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"So you do know what a scoundrel you are?"

Li Chenjing's cool voice rang out behind him. Zhu Bafu abruptly turned to look back and saw Li Chenjing holding him with one hand, displeasure written all over his face. Seeing Zhu Bafu turn away as though nursing a headache, apparently unwilling to face either what had happened last night or him, Li Chenjing knitted his brows.

"Madam Zhu has an excellent idea. It seems I should buy a few vicious dogs too, have someone prepare some cudgels, and then come knocking to demand that someone take responsibility."

"...Huh? Demand that someone take responsibility? What is going on? Young Master, aren't you..." Madam Zhu's anger gave way to a heap of questions. Utterly bewildered, she looked at Li Chenjing, who had stormed into her home and hauled up her son to question him.

Li Chenjing glanced at Zhu Bafu, who was still shrinking into his shell, and released him. Turning, he bowed respectfully to Madam Zhu. "My respects, Madam. Last night, I took liberties with your household's Eldest Miss. I have come to ask for his hand in marriage."

The moment those words fell, Zhu Bafu fell with them, his mouth hitting the ground and taking a bite of dirt.

Zhu Bafu remembered the day they had nearly set off a loaded gun in Bright Sun Hall. Back then, Li Chenjing had said that if Zhu Bafu ever devoured him, he would dutifully take responsibility.

His words had become a prophecy. Li Chenjing had come to take responsibility. It thoroughly soured Zhu Bafu's appetite.

"I already said we each got what we wanted. No one is asking you to take responsibility. Hurry back. Aren't you afraid the palace will find out you've come out like this?" Zhu Bafu scrambled up from