Chapter 158 – The Girls' Meeting

At the same time, another luxurious carriage was making its way toward the Xu Family Estate.

In the back seat of the carriage, Xu Qianqian sat with her eyes closed. Though she was returning home, her expression remained impassive, betraying neither joy nor sorrow as if lost in thought.

The carriage slowly entered the manor and soon arrived at the entrance of the Main Residence.

“Young Miss, we’ve arrived at the main residence.”

The driver, who also served as Xu Qianqian’s butler, got out of the car and opened the door for her. Noticing she still had her eyes closed, he softly reminded her.

“Are we here?”

Only then did Xu Qianqian open her eyes, her gaze equally devoid of emotion as she stepped out of the carriage onto the red carpet.

“Welcome home, Young Miss!”

“Welcome home, Young Miss!”

On both sides, the welcoming staff immediately bowed with dutiful respect.

Xu Qianqian paid no attention to those around her, whether out of habit or something else. She lifted her gaze to the familiar residence before her.

In her eyes, there was none of the joy one might expect upon seeing their home—only indifference.

There was no helping it.

Xu Qianqian had never been able to bring herself to like this so-called home.

Because she knew there were people here who deliberately schemed against her.

Because she knew that those who called themselves family on the surface were secretly engaged in constant intrigue.

Ever since she could remember, she had grown up and lived here, yet there wasn’t the slightest bit of contentment to be found.

Thus, Xu Qianqian felt no sense of “home” here and held no fondness for the place.

Otherwise, why would she have moved out to live elsewhere after enrolling in the Academy?

It wasn’t for convenience, but simply to avoid seeing things she disliked.

Under these circumstances, since entering the Demon Hunter Academy, aside from the annual Family gatherings, the Family Head’s birthday celebrations, emergencies, and special holidays, Xu Qianqian had never had any desire to return.

In fact, if not for the unavoidable situations mentioned above, she wouldn’t have wanted to come back at all, just to spare herself the distress.

And today was yet another occasion when she had no choice but to return.

The only difference was that this time, not everyone present would be someone she disliked.

At the thought of that person, Xu Qianqian’s expression softened slightly.

Perhaps even she herself hadn’t noticed this change?

“Have the guests already arrived?”

Xu Qianqian walked through the entrance, asking the butler who had come to greet her—the butler serving her father.

“Yes,” the butler replied respectfully. “Young Master Su and Miss Yun have already arrived and are currently resting in the guest rooms.”

“Is that so?” Xu Qianqian nodded and said nothing more.

The butler, however, asked, “Would you like to see the Young Master and Madam first?”

Xu Qianqian’s steps faltered almost imperceptibly before she continued walking seamlessly.

“I’ll see them later,” Xu Qianqian said expressionlessly. “I’m going to my room to change first.”

“Very well,” the butler acknowledged.

With that, Xu Qianqian dismissed everyone around her and walked alone toward her room.

Unfortunately, her steps soon halted once again.

For no other reason than that an unexpected figure was approaching from ahead.

“It’s been a long time, Miss Qianqian.”

The voice, brimming with gentle laughter, belonged to none other than Yun Langyue.There, Yun Langyue, who should have been resting in the guest room, unexpectedly appeared here and encountered Xu Qianqian.

“Yun Langyue…”

Xu Qianqian softly called out the other’s name.

Naturally, Xu Qianqian was no stranger to this person.

As fellow members of Longyao City’s upper class, it was quite common for them to cross paths at various social events.

Just as Xu Yanyan had seen Yun Langyue on such occasions, Xu Qianqian had also encountered Yun Langyue more than once in similar settings.

Moreover, since both could be considered quite prominent figures, it would be strange if they didn’t know each other.

However, until now, their relationship had at most been one of nodding acquaintances, without any proper conversation. When had they ever been alone together, speaking face to face like this?

At the very least, Xu Qianqian had never imagined that she would ever have any interaction with Yun Langyue.

And all because of a man.

“How long has it been since we last saw each other?”

As if unaware of Xu Qianqian’s complicated feelings, Yun Langyue greeted her casually, like an acquaintance met by chance on the road.

“Not long,” Xu Qianqian replied indifferently. “Didn’t we meet at the ball just before I started third grade?”

“Can that really count as meeting?” Yun Langyue blinked and chuckled lightly. “At every ball, you would sit alone in a corner with your eyes closed, never speaking to anyone. If not for your overwhelming presence, perhaps no one would even have noticed you were there.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Xu Qianqian stated bluntly. “I never liked those occasions anyway.”

If not for her family’s demands, Xu Qianqian would have disdained attending any balls.

Unfortunately, as a descendant of a prominent Family in Longyao City, no matter how unwilling she was, certain social interactions and engagements were unavoidable.

Even though the Family Head, her grandfather, doted on her greatly, and her father was quite lenient with her, Xu Qianqian still couldn’t escape these obligations.

This was an unavoidable duty that came with being born into a large Family.

Yun Langyue clearly understood this as well.

“Actually, I don’t particularly like those occasions either.”

Yun Langyue’s words, spoken with an undiminished smile, made Xu Qianqian skeptical.

“Is that so?” Xu Qianqian looked directly at Yun Langyue. “But you always seemed so adept at handling them, didn’t you?”

This wasn’t sarcasm but the truth.

At every such event, Yun Langyue always performed flawlessly—skillfully navigating social circles, charming everyone with her grace, and effortlessly engaging with all sorts of people, making her the most dazzling presence at any ball.

Xu Qianqian had seen Yun Langyue become the center of attention at balls multiple times. Not only did the younger generation never take their eyes off her, but even the older generation often praised her and focused their attention on her.

It could be said that for many in the upper class, Yun Langyue was like a superstar in their eyes.

Hearing such a person claim she didn’t like those occasions truly surprised Xu Qianqian.

Yet, in response to Xu Qianqian’s surprise, Yun Langyue said this.”That was just playing along.” Yun Langyue actually said this: “There are always too many flies gathering there. How could I possibly like it?”

The blunt remark left Xu Qianqian momentarily stunned.

“Just kidding.”

Yun Langyue shifted her tone, wearing a teasing expression that would make anyone think she was just playing a prank, genuinely joking.

Only Xu Qianqian could tell—Yun Langyue’s eyes were clearly serious.

She truly felt there were far too many flies in such occasions.

Xu Qianqian also keenly noticed that the so-called flies Yun Langyue referred to weren’t just those wealthy young men pestering her.

“It seems you have it tough too.”

Xu Qianqian said this lightly.

Yun Langyue’s beautiful eyebrows lifted slightly as she smiled without speaking.

Seeing this, Xu Qianqian dropped the pleasantries.

“You were waiting here specifically for me, weren’t you?”

Xu Qianqian finally pointed this out.

Yes.

Yun Langyue, who should have been resting in the guest room, hadn’t suddenly decided to take a stroll and coincidentally run into Xu Qianqian.

She had noticed Xu Qianqian’s return and came out specifically to intercept her.

The ever-present smile on Yun Langyue’s face faded slightly.

“As for me, I actually came to give you a heads-up.”

Yun Langyue suddenly said this.

Xu Qianqian didn’t interrupt, signaling for her to continue.

Thus, Xu Qianqian heard these words:

“I have no interest in the Xu Family’s affairs, nor do I care about anyone’s life or death here.” Yun Langyue declared openly: “I came here for just one person.”

Xu Qianqian’s eyes flickered slightly.

She knew who Yun Langyue meant.

“Su Ming?”

Xu Qianqian’s tone was unreadable.

“Correct.” Yun Langyue admitted freely and added: “You should know that guy actually dislikes drawing attention from people in our circle. He doesn’t even want to be noticed by too many people, preferring to quietly improve his strength until he’s powerful enough to dominate everything before daring to step into the spotlight, right?”

Hearing this, Xu Qianqian remained silent.

She truly hadn’t known about this.

That Su Ming always avoided attention and concealed his strength—this much Xu Qianqian knew perfectly well.

But she had never understood why Su Ming did this.

It wasn’t until today that Yun Langyue told her why Su Ming acted this way.

“Just wanting to quietly improve his strength until he’s powerful enough to dominate everything… is that it?”

Xu Qianqian murmured to herself.

As if unaware of this, Yun Langyue continued speaking independently.

“All along, he’s adhered to his own principles—never showing off, never flaunting himself like others. Though he’s an extraordinary Genius, he remains more low-key than anyone, clearer than anyone that he’s not yet strong enough.”

“So he’s willing to remain unknown, content with being ordinary, being what he calls a supporting character.”

“If he wanted, he could instantly become the most dazzling person, having his name remembered across Longyao City and even every Base City.”

“Yet he stubbornly refuses, making even me—who’s been watching him all along—somewhat admire him.”Yun Langyue shifted her gaze to Xu Qianqian.

“Yet for your sake, he broke his own principles and intervened on your behalf.”

“Because of this, he has drawn the attention of many—noticed by your Xu Family, even by your father.”

“Fortunately, he hasn’t fully exposed himself yet. There’s still room to salvage the situation.”

“You understand what I mean, don’t you, Young Miss Qianqian?”

Yun Langyue’s words made Xu Qianqian narrow her eyes.

“You want to coordinate our stories with me, to divert others’ attention from him?”

Xu Qianqian had grasped Yun Langyue’s purpose.

“That’s exactly it.”

Yun Langyue nodded, her eyes fixed on Xu Qianqian as she continued.

“The one who helped you repel Gao Xu and Xu Yanyan last time was sent by me. Please remember this narrative from now on.”

This was Yun Langyue’s true intention.

(End of Chapter)