Chapter 54 As If Possessed by Evil

Chapter 54: Like Being Bewitched

In her previous life, she had encountered Yang Xingxian outside like this, captivating Young Master Yang so completely that he quickly took her into the household as a concubine.

The principal wife of the household was still alive then, though her health was frail.

After entering the household, she naturally employed some schemes to leave Lady Xi even more bedridden.

It had to be said, the principal wife's money was truly tempting, and she even felt guilty about her own frail health...

Young Master Yang and she spent her large dowry, and her estates and shops were gradually sold off and turned into her own properties.

With all that money backing him, her husband curried favor with influential figures, passed the imperial exams with ease, and shot up the ranks.

Even on the principal wife's deathbed, she was still begging her husband to look after her mother, Madam Zeng, and the dowry money was left to him.

But why would he care about any of that?

Three years after the principal wife died, she was naturally promoted, going from concubine to mistress of the house.

But the good times didn't last...

Now that she'd finally been reborn, she naturally wouldn't make the same mistakes again.

What was being a mere concubine in a fallen marquis household? Even if she could become the wife of an heir apparent years later, and then the marchioness, her background would still sound too disgraceful.

This time, she'd worked hard to get a chance to meet the nobleman here—how could she miss this chance?

If she got lucky and climbed up, she could completely turn her life around and become immensely distinguished.

She was eager to head upstairs, but Yang Xingxian followed her, which annoyed her to no end.

Bai Zhining naturally knew Yang Xingxian had already fallen for her—same as in her last life. A chance meeting, and he was bewitched like a man possessed.

Back then, she was broke, and Young Master Yang was the best she could get, so she naturally grabbed that lifeline.

But she didn't want to miss this chance now, and she couldn't afford to worry about whether Yang Xingxian was following her... Besides, if she failed to win over the nobleman, she'd still have a fallback here.

Qing Bi muttered, "Lady, the Young Master followed that woman back upstairs. This servant should go keep an eye on them and see where they're headed."

Xi Qianyue said helplessly, "Go if you want. Just don't cause trouble."

Qing Bi opened the door of the private room and happened to see the woman gliding over with a pipa in her arms, with Young Master Yang trailing behind her like a lapdog.

He was still talking: "Miss, I'll book a private room right here, Achang..."

He stopped mid-sentence when he saw Qing Bi and didn't dare continue.

Bai Zhining had already knocked on the next door, and Qing Bi watched suspiciously.

The door opened quickly, and a scholarly-looking man asked, "What is it?"

"I'm a singer. Please announce me."

The scholar curled his lip: "Did you have an appointment with my master?"

Everyone looked at Bai Zhining, and two red patches instantly bloomed on her cheeks: "No, I didn't."

"You knew my master is a nobleman, so you just came to bother him?"

The scholar's eyes were full of contempt.

Bai Zhining grew even more embarrassed and lowered her head without a word.

Yang Xingxian couldn't stand it and stepped forward to defend the beauty: "Even if your master is a nobleman, there's no need to bully a young lady, right? This young lady sings beautifully—what's the harm in listening to a tune?"

Bai Zhining was secretly frantic. This idiot, why was he butting in? He was ruining her plans.

The scholar sneered at Yang Xingxian: "And who are you? Playing the hero here. Go book your own room and take this young lady there to sing."

"Fine, I'll book one..."

Qing Bi frowned: "Young Master, didn't you just tell the Lady you were heading back to the mansion?"

How could Yang Xingxian let Qing Bi embarrass him in front of Bai Zhining?

He raised his voice: "When a man goes out to eat and listen to music, what wife would object?"

Xi Qianyue's voice suddenly came through: "Is that so? Then bring her in and let me listen too."

The man in the next room, however, cut in: "This singer girl came to my door to sing for me. If the lady next door wants to listen, she's welcome to join. A casual meal with some music would be nice."

Bai Zhining's heart skipped a beat. That was the Lady of the Yang mansion? How was she so healthy, roaming around outside so freely?

"Then I'll gladly accept. I'm also a bit curious about this singer girl."

Yang Xingxian saw Xi Qianyue come out directly and couldn't help but take two steps back.

Qi Chengyun smiled: "Miss Xi, this is our second meeting. Last time was at Daimiao Temple."

Yang Xingxian was annoyed. This vile woman, meeting another man for the second time?

Who knew if she'd deliberately arranged to meet here?

"You two knew each other before? Did you deliberately plan to meet here?" Yang Xingxian couldn't control himself and shouted angrily.

The scholar was startled and also shouted, "How dare you!"

Xi Qianyue smiled: "This gentleman, I apologize. My useless husband has made a spectacle of himself again."

Qi Chengyun also laughed: "I can somewhat understand why Miss Xi would say that."

"Are you two mocking me? May I ask what status this gentleman holds? A nobleman? Can a nobleman just..."

Before Yang Xingxian could finish, the scholar gave a light pat on his shoulder that seemed gentle, but he immediately winced in pain and couldn't speak.

Xi Qianyue didn't defend him but instead acted as if she were enjoying herself with the gentleman.

"What tune do you have that you insisted on seeing me for? Go ahead and sing." A cold smile lingered at the corner of Qi Chengyun's lips.

Bai Zhining secretly resented Yang Xingxian for ruining her plans. She didn't want to be blamed along with him by the nobleman.

She steadied her nerves, her fingers brushing over the pipa strings, and a clattering sound rose.

Bai Zhining shed her delicate appearance, her fingers flying as a magnificent and grand melody resounded, growing more intense and majestic as it deepened.

Yet the listeners didn't find the sound too noisy; instead, they were all captivated by it.

When the tune ended, Xi Qianyue clapped her hands: "Truly wonderful—a fine rendition of 'Ambush on All Sides.' I never expected this young lady to be no delicate flower after all."

She looked up at Bai Zhining, slightly startled. The girl had a red teardrop mole beneath her eye.

Talk about finding a needle in a haystack—she'd been looking everywhere, and here she was, right in front of her!

So this was the original female lead, huh?

She was thrilled! If the female lead had appeared, did that mean she could soon return?

Xi Qianyue's delight was too obvious, and Qi Chengyun couldn't help asking, "You like this song that much?"

Yang Xingxian clapped vigorously. "Amazing, amazing! Music like this only exists in heaven—how often do you get to hear it on earth?"

Bai Zhining lowered her head and smiled faintly.

She was sure of herself. Right now, Qi Chengyun was in a tight spot, with threats closing in from every direction, and the song she'd played should have hit home with him.

However, Qi Chengyun barely seemed to look at her, instead gazing at Xi Qianyue with a smile.

Bai Zhining knew something was off and spoke up, "Miss Xi, are you Young Master Yang's lady? You two are truly a match made in heaven."

Xi Qianyue found it odd. In the book, wasn't Bai Zhining supposed to be willingly brought into the marquis's household? Yet now, she seemed desperate to escape Yang Xingxian's attention.