Strategy to Tame My Dimwitted Older Sister A - Chapter 36

Ruan Manxiang had calmed down somewhat.

Only then did she realize that Chu Nanqiao had deliberately provoked her just to make her slip up in front of Xu Qing. If that happened, her image in Xu Qing’s eyes would be completely ruined. After that, if she wanted to discuss the marriage alliance, given how much Xu Qing doted on Chu Nanqiao, she would absolutely refuse.

She had underestimated Chu Nanqiao.

“Since Qiaoqiao says so, then I believe she’s a good person too. In any case, since she’s helped Qiaoqiao, she’s helped me as well. If I run into her next time, I’ll thank her in person.”

This series of smooth moves from Ruan Manxiang took Chu Nanqiao by surprise. She had thought Ruan Manxiang would fly into a rage and start snapping at her. She hadn’t expected Ruan Manxiang to hold back so well.

She really was a tough opponent.

Chu Nanqiao frowned. “N-no, no need! M-my matters have n-nothing to do with you! And don’t think… I don’t know, what you’re thinking!”

Ruan Manxiang feigned confusion. “Oh? Then tell me, Qiaoqiao, what am I thinking right now?”

Chu Nanqiao really wanted to tear off Ruan Manxiang’s ugly mask right then and there. With acting skills like this, it was a shame she hadn’t gone into the entertainment industry.

“Y-you know… yourself!”

“But Qiaoqiao, if you don’t tell me, how would I know?”

Ruan Manxiang was determined to keep up the act. As long as she didn’t admit to anything, Chu Nanqiao couldn’t do anything about it. “Qiaoqiao, I don’t know why you dislike me so much. Did someone say something to you? But I genuinely like you. Maybe you don’t believe me now, but it’s okay. I’ll prove it to you with my actions in the future.”

Chu Nanqiao was practically rolling her eyes internally. The way Ruan Manxiang spoke with such deep affection, anyone who didn’t know better would think she truly adored her. Only Chu Nanqiao knew that Ruan Manxiang was doing all this just to get her to agree to the marriage alliance with the Ruan family.

She would never agree.

Even if her family forced her one day, she’d rather die than marry Ruan Manxiang.

“W-well t-too bad, I already. l-like someone else. You can give up.” Chu Nanqiao leaned back on the sofa, bragging to Ruan Manxiang as if showing off to her family.

The moment she finished speaking, Xu Qing appeared, holding a fruit platter.

Hearing that Chu Nanqiao had someone she liked, Xu Qing was so excited that she immediately set the platter down and hugged her. “Sweetheart, is what you just said true? What’s their name? What’s their family background? How far along are you two? Are you bringing them home to meet Mom?”

Chu Nanqiao’s face flushed instantly. Suddenly, she remembered Xu Mo’s promise that she’d find a way to get Bai Xia to attend the family banquet. She wondered how that was going and whether Bai Xia would agree. It would be great if she could come, but if not, Chu Nanqiao wouldn’t be devastated, but she’d definitely be disappointed.

“M-Mommy we’re not at that stage yet. D-don’t jump to conclusions.”

No one knows a daughter better than her mother. Xu Qing was genuinely surprised to see such an expression on her precious daughter’s face for the first time. Many alphas from prestigious families had visited their home before, but her daughter had never shown them the slightest warmth. Xu Qing had almost begun to worry that her daughter might have some psychological issue or perhaps harbored feelings for an omega, afraid of being scolded by the family and thus too afraid to speak up.

But judging by Chu Nanqiao’s current expression, it was clear that wasn’t the case.

Xu Qing held her hand and pressed further, “If it hasn’t reached that stage yet, then how far has it gone? Can’t even your mother know?”

Chu Nanqiao lowered her head and remained silent.

Things between her and Bai Xia were still up in the air. If she boasted to her mother now and things didn’t work out later, wouldn’t that be too embarrassing?

Besides, Ruan Manxiang was still here. She absolutely refused to do something so humiliating in front of her.

Seeing her silence, Xu Qing could roughly guess the situation. However, she didn’t call it out directly. In front of outsiders, she always unreservedly protected Chu Nanqiao’s dignity. “It’s fine if you don’t want to say anything. This is your private matter, after all. Mommy won’t push you. Whenever you’re ready to tell me, I’ll listen patiently.”

After saying this, Xu Qing turned to Ruan Manxiang and asked, “Manxiang, were you planning to stay for dinner? But Qiaoqiao has already eaten with her friend. If you stay, you’ll only be keeping me company.”

Ruan Manxiang understood the underlying message, this was nothing more than a polite dismissal. Of course, Xu Qing couldn’t outright ask her to leave. The two families were still on good terms, and if word got out that Xu Qing had directly sent her away, it would reflect poorly on the Chu family, possibly even handing ammunition to rival families. But using Chu Nanqiao as an excuse left her with no room to argue.

“Auntie Xu, I only came to see Qiaoqiao. Since she’s already eaten, there’s no point in me staying any longer. I have matters to attend to at home, so I’ll take my leave now.”

Seeing that she was sensible enough, Xu Qing didn’t make things difficult for her and simply said, “The banquet starts tomorrow evening. I’ve already sent the invitation to the Ruan family. Do remember to come.”

Ruan Manxiang nodded and stood up. “Don’t worry, Auntie Xu. With your invitation delivered to the Ruan family, it would be inexcusable for me, as the future heir, not to attend.”

Xu Qing said nothing more, offering only a practiced, polite smile before turning to Uncle Chen beside her. “Uncle Chen, please see Manxiang out for me. I still have a few things to discuss with Qiaoqiao about the banquet, so I won’t get up.”

Uncle Chen bowed slightly and gestured for Ruan Manxiang to follow. “Miss Ruan, this way.”

Ruan Manxiang glanced at Chu Nanqiao out of the corner of her eye before following Uncle Chen out. Once they reached the doorway, she suddenly asked, “Uncle Chen, does Qiaoqiao really like that alpha? Is he good to her?”

Uncle Chen’s gaze briefly swept over Bai Xia in the distance. This young alpha gave off a completely different vibe from those of other aristocratic families. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but just in terms of appearance, the boy was remarkably pleasant to look at.

However, Ruan Manxiang’s question made her intentions all too obvious. Having worked for the Chu family for decades, how could he not see through her little scheme?

Uncle Chen said, “It’s not my place as a butler to inquire about whom the young mistress fancies. Whether she likes that alpha or not is entirely her own decision. As for whether that alpha likes her, that’s a matter between the two of them, and we certainly shouldn’t interfere. As for whether that alpha treats the young mistress well, if she dares to treat her poorly, then she’d better pray she can withstand the wrath of the Chu family.”

Seeing that she couldn’t pry anything more out of him, Ruan Manxiang didn’t dwell on the issue any longer. After all, the person was right there in the school. With just a word from her, everything could be settled in a matter of minutes there was no need to rush. “I understand, Uncle Chen. I’ll take my leave now.”

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