Chapter 404: Delusional Longing

“Mr. Jiang, don’t you think you owe me an explanation for what just happened?” Wan Caixuan’s expression was cold, completely ignoring the smile on Jiang Shiliu’s face. “You might be able to laugh it off, but I can’t.”

Jiang Shiliu’s petty trick had fooled neither Lin Xiao nor Wan Caixuan.

While Wan Caixuan might not have Lin Xiao’s sharp intuition, having grown up in a powerful family and seen countless schemes and deceptions, her understanding of human nature ran deeper than his.

Jiang Shiliu’s smile froze for a moment, clearly not expecting Wan Caixuan to be so direct. But he was, after all, deeply shrewd. He quickly laughed again, feigning a carefree demeanor.

“What just happened was merely a misunderstanding. I just didn’t want Miss Wan’s bodyguard to interfere with the gathering. Since Miss Wan insists on him staying, let him stay here. How about that?”

“It seems you’ve misunderstood something. Did I ever say he was my bodyguard?”

Wan Caixuan hooked her arm around Lin Xiao’s and cast a mocking look at Jiang Shiliu. “He’s my friend. Wherever he goes, I go. If Mr. Jiang doesn’t want him attending the gathering, then there’s no need for me to stay either. Besides, I wasn’t interested in your gathering to begin with.”

Lin Xiao turned his head slightly to glance at her. His heart, which had remained calm since entering the estate, stirred with a faint ripple.

How could he not recognize the intent to protect behind Wan Caixuan’s words?

With her prideful and aloof nature, such a statement from her was rare indeed.

A subtle warmth rose in Lin Xiao’s chest. The corners of his mouth lifted ever so slightly, and a fleeting smile passed over his face.

On the other side, Jiang Shiliu’s hand clenched and unclenched at his side. The smile on his face became visibly stiff. “Since Miss Wan insists, let your friend join us. One more person isn’t a problem.”

“Thank you for your understanding, Mr. Jiang,” Wan Caixuan replied flatly.

Jiang Shiliu’s mouth twitched as he turned his eyes away from her and coldly glanced at Lin Xiao, a hint of killing intent flashing faintly in his gaze. Then he turned and strode quickly toward the pavilion.

The moment he turned, his smile vanished completely. His face darkened as if it could drip water.

The real reason Jiang Shiliu had invited Wan Caixuan here was to get closer to her. His deal with Wan Shixuan was only secondary.

As one of the heirs to the Wan family, Wan Caixuan possessed immense wealth and influence. On top of that, she was breathtakingly beautiful, almost otherworldly. Countless elite young men longed for her favor.

If he could marry Wan Caixuan, not only would he gain a stunning beauty as a wife, but he’d also secure vast riches and power, giving him the chance to rise to the top in one leap.

Who could resist the lure of beauty, wealth, and power?

Jiang Shiliu was no exception.

Though he was one of the Jiang family’s heirs, he faced stiff competition. Without surviving the brutal struggle for succession, he would always remain just one of many heirs.

But if he married Wan Caixuan, things would change.

With her influence backing him, combined with his own power, he had full confidence in emerging victorious in the family power struggle to become the Jiang family’s future head.

Previously, Jiang Shiliu had placed his bet on Wan Shixuan, hoping the latter could help him. But Wan Shixuan had proved useless. Despite his advantages, he had been defeated by Wan Caixuan.

Not only did Wan Caixuan take all of Wan Shixuan’s resources, but Wan Shixuan also lost his heir status altogether, rendering Jiang Shiliu’s investment meaningless.

With Wan Caixuan gaining Wan Shixuan’s assets, her wealth and power expanded significantly, making her a leading contender for the Wan family’s inheritance.

It was for this reason that Jiang Shiliu turned his focus to Wan Caixuan.

The Jiang and Wan families had a good relationship, and Jiang Shiliu and Wan Caixuan had known each other since childhood. Although they were never close—just acquaintances—it still gave him an advantage over others.

Today’s gathering was the first step in Jiang Shiliu’s plan to pursue Wan Caixuan. But her cold attitude, coupled with her closeness to Lin Xiao, poured cold water over his head, freezing him to the core.

His plan hadn’t even begun and was already crushed in the bud.

Just seeing how Wan Caixuan defended Lin Xiao, Jiang Shiliu knew his carefully laid scheme had fallen apart. The frustration and indignation in his heart were beyond description.

In that instant, Jiang Shiliu’s hatred for Lin Xiao intensified. Jealousy burned in his chest, and he resolved to thoroughly humiliate Lin Xiao to vent his fury.

“Hmm?”

Walking beside Wan Caixuan, Lin Xiao suddenly sensed a tangible malice emanating from Jiang Shiliu, causing him to raise an eyebrow.

“What is it?” Wan Caixuan noticed his reaction.

Lin Xiao withdrew his gaze from Jiang Shiliu and said casually, “This guy named Jiang Shiliu seems to really hate me.”

Wan Caixuan glanced at Jiang Shiliu’s back and responded coolly, “That’s not surprising. Don’t be fooled by his bold and hearty exterior. He’s deeply calculating and vindictive.”

“But I’ve never done anything to provoke him.”

“Just being with me is reason enough for him to hate you.”

Wan Caixuan gave a cold snort, the corners of her lips curling into a half-smile. “Jiang Shiliu, like many others, harbors ulterior motives toward me. I came here partly to see what he wanted, and partly to make him give up completely.”

“I see.” Lin Xiao nodded.

“You don’t seem surprised.”

“Standing next to you, I’ve long accepted being a target.”

Wan Caixuan rolled her eyes at him, the gesture softening her usual aloofness and lending her a livelier charm. “You make it sound like I’m some kind of femme fatale.”

Lin Xiao replied meaningfully, “Aren’t you?”

Wan Caixuan was just about to retort when she suddenly fell silent. They had reached the pavilion.

Feeling the scorching gazes around her, her beautiful face turned cold again, and a chilly aura radiated from her, keeping others at bay.

After a moment to compose himself, Jiang Shiliu returned to his suave, confident self. He clapped his hands loudly to draw everyone’s attention and called out, “Everyone, allow me to introduce Miss Wan Caixuan of the Wan family in the imperial capital, one of the Four Beauties of the Capital.”

Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap!

Thunderous applause erupted, especially from the elite young men in the crowd, who clapped with fervor.

A trace of disgust flickered deep in Wan Caixuan’s eyes. Some girls might enjoy being in the spotlight, craving the attention of all. But she was not one of them.

After introducing Wan Caixuan, whether intentionally or not, Jiang Shiliu completely ignored Lin Xiao and began introducing the other guests to her.