C2

"Don't come any closer! All of you, stop right there. Do you have any idea who I am? If you dare to take another step, I will have Royal Father wipe out your entire Barbarian Tribe." Zhao Sitong extricated herself from Su Qi's embrace and hastily retreated, eyeing the encircling "Barbarians" with suspicion. Their speech was so bizarre, some of it incomprehensible to her. Were they plotting to eat her?

"Hahaha—I can't take it anymore, I'm going to die laughing! Someone give me a hand!" Qin Lang, standing next to Rong Xiaoyi, clutched his stomach, laughing until he was nearly breathless.

"Does this chick have a screw loose or something?" Wang Yuqian, clad in a red bikini, asked with her arms folded.

"She's definitely sick, and it's no minor illness!" Gu Xiyan, donning a blue bikini, appraised Zhao Sitong with a tsk-tsk.

"I bet she's watched too many period dramas and lost touch with reality. But you've got to admit, her act is pretty convincing! She's really taken it to another level!" Su Qi chuckled, shaking his head.

"Speaking of which, how did this girl even get in here? Rong Xiaoyi, isn't this your private villa?" Wang Yuqian leaned on Qin Lang's shoulder, her flirtatious smile brimming with allure.

Zhao Sitong's eyes widened in disbelief at Wang Yuqian's audacity. The "female Barbarian" was far too daring—embracing so openly under the sun, utterly shameless and corrupting morals! Could watching too much cause styes? Zhao Sitong quickly shut her eyes, but then, remembering her predicament, she swiftly opened them again to survey her surroundings. The pond was vast, its edges and bottom lined with blue bricks that lent the water an extraordinary beauty. This Barbarian Country was indeed lavish. Even the palace she resided in had a pond, but none like this, paved with bricks that shimmered like glass.

"Right? Rong Xiaoyi, who knew you had such taste?" Su Qi teased, glancing at Rong Xiaoyi.

"I honestly have no idea where she came from. Today, it's just been Mrs. Wu and the two chefs—no one else," Rong Xiaoyi said, spreading his hands in bewilderment.

"This is really something..."

"What's all the commotion about? What is this?" A delicate voice floated over from the poolside.

The voice was quite melodious. Zhao Sitong turned her gaze and was taken aback. "Wow! This 'female barbarian' looks quite normal. Her long black hair cascaded naturally, framing her curved eyebrows and a pair of phoenix eyes, a prominent nose, and petite red lips. She was clad in an off-white dress cinched at the waist, the hem embroidered with intricate patterns. She exuded an air of freshness and purity. At a glance, you could tell she was a lady of high breeding. However, her unkempt hair and the short sleeves of her dress, revealing her arms, were unbecoming. She was unmistakably from the Barbarian Country, where even ladies of nobility were no exception.

Lin Yuyan noticed Zhao Sitong's silence and extended her hand. "Come on, little sister, stand up. Your clothes are soaked through. Let me take you to change."

Zhao Sitong studied Lin Yuyan intently. This 'female barbarian' seemed rather gentle. Should she trust her? Glancing down at her drenched clothing and considering the terrifying 'barbarians' nearby, she decided the woman in white was the lesser of two evils.

Zhao Sitong's eyes flickered with thought. She'd change her clothes first. Even if they intended to harm her, it would take time to prepare. She could use the opportunity to slip away while changing. With this plan in mind, Zhao Sitong placed her hand in Lin Yuyan's.

"Wow, Yuyan really has a way with people!" Su Qi couldn't resist giving Lin Yuyan a thumbs-up.

"Indeed, the allure of a beauty is unmatched," Qin Lang added, nodding in agreement.

"What, are we not considered beauties?" Wang Yuqian retorted with a playful pout.

"You're a perfect blend of beauty and wildness," Rong Xiaoyi quipped.

The group erupted into hearty laughter at the jest.

Lin Yuyan, graced by the compliments, smiled gently. "You're all too kind. You've managed to frighten the poor girl."

"Yuyan always knows just what to say," Gu Xiyan chimed in with a smile, assisting Zhao Sitong as she climbed into the pool.