Young Master

"So it was you."

A handsome youth emerged from the bamboo grove.

He wore an ivory robe with silver embroidery, looking graceful compared to the chubby dumpling.

He stopped in front of Ye Lily, towering over her with an inquisitive gaze.

The youth was tall. Ye Lily barely reached his chest. He looked down at her like a child, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.

His handsome face made the gesture endearing. Any ordinary girl would have blushed and had her heart race.

But Ye Lily wasn't an ordinary girl. She glanced at him without speaking.

The youth smirked. Suddenly, a small dagger appeared in his hand. He used the hilt to lift Lily's chin, forcing her to look up.

Reluctantly, Lily met his gaze.

The youth was about seventeen, with sharp eyebrows and bright eyes.

His eyes sparkled like autumn water, and his ambiguous smile was charming.

But deep within, his eyes were cold and piercing, seeing right into one's soul. Despite his playful exterior, his heart was like ice—untouchable.

Lily took a deep breath and stepped back, letting the dagger leave her chin. Calmly, she said, "Young Master Xiao Jack."

Xiao Jack smiled, his tone unclear, "You know me?"

"Everyone in the capital knows Young Master Xiao Jack." Lily's tone was calm, almost formal, making it hard to detect any sarcasm.

"I don't know you." Xiao Jack glanced at her, then at the trembling dumpling on the ground. "You had Su Minglang deliver a message to the Su family."

"A message?" Lily looked at him and smiled faintly, "I just taught him a way to avoid his father's scolding. It was just a distraction. Why call it a message? Young Master thinks too much."

"Thinks too much?" The youth savored the words, suddenly stepping closer, almost pinning Lily against the tree behind her.

His expression was flirtatious, but his tone was clear, "If I hadn't thought too much, I would have missed your trick."

Lily frowned.

Though Mingqi wasn't strict about interactions between men and women, such behavior in broad daylight was improper, especially in Guangwen Hall where many noble children studied.

If seen, Lily wouldn't care about her reputation, but she feared bringing shame to Ye Xin. In her past life, her family fell because of her.

Now, she vowed to protect them. She couldn't let anyone speak ill of the Ye family because of her.

Thinking this, Lily said impatiently, "What does Young Master Xiao Jack want?"

Xiao Jack stared at the girl before him.

He had always been highly perceptive.

Some things could be seen beneath the surface. Years of life experience honed this skill—battles fought, political intrigues navigated, and treachery endured.

Growing up this way wasn't all luck. Many noble children disappeared each year for various reasons.

He never underestimated anything.

Su Minglang's words might not raise suspicion for others, but he saw differently.

Such timing couldn't be mere coincidence. Real coincidences were rare; most were orchestrated.

He concluded someone was instigating Su Minglang. But why?

He decided to meet this person.

Meeting her surprised him.

Xiao Jack expected someone from a powerful family or a young man about to enter officialdom.

Perhaps to ally with the Su family or play a strategic game.

But when he saw her, he almost thought Su Minglang was causing trouble. Only when the girl called Su Minglang did he confirm it was her.

The girl was short, barely reaching his chest.

Her face wasn't striking, just cute. She looked twelve, with a double bun, round face, and small lips.

She stood straight and spoke slowly, like a noblewoman trained in the palace. Did she want to be empress? Xiao Jack almost choked on his own saliva.

Up and down, left and right, she was just a silly girl.

Until they spoke.

Her face was childish, but her tone was steady. She showed no panic, only impatience.

This was new for Xiao Jack. Other girls blushed and stammered when he got close. She remained calm, utterly uninterested.

Perhaps she was too young to understand. But how did she know what to say to the Su family?

He placed a hand on the tree behind Lily, almost encircling her. Leaning close, he murmured, "You're not afraid of me."

"Young Master isn't a monster. Why should I be afraid?" Lily said calmly, "If there's nothing else, I'll return to class." She turned to leave.

"Stop." Xiao Jack raised his hand, letting her hair slide through his fingers like ants crawling. He stepped back, leaning against the tree, arms crossed, returning to his playful demeanor.

"What's your purpose in warning the Su family?"

His words were sharp like his eyes, direct yet filled with hidden meanings.

Lily sighed inwardly.

Xiao Jack was smarter than she thought. From Su Minglang's words, he found her. And now, he asked her purpose. In her past life, she thought him insightful. Now, she saw he was truly perceptive.

Dealing with smart people, how could she hide her true intentions? But she never intended to.

"Nothing special. Just self-preservation."

With that, she curtsied slightly and left without another word.

Six words. Xiao Jack would understand.

Behind her, the youth smirked, playing with his dagger.

"Su Minglang, what's her name?"