"Cui Lang, that was rather too frivolous of you."
Luan Xin was a beat slow to react, then stepped in front of Miao Ne to shield her.
Recognizing Miao Ne as You Bao by her scent didn't seem like much at first glance. At most, one could say Cui Xiong had a keen nose and a good memory. But if someone wanted to nitpick, they could also call his behavior frivolous. How often, and how intimately, would an unmarried man and woman have to interact for him to remember her scent so well?
Even if the two had kept their feelings within bounds and observed propriety, that wasn't how it would sound to an outsider. Luan Xin's expression darkened, and his tone grew colder. "The Cui clan is a great family of the southwest. I'm sure your family taught you better. If there's a second time, I won't mind putting my pride aside and having a proper talk about this with your grandfather and your father."
Cui Xiong's small face went pale.
He hadn't expected another obstacle to block his way.
"May I ask how I should address you, sir?"
The Cui clan's intelligence reports covered the appearances of several important officials at the Kang Country Royal Court. Though portraits weren't especially recognizable, they could still match people to their identities by their unique Literary Heart Sigils. Luan Xin was Minister of Personnel, head of the Six Ministries, but he wasn't exactly a prominent figure.
Rumor had it that he was warm, honest, and approachable—one of the few kindly officials at the Kang court. He and Cui Xiong had neither enmity nor dealings. Why, then, had he taken a dislike to him the moment they met?
After thinking it over, Cui Xiong could only conclude it was because of "You