Chapter 105: Eager to Win Her Heart

Chapter 105: Impatient to Capture Her Heart

A flash of unease passed through Jiang Lian’s eyes as she lowered her head. “Big Sister, I… I came to find Second Sister.”

Before Jiang Shuning could ask anything further, the door to the private room behind her opened, and Jiang Yaozhen, wearing a veil, stepped out with Xiao Lingchuan.

When she saw Xiao Lingchuan, Jiang Lian immediately knelt, her voice trembling. “This commoner pays her respects to Your Highness!”

Jiang Shuning’s heart skipped a beat. Jiang Lian actually knew Xiao Lingchuan?

She took in Jiang Lian’s meek and submissive posture, feeling an inexplicable wave of irritation.

Though they were related by blood and bore some resemblance in appearance and figure, it wasn’t enough to cause confusion.

Yet today, Jiang Lian’s makeup and attire closely mirrored her own usual style—clearly an intentional imitation.

Especially now, kneeling before Xiao Lingchuan in such a humble manner, Jiang Lian seemed to reflect her own past self, bowing and scraping, which made Jiang Shuning deeply uncomfortable.

Just as she was about to speak, Xiao Lingchuan ignored the kneeling Jiang Lian and locked his eyes on her, his tone carrying a hint of displeasure. “Since you asked to meet me, do you have nothing to say?”

Jiang Shuning frowned. From his tone, was he questioning her?

Her heart tightened, but she betrayed nothing on her face, her voice steady yet distant. “I heard from Yaozhen that she had urgent matters to discuss with Your Highness, so I helped arrange this meeting. It was all very sudden, and I beg Your Highness’s forgiveness.”

As she spoke, she curtsied and prepared to turn away, but her wrist was abruptly grabbed.

“Since we’re already here, why not join me in the private room for a while?” Xiao Lingchuan’s voice was low, carrying an undeniable force.

Without another word, ignoring the presence of Jiang Yaozhen and Jiang Lian, he pulled Jiang Shuning into the private room and slammed the door shut with a loud “bang.”

Only after confirming he had left did Jiang Lian timidly raise her head.

“See that? This is how His Highness treats our sister!” A flash of jealousy and resentment gleamed in Jiang Yaozhen’s eyes. “If you could replace her, wouldn’t you have wealth and honor? Even as a concubine to a prince, it’s far better than marrying into an ordinary family!”

Jiang Lian bit her lip, a mix of greed and struggle flickering in her eyes.

Although her father had received half of Chancellor Jiang’s family assets, they were still far from being a powerful, noble household. Moreover, with their relationship with the Chancellor’s estate severed, marrying into a prestigious family seemed nearly impossible.

Now, aside from relying on Jiang Yaozhen, she truly had no other path.

“Second Sister, as long as I can win His Highness’s favor, Lian’er is willing to do anything!”

Jiang Yaozhen nodded with satisfaction, her voice tinged with a cold edge. “As long as you obediently follow my instructions, I guarantee you’ll soon be serving by His Highness’s side!”

“Yes, Lian’er will listen to everything Second Sister says!”

Inside the room, Jiang Shuning was pulled in by Xiao Lingchuan, the warmth of his palm still lingering on her wrist.

She subtly withdrew her hand and took half a step back, her expression remaining aloof and indifferent. “Your Highness, if you have something to say, please speak plainly.”

She had kindly relayed the message for him and Jiang Yaozhen, yet he confronted her with this accusatory attitude—truly disheartening.

It seemed Jiang Yaozhen hadn’t brought him satisfactory news, and unwilling to blame her, he was now redirecting his anger toward her.

The displeasure on Xiao Lingchuan’s face had already faded. He leisurely sat down, skillfully picking up the teapot with his left hand and pouring tea for both of them. “The black tea here at Laifu Restaurant is quite decent. You should try it.”

Jiang Shuning glanced at him, noting how adept and fluid his left hand movements were, appearing completely at ease. She thought to herself: He seems to manage just fine!

It appeared that even with his right hand injured, he didn’t actually need anyone to feed him!

Xiao Lingchuan noticed her gaze lingering on his left hand, as if his thoughts had been exposed. He set the teacup back on the table and cleared his throat lightly. “Pouring tea and drinking isn’t a problem, but using chopsticks to eat is still a bit awkward.”

Jiang Shuning looked up, a faint, ambiguous smile playing on her lips. “In that case, let’s just have tea today.”

That would also spare her the trouble of having to feed him.

“Are you sure?” His peach blossom eyes narrowed slightly, his tone carrying a hint of persuasion. “The sweet and sour pork ribs and mapo tofu here at Laifu Restaurant are famously delicious. Don’t you want to try them?”

Jiang Shuning was taken aback, feeling as if something had gently struck her heart.

Those two dishes were her favorites, but because he disliked sweet and spicy flavors, she had never prepared them during her previous life in the Jing Prince’s residence.

Yet now he mentioned them so casually, as if he had long been familiar with her preferences.

Her hands hidden in her sleeves unconsciously clenched, her nails digging into her palms until it stung.

What was he doing?

First, he had risked everything to save her on the polo field, and now he was deliberately showing concern for her in front of her.

Was he really this impatient to win her heart?

Of course—only by completely winning her heart would she become as pliable and controllable as in her previous life, allowing him to manipulate her at will.

Unaware of the turmoil in her heart, Xiao Lingchuan called for the waiter and ordered sweet and sour pork ribs and mapo tofu, then turned to ask her, “What else would you like?”

Jiang Shuning forcefully suppressed the churning emotions in her heart, her tone as flat and still as a stagnant pond. “This is enough.”

“Just two dishes? That’s hardly sufficient.” Xiao Lingchuan’s gaze swept over her features, lingering for a moment before he casually ordered a few more dishes and dismissed the waiter.

Soon, the dishes were served, covering the table with an enticing aroma that whetted the appetite.

Yet Jiang Shuning’s heart was filled with mixed emotions.

In both lifetimes, this was the first time she was eating her favorite dishes in front of Xiao Lingchuan.

In her previous life, she had always prioritized him in everything, humbling herself to the extreme.

Glancing at his right hand wrapped in bandages, she resignedly sat beside him, picked up his bowl, and prepared to feed him as she had the day before.

After all, his hand was injured because of her, so taking care of his meals was only natural.

But Xiao Lingchuan raised a hand to stop her. “You eat first.”

She paused, chopsticks suspended in mid-air, and looked at him in confusion. “Then Your Highness, you…”

“These dishes were all ordered for you.” He paused, his voice gentle. “Yesterday at my residence, you were so busy feeding me that you hardly ate anything yourself. Then you left in a hurry. Consider this meal my compensation.”

Jiang Shuning was somewhat surprised—she hadn’t expected him to be considerate of others.

She lowered her gaze and said softly, “Then I thank Your Highness.”

It had been a long time since she last had sweet and sour pork ribs and mapo tofu, and once she started, she couldn’t stop, eating with evident relish.

Xiao Lingchuan watched her intently, a trace of satisfied smile appearing on his originally cold and handsome face, like a rare ray of warm sunlight in winter, so gentle it made one’s heart flutter.

The two finished their meal in a relatively harmonious atmosphere.

As they were leaving, Xiao Lingchuan said to her, “If the dishes at Laifu Restaurant suit your taste, I can buy the chef and have him stationed at the Chancellor’s estate to cook exclusively for you from now on.”

Jiang Shuning paused for a moment at his words, then gave a soft chuckle. "There's no need for that. If I want to eat, I can simply come to the restaurant myself. Besides, if you buy out his contract, wouldn't that deprive other diners in the capital of the chance to experience his culinary skills?"

"So what?" Xiao Lingchuan replied dismissively. "Even if we don't act, other nobles and officials will take notice of his talent and secure his services exclusively. Aren't you afraid someone else might beat you to it, leaving you with nowhere to find his cooking in the future?"

Jiang Shuning shrugged. "So what? The world's full of delicious dishes. If I miss out on this one, I can always find another. Who knows, I might even stumble upon something unexpectedly delightful."

Upon hearing this, a light danced in Xiao Lingchuan's peach-blossom eyes, his deep gaze hinting at hidden currents.

He stared intently at Jiang Shuning, his tone low and domineering. "I am different from you. Whatever I set my eyes on, I must make it mine!"

"And what if you can't have your way?" Jiang Shuning retorted with a faint, mocking smile.

Xiao Lingchuan's eyes instantly darkened, becoming as unfathomable as the depths of night.

His tone grew forceful, each word deliberate. "Then I'll seize it! Whatever I desire, even if I have to take it by force, I will never let it fall into someone else's hands!"

His arrogance left Jiang Shuning speechless, inwardly sneering: Xiao Lingchuan, you think too highly of yourself.

Some things in this world are simply beyond your reach, no matter what you do!