Chapter 119: Hilarious Public Opinion (2)

Explosive—truly explosive. Lian Yue felt an overwhelming urge to meet the genius who had come up with such a notion. Qiao Zhi's beauty, his features so exquisite they’d make any woman blush, and yet no matter how one looked, he was unmistakably a man. How had they arrived at such an idea?

At this moment, Lian Yue was even tempted to worship them.

She was desperate to know what expression Qiao Zhi wore when he heard this rumor—it must have been absolutely spectacular.

The more she thought about it, the more impatient she became. She exchanged a knowing glance with Yao Yao, who immediately understood her intention. The two conspirators joined forces, eager to act.

Zi Zhu had followed Lian Yue for quite some time, and could guess at her thoughts; besides, she was less steady than Zi Ling, and, truth be told, enjoyed a lively spectacle.

The three approached Qiao Zhi’s door, two in front, one behind. Yao Yao, suppressing her excitement, knocked politely, but received no response. Instead, the person they sought poked his head out from the neighboring room—Yu Wen Ling Xi’s quarters. Yao Yao and Lian Yue’s expressions grew even stranger.

Upon seeing Lian Yue and Yao Yao, Qiao Zhi, trying to be suave, waved his fan and said with a playful air, “Miss Moon, you missed me after just a little while and have come to seek me out yourself? And what do those expressions mean?”

Lian Yue nudged Yao Yao, signaling her not to give anything away, and deliberately raised her voice, “The prince and Young Lord Yu Wen are really close, aren’t they? You just woke up from your nap and you’re already together again?”

Zi Zhu couldn’t hold back any longer and burst into laughter, earning a glare from Yao Yao—fortunately, as a mere maid, Qiao Zhi didn’t notice.

“Of course, Yu Wen and I are the best of friends,” Qiao Zhi replied. He hadn’t heard the story Zi Zhu spoke of—not because he lacked informants, but because those he kept close were all personal guards, and even if they had heard it, they wouldn’t dare repeat it to his face, especially since Qiao Zhi was the ‘lady’ in question.

Qiao Zhi continued to tease Lian Yue, “Could it be that Miss Moon is jealous? That won’t do. You’re Yu Wen’s fiancée, after all. This isn’t appropriate.”

Lian Yue waved her hand dismissively. “No worries, we’re all family here. With you keeping Young Lord Yu Wen company, I’m quite at ease. We’re all good sisters.” She said this, ignoring Qiao Zhi’s now darkened handsome face, and laughed out loud—she simply couldn’t help herself.

There were many people passing by on the boat, some even slowed their steps deliberately. Now, upon hearing Lian Yue’s words, they struggled to suppress their laughter and hurried along.

Even some of Qiao Zhi’s own guards accidentally let out a chuckle.

Qiao Zhi’s face grew darker still. “Good sisters”—everyone understood what that meant, but since it was Lian Yue who said it, he swallowed his anger and decided to explain. “Yu Wen and I are just good friends, Miss Moon, don’t misunderstand. I don’t have that sort of inclination.”

He really shouldn’t have explained, for as soon as he did, Lian Yue and Yao Yao laughed even harder, doubling over and clutching their stomachs. “I know, you don’t have to explain. Explanation is just covering up, and covering up means it’s true. I honestly don’t mind, don’t mind at all.”

“But I do,” came an icy voice. Yu Wen Ling Xi stepped out from his room. The real Yu Wen Ling Xiao was furious—cut sleeve, the rumor nearly made him forget his disguise, prompting him to loudly clarify their relationship. But his remaining rationality reminded him that Yu Wen Ling Xi couldn’t do such a thing, so he nearly ground his words out through clenched teeth.

Over the past few days, Yu Wen Ling Xi had come to think highly of his future sister-in-law’s behavior and impression. Though sometimes she did get a bit too close to Qiao Zhi, Yu Wen Ling Xi could see she only regarded him as a friend, even if she wouldn’t admit it herself.

But this joke had gone too far.

Lian Yue hadn’t expected Yu Wen Ling Xi to come out and clarify matters himself. Her laughter halted, and she stood awkwardly, unsure what to say, though her eyes flickered between Yu Wen Ling Xi and Qiao Zhi, her meaning clear enough.

Yao Yao, however, was different. She kept laughing, and even voiced the thought on Lian Yue’s mind, “Honestly, you two look really well-matched standing together.”

Qiao Zhi and Yu Wen Ling Xi’s faces darkened even more, and both subtly stepped back, increasing the distance between them.

This movement caused Lian Yue, standing there, to break composure again and burst into laughter.

“What are you laughing at? Who is matched with whom? Can someone explain?” A small, shy voice joined in—it was none other than Zhou Zi Wen.

His question only added fuel to the fire, pushing the atmosphere towards its peak. Yet, with everyone busy laughing or sulking, no one answered him. He could only stand there in confusion, observing their expressions.

“Enough laughter, come in,” Yu Wen Ling Xi finally couldn’t stand the furtive glances anymore and took the lead, entering the room.

Lian Yue stopped laughing and pulled Yao Yao along. It seemed they still hadn’t heard the latest version of the story. The intrigue only deepened—she couldn’t wait to see their reactions, especially Qiao Zhi’s; Lian Yue was truly eager for his response.

As she passed the scowling Qiao Zhi, Lian Yue couldn’t help but look at him sympathetically, which only darkened his expression further.

This was the first time Lian Yue had entered Yu Wen Ling Xi’s room. The space was suffused with a faint herbal scent. Lian Yue glanced around curiously for a moment, then settled into a chair with Yao Yao.

Behind them, the dark-faced Qiao Zhi and the bewildered Zhou Zi Wen found their own seats. Mu Shan brought tea, not the usual kind Lian Yue drank, but a medicinal brew, which explained the herbal fragrance in the room.

Lian Yue took a curious sip—bitterness tinged with sweetness, the aftertaste surprisingly pleasant, compelling her to drink a second mouthful.

Qiao Zhi spoke, his face still dark but his tone without reproach, “Miss Moon, could you explain what you meant by your earlier words?”

Lian Yue set down her tea, feeling inexplicably cheerful at Qiao Zhi’s discomfort. She shrugged, gloating, “I just heard it after waking and wanted to verify it. Who’d have guessed you’d actually be in his room—caught red-handed, and you didn’t even try to avoid suspicion.”

Yao Yao chimed in, exaggerating the situation, “Exactly! How could you leave such a blatant clue? I always wondered why you could get along so well with me and Sister Moon—now I see…”

Noticing Qiao Zhi’s grip on his teacup tightening, his gaze growing darker, Lian Yue realized the joke had gone too far and quickly stopped Yao Yao. “Enough, it’s just a joke. You’re taking it too seriously. You should learn from Young Lord Yu Wen, who keeps his composure.”

Yu Wen Ling Xi sipped his tea, inwardly roaring, If I could show it, I’d be angrier than him.

Qiao Zhi relaxed his grip slightly and forced a bitter smile. “A joke? You really should choose your topics more carefully, madam. Is this the sort of thing to jest about? Fortunately, we’re on a boat and not many people are around. If this were in the streets, and today’s rumor spread, how many young ladies’ crystal hearts would be shattered?”

His words showed he wasn’t truly angry with Lian Yue.

Lian Yue scoffed, “Anyone attracted to you must be either blind or foolish. Haven’t your subordinates told you the latest betting stories?”

Qiao Zhi and Yu Wen Ling Xi were startled, finally understanding the source. Truthfully, aside from what they’d heard from Lian Yue, they hadn’t paid much attention. The two glanced at their own subordinates, noticing that most wore unusual expressions.

Their reaction confirmed Lian Yue’s suspicions. “Of course, no one would dare bring up such a juicy story in front of you two. Zi Zhu already told it once—let her recount it again.”

Zi Zhu, called out by Lian Yue, had no choice but to step forward and narrate the tale. This time, the atmosphere was far less relaxed; she spoke under psychological pressure. As she described the two men embracing tenderly, Yu Wen Ling Xi and Qiao Zhi’s faces darkened, and Yao Yao and Lian Yue’s eyes stayed glued to them. No one noticed Zhou Zi Wen, always regarded as invisible by the group, whose face, never very rosy, now turned pale. He quickly lowered his head.

When Zi Zhu reached the later analysis, she didn’t dare look at the two principals—their expressions were far too intimidating.