C14 Provocation(3)

"You're overthinking it, Third Miss," Mrs. Zhou said cautiously, her expression neutral.

"Enough!" Bai Mengci stood up impatiently, taking a few steps closer to scrutinize her. Her eyes lit up with excitement when they landed on a small, reddened patch of skin peeking from beneath Bai Liyuv's collar. "Did you sleep well last night?"

Bai Liyuv casually sauntered over to the stone table, plopped down, and began munching on the pastries meant for Bai Mengci. "Oh, I slept wonderfully. Didn't wake up until noon. Qiushuang can vouch for that," she replied nonchalantly, casting a sly glance at Qiushuang, who stood silently nearby.

Bai Mengci's brow furrowed at her actions. "I haven't even sat down yet. Who said you could?"

Bai Liyuv, uninterested in further banter, crossed her legs and yawned, her patience wearing thin. "Spit it out already. Don't just stand there being a nuisance." Normally, she had more patience for beauty, but she'd exhausted all of it on Bai Mengci's face with just those few exchanges.

Mrs. Zhou stepped forward disapprovingly. "Third Miss, how can a young lady speak so crudely? If word gets out, people will say our household lacks proper decorum, inviting gossip."

Bai Mengci's chest heaved with anger at the remark, and she sneered, "Sister, it seems you don't understand the rules. As your elder, it's my duty to teach you properly. Madam Zhou, slap her! We can't have people saying our family lacks discipline!"

Madam Zhou stepped forward without hesitation, raising her hand to strike. Bai Liyuv had enough. She was never one to shy away from a confrontation; in fact, she welcomed it. She quickly grabbed Madam Zhou's raised hand and pushed it aside, her gaze icy as she looked at Bai Mengci. "No need to trouble yourself, sister. After all, if the head of the family is crooked, the rest will follow. I've been here for years, and it seems no one has ever taught me the rules. I'm about to leave anyway, so you don't have to worry about it. Besides, this might be the last time you hear me call you sister."

Bai Mengci couldn't process her words. The mention of leaving made her realize that soon she'd have to show respect to this little brat. Jealousy and hatred clouded her judgment, and without thinking, she stepped forward and swung her hand with malicious satisfaction.

The sharp sound of a slap echoed through the courtyard. Bai Mengci staggered back, clutching her face. The maids and servants around them were stunned, frozen for a moment before rushing to Bai Mengci's side, calling her name and helping her steady herself.

Bai Liyuv withdrew her hand and sighed deeply, looking gently at Bai Mengci, who wore a look of disbelief. In a soft voice, she said, "You know, I read a book the other day. It said if someone bullies you, you should return the favor in kind. I thought that was quite insightful. I never had the chance to put it into practice until today, thanks to your visit, sister. I really must thank you for that."

With that, she gracefully curtsied, her movements as smooth as flowing water. Her demeanor was so poised and elegant that it made everyone question their eyes. Just a moment ago, she had been sitting with her legs crossed, seemingly without a care for decorum, and now she appeared more refined than the most polished of debutantes.