Chapter Twenty-Nine: She Cannot Be Deceived

They did not return by the same path, but instead chose another road, one with fewer people, and strolled back leisurely. Though this route lacked the bustle of the main street, it was still lively enough.

Shen Nanyuan’s features, softened by the glow of lanterns on either side, appeared gentle and serene. Her eyes seemed to brim with starlight as she smiled and said, “I’ve heard that the capital sets lanterns ablaze during the New Year, and there’s a lantern festival at the Lantern Festival as well. It must be beautiful. There’s no curfew during those days; we can go together with Qingrui and the others to see it.”

It was as if hope had suddenly bloomed within her. Xiao Yan looked at the vibrant city, the corners of his lips curling into a faint smile: “Alright.”

The New Year was still months away.

By then... he should have learned some martial arts, enough to protect her.

With this thought, Xiao Yan’s heart grew lighter and more joyful.

Against the cool night breeze, Shen Nanyuan wrapped her cloak more tightly around herself and was about to ask Xiao Yan if he felt cold, when she saw his smiling face suddenly freeze, his brows furrowing, looking unusually serious.

She was puzzled, “What’s wrong?”

“Someone’s following us,” Xiao Yan moved closer to her.

At first, he thought it was just passersby, but these people kept pace behind them, neither too close nor too far, clearly targeting them.

Shen Nanyuan glanced back calmly, “Really? I didn’t notice anything.”

There were only ordinary pedestrians behind them. Unconcerned, she took the candied fruit from Xiao Yan’s hand, pinched one and popped it into her mouth, its sweet and sour flavor flooding her senses as she continued, “Besides, there are people on this road; even if someone were following us, they wouldn’t dare approach. Once we’re near the Duke of Zhen’s residence, a single shout would bring the guards running.”

Unless absolutely necessary, she would never alarm the guards—such a move would be as good as admitting defeat.

But just as she finished speaking, footsteps sounded behind them, unmistakably heading in their direction. Her hand, poised to place another candied fruit in her mouth, froze. She looked up and met Xiao Yan’s gaze.

...Must fate be so quick to prove her wrong?

She forced a dry laugh, “Should we run?”

It was so late; she didn’t know anyone around here. If someone approached her, it certainly wouldn’t be for anything good.

Not to mention Xiao Yan was still injured, and had only begun learning martial arts from Shen Sinian a few days prior—he definitely couldn’t take on their pursuers yet.

She shoved the candied fruit into her mouth, cheeks puffed out, and pulled Xiao Yan’s sleeve, ready to make a dash. But their pursuers sensed their intention and immediately gave chase. Two men, looking like servants, blocked their path. They were stocky and formidable, clearly meaning business.

“Miss,” a voice called from behind, gentle and refined. She turned at the sound and met a pair of dark eyes that seemed strangely familiar.

The man wore a dark brocade robe, exuding both wealth and authority. His sword-like brows and star-bright eyes radiated a presence that inspired respect even without anger. His expression was gentle, his voice soothing: “Miss, don’t be afraid. It’s late, and you’re accompanied only by a servant. I feared something might happen, so I followed you. We mean you no harm.”

From the moment those two men blocked them, Xiao Yan had kept Shen Nanyuan behind him, shielding her. She tilted her head to glance at the man, then at the burly servants blocking their way, saying nothing.

No harm...

Then why block their path?

Passersby were starting to look their way. Shen Nanyuan suppressed her irritation, smiled calmly, and said, “If that’s so, thank you, sir. But I’m almost home now, and I appreciate your concern.”

She glanced at the two servants, and continued meaningfully, “My brother is waiting for me. I’m just going to find him. There’s no need for you to worry.”

Xiao Yan’s eyes were deep, cold and fierce, his gaze chilling.

Shen Nanyuan looked at him, then at the gentleman, her brows suddenly furrowing as she realized why his features seemed so familiar—they were strikingly similar to Xiao Yan’s.

Was it a coincidence?

She couldn’t help but study the man more closely.

“I’ll escort you,” he smiled, “Once I see you safely to your brother, I’ll be at ease.”

Shen Nanyuan: “...”

With so many girls walking alone on this street, why was he so attentive to her?

His attitude... was he interested in her?

Shen Nanyuan shook her head, “No need to trouble you.”

“Did you hear that?” Xiao Yan’s voice was chilling, holding Shen Nanyuan firmly behind him, not allowing even a corner of her garment to show before the man. “No need to trouble you.”

His attitude angered the servants at the man’s side, who spoke up in rough voices.

“Who are you to speak to our master like that? Do you know who he is? You’re just a servant, yet you act so arrogant. In front of our master, you’re nothing.”

Xiao Yan showed no reaction, but Shen Nanyuan felt a surge of anger. She was so thoroughly shielded she couldn’t even see the two men, so she stepped to the side, about to speak, but Xiao Yan pulled her back behind him again.

Shen Nanyuan: “...”

“Silence! Did I give you permission to speak?” The man’s voice sank. “Go back and accept your punishment!”

With that, his tone softened again, gentle as before: “I failed to control my servants. Please forgive me, Miss.”

Shen Nanyuan’s lips curled in mockery, thinking how hypocritical he was.

He could have stopped his men from speaking, but instead waited until they finished before pretending anger and remorse. Did he not realize how fake he appeared?

This act might fool others, but not her.

So she replied in kind: “Indeed, sir, you failed to control your servants. Their arrogance will surely bring you trouble someday. You’d best be more vigilant.”

At her words, the man’s smile froze.

Never before had anyone dared speak to him like that. His expression grew colder, his face sharp and stern compared to just moments before.

Shen Nanyuan continued, “Sir, please have your men step aside. Otherwise, my brother will rush over to find me, and any misunderstanding would reflect poorly on you.”

Xiao Yan’s arm stretched out to protect her, and in this moment she realized how much taller the boy had grown. Standing before her, he gave her a genuine sense of security.

It was worlds apart from the frail youth she first met.

Once he learned more martial arts, his build would surely become even sturdier.