Chapter 88 This affection may have already changed its flavor.

He felt that Shen Pingjin was definitely faking it, definitely faking it!

It's impossible for Shen Pingjin to be indifferent to herself, absolutely impossible!

Once a persistent idea takes root in the mind, it will grow unchecked and become impossible to eradicate.

Seemingly sensing the gloomy atmosphere surrounding the man beside her, Shen Ruixue's eyes grew increasingly dark.

She was a woman too, and she could tell that Su Xuanmao liked Shen Pingjin.

But this fondness is more like a sense of dignity, and a piece of jewelry that can be flaunted at any time.

Shen Ruixue looked at Shen Pingjin and smiled slightly, "Sister, there are many court affairs today. Perhaps it is because the Regent has been too busy these days that he forgot to accompany you to the market."

Shen Pingjin understood the implication in her words. "Sister, if I could think like you, I would be living a very carefree life. It's just a pity..."

A hint of sadness crossed the woman's face. "My sister is a sentimental person, and she will be secretly saddened by this."

As if she hadn't noticed the surprise in Shen Ruixue's eyes, Shen Pingjin approached Shen Ruixue, whispered in her ear, and with her fair, delicate hands, grabbed Shen Ruixue's sleeve, pulling her from Su Xuanmao's embrace to her side.

Shen Pingjin whispered, "Sister, you and His Highness the Crown Prince are so affectionate, did you secretly use some kind of method?"

Shen Ruixue was taken aback, seemingly not expecting Shen Pingjin to say such a thing. She said, "Sister, His Highness the Crown Prince is handsome and gentle. If you marry into the family, you will surely be as happy as I am."

She unconsciously clenched her sleeves, trying to cover the wound hidden inside.

Those were all done by Su Xuanmao.

There seemed to be regret in Shen Pingjin's eyes, "So that's how it is. I was hoping to learn something from you, sister."

Shen Ruixue bowed slightly and said, "Sister, you are too kind. I am very sorry that I cannot help you in any way. Please forgive me."

"It's alright, little sister." Shen Pingjin loosened her grip on Shen Ruixue's sleeve. "Are you also here to participate in the dice-throwing activity at Yujingfang?"

Throughout the entire process, Shen Ruixue's expression remained completely calm, without the slightest fluctuation, as serene as a still well.

However, Shen Pingjin could see the deep-seated darkness, resentment, and forbearance hidden in her calm gaze.

Her gaze was fixed on Su Xuanmao, her expression ambiguous.

Su Xuanmao frowned as he watched Shen Ruixue slowly walk towards him. Instead of giving her a reply, he asked softly, "Shen Ruixue, what did she just say to you?"

Shen Ruixue was stunned for a moment, then spoke truthfully.

Su Xuanmao's eyes were deep, with a hint of determination still visible. So, Yan Jue wasn't really that good after all...

Shen Pingjin had a cold and aloof demeanor, which, in Su Xuanmao's eyes, appeared as loneliness and sadness.

A look of determination flashed in his eyes. As long as he could find out the reason for Shen Pingjin's coldness towards him, he could easily bring Shen Pingjin into the Crown Prince's residence and marry her as a concubine...

As for Yan Jue...

Su Xuanmao thought that if he were to gradually seize power from his father in the future, he would definitely kill this person first!

"We need to buy that 'Water Peach Blossom' dress. I want you to bring it to the palace tomorrow. The Empress Dowager likes peach pink, so she might treat you better if she sees you wearing pink."

Perhaps because he knew that Shen Pingjin and Yan Jue did not get along, Su Xuanmao was in a particularly good mood. At this moment, he spoke to Shen Ruixue with much gentler and more patient tone.

Shen Ruixue smiled bitterly. Sure enough, buying that "Water Peach Blossom" dress was just a way to curry favor with her mother.

She obediently bowed and said, "Since it was Brother Su who said it, Ruixue will listen."

Su Xuanmao was very satisfied. He said softly, "Shen Ruixue, in recent years, Father has advocated recuperation and thrift. This half-price orphan is a must-have. Give your answer to your aunt."

"good."

Shen Ruixue stepped forward, her expression neither humble nor arrogant: "Reporting to my sister, we intend to participate in this dice-throwing activity."

Shen Pingjin smiled and said, "Then perhaps you'll have to wait here for a little while, just like your older sister."

Shen Ruixue glanced at Su Xuanmao, and seeing that he had no expression, she gave a slight curtsy: "I am very happy to wait here with my sister."

Shen Pingjin: "You're too kind, little sister."

The waiter guarding the door was a reasonable man; seeing how the two addressed each other, he instantly understood their identities.

Cold sweat seemed to be trickling down his forehead. The waiter never expected that the Crown Prince and the Regent's Consort would be so patient and obediently wait here.

At the same time, I felt even more respect for the two of them.

The waiter breathed a sigh of relief after another waiter told him that several seats had become available.

He walked over with a fawning smile on his face: "Ladies and gentlemen, this seat is vacant. Please follow me."

Chen Pingjin nodded: "Okay."

Shen Ruixue and Su Xuanmao followed closely behind.

The first thing you see is an open space, surrounded by clothes of all colors. In the very center, there is a long carpet, the color of which is bright red, and there are quite a few people lined up in front of it.

Shen Pingjin led Lu Qingjia over, and sighed when she saw the long queue in front of them.

"Jiajia, it seems we'll have to wait a little longer."

Lu Qingjia didn't care about any of that. "Sister, let's wait here."

“Okay,” Shen Pingjin replied.

Su Xuanmao and Shen Ruixue stood behind Shen Pingjin in line. Su Xuanmao felt a flutter in his heart as he smelled the sweet fragrance emanating from the woman in the peach-colored dress before him. He was tall, and from behind Shen Pingjin, he could clearly see the woman's exposed collarbone.

His breathing became heavy for a moment, his thoughts drifting. When he and Shen Pingjin were in a good relationship, he had hugged her before.

Her… Su Xuanmao’s ears turned slightly red. He clenched his fists tightly. If Shen Ruixue and Shen Pingjin hadn’t married the wrong person that day, perhaps he could have tasted her on their wedding night.

but…

His gaze darkened. Although he hadn't been able to have her on their wedding night, he was certain he would have a chance in the future to take her away from Yan Jue.

Regardless of whether she agreed or not, Su Xuanmao was determined to have her.

Shen Ruixue was behind Su Xuanmao, and she could clearly feel the aura emanating from the man.

Seeing the way he was staring intently at Shen Pingjin, Shen Ruixue felt like her palms were about to bleed from being pinched.

She never imagined that this matter was not about Shen Pingjin being entangled with Su Xuanmao, but rather about Su Xuanmao refusing to let go.

She had initially thought Su Xuanmao was as gentle and refined as he appeared, but after getting to know him... she discovered that this man was far more terrifying than she had imagined.

No wonder he was able to become the crown prince and hold that position for so long; he must have done many things behind the scenes that she hadn't considered.