The Supporting Female Character Enters the Game, the Crazy Crown Prince Slowly Falls Deeply in Love - Chapter 74

What is wrong with the Young Master?

He was perfectly fine yesterday, so why is he acting strange after one night?

Yuan Zheng couldn’t figure it out, scratched his head, and only hoped that Miss Jiang would fend for herself today.

Xie Yunian grew up in Shuobei and, after returning to the capital, did not like to make a big fuss about his birthday.

Every year, eating a meal with Madam Xie counted as celebrating his birthday.

This year was different, especially after Madam Xie learned that Jiang Yao was coming. The joy on her face lasted for three whole days.

The servants in the other courtyards were all in a better mood because of it.

Except for… the staff in Xie Yunian’s courtyard.

Yuan Zheng couldn’t figure out what was wrong with the Young Master.

He was perfectly fine the other day, so why is he acting strange after one night?

He suppressed the doubt in his heart, scratched his head, and only hoped that Miss Jiang would fend for herself today.

When Jiang Yao arrived, Madam Xie was standing at the courtyard gate, looking out.

The moment she saw Jiang Yao’s figure, Madam Xie immediately hurried over, her face brimming with smiles. “Miss Jiang, you’re finally here! Come in quickly, come in quickly.”

Jiang Yao was a little embarrassed by Madam Xie’s enthusiasm and quickly curtsied. “Madam Xie, I hope you are well. I apologize for the intrusion today.”

“Don’t talk about intrusion! I’m delighted you could come!” Madam Xie took her hand and affectionately led her towards the house.

That boy Xie Yunian is usually so cold. Now that he has finally fallen for someone, I must keep her here.

Feeling Madam Xie’s warmth, Jiang Yao’s mood relaxed considerably. She then remembered the reason for her visit. “Young Master Xie… is he at the manor today?”

“He is, he is!” Madam Xie nodded with a smile. “You sit down first. I’ll have someone call him over right away.”

Jiang Yao quickly waved her hand. “No need to trouble Madam Xie. I can wait.”

Madam Xie, however, gave an order without question, turning to her maid Qinglian. “Qinglian, hurry and call Yunian over. Tell him Miss Jiang has arrived.”

Madam Xie paused, then added, “Tell him to tidy himself up properly. Don’t always wear those few robes.”

Qinglian responded and left. Madam Xie personally poured Jiang Yao a cup of tea. “Miss Jiang, try this tea. His father specially had someone bring it from Shuobei. The flavor is sweet and clear; you will surely like it.”

Jiang Yao accepted the teacup, took a light sip, and confirmed that the tea was fragrant and left a sweet aftertaste.

She smiled and nodded. “It is delicious.”

Seeing that she liked it, the smile on Madam Xie’s face deepened. “I’m glad you like it. Take some with you when you leave. You must have dinner here today, and then have Yunian personally escort you back.”

Just as they were speaking, footsteps sounded outside the door.

Jiang Yao looked up and saw Xie Yunian enter, wearing a dark ink-colored brocade robe, his expression cold and detached.

Xie Yunian’s gaze slowly moved from Madam Xie’s smiling face to Jiang Yao, lingered for a moment, and then shifted away.

“Mother,” Xie Yunian greeted faintly, his tone devoid of emotion.

Madam Xie smiled and beckoned him. “Come see who has arrived!”

Hearing this, Xie Yunian’s gaze fell on Jiang Yao again, carrying a hint of scrutiny and coldness.

Jiang Yao felt a little uneasy under his stare and naturally shifted her gaze away.

Seeing him remain silent, Madam Xie turned and glared at Xie Yunian, her voice slightly scolding. “What’s wrong with you today, child?”

The girl has personally delivered the birthday gift to our doorstep, yet why is this child acting like this?

He looks as if someone owes him something.

Hearing the reproach, Xie Yunian looked up at Jiang Yao, a faint smile curving his lips, though the warmth didn’t reach his eyes. “Nothing. I just feel… surprised.”

His voice was low, carrying a significant implication that made Jiang Yao’s heart clench.

She subconsciously tightened her grip on the handkerchief in her hand, feeling a sense of guilt rise from within.

Why does he feel so sinister?

Madam Xie did not sense the undercurrent between the two, merely smiling and patting Jiang Yao’s hand, her tone affectionate. “Yaoyao, don’t mind him. This child is always this cold. But deep down, he is very happy.”

A blush appeared on Jiang Yao’s face. She nodded. “Madam Xie is right. Young Master Xie has always been like this. I… I understand.”

Madam Xie grew more satisfied with Jiang Yao the more she looked at her, her eyes full of maternal kindness.

She turned to Xie Yunian, her tone now carrying a hint of dislike. “It’s still early. You take Ya’er for a walk around the manor first.”

Hearing this, Jiang Yao instinctively looked at Xie Yunian.

She saw his cold expression, his lips curved in a smile that lacked any trace of warmth.

She opened her mouth, just about to politely decline, when she heard Xie Yunian speak flatly. “Alright. Since Mother has instructed it, I will naturally comply.”

He walked over to Jiang Yao’s side, turned slightly, and looked at her.

Jiang Yao stood up and walked side-by-side with Xie Yunian towards the door.

Madam Xie, seeing them standing close, smiled even more widely and deliberately teased Qinglian beside her. “Look, these two standing together are truly a perfect match.”

Hearing this, Jiang Yao’s face grew hotter. She quickly lowered her head and followed behind Xie Yunian.

Jiang Yao never imagined that ‘walking around the manor’ would lead to Xie Yunian’s own courtyard.

Suddenly, the person in front of her stopped. Jiang Yao looked up, only to see Xie Yunian directly push open the door to his room and step inside.

This…

Am I supposed to go in too?

She then saw Xie Yunian curve his lips into a mocking smile. “Do you want me to drag you in?”

Jiang Yao forced a smile that was uglier than crying and reluctantly shuffled in after him.

Yuan Zheng stopped Chunlan, having the good sense to close the door behind them.

“Wait, my Miss…” Chunlan exclaimed quietly, startled.

Yuan Zheng gestured for Chunlan to keep silent.

Only the person who tied the bell can untie it.

Chunlan paused, then reasoned, Could Young Master Xie have something private to discuss with my Miss?

Silence instantly filled the room.

Xie Yunian sat on the sandalwood chair, the smile gone from his face.

Jiang Yao took a deep breath, deciding to strike first. She turned her face away and said, “Xie Lang, what is wrong today? Why are you being so fierce to me…”

Xie Yunian leaned back against the chair, looking at her with an air of absurdity.

Jiang Yao pouted, acting as if she were about to cry.

She clearly deceived him, yet she is acting aggrieved?

Xie Yunian raised an eyebrow, impatiently looking away. “Stop pretending.”

“Pretending what…” Jiang Yao sobbed quietly. “I begged my father for a long time before he agreed to let me personally come to give you the birthday gift, but you today…”

As she spoke, she reached out and handed him the brocade box.

“Enough,” Xie Yunian interrupted her words.

He stood up abruptly and grabbed Jiang Yao’s wrist. The force was so great that she stumbled, nearly crashing into his arms.

Xie Yunian’s palm was warm, yet it held an irresistible, commanding strength.

His fingers clamped tightly around her wrist bone, as if intending to crush her entire wrist.

Jiang Yao was startled by his sudden action.

The brocade box also fell to the ground with a crisp sound.

She raised her head, tears still glistening in her eyes, her expression frantic. “Xie Lang, what are you doing… it hurts…”