Chapter 47: Unacquainted with the Ways of the World?

"Xu An'an, how could you be here!" Jiang Yu could hardly believe his eyes. Xu An'an had just told him she was at home, but here she was, clearly lying to him. The audacity!

Caught red-handed, Xu An'an had nothing to say. She calmly lifted her eyes, those fox-like eyes shining with a cool, gentle light, unruffled and serene, showing no sign of panic at being discovered. She planned to remain unmoved.

"Miss Xu, you aren't deliberately stalking Ah Yu, are you?" Ning Xiyue, dressed in a white evening gown, stepped forward gracefully. Her makeup was light, giving her a fresh, ethereal look—though it only made her seem more like a classic ingénue.

Her face was full of disapproval, even anger. "I know you suspect the friendship between Ah Yu and me is not pure, but you don't need to do something so underhanded. Is there not even the most basic trust between two people who are together?"

"You've really disappointed me."

Jiang Yu agreed with Ning Xiyue's accusations. Xu An'an had lied about being at home, then sneaked over, likely to take incriminating photos to threaten him for resources for the Xu family. The more he thought about it, the angrier he became.

Xu An'an found it laughable. Trust, indeed. She had once given Jiang Yu all the freedom and space he wanted, only to end up betrayed—and now, he dared turn the tables on her.

She let Jiang Yu misunderstand her.

"If that's how you see it, there's nothing I can do," Xu An'an replied, not bothering to explain. Jiang Yu wasn't worth her time.

With that, Xu An'an turned to leave.

Jiang Yu blocked her path, warning coldly, "If I catch you stalking me again, don't blame me for taking action against the Xu family."

"The old master is here."

Upon hearing Xu An'an's words, Jiang Yu immediately changed his expression, like an actor switching masks, his eyes full of gentleness. "An'an, it's so late. Let me take you home."

Xu An'an nearly gagged on the spot.

The old master chuckled, "An'an, you little rascal, why did you run off so quickly? I wanted to reward you. Your taste is excellent."

To have Jiang Li dance with ten socialites was a rare event.

Jiang Li, following at the old master's side, remained indifferent. Yet when his gaze swept over Jiang Yu, a cold, fierce glint flashed in his eyes, making Jiang Yu shrink back, uncertain what he'd done to offend Jiang Li.

"If only the second master could settle down soon, I would..."

A sharp, icy look shot over, making Xu An'an tense. She quickly laughed, shifting the topic, "It's getting late. I'll take my leave."

The old master nodded. "Xiao Yu, hurry and take An'an home."

Jiang Yu turned, noticing Ning Xiyue watching him hopefully, making him hesitate. He said, "Grandfather, Yue'er lives in the same neighborhood as An'an. I'll take her, too."

Though displeased, the old master was reasonable and reluctantly agreed.

"In that case, let your uncle go with you."

"What?" Jiang Yu was stunned.

Xu An'an also paused.

Even Ning Xiyue looked puzzled.

Only Jiang Li remained composed, hands in his pockets. "I live there, too."

The old master added, "Your uncle has a project nearby. No need for him to travel back and forth late every day—it’s better for his rest. And he can keep an eye on you, see how often you visit An'an each week."

"You’re newly engaged—make sure to spend more time together, get to know each other."

Jiang Yu was dumbfounded, hearing only one thing—he was to be supervised!

No freedom at all.

But he could only accept with a bitter face.

At the parking lot, Ning Xiyue was the first to press her hand to her forehead, looking frail. "Ah Yu, I'm not feeling well. Can I sit in the front seat?"

"Of course," Jiang Yu replied quickly.

Xu An'an sneered, "Isn't the front seat usually reserved for the girlfriend?"

"Ride with me," Jiang Li said, pulling out his car keys. He pressed a button, and the Rolls-Royce Phantom's lights flashed, the door rising automatically.

The moment Jiang Yu saw the Phantom, his eyes lit up with envy. Alas, his finances could never afford such luxury.

Bang!

Jiang Li suddenly slammed the Phantom's door shut, startling everyone. Only then did they see that Ning Xiyue had somehow circled around to the passenger side of the Phantom.

Caught on the spot, Ning Xiyue was mortified. She’d hoped to seize the opportunity to sit in Jiang Li's car, thinking it would solve everything and let her get closer to him.

She hadn't expected Jiang Li to react so quickly, leaving her utterly embarrassed.

"Um, I..."

"Look at you, so delicate. If you throw up in my car, can you afford to pay for it?" Jiang Li's gaze changed, his eyes growing cold and sharp.

Ning Xiyue felt a chill wash over her. She lowered her head in embarrassment.

Her pitiful look tugged at Jiang Yu's heart.

Jiang Yu hastened to smooth things over. "Uncle, don't be angry. Yue'er just wanted to see the car."

"There are plenty of pictures online. If that's not enough, maybe she can't control her hands—if so, best get rid of them," Jiang Li retorted mercilessly.

Ning Xiyue's face alternated between pale and flushed, her eyes reddening with humiliation.

Xu An'an watched with delight, wishing she had sunflower seeds to munch on. She’d thought Jiang Li was sharp-tongued with her, but he was even harsher with others.

Jiang Yu, embarrassed, urged Ning Xiyue to apologize to Jiang Li.

"Hurry up."

Under Jiang Li’s pressure, Jiang Yu felt suffocated, desperate to escape. He pulled Ning Xiyue aside, lowering his voice in urgency. "Stop stalling!"

Ning Xiyue could only apologize unwillingly; otherwise, tonight would never end.

"Second master, I'm sorry."

"What exactly did you do wrong?" Jiang Li's lips curled in a mocking smile.

Ning Xiyue, thinking a simple apology would suffice, was dumbstruck.

Xu An'an was even more amused—it seemed Jiang Li was much more tolerant with her, at least not so relentless.

Ning Xiyue looked to Jiang Yu for help, tears brimming in her eyes.

But under Jiang Li’s authority, Jiang Yu dared not plead.

Ning Xiyue sniffled, voice trembling, "I—I shouldn't have touched your car without your permission."

Jiang Li glanced at Xu An'an, who was barely holding back laughter, his dark eyes flickering, his handsome face growing colder.

"Never seen such a thing? Are you some country mutt?"

Would it never end?

Ning Xiyue, bitterly miserable, nodded. "Yes, I'm a country mutt..."

Pfft!

Xu An'an couldn't hold back any longer, bursting into laughter.

Everyone turned to stare at her.

Especially Ning Xiyue, whose gaze could kill. Xu An'an, resigned, only laughed harder. "Haha, sorry, normally I don't laugh."

"Unless it’s especially funny—hahaha!"