Chapter 28: No Fight, No Friendship

Chapter 28: Friends After a Fight

"Why the hell should I apologize? What did I say wrong?"

Pinned to the ground and pummeled like a dog, Li Chengxiu still stubbornly dug in his heels, refusing to yield.

"Don't pretend you don't know what that look in your eyes was about! Let me tell you, I've seen it all before—it won't work! My brother is as beautiful as a flower; you think a toad like you could just snatch him away? Dream on! Ouch!"

This time, Jiang Wan showed no mercy, her punch doubling the scoundrel over like a shrimp.

She admitted she had indeed stolen a few extra glances at that pretty boy from the other day, but she absolutely harbored no other intentions, contrary to what this jerk under her was implying.

Though she wasn't sure which of the Li family sons he was, he was bound to be a prince someday, with looks that could captivate any woman. How much self-hatred would Jiang Wan have to harbor to willingly bring trouble upon herself?

Was being a princess consort really such a desirable job?

Take Old Li’s wife—a beautiful, virtuous woman, right? Yet she spent her days trailing behind Old Li, managing his mistresses, and even raising the children born to his concubines.

So while the title of princess consort might be prestigious, given Jiang Wan’s mental state, she wouldn’t last a day in the role!

Otherwise, Old Jiang and his wife might be sleeping soundly at home one moment, only to blink and find their entire family thrown into jail for their last meal.

That’s why, before leaving home, Xu Shi had repeatedly emphasized that they weren’t there to seek marriage alliances but to gain skills and build connections. She told Jiang Wan to handle situations as she saw fit.

And well, this was the result. This brat, whoever he was among the Li sons, had already been beaten and offended—so she might as well beat him into submission!

With her mental state once again holding steady, the big sister knelt on his back, grabbed both his arms, and yanked them backward, making him howl in agony.

"Will you apologize or not?!"

"No way! Go ahead and kill me, you she-devil! My father is the Prince of Yihuai—let’s see if you dare! Ah! Help me～～～"

As soon as he uttered that threat, didn't it just play right into the hands of someone who thrives on chaos?

Since when was she scared to throw a punch?

Hey, no way!

Jiang Wan leaned forward, tightening her arm around his neck, making the foul-mouthed brat flail wildly.

"Help me～～～"

Li Yanxiu, who had rushed over from the East Court’s Jiusi Hall upon receiving the news, hadn’t even entered the courtyard of Jiusi Study when he heard his brother’s pig-like squeals.

"Miss Jiang, please show mercy!"

As expected of a pretty boy, even after running over in a hurry and sweating profusely, he still looked perfectly composed. His slightly flushed cheeks were as captivating as peach blossoms in March.

Looks-obsessed, Jiang Wan instinctively loosened her grip, allowing Li Chengxiu to gasp for air within the crook of her elbow.

"Brother, this girl has designs on you! I just warned her, and she snapped and beat me! Let... *gulp*... go..."

"Since you don’t know how to speak, then don’t. Let me help you tighten that loose skin of yours."

Jiang Wan narrowed her eyes, increasing the pressure and making the foul-mouthed brat turn red in the face, his neck straining.

"Miss Jiang, Yanxiu offers his deepest apologies on behalf of my foolish brother. This boy has always been reckless with his words—please, Miss Jiang, do not take it to heart! I will discipline him strictly afterward and ensure he never offends you again!"

Li Yanxiu bowed deeply to Jiang Wan, his manners impeccable and his words courteous, giving Miss Jiang plenty of respect.

Jiang Wan was no fool—she knew when to stop.

She released the boy, stood up, brushed off her sleeves, straightened her dress and hair, and once again became the dignified and proper eldest daughter of the Jiang family.

She also followed etiquette, offering a slight curtsy in return with a genuinely warm smile.

"There’s no need for such formalities, young master. I too am partly at fault in this matter. However, the greatest wrongdoing lies with your brother’s mouth!

I hope you will discipline him strictly in the future. If he dares to spout nonsense again and tarnish my Jiang family’s reputation, I’m afraid your influence may not be enough to save him next time."

"Understood. Thank you for your mercy."

Li Yanxiu walked over, hauled his troublesome brother up, and shot him a warning glare to keep him from speaking before turning back to Jiang Wan with a smile.

"My name is Li Yanxiu, and this is my younger brother, Li Chengxiu. Pardon my asking, but may I ask how old you are, Miss Jiang?"

Jiang Wan raised an eyebrow imperceptibly.

"My name is Jiang Wan. I’m twelve."

Then she watched as the pretty boy across from her smiled again—a smile as bright and warm as the morning sun, making it easy to like him instantly.

"I’m fifteen, three years older than you.

Our fathers are sworn brothers, so strictly speaking, we should consider ourselves siblings.

I am the third son in my family. If you don’t mind, Wan Jie’er, you may call me Li Third Brother."

That form of address immediately made Jiang Wan’s lips twitch.

"No need to be so polite. Just call me 'sis'."

Calling her "Wan Niang"—are you trying to take advantage of me, you brat?

Realizing his misstep, Li Yanxiu’s face flushed bright red. Those with fair skin had the advantage of always looking more easily embarrassed.

"My apologies, Wan Jie’er. It was a slip of the tongue."

"It’s fine, Li Third Brother."

Having already been reborn into this world, Jiang Wan was quite easygoing and had no issue calling him "brother."

But unfortunately, there was still a troublemaker nearby, grumbling and muttering under his breath.

"Hey, you nasty girl, call me Li Fourth Brother!"

Since his brother had already struck up a friendship with this fierce girl, he couldn’t afford to undermine his brother. Swallowing his pride, he huffily expressed his willingness to make peace.

Too bad Miss Jiang didn’t even look his way.

"Li Laosi."

He, never learning his lesson, shot up, furious.

"I’m older than you too! You should call me Fourth Brother!"

"Says who? That you’re older than me?"

Jiang Wan touched the bruise on the corner of her mouth and bared her teeth in a threatening grin.

"Between you and me, we're not going by age—we're going by who's got the stronger fists. You, from now on, call me 'sis'!"

"Why should I? You're just bullying me because you can..."

Li Chengxiu's defiant muttering stopped abruptly as the other party raised a small hand, startling him into taking a step back.

"'Cause you can't beat me."

That little brat's smirk was seriously annoying.

"Do I need to throw my weight around to bully you? If you talk trash again, I’ll smack you every time I see you!"

"I—"

"Third Brother, what’s going on over here?"

Li Yuanxiu, who’d also heard what was happening, arrived with several others. Standing not far away, he frowned, watching the scene.