The man's large hand had already brazenly wrapped around her slender waist.

Yu Qingwu's body stiffened, every muscle tensing, but she didn't struggle.

Fueled by anger, she figured that if she could use Xie Jin Yan to disgust Shen Ke, a little sacrifice was worth it.

Yu Qingwu raised her head, cupped Xie Jin Yan's face, and bit down lightly...

There was no skill, only awkwardness and clumsiness.

Xie Jin Yan had dreamed of such a scene countless times. Now, facing the woman's beautiful face, a burning sensation instantly surged in his chest. Flames flickered in his dark pupils as he slammed her against the carriage wall, like a wolf, completely out of control.

Xie Jin Yan's movements were very practiced, clearly those of a seasoned pleasure-seeker.

Yu Qingwu was quickly stirred by him, her thoughts running wild. Gazing at that handsome and enchanting face, she couldn't help but feel a little dazed. If she didn't know Xie Jin Yan's background, she might really have been captivated by that face.

"Yu Qingwu, you're quite easy. Tell me… if our Shifu (master) saw you in such a vulgar and cheap state, what would he think?" Just as Yu Qingwu was lost in thought, the large hand around her waist suddenly withdrew.

Yu Qingwu was stunned and looked up to meet Xie Jin Yan's mocking gaze.

He wiped his lips, a wicked smile emerging in his phoenix eyes, deliberately sweeping over her disheveled collar.

A disdainful look, a disgusted gesture, undisguised humiliation.

Xie Jin Yan had no intention of making a deal with her; he was toying with her…

Yu Qingwu's face flushed red, instantly filled with shame and anger. "Xie Jin Yan, is it fun to play with me?"

"So, is it fun to hit people?" Xie Jin Yan said, pointing to the handprint on his face.

Yu Qingwu bit her lip, not responding. She straightened her clothes, grabbed her luggage, and roared at the coachman, "Stop the carriage!"

Yu Qingwu walked back to the Rongguo Duke's residence, from the remote South Street to the center of the city, a journey that took a full two hours.

By the time she reached the gate, it was evening. Her feet were a mess, and she was drenched in sweat.

After a maid brought a basin of hot water and she changed her clothes, Yu Qingwu went to the main hall to pay her respects to her maternal grandmother, the Shen Old Madam.

By this time, the sky had darkened, and the lanterns of the Duke's residence were lit one by one.

In the hall, besides the Shen Old Madam, all the elders and younger members of the Shen family were present, a large, bustling group.

Shen Ke was seated in the second guest seat, sitting upright. When he saw Yu Qingwu enter, he went to greet her. "Awu-meimei (younger sister), come sit here."

"I'll pay my respects to Grandmother first." Yu Qingwu shook off his hand with disgust.

Shen Ke was somewhat bewildered by Yu Qingwu's coldness, but he didn't say anything, just quietly retreated.

Yu Qingwu gracefully stepped forward and respectfully greeted her grandmother, whom she hadn't seen in two years. "Grandmother."

The Shen Old Madam was naturally happy to see her granddaughter. She immediately grasped her hand and said kindly, "Awu, it's good that you're back."

"Take a seat first; it'll soon be time for dinner."

"Alright." Yu Qingwu smiled faintly and found the last seat to sit down.

Family banquets were the most annoying thing; she didn't want to deal with relatives.

"His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has arrived."

Just as she sat down, a sharp announcement suddenly came from outside the door.

Yu Qingwu hadn't even warmed her seat before she stood up with everyone else, bowing to Xie Jin Yan.

"Heh, better late than never. Just in time, I haven't eaten yet either. Old Madam, you wouldn't mind adding a pair of chopsticks, would you?" Xie Jin Yan waved his hand, signaling everyone to rise.

Then, he naturally walked to Yu Qingwu's side and, amidst the surprised gazes of the crowd, sat down next to her.

Xie Jin Yan had a smile on his lips, and his fingers quietly hooked onto the woman's slender hand hidden under the table, his fingertips gently stroking her delicate, fair hand.

Yu Qingwu shuddered and immediately tried to get up, but he held her wrist down.

Xie Jin Yan leaned close to her ear, his tone light and playful. "Shijie (senior martial sister), wouldn't it be even stranger if you left now?"

Yu Qingwu glared at him. "What are you trying to do again?"

Xie Jin Yan chuckled and played with her hand in his palm. "What are you afraid of, Shijie? Your good Shidi (junior martial brother) is naturally here to help you."

Help her? More like he was here to make trouble for her, wasn't he?

Yu Qingwu frowned and didn't speak, only struggling with all her might.

But after all, she was a woman; how could she be a match for Xie Jin Yan, who practiced martial arts all year round?

The more she struggled, the more presumptuous he became, completely disregarding the occasion. He even wrapped his arm around her waist…

Yu Qingwu's body froze, and she looked at Xie Jin Yan in disbelief. "Xie Jin Yan, you're being impudent!"

"I'm being impudent? Is Shijie only realizing this now?" Xie Jin Yan didn't restrain himself because of her rebuke. Instead, he became even more excessive, pulling her directly into his arms and whispering in her ear, "What? Does Shijie want to call out?"