"Miss, it seems like this is the first time we've met."

The man remained calm and composed, one hand placed on his chest and the other hanging at his side. At the age of thirty, he possessed an air of leisurely elegance.

This is his usual tactic; he adopts this posture when he doesn't want to answer or wants to kill someone to silence them. He must already be holding a hidden weapon in his hand.

However, Xiang Wan was certain that he wouldn't make a move, because she didn't want to anger him right now.

“My cousin Ji Feng already told me that they met you on the way. A merchant would risk his life to save someone, isn’t that suspicious? Not only did he save someone, but he also gave all his goods to my uncle. If my uncle had saved you, it would be understandable for you to give away all your goods. But for someone who saved someone to give such valuable things to my uncle, it’s either because you have ulterior motives or you need something from him. Tell me, what exactly are you trying to do?”

Upon hearing this, the man was momentarily surprised, then clenched his fist to his lips and chuckled softly.

Xiang Wan said angrily, "What's so funny?"

"If I said it was payment for asking Brother Ji to find me a good marriage in the capital, would you believe me?"

"You're kidding me! Judging by your age, you could easily have grandchildren if you work hard. Do you really need someone to play matchmaker for you? With your assets, you could easily marry a well-educated and refined woman. Why do you insist on associating with the Ji family? In this capital, given the Ji family's current situation, they're neither the best nor the worst. They're at the bottom of the aristocratic families. Any sensible person wouldn't choose the Ji family. Your reasoning doesn't make sense."

"So, I am destined to be with the Ji family." The man's eyes were full of profound meaning.

Xiang Wan said indifferently, "Whether it's a good match or a bad one, you should know very well in your heart."

"In your eyes, Miss, am I not worthy of a good match?" the man raised an eyebrow.

"No, you are simply not meant to be with my Cui Kingdom."

The man's expression turned cold. "Miss, are you trying to get rid of me?"

"It's so refreshing to talk to smart people."

“But I don’t want to leave,” the man said with a smirk. “Besides, I think I’m starting to like it here.”

Xiang Wan was silent for a moment, then smiled and said, "Since you are a guest, then do your duty. I will return everything you gave to my uncle and help you find a good marriage."

"There's no need to return it. I'm grateful for your kind words, Miss, as I do indeed wish to settle down immediately."

"Good luck to you."

After Xiang Wan finished speaking, she turned and left.

The man stood in the courtyard, watching Xiang Wan step out of the threshold and into the garden. A smile flickered across his eyes.

"Miss, Madam is looking for you. It seems she has something important to tell you."

Zijuan strode up to Xiangwan, took her arm, and gasped for breath.

The girl's forehead was covered in sweat, which showed that she had taken many detours in her search for her.

"My mother is looking for me, but my uncle, aunt, and maternal grandmother aren't?" Xiang Wan joked.

Zijuan was taken aback, and her face fell. "Miss, can't you leave me a little suspense? Everyone is looking for you, but I think that if Madam says to look, you will act faster."

"Silly girl, why don't you just say there's a fire in the front yard and drag me to put it out?"

"Huh? How come I didn't think of that?"

"Just kidding, did you really take it seriously? Be careful, or your monthly allowance will be docked."

"No! My monthly allowance is so small. If you deduct any more, I'll be eating dirt next month."

"It's good to be thin, so you won't keep complaining about your clothes being too tight. Being thin is healthier."

"Miss!"

As they talked, the two arrived at the front hall.

Upon entering, one could see that Ji Meiniang's eyes were red, clearly from crying. Ji Pengyu, Madam Ruan, and Old Madam Ji all wore displeased expressions.

Seeing Xiang Wan looking over, Ji Meiniang quickly wiped the corner of her eye with a handkerchief and smiled.

"My dear daughter, where did you go? Zijuan has been looking for you for ages, she practically turned the Ji mansion upside down."

"The flowers in the garden were in full bloom, and my daughter was so captivated by them that it was her fault."

"You should tell us where you're going before you go, so we don't all worry."

“Mei Niang, Xiang Wan is just a child, don’t talk to her. At her grandmother’s, she’s just like at home, she can go wherever she wants.” Old Mrs. Ji said with a kind smile.

Xiang Wan said shyly, "Thank you, Grandmother. Uncle and Aunt are back. I will come often in the future. Please don't mind."

"How could that be? I'd love for you to live here, so you could keep me company."

Ruan spoke up at the right moment, her eyes full of kindness.

In her past life, after the Ji family suffered misfortune, Madam Ruan single-handedly supported the entire family with her three children; she was a strong woman. Xiang Wan also had a good impression of her.

Couples often share happiness but rarely share hardship, which is why Xiang Wan particularly envies such couples.

"Alright, let's not talk about that anymore. Let's get down to business. Mei Niang, are you really sure?"

Ji Pengyu frowned, his expression serious, clearly indicating that what Ji Meiniang said was a decision made after careful consideration.

"Well, so brother, you should tell Wan'er about this."

Ji Meiniang glanced at Xiang Wan, sighed, and said nothing more.

Judging from these people's expressions, the only things related to Xiang Wan, besides her coming-of-age ceremony in a little over a month, are her marriage. If she were to marry that heartless man again in this life, she might have to make Cao Ruwan experience everything the original owner went through in her previous life.

“Uncle, my mother doesn’t want to talk about it because she’s afraid I won’t want to. Since that’s the case, then you shouldn’t say anything either. After the coming-of-age ceremony, it’s time to choose a husband, and I’m not ready to get married yet.”

Ji Meiniang looked astonished; she had thought that her thoughts were well hidden.

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