Chapter 262: The Frog at the Bottom of the Well

Chapter 262: The Frog at the Bottom of the Well

The sound of high heels echoed crisply as a mysterious and noble silver-haired girl appeared in people’s line of sight, drawing everyone’s attention.

Like a holy iceberg, she radiated an aura that could only be admired from afar and never approached. Qin Shili, who typically scoffed at feasts laden with fish and meat, unexpectedly arrived.

This place was filled with flattery, hypocrisy, and social climbing. In the past, she probably would have been disgusted long before reaching the estate’s gates.

However, she had already planted a seed of conviction in her heart.

With her gaze set on the blue sky and treading the abyss, her goal was to navigate this world rife with insincerity and self-importance with ease.

And the person who had changed her, Lin Nuo, would surely take on challenges with grace.

Moreover, she had come to the Lin family estate mainly for one person.

That person was her junior martial brother, Lin Nuo.

Confidently entering the Lin family estate, she soon found herself in a rare state of anxiety.

Her concern was not about whether her identity was good enough, her attire dazzling enough, or her demeanor elegant enough, but whether she could present herself comfortably in such an environment. After all, this felt like a test, and Lin Nuo had expectations of her; he would be watching her.

Strictly speaking, Lin Nuo was her guide, and she held him in high regard.

Would she see him soon? He should be dining, right?

With a heart full of anticipation, Qin Shili approached the dining area.

But just then, she saw Lin Nuo exiting, and they collided head-on.

Was this a coincidence or fate? To Qin Shili, it felt too sudden.

Both of them stopped in their tracks; Lin Nuo, looking at the surging waves before him, rubbed his eyes.

No way, am I seeing things?

In his impression, Qin Shili hadn’t attended the Lin family celebration. With her personality, she would completely disdain such a place.

“It’s you?” Lin Nuo asked.

“Indeed, it’s me. Surprised?”

“Pretty surprised, to be honest.”

Lin Nuo replied,

“I didn’t think you would come.”

“I came because you’re here,” Qin Shili said coldly.

“What a coincidence that we ran into each other; unfortunately, I just arrived and you’re about to leave.”

“Don’t speak as if we’re parting for life, alright? Anyway, you belong to a big family. There should be someone to entertain you. Enjoy your meal.”

“Have you finished eating?”

“Not hungry; I’m leaving now.”

“Entertain me later.”

“I’m not familiar with this place either, so don’t expect me to give you a tour. Farewell.”

Lin Nuo walked past Qin Shili. The only one who could chat with her so easily was him.

Although she was the goddess he admired in the past, there was no hint of embarrassment or unease on his part; they conversed like ordinary friends.

Luo Xiaoxue followed Lin Nuo, catching Qin Shili’s eye, of course, Qin Shili also pulled her attention.

Both of them had the same thought:

Who is she?

A stranger they had never seen before, both felt cautious.

Qin Shili knew that Lin Nuo interacted with certain girls, but this one was a first.

Typically, Qin Shili focused her thoughts on cultivation, rarely concerning herself with matters of the court, hence she had never seen Luo Xiaoxue, not to mention her disguised appearance.

Luo Xiaoxue’s relationship with Lin Nuo was certainly not ordinary.

As for Luo Xiaoxue, she too felt the need to be wary; it appeared that this silver-haired girl was an old acquaintance of Lin the Knight, but the true nature of their relationship remained unclear.

It shouldn’t be a close romantic relationship, right? If it were, Lin the Knight would definitely have brought her home to meet his parents.

This woman is so beautiful, with a coldly enchanting face, not to mention a sizzling figure. Compared to her, I’m clearly at a disadvantage!

After exchanging glances for a moment, both shifted their gazes and shared a unison thought:

This woman must be watched closely.

“Lin Gongzi, wait for me!”

As Luo Xiaoxue and Qin Shili shared a glance, Lin Nuo had already distanced himself from her.

Qin Shili’s gaze returned to the dining area, filled with esteemed nobles, where her beauty and status naturally drew attention.

“Is this, Qin Gu Niang? We are truly honored by your presence at the Lin family estate. Please, take a seat here!”

At this moment, Lin Nuo’s elder brother, Lin Fei, and younger brother, Lin Tong, warmly welcomed Qin Shili. The Lin family desired a connection with the prestigious Qin family, especially given Qin Shili’s cold and stunning beauty.

However, Qin Shili shook her head.

“No need; I’ve found my seat.”

At that moment, Qin Shili spotted Zhou Hui sitting at a table and seemed to understand why Lin Nuo said he wasn’t hungry.

The Qin and Zhou families had some connections, and Qin Shili had met Zhou Hui before; they didn’t quite get along, having a relationship that was neither very good nor very bad.

Qin Shili had also heard about Zhou Hui’s affair with Lin Nuo—Zhou Hui had tried to leverage her position and was fickle, which genuinely disgusted her.

Given how Zhou Hui viewed Qin Shili, she was Lin Nuo’s Second Martial Sister, but rumors had circulated for a while that Lin Nuo had feelings for her, desperately pursuing her, yet he ultimately only received her cold indifference.

From this, it appeared that Zhou Hui had a higher opinion of Qin Shili. As for Lin Nuo, he felt like mud propped up against a wall, which made him happy to be ignored and neglected.

Zhou Hui laughed.

“Qin Gu Niang, you’ve come too! Please, sit. The Lin family estate is quite big; has Qin Gu Niang never been here before?”

“Never,” Qin Shili replied coldly.

“Oh, since you’re here, how about we explore together later?” Zhou Hui suggested invitingly.

“Let me ask you a question: Was Lin Nuo sitting here just now?”

“Yes, but ugh, don’t even mention him; he’s so annoying. You know what he’s like; it’s best he’s gone—less heartburn for all.”

“So he left because he saw you?”

“Qin Gu Niang, how can you believe his nonsense? He’s got no abilities, just a sharp tongue. I’m sure Qin Gu Niang wouldn’t stoop to his level,” Zhou Hui continued, smiling.

“I see, it’s good that you didn’t cause him trouble, but he certainly wouldn’t let you.”

“Qin Gu Niang, what are you talking about?”

Zhou Hui caught the malice in Qin Shili’s words.

Qin Shili had no intention of being subtle; she boldly stated,

“Frog at the bottom of the well, how would you know how capable he truly is?”

“Qin Gu Niang, what capabilities could he possibly have? Just an ineffective cultivator, slightly better than an ordinary person.” Zhou Hui retorted defiantly.

“His capability lies in possessing exceptional strength while remaining low-key enough that you don’t know of his achievements. But that’s not something worth discussing.”

Qin Shili made a slight bow and then turned.

“Wishing everyone a pleasant meal; I shall take my leave now.”

“Qin Gu Niang, you’ve come all this way; won’t you dine with us? Is it the dishes that don’t suit your taste?”

Lin Yuan hurried over to salvage the situation, fearing his hospitality had not met Qin Shili’s expectations.

Qin Shili replied politely,

“Not at all, Uncle. I mean no offense; I came for Lin Nuo. Since he doesn’t wish to stay for dinner, I naturally won’t either.”