Friendship of a Gentleman!

"A woman worthy of being called the Empire's Bright Moon is indeed incomparable to ordinary women," Yan Xiangma mused inwardly.

Cui Xiaoxin had only been in the room for a few minutes, but she already understood the whole story. Even if she had wanted to help Li Mu Yang keep it a secret, Cui Xiaoxin saw right through it with a single glance.

Cui Xiaoxin knew who had killed Crow, and she was also aware of her own ulterior motive in claiming the credit.

She wanted to protect Li Mu Yang, which was why she said she had killed Crow.

Cui Xiaoxin also wanted to protect Li Mu Yang, which was why she also said she had killed Crow.

She claimed it was a selfless act of merit, but her cousin... why did she feel a little uncomfortable about it?

However, since Cui Xiaoxin had brought this matter up with him in such a serious tone, he had no choice but to agree.

Because Cui Xiaoxin was not only his cousin, but also a woman of the Cui Family—the Yan Family was related by marriage to the Cui Family and was also subordinate to it. Yan Xiangma's status was naturally not as important as Cui Xiaoxin's.

Even if Cui Xiaoxin were to get married in the future, she would marry someone of equal standing who could bring great benefits to the Cui Family—like that jade tree from the Song Family.

As for himself? The son of a city lord in Jiangnan City, he was truly hard to be taken seriously by those prominent families.

If it weren't for his mother also being a woman of the Cui Family, how would he have the right to spend time with his cousin Xiao Xin and have such equal conversations?

Yan Xiangma patted his chest and said, "Don't worry, cousin. I like to be fair in everything I do—if it's my credit, no one can take it. If it's not my credit, no one can say anything even if I try to take it. I'll go to the City Lord's mansion to report it later, saying I designed the elimination of the killer Crow, and I'll also claim the three thousand gold coin bounty—Li Mu Yang, thanks to your efforts in luring the enemy this time. I'll send you fifteen hundred gold coins later, half for you and half for me, brother."

Li Mu Yang waved his hands repeatedly, saying, "No, no. That's your bounty, it has nothing to do with me."

"What? You look down on me?" Yan Xiangma said with displeasure.

"Not at all—I just feel it's wrong to accept rewards without earning them—"

"Alright, alright," Yan Xiangma said impatiently. "Take what I give you. In our circle, not accepting a gift is also seen as not giving face—if someone doesn't give me face, I'll slap their face. We spoiled young masters can do anything."

Yan Xiangma lowered his voice and asked quietly, "Can I go up and see Sinian?"

"No."

"I'll give you two thousand gold coins."

"No."

"Two thousand five."

"No."

"Three thousand, all for you, alright?"

"No."

Yan Xiangma poked Li Mu Yang's chest with his finger and said, "Kid, don't you think we should cooperate and create a beautiful future together?"

"What do you mean?"

"You like my cousin, and I think Li Sinian is quite cute. You help me pursue your sister, and I'll help you pursue my sister. We'll exchange information and create opportunities for each other—how about that?"

Li Mu Yang rolled his eyes and said, "Go to your sister."

Yan Xiangma then pulled Cui Xiaoxin's sleeve and said, "Cousin, he's driving you away. Let's go back—"

"Yan Xiangma—" Li Mu Yang really wanted to rush over and beat him up. I said 'go to your sister,' I didn't mean to drive Cui Xiaoxin away. He couldn't wait to keep her here.

Cui Xiaoxin shook off Yan Xiangma's pull and looked at Li Mu Yang, saying, "I know you've been through a lot, and it put you and your family in great danger. But I hope these things won't affect your exam tomorrow—if there's anything we can help with, please don't hesitate to ask. Please don't be polite."

"Ah?" Li Mu Yang looked at Cui Xiaoxin and found that this girl had suddenly become somewhat unfamiliar. It was like before that lake excursion, when she kept a certain distance from everyone in the class.

"Then, my cousin and I will take our leave," Cui Xiaoxin said with a slight bow, performing a standard Imperial noble etiquette. "Please take care."

"Cui Xiaoxin—" Li Mu Yang called out.

He felt that Cui Xiaoxin had changed, becoming distant.

But this distance was hard for him to grasp, because Cui Xiaoxin had never been too close in the first place—she just didn't avoid him when he actively approached her.

Cui Xiaoxin turned around, looked at Li Mu Yang with a calm expression, and asked softly, "Classmate Li Mu Yang, is there anything else?"

"I wanted to ask you—" Li Mu Yang grinned, revealing two rows of clean, white teeth. His profile shimmered with a faint yellowish halo in the midday sun, his eyes slightly narrowed, and his long eyelashes cast a shadow like a delicate fan. Youth is the best time for brave love. "You said we'd go watch the sunset at Xifeng University's Sunset Lake together, does that still count?"

A fleeting sadness flashed in Cui Xiaoxin's eyes. She gently brushed a strand of hair from her forehead, her face expressionless, and said, "Li Mu Yang, that's for the future—at least, it's for after you've successfully enrolled in Xifeng University. So, work hard."

Cui Xiaoxin left.

She wouldn't be coming tomorrow either.

Li Mu Yang's heart felt empty.

"Why—did it suddenly become like this?" Li Mu Yang's mood was somewhat heavy, the young man carrying an ineffable sadness.

"Why did it suddenly become like this?" Yan Xiangma asked Cui Xiaoxin in the car.

"Crow was trying to assassinate Li Mu Yang, wasn't he?" Cui Xiaoxin asked.

"Yes," Yan Xiangma knew he couldn't hide anything from his cousin and confessed. "The situation was extremely dangerous. When I arrived, Li Mu Yang's parents and sister were unconscious. Li Mu Yang was covered in blood, standing in the yard with a murderous aura, like a demon from hell—the ground was full of Blood Crow corpses, but Crow's body had disappeared. According to Li Mu Yang, the Blood Crow backfired and ate him."

"The reason Blood Crows eat their masters is when they have no other flesh to eat—meaning, Li Mu Yang had already defeated Crow before I arrived. What do you think of this? Don't you think Li Mu Yang—there's a monster hidden inside his body?"

"Have you found out who is behind Crow?" Cui Xiaoxin rubbed her fingers together, a habitual gesture when she was deep in thought.

"Not yet," Yan Xiangma shook his head. Cui Xiaoxin was unwilling to comment on Li Mu Yang's physical condition, which was within his expectations. "Father has already sent word about your attack to Tiandu, but there has been no response from Tiandu yet—they only asked to ensure your safety at all costs. A mere killer, and a dead one at that, what information can be found?"

"So, do you think there's anything wrong with what I'm doing?" Cui Xiaoxin asked in return.

"I know you're here to protect Li Mu Yang. The mastermind behind this hasn't been found yet. Who knows if there will be another wave of killers? Li Mu Yang ruined their plans this time, so they'll naturally focus their hatred on him. He's an ordinary person—actually, not entirely ordinary. This guy is hiding something deep; I can't see through him."

"His people aren't ordinary, but his heart is," Cui Xiaoxin said softly.

"Yes. He's a good person—" Yan Xiangma sighed lightly. "That's why I feel... is it a bit cruel to do this to him?"

"Death is cruel," Cui Xiaoxin replied. "We're destined to part ways eventually. What difference does it make whether it's sooner or later?"

"You're right." Yan Xiangma's gaze drifted to the vibrant, fiery red winter cherry blossoms outside the window. "It seems my cousin thinks things through more clearly."

Cui Xiaoxin lowered her head, not responding. After a long pause, she finally spoke, "Asking my cousin to step forward and bear this danger and responsibility... please don't be angry, cousin—"

Yan Xiangma gently patted Cui Xiaoxin's shoulder. He knew this young woman was also struggling internally.

"Isn't this what's supposed to happen?" Yan Xiangma said with a gentle smile, possessing the wisdom of one who sees through the truth. "I would truly mind if someone with no connection to us had to bear this danger and responsibility. Who told you I'm your cousin? We're family."

He paused, then looked at Cui Xiaoxin and couldn't help but ask, "Li Mu Yang— do you... truly feel nothing for him?"

"We share a friendship of a gentleman, cousin. Why would you ask such a question?"

"Alas—" Yan Xiangma said with deep regret. "He also has a good sister."