Chapter 61: Two Scoundrels

Xiao Jingxuan was momentarily stunned as he listened, just about to step out of the carriage when Yunbai grabbed the corner of his sleeve, narrowing his eyes and casting a chilling glare.
“Father, I’m not just trying to scare you. When I’m angry, I can be really frightening.” Yunbai always remembered his mother’s advice: at such a young age, never harm another’s life. Yunbai kept this firmly in mind, but when his anger was truly stirred, all bets were off.
Xiao Jingxuan frowned—this child certainly minded quite a lot. Still, he explained gently,
“Wanwan and I have known each other since childhood, just like you and the Crown Prince. Don’t be nervous.” With that, he stepped out of the carriage.
Just like me and the Crown Prince? But the Crown Prince and I are both boys—how could it be the same? Yunbai pouted unhappily.
The moonlight was gentle, and Lin Wanwan stood before Xiao Jingxuan clad in a luxurious goose-yellow gown, her hair flowing like a celestial maiden beneath the moon.
Her eyes were rimmed red, and traces of tears still lingered on her cheeks—she must have wept bitterly.
“Cousin,” Lin Wanwan called softly, her voice tinged with a subtle grievance, delicate and plaintive.
“Let’s take a walk,” Xiao Jingxuan said, noticing Yunbai peeking through a corner of the carriage curtain, eavesdropping. He took the lead with Lin Wanwan, walking ahead, while Yunbai and Zhuo Yue’an followed behind, displeased by Lin Wanwan’s pitiful act. The two exchanged synchronized eye rolls at her, and the carriage followed at a leisurely pace.
“Cousin, are you worried that your wife might be upset? Well, that’s understandable—now that you’re married, you can no longer enjoy the freedom and carefree days of youth. But it’s alright; you should care about your wife’s feelings. If Wanwan suffers a little grievance, it’s nothing.” Lin Wanwan smoothed her disheveled hair at her temple, speaking in a soft, melancholy tone.
“No, you’re overthinking it,” Xiao Jingxuan frowned, sensing something amiss. How was it so obvious that he cared about Su Jingluo’s feelings? And what grievance had Lin Wanwan suffered? This wasn’t right; something felt off.
“Cousin, do you—do you not like Wanwan anymore?” Lin Wanwan suddenly hurried in front of Xiao Jingxuan, lifting her tear-filled eyes to look at him anxiously.
Too direct—Xiao Jingxuan was nearly dumbfounded. How was he supposed to answer? If he said he liked her, there was someone lying in the carriage behind, and a little spy watching. If he said he didn’t like her, it would wound Lin Wanwan’s heart. To tell the truth, seeing Lin Wanwan again brought only the joy of reuniting with an old acquaintance; the youthful stirrings of his heart were gone. But habits and youthful longing were not so easily abandoned.
“Cousin, Wanwan doesn’t ask for a title, only hopes you will treat me as you once did.” Seeing Xiao Jingxuan remain silent, Lin Wanwan grew even more agitated, suddenly throwing herself into his arms, sobbing bitterly against his chest.
...
Xiao Jingxuan was helpless, unsure where to place his hands. Lin Wanwan was nearly choking on her tears in his embrace, truly pitiable.
“What are you doing? Let go of my father!” Yunbai saw Lin Wanwan clinging to Xiao Jingxuan and suddenly felt a sense of crisis rise in his heart. Like a little leopard, he sprang forward, using all his strength to crash into Lin Wanwan.
Lin Wanwan was completely unprepared and, with a cry, was knocked aside. Xiao Jingxuan rushed to catch her. Yunbai, propelled by the force, staggered back two steps and landed flat on his bottom.
Zhuo Yue’an had meant to help Yunbai up, but Yunbai, seeing the villainous father pulling Lin Wanwan to her feet, shook off Zhuo Yue’an and climbed up himself. Pointing at Xiao Jingxuan and Lin Wanwan, he suddenly shouted a curse,
“You two scoundrels—hugging like that, have you no shame at all!”
That single insult left Xiao Jingxuan and Lin Wanwan utterly dumbstruck.