But Li Chang’an knew.
The fact that he could manage this much was already the result of tremendous effort.
An ordinary person would feel their breath catch just by glancing at an "ice mountain beauty" like Su Ruobing from afar—her beauty was almost unreal. They would likely feel inadequate, completely overshadowed by her dazzling radiance.
Su Ruobing’s attitude was quite amiable.
Her lovely eyes glanced at Li Chang’an, then at Li Jianfei. She lifted her pale chin and said, "Chang’an paid a hefty price for that extra, temporary Reincarnator slot, all so you could become one too. It seems his efforts weren’t in vain. Welcome to the Reincarnator family!"
As she spoke, she extended her fair right hand.
The two were now acquainted.
Nearby, Li Siying looked up at Su Ruobing, then at Li Chang’an beside her. A trace of sadness showed in her eyes. Without a word, she hoisted a watermelon and ran off.
Her rather strange behavior clearly caught the attention of the other three.
Li Jianfei desperately wanted to stop his impulsive little sister.
But with Su Ruobing watching, he couldn’t bring himself to shatter the awkward atmosphere. He could only force a smile and say, "Chair... Chairman Su, I’m so sorry. My sister isn’t usually like this. She might be in a bad mood from being so busy with all the city’s affairs today!"
Of course, Su Ruobing wasn’t going to hold it against a girl who was still wet behind the ears.
However, watching the girl’s retreating figure, the expression on her face grew thoughtful.
Li Chang’an didn’t know why Li Siying was angry either. ’I’ll find time to ask her properly after Su Ruobing heads back,’ he thought. So for the moment, he didn’t dwell on it, simply leading the other two toward the City Lord’s Mansion.
...
「Cangxuan City, City Lord’s Mansion.」
The kitchen had already finished preparing all sorts of delicious and rare delicacies. The Spiritual Food, such as the vegetables and fruits, was of such excellent quality that it required no cooking and could be eaten after a quick rinse.
Seeing that Li Siying still seemed angry and had no intention of coming to eat, Li Chang’an thought for a moment before having Zhao Xi fetch her.
A few minutes later, Li Siying put down the watermelon, but the look on her face was still gloomy.
Li Chang’an finally noticed the subtle change in the young girl’s mood and took the initiative to ask, "Siying, what’s wrong with you today? Are you not feeling well?"
Hearing Li Chang’an’s question, Li Siying shook her head and said, "No, Brother Chang’an, I feel fine!"
This made Li Chang’an even more curious. "If you’re not feeling unwell, then what’s wrong?"
Li Siying raised her head and stole a glance at Su Ruobing, then quickly looked away.
She thought her action was very subtle, but she didn’t realize that both Li Chang’an and Su Ruobing were top-tier Reincarnators. How could they possibly not notice the small gestures of a girl who wasn’t even a full-fledged adult?
Li Chang’an glanced at Su Ruobing, and Su Ruobing was also watching him from the corner of her eye.
The two exchanged a look. Though no words were spoken, the meaning was obvious.
Li Chang’an was asking Su Ruobing what she had done. Su Ruobing’s gaze replied simply—she didn’t know either.
So, Li Chang’an shot her a look.
Su Ruobing, being a sharp woman, immediately made an excuse about getting a message and stepped outside.
After she had left to go "take a call" outside, Li Chang’an finally spoke. "Alright, what’s going on? Tell me!"
Li Siying pouted and said in a low voice, "Brother Chang’an, are you being kept by a rich woman?"
Hearing this, it wasn’t just Li Chang’an who was stunned.
Even Li Jianfei beside him and Su Ruobing, who was outside pretending to be on the phone, almost lost their composure.
After being stunned for a good long while, Li Chang’an stood up, rapped her on the head, and said irritably, "What are you talking about? My relationship with Chairman Su is completely platonic!"
However, upon hearing his answer,
Li Siying clearly didn’t believe him. She continued in a low voice, "It’s okay, Brother Chang’an. I know you have your reasons. If you want to climb the ladder, being kept is something that can’t be helped. Chairman Su isn’t just rich, she’s also so beautiful..."
As she spoke, her voice trailed off for a moment, then suddenly became firm again. "But it’s okay! My brother is a Reincarnator now too. Brother Chang’an, you won’t have to fight all by yourself anymore. And when I turn eighteen and awaken my mark, we’ll be able to stand on our own two feet in no time!"
Li Chang’an didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. "Seriously, where are you even getting these completely unrelated ideas from?"
Li Siying blinked a couple of times and said earnestly, "That’s what all the rumors in Cangxuan City are saying!"
"Otherwise, Brother Chang’an, how could you possibly pull off a comeback in such a short time—something that takes other people decades, even generations, to accomplish?"
At this point, Li Siying, afraid Su Ruobing would hear, muttered under her breath, "I heard that Chairman Su is the Eldest Princess of some big family in Kyoto with an incredibly high status. Would a big shot that high and mighty have some... special kinks? Like making you use a steel wool ball or something..."
Hearing this, Li Chang’an completely lost it. He reached out and gave Li Siying a good rap on the head, saying irritably, "You’re so gossipy at such a young age! You’ll have a hard time finding anyone to marry!"
Li Siying pouted. "I’m not getting married! And even if I do, I’ll only marry you, Brother Chang’an! Chairman Su might be pretty, and rich, and the young miss of a great family... but I... but... I..."