Chapter 400: Chapter 388 Hard to Coax
Fengyu, aware of her frail health, did not frequently visit the medical clinic. Repeated exposure to the epidemic would only weaken her further. Qiuxiang and Chunlu had no knowledge of Xiaoqi’s existence. Fengyu disliked sharing her inner thoughts with others, especially when it came to that part of her past. While Xie Xun harbored prejudices against Xiaoqi, he still sent Nuanyang and Feiying to investigate his identity.
Feiying quickly uncovered information about him. Xiaoqi had arrived in Jiaozhou half a year ago, renting a house in the Wulizhuang District. He made a living through odd jobs, at times repairing homes for others. Hardworking and resilient, he was kind-hearted and well-liked by all. Neighbors said that Xiaoqi had lost his parents early and had grown up wandering without a fixed home. Drawn to Jiaozhou, a city by the Bei River, he had decided to settle there.
Occasionally, he would go fishing on the river with his neighbors. In the summer, he would venture into the mountains to hunt, sharing the game with those who lived nearby. After contracting the epidemic, neighbors had come one after another to visit him.
"So his name is just Xiaoqi? No proper surname or first name?"
Feiying shook his head. The neighbors all called him Xiaoqi, but none knew what his real name was. Xie Xun pondered to himself. Arriving in Jiaozhou half a year ago—just days after the Marquis Zhenbei Mansion’s family massacre—there was something odd about the timing. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but the thought unsettled him. Xie Xun was not naturally distrustful, yet he couldn’t completely dismiss the matter. If this person had fled to Ningzhou after the massacre, there would undoubtedly be ulterior motives. Xie Jue had registered all new residents of Ningzhou at the time.
Nuanyang remarked, "Sister Qiuxiang said Third Miss plans to keep him by her side."
"Then investigate further—exhaust every detail and find out everything!"
"Understood!"
Xie Xun wanted nothing less than to allow a stranger near Fengyu. But Fengyu had quarreled with him over Xiaoqi. Their bond was not the same anymore, and it was unlikely he could convince her. All he could do was thoroughly investigate Xiaoqi, wary of anyone with hidden motives who might harm her. No matter how deep a bond formed in childhood, or how great the debt of gratitude, ten years had passed. People could change. Who knew what manner of fiend he might have turned into?
Fengyu was cautious, too. Knowing that Xie Jue’s men excelled at such inquiries, she turned to the Second Young Master for help. Xie Jue, always straightforward, sent the Shadow Guard to investigate. "This is something Zhixu could also look into. Being forthright with him might yield better results."
"I don’t want to!"
Xie Jue nodded and said no more. The wealthy benefactor was evidently fuming—so much so that even hearing Xie Xun’s name annoyed her. Yet the three of them continued to share breakfast and lunch daily, acting as if nothing were wrong.
Cool and distant, responding only when spoken to—neither warm nor cold.
This approach worked most effectively against Xie Xun. It was as though he were a stranger to her. When Xie Xun tried to argue, it was like throwing punches into cotton. Whenever he sought reconciliation, Third Miss would lightly reply, "What are you even talking about? I’m not upset."
Xie Xun: "..."
Xie Jue thought to himself: Third Miss truly was Xie Zhixu’s kryptonite. If she were genuinely upset, Xie Xun would have no way to placate her. Stubborn and unyielding, her attitude was impenetrable. Regardless of what Xie Xun said, her response was always, "Ah, yes, you’re right. Of course, you’re right." Angry? "I’m not angry at all." Yet every day, she carefully attended to his meals, accommodations, and every aspect of his daily life. In front of outsiders, she never questioned him or showed a single sign of displeasure. To outsiders, their bond seemed deep and perfect, like that of a legendary loving couple. Yet Xie Xun still wasn’t satisfied?
Switching tactics, Xie Xun began seeking reconciliation through gifts, sending her jewelry carefully chosen to suit her tastes. Third Miss accepted everything without exception, praising each item effusively. Her compliments left Xie Xun delighted, yet she never wore a single piece of the jewelry he gifted her. In the past, the moment he gave her a hairpin, she would put it on immediately to show him.
Left with no other options, Xie Xun sought external help. "Second Brother, save me..."
"I can’t help you," Xie Jue replied coldly and mercilessly. "You’re on your own!"