Heiserana did not need to say anything for Hao Ren to guess that she had snuck over. If Vivian had known this problem child was planning to come over and surprise her, she probably would have made Hao Ren fly her to Mars to hide two weeks in advance. Looking at the strange expression on Heiserana's face, Hao Ren could not help saying a few more words. "I'm not trying to make trouble, but there really is something wrong with the way you get along with Vivian. Have you never wondered why Vivian gets along so well with everyone else, yet runs away the moment she sees you?"
Heiserana looked up sourly. "I don't need you lecturing me."
Hao Ren spread his hands. "I'm not lecturing you. I'm just giving you a reminder. And to be honest, I'd also like you and Vivian to get along properly. After all, your relationship is so special, isn't it?"
Heiserana shot him a suspicious look from beneath her hair. "Really?"
"Really." Hao Ren nodded earnestly. "Speaking of which, I've never understood this. Why do you pick on no one else, yet have such a huge grudge against me?"
Heiserana tossed her hair. "A man of unknown origins getting so close to Lady Vivian—how could I not be anxious? I've never even been that close to her!"
Hao Ren was both amused and exasperated. "You're jealous, and it's completely unreasonable jealousy."
Duncan and Cassandra silently watched the two of them half chat and half bicker. Only after a long while did Duncan lower his voice and mutter into Cassandra's ear, "The Chinese have a saying for this situation: 'When the sky wants rain and a girl wants to marry, no one can stop them.' The mistress has exactly that sort of mentality right now."