Chapter 7: Willful Degeneration

Xu Anan's smile froze for a moment. She suppressed the impulse to strangle Jiang Li right then and there, pushed backward, and pulled Xu Wanwan beside her, forcing a smile. “Sister, Second Master Jiang is asking you.”

Xu Anan simply switched places with Xu Wanwan. Ignoring the cold, piercing gaze, she nudged Xu Wanwan with her elbow, signaling her to stop swooning over Jiang Li and redirect everyone’s attention elsewhere.

Xu Wanwan, who had long nursed secret feelings for Jiang Li, blushed furiously and sent him shy, flirtatious glances. She nearly twisted herself into knots as she spoke in a soft, affected voice, “Second Master, I…”

“It was just a joke,” Jiang Li withdrew his gaze, his phoenix eyes lowering, lips parting with indifference. “No need to take it seriously.”

Just then, Jiang Yu returned after changing clothes. Seeing Jiang Li in his original spot, his brows knit together. But he dared not push Jiang Li aside. Noticing that Xu Anan and Xu Wanwan had switched places, he moved to Xu Anan’s other side.

Unexpectedly, Jiang Li suddenly turned away to fetch some red wine. Old Master Jiang motioned for Jiang Yu to reclaim his spot. Though Jiang Yu felt uneasy, he obediently stood where he was told. In front of Old Master Jiang, he wouldn’t dare act out.

He glanced back and saw Xu Wanwan still standing there, even smiling at him. Up close, he thought Xu Wanwan was quite charming, delicate and sweet.

Since birth, Xu Wanwan had believed she should be the one adored by all. Not only did she monopolize the center position, she secretly pushed Xu Anan to the side.

With Shen Ying mediating, the Jiang family’s ladies shifted their attention to Xu Wanwan. They considered Xu Anan and Jiang Yu’s engagement a settled matter, so naturally they sought to arrange a match for the unmarried Xu Wanwan—otherwise, what would they gossip about?

“So, aren’t you curious at all?”

Jiang Li appeared at Xu Anan’s side, as if merely passing by. His right hand held a glass of red wine, the other loosely tucked into his trouser pocket. The crimson liquid glowed under the crystal lights, making his jade-like hand appear even paler.

Xu Anan lowered her lashes, her expression cool. “I’ve never been particularly curious, Second Master Jiang. Please keep your distance.”

Jiang Li stared at her for a while, then let out a mocking laugh. Leaning close to her ear, his voice was hoarse and low. “If I recall correctly, last night you begged me to go deeper, harder.”

She didn’t need to close her eyes; those scandalous memories flashed vividly before her. Xu Anan’s cheeks burned, her clear eyes glaring at him in anger. Her gaze held little threat, but glimmered with an alluring light—like a rose heavy with dew, impossible to ignore.

She reached for a small cake, trying to maintain a safe distance from Jiang Li. Yet he followed her every move, step for step.

As if seeking revenge for being pushed aside earlier, Jiang Li’s actions infuriated Xu Anan. She lowered her voice in warning, “Are you only satisfied if the whole world knows I slept with you?”

Jiang Li seemed amused by her words. He turned her to face him, his narrow phoenix eyes reflecting her image. With a roguish smile, he spoke teasingly, “Was it you who slept with me, or me with you? Don’t you know?”

Before Xu Anan could break free, Jiang Yu’s voice sounded behind them. “What are you talking about?”

Jiang Yu glared at Jiang Li’s hand on Xu Anan’s shoulder, but dared not confront him directly. He could only shoot Xu Anan a warning look—hadn’t he told her not to provoke this dangerous man?

The smile faded from Jiang Li’s eyes, replaced by his usual cold aloofness. He said icily, “Miss Xu thinks my tie is the best tonight, so she insisted on admiring it a little longer.”

“Everyone has an appreciation for beauty. Is there a problem with that?”

Xu Anan cursed inwardly—he really knew how to flatter himself.

Perhaps to spite Jiang Li, Xu Anan took Jiang Yu’s arm affectionately, her smile bright. “Yes, I was thinking of buying you a matching tie—it might suit you even better!”

Jiang Li sneered coldly, “It’s custom-made. Even with money, you couldn’t buy it.”

The two seemed at odds, so Jiang Yu relaxed, deciding he’d been overthinking things. A man as picky as Jiang Li could never be interested in Xu Anan.

“Forget it, this tie doesn’t suit me.”

“Let’s go over there, then.” Xu Anan pulled Jiang Yu away from Jiang Li. Who knew what shocking words the unpredictable man would say next? She couldn’t guarantee she’d always be able to handle it.

But Jiang Yu withdrew his hand, seriously opening a new message he’d just received. His lips curled unconsciously—it was from Ning Xiyue.

[Has it not ended yet? I’m alone at the riverside bar—you know, our old place.]

Not far away, Xu Anan caught sight of it, though not intentionally. Her gaze cooled, mocking, “Miss Ning is really thoughtful. She knows your family is apologizing to ours tonight—always keeping an eye on things.”

“If our family refuses to accept your apology, would that please her?”

Jiang Yu’s face darkened, as if confronting an enemy. He stared at Xu Anan. “Xu Anan, I’ve told you, Xiyue and I are just good friends. What’s wrong with her caring about me? Can’t you stop being so sarcastic? You’re making yourself look petty and unreasonable.”

“And tonight, I came here as a favor to you—don’t push your luck!”

Xu Anan noticed Jiang Li standing not far away, his handsome face shrouded in shadow, cold and commanding, distinguished yet unreadable.

She looked away, clenching her fists, unwilling to let Jiang Li witness her humiliation. Taking a deep breath, she forced down her anger.

“Let’s go talk to Grandfather—it’s rare for him to come tonight.”

She reached out, but Jiang Yu avoided her again, sneering, “Don’t think I don’t know what your family is up to. If you want resources, behave yourself—don’t meddle in things that aren’t your concern.”

“If you want to win over Grandfather, do it yourself. I won’t stoop to your level!”

With that, Jiang Yu strode off. Almost simultaneously, Jiang Li seemed about to leave as well, but slowed as he passed Xu Anan.

“This is what you wanted? Willingly sinking so low.”