Chapter 9 "Do you hate me that much?"

Seeing that I shook my head and refused, the confident smile on Li Xiao's face suddenly stopped.

"What do you mean by that?" He frowned, his displeasure evident in his expression.

I pursed my lips, ignoring the hand that landed on my shoulder, and calmly looked up to meet the boy's gaze.

"What I mean is that I appreciate Young Master Li's kindness. But the day Young Master Lan asked me to stay, I promised him that I would be an upright person and never be anyone's dog."

"..."

"Therefore, please forgive Pipa for being ungrateful and having to disappoint Young Master Li's kind intentions."

Li Xiao laughed, this time clearly out of anger. He abandoned his previous gentle persuasion and instead raised his chin, looking down at me condescendingly.

"Little thing, have you thought this through? It's rare for me to show such mercy, but you won't have another chance to back out later."

As they were talking, Li Xiao casually pinched my cheek.

We've been standing here for quite a while, and we've made quite a commotion, but the boy's hands are still so cold.

The sun was high in the sky, and its light was warm on my skin. The sunlight shone on the earth and embraced everything, yet it seemed to deliberately avoid him.

I knew I couldn't escape, so I didn't struggle, letting those cold fingertips gently caress my cheeks, raising goosebumps on the areas covered by my clothes.

I know Li Xiao must be feeling really bad right now.

I also know what kind of answer he hopes to get from me.

But I pretended not to know, lowered my eyes, and showed a sincere expression.

I said, Young Master Li shouldn't waste his time here over such a trivial matter. At this hour, the young master has probably already finished his lunch break. Young Master Li should go find the young master sooner rather than later, so that his trip out in this freezing weather won't be in vain.

When Li Xiao heard me say that, the smile on his face gradually disappeared. He stared intently at my face, as if trying to see something unusual.

...But what could be unusual about it?

I'm just an ordinary servant in the building, with an ordinary face.

If I had to say something, it would be that I've gained a lot of weight in the last few days. The clothes that were a bit too loose when they were first issued now fit perfectly. If I gain any more weight, I'm afraid I won't be able to move around freely.

I'm thinking I shouldn't eat any more of these extra meals, since my goal is to grow taller. If I end up wider instead of taller, wouldn't I look even shorter?

Besides not wanting to interfere with my work, I also didn't want to go out and embarrass Young Master Lan.

This will give those gossipy people a reason to laugh at you, and they'll all mock the young master for his poor judgment in choosing people. They'll say he picked such a useless person who's not only as stupid as a pig but also looks like a little fat pig.

Young Master Lan's status in the building is rising day by day, not only because of the rich young master Li Xiao, but also because of his extensive knowledge. In addition to the skills of playing the zither, chess, calligraphy, painting, and composing poems that most young masters of noble families are good at, he is also proficient in medicine.

It is said that he became a doctor through long illness. However, the true extent of his medical skills is something outsiders cannot know.

Although the Flower Moon Pavilion in the past had no shortage of money to hire doctors, no matter how glamorous it appeared on the surface, it was mostly engaged in shady dealings underneath.

Few doctors with even a slight reputation in the city are willing to come to the building for consultations, for fear of being tainted by bad luck and damaging their reputation, which would affect their other businesses.

Not long after Young Master Lan arrived at the building, one of the residents suddenly fell ill, and there was no time to fetch a doctor.

After thinking it over, the steward decided to ask Young Master Lan for help, initially treating it as a last resort.

Unexpectedly, after a few needles were inserted, the symptoms were immediately relieved. After three days of taking the herbal medicine, not only did he recover, but his energy and spirit were also better than before.

From then on, the manager would ask Young Master Lan to review all matters related to medicine.

This includes the nourishing soups and meals; even when the girls in the women's quarters are unwell, they will occasionally come to invite Young Master Lan to come and treat them. However, those who can get Young Master Lan to come and treat them are all prominent figures in the building, selected by the manager.

As the saying goes, everything should be used to its fullest potential; things that have no value will simply break if they are damaged.

The person in charge naturally wouldn't bother.

For these two reasons, Young Master Lan has always been highly respected in the building. Many people envy him, and many are also jealous and hateful. Since those guys don't have the ability to pull him down from his high position, it's good for them to watch the joke.

For example, these past few days, because Li Xiao hasn't appeared in the building, rumors have started to circulate that the young master Li has grown tired of young master Lan.

[So what if he's aloof? Does he think he's some rich young master from a powerful family, always acting all high and mighty?]

That's exactly what I mean. Without Young Master Li's support, who will pamper him?

"You know what, Master Wang said before that he had long admired Young Master Lan, but unfortunately he had been prevented from meeting him. Now it seems that his wish will soon be fulfilled."

[At that point, it's hard to say who'll be begging whom...]

Whispers, deliberately hushed to the point of being barely audible, drifted in from outside the window, accompanied by a series of malicious jeers.

Hearing this made me want to drop my pen and paper, rush out, grab an inkstone, and poke several big holes in their heads, just to see if they could still laugh.

Young Master Lan walked to the window first and slowly closed it, shutting out all the noise.

"Young master, are we just going to let them spout nonsense like this?" I said, getting unusually impatient.

I've seen what kind of person that Master Wang is. He has a crooked mouth and slanted eyes, and he's a lecherous drinker. You can smell a mixed stench on him from a distance, as if he's been marinated in wine, meat, and cosmetics.

Once, when the old man was making some vulgar jokes about Young Master Lan in public, Li Xiao happened to see it. Without saying a word, the young man grabbed a chair, picked it up, and smashed it into Old Master Wang's face.

He smashed things and cursed all the while, saying, "What kind of blind bastard dares to come and fart in front of me?"

The fat old man, who had been looking lewd just moments before, was now crying and screaming, running away with his head in his hands, trembling in the corner of the wall, looking just like a cowardly old turtle.

If it weren't for the building manager repeatedly advising him from the side, and Young Master Lan speaking up at the right time, Li Xiao would have barely stopped.

The fierce-looking face instantly transformed into a sweet and obedient boy next door the moment it met Young Master Lan's gaze.

He said, "Brother Lan, now there won't be any dirty things to mislead you."

The boy spoke so naturally, as if to say, "I'm so amazing, brother, come and praise me!"

Young Master Lan merely glanced at the messy hall, told the steward to put the losses on Young Master Li's account, and then turned and went upstairs back to his room.

He seemed completely ungrateful for everything Li Xiao had done.

I followed closely behind Young Master Lan upstairs, and couldn't help but steal a glance. I saw the young man staring straight at Young Master Lan's figure. Although he was surrounded by people and his back was straight, there was an indescribable sense of loneliness about him, as if he had been abandoned.

That was the first time I felt a little sorry for Li Xiao.

He thought to himself that perhaps Young Master Lan could be a little gentler with him.

After all, I really hated that Master Wang, and I wished I could personally teach that old bastard a lesson. But Li Xiao did what I wanted to do but couldn't.

Perhaps sensing my gaze, Li Xiao suddenly turned his head to look at me. After realizing that I was looking at him, he suddenly glared at me fiercely.

I was startled.

He frantically reached out to close the door, and before it closed, he saw Li Xiao tilt his head and curl a mocking smile at the corner of his mouth.

Realizing that he was probably mocking my cowardly appearance, the little bit of pity I had felt earlier vanished instantly.

Then he thought to himself, no wonder Young Master Lan doesn't like him. With such a personality, he deserves to never win the heart of the one he loves.

After that, Master Wang became much more low-key. Before each visit, he would inquire whether Li Xiao had arrived. If he received an affirmative answer, he would turn around and leave without hesitation.

If you hear a negative answer, you should ask again and again to make sure that there is absolutely no mistake before stepping into the building with a feeling of relief.

He never mentioned Lan Gongzi's filthy thoughts to anyone again.

But that's human nature; people tend to remember the pain more often than the pain, and once the wound heals, they forget the slightest bit of suffering.

During the half-month period after Li Xiao's sudden disappearance, Master Wang was initially very cautious, fearing that he might accidentally offend Li Xiao again in the building and repeat the same mistake.

Two or three days passed, then eight or nine days, then half a month... and there was still no news of Li Xiao's return, even though he was a regular at the building.

So, Master Wang became puzzled. As the rumors about Li Xiao's dislike of Young Master Lan grew more and more intense, the stone that had been hanging over Old Wang's head suddenly rolled to the side—Old Wang finally felt that he could do it again.

That's why I overheard all that gossip and nonsense outside the window.

Those people weren't just bored and looking for trouble. I immediately recognized the one who instigated the most, the one who started the conversation—that person was someone from the same building who used to be quite close to Old Wangba.

I've forgotten exactly whether it was called Red Jade or Green Jade.

I wasn't very familiar with that person, but the reason I recognized them at a glance was not only because of their overly bright clothes, but also because of the overpowering, pungent smell of perfume they exuded.

It has to be said that this guy definitely deserves some credit for the strange smell that the old turtle had.

During the period when Old Wang was making a fuss and seeing ghosts everywhere, this kid also kept a low profile for a long time, even choosing to wear clothes that weren't too conspicuous.

Now, this person has brazenly jumped in front of Young Master Lan. Although there is still a thin veil between them, it is hard not to suspect that Old Turtle's instruction was involved.

Old Wangba had always coveted Young Master Lan, and because of Young Master Lan, he had been badly beaten in front of everyone. It was impossible for him not to hold a grudge. However, he was wary of Li Xiao's protection and dared not make any rash moves.

With the ferocious beast guarding the treasure suddenly gone, the thief, who had always harbored ill intentions, naturally couldn't resist making his move.

The thought that Young Master Lan is constantly being targeted by such a disgusting creature makes me feel nauseous.

While I was feeling uneasy because of those gossips, Young Master Lan acted as if nothing was wrong, and even poured himself a cup of tea and placed it in front of me.

I opened my mouth in astonishment, then immediately stood up: "What are you doing, young master?!"

"I'd like to invite you for a cup of tea to calm your mind," Young Master Lan replied casually, his gaze as calm and gentle as ever.

Seeing this, I became even more at a loss. It was always the servants who poured tea and served water to their masters. There was no way it was the other way around. I... I was really being disrespectful.

The young master saw through my thoughts and pushed the teacup forward again: "It's a new mix, try it and see if you like it."

Perhaps influenced by the calm atmosphere surrounding Young Master Lan, my anxiety gradually subsided, and I obediently picked up the teacup and took a small sip.

It is cool and sweet, very delicious, and has a very special aroma.

"How is it?" Young Master Lan asked with a smile.

I nodded and replied, "It's delicious." Then I paused, a little embarrassed, "I really don't know much about tea."

Young Master Lan just smiled indifferently upon hearing this: "As long as it tastes good, that's fine."

"But……"

"Since it was specially made for loquats, it's fine as long as you like it."

Young Master Lan shut down all possible transitions with a single, casual remark.

After a long while, it seemed like I had finally found my voice: "So that's how it is..."

It's impossible not to be unhappy after hearing such words.

But more than anything, I was confused... confused about why the young master could be so good to me, when he was just... just someone insignificant...

"Do you feel calmer now?" Young Master Lan suddenly asked.

I was stunned for a moment, meeting the young man's gentle smile, as if it had always been like this, as if there was nothing in this world worth worrying about.

It was only then that I belatedly realized that the resentment and indignation that had been building up in my heart had almost completely disappeared.

So, everything Young Master Lan did before was just to distract me.

As expected... as expected of the young master, even his way of persuading people is so silent, yet truly effective.

"Is it really okay to just leave it like this?" After a moment of reflection, I couldn't help but feel a little worried.

"Why bother with the nonsense that people don't care say?"

Young Master Lan spoke indifferently, as if he really didn't take the matter to heart.

Although I still knew nothing about the future, I couldn't help but feel a sense of peace when I heard this.

I believe that Young Master Lan can handle everything better than I believe in myself.

Therefore, what I need to do is avoid creating unnecessary complications, avoid causing extra trouble, and especially avoid holding Young Master Lan back.

However, I am only myself after all, and I cannot remain calm and composed like you, especially when facing Li Xiao.

"You did this on purpose, didn't you?" Li Xiao stared at me for a long time, but only said such nonsensical words. After a pause, she added, "Do you hate me that much?"

The second half of the sentence was spoken very softly by Li Xiao, almost as if it were not his own voice.

However, given Li Xiao's previous crazy outbursts, I wouldn't be particularly surprised if he acted even more outrageously now.

Perhaps, in his view, someone like me could easily give up my non-existent self-respect and willingly grovel on the ground for a chance to redeem myself... which is why he asked such a pointless question.

—Do I dislike Li Xiao?

—The answer is yes.

I hate Li Xiao. I hate his arrogance and disdain for others, and I hate how he constantly makes sarcastic and malicious remarks to me.

However, I also really envy him. I envy Li Xiao for being able to live so boldly, recklessly, and unrestrainedly, while someone as cowardly as me could never learn that.

I did not answer.

Because it seems the other party has already come to their own answer.

Li Xiao released her grip on my cheek, then straightened up slightly and looked behind me, her expression a mix of frustration and something else.

“You win,” he said.

Upon hearing this, I turned my head and immediately saw the young man in white standing under the eaves not far away.

That person was none other than Young Master Lan.