Chapter 680 - 0391 Innate Restraint (2-in-1)

What’s it like to be alone with Yun Qian?

According to logic, this should be extremely dangerous, greater than any known calamity in the world, such as Ascension Tribulation or Ninefold Thunder Tribulation, which would seem like a breeze in comparison.

But because someone has done similar things, not only was it not dangerous, but they began calling Yun Qian "sister."

Li Zhibai.

When Li Zhibai was alone with Yun Qian, it was unexpectedly harmonious.

She liked Yun Qian, and Yun Qian quite liked her too.

When these two ladies chat together, the atmosphere is very calm, just like plum blossoms quietly blooming in the corner of a courtyard, serene yet fragrant.

And at this moment, there’s something very strange between heaven and earth.

One must know Yun Qian’s aloof nature and Li Zhibai’s rare interactions with others—logically speaking, if these two can get along well, Zhu Pingniang should find it even easier.

One must know that Zhu Pingniang, charming from all angles, is now many times better than Li Zhibai.

And at first, Zhu Pingniang indeed played to her strengths; Li Zhibai and Yun Qian conversing requires some effort to call her "Ms. Yun."

When it came to Zhu Pingniang, she struck first, immediately establishing the relationship by calling her "Ms. Yun."

But the problem was, later on... even though Li Zhibai managed to get along well with Yun Qian, Zhu Pingniang fell through.

The person was stunned.

After a glance from Yun Qian, she couldn’t speak.

At this moment, Zhu Pingniang lowered her head under Yun Qian’s gaze, deeply realizing that Zhu Pingniang is the charming one, but essentially she’s still that Zhu Tongjun who barely spoke a few words all year round.

——

Miss Lu looked at Zhu Pingniang in astonishment.

What happened?

She never thought she’d see anything but Zhu Pingniang and Yun Qian chatting closely, or Zhu Pingniang "bullying" people—instead, she’s just... withdrawn.

"?"

Bullying people?

Miss Lu’s eyelids twitched slightly.

She remembered how she deliberately mentioned Ah Qing’s performance order in front of Xu Chang’an earlier, thinking to keep Zhu Pingniang’s fondness for teasing people in check so Xu Chang’an could be at ease preparing the evening meal.

But now it seems...

Who’s that obedient girl sitting there, clutching her skirt’s edge?

And look at Miss Yun, who everyone thought would be bullied, casually enjoying her snacks.

Hiss.

Who’s bullying whom here?

"?"

Miss Lu watched as Zhu Pingniang quietly sat in place, feeling a dull pain in her right brain...

Miss Lu was clever and knew Zhu Pingniang very well, so this abnormal scene allowed her to catch a hint of unease and... guilt in Zhu Pingniang’s eyes?

Hmm?

Guilt?

Did she see wrong?

Miss Lu looked again carefully, confirming that she hadn’t seen wrong.

Ms. Zhu’s expression right now is reminiscent of when she secretly ate her pastries yet pretended to deny it.

Indeed, it was precisely because of her guilt that she couldn’t confidently exert her social skills, unsure of how to speak with Yun Qian.

But how could that be?

Why would her Ms. Zhu feel guilty about facing Miss Yun?

Looking at it from any perspective, Zhu Pingniang has no reason to feel guilty.

With Xu Chang’an on the mountain, Zhu Pingniang in the city taking care of Yun Qian, allowing Xu Chang’an to rest assured.

When Yun Qian was in the city, Zhu Pingniang would constantly pay attention to Xu Chang’an’s happenings on the mountain. If he caused trouble, Zhu Pingniang would help resolve it...

See, from every angle, our Ms. Zhu should calmly and justifiably enjoy the respect from this couple.

How could "guilt" have anything to do with her...

Right at this moment, Miss Lu noticed Zhu Pingniang had realized her presence, and then... Zhu Pingniang secretively shot her a glance...

Hmm.

At this moment, Zhu Pingniang just about had "save me" written across her face.

Miss Lu: "..."

She lowered her gaze.

Oh.

So that’s how it is.

As Zhu Pingniang shamelessly sought her help, Miss Lu finally figured it out.

Her sister’s reason for guilt... wouldn’t be because of... Young Master Xu?

Thinking about how she previously joyfully teased Young Master Xu when Yun Qian wasn’t around, she’d now realized her mistake upon meeting his wife.

But no, that’s not enough of a reason; she knew Zhu Pingniang’s thick skin all too well.

Her teasing of Young Master Xu alone wouldn’t be enough to leave her speechless.

Then there was only one answer.

"..." Miss Lu raised her head with a strange, complex expression.

My Ms. Zhu... could it be... that you’ve considered yourself a third party?

Her intuition was spot-on.

She believed she uncovered the truth.

Guilt?

Ms. Zhu’s reaction is clearly the natural response of a bad woman after meeting the main wife post-seduction.

You really do have feelings for Young Master Xu.

Simply put, it’s the mistress meeting the main wife, why shouldn’t one feel guilty?

Zhu Pingniang: "..."

She clenched her fingers until they turned white, quickly raised her head to sneak a glance at Miss Lu, only to find the girl standing dumbfounded in the distance.

Damn it.

Summoning her over to get her out of a tight spot, why was she spacing out at such a crucial time?

Zhu Pingniang gritted her silver teeth.

Before being alone with Yun Qian, she hadn’t imagined the weird reaction she’d feel being with Yun Qian, despite confidently saying to Xu Chang’an not long ago: "Leave Ms. Yun to me."

Some things, you can’t assume without experiencing firsthand.