Chapter 87 The Abandoned Eldest Daughter Makes a Comeback (11)
Xiao Chengze was so embarrassed that he stammered, "I...I'm sorry..."
Shen Yunzhen's eyes held a hint of mischief as she leisurely said, "Why are you apologizing again?"
Xiao Chengze was a very lively and cheerful person, not at all dull. But at this moment, facing Shen Yunzhen's eyes, which seemed to hold a thousand stars, his mind was completely tangled up. His usual ease and composure were nowhere to be seen, leaving only a trace of instinct.
Xiao Chengze opened his mouth: "I..."
"Um?"
Shen Yunzhen drew out her words, leaning back in her chair to look at him with a relaxed air.
Xiao Chengze's earlobe trembled slightly, sending a tingling sensation through him, like a fine electric current, instantly spreading from his earlobe along his spine to his entire body, making him feel as if he were about to lose his soul.
He quickly and discreetly pinched his thigh.
He held nothing back this time, and with all his might, intense pain spread throughout his body.
Xiao Chengze struggled to regain his senses and finally regained his ability to organize his thoughts.
He blushed and tried to make amends: "I'm not usually like this. I was just too curious. I thought my second brother was hiding some secret here, so..."
The scene outside was truly bizarre. Hundreds of people were gathered outside, staring blankly into the teahouse, their faces glazed over, as if possessed. Xiao Chengze was indeed filled with intense curiosity.
In addition, given his genuinely good relationship with Xiao Chengxu, driven by curiosity and the excitement of discovering his second brother's secret, he acted impulsively without thinking and rushed in.
Who knew that he would offend the beauty and make himself look so pathetic.
Shen Yunzhen continued, "So that's why you barged in?"
"Um... I'm sorry."
Xiao Chengze stood up immediately and bowed deeply.
Shen Yunzhen found his embarrassed appearance amusing.
The male protagonist of this world is actually like this: simple and pure, with a bit of recklessness. Shen Yunzhen didn't see any ambition for power in his eyes. Compared to Xiao Chengxu, he is far inferior.
It seems that if Xiao Chengxu and Xiao Chengjin hadn't perished together, the throne really wouldn't have been his.
As long as Xiao Chengxu is alive and well, this so-called male lead should be out of the picture.
It's just unknown whether fate will force Xiao Chengxu to meet his demise.
Therefore, Shen Yunzhen decided to keep the person by her side for the time being and observe them carefully.
See if we can glimpse the existence of destiny, and whether the world's consciousness will be confined by the existence of the plot, actively promoting the development of the plot and causing the characters in the plot to move towards their predetermined fate.
Shen Yunzhen said slowly and deliberately, "Your sudden appearance really startled me. An apology alone isn't enough. Tell me, how are you going to compensate me?"
His tone was both playful and languid.
Xiao Chengze remained in the bowing posture, his entire body almost folded in front of Shen Yunzhen, his head feeling a bit congested.
However, this did not stop him from speaking.
Without hesitation, he said, "I am willing to give all my possessions to compensate the girl."
Shen Yunzhen feigned dissatisfaction: "Is this all?"
However, these valuables could not stir Shen Yunzhen's emotions. She couldn't take the things from the small world with her. At most, she could enjoy them for a while in the small world. Life is only a few decades long, so it would be useless for her to have more.
Shen Yunzhen didn't notice that 001 in her mind jumped twice, then remembered her master's instructions, and she forcibly suppressed it again.
Xiao Chengze had clearly misunderstood; he thought he was giving too little.
He really didn't have much wealth; he spent all his monthly allowance, and the rest were gifts from the emperor.
How much private property could a prince who had not yet been granted a fiefdom have?
"I...I will work hard, I'll start earning money right now!"
For the first time, Xiao Chengze began to reflect on himself. He shouldn't have been so complacent and wasted his days, which resulted in him having nothing of note to show for himself.
Shen Yunzhen crossed her legs, raised one leg, and gently tapped her exquisitely embroidered shoes up and down.
"Since that's the case, why don't you come with me and become my servant? I'll give you a monthly allowance, and you can give me your own monthly allowance in return."
"Smack."
Startled, Xiao Chengze lost his balance and fell to the ground.
But he had no time to pay attention to any of that; he just stared blankly at Shen Yunzhen, his head raised in a daze.
"Girl, what...what did you say?"
Xiao Chengze was completely unprepared for such a request, and his mind went blank for a moment.
But the moment of stunned silence was short-lived. What welled up in his heart was not the embarrassment and anger of being offended, but the dizziness of being hit hard by a huge surprise.
The breathtaking beauty he felt upon first meeting her, and even after just a few short exchanges, her every smile, every word, and every action had been deeply etched into his heart, making him fall deeper and deeper in love.
He didn't even think deeply about what was going on; only one thought remained in his mind: to get closer to her, even closer.
Only in this way can we fill the void that suddenly appeared in our hearts.
Shen Yunzhen extended her slender white fingers and gently beckoned Xiao Chengze closer.
Xiao Chengze stretched his head out straight ahead.
Shen Yunzhen lifted his chin, her voice melodious and ethereal, yet carrying a strange allure.
“I said, I want you to stay by my side and be my servant.”
Xiao Chengze lost his mind again. He nodded blankly, his eyes unable to move.
"good……"
Upon their first meeting, Xiao Chengze immediately revealed his true intentions.
Having received the agreement, Shen Yunzhen decisively withdrew her hand and leaned back in her chair.
"May I have your name?"
"Xiao Chengze, my name is Xiao Chengze."
"In that case, you will be called Xiaozezi from now on."
Xiao Chengze was still dazed: "Okay."
Shen Yunzhen kicked him with her foot.
"Get up."
"yes."
Xiao Chengze hurriedly got up and stood there helplessly.
Shen Yunzhen glanced at him sideways, "What are you standing there for? Pour me some tea."
His attitude changed instantly, becoming completely different from before.
Xiao Chengze didn't think there was anything wrong with it and was only focused on doing as instructed.
He quickly picked up the teapot and poured tea for Shen Yunzhen with a serious expression.
The movements were clumsy, but still quite professional.
After pouring the tea, he imitated the servants around him, stepping aside as if he had already assumed the role of a servant.
Standing in the corner, Bihe stared wide-eyed in surprise, and couldn't help but feel anxious.
Whether it was the guards or in her heart, Miss Shen and her master were the only couple.
Although her current mistress is Miss Shen, her loyalty to His Highness over the years is genuine, and she naturally hopes that he will find happiness.
But now the Third Prince has interfered!
The third prince was handsome, loved to laugh and play, was approachable, and had no airs of a prince, making it easy for him to win the favor of others.
Many women in the capital were attracted to him, but the Third Prince was still young, and the Consort Xian had not arranged any concubines for him, nor had he come to realize his feelings.
But if he wanted to, his backyard could be filled in an instant.
He's clearly fallen for Miss Shen now, and with his charm, it's hard to guarantee that Miss Shen won't be bewitched by him.
Bihe was truly worried about what was happening.
Unfortunately, there was nothing she could do at that moment; all she could do was keep a close eye on the Third Prince to prevent him from doing anything improper.
Looking at his expression, Shen Yunzhen couldn't help but find it amusing and asked, "Didn't you just say you'd keep me company? Why are you silent now?"
This is where Xiao Chengze's strengths come in, and his eyes light up.
He was about to speak when he suddenly realized something and changed his mind, saying, "May I ask where you are from, young lady?"
Shen Yunzhen casually replied, "I guess you could say I'm from the capital."
Xiao Chengze was not discouraged. Even if the other party was from the capital, he figured they probably weren't very familiar with the city.
With his sharp eyes, he had already noticed the items placed beside Shen Yunzhen, which were things that many people would choose to buy when they first came to the capital.
"I am quite familiar with the capital. If you don't mind, I can tell you some interesting stories about the capital."
Xiao Chengze's plans were meticulously executed.
If she becomes interested in these places because of his explanation, she will definitely go and visit them. Wouldn't he be the best person to accompany her then?
Shen Yunzhen nodded. "Then tell me about it."
Xiao Chengze cleared his throat and began to speak with great interest.
A bookstore, a pastry shop, an opera troupe, a poetry gathering in the capital city...
There's so much to say. Xiao Chengze is also very eloquent; he can make a simple matter sound fascinating.
Just as he was speaking eloquently, there was a knock on the door, followed by a gentle and familiar voice.
"Yun Zhen, may I come in?"
As brothers who grew up together, Xiao Chengze recognized the voice immediately; the person was none other than his second elder brother, the Crown Prince.
Xiao Chengze paused slightly, then looked puzzled.
Second Brother, weren't you supposed to be attending court today? Why are you at the teahouse at this hour?
Upon seeing Shen Yunzhen, Xiao Chengze was completely captivated, his attention entirely focused on her. He completely forgot about the guards he had encountered outside the door when he first arrived, and had no time to ponder why they, as his second brother's personal guards, were stationed here.
Shen Yunzhen ignored his question and said, "Come in."
Xiao Chengxu pushed open the door and was not surprised to see Xiao Chengze, but his eyes were full of coldness.
He gave the house to Shen Yunzhen, but he didn't completely relinquish it.
In addition to a few guards, he also specially arranged for people to protect her outside the house.
Information about her whereabouts, including who she met, would be sent to him as quickly as possible.
The education he received from a young age and his unique upbringing meant that Xiao Chengxu was completely unaware that there was anything wrong with his behavior.
In his view, this was merely a necessary protective measure.
Of course, Shen Yunzhen did not judge Xiao Chengxu by the standards of other worlds.
Every world has a different background, and people from different backgrounds naturally have different ways of dealing with people and different values.
Shen Yunzhen didn't mind having people following her. With these people around, she could openly go out and play without having to hide.
As soon as Xiao Chengxu left the palace, he learned that Shen Yunzhen had gone out and that Xiao Chengze had come to visit. The two chatted happily in a harmonious atmosphere.
Xiao Chengxu rushed over immediately.
Xiao Chengxu gave Xiao Chengze a cold warning, then looked at Shen Yunzhen with a gentle expression, the coldness in his eyes melting away like the first snow.
"Yunzhen, did you sleep well last night?"
Shen Yunzhen casually replied, "It's alright."
Xiao Chengxu didn't care about Shen Yunzhen's perfunctory attitude, and his expression softened even more.
"That's good. You just moved in yesterday, and I was worried you wouldn't sleep well because you're not used to sleeping in new beds. It seems I was overthinking it."
Seeing how familiar the two were, Xiao Chengze finally realized belatedly that they knew each other.
Yes, the private room at his feet and the guards at the door all belong to his second brother. He had also seen the maid in the corner in his second brother's study before. How could he have overlooked her?
Xiao Chengxu had never had a woman by his side before, and recalling the news his uncle brought yesterday, Xiao Chengze finally realized.
It turns out she is the eldest daughter of the Shen family.
Xiao Chengze felt a pang of jealousy.
He hasn't known Miss Shen for very long, so why is he acting so familiar with her?
Shameless! Lacking any sense of male virtue!
Xiao Chengze took a step and pushed Xiao Chengxu aside.
"Second brother, please sit down first, I'll pour you some tea."
Xiao Chengxu was caught off guard and was forced to take a step back.
His brow twitched. He glanced at Shen Yunzhen, who was watching them with a relaxed expression, and forcibly suppressed his anger, refraining from lashing out.
Xiao Chengxu took a few steps back, walked around to the other side, and sat down next to Shen Yunzhen.
Xiao Chengze found this scene extremely jarring.
The two sat side by side, looking very harmonious and well-matched, while he was just an unwanted outsider.
Xiao Chengze loathed this feeling and was about to speak when Xiao Chengxu spoke first.
"Third brother, what are you doing here?"
His tone was perfectly timed with surprise, as if he had just noticed him.
"I……"
Xiao Chengze choked up.
The way he showed up here was rather undignified; how could he possibly say anything about it?
If time could turn back, he would never have appeared in front of her like that!
"So you two are brothers after all?"
Shen Yunzhen looked as if she had just realized the relationship between the two.
"yes."
Xiao Chengxu nodded slightly in agreement, but did not say anything more. Instead, he looked at Xiao Chengze.
"Third brother, you should leave first. You and Yunzhen are complete strangers, and it might be inconvenient for you to get to know each other so suddenly. Besides, Yunzhen and I have some important matters to discuss. We'll meet up another day to catch up."
He had a faint smile on his face and spoke in a calm tone, yet it conveyed an air of undeniable authority.
Xiao Chengze felt a tightness in his chest. Although he didn't want to admit it, he was actually a little afraid of his second brother.
He saw the shadow of his father in his second brother.
But at this moment, that fear becomes insignificant.
He stood stubbornly in place, a hint of smugness in his tone.
"Second Brother, I can't leave. I'm Miss Shen's servant now, and I need to stay here to pour her tea and keep her entertained."
As he spoke, he lifted the teapot in his hand slightly.
Xiao Chengxu frowned: "Servant?"
"Yes, Miss Shen said it herself, that I am her servant, so I cannot leave."
Xiao Chengze's tone was smug, and his expression was smug; anyone who didn't know better would think he had received some great benefit.
Xiao Chengxu ignored him, instead turning slightly and looking at Shen Yunzhen with just the right amount of doubt. He parted his thin lips and spoke in a deep, warm voice.
"Yunzhen, what's the story behind the servant that Third Brother mentioned? Could you tell me about it?"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
