Chapter 35 Should we smash it again?

After seeing Yunxi's actions and hearing these words, Shi Qingchen made no attempt to defend himself. He remained staring blankly at the woman opposite him.

For a fleeting moment, he felt that Miss Zhao was Yunxi. Although the two only shared a slight resemblance, their identical expressions and temperament made it clear that this was no coincidence.

This wasn't the first time he'd had this feeling. Last time, on the bridge at the lantern festival, when Shi Qingchen saw Miss Zhao's back, he felt as if he were seeing Yunxi again.

The reason he felt such a strong feeling this time was because he had seen Yunxi get angry like this before.

In his heart, Yunxi was a free-spirited, bright, and sunny woman. She was also someone who dared to love and hate, and who never regretted her decisions.

So when he told Yunxi that he had to marry the eldest daughter of the Liu family as his legal wife because of a family marriage alliance, Yunxi just smiled faintly and took her leave.

The pain he felt then was still fresh in his mind. Every time he thought about it, he felt his blood surging. That incident became a crossroads in his and Yunxi's lives.

From the moment he decided to follow his father's arrangement and marry Liu, his separation from Yunxi was inevitable. But he was absolutely unwilling to part ways like this.

So he did a second wrong thing. He ordered his men to force Yunxi to put her fingerprints on a confession and a contract of servitude, and then locked Yunxi up again.

Yunxi, who was under house arrest, lost her temper for the first time, and Shi Qingchen would never forget it. At that time, Yunxi's eyes seemed to contain the flames of hell, as if she wanted to burn him to ashes.

He had clearly planned everything for Yunxi and secretly vowed to treat her well. Yet, he still couldn't understand why Yunxi hated him so much.

Shi Qingchen seemed to be lingering in memories of the past, yet also seemed to have awakened, but he called out earnestly, "Yunxi, is that you?"

Yunxi was surprised to hear him call her that, but she quickly concealed it. After all, she had been resurrected in another's body, and if she didn't admit it, no one could prove that she was Yunxi.

She scoffed, looking Shi Qingchen up and down, and said sarcastically, "I've heard that Young Master Shi is quite devoted and plans to marry my sworn sister's memorial tablet into your household. I never imagined that before the wedding even takes place, you'd already be thinking of using another woman as a substitute for my sworn sister?"

Looking at the woman's mocking expression, Shi Qingchen even felt a strange sense of familiarity. Though it was inexplicable, he felt that the woman opposite him was Yunxi. So he hurriedly tried to explain, "No, Yunxi..."

Before he could finish speaking, Yunxi interrupted, "Please, Young Master Shi, show some respect. My surname is Zhao, and my given name is Zhao Yunxi. My sworn sister's surname is Yun, and her given name is Yunxi. We sisters became sworn sisters because of these names."

Since you claim to be deeply in love with my sworn sister, why did you call me by my given name in public? If you had any manners, you should address me as Miss Zhao from now on.”

This was the longest conversation the two had ever had. Shi Qingchen not only didn't feel insulted, but instead felt a sense of joy.

He straightened his clothes, regaining his dignified appearance, bowed deeply to Yunxi, and then said in a gentle tone, "Miss Zhao is right. I was presumptuous just now."

Ignoring Yunxi's cold face, Shi Qingchen sincerely invited, "Three days from now is the day of my wedding with your sworn sister. If Miss Zhao has time, why not come and have a drink at our wedding?"

Looking at his sanctimonious appearance, Yunxi snorted and replied, "Since you insist on going against my sworn sister's wishes and holding this wedding, then I advise you not to regret it."

Upon hearing this, Shi Qingchen's gentle expression cracked for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure and said with an expression of deep affection:

"Yunxi's passing is an indelible pain in my heart, and I just want to do my best to make amends."

Yunxi didn't want to hear his heartfelt confession, so she interrupted him again, saying, "Your so-called compensation is to disregard the wishes of the deceased, do what you want to do on your own, and complete your self-redemption in front of everyone."

Then what makes you think that what you want to give is what my stepsister wants?

Upon hearing this, Shi Qingchen's face immediately turned deathly pale, because no one knew better than him that if Yunxi were alive, she would never allow him to hold a grand wedding.

Even after death, Yunxi would not want her memorial tablet to be forcibly confined in the Shi residence. His lips moved several times, but in the end, he could not utter another word.

Yunxi felt incredibly annoyed whenever she saw him. She had been so blind to have seriously considered whether this hypocrite was someone she could entrust her life to.

Just as Yunxi was about to turn and leave, the shopkeeper called her back. He glanced at the imposing Gu Nanxiao beside him, then at the absent-minded Shi Qingchen, hesitated for a long time, and finally pointed to the ground, asking, "May I ask, esteemed guests, what is this...?"

Everyone understood what the shopkeeper meant: who would pay for the broken jade? The shopkeeper wasn't worried that these distinguished guests would renege on their debts.

After all, they were both prominent figures in Kyoto, but it was still necessary to make things clear beforehand to avoid the two sides walking away in a huff and then each trying to hold the other accountable later.

Shi Qingchen spoke first, saying, "I will settle the bill for the broken jade pieces, but I will have to trouble the shopkeeper to prepare another set according to these designs and deliver it to the Shi residence within three days."

Just as the shopkeeper was about to happily agree, Gu Nanxiao, who had been silent until now, spoke up: "This is not appropriate. I brought my beloved concubine out to buy jewelry, so it is not Young Master Shi's place to pay for it."

Then he looked at Yunxi beside him and asked, "Are you still going to smash things? If not, I'll settle the bill here."

Gu Nanxiao's words drew envious glances from countless women in the shop. Who said that Lord Gu was not fond of women? Look at how he dotes on women; whoever follows him will be blissfully happy.

The jewelry on the ground was worth at least ten thousand taels of silver, and they smashed it without a word of reproach. Instead, they asked if they had smashed enough. If they could find such a husband in their lives, they would be content even if they only lived for three days.

But after lingering on Yunxi's stunning face for a few moments, everyone's gaze shifted away. They figured that if Lord Gu wanted to pamper someone, he would dote on a rare beauty like her.

Yunxi had planned to use the bonus she received recently to pay the bill, but she didn't expect Gu Nanxiao to be like this. Seeing his domineering CEO persona, her annoyance dissipated somewhat.

Yunxi gave Gu Nanxiao a bright smile and replied softly, "You're so kind, Xiao Lang, but I don't want to smash anything anymore, my hands are sore."

This was the first time Gu Nanxiao had seen Yunxi act coquettishly towards him. His eyes darkened instantly, and a burning desire surged within them quickly and intensely.

It seems he's been letting this little girl have it too easy these past few days. She dared to flirt with him in front of so many people. He'll see what happens tonight.