"Third Brother, is this a new retainer you've taken in?" Nangong Yi asked curiously. "Doesn't he know how to keep his distance? He's even steaming fish for Third Sister-in-law!"
"Are you jealous?"
Nangong Yi snorted, "The chefs in my manor are skilled. I can have anything I want to eat. Why would I be jealous of others? It's just that Third Sister-in-law seems to be enjoying it."
"He's a physician, and your Third Sister-in-law hasn't had much appetite these past few days. It's likely this gentleman has his reasons for asking her to eat fish," Nangong Yan said gently. "Your wedding day is also approaching. Why are you here instead of preparing at your own manor?"
"Those matters are handled by the subordinates," Nangong Yi flipped over the railing and headed straight for the pavilion in the center of the lake. He also wanted to try the lotus leaf steamed fish; the aroma had reached him from afar. He hadn't planned on leaving on an empty stomach today.
"Greetings, Sir." Nangong Yi bowed. "Are you fishing?"
Xiao Man glanced at Nangong Yi. This brat, so close to getting married, was still so nonchalant. He'd be in for it once Miss Du entered the family.
Seeing that the other party ignored him, Nangong Yi immediately mimicked Xiao Man, sitting on the railing. "Sir, could you steam a fish for me too?"
Xiao Man flicked a glance at Nangong Yi out of the corner of his eye, remaining silent. Nangong Yi edged closer to Xiao Man, the faint fragrance entering his nose, carrying a hint of familiarity. A flicker of confusion crossed Nangong Yi's eyes. Just as he was about to move closer, Xiao Man suddenly bumped him with his shoulder. Nangong Yi, completely caught off guard, plunged into the lake.
"Thirteenth Brother!" Nangong Yan exclaimed in shock, watching Nangong Yi struggle in the lake. He then looked at Xiao Man. Xiao Man reeled in his fishing rod, bowed to Nangong Yan with elegant posture and leisurely steps, and left the scene without a hint of guilt for pushing someone into the lake.
"Someone, quickly rescue Thirteenth Brother!"
Nangong Yi was fished out of the lake by the guards, still clutching a fish in his hand. As soon as he was out, he looked around, "Where is he? I even caught a fish!"
Nangong Yan looked at the mud-covered Nangong Yi, still preoccupied with the fish. His mouth twitched. "Thirteenth Brother, you should go clean up and change your clothes first."
Nangong Yi ignored his muddy state. "Third Brother, where does Sir live? I'll wash up there and ask him to steam my fish for me!"
"Sir prefers quiet and dislikes being disturbed."
"It's fine, I won't bother him, I'll be very quiet!" Nangong Yi grabbed a nearby guard. "Take me to Sir's place."
Seeing Nangong Yi heading straight for Xiao Qin's courtyard, Nangong Yan, afraid he might displease Xiao Qin and cause him to leave, quickly followed.
However, as soon as he reached the entrance, someone flew out. Nangong Yan quickly moved aside and saw Nangong Yi fall to the ground, leaving an imprint. As Nangong Yi sat up, another fish flew out and hit him in the face before falling to the ground, struggling its last breaths.
Nangong Yan had intended to help Nangong Yi up, but seeing his disheveled state, he suppressed the urge. "Thirteenth Brother, Mr. Xiao has a bit of a temper."
Nangong Yi turned his head. "Surname Xiao?"
"Yes, Mr. Xiao's surname is Xiao, and his given name is Qin."
Nangong Yi tilted his head in thought, picked up the fish from the ground, and went back inside. Nangong Yan stood at the doorway, not entering. Given the gentleman's temper, Thirteenth Brother would likely be thrown out again in moments.
As Nangong Yi walked in, he began to undress, not forgetting to hold the fish he'd caught. He placed the fish in the water缸 in the courtyard and washed his hands and face with water from the缸.
Xiao Man turned his head, his expression unreadable. A triumphant smile flickered in Nangong Yi's eyes. He quickly stripped down to his underpants, scooping water with a ladle to bathe himself. "Sir, could you hand me a towel and lend me some clothes?"
Xiao Man pretended not to hear and went into the house, ignoring him.
Seeing no response, Nangong Yi wasn't annoyed. He scooped water and washed himself from head to toe before striding into the house.
"Sir, the towel." Nangong Yi stood naked in front of Xiao Man, who quickly covered his eyes with his hands.
"Get out."
Nangong Yi remained unmoved, searching for a towel himself. "We're both men, what are you shy about? Where's the towel?"
Hearing this, Xiao Man glared at Nangong Yi's retreating back, wishing he could bore a hole through him. Did people expose themselves so casually in front of others? No wonder he was labeled a playboy.
Nangong Yi searched for a long time but found no towel. He returned to Xiao Man naked. "Towel, clothes."
"There aren't any!"
"Then I'll stay like this." Nangong Yi then sat down next to Xiao Man. "Sir, I caught a fish, and I want to eat your steamed fish!"
"If you want to eat it, go make it yourself!"
"I only know how to roast. Shall I roast fish for you, Sir?" Nangong Yi asked with shining eyes.
Xiao Man found it unbearable to stare at Nangong Yi, especially since he was wearing nothing but a damp undergarment that clung to him like he was wearing nothing at all!
Yet, Nangong Yi, oblivious to his discomfort, kept moving around in front of Xiao Man. Xiao Man, at his wit's end and about to strike him, was interrupted as Nangong Yan entered with clothes and a towel.
"Clothes, towel. Put them on quickly, don't offend Sir."
Nangong Yi took them with a smile, wiped himself dry, and began to dress in front of them. Nangong Yan turned away uncomfortably. Xiao Man's hand, gripping his teacup, turned pale, and he was on the verge of exploding. Nangong Yan subtly blocked the space between them, fearing they might fight.
After Nangong Yi was dressed, he tucked the hem of his shirt into his belt and rolled up his sleeves. "Sir, I'll go make roast fish for you."
Nangong Yan looked at Nangong Yi, who had run out to kill the fish, then at Xiao Man. "My Thirteenth Brother is a bit... a bit... unrestrained. Please forgive him, Sir."
Xiao Man gave Nangong Yan a strained smile. His fingers tightened slightly, and the teacup in his hand shattered. Nangong Yan thought to himself, Thirteenth Brother is truly capable to anger Sir. Should he leave to avoid being caught in the crossfire?
"You, go catch two more fish." Nangong Yi ran to the doorway and ordered the guards to catch more fish before going back to kill them, doing so with a skilled air.
Nangong Yan and Xiao Man sat facing each other, watching the scene of the handsome man killing fish outside. They remained silent. Even Nangong Yan didn't understand why Nangong Yi was so persistent in bothering Xiao Qin.
His gaze fell on Xiao Qin's face. His features weren't outstanding, just pleasant to look at. If he were a woman, he'd be considered a simple beauty. Nangong Yi was known to love beauty; any one of his many female companions could be considered stunning. Why was he fixated on Xiao Qin?