Chapter 45: Drawn by the Scent

Just as he lifted the teacup to his lips, ready to take a sip while watching the scene unfold, Si Kouyan nearly spat out his water in surprise. Ji Tianxin’s words, spoken in a slow and languid tone, made it almost impossible for anyone to truly get angry—at least, for most people. But for Shangguan Yuner, who had just been struck, it was like oil poured onto flames.

She, mindful of her status and unable to personally lay a hand on this wretched girl, could only order those behind her, “What are you all standing around for? Seize this filthy girl for me!”

Su Qing had already stepped forward, poised and ready to act. Yet, just as the guards behind prepared to move, they caught Duan Yu’s warning glance and immediately froze, none daring to take a step.

“Brother Yu, she hit me! Are you really going to let her get away with it?” Shangguan Yuner looked at Duan Yu in disbelief.

Duan Yu replied coldly, “Enough! Don’t forget your place! It was you who acted out of turn first; she’s just a child—why stoop to her level?”

“Master, these two are clearly of noble birth. Judging from the man’s bearing and his tone, I suspect he is a member of the royal family of Yu,” Su Qing transmitted the message through spiritual sense, her gaze sizing up the pair as she spoke—words only her mistress could hear.

Her mistress disliked remembering people and had little patience for such details. Thus, as her maid, Su Qing always paid attention on her behalf. Yet Su Qing knew her mistress was far cleverer than she was—she simply didn’t care about such matters.

A soft “Mm” from Ji Tianxin signaled her reply, and Su Qing understood. Suddenly, Ji Tianxin’s petite nose twitched—what a delicious aroma…

Her eyes followed the scent across the way, landing on a restaurant. She licked her lips, her little tongue darting out as she swallowed.

Duan Yu’s stern rebuke brought tears of grievance to Shangguan Yuner’s eyes; she was about to protest when—“Where did they go?” Duan Yu’s expression abruptly shifted.

Following his gaze, Shangguan Yuner also looked around, only to find that the pair had vanished. After searching for some time, she finally spotted their backs amidst the distant crowd.

Duan Yu wished to pursue them, but hesitated—worried Shangguan Yuner might cause further trouble. He decided to let it be. Still, he worried that the child might grow to dislike him because of Shangguan Yuner’s behavior. Sigh… Would he ever see that little girl again?

As the crown prince, Duan Yu had always been above others, never encountering such a situation before. For the first time, a child had left him feeling at a loss for proper conduct. Even though she had struck Shangguan Yuner, he could not bring himself to blame her.

If only that little girl were his sister, he thought—then he could see her every day.

Meanwhile, Shangguan Yuner seethed with rage, determined to uncover that wretched girl’s identity—how dare she strike her, and even enchant Brother Yu! Outrageous!

Ji Tianxin, with Su Qing at her side, entered the restaurant.

“Welcome, are you here to dine or seeking a room?” The attendant hurried over, his manner effusive. Judging from the way Ji Tianxin and Su Qing were dressed, they were clearly children from wealthy families, so he was especially attentive.

Ji Tianxin said nothing, simply following the tantalizing aroma upstairs. Su Qing tossed a silver ingot into the attendant’s hand. “You’re not needed,” she said, and followed after her mistress.

The attendant beamed as he caught the silver, his face breaking into a broad smile. Children from rich families truly were naive, tossing money around as if it meant nothing.

Lin Si watched his mistress, who had suddenly taken it upon herself to prepare barbecue, and found himself… oddly intrigued.