Chapter 75 - Chapter 75: Mentioning the Past
Chapter 75: Mentioning the Past
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
Whip in hand, Jiang Pcihuan pointed at Yan Kuan. Her eyes brimmed with fierce hostility, making Yan Kuan shudder. Yet, the moment he realized his fear of a woman, a mix of shame and irritation filled his eyes. The power in Peihuan’s whip had made an impression on him.
No longer daring to provoke Jiang Pcihuan, he cast a scornful glance at Jiang Songbai. “Hiding behind a woman, what kind of man does that?”
“I will remember what happened today. I, Yan Kuan, will definitely get back at you.”
With those words, he made a swift exit, bumping into a young waiter on his way down the stairs.
The waiter, carrying a tray of food, lost his balance, and the dishes spilled over Yan Kuan. Seeing his stained clothes, Yan Kuan was angered. He kicked the waiter, sending him rolling down the stairs.
The waiter’s head was bleeding on the spot, but he didn’t dare to say anything. Looking up into Yan Kuan’s icy stare, he quickly apologized, “I’m sorry, Master Yan, I didn’t mean to, I…”
“You blind mutt!”
Before the waiter could finish, Yan Kuan kicked him again. Watching from upstairs, Jiang Songbai instinctively moved to intervene, only to be stopped by Jiang Pcihuan.
Pcihuan, noticing his puzzled look, said calmly, “You can help him once, but not always. If you step in, Yan Kuan will only target him more.”
Downstairs, Yan Kuan’s anger subsided slightly seeing the bloodied waiter. He shot a cold glance at Jiang Pcihuan and the others upstairs before striding away from the Pines and Cranes pavilion.
Despite the waiter being covered in blood, his injuries were superficial. Jiang Pcihuan sighed in relief. She could have intervened but that could have made things worse for the waiter.
Once the waiter was back on his feet, Peihuan turned to Liu Xin and asked softly, “Miss Liu, are you alright?”
After the waiter stood up, Jian Peihuan turned to Liu Xin and asked softly,” Miss Liu, are you alright?”
Liu Xin, still shaken, managed a smile when she heard Jiang Peihuan’s voice. She bowed and said, “Thank you for today, Eldest Miss.”
“There’s no need for formalities, Miss Liu,” Jiang Peihuan replied, “You’re Songbai’s cousin and my Aunt’s niece. You don’t need to address me like a stranger.”
“This year I turn seventeen, making me a year younger than you. If you don’t mind, may I call you ‘Sister Jiang’ from now on?”
“Of course.”
In her past life, Jiang Peihuan hadn’t had much interaction with Liu Xin, yet the few times their gazes met, she was able to perceive the clear, sincere eyes and candid demeanor of Liu Xin, signaling her virtuous character.
Upon seeing Jiang Peihuan’s nod of acknowledgement, a smile flickered in Liu Xin’s eyes. She continued, “If that’s the case, Sister Jiang, there’s no need for formalities. Call me Xin Er, like Aunt does.”
“Sure.”
“My mother and third aunt are in the private room. Xin Er, you and Songbai should join us,” Jiang Peihuan proposed, to which she got a nod from Liu Xin.
Subsequently, Jiang Peihuan escorted both of them into the private room.
The clamor from outside was quite audible within the private room. However, if Xue Yan and Liu Xiu stepped out, the situation would be different, hence Jiang Peihuan decided to go out on her own.
“Xin Er, how are you doing? Are you hurt anywhere?” asked Liu Xiu, worry clouding her eyes. Even though she was aware that with Jiang Peihuan present, Liu Xin wouldn’t be easily disadvantaged, she’s still concerned about her safety.
As Liu Xin entered the room, Liu Xiu quickly took her hand. The Liu family was prospering, but there were hardly any girls. In Liu Xiu’s generation, she was the only one, hence she had four older brothers looking out for her.
By the time Liu Xin’s generation arrived, the number of girls in the Liu family had increased, but Liu Xin was the only legitimate child.
Liu Xiu had only one son, Jiang Songbai, and she always treated Liu Xin, her niece, like her own daughter.
Seeing Liu Xiu’s eyes filled with worry, Liu Xin quickly reassured her, “Aunt, you need not worry, I’m perfectly fine.”
Having comforted Liu Xiu, Liu Xin turned her attention to Xue Yan and respectfully greeted her, “Madam, Xin Er pays her respects.”
“Rise, dear,” replied Xue Yan. Having been through many battles, she was seasoned at reading people. Seeing the transparency in Liu Xin’s eyes, she smiled and nodded, then softly added, “We’re all family here, there’s no need for formal titles. Like Changbai, you can call me Auntie.”
“Yes, Auntie.”
“Today is our first meeting. I’m not fond of wearing jewelry, but this bracelet was something I used to wear in my younger days. It isn’t particularly valuable, but I’d like you to have it as a welcoming gift.”
While speaking, Xue Yan removed a bracelet from her wrist. The bracelet was of an average quality, but had an appealing style, adorned with delicate carvings.
Liu Xin instinctively glanced at her aunt, who reassured her, “This is from your sister-in-law, you should accept it.” Seeing her niece’s expression, Liu Xiu added with a chuckle.
Acknowledging this, Liu Xin extended her hands and graciously accepted the bracelet from Xue Yan, “Thank you, Auntie.”
“Sister Xin Er, how did you end up coming to the Pine and Crane Pavilion with Second Brother today? And even running into that Yan Kuan,” Jiang Sijin asked once everyone had settled down.
Being about the same age as Jiang Songbai, Jiang Sijin often hung out with him, hence, she had seen Liu Xin a few times.
Liu Xin briefly explained what had happened in response to Sijin’s curiosity. From her explanation, Jiang Peihuan was able to fully grasp the situation.
Liu Xin had stepped out today mainly to inspect the performance of her family’s store. Given her family’s worry about her being alone, Liu Xin’s father had suggested that Jiang Songbai accompany her, as Liu Xin’s brothers were already familiar faces at the store.
Being Liu Xiu’s only son, Jiang Songbai was cherished by his uncles from the Liu family, resulting in a warm relationship between him and the Liu family.
Upon receiving the letter from his uncle, Jiang Songbai had promptly made his way to the Liu family.
All had gone as planned until Liu Xin, not wanting Jiang Songbai to return home hungry, had brought him to the Pine and Crane Pavilion. They had intended to part ways after their meal, only to unexpectedly cross paths with Yan Kuan.
“What happened after that was exactly what you saw, Sister Jiang.”
“This Yan Kuan is nothing more than a domineering bully,” Jiang Sijin fumed after hearing Liu Xin’s story. “His sister was the cause of Eldest Sister falling into the water last time, and today he dared to harass Sister Xin Er. The next time I see him, I swear I’ll teach him a proper lesson.”
Jiang Sijin heard Liu Xin’s words, her eyes were filled with anger.
At this, Xue Yan looked at Jiang Peihuan thoughtfully. “Huan Er, was your previous fall into the water connected to Yan’s Second Miss?”
Feeling everyone’s gaze upon her, Jiang Peihuan responded calmly, “I had fainted by then, so I’m not entirely sure.”
She was well aware of the truth. Her fall was indeed related to Yan Xin, but Yan Xin had been acting under someone else’s instructions.
“The only one with Eldest Sister at that time was Yan family’s Second Miss.. If not her, who else could it have been?”