As evening fell, Chen Fan took Xia Bingqing home before heading to the Qiao residence.
The Qiao family estate was ancient and elegant, evoking the charm of a Jiangnan water town.
At night, the manor was brightly lit, exuding an extraordinary ambiance.
Arriving, he navigated the familiar paths to the inner hall.
Upon seeing Chen Fan, Qiao Xiaoxue’s face lit up with joy. She ran to his side, her figure swaying, and clasped his arm. "Brother Xiaofan, you're finally here!"
"I've missed you so much!"
Uh!
So direct!
Chen Fan was taken aback. He cleared his throat twice. "Xiaoxue, there are many people here! Mind your image!"
Qiao Xiaoxue puffed out her chest and huffed, "This is my home. Besides, Uncle Zhu is not an outsider!"
Reminded by Qiao Xiaoxue, Chen Fan indeed noticed Zhu Rong at the table.
Like Qiao Shanhe, he was an old man.
But this old man was no ordinary person. A palpable aura of killing intent emanated from him, and his eyes were even sharper than those of an eagle.
When Zhu Rong stared at him a few times, Chen Fan felt as if he were being targeted!
Qiao Shanhe also chuckled, "Alright, Xiaoxue, stop messing around!"
"But then again, there are no outsiders here!"
"Once Xiaoxue graduates, she will marry Xiao Fan!"
Hearing this, Qiao Xiaoxue blushed and smiled shyly.
Chen Fan was dumbfounded, unsure how to respond.
Zhu Rong seemed somewhat surprised. "Old Qiao, you've always been very discerning. Why aren't you picky anymore?"
Qiao Shanhe smiled faintly and replied, "Old Zhu, you're a high-ranking official in the Jiangnan military region, and yet you lack such keen insight!"
"Let me tell you, Xiao Fan is no ordinary person!"
This praise almost sent Chen Fan soaring.
"Exactly..." Qiao Xiaoxue happily waved her arm.
Zhu Rong's gaze fell upon Chen Fan, and he shook his head. "He seems very ordinary, nothing special. Old Qiao, you do like to joke around too much!"
Qiao Shanhe smiled without speaking and waved his hand. "Alright, alright, let's not talk about this anymore. Let's eat!"
Just then, a cold voice suddenly rang out.
"Elder Qiao, forgive my frankness, but an unknown person is not worthy of dining at the same table as Elder Zhu!" The speaker was a woman dressed in tight-fitting attire, with an impressive figure, but her words were rather unpleasant.
Upon hearing this, Qiao Shanhe maintained his cheerful demeanor and didn't say much.
He didn't intervene to help Chen Fan, leaving him to handle it himself.
Qiao Xiaoxue was displeased. "Sister Qiangwei, what do you mean by that?"
Zhu Rong did not stop her, as if he and Qiao Shanhe had an unspoken agreement.
They quietly watched the younger generation squabble.
Seeing this, Chen Fan inwardly cursed. These two old foxes were just as cunning as his dog-headed master!
Chen Fan knew he couldn't back down now, or he'd be looked down upon. He retorted, "You have a lovely face, but your words are so jarring. You should speak less in the future!"
Hearing this, Qiao Xiaoxue's beautiful eyes sparkled, as if saying "Well said!"
Qiangwei's gaze darkened. She suddenly straightened, thrusting her hand forward and slicing the air with a palm strike...
Seeing this, Chen Fan cursed inwardly and effortlessly dodged the attack.
This made Zhu Rong and Qiangwei's expressions stiffen, a hint of surprise appearing in their eyes.
Qiao Xiaoxue cheered, clapping her hands joyfully.
Qiao Shanhe sipped his tea, a knowing smile on his face, thoroughly pleased with Chen Fan's retort.
Good, he hadn't embarrassed him!
Qiangwei looked directly at Chen Fan. "I didn't expect you to have some skills!"