Chapter Fifteen: Young Master Su Takes a Liking to Her

As the third round began, Jiang You’an remained uneasy about Su Mingxiu’s condition, keeping a close watch on him. Su Mingxiu appeared to be in good form, gliding effortlessly across the ice, which put Jiang You’an at ease, yet her gaze involuntarily followed him.

Suddenly, a tall figure stepped in front of her, blocking her view. Lu Xuanheng wore a stern expression, his eyes cutting into Jiang You’an like a sharp blade.

Feeling puzzled, she paused briefly before realizing the cause. He was sulking because she had stolen the limelight from the princess earlier. Irritated, she silently distanced herself from him.

The puck passed swiftly between players, soon landing in Li Lianzhu’s hands. She called out to Lu Xuanheng, “Young Master Lu,” and passed him the puck. The two showed great coordination; Lu Xuanheng caught it smoothly, positioned directly in front of the goal, aimed at the center, and struck decisively.

The puck sped across the slick ice, nearly entering the goal. Suddenly, Su Mingxiu appeared like a gust of wind, precisely intercepting the puck at the last moment.

The shot missed, and the puck returned to the center, sparking a fierce struggle among the players.

It was undeniable that the addition of Lu Xuanheng and Su Mingxiu made the match far more thrilling. Both teams were evenly matched, with several attempts blocked by opponents.

The game grew intense, each player’s desire to win heightened, and the spectators on the sidelines were hooked.

Finally, Su Mingxiu found a gap and snatched the puck from the opponents, passing it to Jiang You’an.

Taking the puck, Jiang You’an swiftly charged toward the opposing goal with her stick.

Victory seemed within reach when Lu Xuanheng suddenly gave chase, attempting to seize the puck.

Neither yielded; their sticks clashed fiercely, like warriors in battle.

But ultimately, the strength of a man prevailed. Jiang You’an couldn’t hold her ground. Lu Xuanheng seized the moment, hooked the puck away, spun sharply, and passed it to Li Lianzhu.

Jiang You’an, standing close, was bumped by his turning motion, lost her balance, and fell.

“Ah—”

She landed face-first on the ice, sliding nearly ten feet across the slippery surface.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the rink, Li Lianzhu struck the final puck, securing the round and drawing cheers from the crowd.

“Miss Jiang!”

Seeing Jiang You’an fall, Su Mingxiu hurried to her side.

Only then did Lu Xuanheng realize what had happened. Upon seeing Jiang You’an seated with a pained frown, he felt his heart tighten.

He instinctively moved to check on her, but Su Mingxiu reached her first.

“Are you alright?”

Jiang You’an’s left knee had struck the ice painfully. She rubbed it and forced a faint smile at Su Mingxiu. “I’m fine.”

“Did you hurt your knee? Can you walk? Shall I carry you?”

She quickly declined, standing with Su Mingxiu’s support.

Looking up, she saw the winning tokens had reached Li Lianzhu’s group and sighed regretfully, “We lost after all. Such a pity.”

Su Mingxiu helped her walk slowly, joking self-deprecatingly, “Ah, it’s all my fault for holding you back.”

“How could that be? It was my mistake.”

“No worries. This time’s prize is a luminous pearl. I have a larger one at home—I’ll bring it for you next time we meet.”

They walked on, chatting and laughing, paying Lu Xuanheng no mind.

Listening to their familiar teasing and tender gestures, Lu Xuanheng felt a burning jealousy.

Though victorious, his expression was dark and sour.

Jiang You’an was helped off the rink, and Lu Yunyao quickly came to check her injury.

Lu Yunzhu looked on with schadenfreude, then turned to flatter Li Lianzhu, “The princess is truly formidable; that last puck was magnificent!”

Li Lianzhu smiled warmly at Lu Xuanheng. “Thanks to Young Master Lu, or the win might not have been so smooth.”

Lu Xuanheng’s expression remained indifferent. “The princess is too modest.”

Li Lianzhu gazed at him with lingering affection before turning to Jiang You’an. “Miss Jiang, where are you hurt? Is it serious?”

“Just a knock. It’s nothing.”

“There’s a guest room at the back for resting. You should go and take a break.”

Jiang You’an agreed and was escorted to the room by Lu Yunyao.

“Oh, what a pity! Just missed it. Now Lu Yunzhu will surely gloat.”

Lu Yunzhu helped Jiang You’an sit, frowning. “That brother is really something—not only did he not hold back for you, he knocked you down. I think he’s just trying to show off in front of the princess.”

Jiang You’an said nothing, her small face tight with anger.

“Yunyao, you go play ahead. I’m fine. Just need to rest a bit.”

“All right, rest well. I’ll come find you when things settle.”

After Lu Yunyao left, Jiang You’an lifted her skirt to reveal a pale leg, her knee bruised and purple.

Qiulan gasped, “Oh dear, it’s all bruised. Miss, that was quite a hard knock.”

Jiang You’an puffed her cheeks, complaining, “It’s all Lu Xuanheng’s fault—so rough and careless.”

“Miss, rest here. I’ll see if there’s any ointment.”

Jiang You’an nodded as Qiulan left. Just as she opened the door, she saw Su Mingxiu standing outside, hand raised as if about to knock.

“Young Master Su,” Qiulan greeted him respectfully, glancing at Jiang You’an inside.

Jiang You’an was startled and hurried to tidy her skirt.

Su Mingxiu stood quietly, not peeking in carelessly, and asked Qiulan, “Is Miss Jiang inside?”

“Yes.”

“She just hurt her knee. Here’s some ointment—please help her apply it.”

Qiulan took a small box from him and glanced sideways at Jiang You’an, who gave her a knowing look.

Qiulan understood and opened the door wider. “Young Master Su, please come in.”

But Su Mingxiu declined, “Her injury is on the leg and should be treated first. It’s better I don’t disturb her inside. I’ll take my leave.”

“Then please take care, Young Master Su.”

Qiulan closed the door and hurried to Jiang You’an’s side, handing her the box. “Miss, Young Master Su is truly kind—he specially came to bring you medicine and knew to avoid disturbing you.”

A faint smile graced Jiang You’an’s lips as she opened the box. Inside was a bottle of ointment and a jade pendant carved into a jade ruyi.

Previously, Su Mingxiu had accepted her painting and promised to give her a gift next time they met. This jade ruyi must be that gift.

The ointment was easy to find anytime, but the jade ruyi was something he likely carried always, reserved for a special moment with her.

Qiulan clasped Jiang You’an’s shoulder happily. “Miss, Young Master Su must fancy you greatly.”

A rosy blush spread across Jiang You’an’s cheeks as she clutched the jade pendant, warmth spreading to her heart.

Just then, the door was knocked upon.

Jiang You’an thought it was Su Mingxiu returning and gestured for Qiulan to open it quickly.

Qiulan opened the door eagerly, but upon seeing who stood outside, her expression stiffened. “Y-Young Master…”

Jiang You’an was startled and hurriedly hid the jade pendant.