"I... I..." Qinghuan had many words she wanted to say, even wishing she could present herself better.
She hated herself for being unable to utter a single word at such a crucial moment. For making such a mistake.
"Young Master Ling, I..." Qinghuan was filled with remorse.
She didn't know what was wrong with her, why she couldn't even speak clearly. How could she get what she wanted like this?
"I remember you. Your 'good days' are yet to come."
Qinghuan was overwhelmed by his words. She shyly looked at Ling Chiyuan. If it weren't for her desire to make a good impression on Ling Chiyuan, she wouldn't be standing here now.
Ling Chiyuan saw the calculations and greed in Qinghuan's eyes clearly. His own eyes showed disgust. This woman truly wanted to kill her.
He had finally encountered a little beauty, only to be disturbed by her appearance.
Ling Chiyuan maintained his smile, acting like a scoundrel. "Little beauty, I truly have urgent matters. Otherwise, I would never be willing to leave." After speaking, he whispered in Qinghuan's ear before leaving.
This was Ling Chiyuan's usual tactic, but his actions made Qinghuan's heart flutter. Qinghuan was already so overjoyed that she had lost all sense of self.
She saw Ling Chiyuan as her possession.
She constantly anticipated when she would see Ling Chiyuan again. Perhaps, next time, Ling Chiyuan would take her away from here. After all, he had said she was special.
Qinghuan was ecstatic, but at that moment, she encountered Feng Ran. Remembering how close Feng Ran and Ling Chiyuan had been earlier, she was filled with disgust. She reached out, her eyes growing more vicious. She thought how wonderful it would be to push Feng Ran off right then.
However, bound by Aunt Sheng's words, she dared not act. She could only stare fiercely at Feng Ran and sneer, "Heh, Feng Ran, don't think of snatching someone who doesn't belong to you from me."
"Feng Ran, you have Aunt Sheng protecting you now, but Aunt Sheng can't protect you forever, can she? One day, I will make you pay."
Feng Ran looked at the person threatening and insulting her. The Qinghuan of the past was not like this. The saying "times have changed and people have changed" was most fitting for her.
The corners of her lips curled into a smile, her face pale and devoid of light. She glanced at Qinghuan, her eyes filled with coldness, but she said nothing. Turning away, she acted as if Qinghuan were a madwoman.
Qinghuan glared fiercely at Feng Ran, her eyes like poisoned darts, almost wishing to destroy the person before her. How could Feng Ran be so arrogant? A lowly person like her should be humble, self-pitying, and live in the dirt. Yet, she acted so proud. Heh, she had even caused the ruin of the Feng family. What right did she have to live in this world?
Everyone knew the rumors about Feng Ran; she was an unfortunate person. But why did so many people still pay attention to her? Recalling Ling Chiyuan's words, his handsome face, and what he had said to her, she was already smitten. However, the thought of Feng Ran using vulgar means to seduce Ling Chiyuan made her want to destroy Feng Ran.
Just then, Lihua happened to pass by. Seeing Qinghuan's hatred for Feng Ran, she blocked Feng Ran, shoving her and pinching her arm forcefully, sneeringly saying, "Feng Ran, you still have the nerve to appear before Qinghuan? Haven't you caused Qinghuan enough misery?"
"Before, Aunt Sheng was very fond of Qinghuan, but it was your appearance that changed Aunt Sheng. Feng Ran, you are a jinx. Anyone who meets you will become unfortunate."
Feng Ran was already accustomed to such words. She paid no attention to the various insults.
Qinghuan had not intended to confront Feng Ran initially. After all, the lesson from last time was still fresh in her memory. But with Lihua fanning the flames, if she said nothing, Lihua would surely spread rumors. Therefore, to show Lihua that she was not afraid of Feng Ran and not afraid of trouble, she finally spoke.
Qinghuan let out a cold snort, sneeringly saying, "Heh, didn't Feng Ran say she sells her skills but not her body? Yet, I saw her using vulgar methods to seduce Ling Chiyuan."
Ling Chiyuan? The women of Chun Manyuan all knew Ling Chiyuan.
"Ling Chiyuan? Is it Young Master Ling?" Lihua tightly grasped Qinghuan's hand. She was gripping so hard that she left handprints on Qinghuan's arm, yet she didn't notice, her voice filled with excitement as she questioned, "Is it Young Master Ling of the Ling family?"
Qinghuan frowned slightly but nodded.
Lihua spat and grabbed Feng Ran's hair, her eyes bloodshot as she ferociously demanded, "You lowly wretch, do you think someone as base as you can covet Young Master Ling?"
"Heh, I really underestimated you. All smiles to my face, but a viper behind my back."
"Ling Chiyuan seems quite disgusted with Feng Ran, yet Feng Ran clings to him relentlessly," Qinghuan said, her eyes full of calculation.
Relentlessly clinging? How dare Feng Ran do that? She was hoping to make a good impression on Ling Chiyuan herself. But Feng Ran had made her move first. As expected, lowlifes are just lowlifes.
Lihua was now blinded by rage and had forgotten Aunt Sheng's instructions. She slapped Feng Ran across the face, gritting her teeth and saying, "Feng Ran, put away your filthy heart. Ling Chiyuan belongs to me. No one can take him away."
Seeing this, Qinghuan's face was filled with triumphant smiles. Feng Ran, you'll have your comeuppance this time. It's great. I was just wondering how to make a move, and someone just stepped up, let me use them, and even thanked me foolishly. Heh, how ridiculous. But this is good, it perfectly fulfills my wish.
"Oh, and I remember Ling Chiyuan wanted to leave, but Feng Ran wouldn't let him go and pestered him. I really can't say what she said and did," Qinghuan said, feigning distress.
Provoked by Qinghuan, Lihua's face turned extremely grim, and she had already attacked. Qinghuan pretended to try and dissuade her, but the delighted smile on her face whenever she saw Feng Ran being beaten could not be hidden. Lihua, with her eyes already bloodshot with rage, naturally wouldn't notice Qinghuan.
Heh, see, this is the consequence of offending me. Feng Ran, let's see how smug you can still be. Even if Aunt Sheng protects you, what of it? Aunt Sheng can't protect you forever.
Feng Ran did not fight back. Her face was already swollen and bruised beyond recognition, and blood trickled from her lips. Lihua showed no signs of stopping, continuing to strike. Seeing Feng Ran's silence and the mocking smile on her lips, Lihua could no longer hold back. She gave Feng Ran a forceful push, and Feng Ran's forehead smashed against a sharp corner. Blood gushed from her forehead, covering her face. It was a shocking sight.