Une aura glaçante

Chapitre 107

Chonghua was beside Xiaoyue, talking to her in a low voice. Xiaoyue listened attentively, nodding from time to time.

Xiao Dao pricked up her ears... something about going down two in three steps and one in four steps, as if she were being taught to do accounting and use an abacus.

Xiao Dao squinted and leaned on the railing to watch the commotion. She was standing right there, but the two of them didn't even notice her. They were so engrossed!

Thinking of this, Xiao Dao smiled.

Just as I was laughing, I heard someone next to me say, "A Bodhisattva should have a smile like yours."

Xiao Dao was startled, his lips twitching before he could even stop, and he glanced over... Xue Beifan was back, with two ducks in tow.

Xue Beifan followed Xiaodao's gaze and looked at Xiaoyue and Chonghua, then shook his head, "Can you stop acting like you're marrying off your daughter?"

Xiao Dao rolled his eyes at him, crossed his arms, and asked, "How's the investigation into Naihe Gate going?"

"It's really not that great." Xue Beifan gave the duck to a waiter and asked him to make braised duck and old duck soup for lunch. Seeing Xiaodao drinking lotus leaf soup, he snatched it away. "Why are you drinking this gut-cleansing stuff when you haven't eaten? Aren't you afraid of getting a stomachache?"

Xiao Dao was about to snatch it when Hao Jinfeng rushed in excitedly, calling out, "Xiao Dao!"

Xiao Dao noticed the letter in his hand and asked, puzzled, "Brother, what's wrong?"

“I sent a message to my father a few days ago. As soon as he heard that I had found you, he said he would come over immediately.”

Xiao Dao stared in surprise, her mouth agape... her heart pounding with anxiety. Seeing her father was certainly a good thing, but... her mother was also on her way, and if they suddenly bumped into each other, she had no idea what the outcome would be.

Xiao Dao was lost in thought when Xue Beifan gestured to her with his lip, signaling her to look at Xiao Yue and the other person.

Xiao Dao glanced over and saw Chonghua gently wiping the water droplets from Xiaoyue's cheeks with a gentle smile. Xiaoyue's ears were red as she lowered her head to wash clothes.

Xiao Dao raised an eyebrow—Oh…you're getting into the swing of things.

Just then, an innkeeper came in and asked, "Are you Young Master Xue?"

Xue Beifan nodded.

"There's a young master Shen at the door looking for you." After the waiter finished speaking, Xue Beifan was slightly taken aback... He's here so soon?

Xiaoyue suddenly stood up, then turned and went inside to get her mask, put it on, and ran to Xiaodao's side. Chonghua was still standing by the well where they washed clothes, lost in thought. The innocent and adorable Lou Xiaoyue of before was gone; she had reverted to the stagnant, lifeless Lou Xiaoyue of before. Chonghua frowned deeply, the vague resentment he felt towards Shen Xinghai resurfacing once more. He touched his forehead to calm himself, looked up and exchanged a glance with Xue Beifan. Xue Beifan quietly pointed at Xiaodao before leaving.

Lou Xiaoyue followed Xue Beifan out, while Xiaodao leaned against the doorpost watching the commotion. Hao Jinfeng asked Xiaodao, somewhat puzzled, "Do you think Shen Xinghai could stop Xiaoyue from wearing that mask?"

Xiao Dao patted him on the shoulder, signaling him to go out too, as it was time to eat.

After everyone had left, Xiao Dao looked up and saw Chong Hua standing beside him.

Xiao Dao blinked. "Something wrong?"

Chonghua nodded.

Xiao Dao reached out and patted him on the shoulder. "Things will work themselves out. Just don't give up." With that, a hint of excitement spread across his face as he strolled ahead to see how Shen Xinghai had changed.

In the front yard, it wasn't just Shen Xinghai who came; Wang Bibo was also there.

Xiao Dao's face immediately fell, and she looked at him with disdain.

Wang Bibo pulled Xiaodao into the courtyard, saying, "I've taken care of everything, so please stop giving me attitude."

Xiao Dao glanced behind him. "Where's your cousin?"

Wang Bibo shrugged, "She's taken a liking to someone else."

Xiao Dao clapped his hands, "You got what you deserved!"

Wang Bibo looked up at the sky and said, "That young man is not bad. Lanzhi and he are quite compatible. After they talk again, I will arrange their wedding."

Xiao Dao stared at him with wide eyes, "You didn't die of anger? How generous!"

Wang Bibo glared at her with her hands on her hips, "Why can't you understand? I've told you so many times, I won't cry when Lanzhi gets married, but I'll cry when you get married."

Xiao Dao moved two steps back.

“Never mind,” Wang Bibo said to Xiaodao, arms crossed. “I can wait.”

"Wait for what?" Xiao Dao asked, puzzled.

Wang Bibo smiled and whispered a warning to Xiaodao, "Xue Beifan will break your heart one day. I'll be waiting for you to cry in my arms."

Seeing his forced smile, Xiao Dao pouted and asked, "Do you like money more or me more right now?"

Wang Bibo paused for a moment, then scratched his head.

"That's right!" Xiao Dao pointed at him, "Keep this posture! You can cry in a pile of money later."

Wang Bibo sighed.

"How did you end up associating with Shen Xinghai?"

"We met along the way, but the fun is yet to come," Wang Bibo smiled slightly. "Shen Xinghai even postponed Liu Ruyue's birthday to come here."

“Liu Ruyue…” Xiao Dao scratched his head, “That name sounds familiar.”

Wang Bibo whispered, "Princess Liu, the one Shen Xinghai was determined to have before."

"Oh!" Xiao Dao clapped his hands. "I remember now, it's that poisonous woman."

"Hey, how could you talk about her like that?" Wang Bibo seemed to have some objections. "Liu Ruyue has a very good reputation."

"Tch." Xiao Dao sneered. "Seeing is believing. I've seen it all, and I hate this type the most."