Before exchanging those words with Mu Anxiao and facing reality, Feng Qishi hadn’t noticed anything amiss about Zhao Xiang. But now, he clearly sensed that the Zhao Xiang before him was not the one he knew.
His questions were merely a way to dig deeper into Zhao Xiang’s schemes.
Yet, from Zhao Xiang’s sudden silence, Feng Qishi realized—he was hiding something.
So, he deliberately pressed, *"Why so quiet?"*
Zhao Xiang snapped out of his thoughts and looked up at Feng Qishi. *"I... I’m embarrassed."*
*"Embarrassed? Why?"* Feng Qishi feigned confusion.
*"It’s been a month since we last met. Seeing you again makes me a little nervous. After all..."* Zhao Xiang lowered his gaze, *"you’re still my superior."*
*"That’s all?"*
*"Yes. I was too shy to speak. And... I never told you my true identity before. I feel guilty about that."*
*"I don’t care about that."*
*"But I still lied to you. I’m sorry."* Zhao Xiang wore a look of remorse.
Feng Qishi sighed. *"You always were quick to apologize."*
Hearing this, Mu Anxiao shot him a glance. *Is he softening again?*
At the same time, A’Mei gracefully stepped behind Feng Qishi. *"Young Master, are you really giving me to her?"* She tilted her head slightly, staring at the back of his head.
Feng Qishi turned sharply, his brow furrowing. *"..."*
A’Mei flinched under his gaze.
*"Did you not see me speaking with him?"* His voice was icy.
Trembling, A’Mei stammered, *"Young Master, I... I saw."* She didn’t dare act rashly, afraid of further displeasing him.
Feng Qishi didn’t respond. Instead, he glanced back at Zhao Xiang, who was calmly staring at A’Mei. *"See how ill-mannered she is?"*
*"This girl has spirit,"* Zhao Xiang remarked, still eyeing A’Mei.
A’Mei squirmed under his scrutiny.
Mu Anxiao smirked. *"I think I’ve got spirit too."*
Zhao Xiang’s expression darkened instantly as he turned to her. *"What does this have to do with you?"* His tone had done a complete 180.
Mu Anxiao grinned. *"Actually, I’m prettier than her."* She pointed at A’Mei.
A’Mei stiffened in embarrassment.
Feng Qishi frowned down at Mu Anxiao’s boldness.
Meanwhile, Zhao Xiang’s face twisted in disgust. *"Give it a rest."*
*"Rest what?"*
*"Stop talking. You’re ugly, and yet you dare compare yourself to A’Mei? Who do you think you are?"* Zhao Xiang deliberately adopted the tone of a spoiled noble.
Mu Anxiao let out a cold laugh.
*"What’s so funny? Can’t handle the truth?"* Zhao Xiang glared.
*"You’re the one who should give it a rest,"* Mu Anxiao sneered. *"You think you’re so handsome? You’re just a mangy mutt draped in fancy furs."*
*"You’re insulting me!"*
*"Mangy mutt. That’s what you are."* Mu Anxiao’s words were calculated to provoke him. Behind her back, she gathered energy in her palm, readying a spell.
*"You—"*
*"Apologize,"* Feng Qishi cut in sharply.
Mu Anxiao looked up at him, feigning indignation. *"Why should I? He called me ugly!"*
*"Just treat it as nonsense. You’re the daughter of the Mu family—such vulgar language is beneath you."* Feng Qishi played along, subtly guiding her.
Understanding his cue, Mu Anxiao nodded at Zhao Xiang. *"Fine. I won’t stoop to a mutt’s level."*
*"You—!"*
*"What now? I’m already ignoring you. What more do you want?"* She waved him off lazily, then turned back to Feng Qishi. *"I’ll teach her manners properly. Don’t worry."*
*"When you teach her, don’t—"*
*"I know. I won’t say anything crude in front of her."*
*"Remember your words."* Feng Qishi stepped aside.
A’Mei bowed slightly. *"Young Master, I’ll take my leave."*
*"Say ‘this servant,’"* Mu Anxiao corrected.
A’Mei hesitated, glanced at Mu Anxiao, then—remembering Zhao Xiang’s terrifying behavior—decided to comply. *"This servant takes her leave."*
Mu Anxiao smirked, dispersing the spell in her palm. *"General Shen, if this works out, you could hire me to teach etiquette in your estate. But my rates vary per person, so—"*
*"Enough. Go."*
Mu Anxiao had always been fixated on money, but Feng Qishi knew this was her Achilles’ heel. By cutting her off, he ensured Zhao Xiang couldn’t exploit it.
Mu Anxiao huffed. *"Won’t even let me finish. Fine, we’ll discuss payment privately."* She turned to Zhao Xiang, who seemed lost in thought. *"What’s on your mind?"*
Zhao Xiang snapped back to reality and glared.
Mu Anxiao rolled her eyes and turned away.
A’Mei hurried after her—but as she passed Zhao Xiang, he suddenly grabbed her arm.
A’Mei froze. *"What are you doing?"* Panic laced her voice.
Zhao Xiang glanced down at her, then at Feng Qishi. *"I can teach her manners too."*
*"You—"*
*"Mo Yun, if you consider me a brother, hand her over. If not..."* Zhao Xiang’s eyes turned menacing. *"Keep refusing me."*
Mu Anxiao turned to watch silently, assessing the situation.
Feng Qishi scowled. *"Are you threatening me?"*
*"Yes."* Zhao Xiang smirked. *"Seems you still don’t know me well, Mo Yun. I have one excellent habit—want to hear it?"*
Feng Qishi stayed silent.
Zhao Xiang chuckled darkly. *"When I want something, I take it. Right now, I want A’Mei. No negotiations."*
*"You—"*
*"If you refuse..."* Zhao Xiang yanked A’Mei against him, gripping her throat. *"I’ll lose control."*
A’Mei trembled, tears streaming. *"Young Master... save me!"*
Feng Qishi hadn’t expected this. Stunned, he struggled for words.
Mu Anxiao observed Zhao Xiang coldly for a few seconds before remarking, *"Throwing a tantrum when you don’t get your way? How ungentlemanly."* She stepped forward.
Zhao Xiang snarled, dragging A’Mei back. *"Stay where you are!"*