Chapter 309: I Want to Take Care of Him Too!
Qin Shili quickly analyzed Luo Xiaoxue’s behavior and state, directly exposing her identity.
Of course, Luo Xiaoxue felt that her identity couldn’t be hidden forever. However, given the recent circumstances, it wasn’t time for her to be exposed; no one found anything suspicious.
It’s possible that there were sharp-eyed individuals who could tell, but they just hadn’t spoken up.
And Qin Shili was perhaps one of those keen observers.
Having long heard of Qin Shili’s exceptional skills and abilities, Luo Xiaoxue initially thought these were reflected in her combat strength. Now, it became clear they also manifested in her insight and cunning.
Because she was typically aloof and proud, rarely engaging in conversation with others, everyone found it difficult to understand her, let alone gauge her thoughts.
Luo Xiaoxue had never denied that Qin Shili was a formidable person.
How should she respond to Qin Shili’s pointed questioning?
Should she still hide it?
She felt it pointless to conceal anything from Qin Shili. Dealing with this woman required honesty rather than subterfuge; concealment was a poor tactic often backfiring, revealing insecurity instead.
Moreover, if she were to negotiate with Qin Shili, it wouldn’t be wise to continue wearing the identity of Luo Yi, a humble young lady from a minor family, as it clearly would place her at a disadvantage.
If she approached her as a princess, Qin Shili might show her a bit of respect.
Luo Xiaoxue faced her directly:
“Hm, indeed, I can’t hide from Miss Qin’s keen eyes. I am the princess of the current Puhan Great Nation. Can you guess my full name?”
“The Puhan dynasty bears the Luo surname, and there is more than one princess in the current dynasty. However, recalling Lin Nuo’s mission to locate a missing princess, it becomes quite clear. Since that incident, you’ve become linked with Lin Nuo, thus, you are Luo Xiaoxue and have had experiences of going undercover, am I right?”
Qin Shili continued her incisive speculation, each guess edging closer to the truth.
Luo Xiaoxue couldn’t help but admire Qin Shili’s intelligence and didn’t plan on hiding anything, choosing to admit it openly.
“Miss Qin, you are truly a woman of both wisdom and beauty. Yes, I am Luo Xiaoxue. Lin Daxia is my savior, and from that moment, I became connected to him.”
“So you like him, right?”
“Yes.”
Luo Xiaoxue wasn’t planning to hide it. She saw no need to conceal anything from Qin Shili.
Suddenly, she expressed her feelings:
“I admire his righteousness, I appreciate his steadiness and reliability, I adore his immense strength, I find him incredibly handsome…”
“Alright, no need to say so much. I’m already aware of the adjectives you’ve used.”
Qin Shili interrupted Luo Xiaoxue, contrasting her demeanor with Liu Shuqin’s gentleness and respect due to her family background as a general’s daughter. Liu Shuqin had received formal etiquette training from a young age, treating Luo Xiaoxue with great decorum. However, Qin Shili’s proud and domineering nature meant she wouldn’t show Luo Xiaoxue any deference, speaking from a position of superiority.
As a woman of lofty cultivation and talent, Qin Shili wouldn’t take the royal family lightly; even if Luo Xiaoxue became empress, Qin Shili would still not respect her.
“Then we are rivals in love; there are a few things I need to tell you.”
Qin Shili said coldly,
“I’ve been taking care of Lin Nuo these past few days. We eat together, bathe together, and share the same bed; we are inseparable. That’s not something you, a mere princess, can achieve.”
“You mean…?!”
Qin Shili launched an offensive so fierce that it left Luo Xiaoxue feeling as if she was collapsing.
This woman was no ordinary challenge!
“You’re despicable! To take advantage of Lin Daxia’s injury and do such shameless things to him!”
“You need to know a few things: firstly, he was aware he would get injured and asked me to take him with me. Secondly, he willingly allowed me to serve him. And you can inquire within Xuanyun Sect; he pursued me once, and our interactions were far more significant than yours.”
“I know that, but you ignored him – this I know even more. Your relationship only remains as fellow disciples. Since you didn’t choose him back then, now you come trying to make amends. Do you find it amusing?”
Luo Xiaoxue seized the opportunity to counter, trying to maintain her momentum and not be cowed by Qin Shili.
“Not amusing.”
Qin Shili replied coldly,
“For the long time he pursued me, you probably haven’t even heard his name. He was formerly nothing but an aimless, nameless individual. Yet it was precisely this that highlighted his remarkable disguise.”
“I know he’s exceptionally skilled at hiding his true self.”
“You don’t understand; there’s much you don’t know. The royal court is in chaos, and he doesn’t wish to involve himself in that circle.”
“For him, I will surely rectify this circle, which was his expectation of me.” Luo Xiaoxue declared firmly.
“Oh really? Then I wish you luck.”
Qin Shili replied coldly, devoid of any genuine goodwill, like a heartless ice queen.
“If merely hoping you can manage affairs well makes you think you can rival me, then you are vastly mistaken. In truth, his expectations of you were likely casual remarks, yet you seem to take them too seriously.”
“Not at all. He genuinely hopes I can manage this realm well, and I am striving for that. He’s a cultivator and shouldn’t meddle in worldly affairs, which is why he depends on me to fulfill his wishes; that expectation carries significant weight.”
Luo Xiaoxue would not allow Qin Shili to browbeat her, especially not when she insisted that Lin Nuo’s hopes for her were mere words – that was too much, and she had to refute it.
She counter-questioned Qin Shili:
“And what about you? What were his hopes for you?”
“That is our secret; its profoundness is beyond the understanding of you common princesses.”
“So that means there’s nothing there.”
“Interpret it however you like.”
Qin Shili snorted dismissively. [Heart directed towards the blue sky, longing for the abyss], these profound theories were beyond the grasp of a trivial princess.
That was the deepest expectation. If she could comprehend and practice those few words, it would be the best response to him.
Only those worthy of recognition would be entrusted with such lofty hopes; this little princess was simply incomparable.
“So when are you leaving?” Qin Shili asked.
“I want to stay and take care of him.”
“I can do that; you’re unnecessary. Besides, how can a delicate princess like you take care of someone?”
“I can! We can compete fairly. Since you’re so confident, what harm would it do to let me stay? If I can’t take care of him properly, I’ll leave naturally. The Qin family’s achievements and glory today are thanks to royal support; I hope Miss Qin considers this carefully.”
“You seem not to fully grasp the gap between us, but no matter, you will eventually submit.”
Qin Shili sensed that this princess would definitely resort to hard tactics to enter her domain, to avoid unnecessary complications, she temporarily agreed to let her stay.
Furthermore, she didn’t think she would lose to her.
Splash!
There was the sound of something falling into the water.
They immediately looked in the direction of the sound.
It was Lin Nuo; he had been pulled into the water by a big fish!