C13 Food God Yuu Buyi

Xiao Chen once again brushed past Wen Wan with an air of indifference. If Wen Wan had previously thought his cold demeanor in the palace was just her imagination, it was now clear that Xiao Chen's unfriendly attitude was unmistakable.

"County Princess Wen, if you have nothing else, please take your leave. There are still people waiting for me at the Pavilion of Virtue," Yue Xiliang said, effectively dismissing her.

Wen Shaoxing was being punished at the Pavilion of Virtue.

Just as Wen Wan was about to make another attempt to plead her case, she noticed Yue Xiliang grasping the wine jar she had just placed on the table. "This wine..."

"Please, go ahead with your duties. I'll take my leave," Wen Wan said, slipping out the door like a gust of wind, fearing Yue Xiliang might change his mind.

Leaving the Hundred River Residence, Wen Wan took a shortcut and intercepted Xiao Chen near the rock garden by the East Well Pavilion.

Blocking his path, Wen Wan caught Xiao Chen by surprise. "Wai Duke, if you keep going this way, you'll hit a dead end. Are you lost?"

Seeing her hand pressed against his chest, Xiao Chen frowned slightly. Realizing where his gaze had landed, Wen Wan quickly withdrew her hand and composed herself. "Wai Duke, I believe there's been a misunderstanding between us."

Her eyes, as radiant as blooming peach blossoms, seemed to dim the sunlight around them. Xiao Chen remembered those eyes; he had often found himself dreaming of them.

It wasn't just once; it was a past life.

Xiao Chen took a step back, putting some distance between himself and Wen Wan. "I don't see it that way."

"Isn't this just a misunderstanding?" Wen Wan pointed to the step Xiao Chen had taken back, half-smiling, half-crying. "No matter what the misunderstanding is, as long as you tell me, I can explain."

But it was all too late.

Xiao Chen looked at Wen Wan. "If you don't have anything else to say, could you please step aside?"

"It's a dead end ahead. Where do you plan to go? I can..."

"Go to hell."

Before Wen Wan could say "lead the way," Xiao Chen blurted it out.

The air suddenly went still.

Wen Wan was known for her sharp tongue, never losing a verbal spar when she didn't want to be polite. But now, she truly didn't know how to respond to Xiao Chen. Was that even something one could respond to?

Xiao Chen admitted he had lost control of his emotions just now. Calming down, he spoke more gently, "Sorry, I'm in a bad mood today and just wanted to walk around. If it really is a dead end, I'll turn back."

Wen Wan let out a small "oh," and the tension eased a bit.

Seeing that Wen Wan wasn't moving aside, Xiao Chen lowered his gaze slightly, quietly watching her.

Feeling his gaze from above, Wen Wan swallowed her words. "Then... shall I walk with you?"

Xiao Chen remained silent, his expression unreadable.

Wen Wan got the hint and stepped aside. "Take care."

Xiao Chen walked forward, brushing past Wen Wan. Watching him leave without a backward glance, Wen Wan felt an unexpected pang of sympathy. Though this man might one day bask in glory, right now, he was just an unappreciated prince with an uncertain future. How could he not be troubled by it all?

"Don't worry, Xiao Chen! I'll help you!" she thought.

As Wen Wan continued on her way, Xiao Chen, now far ahead, suddenly stopped and turned around. His gaze unerringly found her slender, delicate figure. How many times had he turned back like this, with emotions too deep for others to comprehend?

...

Wen Wan left the Nothing Free House and asked Xu Fu to take her to the Golden Prosperity Building. Soon, the carriage made its way through Vermilion Bird Street, entering the area around the Golden Prosperity Building. Just then, a flash of silver streaked by!

"Neigh!"

A dart struck the horse's front leg, causing it to whinny in pain, rear up, and threaten to overturn the carriage!