Feng Ran shivered, truly startled by Xiao Lan Jue’s sudden change. She felt uncomfortable with Xiao Lan Jue’s closeness and struggled to break free. But at that moment, Xiao Lan Jue whispered in her ear again, "Feng Ran, look, someone is watching."
"You must remember to perform well."
Feng Ran forgot to struggle and her gaze fell on Xiao Lan Jue, her eyes filled with disbelief. Why would he suddenly say such a thing? It wasn't like this before. From behind, the intense gaze made Feng Ran realize someone was watching her. Xiao Lan Jue whispered in her ear again, "Don't turn around, Xuan Yuan Heng is watching. Don't you want to see him in a fit of rage?"
Feng Ran hesitated for a moment, then quickly nodded, softly replying, "Yes."
Upon hearing Feng Ran’s words, Xiao Lan Jue burst into laughter. Feng Ran was indeed much more interesting. "Feng Ran, do you want to see Xuan Yuan Heng go mad and crazy for you?"
When Feng Ran heard Xiao Lan Jue's words, for some reason, she nodded directly. Perhaps Xiao Lan Jue had hit upon her true feelings. That's why she nodded without hesitation. Perhaps she also wanted to see Xuan Yuan Heng angry.
Just as Feng Ran was about to ask Xiao Lan Jue what she should do, Xiao Lan Jue directly pulled her into his embrace. "Feng Ran, come closer, you can put your arms around my neck. I think, if nothing unexpected happens, Xuan Yuan Heng will definitely step forward and drag you away."
Hearing this, Feng Ran looked at Xiao Lan Jue with disbelief. Her frightened eyes seemed to be stunned by his words. Although she felt that what Xiao Lan Jue said was hard to accept, she still did as he said obediently. Because, in her heart, she still wanted to see Xuan Yuan Heng’s angry expression for her sake. Ultimately, there was a lingering desire. She knew very well that such a desire was impossible for her, yet she felt a flicker of longing.
"Feng Ran, you're also tempted, aren't you?" Xiao Lan Jue’s lips curved into a smile, a smile that was somewhat irritating. His gaze was alluring and captivating. Had anyone else seen it, they might have been drawn in. But Feng Ran, the person before him, was not. Xiao Lan Jue kept whispering in her ear, and Feng Ran was finally persuaded. Her hand slowly moved to circle his neck, and she obeyed Xiao Lan Jue even more, leaning her entire body against him.
Xiao Lan Jue and Feng Ran’s actions were extremely intimate. The onlookers trembled all over, for Xuan Yuan Heng exuded a terrifying aura. They didn’t even dare to breathe deeply, for fear of getting involved. Feng Ran also sensed the icy, death-like gaze but ultimately endured it. Feeling someone approach, Feng Ran wanted to know what was happening behind her. Suddenly, her arm was tightly grasped, and she was forcefully pulled up. Before Feng Ran could comprehend what was happening, Xuan Yuan Heng had already dragged her away.
Xuan Yuan Heng left the guests at the banquet in their place. Naturally, those people dared not say anything. And without Xuan Yuan Heng’s permission, they wouldn’t dare to leave. At this moment, all eyes were on Xiao Lan Jue, their gazes full of admiration. Xiao Lan Jue said with a helpless expression, "Even I can't do anything."
The crowd, hearing this, would not believe Xiao Lan Jue’s nonsense. However, they were even more afraid to offend Xiao Lan Jue. Yet, their eyes remained fixed on Xiao Lan Jue. Xiao Lan Jue sighed with a sigh of helplessness and desolation, "It's useless for you to look at me."
"You don't even see that the person I brought has been snatched away by the Regent."
"Did you hear what I said?"
"So, are you looking to the wrong person?"
After speaking, Xiao Lan Jue loudly shouted towards Xuan Yuan Heng's retreating back, "Xuan Yuan Heng, have you forgotten? I brought her here. You snatch my person in front of so many people like this. What exactly do you want?"
"Although this woman is from Chunman Yuan, she is loyal to the person she serves."
"Can the dignified Regent stoop to snatching people? If this word gets out, won't it cause gossip?"
Hearing this, the faces of the onlookers turned pale. This was not saving them; it was pushing them into a fiery pit. Xiao Lan Jue was truly unreliable. These infuriating words would surely enrage Xuan Yuan Heng, and he would retaliate against them. But with Xiao Lan Jue’s status, Xuan Yuan Heng certainly wouldn't act against him. However, they were likely in for a miserable time.
Xuan Yuan Heng said coldly, "Is that so?"
Xuan Yuan Heng, who had already started to leave, turned back upon hearing Xiao Lan Jue's words. He grabbed Feng Ran and pulled her towards Xiao Lan Jue, saying coldly, "Feng Ran, clarify, were you forced by this King, or did you willingly follow me?"
Just as Feng Ran was about to answer, Xuan Yuan Heng seemed to recall something and whispered coldly in her ear, "Feng Ran, think carefully before you answer."
"Otherwise, your life could be forfeit at any moment."
"Your Highness, I naturally..."
Before Feng Ran could finish speaking, Xuan Yuan Heng interrupted her. A sinister smile spread across his face, and he said with a bloodthirsty tone, "Feng Ran, if what you say displeases me, then everyone here will have to pay with their lives for your words. Think carefully before you speak."
The onlookers, who had been enjoying the spectacle, suddenly found themselves entangled. Naturally, they couldn’t remain still. Everyone looked at Feng Ran with condemnation, believing that it was all her fault. If she had been obedient from the start, things wouldn’t have escalated. Most importantly, they were innocent. Why should they be dragged into this? The crowd longed to rush forward and curse Feng Ran to her face, but because Xuan Yuan Heng was present, they dared not do anything, only staring at Feng Ran.
Feng Ran suddenly burst into laughter, finding it utterly ridiculous. Xuan Yuan Heng was truly capable, using these people's lives to force her into obedience and make her follow him? Feng Ran glanced at Xuan Yuan Heng, a smile gracing her lips, and said, "Regent, I was brought by Young Master Xiao, so naturally I belong by Young Master Xiao's side. Regent, you are being unreasonable."
"Also, I forgot to tell the Regent, I don't know any of these people. What does their life and death have to do with me? Why should I put myself in danger for them?" Feng Ran smiled and said, "If the Regent wants to act against them, then act. It will have no impact on me."
Xuan Yuan Heng heard this and smiled, his eyes filled with mockery.