Indeed, this was the earring given by Xiao Heng.
Four years ago, while boating, she accidentally dropped it into the lake and, in her panic, jumped in after it, nearly drowning.
She never imagined that the earring, which should have sunk to the bottom, was retrieved by this boatman!
The atmosphere in the cabin turned chilly, but the boatman, oblivious to the change, said in a fawning tone, "That day, seeing how much the lady cared for this earring, I knew it must hold great significance. I searched the bottom of the lake for days until I found it. I hadn't seen you since then. Fortunately, I can return it to its rightful owner today!"
Qiao Nian was deeply moved.
Firstly, she hadn't expected the boatman to be so conscientious, and secondly, she never thought she'd see this earring again one day.
In the past, she had cherished it dearly because it was the first proper gift Xiao Heng had given her, a real feminine trinket.
She believed it was proof that Xiao Heng finally accepted her, so she treasured it.
But now, seeing it again...
Qiao Nian's emotions were mixed. She thanked the boatman and handed him a large silver ingot, "This is indeed mine, thank you."
The silver was equivalent to a year's wages for the boatman, who accepted it happily and left the cabin.
But before he could exit, there was a sudden splash behind him.
Turning around, he saw that Qiao Nian no longer held the earring or the wooden box.
Xiao Qingnuan was the first to scream, "Qiao Nian, are you mad? That was carnelian!"
Qiao Nian paid her no mind.
Prince Ming's gaze shifted to Xiao Heng, noticing the dark aura surrounding him as he glared at Qiao Nian.
Internally, Prince Ming felt a sense of satisfaction, though he kept his face neutral, asking with concern, "Why throw it away? Wasn't it a gift from General Xiao?"
Qiao Nian finally responded, "Indeed, it was from General Xiao, but since it was given to me, I have the right to dispose of it." She met Xiao Heng's gaze, "Moreover, I am soon to marry the Prince. Keeping gifts from other men would be inappropriate."
Prince Ming nodded repeatedly, "Nian is correct."
He glanced at the livid Xiao Heng, a smirk playing at the corner of his mouth.
Perhaps, Xiao Heng's gaze was too intense.
It made Lin Yuan's eyes redden involuntarily; she couldn't help but tug at Xiao Heng's sleeve, calling out softly, "Brother Heng..."
Xiao Heng's attention finally left Qiao Nian, though he didn't look at Lin Yuan, instead staring at the lake.
Lin Ye silently hid his left hand, which held the hairpin, behind his back.
He realized that if Qiao Nian could discard something from Xiao Heng, his hairpin would likely meet the same fate.
Forget it, he wouldn't give it; no need to invite humiliation.
However, Xiao Qingnuan, for some reason, was full of anger, her eyes fixed on Qiao Nian with hatred.
Unbeknownst to them, the boat had reached the middle of the lake.
Looking out, one could see the shimmering lake water all around, the breeze bringing a refreshing scent of water.
Qiao Nian felt her mood lighten.
"Yuan, come look, there's fish!"
Xiao Qingnuan left the cabin, calling out.
But Lin Yuan seemed to be seasick, looking listless and not moving from her seat.
Feeling disappointed, Xiao Qingnuan suddenly thought of something and called out to Qiao Nian, "Miss Qiao, come see, there's such a big fish!"
Qiao Nian was surprised; she didn't expect Xiao Qingnuan to call her at this moment.
But since she had...
Qiao Nian stood and walked over to Xiao Qingnuan.
"Look at this huge fish!" Xiao Qingnuan called out enthusiastically.
Qiao Nian stood beside her, leaning over to look at the water, "Where's the fish?"
"Right there!" Xiao Qingnuan pointed below the surface, stepping back behind Qiao Nian.
Then, she whispered, "Dare to throw away my brother's gift? I'll teach you a lesson!" With that, she pushed Qiao Nian.
But Qiao Nian slightly sidestepped, easily avoiding the push.
It was Xiao Qingnuan who, unable to stop her momentum, plunged into the lake.
Before falling, she saw the triumphant, mocking smile on Qiao Nian's face!
Watching Xiao Qingnuan flail in the water, Qiao Nian couldn't help but sneer.
With this little intelligence, trying to harm others?
Hah!
Hearing the splash, the men in the cabin rushed out.
Seeing Xiao Qingnuan in the water, both Lin Ye and Xiao Heng were shocked and were about to jump in to save her when Lin Yuan suddenly shouted from inside, "No! You'll ruin her reputation!"
She staggered out of the cabin, "You can't go in, or Nuan's life will be ruined!"
Just like years ago when Lin Ye and Xiao Heng saved Qiao Nian, she was subjected to gossip for quite some time.
But Xiao Qingnuan couldn't swim, and if no one saved her, she would die.
Lin Yuan was aware of this urgency, so her gaze turned to Qiao Nian.
She even seemed ready to kneel, begging Qiao Nian to save Xiao Qingnuan.
But unexpectedly, Qiao Nian jumped into the water first.
The water was cold, but better than when she saved Lin Yuan.
In front of everyone, Qiao Nian swam to Xiao Qingnuan, then, in front of everyone, she pulled Xiao Qingnuan down into the water with her.
The icy water flooded Xiao Qingnuan's mouth and nose, making her struggle more fiercely, her eyes wide with horror as she looked at Qiao Nian, who was smiling at her.
That eerie, terrifying smile!
Like...
Qiao Nian was intentionally trying to drown her!
This realization filled Xiao Qingnuan with terror; she flailed wildly but soon lost consciousness.
When Xiao Qingnuan woke up, Qiao Nian was sitting by her bed.
Seeing Qiao Nian, she remembered the face with the bizarre smile under the water.
Like a vengeful ghost, terrifying.
She sat up in fright, clutching the blanket, "What... what do you want!?"
Qiao Nian gave a faint smile, "What are you afraid of, Miss Xiao? I am your savior."
"You're lying!" Xiao Qingnuan looked around, "Where am I?"
"The Marquis's residence, Fragrant Lotus Garden," Qiao Nian answered calmly.
Because both were unconscious when brought here, for the physician's convenience, they were taken to Fragrant Lotus Garden.
But in fact, Qiao Nian had only pretended to be unconscious.
The physician did not expose her and prescribed medicine for her as well.
Now, knowing where she was, Xiao Qingnuan shouted, "Where's Yuan? I want to see Yuan!"
Qiao Nian gave a cold laugh, "Why look for her? Have you forgotten, Miss Xiao? Lin Yuan is wishing you dead!"