Li Mujin walked ahead, her thoughts adrift.
Her younger brother was reckless, but he did have a good eye.
She'd once felt that Li Xinhan placed too much importance on Shen Yi. But after this trip to Shuiyun Township, she'd seen proof of his abilities firsthand.
Compared to her younger brother's blunt approach—crudely promising the other man "status" and "women"—Li Mujin preferred to first draw closer to him. With a carefree attitude, she eased the wariness a poor-born genius felt toward an Aristocratic Clan.
She wanted him to feel that she was no different from him: that they were both young martial artists in their prime, colleagues who knew each other inside out, perhaps even people who could be close.
Then, through subtle influence, she would let him experience the privileges of being an "Aristocratic Clan scion." Once he grew accustomed to them, whatever he might think, in the eyes of others Shen Yi would already bear the Li Family's mark.
The people of Qing Prefecture had always repaid kindness with kindness.
The gratitude she'd felt when she bowed to him had been sincere.
So was her willingness to share the Li Family's resources and connections with someone as talented as Shen Yi. She was even willing to give him more than she gave others. For one thing, until he broke through to Jade Liquid Perfection, the Li Family could cover the countless precious medicines he would need.
Of course, her desire to bring him under her command and have him at her beck and call was just as genuine.
They had grown up in Aristocratic Clans, and that instinct had been etched into their bones through constant exposure.
But Li Mujin hadn't expected that, right at the outset, Shen Yi would see through her intentions and politely turn her