Shen Wan frowned slightly. “Why?”
Aunt Tao explained in a calm, measured tone, “The General instructed that all of Madam’s requests must first be reported to him.”
Even eating had to be overseen by him.
So annoying.
She suppressed her irritation and said lightly, “Then please, Aunt Tao, go inform the General.”
Aunt Tao acknowledged and stepped back.
Shen Wan idly examined Yan Xiao’s bedroom.
The room’s decor was different from what she had imagined a warlord’s residence to be.
It wasn’t the ostentatious, gaudy style she had expected. Instead, it was simple and elegant, with a touch of refinement.
Several ink-wash paintings hung on the walls, their brushstrokes strong and vigorous, giving a sense of sophistication.
Yan Xiao was a rough man these paintings must have been purchased in advance specifically for her to live here, right?
She sat at the dressing table. Inside the drawers were three different combs. She chose the smooth ivory comb, running it through her hair while examining the rest of the dressing table.
Her reflection showed a slightly tired complexion, and makeup could barely conceal it.
Ever since Yan Xiao had sent someone to the Shen residence with the marriage documents, she hadn’t eaten or slept well.
No wonder she looked haggard.
Before long, Yan Xiao pushed the door open.
Seeing Shen Wan at the dressing table, his gaze softened a little. He strode over behind her, took the ivory comb from her hand, and gently combed her long hair.
“Hungry?” His voice was low and magnetic.
Shen Wan subtly avoided the hand holding the comb. “Not hungry.”
Yan Xiao’s hand froze in midair, and with a sharp “clack,” he dropped the ivory comb onto the table.
He leaned both hands on the dressing table, effectively surrounding Shen Wan.
Though a faint smile lingered in his eyes, Shen Wan felt an invisible pressure pressing down from behind.
“What do you want to eat? I’ll have someone prepare it. Or, if you want me to feed you like last time, that’s fine too.”
Last time?
He had fed her mouth-to-mouth…
Shen Wan thought for a moment. “Anything, whatever’s fine.”
Being this compliant, what excuse could Yan Xiao find to scold her?
Yan Xiao leaned down, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. “Today, you’ve surprised me. I thought you’d use my hand to get rid of your uncle and cousin.”
Shen Wan didn’t deny it. She had thought about it but relying on a man was absolutely out of the question. Yan Xiao would eventually abandon her.
“They were the ones who sought trouble with me. If you want to punish me, then go ahead.”
Besides, she hadn’t disrupted the wedding today, so any punishment would need a legitimate reason.
Yan Xiao’s eyes narrowed slightly as he studied her, trying to detect the true emotions hidden behind her casual words.
He didn’t like her indifference, nor her outward compliance.
A soft blade against the heart was far more irritating than a direct clash.
“Shen Wan,” Yan Xiao’s voice was low. He cupped her jaw slowly, forcing her to look at him. “Your thoughts are hard to read.”
Shen Wan stared at him in surprise, momentarily dumbfounded.
What was he playing at now?
But the next second, she recovered, pursing her lips into a smile.
The smile was gentle as water, yet carried a hint of distance. “What power do I have? Enough to make you lose sleep over me?”
Yan Xiao stared at her moist lips, thought for a moment, then suddenly laughed. “Shen Wan, I really want to know when will you finally ask me once?”
Shen Wan subtly shifted to the side, creating some space between them.
Yan Xiao noticed her resistance; his expression darkened slightly, but he didn’t act further.
He straightened, walked to the window, lit a cigarette, inhaled deeply, and slowly exhaled a smoke ring. “Regarding Shen Mingyuan’s matter, I’ve got your back. Do as you please.”