Zhan Qiyou's embarrassment was revealed on his good-looking face.
He felt embarrassed because the topic was brought up in front of his second uncle but more than that, he was surprised.
A year ago was a long time, yet this was Mianmian's first time broaching this subject.
Being a proud lass that she was… she was akin to a black swan, born with an innate arrogance, to him.
Charming, alluring, witty, and different. Each of her facial expressions were ever so vivid and captivating, but he knew very well… that she was an untameable little princess who would not abide by societal norms.
Despite her elegance, each of her actions and mannerism defied traditions.
Despite her beauty… she was beyond dangerous.
Jiang Mianmian was a deadly lolita who could not be easily touched.
…
He let out a cough. "Mianmian, it has been such a long time since… why are you still harboring a grudge about that? Yes, I'm at fault here. My actions in the past might have caused a misunderstanding, but I've always treated you as my best friend. As for Jiang Li…"
Her expression soured considerably upon hearing the word 'misunderstanding'.
Misunderstanding?
Constantly hanging around me and taking care of me like a boyfriend would do is a misunderstanding?
She tugged the stiff corner of her lips up in a sneer. "Enough. I'm not keen at all about your relationship with her, and I'm really fed up with you being so nosey. If you want to play a good guy, go find others. I've never treated you as my friend!"
"Mianmian…" His face contorted with complex emotions. It was impossible for him to break up with his current girlfriend, but when he heard that she was injured by broken glass at the banquet hall yesterday, his entire heart felt like it was being gripped.
…
"Indeed. Both of you are not friends," said the man, who still had his eyes fixed on the financial news, with a meaningful gaze from the other end of the dining table.
The lass turned her head to look at him, while his nephew furrowed his brows in perplexity. "Second Uncle…"
The general placed the tablet aside and then reached out to knead the girl's soft little hand.
Not understanding what he meant, she regarded him quizzically with round eyes.
With a neutral look, he started caressing her hair as though there were no one else besides the two of them.
In Zhan Qiyou's eyes, that action seemed so adept… with an accustomed indulgence.
There was a vague smile in the former's eyes despite him being poker-faced.
"Even though the two of you are still students of similar ages, in terms of seniority, you should start addressing her as 'Second Aunt' from now on. Since Mianmian is my wife, she's your senior, Qiyou. So you'd better pay attention to proprieties and don't be rude to her."
His expression was one of embarrassment and awkwardness and he even felt a little unsteady on his slender and ramrod straight legs.
Jiang Mianmian cursed inwardly, This general uncle sure is good at creating awkward atmospheres…
Could it be any more embarrassing than this? Even I, someone who's thick-skinned, am shivering in embarrassment.
Much less Zhan Qiyou, the young master who has always been revered by the masses.
As she stared at the former's obvious defeated look, she could not resist bursting out in laughter. With her eyes curved, she looked like a pretty little vixen.
"Exactly, my nephew. The Zhans are the most meritorious and prestigious aristocratic family of all. Speaking of seniority, do remember to address me as 'second aunt' from now on~"
"…" The younger chap had never been so blatantly provoked before, but he dared not to reveal his emotions.
His entire family was afraid of his uncle.
Even if the latter was smiling, he could have someone killed in the next second.
So, how would he have the guts to act rashly before him?
He watched that little vixen pick up a handkerchief to wipe her nails before turning to the older man and she coyly cried out, "Uncle, my knees are hurting again…"
The man lifted her soft, delicate chin with a hook of his long finger. "Be good. Are you full yet? If you are, then go upstairs and rest. With these legs of yours, you need several days of recuperation."
She wrinkled her nose, then suddenly raised her arms and clamored, "A lift! I want Uncle to carry me!"