Wang Doudou was dumbfounded. What the...? Shouldn’t you talk ill of people behind their backs? What’s the meaning of saying it to their faces?

"Who are you calling a bad person? Miss, let me tell you, I’m the one who saw him with Miss Si Wen just a few days ago..."

Wait a second... What did he just call her? Wang Doudou suddenly realized he had faintly heard their conversation earlier. Sister-in-law? Xue Xing? Xue Yang...

If he still couldn’t piece it together with clues this obvious, then Wang Doudou was truly an idiot. He pursed his lips, deciding it was best to say nothing more. Fortunately, he hadn’t said too much, or the embarrassment would have been far worse. He had never imagined that Si Wen would be with Xue Yang’s brother.

Could it be that she likes Xue Yang’s brother? But isn’t that essentially the same as liking Xue Yang?

"Who did you say Si Wen was with?" Lin Xi asked, giving him a thoughtful look. She had a feeling that if she didn’t press him, Wang Doudou wouldn’t leave.

Xue Xing sneered. "With me, of course, Sister-in-law. Was he trying to say that he saw Sister Si Wen with a man who looks a lot like my brother?"

Wang Doudou was speechless. Is there a hole I can crawl into? There was a huge difference between badmouthing someone behind their back and doing it to their face. He had to admit, he wasn’t as thick-skinned as Xue Xing.

Lin Xi nodded. "He didn’t get a chance to say it before you showed up. Still, I have a feeling that’s what he was getting at."

Lin Xi offered a faint smile, as captivating as a sky full of stars. Xue Xing immediately stepped in front of her, completely blocking Wang Doudou’s line of sight. With Xue Xing acting as a shield, Lin Xi didn’t mind having a little fun at Wang Doudou’s expense.

Xue Xing shot back, "Hey, what are you trying to imply? Are you trying to say that because Sister Si Wen likes my brother, she found a replacement who looks like him to be her boyfriend?"

Wang Doudou’s brow twitched as he instinctively retorted, "I didn’t say that!"

"That’s exactly what you were thinking. Don’t assume I don’t know," Xue Xing said bluntly. "You’re a tall guy. Why do you gossip like a woman?"

Lin Xi couldn’t help but let out a soft laugh. Heh. I never realized Xue Xing had such a venomous side to him, but that was a great comeback.

Choking on his words, Wang Doudou shot back, "And you dare say you have no feelings for Miss Si Wen?"

"She’s my sister-in-law’s friend, so of course, she’s my sister. Is there a problem with me going shopping with my sister?"

Just as she finished greeting her family, Si Wen came over to find Lin Xi. She had just reached the villa’s entrance when she overheard Xue Xing’s words. It was a perfectly normal sentence, but for some reason, a sharp pain lanced through her heart. It felt as if someone were slowly sawing at it with a rusty blade. The agony was indescribable.

However, years of training had taught her how to compose herself in an instant. By the time she reached them, she appeared perfectly normal.

What Xue Xing said was right, wasn’t it? I’m Lin Xi’s friend, and Lin Xi is his sister-in-law, so that naturally makes me his sister. Sister... For the first time in her life, Si Wen hated that word.

"Of course, there’s no problem."

Seeing Si Wen approach, Wang Doudou’s face went pale. He deeply regretted seeking out Lin Xi. This had backfired spectacularly.

"Wang Doudou, if you have a problem, you come to me. What are you doing bothering Xiao Xi?" Si Wen’s sharp words left him speechless. "Besides, have you forgotten what day it is? How dare you come looking for trouble with Xiao Xi? We honored you by allowing you to attend the Lin Family’s engagement ceremony. Did you think that gave you the right to do as you please?"

He knew he had acted rashly and should have investigated properly first. But seeing the dazzling and affectionate couple at the banquet had made him lose his mind for a moment. He had wanted nothing more than to ruin their happiness, which was what led him to Lin Xi.

He bowed toward Lin Xi in apology. "I’m sorry, Miss. That wasn’t my intention. I just didn’t want you to be deceived. Now that the misunderstanding is cleared up, everyone’s happy, right? I’ll... I’ll be on my way."

He tried to leave, but Si Wen wasn’t about to let him off that easily. "You think you can just accuse people and walk away? It’s not that simple."

"Miss Si Wen, what do you suggest I do then?"

"Apologize to him," Si Wen said, pointing at Xue Xing.

Wang Doudou’s expression soured. The whole reason he had approached Lin Xi was to avoid apologizing to Xue Xing, yet here was Si Wen, relentlessly pushing the issue. And she claims there’s nothing between them? Who would believe that?

He glanced at Si Wen, who was staring him down like an eagle eyeing its prey, sending a chill down his spine. Then he looked at Xue Xing, who was pursing his lips with a flicker in his eyes. Wang Doudou suddenly felt much more confident in his earlier suspicions.

Si Wen, oh, Si Wen. I’d like to see how long you can keep up this tough act.

With that thought, Wang Doudou managed a slight smile and bowed to Xue Xing. "You’re Xue Xing, right? I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to misunderstand the relationship between you and Miss Si Wen. Please forgive me."

This was the second time Si Wen had stood up for him. To his surprise, Xue Xing was starting to get used to it.

"It’s fine," he said. "As long as the misunderstanding is cleared up." He then turned to Lin Xi. "Sister-in-law, that gown must be uncomfortable. You should go get changed. I’ll be leaving now."

"Alright. Si Wen, are you coming with me?"

"I’ll find you in a bit," Si Wen replied.

"Oh..."

Lin Xi lifted the hem of her gown and walked toward the villa, her impressive figure quickly disappearing from view. Seeing that the situation was not in his favor, Wang Doudou also beat a hasty retreat.

"Sister Si Wen, I’m heading back tomorrow."

"Oh."

"I have school the day after," Xue Xing explained further.

"I know."

With that, Si Wen lifted her own skirt and walked inside. She too was wearing a stunningly beautiful gown—a strapless, water-blue dress that revealed her elegant collarbones. Paired with a sapphire necklace, and with her hair styled in an elegant updo, she truly looked like a proud princess.

Watching her disappear, Xue Xing scratched his head. He felt a strange twinge in his heart, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on what it was. Being young and preoccupied with the upcoming college entrance exams, he quickly pushed the feeling to the back of his mind.

***

Si Wen arrived at Lin Xi’s room and knocked gently. A moment later, the door opened from the inside, and a cute face peeked out.

"Si Wen, you’re here! Quick, come help me with this zipper." Lin Xi opened the door just wide enough to let her slip inside.

"Don’t you have staff to help you with your makeup and dress?"

"I didn’t want their help."

Once inside, Si Wen saw Lin Xi clutching the front of her dress. Even as a woman, the sight made Si Wen suck in a sharp breath.

"If Xue Yang saw you like this, he would pounce on you without a second thought."

Lin Xi’s eyes lit up. "Really?"

Seeing her friend’s eagerness, Si Wen teased, "Should I go get him for you right now?"