Sorry

A faint blush rose to Ya Fei's face once more, but she admitted it openly.

Xiao Yan truly possessed a unique personal charm, a special bearing born of his character and understanding that people could not help but admire.

Much of the time, it had nothing to do with looks or age, and even strength and status mattered little.

Of course, if one possessed those things as well, that charm would be magnified without limit, to the point of becoming dazzling.

And at this moment, the charm inherent in Xiao Yan's character was infinitely amplified by his domineering methods and unhurried poise.

"I really can't imagine how many girls you'll make fall head over heels for you once you grow up a little more."

Resting her cheek on her jade-like hand, Ya Fei murmured softly to herself, only to suddenly see Xiao Yan walking toward her.

"Heh heh, I'm not terribly interested in making other girls fall for me. But if I can make Sister Ya Fei's heart flutter, that would be quite an accomplishment."

Pressing his face close to Ya Fei's lovely one, Xiao Yan grinned mischievously.

As he spoke, Xiao Yan suddenly cupped her jade-like cheeks in his hands under Ya Fei's stunned gaze, then fiercely leaned his handsome young face forward.

Smack!

The crisp sound echoed through the room.

A moment later, Xiao Yan chuckled, smacking his lips as though he had not had enough. Looking at Ya Fei with her beautiful eyes wide open, he laughed softly. "Only a kiss like this makes people notice."

"You!"

Caught off guard by Xiao Yan's sudden attack, even someone with Ya Fei's temperament blushed furiously.

Especially when she remembered that the boy before her was only thirteen, an absurd feeling wound around Ya Fei's heart.

But by the time she came to her senses, Xiao Yan had already reached the door.

Throwing Ya Fei a suggestive look over his shoulder, the youth pushed open the door and walked out with a somewhat wild smile.

Watching the youth's receding figure, Ya Fei sat there in a daze.

Only after a long while, when the flush on her face had faded, did she wipe the saliva from her face with slight distaste.

"Little hooligan."

Ya Fei spat lightly with her red lips, only to discover in surprise that despite Xiao Yan taking such liberties with her, she felt no disgust at all. Deep in her heart, a trace of excitement she had not even noticed was quietly stirring.

Walking through the streets of Wu Tan City, Xiao Yan was in an exceptionally good mood. Humming a little tune all the way, he leisurely returned to the Xiao Family.

"Young Clan Leader!"

"Young Clan Leader!"

The clansmen he passed along the way all bowed respectfully upon seeing Xiao Yan. Even Xiao Ning, who had once been somewhat unconvinced by Xiao Yan, was now exceedingly respectful whenever he saw him.

He had now thoroughly understood just how vast the gap between himself and Xiao Yan was. That difference was enough to drive one to despair.

As for Xiao Yu, after being taught a lesson by Xiao Yan and receiving the benefit of a Qi Gathering Pill, she now avoided Xiao Yan's gaze whenever she saw him.

After all, taking someone's gifts made it hard to turn against them.

Ever since receiving that Qi Gathering Pill, even when Xiao Yu was in a temper, she always felt too embarrassed to vent it on Xiao Yan.

This was precisely why the Xiao Family clansmen had grown ever more respectful toward Xiao Yan. Beyond the changes in Xiao Yan's identity and status that made them more awed of him, the benefits he brought to the family were tangible.

For instance, the Foundation Establishment Spirit Liquid that sold for forty to fifty thousand Gold Coins per bottle outside could be purchased by the younger generation of the Xiao Family for only twenty thousand Gold Coins.

Some outstanding family disciples could even receive a portion of Foundation Establishment Spirit Liquid for free.

It was only because of Xiao Yan that the Xiao Family had become the foremost power in Wu Tan City within just half a year, and these people had all gained considerable benefits from it.

Smiling and nodding to the clansmen along the way, Xiao Yan slowly returned to his room. Seeming to recall something, his expression suddenly changed slightly.

"Damn it, Xun'er!"

Remembering how that girl had wept so bitterly in anger because of him today, Xiao Yan could not help feeling somewhat guilty.

Just as he was preparing to go comfort her, Xiao Yan suddenly thought of something. He first went to where the family stored fruit, picked up two green tangerines, and carefully rubbed their peels all over himself. Only then did he let out a breath and head toward Xun'er's room.

It was springtime, the season when mountain flowers bloomed in profusion throughout Wu Tan City. Naturally, the Xiao Family's flowers were also in full bloom.

Along the way, he happened to encounter Xiao Mei picking flowers. On a sudden whim, Xiao Yan tricked the fresh flowers from Xiao Mei's hands as well.

"Cousin, you finally came to see me."

Seeing Xiao Yan ask her for two bundles of flowers, Xiao Mei was delighted.

Ever since Xiao Yan had fallen to Dou Qi Level 3 last year, he had no longer shown any interest in the young girls of the clan. Instead, he had devoted himself wholeheartedly to hovering around Xun'er.

This made Xiao Mei feel upset, yet helpless.

If it had been anyone else, she might have reflected on whether she had done something wrong.

But before Xun'er, she clearly understood that she simply could not compare.

"The flowers Mei Er picked are so beautiful."

With a smile, Xiao Yan patted Xiao Mei's head, tied several flowers into a bouquet, and then left directly.

"Cousin, where are you going?"

Xiao Mei looked at Xiao Yan in confusion.

"To refine medicine. These bundles of flowers will happen to help clear my mind and focus my spirit while I'm refining medicine."

Xiao Yan's words made Xiao Mei even more delighted, but she never expected that after taking the flowers, Xiao Yan would turn around and head straight for Xun'er's small courtyard.

The quiet courtyard's gate was not closed. Xiao Yan crept in without making the slightest sound, only to see the girl sitting on a bamboo chair with her knees hugged to her chest, her face looking haggard.

I raised my voice so much at Brother Xiao Yan today... He won't be hurt, will he?

Resting her snowy chin on her knees, the girl murmured softly.

If Brother Xiao Yan really has another woman, what should I do?

Someone like him can't possibly stay by my side forever. There will never be a shortage of outstanding women around him.

At this thought, the girl suddenly let out a soft breath, a hint of resolute self-persuasion appearing in her eyes.

Even if Brother Xiao Yan truly has other women in the future, I still won't leave him.

Yet in the next instant, a mist of tears welled up in the girl's large, limpid eyes.

But... but I really don't want to share Brother Xiao Yan with anyone else.

Night fell, and the spring breeze gently stirred the girl's light-purple skirt. A slender silk sash outlined her delicate waist, making it appear incomparably slim.

Her long black hair was veiled in a hazy glow by the gradually rising moonlight. The silvery moonlight grew ever richer as it softly spilled across the girl's fair, jade-like little face.

Two pearl-like trails of tears fell, lending her exquisite face beneath the moonlight a fragile, misty beauty.

Seeing the girl curled up helplessly and sobbing softly, Xiao Yan suddenly felt as though a knife had pierced his heart.

He slowly stepped into the courtyard. Amid the girl's panicked gaze as she turned around, Xiao Yan suddenly pulled Xun'er into his arms, as though he wanted to meld the girl into his very body.

Her warm body and faint fragrance reached him, and Xiao Yan gently rested his chin against the girl's forehead.

"I'm sorry, Xun'er."