The maid walked into the crowd, bowed to everyone, and then said, "Excuse me, ladies, today’s Flower Appreciation Society is over. Our young master says that the potted flowers in the courtyard will be given to you all as a keepsake. Please follow me."
Upon hearing this, Wang Xiangxiang looked outside the crowd and saw the scowling face of that no-good man. With a glare, she sent a sharp look his way; it was clear he was out to ruin her good fortune.
Fortunately for her, she had almost finished her talks. If all went well, she would be able to open up the market for underwear among the ladies, and she had also leaked news about the new pajamas. She was just waiting to collect the money.
Today had not been a waste—she could wrap up perfectly.
She stood up, walked up to the no-good man, and with a mischievous smile on her lips, she waved the bundle of contracts in her hand. "I borrowed your precious place for a bit, and these can serve as the interest for the damage done to my reputation."
Having said that, she walked toward the exit, waving her hands and saying, "I’m leaving, never to see you again."
Chu Lian clenched his fists, watching the willful woman walk away. He was furious, smoke practically billowing from his seven orifices. She was truly pushing his limits. He gritted his teeth, thinking if there was a next time, he would definitely make her pay.
He turned and left, heading to his own courtyard.
In the bustling yard, everyone’s attention had been captured by the dazzling Wang Xiangxiang, and no one noticed that there had been someone watching for a long time—this person was none other than the head of the Chu Mansion.
Old Master Chu returned to the front hall with a smile, not even entering yet.
Laughter could be heard from inside the house, "Hahaha!"
"Old Master, what are you laughing about?" Mrs. Chu, puzzled, couldn’t see what was amusing about a simple outing.
"I witnessed a splendid performance, haha!"
"..." Mrs. Chu was even more puzzled. It was just a competition of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, something all the young ladies excelled at—what could be so splendid about that, it must have been downright boring.
"My dear, you really should have come with me." Old Master Chu’s face showed sympathy for Mrs. Chu.
"What exactly happened to make you so happy?"
"That was no ordinary competition. That woman who stormed into our mansion, she competed with everyone at once in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting and won decisively."
This statement indeed shocked Mrs. Chu. She hadn’t expected such an exceptional person in such a small place. Now that he mentioned it, she too wanted to meet this woman.
As they were talking, Chu Huan entered the room and immediately flopped onto a chair. "I have finally sent those people off."
Scolded again by her mother, she straightened her back, shrugged her shoulders, and smiled, because she was about to discuss something of great interest to her mother, "Mom, I think I may have found a sister-in-law this time."
Sure enough, Mrs. Chu’s eyes lit up at these words, and she eagerly asked, "Quick, tell me, which girl has your brother taken a fancy to? I’ll prepare the engagement right away."
Chu Huan scoffed disdainfully, "Forget about the engagement; she might not even fancy my brother."
Upon hearing this, Mrs. Chu frowned, her expression turning ugly as she said sternly, "Who is she, then? My son is outstanding; how could she not fancy him?"
Old Master Chu, on the other hand, took hold of his wife, trying to soothe her, "My dear, calm down."
"How can I calm down? After so many years, our son finally likes someone, and she doesn’t like him back. At this rate, when are we going to see a grandson? What is lacking in our family? What is lacking with our son? Just who is this girl?"
Mrs. Chu was getting more and more agitated.