Reborn Sister Steals the Drunkard, So I'll Marry the Crippled General

Chapter 42: Chapter

By the time Yimei finished reviewing her recipe notes and ensuring the third-floor kitchen was left spotless, darkness had fully settled over the capital. Lanterns flickered to life along the bustling streets outside Wenlong Tea House, casting long shadows across the cobblestones.

As Yimei, Qinqin, and Lin Fang descended the stairs, they found Xiao Jun leaning casually against the railing near the main entrance, his arms crossed over his chest. Ah Hei stood a short distance behind him, silent as a shadow.

When Xiao Jun spotted Yimei, his lips curved into his signature lazy smirk.

”Leaving so late, Young Madame Bai?” Xiao Jun asked, stepping forward to block her path slightly. ”The night air is cold, and the streets are hardly safe for three women traveling alone after dark.”

Yimei stopped, her face unreadable. ”Our carriage is waiting outside.”

”That old carriage?” Xiao Jun chuckled, gesturing toward the street where his own lavish, velvet-curtained carriage stood waiting with two sleek horses. ”My carriage is far more comfortable, and it will get you back to the Bai Manor in half the time. Allow me to escort you home.”

He stepped closer, his eyes glinting with amusement as he teased her. ”Or are you afraid that being seen in my carriage will spark rumors about us?”

Yimei did not flinch, nor did her expression soften. She looked directly into his eyes, her response cold and straightforward as always.

”I am not afraid of rumors, Partner Xiao,” Yimei said evenly. ”I simply prefer not to waste time on unnecessary pleasantries.”

Xiao Jun raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying her sharp tongue.

Before he could offer another witty reply, Yimei glanced over at Lin Fang, who was standing quietly beside Qinqin. Lin Fang’s home was located in a rougher district on the outskirts of the capital—a much longer and far more dangerous journey at night than the route to the Bai Manor.

”If your carriage is so spacious and your heart so generous,” Yimei added, her tone cool and practical, ”then take Lin Fang home instead. Her house is far from here, and the roads in her neighborhood are dark.”

Xiao Jun blinked, caught entirely off guard by the request. He looked from Yimei to the startled Lin Fang, who immediately froze, wide-eyed.

”Miss!” Lin Fang gasped in shock. ”I couldn’t possibly—”

”You can,” Yimei said firmly, turning to look at Lin Fang. ”It is late, and I will not have you walking through the dark alleys alone.”

She turned back to Xiao Jun, her dark eyes steady. ”Since you are so concerned about safety tonight, Young Master Xiao, I assume you won’t refuse.”

Xiao Jun stared at Yimei for a brief moment before a low laugh escaped his lips. He shook his head in disbelief at how easily she had turned his teasing back on him.

”You truly never lose an argument, do you?” Xiao Jun said, his smile widening. He gestured toward his driver outside. ”Very well. Ah Hei will ensure Miss Lin arrives safely at her doorstep.”

”Thank you, Partner Xiao,” Yimei said, giving him a curt nod. She turned on her heel and walked straight out the door toward her own carriage, with a thoroughly impressed Qinqin following close behind her.

Standing by the entrance, Xiao Jun watched her carriage roll away into the night, the faint smile still lingering on his face.

Yimei and Qinqin climbed into their carriage, and the heavy wooden door shut behind them with a thump. As the carriage wheels started rolling over the cobblestones, Qinqin leaned in close, her eyes bright with excitement.

She opened her mouth, eager to talk about Xiao Jun’s teasing and his fancy carriage, but Yimei gave her a sharp look.

The warning in Yimei’s eyes was clear.

Qinqin shut her mouth right away and swallowed her words. She leaned back against the seat, her lip sticking out in a pout. She looked deeply hurt that her mistress had silenced her so quickly.

Yimei looked at the emotional girl and shook her head with a quiet sigh. Qinqin was deeply loyal, but she showed her feelings far too easily.

The carriage moved smoothly through the dark streets, swaying gently until it finally stopped near their home.

Yimei stepped out first, with Qinqin following quietly behind her. Yimei turned to the old driver and bowed politely.

”Thank you, Uncle Su,” Yimei said softly.

”You’re very welcome, Young Madame,” the old man replied, bowing his head. He pulled the reins, turning the carriage around, and drove away into the night.