Chapter Four: The Party (Second Update)

Appearing as a fiancé was naturally part of the conditions for helping Xue Xi. After all, if others truly wanted to sabotage her, without that relationship, there would still be plenty of loopholes to exploit.

As soon as Xue Xi stepped out of the study, she immediately shed her mischievous demeanor, smiling as she politely declined the servants' offers to arrange a spa or guide her around, choosing instead to wander about with Chen Hongxu alone.

Eventually, the two stopped at a pavilion-like structure. Chen Hongxu glanced at Xue Xi, who was bent over, rubbing her calves and complaining about exhaustion, yet her eyes sparkled with cunning amusement. He sincerely exclaimed, “The Xue family estate is truly vast. I remember it was only around two o’clock when we left the study, wasn’t it?”

It was already past five in the evening; the two had spent over three hours roaming the mountaintop, so it was no wonder Chen Hongxu was so astonished.

Xue Xi straightened up, walked to Chen Hongxu’s side, and leaned against the railing, gazing at the scenery below with a hint of melancholy. “Being big has its downsides. When the woods are thick, all kinds of birds gather…”

She then looked up at Chen Hongxu and continued, “Some people in the household have probably been bought by the Lan family. Tonight, many will target you. If—if there’s real danger, it’s fine to give up. That crowd can’t sway the family’s decision.”

Chen Hongxu narrowed his eyes, glancing at Xue Xi’s anxious expression, and replied with bold determination, “There’s no ‘if.’ Trust me, I’ll handle everything. Don’t wear yourself out…”

Truth be told, Chen Hongxu found Xue Xi hard to read—unsure when she was sincere or when she was feigning. But as his first female friend, he instinctively wanted to protect, trust, and support her. Perhaps that was love.

They stood in silence, gazing at the landscape until a maid in a white apron hurried over to invite them to dinner.

The dinner was held on the first floor of the castle atop the mountain. It was less a dinner than a party—soothing music played as Xue Xi led Chen Hongxu, smiling as they nodded in greeting to relatives eager to probe for information.

Directly in front of them, on a hastily erected stage, Xue Baishu spotted the pair, paused his conversation with the steward, picked up the microphone at the center, and cleared his throat.

At once, the bustling hall fell silent—so quiet that even the heavy breathing of some guests could be heard. Xue Baishu stared at Xue Xi and Chen Hongxu, beckoning them onto the stage.

Xue Xi apologized politely to those nearby, took Chen Hongxu’s hand, and walked up confidently.

Once they were on stage, Xue Baishu began, “Perhaps you’re all wondering why I called everyone together tonight. Some may have guessed already. That’s right, our girl has returned. It’s a big event, an important one. Tell me, isn’t it worth celebrating?”

“Of course! Woohoo!” came the enthusiastic replies, with even a few wolf howls mixed in—a testament to Xue Xi’s exalted status in the family.

Having received the expected response, Xue Baishu smiled and raised his hand, quieting the crowd before continuing, “That’s just one highlight of tonight’s gathering. The other, you may have guessed as well. That’s right, I’m about to address your curiosity. Let me formally introduce our girl’s fiancé—Mr. Chen Hongxu.”

Chen Hongxu, who had been whispering with Xue Xi about whether Xue Baishu used to be a salesman, suddenly sensed the room fill with hostility. He looked up, bewildered, at the crowd—those who had seemed amiable now bristled with murderous intent.

He scratched his head in confusion, glancing at Xue Xi for an explanation.

Xue Xi blinked, clearly enjoying his discomfort, and whispered with a smile, “They’re introducing you. Focus. I’ll ask my dad later if he was ever a salesman.”

Xue Baishu, oblivious to the two young people making fun of him behind his back, saw the atmosphere fully charged and the focus shifted. He clapped his hands, signaling Chen Hongxu to step forward and say a few words.

Now, under the spotlight, Chen Hongxu was scrutinized thoroughly. After Xue Baishu left the stage, the crowd could no longer contain their curiosity, and a storm of chatter erupted.

“Whose son is he?”

“No idea, never heard of him. Maybe he’s new money? But look at his clothes—they’re from two years ago, so outdated.”

“Tsk, tsk, guess what I noticed?”

“What?”

“Look, the threads on his jacket are coming loose. Must be a fake. Maybe he’s here to trick our girl. She’s young, easily swayed by sweet words.”

“If that’s true, how could he dare wear such shabby clothes to the Xue family…”

…

The murmurs below quickly painted Xue Xi as an innocent, naive girl and Chen Hongxu as a villain of the worst kind.

Though Chen Hongxu was skilled and powerful, he was still only eighteen—a boy who rarely got the chance to speak up in class, much less before a crowd of such “distinguished” people.

His face flushed, his pupils contracted, and he instinctively clenched his fists.

“Look at that! Such poor composure—he’s furious!” someone shouted. The crowd grew even more animated in their criticism.

Standing behind Chen Hongxu, Xue Xi noticed his distress and heard the supposedly caring, yet deeply insulting comments directed at her.

She glanced at Xue Baishu, who remained calm, and realized her mistake—she had confused Chen Hongxu’s position with her father’s. In her mind, both were powerful enough to protect her, both were beloved, so she thought they were alike.

But seeing Chen Hongxu’s discomfort, she remembered he was just a boy her own age, never exposed to such scrutiny. Anger flashed in her eyes—not only at her own misjudgment but also at the crowd’s insolence.

“When did I start caring so much about others’ opinions?” Chen Hongxu mocked himself with a bitter smile, taking a deep breath, ready to speak…

“He’s laughing now? What a scoundrel—classic villain!” someone below seemed intent on stirring trouble. Chen Hongxu narrowed his eyes, fixing a deadly stare on the young man who had twice incited the crowd.

But before Chen Hongxu could react, Xue Xi stepped forward, took his arm, snatched the microphone from his hand, and hurled it at the troublemaker he’d been eyeing. Proudly, she faced the stunned audience and spoke calmly, “The man I chose isn’t here for your criticism. You don’t have that right. Remember, only my father and I make decisions in the Xue family. The rest of you are mere followers.”

She tightened her grip on Chen Hongxu’s arm, as if afraid he might escape, then looked at him apologetically, continuing, “I’ll say this now—the Xue family is mine, and I’ll do as I please. If you find life too comfortable, you’re welcome to leave. Otherwise, even if I choose a pile of manure, you’ll have to call it fragrant.”

“Dominant!” That was the only word Chen Hongxu could use to describe the princess who had shed her mask, though it felt oddly inadequate.

The crowd was stunned by Xue Xi’s transformation. Usually, she played the perfect princess—never mischievous, always good-natured, maintaining her role with care. But now…

“Clap, clap, clap!” Amid their shock, Xue Baishu, who had watched in silence, smiled and applauded, offering his support.

Xue Xi glanced at him, snorted, and whispered into Chen Hongxu’s ear, her breath fragrant, “That old fox is the most cunning. He deliberately didn’t step in just now. Don’t take it to heart. Later, I’ll help you tie him up so you can vent your anger.”

Chen Hongxu knew Xue Xi was worried about him and didn’t take her joke seriously. Since resolving his inner conflict, he’d worn a gentle smile. Seeing Xue Xi’s hair bristling with anger, he said apologetically, “Sorry, I promised I’d handle everything, but you had to step in and help me. It won’t happen again.”

“Yesterday, he didn’t apologize for sharing a room with Bing Ling, but now he’s saying sorry? Hmph, Chen Hongxu, you’re done for. I’ve discovered your weakness—you respond to kindness, not toughness. Let’s see how you escape my grasp in the future!” Xue Xi’s expression was oddly triumphant.

The crowd, wary of provoking the furious Xue Xi, adopted a more conciliatory tone. As Xue Baishu applauded, they followed suit, their faces reflecting a “it’s just a joke, why so serious?” attitude.

Just as the applause died down, a discordant voice came from a sofa in the corner, “The Xue family’s direct line naturally makes the decisions, but if matters concern the survival of our branch, shouldn’t you give us an explanation?”

“Second Master?”

“He’s here? Didn’t he say he’d never return?”

Everyone turned to see the elderly man seated on the sofa, respectfully addressing him as “Second Master.” Except for Xue Baishu and Xue Xi, the Xue family members looked puzzled, hoping for clarification.

One wave had barely settled before another rose—an unexpected clown, surely. Chen Hongxu took in Xue Xi’s expression, realizing this was not someone originally anticipated.