MHMWTTSBATUAS 482: Liu Ye, you now need to call Qin Ruan "Master."
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Qin Ruan met Jiang Liu's scrutinizing gaze, her beautiful eyes shimmering with a bewitching light.
She curved her delicate lips, revealing a faint smile.
With a calm and composed demeanor, an elegant and tranquil temperament, and the inherent coldness and fierceness that merged with her former self, Qin Xiaowu, she appeared particularly sharp.
Qin Ruan's pleasant and melodious voice sounded as she calmly greeted, "Liu Ye, long time no see."
A smile appeared on Jiang Liu's face. "You've become more and more beautiful. It seems you're doing well."
Qin Ruan responded with a smile, "Not bad, thanks to Liu Ye."
Jiang Liu glanced deeply at her, his expression turning solemn as his gaze landed on Lin Hao.
"You, brat, managing to come back alive surprises me."
Lin Hao wore a mischievous smile on his face and spoke in a calm tone, "Thanks to Liu Ye, I'm still alive."
Jiang Liu pursed his lips, a cruel smile emerging in his dignified expression. "Whether you live or die has nothing to do with me. Your survival is simply a twist of fate."
He was well aware of Lin Hao's whereabouts over the past three years.
He hadn't heard a single word about the other's return.
At this moment, Lin Hao held no trust in him. It was temporarily unclear whether he was an enemy or a friend.
After all, Lin Hao had followed Jiang Liu for a long time; how could he not understand him?
"Liu Ye, you're still as cautious as ever."
He knew that Jiang Liu didn't trust him and maintained a high level of vigilance towards him.
Liu Ye relaxed his posture, his eyebrows softening as he said, "One must be cautious in the martial world. If you're not cautious, you might lose your life at any time."
Lin Hao shook his head with a smile and reached out to support Qin Ruan as he walked towards Liu Ye.
He escorted Qin Ruan to sit down side by side with Jiang Liu, a position equal to his.
Whether it was the former Qin Xiaowu or Lin Hao, who was highly regarded by Jiang Liu in the past, neither had the qualification to sit on an equal footing with the hegemon of the Western City.
Jiang Liu eyebrows furrowed, his expression indifferent, without any words regarding Qin Ruan sitting on equal ground with him.
However, his subordinates standing inside the room showed open hostility towards Qin Ruan and Lin Hao.
This superficial hostility had little effect on Qin Ruan and Lin Hao.
In the past, Qin Ruan could easily humble herself and show deference to Jiang Liu without any consequences.
Now she was the third young master's woman, the third lady of the Hou family.
Regardless of whether she acknowledged it or not, as long as she remained the third master's woman, she would be seen as the future mistress of the Hou family in everyone's eyes.
Her words and actions had to consider the face of the Hou family.
Especially since she knew that Jiang Liu was also dependent on the Hou family for survival.
There were distinctions of rank, and the relationship between the Hou family and the forces below could not be disrupted by her alone. She still needed to display the appropriate demeanor.
After Lin Hao helped Qin Ruan sit down, he walked in front of Liu Ye and said, "Liu Ye, it's been three years. I hope you've been well."
Jiang Liu lifted his eyes, the gleaming light in his eyes scrutinizing Lin Hao.
The young man in front of me has lost his sharp edges, and his demeanor is even more restrained than three years ago.
Seemingly devoid of the arrogance and domineering aura from the past, his inherent ferocity has only grown stronger.
Jiang Liu conceals the displeasure and danger hidden in his eyes and sighs like a kind elder, saying, "Without you by my side, it's like losing an arm. It's not as good as before."
"You're flattering me. I'm immensely grateful for the kindness you showed me back then, Master Liu," Lin Hao replied with gratitude. "If you have any orders in the future, as long as they don't go against principles, I will fulfill them without hesitation."
Upon hearing Lin Hao's words, a smile appeared in the depths of Sixth Master's eyes.
Well said.
It directly reveals that Lin Hao is now a free man, able to openly survive in the Su family, and even under the watchful eyes of the Hou family.
When Jiang Liu learned that Lin Hao had come to find him, he speculated that Lin Hao had either carved out a path for himself or had sought refuge with the Su family.
Regardless of which option it was, it didn't have any direct implications for him.
He met Lin Hao because he wanted to know the purpose of his visit.
Jiang Liu wore a playful expression, teasing Lin Hao like an old fox, "What happened? Did you get abandoned?"
Lin Hao touched his nose and looked uncomfortable, saying, "Indeed, I owe my life to Qin Ruan."
"Qin Ruan?" Sixth Master looked puzzled.
Lin Hao nodded toward Qin Ruan, who was quietly reprimanding Qiao Xi beside him, and raised his chin slightly.
"Qin Xiaowu, she's now called Qin Ruan."
A trace of astonishment flashed across Sixth Master's face as his gaze passed over Qin Ruan.
Qin Ruan sat quietly beside him, displaying a relaxed and elegant posture, exuding the aura of a superior.
With a petite and exquisite face, she spoke in a hushed voice to the young man next to her, and her demeanor carried a hint of the assertiveness of an elder.
Jiang Liu chuckled, his smile deepening in his eyes.
He propped his head up with one hand and his attitude toward Lin Hao underwent a change, becoming more approachable.
"You left three years ago, and not long after, Qin Xiaowu also left. You seem to have some connection. Now you've coincidentally met outside," Sixth Master remarked.
Lin Hao responded in a poetic manner, "This must be the destined fate."
After speaking, he casually brushed his stray hair away from his forehead.
Seeing Lin Hao behaving as if nothing had changed, Jiang Liu, as in the past, raised his foot and kicked him on the leg.
"Given a chance, you climb up without hesitation. What about your dignity?"
Lin Hao skillfully evaded the kick, smiling mischievously. "I've been dog-bitten. Didn't you teach me that one can't eat without face?"
Jiang Liu feigned displeasure, glaring at Lin Hao with widened eyes. "You brat, are you here to settle old accounts with me?"
His attitude was clearly more affectionate than before.
Still wearing his cheerful smile, Lin Hao noticed that Jiang Liu attitude had softened considerably. He opened his mouth and said, "Sixth Master, we've come here today to ask for your help..."
"Sister-in-law, I don't want to be here. I want to go home. It's already dark. Let's go home," Qiao Xi said, shaking Qin Ruan's arm, expressing a strong desire to leave.
He dared not mention anything about the appointment at the Exquisite Pavilion tonight.
Qin Ruan smiled gently, her eyes filled with amusement. "Going home is impossible. Before Third Young Master returns home, you must stay in the Western City."
She ruthlessly shattered Qiao Xi's hope of going back home.
Qiao Xi's face stiffened, unwilling to give up. He said, "Sister-in-law, let's discuss it again. This place doesn't seem suitable for me. Aren't you afraid I'll cause trouble here?"
"Not afraid," Qin Ruan replied, her eyebrows raised with a pleasant smile. She wasn't afraid that Qiao Xi would cause trouble; she was afraid he wouldn't dare to.
Their conversation caught the attention of Jiang Liu and Lin Hao, interrupting Lin Hao's explanation of their purpose for this trip to Jiang Liu.
When Jiang Liu heard Josh call Qin Ruan his sister-in-law, his composed expression momentarily cracked. Considering Qin Ruan's age, she was barely twenty years old. It had only been a little over a year, and this girl had already found someone to date.
He carefully observed Qin Ruan's profile as she spoke to Qiao Xi. She was beautiful and had a remarkable temperament. As she walked through the Western City, more and more men would surely have their eyes on her.
An indescribable sense of complexity surged in Jiang Liu's heart. It felt like losing a precious, sparkling jade that he had protected in the Western City, stolen by someone else.
As Qiao Xi begged Qin Ruan for mercy, he noticed that Jiang Liu's gaze fixed on her was off. He frowned and stared back, realizing the various complexities and regrets reflected in Mr. Liu's eyes when he looked at his sister-in-law.
As a man, Josh understood that this old guy was actually eyeing his sister-in-law! Josh's eyes turned fierce, and he scornfully glared at Jiang Liu
"What are you looking at? Keep your eyes to yourself and don't have any ideas about my sister-in-law!"
His words were straightforward, and his tone was confrontational.
Over the years, few young people had dared to challenge Jiang Liu directly. Those who once disrespected him had long since perished.
Jiang Liu lowered his gaze and calmly said, "Young man, full of youthful exuberance."
He didn't hide his past admiration for Qin Ruan, even in the presence of the current beauty. He had always appreciated her. When Qin Xiao Wu was in the Western City, Jiang Liu had openly expressed his intentions towards her. He had made a promise to protect Qin Ruan without any worries, and he was willing to let her go.
Now that Qiao Xi had exposed his thoughts, Jiang Liu didn't become hostile. He just sighed at how fast young people grew up.
Both Lin Hao, who had been with him for many years, and Qin Ruan, who had left the Western City just over a year ago, had changed significantly since their return.
It wasn't about their appearance or clothing; it was the aura they exuded, a gap that emanated from their very core.
The influence they had once carried from the Western City had been completely erased.
There was no trace of the Western City's atmosphere on them.
The gap between them and the Western City had silently widened.
Lin Hao squinted his eyes, sensing that Jiang Liu seemed indifferent but was actually getting angry.
He smiled and explained to Jiang Liu "This kid has never experienced hardship or social trials since childhood. That's why I brought him to the Western City, to let him grow and mature."
Upon hearing this, Qiao Xi exploded in anger.
He vigorously shook Qin Ruan's arm and said, ''I don't want to! I want to go home, sister-in-law, let's go back!''
''Don't shake me anymore, I'll get dizzy.''
Qin Ruan raised her hand to support her forehead, her tone slightly grave.
Knowing that she was pregnant, Qiao Xi dared not act recklessly anymore and let go of Qin Ruan's arm.
He squatted in front of Qin Ruan, eagerly pledging, ''Sister-in-law, I promise to behave from now on. Please spare me this time.''
Qin Ruan lowered her gaze and stared at Qiao Xi with a smile that wasn't quite a smile.
She parted her lips lightly and said, ''Forgiving you this time doesn't mean you won't forget. Next time, your life will be at stake. Qiao Xi, do you know what your biggest flaw is?''
Qiao Xi sneered, ''Poor choice of friends and a penchant for fighting.''
His two cousins had already told him countless times about this issue.
''Wrong!''
Qin Ruan coldly refuted, ''Your biggest flaw is your willfulness. Not only do you have the fickleness of youth, but you are also arrogant and never think things through. You always believe that with your background and status, nobody would dare to touch you.''
Qiao Xi opened his mouth but couldn't argue back.
Indeed, his father was from the Italian Doyle family, a well-known local power in the world.
His maternal grandfather was even a prestigious family in the country, the Hou family.
As the young master of the Doyle family, although his status here was not as noble as his third cousin, the Prince of Beijing, he was still a little prince whom anyone would think twice before crossing.
Qiao Xi looked defiant, ''Xiao Yujie doesn't dare to really touch me. He's just bluffing!''
Even though he knew that Xiao Yujie had set up a feast tonight, Qiao Xi remained unafraid in his heart.
''Good, very good!''
Qin Ruan laughed with anger, ''Xiao Family doesn't dare touch you? What right do you have to say that? Who do you think you are? Do you think the deep waters of the capital wouldn't touch you just because they haven't touched your third cousin? How do you think I got married to Third Young Master with a marriage certificate? It's because they schemed against me!'
''That... that's impossible!''
Qiao Xi still didn't understand why Qin Ruan married his Third Brother, He thought they just fell in love and got married.
''Nothing is impossible.'' Qin Ruan looked down on Qiao Xi and said, ''Do you think that being the young master of the Doyle family and having the Hou family behind you means no one dares to touch you?''
Qiao Xi tightly pursed his lips, his face ashamed.
Knowing that he truly believed this in his heart, Qin Ruan coldly continued, ''In the western part of the city, it doesn't matter who you are. In their eyes, there are no family forces and no distinctions of lowly status. Here, it's all about using your fists to speak. Since you like this kind of style, for the next few days, experience deeply what it's like to truly communicate with your fists!'"
After finishing speaking, Qin Ruan's face regained its gentle composure. She lifted her gaze to look at Master Jiang Liu, who was sitting beside her.
"Lord Liu, I apologize for intruding today. I wanted Qiao Xi to meet you in person. I'm prepared to hand him over to Su Wang. As long as he's not missing any limbs and can breathe, you can train him however you like."
"No problem, no problem," replied Jiang Liu with a sly smile on his face, resembling an old fox. He stared at Qiao Xi with a benevolent gaze.
Qiao Xi felt a chill run down his spine, as if he was being targeted by a venomous snake.
Jiang Liu overheard the conversation between Qin Ruan and Qiao Xi.
The Xiao family, Nangong family, and Su family were all surnames of the six major aristocratic families in the capital.
Jiang Liu lowered his gaze and glanced at Qin Ruan's slightly concealed abdomen beneath her windbreaker. "Little Wu seems to have quite some abilities. You've even connected to the six major aristocratic families in the capital. From what I gathered in your conversation just now, are you pregnant?"
Qin Ruan didn't hide it either. She lifted her windbreaker, revealing her slightly bulging belly.
She smiled warmly and said, "I'm almost four months pregnant."
Jiang Liu's expression became even more complicated upon hearing this.
Then he thought of the Hou family they mentioned earlier and found it unlikely. However, he still wanted to confirm.
"When you mentioned the Hou family earlier, are you referring to the leading family among the Four Great Families of the capital?"
His probing was quite obvious.
Qin Ruan leaned lazily against the seat, her body exuding a languid aura. There was a faint smile on the corner of her mouth, as if there was hidden meaning behind it.
"Lord Liu, if I hadn't left the Western City, I wouldn't have known that you were hiding so deeply in the Western City."
Jiang Liu's expression changed slightly, and his sharp gaze stared intently at Qin Ruan, not missing any expression on her face.
Qin Ruan remained indifferent, her face devoid of any emotions, fearlessly meeting his inquiring gaze.
"Everyone, leave!"
Jiang Liu suddenly ordered.
The subordinates guarding the room quickly left.
Only Jiang Liu, Qin Ruan, Lin Hao, and Qiao Xi remained in the room.
Jiang Liu's voice turned solemn. "Xiao Wu, let's speak plainly. What is your true identity now?"
Qin Ruan's eyes narrowed slightly as she pondered how to introduce her current identity.
Jiang Liu's protection in the Western City years ago spared her from many troubles, which could be considered another kind of favor.
This favor made it difficult for her to speak and gave her a feeling of taking advantage of the other party.
Lin Hao seemed to understand Qin Ruan's predicament and spoke frankly, "Liu Ye, with Qin Ruan's current status, you should address her as 'Master'."
Jiang Liu looked suspicious, not believing Lin Hao's words.
He stared at Qin Ruan with a hint of strange light in his eyes. "Are you a member of the Hou family?"
His tone revealed doubt, and his mocking expression hinted that Qin Ruan and Lin Hao were playing a joke on him.
The Hou family was a prestigious clan that had been around for a hundred years. Qin Ruan, who was born in the Western City and returned to her birth family, was just a small wealthy individual. The difference between the two was too vast.
How could Jiang Liu believe it?
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