Chapter 89 -

Chapter 89: Chapter

Madame Bai looked at her eldest son in total surprise. "Zhengyu, you want to stay behind and wait for her?"

"Yes, Mother," Zhengyu answered calmly, his voice smooth and firm as he sat straight in his wheelchair. "The streets get dark early these days. It is better if I wait so we can return to the estate together."

Madame Bai’s heart melted with joy. She exchanged a quick, knowing glance with Meiling and Rulan, who both hid their playful smiles behind their silk sleeves. For years, Zhengyu had refused to leave his courtyard, let alone care about anyone else. Seeing him act so protective over his new wife was a sight Madame Bai had prayed to see for a very long time.

"Very well then," Madame Bai said, her eyes shining with warmth as she patted his shoulder. "Do not stay out too late. We will see you both back at the manor."

With that, Madame Bai, Meiling, and Rulan headed toward their carriage, leaving Zhengyu waiting quietly near the side archway of the main hall while Yimei remained surrounded by the chatter of noble ladies.

As the hall gradually cleared out, a tall figure in rich violet robes stepped smoothly out from the inner courtyard. Holding his folded fan in one hand, Xiao Jun walked directly toward Zhengyu.

The Prime Minister’s son stopped a few feet away, his expression calm, polite, and completely unreadable.

"First Young Master Bai," Xiao Jun greeted smoothly, bowing his head slightly in respect. "I did not expect you to honor my sister’s engagement banquet with your presence today. It is truly a pleasure to meet you."

Zhengyu’s dark eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at the young master standing before him. The atmosphere between the two men instantly grew tense.

Zhengyu looked at Xiao Jun, his face completely calm, but his dark eyes were sharp like knives.

"Master Xiao," Zhengyu said slowly, his voice smooth and cold. "There is no need for fake politeness between us. You are the one who sent those shadow guards to get us to the old physician, aren’t you?"

Xiao Jun paused, raising an eyebrow in slight surprise before a small, amused smile touched his lips. "Huh? You figured that out?"

"My wife may be smart, but power is not something just your brains can get you," Zhengyu said, leaning forward slightly in his wheelchair, his dark gaze locking straight onto Xiao Jun’s eyes. "She must have someone powerful helping her behind the scenes. You are the one who helped her."

The air between them instantly turned icy cold.

Xiao Jun slowly tapped his folded fan against his palm, his eyes glinting with a clever light. He didn’t bother denying it.

"Young Master Bai is indeed as sharp as the rumors say," Xiao Jun replied smoothly, his tone light yet heavy with hidden meaning. "However, I merely protect my valuable business investments. Young Madame Yimei is a very talented business partner. It would be a great loss to my business if anything terrible happened to her husband’s health."

Zhengyu’s jaw tightened, a dangerous, dark edge flickering in his eyes. "She is my wife. Whatever business she has, it belongs inside the Bai family. You seem far too involved in my family’s private matters, Master Xiao."

Xiao Jun let out a soft, amused chuckle, stepping one pace closer. "I only help those who show true talent, Young Master Bai. If Young Madame asks for my resources, I see no reason to turn down such a brilliant ally."

Zhengyu’s fingers gripped the armrest of his wheelchair so tightly his knuckles turned white.

Before the rising argument between the two men could escalate any further, the sound of soft footsteps echoed across the stone floor.

"Zhengyu?"

Yimei’s clear, gentle voice broke the heavy silence as she walked over, having finally finished settling everything with the noble ladies. She looked between her husband and her secret business partner, instantly sensing the thick, dangerous tension filling the air.

"Young Master Xiao," Yimei said smoothly, stepping right to Zhengyu’s side and resting a soft, warm hand on her husband’s shoulder. "Thank you for holding such a great event today. Your sister’s engagement party was truly lovely."

Xiao Jun looked down at her hand resting on Zhengyu’s shoulder. He saw how close they stood together. Snapping his fan shut with a sharp click, he bowed politely.

"The pleasure was all ours, Young Madame Yimei," Xiao Jun replied with a polite tone. "My family is very thankful for your delicious tea today. I look forward to our future... business work."

He gave Zhengyu one last long look before turning around and walking into the house, his bright robes moving smoothly with every step.

Zhengyu stayed silent for a second, watching Xiao Jun walk away. The cold mood around him did not leave right away.

Yimei looked down at her husband, seeing how tight his jaw was. "Zhengyu? Is everything okay? What were you two talking about?"

Zhengyu slowly turned his head to look up at her. His dark eyes were cold and completely calm.

"Nothing important," Zhengyu said.

Before Yimei could think more about his words, Zhengyu called out to his guard. "Liu Feng. Get the carriage ready. It is time for us to go home."

"Yes, Young Master!" Liu Feng called back, quickly running toward the main gate. ℯℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

As Yimei walked beside Zhengyu’s wheelchair toward the waiting carriage, a soft, happy sound chimed inside her head.

[ System Notice: Bai Zhengyu’s favorability increased. Current total: 30 points! ]

Yimei’s eyes went a little wide in surprise. She looked down at Zhengyu, who sat straight and quiet, staring ahead into the dark night air.

30 points? Why is he’s favorability points just increasing anyhow. she thought.

The carriage ride back to the Bai family house was totally quiet, but the silence between them was full of unsaid thoughts.

When they finally reached the big front gates, the whole house was lit up with extra paper lanterns. Xiao Yu and Qinqin were waiting nervously outside, walking back and forth with pale, scared faces.

The moment the carriage stopped, Xiao Yu ran forward, her voice shaking. "Young Master! Young Madame! You are finally back!"

Yimei stepped out of the carriage first, her eyebrows pulling together. "Xiao Yu, what is happening? Why are you two waiting out here in the cold?"

Qinqin bowed quickly, her voice low and worried. "Young Madame, the second Madame Liu and Madame Chen got back from the party, they ran straight to the Old Master’s room! They are crying, screaming, and asking for a big family meeting right now! They are telling the Old Master that you ruined the Second and Third Branches on purpose to destroy our family name!"

Zhengyu came out of the carriage with Liu Feng pushing his chair. His face grew cold and scary as he listened to Qinqin’s words. A dark, mean smile appeared on his lips.

"They really do not know when to stop, do they?" Zhengyu said quietly, his voice full of anger.

Yimei smoothed down her fine silk dress, remaining completely calm and relaxed. "Let them cry. A dying snake always wiggles the hardest right before its head is crushed." She looked down at Zhengyu, her eyes shining with cool confidence. "Shall we go watch them try to fight us, husband?"