What does it have to do with you?

“You invited me over to express your gratitude?”

Seeing Zhao Linger return, Xiao Fan thought she had made preparations and was ready to leave.

He hadn't expected her to come to invite him to a banquet; how interesting.

Xiao Fan smiled, “Inviting me to a banquet, is this your idea or your aunt’s idea?”

Zhao Linger was very grateful to him, but looking at his smile, she always felt something was off, a peculiar danger.

“Of course, it’s my aunt! Do you think I would invite you to dinner? Don’t be ridiculous!”

“The more I look at you, the more dangerous you seem.” Zhao Linger subconsciously took two steps back, her jade hand clutching her red dress.

“Alright, come with me.”

Zhao Linger finished speaking and walked over, naturally taking Xiao Fan’s hand and dragging him away. It was unclear what her earlier retreat meant.

Xiao Fan, of course, had no objections; he also wanted to be alone with this most beautiful woman in the Southern Domain.

………………

Zhao Caiyi had changed into a different outfit: a fiery crimson long dress that showcased her perfect figure, making her appear graceful and slender.

She shed her usual solemnity, softening her regal elegance. Her red dress swayed slightly, like flickering flames, hot and alluring.

Her usual high-piled hair bun was gone, replaced by silky, straight black hair that cascaded like a waterfall.

A few strands of hair fell loosely over her shoulders, natural and beautiful, presenting an inner beauty that was both refined and intelligent.

Beneath the long skirt, her fair, jade-like, straight beautiful legs were difficult to conceal, half-hidden, half-revealed, inviting endless speculation.

Though one could not see the full picture, a glimpse of her delicate jade feet beneath her pristine, jade-like feet offered a hint.

A golden anklet was tied around her warm, reddish-white ankles, and her jade feet, set against the golden anklet, resembled a perfect work of art, gold inlaid with jade.

Every step she took, lightly placed, made one a little nervous, fearing that this precious artwork would be scratched by the rustic wooden floor, a wanton destruction of beauty.

Zhao Caiyi moved with an ethereal grace, like a startled swan or a swimming Dragon. Her features were exquisite and beautiful, her bright, intelligent eyes full of charm, her lips red and teeth white, and her nose high and straight.

Her delicate face was without makeup, naturally glowing with a healthy, rosy complexion.

She stood in the courtyard, gazing into the distance, seemingly looking at something.

Her jade hands were clasped tightly, her palms sweating with nervousness.

“Why hasn’t Ling’er returned yet? Could it be that the invitation was too sudden, and she was rejected?”

Zhao Caiyi felt a little anxious. The thought of being rejected made her feel disappointed.

But then, she thought that if she wasn't rejected, it would be a very beautiful thing.

She was restless, her jade feet lightly shifting as she paced back and forth in the courtyard.

“Does this outfit look too informal?”

“But this is just a family dinner. If I dress too formally, will it seem too stiff?”

“I feel this outfit doesn’t suit me. If I wear it like this, will he think I’m too frivolous?”

Zhao Caiyi’s mind was racing with countless thoughts. This was the first time her heart had been so occupied by someone, and it was a man!

Xiao Fan’s method of easily destroying the Great Luo made her yearn for him. Only such a powerful man could disturb her heart.

If it were him…

She didn't know what she thought of, but Zhao Caiyi felt her face flush, revealing an undeniable shyness.

“No, what am I thinking?!”

“I invited him only to thank him, nothing more.” She told herself this.

There was movement outside the door, the light footsteps of Zhao Linger.

Zhao Caiyi’s figure flickered, and she vanished from the courtyard, entering the house. Only when Xiao Fan and Zhao Linger entered did she slowly emerge to greet them.

“Ling’er, Xiao Gongzi, you’ve arrived.”

“Please come in, come in.”

She actively stepped forward to lead Xiao Fan.

Zhao Linger exclaimed, “Aunt, why are you dressed like this today?”

Zhao Caiyi thought something was amiss. She smiled and asked, “Is anything wrong?”

Zhao Linger shook her head and said, “Well, it’s just very different from your usual style, so it feels a bit awkward.”

“But Aunt, you’re beautiful, so you look pretty no matter what you wear.” Zhao Linger said with a sweet smile.

Zhao Caiyi chuckled and replied, “Where did you learn such glibness?”

“No way, I’m just stating facts, okay?” Zhao Linger affirmed.

Xiao Fan was also stunned at first glance.

To maintain the image of a clan head, Zhao Caiyi's previous makeup choices leaned towards maturity and solemnity, and her robes tended to be plain, emphasizing dignity and formality.

However, the Zhao Caiyi of today was completely different from her usual self. Her swaying crimson long dress flickered like flames, and her unadorned, elegant jade-like face was like a lotus emerging from clear water, fresh and natural.

Fiery and hot, fresh and elegant—two completely disparate styles perfectly combined on her beautiful body. The immense impact deeply shocked Xiao Fan.

Dignified and extraordinary in the main hall, elegant yet pure during leisure—truly the most beautiful woman in the Southern Domain.

Seeing Xiao Fan staring at her face, somewhat lost in thought, Zhao Caiyi couldn't help but turn her head away, avoiding his gaze.

Zhao Linger noticed the clue, waved her hand in front of him, and charmingly shouted, “Hey, don’t you dare have bad ideas about my aunt, you bad thing!”

She angrily shouted, a surge of anger rising in her heart, not knowing if it was because Xiao Fan was paying too much attention to Zhao Caiyi, or if she felt an imbalance in her own heart.

At least, Zhao Linger couldn't tell yet.

At her shout, Xiao Fan didn't hide his intentions.

He openly said, “Is there a problem with looking at something beautiful a few more times?”

“You!” Zhao Linger clenched her small fists, an unidentifiable anger rising in her heart.

How dare you look at other women? Do you believe I’ll beat you to death!

“You are my Revered Master’s man; how can you have thoughts about my aunt?” She brought up Xin Xi and Yu Yue, trying to make Xiao Fan back down.

“They don’t mind, why are you so anxious?” Xiao Fan smiled.

“I… I don’t care. I just have to look after you for my Revered Master!”

She struggled for a long time before managing to squeeze out this seemingly reasonable sentence.

Xiao Fan shook his head and said, “What is our relationship? Aren’t you being too nosy?”

Zhao Linger was speechless. Right, this guy isn't my Dao Companion, so what he does with anyone else is none of my business.

But after thinking about it, she felt it wasn't right.

One is my Revered Master, and the other is my aunt. How is it not my business?

She was about to say something more, but Zhao Caiyi called out to her.

“Ling’er, don’t cause trouble.”

“Today is not for you to throw a tantrum. We are hosting this banquet to thank Xiao Gongzi. If you upset Xiao Gongzi like this, how can we talk about gratitude?”

Zhao Linger pouted, her cheeks puffed out in anger, and she finally said no more.

“Xiao Gongzi, please come in. My humble abode is simple, and I ask for your understanding if my hospitality is lacking.”

“Not at all, I’m never picky.”

Just like that, Zhao Caiyi personally led Xiao Fan to the dining table and arranged his seat.

Xiao Fan also followed her guidance and sat down. He loved drinking and dining with beautiful women the most.