Blooming Flowers, Silent Sorrow

zmyKnpBpuNEkvlRTable of Contents

Chapter 20

Translator: Silvery ButterflyiOxQCWVPMUEcYCUeVJihkihtidOBRZ

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As soon as You Ying stepped through the door, his sharp eyes swiftly scanned everyone in the hall, quickly identifying who held authority.YafiqERLZyVBTrfERdgiwRmbHqVsur

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You Ying cupped his hands in greeting. “Are you Su Yin, Young Master Su?”rNMxzbxgiKCIOmWdUmVNiXISkmgxLk

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Xiao Bao was furious. You Ying didn’t even glance at him, making all his preparations a waste.sXAXrKaRQQubdMiBNccpuFDdSmWsxi

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Su Yin smiled slightly, the corners of his mouth lifting. “Yes, that would be me.”VCIEXKEXiEDNOmjkydYbhepAirDnRS

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“I’ve heard my brother has been troubling you at the mansion for several days. I’m here to take him back today to avoid causing more inconvenience.”AOhJzzRWSlwDczqNfJUSNqIKetHJSE

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“It has been quite inconvenient, you know. You have no idea how many of our best medicines he’s used during this time. I’ve had to assign three servants to take care of him around the clock, and he’s been so arrogant, claiming ignorance to every question we ask,” Xiao Bao snapped, already irritated that they couldn’t get any information out of Zuo Ying. You Ying’s disregard for him only added to his frustration, making his words exceptionally harsh.cVQwsGyEdGfqBOPgUtjeVHsKFsQbkU

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You Ying turned to look at him, his jaw tightening. The Jin mansion’s refusal to release Zuo Ying had made him fume during the entire journey. Now, having to listen to this useless scion’s sneers was truly infuriating. But, mindful of the bigger picture, he suppressed his anger and respectfully greeted, “Young Master Jin, it’s been a while. How is your recovery?” He shot Xiao Bao a meaningful glance.aSTcJXsrGGUVsemdkwTjUKrmvhIIWs

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Xiao Bao, embarrassed and angry, felt his previous harshness dissipate. He was also anxious that the astute Su Yin might notice something amiss.JSfRTRCYKJyxIVBKIfvKtLfldLYzqG

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Having dealt with Xiao Bao, You Ying turned back to negotiate with the person who mattered. He knew that, at least for now, he couldn’t afford to offend Su Yin. However, he was perplexed as to why Su Yin was detaining his brother and felt increasingly anxious because of it.HhCOtXODKoBLHoAUOkwuJfcWeCijbw

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“Your name is You Ying,” Su Yin said calmly, sipping his tea. “Let’s dispense with the formalities and get straight to the point. Your brother is staying here because there are things I must know. Since he refuses to speak, I’ve had to bring in someone who will.”oTFjdPelvYQWQFksaftyMbCdyApjsZ

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“What does Young Master Su wish to know?”TimqcjnSeSGJjQkKMWcACZAiDVmyAb

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Su Yin nodded toward Xiao Bao. “Our Xiao Bao disappeared for three days and came back injured. I need to know who’s responsible.”VLYwipZvrPwUZQMTtCIaeYAIPUPBSn

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Xiao Bao’s face turned pale with fear, and he glared at You Ying, silently warning him, “If you dare tell the truth, I’ll strangle your brother.”BQEbyenGYpPwzCnmvAJBwwGLOvJjxJ

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You Ying naturally didn’t take Xiao Bao’s threat seriously, but he had his own concerns. After a moment of consideration, he said, “It was the Konggu Five Fiends.”BVkRDILsNwMHbdVHbbmeiILopbCgQx

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Su Yin nodded, as this aligned with the information he had received, though he sensed You Ying was holding back.OIPnTircenrPHgiVCVjFTFlfEVxWMf

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“Why were the Konggu Five Fiends in Jiangnan, and why did they injure Xiao Bao?”AFwnjzsToTJMlOwwWEaxfDngtWoRGx

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“Their target was my master. Young Master Jin was injured while saving my master. As for why they were in Jiangnan and why they attacked my master, and who my master is, these questions are far more important than the lives of us brothers.” He implied that Su Yin shouldn’t bother asking further.JbRnZkAdYXXPQdAkIMJpDEpRQhZPqE

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Su Yin raised an eyebrow. Though he expected this, the answer still displeased him.eFrFLxQRbBzQzjIoffuzSdpUuMoPsN

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He chuckled coldly, his eyes full of icy intent. His tone and demeanor shifted as he spoke, “Xiao Bao mentioned that your master is an extraordinary beauty, a rarity in a hundred years. To receive such high praise from the famous Jin Gongzi of Jiangnan, they must indeed be a true beauty. I am quite curious and would love to see them for myself.”cOucFVnaRhoUcIzJBCdGsUCtgufZth

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You Ying’s jaw clenched with suppressed anger. “My master is not for display. If Young Master Su wants to see beautiful women, even as an outsider, I can name the top three famous brothels in Suzhou. Young Master Su can visit them at his leisure.”YPDkaayooEKtyBegLxwNKSaFqYftYe

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This tone was exceedingly rude, but Su Yin remained as lazily indifferent as ever.wrAgBdJmUJmrBoWFWZFwWRxSsvdSsc

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You Ying, unlike his brother, was not known for his patience. Seeing Su Yin’s inscrutable, mocking smile, he grew even more furious, unable to fathom what Su Yin was thinking.trwBXDOFsPqgkSFdKPMfUVNTgXBHjp

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“I’ll take my brother now. It’s getting late, and finding a place to stay will be difficult!” You Ying declared firmly, glaring at Su Yin to gauge his reaction.DhfIoyFNhADFTTncWAkSCMyxCBUQml

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Su Yin grinned and casually replied, “No.”jHsaCzfrXLUqPzCtDXAOqCrlVsxwTL

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This infuriated You Ying, while Xiao Bao couldn’t help but feel a sense of schadenfreude.FVlYUgiUvvXniwjVzgczVTOhmauHQK

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“What do you want, then?” You Ying demanded.eYShRiOlUoogXUMcFfUzYXDwfzDXaL

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“I told you, I want to see this renowned beauty. Besides, Xiao Bao here has been unable to eat or drink thinking about him.”HjiWQDNVYPlAquNKyjexhUxAWicpOx

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“Hmph, unable to eat or drink thinking about him. Young Master Jin, you truly are courageous,” You Ying sneered.XLLYwRMWSWCJURDUoZkksKWYgShXKf

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Su Yin narrowed his eyes, sensing a hidden meaning. “What do you mean?” he asked You Ying, though his gaze was fixed on Xiao Bao.chVqBzOkONVjoOATtQvIDXOOudqKFj

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Xiao Bao, flustered and at a loss, had never been able to keep secrets from Su Yin. But this was such an embarrassing and absurd matter, he couldn’t bring himself to speak of it.IWioCzhuaWyIPOlQdRDzAFkGDZjyta

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“Uh… he… Su Yin, let’s just release them. They went out of their way…” Xiao Bao began, but the words died in his throat under Su Yin’s sharp glare. He stood silently, too scared to continue.yRDqbcBrMmnDRdffDvcJLZOVgJeASc

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He had feared Su Yin since childhood, and while it might seem cowardly, he couldn’t help it. Su Yin was superior in every way, always right. Obeying Su Yin had become second nature to him.GGZoFHhlCxlfXOUPXsYfqQMSeHHdHK

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You Ying, having passed the peak of his anger, regained his calm. Forcefully taking his brother was out of the question—he couldn’t defeat Su Yin, and sneaking him out would be highly challenging with the Jin mansion’s tight security. There were many people around, not all of them skilled fighters, but their sheer numbers were a problem. Besides, Zuo Ying was still seriously injured, making any escape attempt difficult.lwocAGBcNsyjwYZMrNQWgwSAVuuHrA

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Thinking it over, You Ying realized he would have to return later with a better plan.BioBXDfoXXQivjZvbifMHqMkJQuivp

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So, without further delay, he cupped his hands in a respectful gesture. “Please convey my regards to my brother, Su Gongzi, and tell him to take care of himself. I will come back for him another day.” With that, he turned and left.LrzYGUUSzBSmYiQoKrBHPyeQMiUdJp

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Xiao Bao watched You Ying disappear, then nervously glanced at Su Yin, who was already scrutinizing him with narrowed eyes.eImAsEGOXkLlGpturDyVbeXwqKgYIx

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This is bad!bYRLasesSqpvwAsIVNVygdAwHApNZw

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“What are you hiding from me?”TgkUdIIhIIgvIwtgzBqpaCouMTEZKe

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“Nothing…”qWkdkdIculWvEWjfTxfEVnMWqENEVH

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Su Yin raised his voice, “Do you dare say nothing again?”ZdBHmYIbhDukzNXoKTtKNtCzGieWqA

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“…Nothing…” Xiao Bao avoided his gaze.oCzFwsxNNNMnLDaKODepnFwDNeGABY

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Su Yin stood up, his height advantage giving him an imposing presence. Grabbing Xiao Bao by the ear, he demanded, “Speak!”pZYbJDvcfrNnyNuggmgmFTXGnfJhtz

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Xiao Bao panicked, trying to pry Su Yin’s hand off, but the harder he struggled, the more it hurt. “What are you doing?! You’re not my mother! I don’t have to report everything to you!”NQfEcokNbInLQdNoWWXiXXOlOWpjpX

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Su Yin tightened his grip, causing Xiao Bao to yelp in pain.dvSrEybSRVRAaixRkjtdoGOpTIjJbY

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“Growing wings, are we?”WaZKqUPwxrrduHDrpkRsTIEErdcWKC

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“Su Yin, you bastard, let go of me! Ah, it hurts! Let go!”nwocCIvfTNTWWmwkOurklCXAvkuHuV

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Xiao Bao, in a rare show of defiance, clung to his pride. Despite the pain that nearly tore his ear off, he refused to talk.AWXthSYTsmuEktaYMHuQqkqKtgJFRk

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Seeing him like this, Su Yin found it both infuriating and amusing, though he suppressed his laughter and finally let go.OPWZUCVmglQSqnWRVNLDrgbydLMruC

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Xiao Bao clutched his ear, hissing in pain, and shot Su Yin venomous glances, as if he wished he could burn holes through him with his eyes.egKLwoIzSuwSyaMHRmbbOCfZFHmUFm

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“One month. You’re not allowed to leave the mansion.”mCcFArWGMOOfuKyWGerqjrwLulmQkM

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“What?!” Did he hear that right? “This is my house! You can’t tell me I can’t leave. Who do you think you are?”CmgRVUIlvKFsPhiPWSpFBqnCEqEgxI

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“Watch me.” Without waiting for Xiao Bao to continue his angry outbursts, Su Yin waved his hand and walked away.QFxzkYNdoVCFcxfclVrMooAGFUoDHp

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Sure enough, that afternoon, whatever Su Yin had said to his father resulted in Xiao Bao being firmly grounded. His father decreed that the entire household was to ensure Xiao Bao stayed put.JfZhAvyKFZGrBlJCTAmdSbmqCUtkfg

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For someone as restless as Xiao Bao, being confined to the mansion was torturous.GWIlpLlAEWzpGpXOqOuHidzkKjqSTV

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He had come a long way since childhood. Back then, he could only harbor silent anger at Su Yin’s tyranny. Now, even though he could voice his outrage, it did nothing to solve his problems. Feeling wronged, he knew Su Yin was too crafty; even crying to his mother wouldn’t help. Instead she would only scold him for being immature.kfuQUmJkSKwAmdDpfHJFQZBQsCJRPl

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As soon as You Ying stepped through the door, his sharp eyes swiftly scanned everyone in the hall, quickly identifying who held authority.uLbbLyBWjWoloNiwVomJdQwBWXcPDF

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You Ying cupped his hands in greeting. “Are you Su Yin, Young Master Su?”RvhvwOQiDBVuXaciDmIWyAqeHOAnQI

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Xiao Bao was furious. You Ying didn’t even glance at him, making all his preparations a waste.FOfQimOZpJcoKLNjTIlHpshzImhLJq

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Su Yin smiled slightly, the corners of his mouth lifting. “Yes, that would be me.”yUsokOvOHtWSKpCxfuaYwIVDLglvGR

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“I’ve heard my brother has been troubling you at the mansion for several days. I’m here to take him back today to avoid causing more inconvenience.”kEZeIVwAuWtYfpcagICbOmowqkYioQ

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“It has been quite inconvenient, you know. You have no idea how many of our best medicines he’s used during this time. I’ve had to assign three servants to take care of him around the clock, and he’s been so arrogant, claiming ignorance to every question we ask,” Xiao Bao snapped, already irritated that they couldn’t get any information out of Zuo Ying. You Ying’s disregard for him only added to his frustration, making his words exceptionally harsh.czuEhpRtjMudwhxUPKuCPsOBdJmeRP

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You Ying turned to look at him, his jaw tightening. The Jin mansion’s refusal to release Zuo Ying had made him fume during the entire journey. Now, having to listen to this useless scion’s sneers was truly infuriating. But, mindful of the bigger picture, he suppressed his anger and respectfully greeted, “Young Master Jin, it’s been a while. How is your recovery?” He shot Xiao Bao a meaningful glance.jfYzrSXAiWSDyTKTFLLmHCYXSMDUpR

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Xiao Bao, embarrassed and angry, felt his previous harshness dissipate. He was also anxious that the astute Su Yin might notice something amiss.kFpnhReYfctbOwooHrwJwrnORskOfR

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Having dealt with Xiao Bao, You Ying turned back to negotiate with the person who mattered. He knew that, at least for now, he couldn’t afford to offend Su Yin. However, he was perplexed as to why Su Yin was detaining his brother and felt increasingly anxious because of it.DtuikcbFzSyxTMSJlSujVGCaIvnrhV

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“Your name is You Ying,” Su Yin said calmly, sipping his tea. “Let’s dispense with the formalities and get straight to the point. Your brother is staying here because there are things I must know. Since he refuses to speak, I’ve had to bring in someone who will.”djfXAfkfkmiNOZwSvSgFRTWIfuVQuW

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“What does Young Master Su wish to know?”MmxKlqwjHRnJQbXGnAppuUYtTgFRAw

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Su Yin nodded toward Xiao Bao. “Our Xiao Bao disappeared for three days and came back injured. I need to know who’s responsible.”wovODzVwrKfKsfbIWFafCzigkMvwKj

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Xiao Bao’s face turned pale with fear, and he glared at You Ying, silently warning him, “If you dare tell the truth, I’ll strangle your brother.”KmBrEjNbXUKkUFexSYIBauycsIgltT

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You Ying naturally didn’t take Xiao Bao’s threat seriously, but he had his own concerns. After a moment of consideration, he said, “It was the Konggu Five Fiends.”OGAJiIAbKyIbDtDhndxmIpwttDxKRM

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Su Yin nodded, as this aligned with the information he had received, though he sensed You Ying was holding back.ReNucluAZpcXUulBPPAQQpidYLgSAP

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“Why were the Konggu Five Fiends in Jiangnan, and why did they injure Xiao Bao?”WOvKfcmnhqJYYlgRJzsEwvgkkIHmBW

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“Their target was my master. Young Master Jin was injured while saving my master. As for why they were in Jiangnan and why they attacked my master, and who my master is, these questions are far more important than the lives of us brothers.” He implied that Su Yin shouldn’t bother asking further.sKxvwpmdPRlgaKtyjYahsWMAotiOiU

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Su Yin raised an eyebrow. Though he expected this, the answer still displeased him.KfOMowkETRDSxeXCgHOmkbcszPQVAf

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He chuckled coldly, his eyes full of icy intent. His tone and demeanor shifted as he spoke, “Xiao Bao mentioned that your master is an extraordinary beauty, a rarity in a hundred years. To receive such high praise from the famous Jin Gongzi of Jiangnan, they must indeed be a true beauty. I am quite curious and would love to see them for myself.”IPmdZIYexoUsZsicFilxDeNikwiBKj

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You Ying’s jaw clenched with suppressed anger. “My master is not for display. If Young Master Su wants to see beautiful women, even as an outsider, I can name the top three famous brothels in Suzhou. Young Master Su can visit them at his leisure.”NDTNOcUpsnRfRPhokKcUyKqTfbdVNp

mvqngXazxMiiuWr

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This tone was exceedingly rude, but Su Yin remained as lazily indifferent as ever.PzRuRkhViBHVJNaWrbVrgEfytZCLgC

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You Ying, unlike his brother, was not known for his patience. Seeing Su Yin’s inscrutable, mocking smile, he grew even more furious, unable to fathom what Su Yin was thinking.IqcPMmCnKrLfkwnwkqCvtBWTieOTtp

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“I’ll take my brother now. It’s getting late, and finding a place to stay will be difficult!” You Ying declared firmly, glaring at Su Yin to gauge his reaction.UXuLlqAiRvdNzJrdmtlxiaHhxuQCYV

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Su Yin grinned and casually replied, “No.”lrxEArRVRtSUYWBulaLqbWsaBkAjTm

QIPQeAHXUgjvKHy

 XkLiJqPMSjovPmKHxuXNciQRVBuIcl

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This infuriated You Ying, while Xiao Bao couldn’t help but feel a sense of schadenfreude.YVBYUhlfgInQRApgFgwnaRRgUtCEry

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“What do you want, then?” You Ying demanded.HFrYmZlYtMhNqbXrlbdhWMfBTdnJsN

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“I told you, I want to see this renowned beauty. Besides, Xiao Bao here has been unable to eat or drink thinking about him.”irHRCifkLHUvoBtgmkpaDHWFWLXOAN

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 vLeiulImehwlnLQHfrObCOhTLYCsCW

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“Hmph, unable to eat or drink thinking about him. Young Master Jin, you truly are courageous,” You Ying sneered.cLgPiYvSRIpFJWuYvgHJLZHLcUGKsg

ynBMhFkhBZYYIZf

 xWiJGnwDbXUCwCAGFELgktYJoZzgZz

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Su Yin narrowed his eyes, sensing a hidden meaning. “What do you mean?” he asked You Ying, though his gaze was fixed on Xiao Bao.fplskgSLUjesQkaoTHNYNJRmDaOerM

BdowdrXZpYLHOjD

 BPAIJawJGAmfpfvHWlglNzQhBSIOpz

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Xiao Bao, flustered and at a loss, had never been able to keep secrets from Su Yin. But this was such an embarrassing and absurd matter, he couldn’t bring himself to speak of it.prXoctKyGTgdnSQVDirJwOPlciLknG

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 hmfiunQiHUsOVXrOYOfQCHRIQxihkU

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“Uh… he… Su Yin, let’s just release them. They went out of their way…” Xiao Bao began, but the words died in his throat under Su Yin’s sharp glare. He stood silently, too scared to continue.mNAiyvMLgyctxtNVQBhUYpbvniOqgY

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He had feared Su Yin since childhood, and while it might seem cowardly, he couldn’t help it. Su Yin was superior in every way, always right. Obeying Su Yin had become second nature to him.pnqlDfMGxLFisqOOYXmWuOyqZCJZfq

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You Ying, having passed the peak of his anger, regained his calm. Forcefully taking his brother was out of the question—he couldn’t defeat Su Yin, and sneaking him out would be highly challenging with the Jin mansion’s tight security. There were many people around, not all of them skilled fighters, but their sheer numbers were a problem. Besides, Zuo Ying was still seriously injured, making any escape attempt difficult.arHZAScGMOOAOlbibLMdQpztjqfyLE

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Thinking it over, You Ying realized he would have to return later with a better plan.OKDiYQQMfRYYvCtSctovTxksdScddg

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So, without further delay, he cupped his hands in a respectful gesture. “Please convey my regards to my brother, Su Gongzi, and tell him to take care of himself. I will come back for him another day.” With that, he turned and left.WAyMLhPOOfcEtUktSdffRXLMWTUyhv

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Xiao Bao watched You Ying disappear, then nervously glanced at Su Yin, who was already scrutinizing him with narrowed eyes.eAVzJBZGFpkFcCyntxLKjOBWRmrpwn

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This is bad!lzCVJjogwRSYNCyVDOxgPyRGjVTYmS

QeWQKmPtfZtIvbQ

 QmQyrmOzkgKKrNysQWNminJCpySFhm

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“What are you hiding from me?”GPQgJEhsHURhbAHYQOMMbplNxQVvxn

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“Nothing…”yCsvFWZXMhwrADinjjtyOAvOWTWgqp

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 MRfReUaijeFZZMFYAWeVIEBKCNZrZb

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Su Yin raised his voice, “Do you dare say nothing again?”WvXeInNiYLIBFgDNhQVQYngWgSWFTi

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 gAyaVZIaBLeabBixnCpWIjpxdszrKi

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“…Nothing…” Xiao Bao avoided his gaze.pecaDTkRCpEIcpEKSVOQCtsIBRpDyu

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 tPFQHXfWhwilCkSTpzNofxmknBFGhw

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Su Yin stood up, his height advantage giving him an imposing presence. Grabbing Xiao Bao by the ear, he demanded, “Speak!”cKyTeRAXZELrRdycqecRSEiwGNHvYW

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Xiao Bao panicked, trying to pry Su Yin’s hand off, but the harder he struggled, the more it hurt. “What are you doing?! You’re not my mother! I don’t have to report everything to you!”eVBrsmlwVkODgSZXnelHdyiBYAVyXx

HIkTkGJQimEKybY

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Su Yin tightened his grip, causing Xiao Bao to yelp in pain.sUEyfKrGzdCGNMLwUBUIHnkwNIucbk

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 bDBHPcUwZBROGARCJVWULOMEqjhLBA

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“Growing wings, are we?”FjSUHMeapxCLFXWqxLUyvuHaaWsCzW

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 DhizqYrIFJMuWbCcsmcMKkGzxGUqpB

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“Su Yin, you bastard, let go of me! Ah, it hurts! Let go!”LxnXgRYSzulgBkNEdEbutABFSZTTsm

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 NiSYwJNBcDsUsQaGhnlusFNYBBiiZX

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Xiao Bao, in a rare show of defiance, clung to his pride. Despite the pain that nearly tore his ear off, he refused to talk.RvpJbDQRcOJdDqMIzPRsVNaCqNNPiF

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Seeing him like this, Su Yin found it both infuriating and amusing, though he suppressed his laughter and finally let go.bqAfXNQqthsihmJdwpQvABGcOOzZBv

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 HEpOvWaYXhUjtcnbvUCKcFRWAtAYXW

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Xiao Bao clutched his ear, hissing in pain, and shot Su Yin venomous glances, as if he wished he could burn holes through him with his eyes.KvEWbLxtPsHAxrhqxYEmAOoxqMTyis

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“One month. You’re not allowed to leave the mansion.”MinebJaOlYGAfPXDCNunavJaeWdesB

vRWdBdEIrtIRJki

 LnIdZSZLtLFckVYjTYtCMkjCEuulqz

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“What?!” Did he hear that right? “This is my house! You can’t tell me I can’t leave. Who do you think you are?”kJuJhjKnLWATFOXvAeiHrSITlykZEs

iqyWskBzSkCQPKA

 PCJIZpoiyrWhdMzVkJLpIVbmLbOrIV

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“Watch me.” Without waiting for Xiao Bao to continue his angry outbursts, Su Yin waved his hand and walked away.wxzQfpLGCnNKUAtCiXJqNvDJKtWLfW

nkJHXKdFzMIwAtS

 gcWGkXixmEGvvrEjxKDglqhjJOiEvX

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Sure enough, that afternoon, whatever Su Yin had said to his father resulted in Xiao Bao being firmly grounded. His father decreed that the entire household was to ensure Xiao Bao stayed put.aEcnXCGiARKLbxcynPxjqtByfGSBIL

ROXkCjlyhzSFang

 nIjDCpPoaRjufcIeckneWfDTupQpVn

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For someone as restless as Xiao Bao, being confined to the mansion was torturous.XqQaJlVGuahhqFsJkwRpgsuqHzDcPy

HvuuSCNUKgBBoML

 juaexIVKOQvNHsumWyVAtsYNgXEeiU

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He had come a long way since childhood. Back then, he could only harbor silent anger at Su Yin’s tyranny. Now, even though he could voice his outrage, it did nothing to solve his problems. Feeling wronged, he knew Su Yin was too crafty; even crying to his mother wouldn’t help. Instead she would only scold him for being immature.MTvQRkYweHqDkXtkEbwbftHaBLVixs

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 HhEksOOiZtRRjLgKGyIiCMwHXaYsVQ

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SB’s Note: Thank you sooo much, Clare and Kipzi, for the support on Ko-fi. As a token of my gratitude, here’s a double update just for you. ❤️❤️zxHfnQojxYqlwhfrtmXblSHLWkLGDt

ZUIAprhtSuHTSYv

 lQihbXXdFKpSaTfIYwdhseSatjcIkG

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Ulfr

I’m finding the interactions between Su Yin and Xiao Bai pretty funny! I think they’re the sameish age? But SY is like the domineering/bullying (yet caring) older brother who’s had enough of the little sibling cavorting around out town, even the parents listen to this more responsibile older sibling (and he isn’t even one!). Interesting that XB is attracted to (whom he thought was) a “woman” that seems tyrannical like SY.

Also, I think you entered the same chapter twice on this page?