Chapter 15: Encountering Shen Lan Again

Xiao Yi turned her head to look, only to realize that the one who had intercepted was Shen Lan of the Black Wolf clan.

She remembered him.

That day at the pavilion in the center of the lake, if it hadn’t been for Shen Lan, she feared she would have suffered much more. At the cleansing banquet, sitting beside Shen Lan also brought her considerable benefit. Because of this, Xiao Yi held a favorable impression of this wolf and couldn’t help but reveal a trace of genuine feeling on her face.

Shen Lan glanced up and noticed the scars on Xiao Yi’s hand, and he couldn’t help but ask, “Miss Xiao Yi, what happened to your hand?”

“Oh, this… I fell accidentally on the bumpy road,” Xiao Yi said, pulling her sleeve to cover the wound and then smiling faintly. “What a coincidence—Envoy Shen, what brings you to the East Market today?”

“Me? Before setting off on my mission, I heard that the Fox clan’s market was bustling. Since I had some free time today, I thought I’d come and join the fun.” Shen Lan paused briefly, then handed the hairpin in his hand to Xiao Yi. “Do you like the design of this hairpin?”

“Ah, yes. The red coral berries on it are so vibrant, and combined with the craftsmanship of gold filigree, see, if you shake it a little, doesn’t it look like freshly ripened coral fruits on a tree?” Xiao Yi spoke with delight, demonstrating the hairpin in front of Shen Lan.

“It does indeed look like coral fruit.” Shen Lan took the hairpin and fixed his gaze on Xiao Yi’s slightly parted red lips, smiling. “Shopkeeper, how much for this hairpin?”

Xiao Yi hadn’t expected Shen Lan to want to buy it immediately. Flustered, she tugged at his sleeve and said, “This hairpin only looks good in style. The materials and workmanship have some flaws.”

As soon as Xiao Yi finished speaking, the vendor at the stall grew impatient. “Madam, all the jewelry in my shop is made from the finest materials and crafted by the most skilled artisans. How could there be flaws? Many gentlemen buy them as gifts for their ladies at home.”

“Oh? Is that so?” Shen Lan was about to put down the hairpin but then took it back, pulling a silver ingot from his sleeve and placing it in the vendor’s palm. “Take this. No need to give change.”

The vendor stuffed the silver into his pocket and broke into a broad smile. “Sir, you have excellent taste. You and this lady are surely a perfect match destined for a long and happy union.”

“Hey, I’m not—” Xiao Yi’s face flushed instantly. “Why are you saying such things?”

The vendor muttered softly, “Well, it’s obvious. Just look at how their eyes are locked on each other. Aren’t they a pair?”

Xiao Yi, blushing, didn’t catch the last words clearly and momentarily thought the vendor was insulting her. Just as she was about to retort, Shen Lan pulled her away.

With a smile in his eyes, Shen Lan took Xiao Yi by the hand and left the vendor’s stall, heading elsewhere. “Miss Xiao, do you have time now? I have a favor to ask. Would you be willing to help?”

“What is it? As long as it’s within my ability, Envoy Shen, just say the word,” Xiao Yi responded readily.

---

“It’s like this. The Wolf clan mostly wear dark black robes, but my wife-to-be prefers brighter colors. Looking at your figure, Miss Xiao, you resemble her quite a bit. Could I trouble you to accompany me to have a few garments made?” Shen Lan slightly turned his body and gestured toward a tailor’s shop not far away.

“Such a small matter is naturally no problem,” Xiao Yi agreed without hesitation.

“That’s wonderful.” Shen Lan smiled gently and invited her to walk with him toward the shop.

Xiao Yi lifted her foot to follow, but suddenly felt someone tug at her leg.

She turned, expecting to see Xiao Jiu.

Since childhood, Xiao Jiu had heard that the Black Wolf clan was not to be trifled with. A few days ago, while following Master Xiao Ru, he heard the comrades say that this visitor named Shen Lan was quite skilled and a formidable opponent.

Now still a minor, unable to take human form and lacking strength, Xiao Jiu instinctively distrusted Shen Lan. So, trailing behind Xiao Yi, he tried to say as little as possible to avoid drawing attention.

Xiao Jiu had assumed that Shen Lan would only exchange a few polite words with Xiao Yi before leaving.

But unexpectedly, after lingering long at the hairpin vendor’s, Shen Lan wanted to go to the tailor’s shop with her.

Making clothes requires choosing fabrics, measuring sizes, and deciding on styles—it isn’t something done quickly.

With the other young masters and brothers absent nearby, Xiao Jiu worried for Xiao Yi’s safety and feared Shen Lan. At a loss, he impulsively bit the hem of Xiao Yi’s pants, hoping to stop her from going with Shen Lan.

“Miss, let’s go find Master,” Xiao Jiu whispered, releasing her and avoiding Shen Lan.

“Xiao Jiu, I’ve already agreed to Envoy Shen’s request,” Xiao Yi comforted him, patting his forehead. “It won’t take long. Why don’t you go ahead yourself?”

At her words, Xiao Jiu remained still, his dark eyes warily fixed on Shen Lan waiting nearby.

Following Xiao Jiu’s gaze, Xiao Yi’s eyes met Shen Lan’s, and she understood immediately.

She smiled at Shen Lan reassuringly, signaling it would be quick, then looked into Xiao Jiu’s eyes and gently pinched his ear. “I’ll be fine. Go on ahead, okay?”

Xiao Jiu’s ear was tender. After a moment of eye contact, he gave in and murmured, “Alright, you go. I’ll find Master and come look for you.”

---

“Agreed.” Hearing Xiao Jiu’s response, Xiao Yi happily patted his head and turned to walk toward Shen Lan.

“Miss Xiao, have you encountered difficulties within your clan?” Shen Lan asked tentatively as she approached.

It was quite a coincidence. Upon arriving at the White Fox clan, he had met Xiao Yi drowning with no one to save her. At the cleansing banquet, she seemed as if she hadn’t eaten for a long time. Later, he encountered her again after she was poisoned.

Today, in the East Market, he had spotted her from afar early on. He had intended to avoid trouble and pass by, but seeing the scratches on her hand, he stopped to talk.

All these days, everything happening to Xiao Yi had told him that the woman before him was suffering badly within the White Fox clan.

“Oh, it’s alright,” Xiao Yi forced a smile and turned away, walking straight toward the tailor’s shop. “Let’s not talk about that. Envoy Shen, let’s get started on the clothes.”

“Very well.” Shen Lan furrowed his brow slightly, paused, then followed.

He clearly saw through Xiao Yi’s evasion. Though it pained him and he longed to take her away without hesitation, he knew now was not the time.

He had learned that the Fox clan’s Xiao Feng agreed to the marriage for ulterior motives. Both families feigned a marriage alliance, after which each would rely on their own strength. Whether war would break out was uncertain.

In such an uncertain future, leaving Xiao Yi within the Fox clan was a safer choice.

Just as Shen Lan reached the tailor’s door, he saw Xiao Yi standing outside, not entering.

He stepped forward to lift the curtain but was stopped by Xiao Yi grabbing his sleeve.

“Is something wrong?” Shen Lan asked.

Then he saw Xiao Yi’s eyelids were slightly swollen, her eyes moist with tears, as if she had been wronged.

Shen Lan’s heart stirred. His gaze darkened as he lifted the curtain and looked inside, instantly understanding the situation.