Chapter 161: Using Tea to Counter Tea

Turning around, the two saw Liao Shuxia standing behind them, holding two cups of milk tea, a warm smile lighting up her face.

“Madam Lin,” Qi Erliu greeted her with formal respect.

“Oh, no need to be so polite! It’s so cold today. Have some milk tea, then come inside and sit down,” she said, picking up a cup to hand to Qi Erliu. But somehow, her hand slipped, and most of the cup spilled all over Qi Erliu.

“Ah!” Qi Erliu screamed sharply, instantly drawing everyone’s attention.

For a moment, her expression twisted with anger, but she quickly composed herself, eyes shimmering with tears, looking pitiful and delicate.

“Oh dear! I’m so sorry, it’s all my fault. Are you burned?” Liao Shuxia apologized profusely.

The milk tea was indeed hot, but since it was winter and Qi Erliu was wearing thick clothes, she didn’t feel much.

“No, I’m fine…” Qi Erliu shook her head, then cast a wronged glance at Yu Jingxiao.

Yu Jingxiao, of course, wouldn’t blame Liao Shuxia, but he felt a pang of sympathy for Qi Erliu.

“Go inside and change. I’ll get you some clothes,” Liao Shuxia said understandingly.

Qi Erliu followed her indoors, where Liao Shuxia picked out a set of clothes she had bought three years ago and no longer wore, handing them to Qi Erliu.

Though dissatisfied, Qi Erliu had to maintain her gentle and virtuous image and quietly changed.

Liao Shuxia paid her no more mind and went into the kitchen, where she leaned toward Lin Sanqian and Kang Ya, whispering, “That Qi Erliu is such a schemer! Daughter, now I finally understand why you’ve never really liked her.”

“Mother, why suddenly say that?” Lin Sanqian asked in surprise.

Liao Shuxia repeated roughly what she had just overheard Qi Erliu saying to Yu Jingxiao.

After hearing it, both Lin Sanqian and Kang Ya fell silent.

Yu Jingxiao was too straightforward to grasp Qi Erliu’s hidden meanings, but they understood perfectly.

Wasn’t Qi Erliu basically accusing them of teaming up against her? And saying Kang Ya, though close to Lin Sanqian, did nothing to support the Yu family business?

This woman was far from the gentle and kind person she appeared to be.

But she was an expert at disguising it—otherwise, Yu Jingxiao wouldn’t have fallen for her.

“She doesn’t deserve Yu Jingxiao at all,” Kang Ya clenched her fists, anger burning in her eyes. “I’m going to tell him!”

She knew there was no chance between her and Yu Jingxiao and didn’t hope to be with him. If he had found his true love, she would silently wish him well and even get along with his wife.

But if he married a scheming woman, what would happen to him? Who could guarantee such a woman wouldn’t harm him?

“Calm down first,” Lin Sanqian advised. “Since Yu Jingxiao has already married her, it means she’s shown no flaws in his eyes. If you rashly tell him how terrible Qi Erliu is, you’ll only give her a chance to play the victim. Yu Jingxiao might think you’re deliberately slandering her.”

Kang Ya, who had been flustered moments ago, now calmed down.

“Then I have to find a way to reveal her true colors to Yu Jingxiao,” she said.

“That’ll be difficult,” Liao Shuxia shook her head. “She’s just too good at pretending. When I purposely spilled the milk tea on her, she was clearly angry but immediately regained her composure.”

Lin Sanqian and Kang Ya both gave Liao Shuxia thumbs-up. “Well done.”

Soon, all the dishes were ready, and the banquet began.

Zhao Lan’er and Xiao Yawen came out as well, and everyone toasted Lin Wenyuan and Zhao Lan’er, congratulating them on their engagement.

Some joked about when Lin Beitao and Xiao Yawen would have good news, making the two glare at each other.

Qi Erliu sat beside Yu Jingxiao, smiling constantly, but her hands clenched tightly on her lap, nails digging into her skin.

How could all the Lin family girls be so beautiful?

Lin Sanqian was beautiful, which was expected, but the other two were among the finest-looking in town!

Yu Jingxiao frequently interacted with the Lin family; what if these few sirens captivated him?

Having Kang Ya in the household was already painful enough!

Though Kang Ya was older than them all, she was undeniably attractive and well-maintained.

Qi Erliu was fully aware of her own ordinary looks, relying solely on her demeanor.

Though Yu Jingxiao liked her now, how many men were truly not tempted by beauty?

She had worked so hard to marry into a wealthy family and had to capture Yu Jingxiao’s heart!

Otherwise, how else would she secure the Yu family’s fortune?

With that thought, she reached out and took Yu Jingxiao’s hand.

He, completely oblivious to her thoughts, happily squeezed her hand back.

After the banquet, guests gradually took their leave.

Yu Jingxiao stayed behind a bit to discuss business with Lin Sanqian.

Qi Erliu wanted to listen in but soon found the conversation dull and left to stroll around the courtyard.

After all, Lin Beitao was nearby; she didn’t believe Lin Sanqian would flirt with a married man in front of her third brother.

Outside, she saw Xiao Yawen and Zhao Lan’er getting some fresh air.

Neither greeted her, their expressions blank.

After all, Lin Sanqian had already told them what happened earlier.

Qi Erliu was furious inside but maintained a gentle smile. “You don’t seem to be wearing much. Aren’t you cold?”

“Fine,” Zhao Lan’er replied indifferently.

“If you’re cold, go inside,” Xiao Yawen said bluntly.

“I… I just wanted some fresh air,” Qi Erliu said plaintively. “Did I disturb you? Please don’t be angry…”

Xiao Yawen raised an eyebrow.

So, was this a contest to see who could act more innocent?

Just then, Lin Sanqian and the others finished their business and came outside.

Qi Erliu turned toward Yu Jingxiao and immediately approached him, clutching his hand with a pitiful look, about to speak, when Xiao Yawen softly said, “Madam Yu, are you upset?”

Qi Erliu blinked.

“Yawen, what’s wrong?” Lin Sanqian asked.

“I was chatting with Lan’er and got so absorbed I didn’t notice Madam Yu approaching, so I didn’t greet her right away,” Xiao Yawen’s expression was even more pitiful than Qi Erliu’s. “It’s all our fault, Madam Yu. We apologize. Please don’t be angry.”