Chapter 18: The Great Blunder

However, the slap that was supposed to land firmly on Shen Lan’s right cheek hesitated mid-air, then changed course and fell weakly.

“Rogue.” The black wolf before her had actually helped her before, and Xiao Yi was soft-hearted; she couldn’t bring herself to turn hostile immediately. She pursed her lips and gritted her teeth, saying, “Let go of me.”

As Xiao Yi raised her hand, Shen Lan leaned in close to her right cheek. After all, to strike was to show affection; insults were a sign of love. Few people received such treatment so casually.

Unexpectedly, when Xiao Yi ultimately refrained from striking, Shen Lan’s pride swelled. He suppressed her again, and after stealing a lingering kiss from her full lips, he finally released his hold, still savoring the moment.

Once freed, Xiao Yi braced herself with her hands, attempting to stand, but before she could rise fully, Shen Lan pulled her back into his embrace.

His eyes locked onto hers as he licked his teeth and suddenly said, “If you kiss me, you have to take responsibility.”

“What?” Xiao Yi was stunned, “You were the one who—”

“You villain, accusing me first! I haven’t even settled this properly with you!” Xiao Yi protested, struggling, “Responsibility? You took advantage of me. It’s you who should be responsible!”

“Indeed. I misremembered—it was me who took advantage. My fault,” Shen Lan acquiesced smoothly, smiling, “I should be responsible. How about I marry you?”

“You... shameless!” Xiao Yi was first speechless, then blushed furiously, quickly pushing him away. “Does your fiancée know you’re acting like this?”

Shen Lan took out a hairpin from his sleeve and said calmly, “I have no fiancée.”

“This hairpin was meant to be a gift for you.” He grabbed Xiao Yi’s trembling hand and pressed the hairpin into her palm, his voice low, “You like this hairpin, and I like you.”

Since that intimate moment, Shen Lan had been restless, unable to sleep. He refused to reveal the truth of that day, unwilling to coerce Xiao Yi into being with him on such grounds.

Mutual affection, a natural progression—that was what he hoped for.

He gazed steadily at Xiao Yi, awaiting her reaction.

Unversed in matters of the heart, Xiao Yi’s mind was thrown into turmoil by Shen Lan’s confession. She was at a loss, unsure how to respond.

Moreover, Shen Lan now tightened his embrace.

Xiao Yi’s heart pounded wildly. After a moment’s hesitation, she finally spoke, “I…”

Before she could finish, a startled shout came from nearby: “Shen Lan, what are you doing? Let go of my lady!”

Xiao Yi was alarmed and hurriedly stood up. Shen Lan, still holding her waist, rose with her.

They both turned to see a white fox darting into the alley like a quick gust of wind.

On closer look, Xiao Yi recognized the small figure—it was Xiao Jiu.

She sighed in relief.

But Shen Lan’s anger flared. He had nearly heard Xiao Yi confess her feelings, and now this white fox appeared out of nowhere to ruin everything.

Regardless of who this fox was, he shouldn’t have been alive for disturbing Shen Lan’s courting moment.

Unable to restrain his brutal nature, Shen Lan pulled Xiao Yi behind him and transformed his hands into wolf claws, ready to attack.

Xiao Yi placed her hands on Shen Lan’s arms, feeling the taut muscles beneath. Sensing trouble, she tried to explain, “Shen Lan, listen, that’s…”

Before she could finish, Xiao Jiu charged in front of Shen Lan.

Xiao Jiu stood firm, glanced at the blood on Xiao Yi’s face, fur bristling, baring his teeth in anger: “Wolf clan villain, release Miss Xiao Yi at once!”

“Wait, listen to me first…” Xiao Yi tried to intervene, but Shen Lan had already lunged, grappling with Xiao Jiu.

Xiao Jiu was still a juvenile; in strength, he was no match for the fully grown Shen Lan.

Without shifting back to his beast form, Shen Lan quickly grabbed Xiao Jiu by the neck and pinned him to the ground.

Though at a disadvantage, Xiao Jiu refused to yield, yelling, “Come on, wolf clan villain! If you don’t kill me, I won’t respect you!”

Hearing this, a dark glint flashed in Shen Lan’s eyes. He tightened his grip, his palm closing, intent on strangling the fox.

Xiao Yi’s panic rose. She shouted, “Shen Lan, let him go!”

Upon hearing her shout, Shen Lan loosened his grip but didn’t fully release him. He glanced back at Xiao Yi, lowering his eyes in feigned grievance, “You’re protecting him!”

“I’m not. He... his brother has helped me,” Xiao Yi hesitated but stepped forward, softening her voice, “Please let him go.”

Something stirred in Shen Lan’s heart. His grip slackened further, and he finally released Xiao Jiu.

Yet, the reckless fox, despite his disheveled fur and bruises, got up defiantly, refusing to back down.

He crouched low, assuming an attack stance again: “I knew no black wolf is good. Don’t think you’re special just because you’re a messenger. If you want to harm my lady, you’ll have to get past me first!”

“Harm?” Shen Lan asked, puzzled.

“Are you denying it? Miss Xiao Yi’s blood on her face came from you biting her!” Xiao Jiu snarled. “Daring to eat people on our fox clan’s land—you won’t leave here alive!”

Xiao Yi froze at first, then hurriedly lowered her head to wipe the blood from her mouth.

Shen Lan’s anger at being interrupted dissolved into a sudden smile.

So this was just an immature, clueless fox cub.

He glanced at the blushing Xiao Yi and smirked, “Eat? How exactly did I ‘eat’ you?”

Xiao Jiu expected the wolf to be embarrassed and angry once exposed, but instead, he smiled.

He opened his mouth to retort but was abruptly silenced by Xiao Yi, who gently covered his mouth.

She shook his snout softly and whispered, “Xiao Jiu, don’t say anymore. He’s not what you think…”

Xiao Jiu was unconvinced, stubbornly backing away from Xiao Yi’s hold, complaining, “Miss Xiao Yi, why do you still defend him? Before I came to find you, that black wolf said he was going to make clothes! Where are the clothes now? He clearly has ill intentions!”

Xiao Yi was embarrassed and wanted to stop Xiao Jiu’s endless chatter, but at that moment, Shen Lan took her hand.

She tried to pull away, but couldn’t; Shen Lan’s palm pressed and rubbed hers gently, his voice low and quiet: “Miss Xiao Yi, since your little follower has spoken, why don’t we prove it now—go make the clothes.”

With that, he decisively led Xiao Yi out of the alley.

Xiao Jiu, thinking Shen Lan was fleeing in anger while holding her captive, hurried after them, only to find they had indeed arrived at a tailor’s shop.

Huh? They really came to make clothes?

Puzzled, Xiao Jiu followed them inside.

No, this wolf must be scheming! Shaking his head to warn himself, he looked again and saw Shen Lan’s right hand resting on Xiao Yi’s waist.

And Miss Xiao Yi was...