The Reborn Aristocrat’s Daughter
Chapter 318: A Disguised Matchmaking Banquet (3)_1

Chapter 318: Chapter 318: A Disguised Matchmaking Banquet (3)_1

"Alright." After nodding to Situ Xin, Xiao Muli turned around, facing Xiao Yongjie and Wenren Boyi, his face immediately resumed its prior cold expression. "I apologize, but we must take our leave."

As for Xiao Yongxin and his mother’s clan, Xiao Muli truly couldn’t muster any fondness. Nor did he need to ingratiate himself with Xiao Yongxin and the Wenren Family; thus, he paid no mind to what those two might be thinking at the moment.

Xiao Muli had always selectively ignored Wenren Yunxi. Seeing that Xiao Muli had treated her as nothing, not even sparing her a glance, while he was so gentle with Situ Xin, was intolerable for her. Just now, she had seen the love brimming in Xiao Muli’s eyes as he looked at Situ Xin—a sight unbearable for someone who had always been held in high regard like Wenren Yunxi.

As she watched Xiao Muli pull Situ Xin away, as if possessed, she blurted out, "Xiao Muli."

Xiao Muli had intended to act as if he hadn’t heard, but with Wenren Yunxi’s cry so loud, ignoring it might lead others to criticize the Xiao Family Head for his lack of manners. Thus, reluctantly, he stopped and turned around, his voice cold as he spoke, "Miss Wenren, what is it that you want?"

Standing beside Xiao Muli, Situ Xin felt curious; what could Wenren Yunxi want, calling out to Xiao Muli before so many people? Moreover, Situ Xin was keen to see what this esteemed young lady would do, summoning a man in such a formal setting.

Patriarch Wenren was displeased with Xiao Muli’s rudeness and disregard toward him as the family head, but he had to swallow his frustration. The Wenren Family, compared to the Xiao Family, was far less prominent. When he heard his usually etiquette-conscious daughter call out to Xiao Muli, his brows furrowed. "Yunxi, mind the occasion."

Wenren Yunxi, who had been ready to address Xiao Muli further, was silenced by her father’s reprimand, aware that her action was abrupt. With a strained smile, she stiffly said to Xiao Muli, "I apologize, it’s nothing."

Having witnessed Xiao Muli’s demeanor toward the Wenren Family just now, other members of the Xiao Family stopped trying to introduce potential matches to him, whether openly or subtly. They had no desire to end up like Xiao Yongjie and Patriarch Wenren, spurned by Xiao Muli and left feeling awkward.

Having found a place to sit with Situ Xin, Xiao Muli knew that she was particular about her food, with very few outside dishes meeting her approval. Therefore, he didn’t ask her what she wanted to eat, only inquired, "Xiao Xin, what would you like to drink?"

Situ Xin found little appeal in the fruit juices and red wine available outside, but preferred not to sit idly. "Brother Muli, plain water is fine for me." Situ Xin decided that when Xiao Muli brought the plain water, she would swap it with the Spiritual Spring Water from her own space.

"Okay," Xiao Muli called a waiter over and instructed him to pour some plain boiled water for Situ Xin.

Xiao Muli sat next to Situ Xin on the couch, looking at the men and women in the banquet hall, those socializing and laughing. He felt content just to sit quietly by Situ Xin’s side.

But there was always someone who couldn’t stand to see him at peace. Xiao Yongjie, still holding a grudge against Xiao Muli for the disrespect shown to him and the Wenren Family earlier, had been weathers in this social circle for many years.

He was well aware of the current situation. The Xiao Muli of today was certainly not someone he could afford to snub. Initially, he had hoped his niece’s good looks might catch Xiao Muli’s eye, which would be a perfect opportunity to ingratiate himself with him. But unexpectedly, Xiao Muli showed no interest in his niece at all. And now, he still needed to curry favor with Xiao Muli to reclaim a place in the Xiao Family. So, in an effort to pander to Xiao Muli, he approached him again.

"Muli, come, let your uncle introduce you to a few people who do business with the Xiao Family." This time, he wasn’t playing any sly games but legitimately wanted to introduce people to Xiao Muli.

Xiao Muli knew that dealing with social obligations was inevitable after taking over the Xiao Family and was prepared to mix with others. However, at that moment, he hesitated because he didn’t want to leave Situ Xin. He didn’t want to miss the rare chance to be alone with her.

When Situ Xin saw the look in Xiao Muli’s eyes, she thought he was worried about leaving her alone. So, she smiled at Xiao Muli and said, "Brother Muli, go ahead. I’ll sit here and won’t wander off. Besides, I have Baibai with me." Following Situ Xin’s words, Baibai stretched its tiger head and rubbed against her leg.

"I’ll just be a moment and will be right back. Just stay here and don’t wander off," Xiao Muli said, still concerned. After getting a nod from Situ Xin in agreement, he followed Xiao Yongjie away. Xiao Yongjie, meanwhile, took the opportunity to appraise Situ Xin more closely while Xiao Muli was talking to her.

In the past, because Situ Xin had deliberately used magic to make herself less noticeable, which had nothing to do with altering her appearance but simply caused people to subconsciously overlook her. Xiao Yongjie had always considered Situ Xin to be nondescript. He hadn’t really focused on her since she had appeared with Xiao Muli. Now, having taken a good look at her, he was shocked and thought, "No wonder Xiao Muli wasn’t attracted to Yunxi. This young girl may be young, but she’s much prettier than that girl Yunxi." Xiao Yongjie continued walking, mulling over his thoughts.

After Xiao Muli left, Situ Xin sipped on the cup of plain boiled water that seemed never to diminish and complained to Baibai, "Baibai, I’m so bored, I might as well go back to sleep."

Hearing Situ Xin mention sleep, Baibai rolled its eyes, thinking, "This master of mine, I swear. She always says I’m greedy, but she’s just as addicted to sleeping." However, Baibai wouldn’t let Situ Xin know these thoughts and simply agreed, "Yeah, Baibai is bored too."