Qi Ziyi, impulsive and unlike the other men who possessed a semblance of patience, always revealed his intentions first. In Shen Ruoyu's eyes, he was foolish; a little provocation was all it took to lure him into her traps. The bustling crowd around them began to cast curious glances their way.

Qi Ziyi's face paled, a few strands of hair falling across his eyes. Shen Ruoyu's words sent a chill down his spine. Apologize to that little plague, Shen Xinghuai? Based on their status, how could he possibly kneel? The thought was more unbearable than death.

“Qi Ziyi, are you deaf? Weren't you quite eloquent when you badmouthed me in front of your uncle repeatedly?” Dissatisfied with his silence, Shen Ruoyu tightened her grip, the icy pressure forcing Qi Ziyi to meet her gaze. He saw his own reflection in her eyes, a pathetic image of submission. When had he become so powerless in this woman's hands?

“I…” Qi Ziyi stammered, wanting to refuse, but the potential consequences of his actions being revealed to his parents and, most importantly, his uncle, paralyzed him with fear. Such defiance would be disastrous.

Seeing the young man's utterly defeated demeanor, Shen Ruoyu felt a flicker of boredom. “You don't agree? Fine. There are plenty of witnesses. When they ask me what happened, I'll tell them everything.”

He was usually as proud as a peacock, but now, caught red-handed, he was reduced to a pitiful, drenched dog. Shen Ruoyu despised such spinelessness.

Qi Ziyi, recognizing her impatience and knowing she always followed through on her threats, felt a surge of humiliation. He finally stammered, “Fine. I’ll kneel. I’ll kneel. Please, just don’t tell anyone about this…”

“Good. A true man knows when to yield. Remember, your apology must be sincere. Kneel until my brother forgives you. You won't bully him again, will you?”

Shame burned in Qi Ziyi’s chest. His eyes stung as he gritted his teeth. “No. Never again. And Miss Shen, you must also keep your word. This remains between us.”

“Naturally.”

Her objective achieved, Shen Ruoyu didn't spare him another glance as she turned and boarded her carriage. This encounter had served its purpose: a warning to Qi Ziyi and a measure of revenge for her brother.

No sooner had she settled inside than Jiang Peizhi caught up, lifting the carriage curtain. “Leaving so soon, Yu’yu? My restaurant has a new chef. Would you like to sample his cooking? His Sweet and Sour Mandarin Fish, your favorite, is his specialty.”

Shen Ruoyu drew the curtain closed, ignoring his invitation. “Enough, Young Master Jiang. Go back to your studies. I have matters to attend to. Perhaps another time.”

“Alright, but you must come see me soon!”

The only response was the receding clatter of her carriage wheels. A hollowness settled in Jiang Peizhi’s chest. Shen Ruoyu seemed so busy lately, always declining his invitations. He felt a pang of neglect.

Then he noticed Qi Ziyi, about to depart, jaw clenched, fists tight, radiating fury. Jiang Peizhi rushed forward, blocking his path. “Hold on, Qi Ziyi, where are you going? Tell me, what heinous crime did you commit to anger Yuyu so?”

In his memory, Shen Ruoyu rarely lost her temper. Whatever had happened couldn't be trivial. He believed his Yuyu to be kind and gentle; this Qi Ziyi must be trouble. Though barely acquainted, Jiang Peizhi’s opinion of him plummeted.

Already humiliated, Qi Ziyi’s anger flared at the sight of Jiang Peizhi. “Does your father know he’s raised such a loyal dog? I never thought someone would willingly grovel at a woman’s feet.”

“Don’t spout nonsense. This is called loyalty. Unlike you, friendless and causing trouble out of jealousy. Look at yourself, your face is still swollen from that beating. Go home before the whole city sees you’ve been pummeled.” Jiang Peizhi dismissed Qi Ziyi’s words as an attempt to sow discord.

“Get out of my way, you’re unreasonable!” Qi Ziyi scowled, clutching his bruised cheek as he hurried away. He should have known anyone close to that woman was likely just as mad.

The spectacle over, Shen Ruoyu arrived at the Shen residence.

As she stepped down from the carriage, Shen Xinghuai rushed forward, embracing her tightly.

“Where did you go, Sister? I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”

He wore fresh white robes and a subtle, crisp fragrance. Shen Ruoyu couldn't help but notice that both his attire and the scent were reminiscent of Rong Yan’s style.

“Not so tight, I can’t breathe.”

Shen Xinghuai reluctantly loosened his grip, taking her hand in his. “It’s so cold, Sister, you shouldn’t wander about. Let me warm your hands. By the way, Sister, a gentleman came looking for you earlier. He said he was from the Tianxi Pavilion. Do you know him?”

His hand was warm, the heat spreading through her fingers. But Shen Ruoyu sensed something amiss. As he spoke, his grip tightened perceptibly. The image of the man from the auction flashed through her mind. Could it be him? And what could he possibly want?