[System, are you dead?] Xu ​​Wanying waited for a long time before the ear-piercing electric sound slowly dissipated, and she immediately asked.

The system paused for a moment before replying, its tone full of displeasure: [Host, why are you cursing at me for no reason? I've noticed you've become increasingly irritable lately. Did something major happen to you? Don't blame me for not reminding you, you need to maintain a good mood to have the energy to enjoy the gossip!]

[What about Xing Xiaoya? Was she killed?] Xu ​​Wanying skipped over its nonsense and asked in a rather urgent tone.

The system immediately started yelling: [Wow, host, you have such a vicious mind! You're actually cursing her! How much do you hate Xing Xiaoya? And you still say you're just jealous of her!]

Xu Wanying's brows furrowed instantly. She said irritably, "What nonsense are you spouting now? Didn't you just say that Jiang Chengli was holding Jiang Chengzhong's wrist and stabbed Xing Xiaoya with a dagger? Did he actually stab her or not?"

[What nonsense are you making up? I never said any of that! Jiang Chengli is Xing Xiaoya's number one supporter. He would protect Xing Xiaoya with his own life. How could he possibly stab her with a dagger? Don't tell such an obvious lie!] The system said with dissatisfaction.

If it were a person, its eyebrows would have been furrowed in a frown long ago.

Xu Wanying blinked, a hint of impatience rising within her: [System, don't be so stubborn. I don't care whether Xing Xiaoya lives or dies, and I wouldn't lie to you about something so trivial.]

The system chuckled: [Who can guarantee that? Anyway, Xing Xiaoya is perfectly fine now. Just now, Jiang Chengli tried to grab the dagger, but Jiang Chengzong dodged it and even stabbed at Jiang Chengli's neck with the dagger!]

Jiang Chengli nearly died. Just then, Xing Xiaoya stepped forward, fearlessly rushing over and embracing Jiang Chengli, shielding him from harm.

Jiang Chengzong stopped just in time; the dagger that was about to pierce Xing Xiaoya's back was redirected. Tsk tsk, a heart-wrenching redemption, a masterful dodge—both are manifestations of love…

The system's tone became increasingly excited, even utterly ecstatic, elevating the discussion to a whole new level.

Xu Wanying pursed her lips and didn't reply. She knew that the system was in no condition to listen to her in its current state, and if she opened her mouth, it would probably go on and on. So she simply kept quiet.

[Host, why aren't you saying anything? Did your lie get caught?]

After she fell silent, the system started yelling.

Before Xu Wanying could answer, the system started screaming again: [Aaaaaah, why are they fighting again? Jiang Chengli is a complete lunatic! Xiaoya kindly saved him, and instead of being grateful, he shoved her away and is only busy chasing after Jiang Chengzhong, even wanting to castrate him!]

[Where did this idiot come from? What went wrong? Why is he ignoring Xing Xiaoya's life-saving grace and instead chasing after his own second brother?]

[Host, please recharge my energy! I'm not feeling well; am I going to die soon?]

The system kept making incredulous noises. Due to the uncontrollable situation, it even began to doubt itself, clearly having been greatly stimulated.

[Phew, thank goodness, Jiang Chengzong finally got away. That Jiang Chengli is a real mad dog; he won't rest until he castrates his second brother.]

The system breathed a sigh of relief, its face showing a look of great relief.

"What a pity!" Xu Wanying sighed.

[Host, you're being malicious again. I've already told you, Xiaoya is a natural-born heartthrob. She has great luck. You should flatter her, become her best friend, and give Jiang Chengli away. She will definitely bring you good fortune!] The system started its old cliché again, as if trying to completely brainwash her.

"I'll ask you one more time. When Jiang Chengli went to snatch the dagger, did he grab Jiang Chengzhong's wrist and push the dagger away, accidentally injuring Xing Xiaoya?" Xu Wanying asked again.

【Of course not! Host, don't have such malicious fantasies. Going against Xing Xiaoya will only lead to bad consequences!】The system immediately raised its voice to warn, its anxious appearance clearly showing its extreme fear.

Xu Wanying raised her eyebrows. The system had spoken so clearly before, she couldn't have misheard, let alone hallucinated. But the system denied it outright, which clearly meant that there was a problem when the electrical sound came on.

That piercing electrical sound was like a dividing line, splitting the story in two, completely disconnected.

[Host, do you want to eat some melon seeds now? Life is about enjoying the moment.]

Shut up.

On Wutong Street, after the darkness receded, Jiang Chengli opened his eyes and saw Xing Xiaoya rushing towards him. The dagger was still held tightly in Jiang Chengzong's hand, some distance away from him, and it was too late to snatch it now.

He stared intently at the dagger, its tip aimed sharply at Xing Xiaoya's back. At this moment, if he simply pushed her away, he could prevent her from being harmed.

However, he had no intention of playing the hero and rescuing the damsel in distress. He even held her shoulder, afraid that she might be out of position and had to stay within the range of the blade's point of attack.

The dagger changed direction halfway through its flight. Jiang Chengzong seemed to have divine assistance. When the dagger grazed past Xing Xiaoya unharmed, everyone was stunned, clearly not expecting it.

"Am I that amazing?" Jiang Chengzong couldn't help but exclaim.

He was so impressed with his own heroic demeanor; that's quite a reaction!

However, before he could even maintain his pride, he was once again chased around like a dog by Jiang Chengli.

***

At dinner time, everyone from the Marquis of Zhongyi's residence gathered together and sat down at the table.

"Didn't the second son and his wife send someone back to say they wanted to have a meal together? The whole family is waiting for them, why are they taking so long!" Marquis Zhongyi finished his work early today to welcome the second son's family, but he never expected that when the time came, they were still nowhere to be seen.

Just then, a voice announced their arrival from outside, and a strikingly good-looking couple walked in.

"Son/Daughter-in-law greets Father and Mother." The two bowed simultaneously, and then exchanged greetings with the others at the table.

"I was delayed on the road today, so I'm back so late. Please forgive me, Father and Mother," Jiang Chengzong immediately apologized.

“You must be tired from your long journey. Please have a seat.” Marquis Zhongyi waved his hand, gesturing for them to sit down.

【Host, guess why they're so late? There's some juicy gossip you might like, wanna have some?】The system popped up immediately.

The couple, who had been sitting down, suddenly froze and subconsciously looked up at the crowd.

Cen winked at them, having previously sent someone to tell them that if they found anything strange upon their return, they should not ask about it in front of others, but would inform them privately.

Although the couple didn't understand the situation, they weren't stupid and chose to remain silent.

Xu Wanying said unhurriedly: "What kind of gossip could interest me? It's just that Jiang Chengzong was almost castrated in the street. You even live-streamed it for me. It's a pity Jiang Chengli was too slow, otherwise the Marquis of Zhongyi's mansion would be welcoming a second eunuch master today."

Her tone was calm and collected, but to the other members of the Jiang family, it was like dropping a bombshell.