Xia Lan walked toward Xia Chuyi with the appearance of a fragile and timid young woman.
"Chuyi!" As she approached, Xia Lan called out softly.
Xia Chuyi raised an eyebrow. "Is there something you need?"
"Chuyi, can you come aside with me?" Xia Lan’s eyes flickered, glancing at Huo Shiqian and then back at Xia Chuyi. In a weak voice, she said, "I’d like to talk to you for a moment."
Since their major fallout, Xia Lan had not put on this pretentious act for a long time, yet here she was, reverting to old habits...
Xia Chuyi glanced at Huo Shiqian. Was it because he was here?
Truly, Xia Lan knew how to exploit her "feminine charm."
However, Huo Shiqian frowned.
This woman, he remembered, had once plotted against Xia Chuyi.
Noticing Huo Shiqian watching her, Xia Lan revealed a shy smile.
But Huo Shiqian didn’t spare her another glance, turning his head to Xia Chuyi with a stern face, "Do you want to talk to her?"
He was now wary of most people from the Xia Family.
Xia Chuyi gave him a smile, saying, "Some things, it’s time to clarify."
The two talked as if no one else was present, leaving Xia Lan feeling a flash of embarrassment on her face.
"Brother Shi Qian, I’ll step away for a moment," Xia Chuyi said to Huo Shiqian with a smile.
"Mhm," Huo Shiqian nodded, replying indifferently.
Neither of them paid any attention to Xia Lan.
Xia Lan clenched her teeth, watching Xia Chuyi with a tinge of jealousy.
Xia Chuyi, on the other hand, had already walked to the side, hands in pockets, chin upturned, commanding Xia Lan, "Let’s go."
Xia Lan, feeling aggrieved, nevertheless followed her.
When they were far enough from Huo Shiqian and sure no one else could overhear, Xia Lan dropped the gentle act.
She accused Xia Chuyi first, "Xia Chuyi, honestly, you’re not a virgin anymore, right? That man has already slept with you, hasn’t he?"
"Your sudden change back then was because a high-ranking military officer slept with you, so you looked down on Brother Qing, right?"
Pride flashed in Xia Lan’s eyes, as if she understood everything.
"Xia Chuyi, let me tell you, do you really think that high-ranking officer will marry you? He won’t. He’s just enamored with your youth and novelty."
Pausing deliberately, Xia Lan posed as if she was speaking out of concern, "So, while he still wants you, you should ask for more benefits from him; otherwise, you’ll regret it later!"
"Get some benefits for me too, and I’ll make sure to keep your secret. How about that?" Xia Lan said, thinking herself clever, her eyes gleaming with excitement akin to a rat finding cooking oil.
Smiling without reaching her eyes, Xia Chuyi retorted, "Whether I’m a virgin or not, what business is it of yours?"
"You seduce someone else’s fiancé before your marriage, and think others would sell their bodies for gain?"
"You!" Xia Lan choked, her expression turning hideous, "I, we are in true love! We did it because of love..."
"Enough! I’ve no interest in hearing the sordid details of your affairs!" Xia Chuyi cleaned her ears.
Enraged, Xia Lan snapped, "Xia Chuyi, aren’t you afraid I’ll tell others about how you got played?"
"Afraid?" She glanced toward the main branch of the Xia Family, saying, "Xia Lan, see that? Those people from the main branch of the Xia Family, they crossed me, and I personally dragged them through the mud."
Pausing, she looked at Xia Lan, casually adding, "You know why I detest you deeply, yet still came here to talk with you?"