Gu Xiao's reluctance was fully displayed on his face and in his actions.
Just now he was full of energy, but now he immediately slowed down his steps, full of resistance to getting closer to Ning Yuwan.
Everyone in the cabin could see his intention.
Yan Zhao sneered and raised his eyebrows. "If you don't come here, I'll break your legs!"
His threat didn't seem to be a joke. Gu Xiao also lost the interest in putting on an act. He roughly clasped his fists and said, "I've been away from the capital for many years, so I'm a bit rough. Cousin-in-law, don't mind."
The look in his eyes revealed a bit of disdain, and his tone was not very respectful.
He originally thought Ning Yuwan would sneer and mock him. He even had thought of how to refute her if she were to accuse him of being stingy and unyielding.
But Ning Yuwan just gave a playful smile. "Young Lord Gu is just like this by nature. How could this princess mind?"
Goodness!
Gu Xiao had originally just been self - deprecating, but in Ning Yuwan's words, it became that he was born rough - natured.
What's more, she was just following his words. Gu Xiao didn't know how to refute her.
"Cousin - in - law is really eloquent."
Gu Xiao snorted. No wonder Yan Zhao had suffered losses in front of Ning Yuwan.
"Do you have any objections?"
Just then, Yan Zhao, the wife - protecting madman, was dissatisfied with his attitude. "After not seeing you for five years, your manners have become even worse."
Gu Xiao plopped down beside him casually, leaning on Yan Zhao as if he had no bones. "My manners depend on the person!"
Yan Zhao reached out and flicked his forehead. "If you're still disrespectful to Wanwan, be careful. I'll write a letter to the Marquis of Wuan and ask him to take you back to Xiaoshan for discipline again!"
"Cousin, do you have a heart!"
Gu Xiao covered his forehead and complained indignantly.
"My heart is only with Wanwan."
The implication was that his wife was more important than his cousin!
He's a man who values his lover over his kin!
Gu Xiao muttered, but Yan Zhao protected Ning Yuwan tightly. He couldn't argue with him or say anything bad about Ning Yuwan, so he simply kept his mouth shut.
Gu Xiao didn't really believe that Yan Zhao would write a letter to the Marquis of Wuan. He was just joking!
If Yan Zhao really did that, Gu Xiao would kidnap him in the middle of the night and go to Xiaoshan together!
He kept his mouth shut for a while. He thought Chu Nian'an and Yan Zhao would couldn't help but talk to him and ask about the details of the past five years.
Unexpectedly, those two seemed not to see him at all. They only focused on getting close to Ning Yuwan. Their actions and expressions seemed to be alienating him!
Humph!
Who cares!
Gu Xiao pursed his lips slightly. His eyes wandered and accidentally met An Xingzhi's in the corner.
Completely different from his attitude towards Ning Yuwan, he put away his unruly smile, gently raised the corner of his mouth and nodded slightly.
His actions became more and more proper. He even couldn't control his eyes to look down, and his fingers nervously smoothed the wrinkles on his clothes.
When he looked up again, he saw Chu Heye behind An Xingzhi.
His smile faded, his eyes shifted slightly, and there seemed to be a touch of bitterness between his eyebrows.
"Hey!"
Picking up the long - spouted wine pot on the table, Gu Xiao slowly walked out of the cabin. He tilted his head back and took a big gulp of wine. His back looked a bit lonely.
The light flashed in Ning Yuwan's eyes. She watched An Xingzhi follow Gu Xiao out and roughly understood the source of Gu Xiao's inexplicable hostility towards her.
It's just...
She didn't expect that this fierce young man would have such bad taste!
"Lord Gu."
The cold wind blew on the deck. Gu Xiao, who had been practicing horse - stance for years, stood as steady as a rock.
But An Xingzhi behind him couldn't be so casual. As soon as she got out of the cabin, she staggered and almost fell down.
"Miss... An?"
Gu Xiao was startled. His turning motion was a bit stiff.
Seeing that An Xingzhi couldn't stand steadily, he slowly stood beside her and blocked most of the cold wind for her. "It's windy outside. Go in quickly."
An Xingzhi smiled gently. Her eyes were full of determination. "There are too many people in the cabin. Xingzhi didn't have a chance to catch up with old friends. Although it's cold outside, people's hearts are warm."
Her words were full of implications.
Gu Xiao's pupils dilated slightly. If his skin wasn't so dark, his blushing face would probably be completely exposed.
"Does Miss An still remember me?"
An Xingzhi twirled her handkerchief and smiled. Her eyes sparkled. "Young Lord Gu was famous in the capital five years ago. Who doesn't remember?"
Five years ago, Gu Xiao was a carefree little devil. He hung out with a bunch of hooligans, was arrogant and domineering.
But his father held a high - ranking position. Many people were dissatisfied with him but had nothing to do.
After all...
Gu Xiao wasn't completely bad.
Every time he offended someone, he was best at throwing money around.
No wonder people finally chose to ignore his faults. It was really because this prodigal son gave too much money!
Gu Xiao scratched his head guiltily when he recalled five years ago. "My reputation wasn't very good five years ago. Miss An, don't take it to heart."
"Haha."
An Xingzhi's laughter was like the sound of a bell, clear and charming. "No one is perfect. Young Lord Gu was really unique and charming back then."
She seemed completely unaware that as the wind blew stronger, her body was getting closer and closer to Gu Xiao.
The unique fragrance of a woman wafted into Gu Xiao's nose, and her soft body sent warmth through the clothes.
Gu Xiao rubbed his nose uneasily and took a step back as if by accident.
He didn't want to be rude to the beauty, nor did he want to leave a bad impression on her.
His actions and expressions all showed his feelings for An Xingzhi.
Yes.
Gu Xiao liked An Xingzhi.
Since he was fourteen years old and hadn't left the capital yet, he had liked An Xingzhi.
The young girl had just become famous for her talent. For a while, everyone praised her and she was extremely glorious.
Although they were both noticeable, Gu Xiao was famous for being a prodigal and having a bad reputation, while An Xingzhi was famous for her talent, beauty and family background.
After five years of tempering, the young man's admiration not only didn't diminish at all, but became even deeper.
Even though he knew that An Xingzhi would only become the concubine of the Third Prince Chu Heye in the future.
He had also thought about hiding his feelings, but he wasn't a cautious person after all, and his feelings were seen through by others.
For example, Yan Zhao...
Of course, Yan Zhao could see through it because the young man was overly jealous.
On many occasions, An Xingzhi showed special enthusiasm for Yan Zhao.
Others might not notice, but the young man who was in love followed every frown and smile of the woman he admired all the time.
After learning that she liked Yan Zhao, the young boy actually stole his father's wine and invited Yan Zhao to compete as heroes with wine in the middle of the night.
That was Gu Xiao's first time drinking, and also Yan Zhao's first time.
In the end, they both got drunk, and neither of them won.
But Gu Xiao got a sincere answer from Yan Zhao. He had no interest in An Xingzhi at all.
Then, General Yan Lin of the town - protecting army died in the battlefield. After in - depth investigation, it seemed to be related to Emperor Chu.
The Marquis of Wuan lost his good friend and was cautious about the emperor's heart. He voluntarily guarded Xiaoshan and took his family away from the capital.
Gu Xiao was forced to leave the capital for five years, but he missed the woman he loved day and night.
A few months ago, Chu Heyao was sent to Xiaoshan by Emperor Chu. Although the cousins hadn't seen each other for five years, their closeness remained the same.
Gu Xiao even secretly inquired about An Xingzhi's news. But unfortunately, Chu Heyao admired the flamboyant and arrogant Ning Yuwan more, and his evaluation of the gentle An Xingzhi was not high.
After hearing so many things about Ning Yuwan "suppressing" An Xingzhi, it was strange if Gu Xiao respected Ning Yuwan!
Therefore, when he first saw Ning Yuwan, he showed his malice without any scruples.