Chapter 165 The Scheming Young Man 8
"The second male lead is a spoiled young master who is bad-tempered and hates being restrained. He is already seventeen years old, but no one dares to propose to him because of his bad reputation, his shrewishness, and his past experience in the military. He does not meet the aesthetic standards of women in the Li Kingdom," 003 replied after flipping through the information.
"I see..." Xu Qiuqiu thought Achen was quite good, very manly. She really couldn't appreciate the weak physique of the male lead.
Remembering what Chun'er said before that no one wanted A-Chen, no wonder Qing-Song was so excited. It turns out that A-Chen really is... different. But it's good, she likes him.
Just as she was worrying about how to get to know A-Chen's sister, Chun'er walked in, curtsied, and said, "Miss, someone from the manor has come to visit you. They say they're here to discuss academic topics together. They're from the same academy as you."
Xu Qiuqiu asked in confusion, "Which family's young lady is she?"
Does this academically challenged student have any other friends besides Chen Nishang at the academy?
"It is Miss Shen Qingwan from the Grand Commandant's mansion."
Upon hearing the answer, Xu Qiuqiu dropped the ink brush from her hand onto the rice paper, staining the white paper with a black smudge.
Is this her future sister-in-law? She said to Chun'er somewhat nervously, "Please come in quickly."
"Yes," Chun'er replied.
Then, a woman dressed in white walked in. Her temperament was elegant and noble, like a snow lotus on a snow mountain, unattainable.
"Miss Chen, please have a seat." Xu Qiuqiu quickly stood up and greeted her warmly.
Shen Qingwan sat down as instructed, glanced at Xu Qiuqiu, who had a beautiful and charming appearance, but was rather short. Apart from her face, she looked like she couldn't lift a finger.
I don't know what her younger brother likes about her. In the Li Kingdom, she should find a woman as heroic and dashing as the Third Princess to protect her husband.
However, considering that her younger brother's martial arts skills were not low, it was not a big problem whether his wife had martial arts skills or not. What she was very dissatisfied with was that Ning Qiu had a proper husband, and Ning Qiu's proper husband was the person she loved most. How could her younger brother have a good life after entering the manor?
Thinking of this, she frowned. "Miss Ning, let's be friends."
Seeing the woman opposite her looking displeased, Xu Qiuqiu panicked a little. She said she was making friends, so why was she looking at her with such displeasure?
She quickly adjusted her mindset, smiled at her, and said, "Okay."
"Yes." Shen Qingwan said directly, "The weather is perfect today. Since we're friends, how about we go out for a stroll together?"
"Huh?" Xu Qiuqiu was a little stunned. Did he ask her out so soon?
"Is it inconvenient?"
"No, no, yes, yes." Xu Qiuqiu nodded.
"Okay, let's go then." Shen Qingwan forced a smile that she thought was kind. "The carriage is waiting outside, let's set off."
Her smile made Xu Qiuqiu freeze; it was a forced, unsettling smile.
But remembering that she needed to get along well with her so that it would be convenient to visit her home in the future and maybe even run into Ah Chen by chance, she nodded, "Okay."
As the two walked out of the mansion gate, Xu Qiuqiu saw two luxurious carriages parked there and asked in confusion, "Why are there two carriages parked here?"
Shen Qingwan said seriously, "Can't you take one car and I take another?"
"Okay." Since your family is rich, whatever you say is right.
Seeing that Shen Qing had boarded the carriage in front, she had no choice but to go to the carriage behind. She stepped onto the carriage, lifted the curtain and found someone inside. Just as she was about to let go of the curtain and get out, her wrist was grabbed and she was pulled inside.
She fell into a warm embrace, filled with the rich fragrance of plum blossoms. She looked up at the boy in a daze. His body was a little tense, and his charming peach blossom eyes were also looking at her.
He put his index finger to his lips and whispered, "Shh, don't make a sound. I sneaked in here. I can't let my sister find out. She won't let me go out."
He leaned down and whispered in her ear, his voice low and almost pleading, "Don't tell my older sister, okay? Sister Qiuqiu..."
His veil brushed against her face, making her feel a little itchy. His eyes were so captivating that Xu Qiuqiu nodded obediently.
Shen Yuchen chuckled softly in her ear, "Thank you, Sister Qiuqiu."
"Then... can you let me go now?" Xu Qiuqiu was a little embarrassed. His embrace was so familiar and tempting, making her want to hug him back, but she knew she couldn't take liberties with him.
Upon hearing this, Shen Yuchen's eyes immediately filled with panic. He let go of her hand and lowered his head shyly. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to. I was just too anxious. Sister Qiuqiu won't blame me, will she..."
"It's nothing." Xu Qiuqiu shook her head.
Shen Yuchen's fingers unconsciously rubbed together under his sleeves, as if savoring the warm touch he had just made.
His heart was burning with joy; he felt so happy to be alone with her.
Moreover, the incense he specially burned today had some residue on her clothes after the hug.
He lowered his head and a slight smile played on his lips. His wife went out for a trip and came back smelling of other men. He didn't believe her husband wouldn't argue with her. As long as they argued, they wouldn't sleep together.
Seeing that he kept his head down, Xu Qiuqiu assumed he was still upset about what had just happened and asked worriedly, "Young Master Shen, are you alright?"
A single sentence pulled Shen Yuchen back from his thoughts; his eyes darkened, and he began to feel uneasy.
Young Master Shen?
They've known each other since they were kids, so why are they calling him so distantly?
He composed himself, his voice muffled and tinged with grievance, "Sister Qiuqiu, we've known each other since childhood, and we only reunited the other day. There's no need for us to be so distant. You can call me by my nickname, Achen."
Xu Qiuqiu was naturally unaware of his inner thoughts. Although she felt it was inappropriate, she softened her voice to make him happy, "Achen."
"Mmm, Sister Qiuqiu..." Shen Yuchen's ears turned red. Her voice was soft and affectionate as she called him, which sounded especially nice. His heart and soul couldn't help but flutter.
Xu Qiuqiu was speechless again. She felt it was inappropriate to sit in the same carriage as him. The reputation of men in Li Kingdom was so important. If word got out, A-Chen might just hang himself with a white silk ribbon.
She doesn't mind, but she doesn't want his reputation to be ruined. However, going to Shen Qingwan's car right now would be too deliberate. What should she do?
Just as she was still thinking, Shen Yuchen suddenly spoke up: "Sister Qiuqiu, there's some black ink on your face."
"Where is it?" Xu Qiuqiu touched her cheek and wiped it.
“No, it’s here.” Shen Yuchen pointed to his right cheek.
Xu Qiuqiu touched her right cheek and rubbed it. "Here? Is it wiped off?"
Shen Yuchen smiled gently, as if she couldn't bear to see it, "Sister Qiuqiu, don't use so much force, let me help you."
He slowly walked towards her, sat down next to her, turned to face her, and gently stroked her cheek with his fair fingers, his fingertips softly rubbing her cheek.
Xu Qiuqiu's heart raced as she listened to his focused gaze and gentle movements. The incense on him was not strong; one could only smell it when they got close.
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