuckled and said, âFourth Young Master, your question doesnât make sense. How should I answer you?â
âLi Yinian, donât play dumb.â Qiao Yanze closed his eyes. âYou know what Iâm asking.â
Why did she leave without saying a word? Why did she marry Xiao Cheng? Why didnât she give an explanation?
Li Yinian looked at him for a while and frowned, âFourth Young Master, Iâm very happy that youâre willing to give me your blessings for my wedding today, but itâs no fun if you keep pestering me. You two can go ahead and have a dance now. Iâll go to the back to see Old Xiao.â
She then stood up and prepared to leave.
âWhy? Are you going to run away?â Qiao Yanze pushed away his partnerâs hand and sneered at her back. âI thought you really didnât care.â
Li Yinian stopped in her tracks and turned around to look at him. The light reflected in her eyes, making her beautiful face look more dreamy and unreal.
âFourth Young Master, being delusional is also a kind of illness.â She smiled. âGoodbye.â
Qiao Yanze didnât chase after her.
He clenched his fist and chuckled.
âFourth Young Master, this kind of woman isnât worth your time,â Su Qinxue said.
âThatâs right,â Qiao Yanze answered. He suddenly grabbed her waist and pulled her into his embrace.
âFourth Young Master, why are you...â Su Qinxue was pleasantly surprised.
âDidnât you hear what she said?â Qiao Yanzeâs lips twitched. âWe can go have a dance.â
...
Elsewhere, Ji Shiting and Ye Shengge didnât return to the banquet hall.
They encountered Xiao Ruilang at the stairs.
He seemed to be waiting there smiling and only wearing a shirt full of detailed embroidery.
Ji Shiting hugged Ye Shengge tighter.
âBrother Shiting,â Xiao Ruilang said slowly. âCan we have a few words alone?â