USWHC -Chapter 454 A Toad Wants to Eat Swan Meat (Part 4)

Xiang Lian’s face was cold as she spat angrily: “Do you think I don’t know what those flirtatious women are up to? This is the Princess’s mansion, not a place for them to casually hook up with men!”

Then she raised her voice at Manager Qian and the others: “And you lot, don’t think you can just take a little benefit and be used as someone’s pawn. Watch out you don’t get dragged into trouble!”

“Yes, yes, Xiang Lian-jie is right!” Old Wang from the accounts office hurriedly agreed. With that, the two of them finally retreated, and as they left, they casually closed the door behind them.

But no sooner had they stepped out than both of them immediately showed expressions of disgust again. Old Wang muttered, “Pah! What’s on her mind? Does she think no one notices? A whole nest of foxes.” Then he couldn’t help but ask Manager Qian, “How come you’re scared of her too?”

“Who wouldn’t be, she’s the princess’s favorite!” Manager Qian said indignantly. “But that girl probably won’t stay still for long… I bet spring has already stirred her heart!”

Back inside the room, Xiang Lian had restored her shy, delicate expression. She whispered, “Did I scare Brother Ji Yi?”

Ji Yi’s face twitched slightly, but he forced a calm expression. “No… Xiang Lian-jie is only thinking of their well-being!”

“You understand me best, don’t you?” Xiang Lian cooed softly. “I’m actually very timid!”

Ji Yi watched as Xiang Lian moved closer to him while talking—timid? Her actions were anything but. He hurriedly backed away.

“Um, Xiang Lian-jie… it’s… not really proper for an unmarried man and woman to be alone together!” Ji Yi almost wanted to cry in panic. These unprincipled women had left him alone with a lovestruck girl—did they want to sacrifice him?

Xiang Lian, however, smiled faintly, tilting her head to look at Ji Yi. She whispered, “I don’t mind anymore, so why would Brother Ji Yi mind? Are you… embarrassed?”

How could he not be embarrassed? Ji Yi’s face turned red—she was practically lying against his chest. The air between them felt warm.

Xiang Lian’s soft voice continued: “I’ve always admired men who are both passionate and loyal. That day, when I heard you speak of your longing for your late wife, I couldn’t sleep, my heart was heavy in the night, yet I didn’t know how to comfort you properly…”

“Y-Yeah!” Ji Yi stammered, retreating a little more. But as he stepped back, he suddenly stumbled and fell back onto the bed with a thump!

“Didn’t pick the right spot, huh?” Ji Yi muttered with an awkward laugh. “Xiang Lian-jie… maybe we should talk over there instead?”

But Xiang Lian kept climbing closer, saying, “Let’s just talk here! Brother Ji Yi, there’s actually so much I want to say to you!”

Ji Yi watched helplessly as Xiang Lian clung to him like a gecko. Wailing silently, he thought, Were leftover women in the capital always this enthusiastic? Back in Xiangshui Village, I never had this kind of treatment! What was he supposed to do?

“Brother Ji Yi… don’t you feel it’s hot today?” Xiang Lian said hoarsely, eyes half-closed.

Ji Yi swallowed hard. Good heavens, the capital’s leftover women were unusually passionate! What was he supposed to do?

Just then, he shouted, “Ah! Xiang Lian-jie, listen! It sounds like someone’s looking for you outside!”

Startled, Xiang Lian’s eyes widened. She listened carefully, but there was no sound. “There’s nothing… did you hear wrong?”

“No, really! Go check outside if you don’t believe me!” Ji Yi insisted.

Seeing his serious expression, Xiang Lian grew suspicious. She lightly tapped Ji Yi’s cheek and purred, “Then I’ll go take a look. Brother Ji Yi, wait here for me, okay?”

“Mm!” Ji Yi nodded, holding back the urge to cry. Was he really being teased?

The moment Xiang Lian opened the door, she nearly bumped into someone. A young maid hurriedly said, “Xiang Lian-jie, we finally found you! The princess is looking for you!”

Xiang Lian paused, surprised—someone was really looking for her. She quickly adjusted her clothes and followed the maid, asking as they walked, “What does the princess need me for?”

“They say Princess Lanqin has arrived at the mansion. The princess wants you to tidy up the west wing. She’ll be staying here for a few days,” the maid answered respectfully.

At that moment, a muffled groan came from inside the room: “Oof!”

What happened? Ji Yi was leaning on the table, writhing in pain—he had bumped into the corner in his earlier excitement.

Yet despite the pain, a smile still lingered on his face. She had really come. It was wonderful!