Tsk, tsk, I have to say, this man is truly handsome. Even his angry expression is stunning.
Jiang Ning couldn’t help but think to herself, Once we get back to the Jiang family, I’ll have my second uncle arrange some crutches for him. Can’t keep carrying him around, can I?
It’s just a broken leg. A wheelchair isn’t suitable, but crutches will do the trick.
Lu Huai’an regretted his actions.
Why didn’t I refuse the village head that day?
And why did I call out to her just now?
This woman was clearly insane, yet now he had no strength to resist.
Damn it all.
But his anger didn’t last long. Perhaps it was because he had exhausted all his energy, and he soon passed out.
Upstairs in the restaurant, Xue Qingling coldly observed everything below, her gaze as sharp as ice.
“Xue Wei, send someone to follow them,” she ordered. Anyone daring to steal her man was simply courting death.
“Miss, Second Young Master Shen is there too… If he finds out…” Xue Wei said anxiously.
After all, no man could accept being cuckolded or being a backup choice, especially before the plan had even succeeded. It was absolutely crucial not to let Shen Dagon find out about any of this before everything was settled.
Xue Qingling, naturally aware of the unspoken part of Xue Wei’s words, turned to Liu Xueying. “How did he end up here?”
“He’s a student who transferred here this year…” Liu Xueying’s explanation was cut off by Xue Qingling’s angry interruption.
“Didn’t I tell you to close the academy today and prevent anyone from leaving?”
“Qingling, he’s the son of the governor. How can we just keep him in the academy?” Liu Xueying rolled her eyes in her mind. Is it only you who uses your power to suppress others?
Moreover, it was said that Second Young Master Shen hadn’t attended the academy much after he enrolled and frequently skipped classes.
Xue Qingling stood there, eyes fixed on the man she had always considered to be hers, now tightly embraced by an ordinary-looking woman. She was filled with the urge to tear her apart.
“Do you know who she is?” Xue Qingling’s voice turned cold.
“Her name is Jiang Ning, Zhuang Yunqing’s former fiancée,” Liu Xueying replied, gritting her teeth.
How could Lu Huai’an let that ugly woman get so close?
Every time she tried to approach him, he’d always kept his distance by three steps.
“She’s the woman Lu Huai’an saved a few days ago?” Xue Qingling’s voice turned even colder.
“Yes.”
“How dare she!” Xue Qingling spat furiously.
It was bad enough that an impudent student had drawn and sold a picture of Lu Huai’an holding another woman, infuriating her. She had only just managed to quell the rumors about Lu Huai’an holding another woman.
And now this woman, Jiang Ning, was here to ruin her plans.
“You’re angry? Do you think Lu Huai’an can still escape from your grasp?” Liu Xueying’s tone was laced with sarcasm.
To be honest, she didn’t fully understand Xue Qingling’s approach. In her view, suppressing a man like this would only make him more resistant.
If it weren’t for today’s incident, Jiang Ning wouldn’t have had the chance to slip in.
Although Liu Xueying disliked Jiang Ning, she hated seeing the dignified and talented Lu Huai’an being humiliated even more.
He was like the moon in the sky, meant to be noble and pure, not trampled in the mud.
“Xueying, don’t think that just because Zhuang Yunqing broke off the engagement, you can relax,” Xue Qingling said sharply, her patience with Liu Xueying running out.
Before Liu Xueying could respond, Xue Qingling’s maid hurried in and reported, “Miss, Madam sent a message asking you to hurry back. Master’s birthday is coming up.”
“I know!” Xue Qingling replied impatiently, then turned to Liu Xueying. “My people can’t move for now. You take care of her.”
“Understood. Leave it to me. A country bumpkin like her is easy to handle,” Liu Xueying said, her voice full of disdain.
She had heard that Zhuang Yunqing had already set the bait and was just waiting for the fish to bite. She hoped this time would work out smoothly.
“Good. Don’t let me down,” Xue Qingling warned before turning and leaving.
On the way, Jiang Ning glanced back from time to time. Behind her, she noticed the same luxurious carriage from before, but there were no suspicious figures following her.
She found it strange. Why aren’t they following me? Just let me pick him up like this?
(Xue Qingling: I would have sent someone to follow…)(Xue Wei: Would they dare?)
Jiang Ning quickened her pace, heading straight for the city gate.
There was a carriage rental nearby, and since Liu Daren’s ox-cart wasn’t available at this hour, a mule cart would be more convenient.
When the people in the luxurious carriage saw Jiang Ning and her companions taking a mule cart, the young servant asked, “Young Master, can we leave now?”
“Let’s go,” came the reply.
They hadn’t seen any more entertainment. What a shame!
By the time the mule cart arrived at Jiang’s house, the sun had already set. Jiang Ning paid one hundred wen for the fare and got out, still carrying Lu Huai’an.
He had regained consciousness but was still a bit disoriented.
Jiang Ning kicked the door of the courtyard and shouted, “Open up, quickly open the door!”
After a moment, there was a rustling sound from inside the courtyard.
Jiang Xiu opened the door, only to find Jiang Ning standing there, holding a man in her arms.
She widened her eyes in disbelief and asked, “Elder sister, why are you back so late… and why are you holding a strange man?”
Jiang Ning didn’t answer. She shouldered past Jiang Xiu and walked in with Lu Huai’an still in her arms.
Jiang Xiu stumbled back, a flash of dissatisfaction in her eyes, but quickly regained her composure. She called out toward the main hall, “Grandmother… Elder sister is back.”
Grandmother Jiang, from inside the hall, shouted impatiently, “So what if she’s back? Do I need to personally greet her?”
As Grandmother Jiang walked out, she was stunned to see her eldest granddaughter carrying a man. She exclaimed in shock, “You impudent girl! What is this? Why are you bringing some random man back?”
Jiang Ning remained calm as she replied, “This is your future son-in-law, Lu Xiu. I brought him back to recover. Grandmother, please have my third uncle’s room ready for him to stay in.”
Hearing that it was her third son’s room, Grandmother Jiang immediately protested, “No way!”
But when she saw Jiang Ning’s cold gaze, she flinched and changed her tune. “Fine, fine. Take him to your room.”
Jiang Ning sneered. Is my room fit for anyone to stay in? She replied, “I won’t clean it, though. I’ll throw everything out later.”
She then carried him to the west wing of the house.
Jiang Ning’s actions caused quite a stir in the Jiang family. Everyone gathered in the hall.
Jiang Ning grinned and said to Lu Huai’an, “Let me introduce you. This is Grandfather, Grandmother, Second Uncle, and Second Aunt…”