Chapter 1323

Although there was a trace of gratitude in her heart for his guidance, he was so wicked that she couldn’t bring herself to utter a single word of thanks.

“No need for you to say thank you. What I prefer is for you to repay me with your body.”

Mu Xiaojiu’s smile carried a hint of wickedness, as if he could see straight into her thoughts.

Baili Xia continued biting her lip, refusing to speak.

She realized that talking to this man was essentially digging a pit for herself.

No matter what she said, he would always manage to leave her no room to respond.

“What’s wrong? It’s been so long since we last met, and now that we’re finally face to face, is there nothing you want to say to me?”

His magnetic, melodic voice drifted down from above her head.

So alluring, so seductive—careless exposure to it would make it easy to fall under its spell.

But this time, she had made up her mind: no matter what he said or did, she would absolutely not allow herself to succumb.

Perhaps he had noticed, too.

Tonight, she was truly different from how she used to be; even her self-control had improved significantly.

Mu Xiaojiu, who had originally come over just because he couldn’t resist seeing her and teasing her a little, suddenly felt an inexplicable heaviness in his heart.

Could it be that she… had begun learning how to stay unaffected by him?

A man’s heart, at times, could be very complicated—even conflicted.

He knew he shouldn’t have come here, shouldn’t be entangled with her at this moment.

Yet the silhouette he had glimpsed at the banquet kept circling in his mind and refused to leave.

Why did she have to dress so alluringly?

Why did she have to shine so brightly within his line of sight?

Couldn’t she be like before, a compliant and unassuming little girl, hiding away all her charms and waiting for him to appreciate them when he returned?

Tonight, at least half the men at the banquet had their squinting eyes fixed on her.

Even though she was dressed, the outfit fit her form so snugly.

The thought of it made his body tense involuntarily.

Now that Mu Xiaojiu was pressing against Baili Xia, no one was more painfully aware of the situation than she was.

“You’re the one who dressed like that, and now you want to blame me?”

Before she could open her mouth to rebuke him, Mu Xiaojiu cut her off coldly.

“Let go of me!” Baili Xia struggled, trying to resist.

But her hands were pinned down by him with ease, held firmly at her sides.

“What exactly are you trying to do?” she growled angrily.

They were at the Bei Family’s estate; tonight’s banquet obviously intended to entertain him as the esteemed guest.

He had slipped away from the banquet—there was no chance he could stay here long, and he would have to return soon.

In this brief moment, she couldn’t fathom what he intended to do.

“Little creature, have you still not learned your lesson?” Mu Xiaojiu’s words were cold, but the heat radiating from his palm was scorching.

“Who picked out your evening gown? Xiaoyao, that little punk? He must have a death wish!”

Letting her wear such a form-fitting dress, flaunting her perfect curves as she walked past all sorts of men.

That brat must be itching for trouble, wasn’t he?

“What does it have to do with you?”

“I won’t allow it!” Who gave her permission to be so brazen?

“Ha…” Baili Xia suddenly figured it out—this bastard was jealous, upset that other men were admiring her figure?

Her chest tightened with anger, and she had zero intentions of yielding to him.

With a faint smile, she displayed a complete lack of concern.

“Brother You sent it to me.

He even said I looked stunning in it… Oh, by the way, before you arrived, countless men had already complimented me.”

“Complimented you on what?” Mu Xiaojiu’s voice instantly turned raspy and low, and his fingers suddenly tightened.

“Mm…” Baili Xia couldn’t help but let out a muffled groan, but knowing she had infuriated him didn’t scare her one bit.

Quite the opposite—an icy sensation spread through her chest, leaving her feeling satisfied.

“They said I have a great figure, that I look beautiful, and they…” she paused, giving him a cold smile before pressing her lips together and continuing, “asked me out tonight, thinking we might have some fun.”