"Sister, what are you sighing about? Are you sighing that the prince is liked by so many people?"
Chu Liyin blinked her big, watery eyes. Seeing Cheng Xiran smiling but not answering, she continued on her own, "Sister is also very beautiful. It's just that you've been so busy with the newspaper recently that you haven't gone out to look around. Actually, there are plenty of outstanding and good - looking young masters in the whole capital."
Cheng Xiran suddenly got in the mood to tease her and said, "Indeed. Grandmother told me before that Young Master Xue is a very good match and asked me to seize the opportunity..."
Chu Liyin's face suddenly changed. Her pupils constricted slightly, and she deliberately avoided Cheng Xiran's gaze. Cheng Xiran smiled even more brightly on the surface. She picked up a plate of delicate pastries on the table to tempt her, but it was of no use. She couldn't help but sigh, "It seems that our Liyin has a soft spot for Xue Lianyu."
But Chu Liyin was twisting the silk handkerchief in her hand while defending herself, "No, it must be because I've met too few men. My vision is limited, so I just think the people in front of me are good."
Just a few days ago, she had openly admitted her feelings, but now she was being coy. The thoughts of a young girl were really as hard to fathom as the tip of an embroidery needle.
Cheng Xiran didn't expose her. She just replied following her words, "If you really have this thought, why don't you join me for the lantern festival tomorrow night? I'll take you around to look for someone. Maybe you'll meet your destined one?"
Chu Liyin grinned and leaned over. She grabbed Cheng Xiran's arm and coquettishly said, "Even if sister didn't invite me, I was planning to have fun with you anyway."
Following her gaze, Cheng Xiran noticed that she had brought a parcel when she came. Just as she was about to ask when she had become so considerate, Chu Liyin beamed with joy and waved her hands, "Uncle Xue really treats me like his own daughter. Knowing that I'll be staying in the capital tomorrow, he specially sent someone to prepare the clothes for me to wear these two days and told me to accompany you well and not to cause any trouble."
After saying that, she took out her emerald - green purse from her waist, then took out more than a dozen silver notes and laid them all in front of Cheng Xiran. She said happily, "Sister, you can tell me whatever you want to buy or eat. I'll treat you!"
Sure enough, money makes one generous... Cheng Xiran looked at the pile of silver notes and swallowed silently. Suddenly, she thought that being the young mistress of the Bandit Jade Villa was a pretty good job. At least she didn't have to compromise every day for a living like herself.
With Uncle Xue around, it was probably just a matter of time before Xue Lianyu and Chu Liyin got together.
Cheng Xiran gently stroked her head. With a tender look in her eyes, she helped her put the money away carefully. After putting it away properly, she said confidently, "You're my guest in my mansion. Naturally, I should be the host. How can I let you pay? Don't worry. I'll take care of all your needs these two days. You can buy and eat to your heart's content!"
She also acted boldly for once, but the consequence of this boldness was a bit too much for her to bear.
In the evening, this girl took her to the Drunken Immortal Restaurant for a meal. She looked so petite, but she ordered several substantial dishes in a row and even finished them all, which amazed many people at the neighboring tables.
After the meal, Cheng Xiran accompanied her to visit a clothing store. She picked out two clothes, both made of excellent brocade fabrics specially supplied from Suzhou, which cost her a lot of silver. Then they went for all kinds of snacks, jewelry, and antiques. She always chose the top - grade items and never saved a single cent for Cheng Xiran.