At this moment, Nian Jiaojiao was in no mood to admire handsome men. The person who could play enchanting zither music was likely no good, venomous beauty.
The man on the couch sensed being observed. He opened his captivating phoenix eyes and parted his red lips to say:
"Why does this young lady stare at me so?"
Discovered, Nian Jiaojiao felt no guilt. Instead, she met his gaze directly and said:
"If you didn't look at me, how would you know I was looking at you?"
Ye Mei chuckled lightly and rose, walking towards Nian Jiaojiao. His light silk robes fluttered with his movements, occasionally revealing his fair, straight legs.
"Sit."
The man brushed past Nian Jiaojiao and went to the tea table, pouring water for both of them.
Nian Jiaojiao forced herself to remain calm and sat down, but she dared not touch the tea before her.
"Young Master Ye Mei, there were so many talented women below who admired you. Why did you choose me?" Nian Jiaojiao broke the silence.
"It's just fate."
Hearing Young Master Ye Mei's reply, Nian Jiaojiao inwardly scoffed:
More like ape-like fate.
She no longer wished to entangle herself with Ye Mei, so she said:
"Young Master Ye Mei, to be honest, I was merely invited by my classmates for a gathering. I had no intention of spending the night with you. I've sat here, and now it's late. I shall take my leave."
With that, Nian Jiaojiao stood up to leave.
At this moment, Young Master Ye Mei said:
"Am I not beautiful?"
Nian Jiaojiao looked down at Ye Mei and, against her better judgment, said:
"I only look at a beautiful soul, not mere appearance."
"Oh? Then you mean my soul is not beautiful?"
Although the man's tone showed no fluctuation, Nian Jiaojiao sensed a killing intent with all her senses.
She realized she had to answer this question carefully.
Undoubtedly, the other party possessed extraordinary power. She had only just stepped into the world of literary cultivation and it was better to be a bit more "dog-like."
Thus, Nian Jiaojiao looked at him sincerely and said:
"I only believe in time revealing a person's heart. Young Master Ye Mei and I have only just met. It is too early to conclude whether my soul is beautiful or not."
Ye Mei narrowed his eyes.
The soft sword held at his waist, ready to strike, was sheathed.
He then stood up and suddenly embraced Nian Jiaojiao like a water snake, his warm breath lingering by her ear. "Then shall I let you 'see my heart' tonight, young lady?"
Nian Jiaojiao felt goosebumps erupt on her arms.
Was this man so… outspoken?
She tried to push him away, but with her strength, she found herself unable to break free.
At this moment, through the layer of silk, Nian Jiaojiao spotted a birthmark where his neck joined his shoulder.
This birthmark was a pink, flower-bud-shaped mark.
A flash of white light crossed Nian Jiaojiao's mind.
Isn't this…
Startled, she couldn't help but blurt out:
"Your birthmark…"
Hearing Nian Jiaojiao's murmur, Young Master Ye Mei released her.
He turned and gently caressed the flower-bud mark at the nape of his neck, narrowing his eyes at Nian Jiaojiao and asking:
"What about my birthmark?"
Nian Jiaojiao regained her composure and said naturally:
"I mean your birthmark looks like a flower bud. It's quite good-looking, haha."
Young Master Ye Mei stared at Nian Jiaojiao for a long time, finding nothing amiss in her eyes. He seemed to have lost interest. He suddenly stood up and said:
"I am weary today. I shall seek out the young lady for a long chat another day."
"Alright, alright. Then I won't disturb your rest."
To appear normal, Nian Jiaojiao did not seem eager as she left. After opening the door, she even greeted the attendant.
Half an hour later.
Nian Jiaojiao was nearing her home. Seeing her distant door, Nian Jiaojiao felt an inexplicable sense of peace and relief.
Oh my goodness!
How did I run into Ye, the husband of the female protagonist Nian Zhenzhen?
The book did not provide much description of this Jun Ye.
As for the male lead, his screen time was too little, even less than some important villains.
Therefore, he was also the most mysterious among the Nian Zhenzhen's harem.
The book's description of Nian Zhenzhen's fifth husband, Jun Ye, was: the pink flower-bud mark on the back of his neck.
And when he was intimate with the female lead, the flower bud would bloom outwards.
Because this description was so unique, Nian Jiaojiao confirmed his identity the moment she saw the birthmark.
Although Jun Ye had little screen time, every appearance was accompanied by bloodshed.
Many of the deceased were unfaithful women or men who courted death.
However, despite this, his clean and efficient killing methods indicated that he was no benevolent soul.
Moreover, many people did not deserve to die. They merely admired the female lead and had the thought of "seducing" her, but before they could even approach the female lead, they returned to the earth.
Of course, the female lead Nian Zhenzhen was often unaware of the deaths of many of these people.
As Nian Jiaojiao recalled the plot of the book, she had unknowingly arrived at the entrance of the Nian family.
Xingyun saw Nian Jiaojiao and happily went to greet her.
"Wife, why are you back so late?"
"Has everyone eaten?" Nian Jiaojiao asked.
"Yes, we have. Because Wife had said before that if you weren't back by mealtime, we should eat first. Did you eat? Should I warm up some food for you?"
Xingyun seemed very excited seeing Nian Jiaojiao return.
Nian Jiaojiao smiled:
"I have. By the way, where is everyone?"
"Oh, Miss Tong's shop has been chosen, and everyone is discussing how to manage it."
He was not interested, so he came out to wait for his wife.
"Mm, then why don't you come with me to take a look."
Nian Jiaojiao gently stroked his hair, trying to flatten the tuft of hair standing up on his head.
But as soon as Nian Jiaojiao's hand moved away, the tuft stood up again.
Nian Jiaojiao: ...
"Wife?" Xingyun opened his innocent cat-like eyes to look at Nian Jiaojiao.
"It's nothing, let's go."
"Okay!"
...
The main hall.
"So, besides selling Wife's books, we should also have some..."
"I'm back!"
As Nian Jiaojiao entered, everyone turned to look at her.
Tong Fu quickly came over and pulled Nian Jiaojiao inside:
"Jiaojiao, why are you back so late today? Come, come, we were just discussing the bookstore. You should help me brainstorm too."
As Nian Jiaojiao walked a few steps with Tong Fu, Tong Fu suddenly stopped and leaned closer to smell Nian Jiaojiao, asking:
"Jiaojiao, did you go out for drinks? Why didn't you take me with you!"
Nian Jiaojiao's mouth twitched. This nose was too sensitive! Although she had also had some drinks, in that kind of place, to avoid mistakes, she had only had a small sip. She hadn't expected to be detected by Tong Fu's dog-like nose.
"It was a gathering of classmates. I'll take you next time. It's a good opportunity for everyone to get acquainted."
"Forget it."
Tong Fu quickly waved her hand and continued:
"Don't mention the academy or classmates in front of me. It reminds me of those hard times!"
Nian Jiaojiao: ...
Everyone: ...