The Eldest Daughter is Delicate and Pretty, How Can She Be a Malicious Supporting Character - Chapter 78

Chapter 78: Deception

Inside the carriage, Pei Lingyi quietly gazed at the unconscious man.

Under the surprised gazes of Layan and Luoxu, her slender fingers wandered over the man’s delicate features.

First, she touched his eyebrows and eyes, then his high nose bridge, and finally, she reached his crimson lips.

The man’s lips were thin, but they were a soft, rosy red.

Like finding something amusing, the girl playfully teased the man’s lips, making them look pitiful. Only then did she withdraw her hand and burst out laughing.

At this moment, the girl didn’t look gentle and soft at all. Her laughter was flirtatious and charming, but it was also captivating, making one wish to see her smile every day.

“Xiao Changyu, ah Xiao Changyu, you were so arrogant before, but now you’ve fallen into my hands…” she whispered to herself.

Layan and Luoxu inside the carriage pretended not to see the girl’s words. They didn’t know why the miss treatment was so special towards Heir Xiao, but they were certain that this special treatment didn’t involve romantic feelings.

Xiao Yan was in a daze, feeling a soft touch on his face. He didn’t know what it was, but the warm sensation made him want it to linger longer.

Xie Chengjun was leading the way on horseback, his pace quick, as if he couldn’t wait to get back to the capital. Heaven knew how many times he looked back, and every time he thought about the man in the carriage, his heart felt like it was being roasted over a fire.

If possible, he really wanted to throw the half-dead man off the carriage halfway. That way, there would be no one to obstruct his view.

As the cold wind blew and the sun set in the west, the city gate of the capital finally came into view.

After a long and arduous journey, the unbearable moments were finally coming to an end.

Pei Lingyi lifted the carriage curtain and saw the man sitting tall on his horse. His posture was upright, exuding a mature and steady aura that was not typical of someone his age. Even from behind, he seemed reliable and reassuring.

As if sensing her gaze, Xie Chengjun turned around at that moment, meeting her eyes. His stern features softened, and a hint of a smile appeared on his face. The setting sun cast a warm glow around him as he gently guided his horse towards Pei Lingyi’s direction.

“It must be a bit crowded in the carriage with a man inside. I’ll personally escort him back to his residence later, so don’t worry. Today’s ordeal is finally over,” he said.

People knew that Lord Xie was upright and serious, never showing much enthusiasm for anything. However, Pei Lingyi had never seen him that way. Those in the capital didn’t know that beneath his cold exterior, he had a passionate heart.

This was something Pei Lingyi had known since she was young.

The girl shook her head, looking adorable. “Thank you, Brother Xie. If it weren’t for you, I might not have escaped the plum forest unscathed.”

Xie Chengjun frowned slightly, uncommonly disagreeing with her words.
“Between us, there’s no need to thank each other. Even if Jingzhi hadn’t asked me to look after you, I would have taken care of you anyway. If I hadn’t arrived today, the consequences would have been unimaginable.”

Xie Chengjun never dared to recall the moment he heard about the girl being attacked. The feeling of helplessness that washed over him was unbearable, like his entire world was turned upside down.

Fortunately, his little girl was blessed with good fortune. Otherwise, he might never have forgiven himself.

“Regardless, I have to thank you today. If not for you, my brother would probably scold me for being impolite,” she said with a serious expression, her tone unintentionally stern. Xie Chengjun found her extremely adorable.

Whenever Pei Qingyan was mentioned, she became extremely serious. The personalities of the siblings were vastly different. Recalling Pei Qingyan’s temperament in the academy, even Xie Chengjun couldn’t help but rub his temples. Yet, he had a gentle and soft sister who was a perfect contrast to him.

This made everyone in the academy extremely envious.

Thinking of his old friend, Xie Chengjun couldn’t help but feel nostalgic.
His tone softened. “Jingzhi has been gone for three years. I’ve missed him.”

“That’s great! You might not know, but Brother will be back before the New Year. With his personality, he’ll definitely want to drink with you,” Pei Lingyi said with a smile, her eyes sparkling with joy.

The sight of her warmth and happiness put Xie Chengjun at ease. He was afraid that the terrifying experience would leave a lasting impact on her, but seeing her in good spirits reassured him.

She was like a delicate flower that needed to be cherished and protected. She shouldn’t be exposed to the darkness and ugliness of the world.

Xie Chengjun smiled, his usually composed face showing a hint of youthful energy. “In that case, I’ll wait for him at home.”

After saying that, he looked up at the sky. “It’s getting late. I’ll escort you back to your mansion first. As for Xiao Yan, I’ll need to borrow your carriage for a while longer.”

“That’s natural. Heir Xiao isn’t in a condition to be moved, and besides, he’s still unconscious. It’s not like we can ask Brother Xie to carry him on his back,” Pei Lingyi said.

“It’s no trouble at all, Brother Xie. If you ever need my help in the future, just let me know. I’ll do my best to assist you,” she added with clear and bright eyes, without any hidden meaning.

Xie Chengjun listened and gripped the reins tightly, looking at her star-like bright eyes. He wanted to tell her how he felt, but it was just a fantasy. She only saw him as a brother, not as a potential suitor.
He was the only one who had fallen for her.

In an instant, he regained his usual composure. “Well, since you’ve promised, I won’t be polite. I’ll make sure to take advantage of this rare promise.”

After thinking for a moment, he decided not to push his luck. “Forget it, I’ll owe you one for now. When I need your help in the future, I won’t hesitate to ask.”

“A promise is a promise,” Pei Lingyi said with a smile, looking at him. Xie Chengjun’s face didn’t show it, but his ears turned red. He didn’t dare look at her anymore and pretended to hurry along, essentially fleeing the scene.
“Alright, alright. I’ll escort you back to your mansion first.”

As the man’s figure disappeared, Pei Lingyi let the curtain fall, and the smile on her face vanished. “Sorry, Brother Xie. Since you have feelings for me, you should help me achieve my goals.”

She had never been a good person. Pei Lingyi closed her eyes, leaning back against the carriage. Layan and Luoxu remained silent, and the carriage was unusually quiet.

It wasn’t until they parted ways with Xie Chengjun and the matter of the plum forest was finally settled that Pei Lingyi watched the carriage disappear into the distance.
Her hands, hidden in her sleeves, clenched involuntarily.

When she couldn’t see it anymore, she turned around and returned to her mansion, her eyes devoid of any emotion.