VIP Volume, Chapter 114: Waist Token Coins

Emerging from the Qiyun Pavilion, it was already midday. The earlier commotion had settled, and the market bustle continued unabated.

Guan Lingqi’s pale face betrayed her frustration as she turned to Ye Xiaoxuan. “Do you enjoy taking advantage of me so much?” she asked sharply. Ye Xiaoxuan smiled faintly but remained silent.

Beside them, Yuan Caiyi laughed and slipped her arm through Ye Xiaoxuan’s. “Sister, it was the situation that forced our hand just now! If Xiaoxuan hadn’t spoken up, Huo Taiji and his gang wouldn’t have let us leave so easily!”

Guan Ling snorted. “Oh? So soon you’ve started defending your boyfriend?” Yuan Caiyi’s cheeks flushed to her ears, and she hurriedly explained, “No, no! I said that to make Huo Taiji give up…”

Seeing the girl flustered only made Guan Ling laugh more mischievously. “You’re not just saying it, you’re actually using your mouth, huh?”

Yuan Caiyi wished she could sink through the ground. She dared not meet Ye Xiaoxuan’s gaze, head lowered as she defended herself, “I truly just wanted Huo Taiji to give up. Don’t misunderstand. I have no such feelings for Ye Xiaoxuan. I…”

Ye Xiaoxuan suddenly turned to her, eyes cold. “Alright, I know you were pressured by the situation too. You’re the daughter of a village chief and a prestigious university student. How could you possibly fall for a useless rascal like me? That would be the real joke. It’s getting late; let’s have some food and then head back to the village together.”

Yuan Caiyi was taken aback. Today, Ye Xiaoxuan’s demeanor had completely overturned her previous impression of him, significantly increasing her admiration. Of course, it wasn’t quite love yet, but if Ye Xiaoxuan put in some effort, perhaps she could become his girlfriend!

But by saying that, Ye Xiaoxuan had effectively closed all other doors. Yuan Caiyi couldn’t understand why, despite being praised by so many, she seemed dismissed by him. Feeling both angry and ashamed, she snapped, “Thanks for your concern, but I’ll go back on my own.”

Ye Xiaoxuan frowned, replying firmly, “No. I don’t want things to fall apart. If you’re alone, Huo Taiji definitely won’t let you go.”

Yuan Caiyi paused, realizing his warning wasn’t unfounded. This time, it was Guan Ling who urged her, leaning close to whisper, “Little sister, he’s right. It’s better we stick together. When it comes to men and feelings, good or bad, don’t take it too seriously or get hurt.”

The group found a small eatery and ordered several dishes. Among the men, except for Ye Xiaoxuan and Chen Ergou, the others opened two bottles of white liquor. The rest drank soft drinks.

Chen Tianfeng took a few sips from his glass, cheeks flushed, then looked at Yuan Caiyi. “Caiyi, do you really have no feelings for my brother?”

Yuan Caiyi set down her drink and earnestly replied, “If you get the chance, please help me make it clear to him. I’ve told him several times, but he just won’t listen! I’ve always seen him as a brother and hope he understands.”

Chen Tianfeng sighed. “Your thread is still being tied by my old man. If it doesn’t work out, so be it.”

Hao Liu shot him a sharp glance. “With your dad’s wishy-washy temper, he’s never tied any good knots! With Caiyi’s looks and character, she’s bound to marry some high official in the city. Why would she be interested in a street punk?”

Yuan Caiyi frowned and shook her head. “You’re wrong! The man I dream of doesn’t have to be rich, but he must be ambitious; not necessarily handsome, but neat; not perfectly honest, but loving. He doesn’t have to be successful, but must be capable of standing on his own.”

Tietou rubbed his bald head. “Besides money, looks, loyalty, and success, I fit all your other conditions!”

Chen Tianfeng glared at him. “Besides those, you fit nothing!”

Yuan Caiyi then looked at Ye Xiaoxuan. “Xiaoxuan, do you know where Chen Tianlei is?” Ye Xiaoxuan didn’t hide it and nodded. “I do. If you want to see him, I can take you there this afternoon.”

Worried, Yuan Caiyi said, “No, I just see him as a brother. As long as he’s safe, that’s enough. I don’t want to meet him.”

Guan Ling, watching Yuan Caiyi’s anxious explanation, smiled slyly and pouted. “Having a brother is so nice. I want one too! Who wants to be my brother?”

Tietou and the others immediately raised their hands. “Me!”

Guan Ling shot them a glance and said, “No way! I can tell from your eyes you’re up to no good, trying to take advantage of me like that scoundrel! I have someone in mind!”

Her eyes fell on Ye Dajun. Taking his hand, she said, “Would you be my brother?”

Ye Dajun had never had a woman hold his hand before. His face flushed bright red. He wanted to pull away but couldn’t bear to. He had feelings for her, and now that she was approaching him, his heart nearly leapt out of his chest. Wide-eyed, he said, “I never said I wanted to.”

Guan Ling pouted. “I know you didn’t say it before, but now I’m asking. Will you be my brother or not?”

Tietou and the others protested, “Who forces someone to be a sworn brother?”

Guan Ling growled, “I’m willing! So, will you be or not?”

Ye Dajun didn’t dare refuse and quickly nodded. “I’m willing!”

Guan Ling’s smile bloomed like a flower. “You’re my brother from now on!” Then, she shot a triumphant look at Ye Xiaoxuan.

Ye Xiaoxuan immediately understood—this girl was playing a strategic game! Now that his cousin had become her sworn brother, he could no longer call her his niece.

He shook his head wryly. This little policewoman was quite the schemer—petty and calculating—but that only made her more endearing as a girl.

Chen Tianfeng tugged Ye Dajun’s ear and whispered, “You old fool! Do you like this little officer? Think carefully; once you’re her sworn brother, you can’t chase her anymore!”

Ye Dajun paused, thought for a moment, then said, “It doesn’t matter. Having another sister is pretty nice.”

Chen Tianfeng and the others exchanged disdainful gestures, muttering in unison, “That’s not the same thing!”I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.