Suddenly, she felt a tight grip around her waist and found herself being hugged by someone. The person was tall, and the warm and pleasant scent filled Gu Jiangyue's nostrils, making her inexplicably feel at ease.
The moment Qin Anjie shot that arrow, Xie Jiuan could tell that the direction of the arrow was wrong. With Qin Anjie's archery skills, this arrow was shot too far off.
Xie Jiuan hardly thought at all. He used his lightness kung - fu and rushed onto the stage. He immediately pulled Gu Jiangyue into his arms.
After a while, when he was sure that she was really okay, Xie Jiuan loosened his big hand around her waist and let her out of his embrace.
That arrow had been so close to her just now. It was impossible to say that she wasn't nervous. Gu Jiangyue had thought she couldn't dodge it. Now her lips were slightly parted as she gasped for air, trying to calm her pounding heart.
Seeing that Gu Jiangyue was unharmed, Xie Jiuan turned around and stared quietly at Qin Anjie. Xie Jiuan was dressed in snow - white clothes, and his long black hair was casually tied behind his back. Standing there quietly, he seemed not to be contaminated by any dust. There was a smile in his peach - blossom eyes that didn't reach the bottom, which was especially chilling.
Qin Anjie felt extremely uncomfortable under his gaze. He didn't know why so many people were coming after him today just because he had bullied Gu Jiangyue.
"Mr. Qin, you've lost."
Although Xie Jiuan was smiling, his tone was extremely cold, as if he wanted to stare a hole in Qin Anjie's body.
Seeing Xie Jiuan's intimidating look, Qin Anjie knew that he had done something wrong and offended someone he shouldn't have. He swallowed hard and his lips moved with difficulty.
"Mr. Qin is so proud of his archery skills, but this prince thinks this arrow seems to be blind. It even dares to try to hurt someone."
Qin Anjie was trembling slightly. He pressed down hard on his shaking hands, trying to calm himself down, but he failed.
"I... I'm just not in good form today. It's normal to make a mistake. How can Prince Jiu smear me?"
"Mr. Qin is right. After all, swords and arrows have no eyes, but people should have eyes, right? Mr. Qin can shoot another arrow now. If your eyes don't work well, then dig them out."
A beautiful arc appeared on Xie Jiuan's thin lips. Paired with his peach - blossom eyes, he looked so good that he didn't seem like an ordinary person. Although his face was gentle, the words he said were merciless and full of playfulness.
"This prince has been lacking something to play with recently. If Mr. Qin is reluctant to do it himself, this prince can do it for you."
Qin Anjie was immediately stunned on the spot by Xie Jiuan's words.
If an ordinary person said this, he definitely wouldn't believe it. But the person was Xie Jiuan. What came out of Xie Jiuan's mouth was definitely not a lie.
"I... I..."
Qin Anjie stammered with his lips moving, not daring to refute and not wanting to admit it either.
But even without him saying anything, everyone knew it well. They were supposed to shoot at the grass fruit on the head, and missing it so badly could only be intentional. After all, Qin Anjie had been so confident in his archery skills before the competition.
"As for the restaurant Mr. Qin mentioned earlier, since Miss Gu doesn't like it, this prince will take it. The silver will be sent to the Qin Mansion in full. Does Mr. Qin have any objections?"
Xie Jiuan wasn't asking him but informing him. No matter whether he refused or not, the restaurant would belong to Xie Jiuan. And as soon as Xie Jiuan's silver was sent to the Qin Mansion, his father would definitely know about it.
Qin Anjie wanted to say something more, but when he saw the glint of killing intent in Xie Jiuan's eyes, he suppressed his thoughts.
"It's fine. As long as Prince Jiu likes it."
Gu Jiangyue looked at Xie Jiuan's figure. She had no idea what Xie Jiuan wanted to do with the restaurant. Unable to figure it out, she simply gave up. After all, Prince Jiu was rich and could do whatever he wanted.
Seeing that Xie Jiuan had said enough, Gu Jiangyue felt that she should also say something. So she reached out and gently tugged at his sleeve.
Xie Jiuan turned around and happened to meet Gu Jiangyue's eyes. He quickly restrained his coldness and put on his usual casual look. He stepped slightly to the side, making way for Gu Jiangyue.
"Mr. Qin, this matter is over. Jiangyue doesn't want to pursue it anymore. Please apologize to my father in front of everyone quickly."
Gu Jiangyue looked serious, and her eyes were filled with determination. Her gaze seemed to penetrate Qin Anjie's chest, trying to see him clearly.
Now the area below the stage was deathly quiet. No one said a word. Everyone was waiting for Qin Anjie's apology. Even Lin Qianshuang, who had been colluding with him to scheme against Gu Jiangyue, lowered her head, afraid that what she had done would be mentioned.
Qin Anjie had never thought that he would lose. But now with so many people watching, he could only keep his promise. His face flushed red as he said,
"I was wrong. I slandered General Gu. General Gu has made great contributions. I shouldn't have said such things about him!"
Qin Anjie was afraid of accidentally offending these people again. His words were extremely sincere, and his voice was loud enough for everyone present to hear.
Gu Jiangyue was very satisfied. She hadn't shot an arrow for a long time, and hitting the target this time was a bit of a fluke. Seeing the disgusted expressions on Qin Anjie and Gu Zhengwan's faces, she felt a sense of relief in her heart.
She curled up her lips and secretly smiled, but when she looked up, she happened to see Xie Jiuan staring at her.
Gu Jiangyue ignored him. She curtsied slightly to express her gratitude and then left.
Xie Jiuan was a bit at a loss.
The banquet continued as usual. No one was unhappy because of these small episodes. Instead, they felt very pleased. The old matriarch showed no sign of dissatisfaction at all. Just now, both Xie Jiuan and Nian Zhengqing had been nice to Gu Jiangyue. With these two gentlemen in the Gu Mansion, what did it matter if they offended an Qin Anjie?
After Xie Jiuan protected Gu Jiangyue, no one came to trouble her again. She finally had a rare moment of peace.
Several musicians on the stage were playing music. Gu Jiangyue found it a bit boring. She poured herself a cup of tea and took a few sips casually.
A strange question popped into her mind. Xie Jiuan wasn't supposed to know martial arts. How did he manage to come and save her in time just now?
Gu Jiangyue remembered Xie Jiuan's annoying look. He didn't seem like someone who knew martial arts. Otherwise, he wouldn't have just hugged her instead of blocking the arrow.
Gu Jiangyue guessed that Xie Jiuan was probably just good at lightness kung - fu.
Just then, Gu Jiangyue noticed Gu Zhengwan's gaze. She followed the gaze and saw Gu Zhengwan staring at her resentfully. Qin Anjie beside her seemed in low spirits because he hadn't been able to help her and had even caused trouble.
The moment Gu Zhengwan noticed that Gu Jiangyue was looking at her, she quickly changed her expression and forced a smile. Gu Jiangyue ignored her and shifted her gaze.
Gu Jiangyue snorted coldly in her heart. She would calculate people's hearts, glimpse the signs of life, break the deadlock, and win every battle from afar.