Drawn Into the Maelstrom

Watching Qiao Ruoqing deflated like that, I could barely keep from laughing out loud. Her charming face instantly turned the color of pig’s liver, as if she had swallowed a lump of it whole. That look of hers was simply delightful to behold. Still, Qiao Ruoqing was someone who could endure humiliation. If Yun Rong could treat her this way before so many people, she must be even harsher back at the General’s Manor. Truly, Qiao Ruoqing was a rare master of forbearance in this world—it couldn’t have been easy for her.

But after all, I’d spent time in the General’s Manor myself; how could I not know Qiao Ruoqing’s venomous nature? I could say with certainty that Qiao Ruoqing would surely find a way to trip Yun Rong up in secret before long.

Years later, I couldn’t help but call myself a half-immortal. I’d been so accurate—it proved I wasn’t as hopelessly foolish as some might think. Of course, I’d always believed that about myself.

Yun Rong spun around to face me, shouting, “Let me tell you, I bought this from your shop!”

“If that’s how you wish it, miss, the eight hundred taels of silver can be returned to you. As for the two genuine sets of headpieces you took, let’s consider those a gift from our humble shop. However, what you’re holding now most certainly did not come from us. No matter what, I will not admit to such a thing.” I put on a stern face and shook out my sleeves.

But I still caught the words of a young maid in the crowd admiring me.

“That manager is so dignified and handsome.”

For a moment, I was at a loss for words. Was I winning hearts now? The very thought made me shiver. But that shiver was nothing compared to Yun Rong’s reaction—she actually thought I was afraid of her.

“Qiuling, go fetch the Capital Prefecture Guards. I want to see how this matter gets resolved!” Yun Rong slammed her hand on the table, and Qiuling hurried out.

Everyone waited to see the spectacle, myself included. I turned deliberately and gave Li Yexuan, standing in the corner, a look, signaling him to stay put for now.

Before long, the Prefecture Guards arrived, bowing and scraping before Yun Rong. Who didn’t know that General Yun Heng doted on his only sister? Naturally, they would take this chance to curry favor—opportunities like this didn’t come often.

“Arrest this person for me and seal up the shop,” Yun Rong ordered.

“Yes, miss, right away,” the officers replied, hurrying towards me.

“Wait.” A voice rang out. The crowd parted naturally, and Li Yexuan walked out slowly…

Inwardly, I couldn’t help but sigh. Was he going to reveal himself after all? I didn’t know why, but I simply didn’t want him drawn into this whirlpool. I had a premonition that if he got involved, things would only grow even more complicated…