Chapter 36: Engaging in Conversation, Exchanging Moves

Chapter 36: Trading Barbs, Exchanging Blows

"Exactly, I think what you said makes a lot of sense. My good looks just aren't obvious..."

Li Chengxiu, who realized it belatedly, cried out in dismay.

"Jiang Wan, you're making fun of me too!"

"You're overthinking it. It's just that I usually like to shoot straight from the hip."

She continued to smile brightly, hitting right where it hurts.

"Do you think it's possible that your mother's favoritism has little to do with your looks and more to do with your intelligence?"

"What do you mean?"

The clueless kid asked without shame for clarification, only to be pulled aside by his older brother who had walked over from behind.

Handing the wound medicine to his thick-headed younger brother, Li Yanxiu turned to Jiang Wan with a polite, slightly amused smile.

"Sister Jiang, as a personal favor to me, could you show a little mercy where it's due?"

Hey, just when she needed something, someone delivered it right to her. This time, she could genuinely start seeing eye-to-eye with Li Laosi.

Jiang Wan's smile became much more sincere, nodding firmly, and even showing some classmate solidarity by offering concern.

"Third Brother Li, don't worry. Fourth Brother Li and I have the kind of friendship that comes from fighting and then getting to know each other. We’ll definitely become good friends as classmates from now on. Don’t worry about him; I’ve got him covered here. After all, we’re like siblings—I’ll definitely look out for him!"

So, the big sister wasn’t ignorant of social niceties; it just depended on whether she was willing to engage with others. Since she now wanted to get closer to Li Third Brother, she definitely had to sweet-talk the clever Li Fourth Brother.

Li Yanxiu looked at the girl whose attitude was clearly different from yesterday. For some reason, he felt like she now wanted to befriend him.

Yes, the light in her eyes wasn’t the familiar awe or infatuation he was used to, but a clear, rational desire to connect with him.

Worried he might be misinterpreting, he held her gaze for a few moments until he was sure he hadn’t mistaken her intention, then finally broke into a warm, knowing smile.

"In that case, I’ll have to trouble Wan Jieer to look after my younger brother from now on. I thank you in advance here."

"You’re welcome. I’ll also need to ask Third Brother Li to have my back in the future!"

"Of course. Between siblings, why stand on ceremony?"

"Indeed, no need for formalities among siblings."

Jiang Wan blinked.

This handsome guy was truly worthy of being a formidable character who could outshine the male lead—with the most stunning looks, yet doing the toughest work. And indeed, he was quick on the uptake, understanding things with just a hint.

Dealing with someone like this had its pros and cons, but it was certainly hassle-free. Besides, the reason villains were villains simply boiled down to differing standpoints.

As long as Li Third Brother didn’t kick the bucket early, with such an obstacle in the way, let’s see how much that jerk Li Sixth Brother could achieve!

Li Yanxiu also curled his lips slightly, looking all smiles. Recalling what his mother had told him last night, he thoughtfully rubbed his fingers together behind his back.

The Xu family of Gaoyang indeed had impressive roots, and their descendants were just as sharp and insightful.

Hmm, excellent.

The two clever children smiled at each other, chatting softly and engaging in a back-and-forth, which irked those watching from a distance.

Chang Yuning, who had been searching all around, saw that Jiang family’s little upstart once again popping up in front of Brother Yanxiu, and angrily clenched her fists.

If it weren’t for that girl’s raw strength, which she knew she couldn’t match, she’d really love to pin her down and scratch up that sallow, plain face!

Hmph, skinny as a rail, yet she dares to compete with me for my crush? How overconfident.

Straightening her full, curvaceous figure, Chang Yuning put on a confident, charming smile and hurried into the room.

"Brother Yanxiu, the teacher will be here soon. Why are you still lingering here? Let’s hurry over, or we’ll be punished for being late!"

Hearing this voice, Li Yanxiu’s smile vanished. He didn’t frown, but he wasn’t particularly warm either.

"Thank you for coming to remind me. I’ll head back now."

Chang Yuning’s smile froze for a moment, her eyes filling with hurt.

But unfortunately, the person who should have noticed acted as if he’d suddenly gone blind, while the one who shouldn’t have seen was secretly enjoying the drama.

Jiang Wan found Chang Yuning quite interesting—she clearly already saw Li Third Brother as her claim! Though they’d only met briefly twice, her obvious possessiveness was something only a fool wouldn’t notice!

"Sister Yuning."

Li Fourth Brother glumly greeted the newcomer.

Chang Yuning, who had been full of hurt just moments before, immediately slipped into a practiced concerned smile, as if Li Chengxiu were her own flesh and blood brother, softly asking after him with gentle concern.

"Oh no, Little Fourth, how did you get so badly hurt? Does it still hurt? I have some excellent bruise ointment at home; I’ll have Yuning bring it for you later, okay?"

"No need, Sister Yuning. My brother already gave me medicine. Look."

He waved the small porcelain bottle in his hand, wanting to chat a bit more, but his older brother yanked him back to sit down behind him.

"Behave and listen to the teacher in class. Don’t mess around or cause trouble again. If you dare speak recklessly and stir up trouble again, I won’t let you off. Understood?"

"Yeees~ Understooood~"

The drawn-out, reluctant reply immediately angered his brother, who was about to leave in annoyance. But as he lifted his leg, he noticed another slender figure in lilac standing outside the door.

Li Yanxiu’s annoyed expression immediately softened. He quickened his pace as he walked over, his eyes a bit eager.

"Sister Ziying, why are you here too?"

Song Ziying looked at him, a gentle smile in her eyes, and handed over a small, exquisite white porcelain bottle.

"Yesterday, it seemed both Chengxiu and Sister Wan were injured. I happened to have some Qingyu Ointment at home, so I thought I’d bring some over to see if they could use it."

"Hmph, offering favors for no reason—how very virtuous and gentle of you!"

Chang Yuning walked over with a scowling face. Seeing Song Ziying’s phony act made her furious.

"Who asked you to interfere? I would’ve brought Little Fourth some medicine myself. Why bother sticking your nose in?"

"Miss Chang, my younger brother’s injuries are none of your concern either, are they? As his older brother, I’ll take care of it. There’s no need to trouble yourself!"

Li Yanxiu, dropping his earlier gentle, noble demeanor, shot back coldly, infuriating Chang Yuning.

"Brother Yanxiu, what did I even say? Why do you always take her side?"

Noticing the smug smile at the corners of that hypocritical woman’s eyes, as if taunting her, Chang Yuning blurted out angrily.

"What do you have to be so proud of? You want your cake and eat it too, and still covet what’s on someone else’s plate—just how big is your appetite?"

"Sister Yuning, why would you say such a thing?"

Song Ziying sighed softly in helplessness.

"I merely came to bring some medicine for the younger schoolmates. How could that provoke such accusations from you?"