Xiao Chengjing's gaze lingered for a moment on Shen Yuewei's noticeably protruding belly, his expression complex and indescribable—there was astonishment (she was more pregnant than he had imagined), and an almost imperceptible touch, but it was quickly overwhelmed by a more surging emotion called "possessiveness" and "displeasure".
His gaze returned to Manager Wang, his thin lips parted slightly, and his voice was as cold as ice: "You are the manager here?" His tone was as if he were interrogating a criminal.
Manager Wang's legs went weak, and he almost knelt down: "I, I am Wang Fu, the manager of 'Jinwei Ji'..."
"The ledger." Xiao Chengjing held out his hand, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Manager Wang dared not disobey and handed over the account book with trembling hands.
Xiao Chengjing didn't even glance at the pages, casually flipping through a couple, his gaze constantly sweeping back and forth between Manager Wang and Shen Yuewei like a cold searchlight. The air in the storeroom seemed to freeze, so oppressive that it was hard to breathe.
Shen Yuewei took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil in her heart. She couldn't panic, especially not in front of him. Supporting her lower back, she slowly straightened up, meeting Xiao Chengjing's imposing gaze, her voice as steady as possible: "Your Highness has come from afar, weary from your journey. Instead of attending to important court affairs, you have the leisure to check the accounts of my little shop? I wonder what is it about my humble business that offends Your Highness?"
Her voice carried a deliberate air of detachment and sarcasm, reminding him of his identity and the "inappropriateness" of his trip.
Xiao Chengjing's fingers tightened slightly, his knuckles turning white as he gripped the account book. He stared at Shen Yuewei's calm yet sharp face, her cheeks rounder and whiter with the effects of her pregnancy. A nameless fire, mixed with an indescribable bitterness, surged to his head. He had been ordered to investigate the case, traveling day and night, navigating the quagmire of the Jiangnan officialdom with trepidation at every turn. Finally finding a sliver of opportunity, he sped off, shaking off all his spies, relying almost on instinct and the clues his secret guards had painstakingly uncovered to find this small town, to find the woman he longed for day and night, the one carrying his child.
He had imagined her looking haggard, anxious, and needing his protection. But he never expected to see such a serene and peaceful scene! She had a rosy complexion, a calm demeanor, and was even... standing so close to a man who seemed quite pleasing to the eye (in his eyes), whispering business matters!
This tranquility, this composure, stung his eyes! It was as if she was better off without him! And what about the child in her womb? What did it mean to her?
"Important matters of the court?" Xiao Chengjing sneered, slamming the account book shut and tossing it to the trembling Manager Wang, who nearly dropped it. He took a step forward, closing in on Shen Yuewei, his powerful aura almost enveloping her. "Shen Yuewei, have you forgotten whose child you're carrying?!"
These words were extremely blunt and rude, carrying a strong sense of hostility and... jealousy.
Forced back a step by him, Shen Yuewei's back pressed against the cold shelf, her heart sank, followed by a surge of sharp anger and grievance. She raised her head, meeting his fiery gaze without fear, her voice turning cold: "Your Highness is mistaken! Doesn't Your Highness know how this child came to be? If it weren't for that 'accident' at the palace banquet, why would Your Highness condescend to seek 'trouble' from me? As for whose child he is…" She paused deliberately, a sarcastic smile playing on her lips, "Your Highness, rest assured, I, Shen Yuewei, can raise him, and I will never let him climb the social ladder! This 'Jinwei Record,' though small, is enough for my son and me to make a living!"
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