A crisp slap rang out, and the woman suddenly fell silent.
"You wretch! This is Protector Ruan of the Muyun Society!" One of the men extended his free hand and backhanded her with a slap, leaving the woman’s head buzzing with the impact.
Clutching her rapidly swelling right cheek, the woman stared blankly at the expressionless Ruan Hao. It took her a while to understand the meaning of her brother’s words.
"You, you are Ruan... Protector Ruan, I’ve been wronged! My brother came to help me teach a vixen a lesson! You, you should be arresting her! That woman there!" The woman sobbed uncontrollably while pointing at Ruan Xue, who seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the drama, and shrieked her accusation.
"Huh? Huh? Who’s a vixen? This four-eyed toad—you treat him like treasure; I can’t stand him one bit!" Ruan Xue flipped her long hair and cocked an eyebrow, "Look, big brother, get these people out of here. It’s not easy getting together with Xiao Qing, and they’ve ruined it completely."
The wailing woman and the two men were taken aback and puzzled.
"Xiao Xue, you’re coming home to stay tonight. Big brother has something to ask you."
With that cold sentence from Ruan Hao, the two men and the wailing woman instantly quieted down, their faces showing terror as if they had seen something horrifying.
"You, you... Xiao, Xiao Xue, you are his..." The man named Ah Zheng pointed at Ruan Xue and then at Ruan Hao, faltering in his speech.
"What’s with the you, you, I, I, mine? His name is Ruan Hao, and mine’s Ruan Xue, genuine siblings! Blood-related, real siblings!" Ruan Xue rolled her eyes, "Scram, scram, scram! Go back where you came from! Seeing you annoys me! Take a good look at yourself in a mirror. You got to have the goods if you want to play both ends! If you’re ugly, read more books. Dude, you should go back and hit the books for a few more years before you try again!"
Ah Zheng’s face turned a kaleidoscope of colors from Ruan Xue’s words. Reluctantly, he glanced at Ruan Xue and then timidly at Ruan Hao. Ignoring his ex-girlfriend’s wails, he turned and left.
With the instigator gone, Ruan Hao looked at the crowd that had gathered and forcefully pulled the two men out. As for where he went and what he did, no one knew.
Back in the café, with the matter resolved, everyone returned to their seats to continue with their business, while Duan Tang stayed behind.
"You seem pretty free today. Is the Muyun Society not busy?" An Yiqing pushed the dessert in front of her towards Duan Tang as she spoke.
"Not too busy; it’s important to balance work and leisure. Occasionally, one needs to come out for some fresh air." Duan Tang took the dessert and scooped a bite into his mouth, then nodded in appreciation.
Ruan Xue watched Duan Tang in amazement, her eyes wide with disbelief. She knew Duan Tang always disliked sweets. Once, when she brought some for Ruan Hao and included a portion for Duan Tang, Ruan Hao lambasted her. Every time Duan Tang ate sweets, he would feel unwell for days afterward.
But now... tsk tsk, Ruan Xue thought to herself, Brother Duan is really risking it all for the lady!
Of course, An Yiqing was unaware of Duan Tang’s aversion to sweets. Seeing him eat with gusto, she handed over another plate of desserts.
Watching Duan Tang take the sweets without a change in expression and continue to eat, Ruan Xue’s eyes nearly popped out of her head. She excused herself to use the bathroom, and went straight to the restroom with her phone in hand.
"Hello? Big brother! You better come quick! Brother Duan has already wolfed down two servings of mango pudding! If he keeps this up, I reckon you’ll have to visit him in the hospital!" Ruan Xue shut the bathroom door and whispered into the phone with a sly grin.
On the other end of the line, Ruan Hao, who was busy dealing with the troublemakers, paused and, with a helpless sigh, asked softly, "Did Miss An give it to him?"
"You’re so smart, right answer, but no prize," Ruan Xue said gleefully.
"I’m on my way. You keep an eye on her, don’t let the Family Head eat any more," Ruan Hao hung up the phone, clenched his teeth, and strode away.
He just knew it! Whenever it came to An Yiqing, the Family Head had absolutely no sense!