Chapter 8: The Acting Was Truly Superb

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Before Jiang Nian spoke, she already anticipated that Xiao Ru would change her expression. Sure enough, as soon as Jiang Nian finished speaking, Xiao Ru became anxious.
“I was being kind to you, yet you don’t know how to be grateful!”
“Miss Xiao, why are you suddenly angry? I thought just now the maid who delivered the invitation from the Marquis of Yongning’s estate followed me, and that’s how you found me among the many matchmakers in Bianjing. Could it be that I misunderstood and you’re also here to find a matchmaker?”
“You…” Xiao Ru was momentarily stunned. She had assumed ‘following’ meant that she had secretly sent someone to inquire outside the Jiang residence yesterday, but it turned out she meant the current moment.
Xiao Ru regretted losing her composure so easily and being provoked by Jiang Nian. After a pause, she decided not to mention the matter of following anymore and changed the subject: “I’m also worried you might be deceived. Since I sincerely want to be your friend, I must protect you!”
“I see!” Jiang Nian nodded emphatically. Since Xiao Ru shamelessly said these words, it was only right for her to borrow the prestige of the Marquis of Yongning’s estate!
She turned to the shopkeeper: “This is the legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Yongning’s estate; hurry and bring out the best matchmakers in your agency!”
After a moment, the shopkeeper led three joyous matchmakers to them.
Jiang Nian chose the youngest matchmaker, ignoring Xiao Ru’s displeased gaze, and said with satisfaction, “I was worried I wouldn’t find a good matchmaker, but it went smoothly. Miss Xiao, rest assured, I haven’t been fooled. I must take my leave now.”
“Wait.” Xiao Ru grabbed Jiang Nian’s arm. “You’re looking for a matchmaker to arrange a son-in-law?”
“Not at all. My future husband is recovering from typhoid; I’m just running this errand for him.”
“A future husband so soon after beginning to discuss marriage? I’ve been sincere with you, Miss Jiang, and yet you would deceive me!”
“Not at all.” Jiang Nian knew Xiao Ru wouldn’t believe it without seeing it herself. “If Miss Xiao isn’t afraid of the distance, come with me.”
At her invitation, Xiao Ru didn’t hesitate to agree.
Inside the Jiang family carriage, Green Wax presented a lunchbox and some scripts like a cherished treasure: “Today, Miss will be going to the estate in the countryside. I prepared some entertainment to ensure your comfort!”
“Did the matchmaker’s carriage prepare these as well?”
“Yes, but I don’t know if the Marquis of Yongning’s estate carriage has them. It takes about an hour and a half to get to the estate, so I hope Miss Xiao can endure the journey!”
Jiang Nian smiled slyly: “Green Wax, you’ve learned bad habits.”
“Who told her to bully you just because she’s the Marquis’s legitimate daughter? I can’t stand her attitude!”
Jiang Nian warned Green Wax anxiously: “No matter what you think inside, you must show her respect. Otherwise, if she really wants to cause trouble, not only can I not protect you, but the Jiang family can’t protect me either.”
Green Wax nodded, half understanding.
The two chatted and ate as the carriage rolled on, making the time fly by until they arrived at the estate.
Someone else, however, did not share their sentiment. Xiao Ru was sore all over from the bumpy ride, growing increasingly angry along the way until she even started resenting Bo Yijin.
If not for Bo Yijin, why would she endure such hardship!
As soon as she stepped down from the carriage, Xiao Ru anxiously grabbed Jiang Nian: “Where is your future husband?”

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“Miss Xiao, you’re so eager, I’m beginning to suspect you’re coveting my future husband.”
“Don’t be ridiculous! My heart belongs only to… Brother Jin!”
“Oh.” Jiang Nian led Xiao Ru into the estate, where Pei Jiuru came out to greet them. She quickly stepped forward and took Pei Jiuru’s hand. “Jiuru, this is Miss Xiao Ru, the legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Yongning’s estate.”
Pei Jiuru was caught off guard by the sudden touch of a soft, cold hand.
He had never been this close to any woman before, and was slightly stunned before regaining composure.
In the next moment, he felt her gently squeeze his hand.
Pei Jiuru understood: if she were a true friend, she wouldn’t act so hypocritically. She probably did not get along with this Marquis’s daughter.
Since they had just sealed their deal, he could not afford to be looked down upon.
Pei Jiuru smiled faintly: “I shouldn’t be seeing visitors while ill. Miss Xiao, forgive my rudeness.”
“Not… a problem…” Xiao Ru was surprised that Jiang Nian really had a future husband. Though pale from typhoid, he was still elegant and refined!
Seeing that Pei Jiuru understood her hint, Jiang Nian breathed a sigh of relief. “The estate is quiet and suitable for convalescence, but not for entertaining guests. Miss Xiao, you should return early.”
Pei Jiuru glanced at Jiang Nian with tender eyes and a tone full of helpless indulgence: “Nian Nian, Miss Xiao is a guest…”
“I’m just looking out for her…”
As he spoke, a leaf suddenly drifted down onto Pei Jiuru’s head.
Jiang Nian raised her hand; Pei Jiuru was startled.
She explained, “A falling leaf.”
Hearing this, Pei Jiuru bent slightly to lower his head. Jiang Nian reached out to pick up the leaf, her sleeve brushing against his face.
It tickled, and he struggled to resist stepping back.
“Alright, it’s picked.”
Pei Jiuru, making conversation: “Didn’t sleep well last night? You have dark circles under your eyes.”
“I’ve been tired these past few days… I’ve also found a matchmaker; you can discuss the details with her later.”
“It’s my fault you’ve had to work hard. I’ll massage your shoulders later.”
“Okay…”
After speaking, Jiang Nian was the first to avert her gaze.
In her heart, she whispered: Thank goodness!

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She had almost drowned in his gaze just now!
This man’s acting skills were too superb; she was nearly caught up in the role!
She quickly looked at Xiao Ru: “Miss Xiao, I’m not trying to rush you off. The food here at the estate is simple and coarse, and it’s far from the city. I’m just worried you might go hungry!”
Xiao Ru, indifferent to others’ affection, felt relieved knowing that Jiang Nian truly intended to marry.
Bo Yijin liked Jiang Nian; she had done her best and could at least give Bo Yijin an explanation.
It was a pity, though. She had hoped that if Jiang Nian became Bo Yijin’s concubine, she could use her to deal with Meng Yingying.
“That makes sense… You and the matchmaker still have matters to discuss about the marriage. I won’t disturb you.”
“Please take care on your way, Miss Xiao.”
After watching the Marquis of Yongning’s carriage gradually disappear, Jiang Nian suddenly pulled her hand back.
The two who had been so intimate moments ago now found themselves awkwardly avoiding each other’s gaze.
“Thank you for your help just now. She harbored ill intentions against me…”
Seeing Jiang Nian’s flushed face, Pei Jiuru didn’t know that his own face was red as well.
“The urgent matter you mentioned was caused by her?”
“Partly, but that’s no longer important. We’re getting married and don’t have to worry about their threats anymore.”
“Hmm.” So there was someone threatening her.
“Well, I’ll head back first. About the marriage…”
“Once I’ve discussed it with the matchmaker, I’ll visit the Jiang residence to inform you.”
“Good. Have Steward Liu deliver the message to me then. Take good care of your recovery.”
“Okay.” Pei Jiuru said softly.
Jiang Nian felt a little uncomfortable. She nodded and hurriedly left the estate.
Once in the carriage, Jiang Nian regretfully asked Green Wax, “Did I look like I was fleeing in panic just now?”
“Yes.”
“…”