Huang Xuejian steadied herself, her eyes blazing with fury. She suddenly raised her hand, and it looked as though she was about to slap Cheng’s mother hard across the face.
Just then, Feng An shouted, “Stop! Miss Huang, I will report everything you’ve done today to Third Master and let him judge for himself. You have repeatedly offended the Li family’s guests. What exactly are you trying to accomplish?”
As soon as he finished speaking, a deep voice suddenly came from behind the crowd.
“Report what to me?”
Everyone present was startled when they heard that familiar voice.
Tang Lichu immediately shrank behind Cheng’s mother like a frightened little rabbit. She clutched the older woman’s clothes tightly with both hands and silently prayed, Don’t see me. Please, don’t see me…
Huang Xuejian’s arrogant demeanor instantly deflated by more than half. When she saw Li Juechen’s cold, stern face, a flash of panic crossed her eyes. But she quickly regained her composure and was just about to accuse the others first when Feng An, who had long since reached the end of his patience with her, spoke before she could get the chance.
Feng An stepped forward and bowed respectfully to Li Juechen.
“Third Master, this lady is Mrs. Smith, the wife of Mr. Smith, the foreign arms dealer who is the Marshal’s guest. That young woman is her translator. Miss Huang has offended them twice today, especially the translator. Not only did she hurl insults at her, she even verbally humiliated her for no reason. It was completely unacceptable.”
Huang Xuejian had always believed that the gentle, virtuous image she presented before Li Juechen was flawless. Now that Feng An had torn away her façade, she became furious.
“You’re talking nonsense! When did I ever insult her? I only wanted to befriend her! Her vicious servant came over and shoved me for no reason, and then called me a shameless woman!”
Cheng’s mother, standing nearby, was also extremely nervous.
She was only a servant. When she saw her young mistress being humiliated, she had acted on impulse and shoved Huang Xuejian without thinking.
Would Third Master punish me?
Her job at the little Western-style house was comfortable and easy, and her master was kind. A position this good was practically impossible to find even with a lantern!
Li Juechen had absolutely no interest in Huang Xuejian’s explanation. He did not even seem willing to spare her another glance.
He lazily raised his hand and casually waved his long fingers a few times. His thin lips parted as he coldly uttered two words:
“Throw her out.”
The young men following behind Li Juechen—Li Zhenting, Li Yuzhang, Li Yuanzhou, Meng Qinian, and Sheng Enrong—all exchanged puzzled looks.
Who was he ordering them to throw out?
Today, Li Juechen had taken off his military uniform and changed into a lake-blue changshan. The traditional long robe gave his normally cold and imposing appearance a touch of youthful vigor. Among all the wealthy young men dressed in luxurious brocade and fine clothing, he still stood out like a crane among chickens.
His tone was as calm as still water, but Feng An knew perfectly well that his Third Master was furious.
Understanding immediately, Feng An discreetly waved toward the shadows.
Two men instantly rushed over, grabbed Huang Xuejian by both arms, and began dragging her toward the door without giving her any chance to protest.
Huang Xuejian’s face turned bright red with rage, her chest heaving violently as she struggled desperately against their grip.
“Third Brother, how can you be so heartless? She’s only a translator! Are you really going to stand up for her? I’m the only daughter of the Huang family! If my father finds out about this, he definitely won’t let it go!”
Li Zhenting wanted to speak up for her, but Li Yuzhang immediately grabbed him and shook his head slightly.
Anyone who spoke up for Huang Xuejian now, knowing Li Juechen as well as he did, would surely end up just like that foolish woman.
Then they really would have no way to save face!
The other young men were completely bewildered.
Aside from the two foreign women and an elderly servant, where was this so-called translator?
Meng Qinian frowned and asked, “Third Brother, what exactly is going on here?”
The corners of Li Juechen’s lips curved upward slightly. With a half-smile, he looked at the petite figure trembling behind Cheng’s mother.
Ever since he had entered, the little woman had immediately slipped behind Cheng’s mother, apparently thinking that if she hid there, he wouldn’t be able to see her.
Hadn’t she thought about it?
If he hadn’t guessed that Mrs. Smith would summon her here, given his usual temperament, why would he have deliberately lured Li Yuanzhou here at this particular moment?
Li Yuanzhou knew Sophia’s identity, and he also knew that the translator had been arranged by his Third Brother.
Could it be…?
Tang Lichu helplessly sighed when she realized she could no longer hide.
Trembling with nerves, she slowly emerged from behind Cheng’s mother and cautiously made her way toward Li Juechen.
Summoning all her courage, she stammered, “Th-thank you… Thank you, sir, for helping me out. I still have something to attend to, so I’ll take my leave first. Please, everyone, carry on.”
Susan, standing nearby, wore an expression that clearly showed she was thoroughly enjoying the spectacle.
Tang Lichu shot her a pleading look for help. Susan immediately nodded in solidarity and stepped forward. In her clumsy Chinese, she also expressed her thanks.
Afterward, the two women grabbed Sophia and hurriedly turned around, eager to escape the place as quickly as possible.
But just as they took a step forward, a figure suddenly darted out from the crowd and blocked their path.
Sheng Enrong had seen countless beautiful women over the years, but he had never encountered a woman as breathtakingly beautiful as Tang Lichu.
His eyes lit up, and an inappropriate smile spread across his lips.
“Little beauty, don’t rush off. Since Third Brother helped you out of trouble, why don’t you stay and have a drink with us?”
At the same time, Li Zhenting, Li Yuzhang, and the other wealthy young men were all stunned by Tang Lichu’s beauty. Even Meng Qinian, Li Juechen’s brother-in-law, was momentarily taken aback, his gaze involuntarily lingering on her.
Li Yuanzhou leaned toward his Third Brother with a mischievous grin and teased, “Third Brother, this fairy is my little sister-in-law, right?”
The words little sister-in-law clearly pleased Li Juechen.
He gave a slight nod, acknowledging the title.
Then he gave Li Yuanzhou a deep look.
Li Yuanzhou raised his eyebrows, but the very next second, Li Juechen shot him a fierce glare.
Li Yuanzhou secretly clicked his tongue.
I went out of my way to help him play the hero and rescue the beauty, and I don’t even get a little reward for it. Third Brother is so stingy!
Though he complained inwardly, Li Yuanzhou actually listened to his Third Brother better than anyone.
He quickly walked over to Sheng Enrong, casually draped an arm around his neck like an old friend, and said with a smile, “Enrong, she’s a guest of my father’s. If you offend her, you’ll have to answer for it. Let’s just drink and enjoy ourselves. Everyone, disperse. You’re blocking the passageway. What does this look like?”
Sheng Enrong still wanted to say something, but Li Yuanzhou tightened his arm around his neck slightly and warned him,
“A woman that beautiful couldn’t possibly be unattached. Do you really think she would dare come to a place like this without someone behind her? I’d advise you to put away those wandering thoughts of yours. Be careful you don’t end up getting burned.”