The Little Maid's Helplessness

Thus, Ping'er sat anxiously to one side. Before long, when Xiao Yan returned, he tossed the money pouch back into Xiao Shuang's hands.

Weighing the pouch in his hand, Xiao Shuang smiled. "As expected of Young Master Xiao Yan. You certainly spend generously."

Seeing Xiao Shuang teasing him, Xiao Yan immediately struck back. "Hmph, that's only because Young Master Xiao Shuang provided ample funds. Little Yanzi could only order more of the things he usually couldn't bear to buy."

The two exchanged smiles, while Xun'er's eyes shimmered at the sight. She liked this atmosphere very much.

More importantly, Xiao Shuang, who was known throughout the family for his cold personality, had revealed this unknown side of himself before them. This caused Xiao Yan and Xun'er's favorable impressions of him to rise sharply.

After the joking ended, the atmosphere eased considerably. Pointing at Ping'er seated beside him, Xiao Shuang introduced her to Xiao Yan. "There's not much to introduce. She's the maid my grandfather arranged for me, afraid that I might not take proper care of myself."

Although he had already known, Xiao Yan still felt somewhat envious. His father had never arranged a maid for him. It seemed the Third Elder truly doted on this grandson of his.

Thinking of that hot-tempered old man, Xiao Yan could not help but chuckle again.

"What is it?" Xiao Shuang tilted his head and pushed the teapot on his side over.

Xiao Yan took the teapot, poured Xun'er a cup first, and only then filled his own. After organizing his words, he said, "Nothing. I'm just envious that you have such a well-behaved little maid."

Xun'er turned her head to glance over. Sensing that Xiao Yan was joking, she relaxed and raised her teacup to her lips.

Her Brother Xiao Yan absolutely could not keep such a pretty little maid by his side. She would worry too much, Xun'er thought.

"Yes, she really is quite well-behaved. I gave this girl a day off, yet who would have thought something like this would happen." Xiao Shuang drained his tea and set the cup aside, while Ping'er perceptively refilled it for him.

"It's good that nothing serious happened. This has also helped me understand some shortcomings in the Marketplace's management. Once I return, I'll inform my father."

Xiao Yan nodded. What he did not know was that because of the suggestion he raised this time, even the captain of the guards at this Marketplace would be replaced. (Pain: Thank you, Young Master. I, Pain, truly deserve this position as captain of the guards!)

Although the Xiao Family was not some great clan, it was still divided into several factions. Now, because two geniuses like Xiao Yan and Xiao Shuang had emerged, these factions had begun setting aside their differences and treating the nurturing of these two children as the family's most important task.

What was even more gratifying was that Xiao Yan and Xiao Shuang had an excellent relationship. If the two had been hostile toward one another, the family factions would inevitably have fallen into disputes...

Although Xiao Yan was the clan leader's son, a future Young Master still had to earn the recognition of the family elders if his abilities were lacking. However, Xiao Yan's potential was there for all to see. His position as the future Young Master was basically certain.

As for Xiao Shuang, the position of Great Elder could be handed to him. Everyone in the Xiao Family believed that these two would certainly revitalize the family.

Even Xiao Yan himself thought so. This was also why he was so willing to associate with Xiao Shuang and befriend him.

Otherwise, Xiao Yan's pride was no small thing. Among the younger generation of the entire family, only Xiao Shuang and Xun'er were qualified to earn his respect. Of course, there was now Xiao Mei as well.

But among the men, Xiao Shuang was the only one he thought highly of. As for the Great Elder's grandson, who seemed to be called Xiao Ning, his talent was barely passable in Xiao Yan's eyes.

Xiao Shuang was the sort of person Xiao Yan intended to cultivate into his right-hand man. Moreover, with his personality, he would not be overly greedy for power. His father had once instructed him that he absolutely had to befriend Xiao Shuang. As clan leader, he had to bring such a monstrously talented person, who had no desire to involve himself in the family's power struggles, under his command.

Recalling his original purpose for approaching Xiao Shuang, Xiao Yan shook his head inwardly. The past was the past, and the present was the present. All he could say was that he now genuinely acknowledged Xiao Shuang as a person. He did not even get angry when Xiao Shuang called him Little Yanzi. Though it had once been a special nickname reserved for his eldest and second brothers, how could his favor not increase when someone who was cold to everyone else opened his heart before him?

Xiao Shuang was naturally observing Xiao Yan as well. Seeing the ever-changing expressions on his face, he had more or less guessed what was going on. Given the current development, his place in Xiao Yan's heart was probably no lower than Xun'er's. Of course, the most important thing was still the time when Xiao Yan became Third Stage Dou Qi. That would be the most crucial point for him to build favor.

Thinking of this, Xiao Shuang asked himself inwardly: if he did not know how the story would unfold, would he still regard Xiao Yan differently after he fell from the altar of genius? Probably not.

With a sigh, Xiao Shuang once again warned himself not to look down on anyone. Looking at Xun'er, he also felt somewhat wary. This eldest daughter of the Ancient Clan was no simple person. After all, she was ruthless enough to want to drag Old Yao out of her Brother Xiao Yan's body.

Xun'er's thoughts, meanwhile, were simple. As long as Brother Xiao Yan was happy, everything would be fine. After all, she was there for him.

The dishes arrived. Everyone had their own thoughts, yet the atmosphere was lively. During the meal, Xiao Yan wanted to drink a bottle of wine, but Xun'er stopped him.

Ping'er had been rather restrained at first, but after Xun'er consoled her, she quickly recovered. This greatly surprised Xiao Shuang and Xiao Yan. The two exchanged a glance, each reading the same message in the other's eyes: it seemed girls really were more understanding.

Overall, everyone enjoyed the meal greatly—if one ignored the fact that half of Xiao Shuang's little treasury had already been spent.

The dishes were all extravagant. Frankly speaking, unless one belonged to a notable force in Wutan City, one was not even qualified to enter this place. Of course, as one of the three great families, the Xiao Family was allowed to dine here on credit.

"That should be about enough. Let's call it a day here." Glancing at the weather outside, Xiao Shuang saw that a light rain had begun to fall. Its sound was soothing, making people feel sleepy without realizing it.

At that moment, the Xiao Family's carriage arrived as well. Xiao Zhan was personally seated inside, so it seemed that what had happened in the Marketplace had already reached his ears.

Striding into the restaurant without ceremony, Xiao Zhan patted Xiao Shuang on the shoulder with his large hand and laughed heartily. "I already know what happened today. Leave that bastard for you to deal with."

"Thank you, Clan Leader."

Xiao Shuang bowed, then glanced at the Xiao Family members entering behind him. The Third Elder was among them. His hot-tempered grandfather walked over and spoke with great seriousness. "Shuang'er, you were too reckless. That Four-star Dou Shi could very well have hurt you. No matter what happens, safety must come first!"

Seeing the worried look on the old man's face, warmth passed through Xiao Shuang's heart. With a very serious expression, he said, "Don't worry, Grandfather. I understand."