68: She's just a maid, what can she do?

Liu Ruyan clutched her bag, her graceful figure swaying as she followed behind the maid.

Sunlight dappled the manor's path, light and shadow intertwined, and vibrant flowers along the way bloomed freely, their rich fragrance wafting through the air.

Along the way, maids in uniform dresses moved throughout the manor.

Some held long-handled brooms, sweeping the stone path stroke by stroke.

Some Halfknelt on the ground, deftly pulling weeds with dirt-stained fingers, their pristine white stockings smudged with mottled stains.

They looked like elves fallen to earth, full of Spiritual Qi yet possessing a decadent beauty.

Others stood on tiptoes, holding gardening shears, meticulously pruning the branches of green plants, their expressions as focused as if they were carving a priceless treasure.

These maids, dressed in identical uniforms, had their slender or petite figures accentuated by the fitted styles.

Their collars and cuffs were delicately inlaid with creamy lace, and a matching ribbon was tied around their waists in a neat bow, swaying with their movements.

She appeared to be looking straight ahead, but in reality, her peripheral vision took everything in.

This Lu Chen truly was a philanderer, just as the rumors said; the manor was filled with maids, each one dressed enchantingly.

“Hmph, what decent person keeps so many maids in their manor? His true intentions are probably not for the wine!”

She let out a soft snort, a hint of disdain curving her lips.

She became even more convinced of her inner thoughts. Such a frivolous and dissolute person was far from her ideal partner. She would absolutely never be with Lu Chen!

Then she looked at the busy maids; in terms of figure and appearance, they didn't even come close to a fraction of her own.

In contrast, she wore a white, tight-fitting top that accentuated her slender, graspable waist, her bosom full, her curves alluring.

The hip-hugging short skirt was just right, tightly encasing her perky hips, swaying with each step, creating an enticing curve.

With such naturally endowed assets, coupled with the “methods” she had specially prepared for today—the handkerchief in her pocket with its aphrodisiac scent, and the captivating gaze she had practiced countless times—

She didn't believe Lu Chen could resist after seeing her!

At this thought, Liu Ruyan's confidence soared. Her lips curved upward, revealing a bright and charming smile, as if she were enveloped in light.

She lifted her chin slightly, her steps becoming more alluring, her high heels clicking crisply and powerfully with each step, as if she were treading on an invisible drumbeat, swaying gracefully towards the villa.

Just then,

Liu Ruyan suddenly caught sight of Chen Mengyao hanging clothes.

Her figure abruptly froze, as if she had been tripped unexpectedly.

Her previously indifferent gaze instantly sharpened, fixated on Chen Mengyao as if to pierce through her.

Liu Ruyan prided herself on her superior looks and figure, having received countless envious glances when she walked down the street.

But... this maid in front of her, both in figure and appearance, was not inferior to her in the slightest!

In fact, the pure aura about her was even slightly superior to her own.

Those clear eyes, that pristine face, exuded a natural purity, like the first ray of morning light in spring, clear and clean, making her own appearance seem somewhat gaudy by comparison.

In an instant, an inexplicable hostility surged in her heart.

Liu Ruyan's brows involuntarily furrowed, the arrogance in her eyes receding somewhat, replaced by a subtle hint of panic. Her hands unconsciously tightened their grip on her shoulder bag strap.

Chen Mengyao also sensed that burning gaze, her movements stiffened, her hand suspended in mid-air as she was about to hang clothes.

She subtly turned, meeting Liu Ruyan's gaze.

In just a moment, she hastily looked away, her cheeks flushing, as if two fiery clouds had been hidden there, the heat spreading from her cheeks to her earlobes.

She instinctively clutched the corner of her clothes, lowered her head slightly, her shoulders trembling slightly. Her heart felt like an overturned five-flavor bottle, and self-doubt engulfed her like a tide.

Why was there another such beautiful woman?

Could she also be here for Lu Chen?

As this thought arose, an inexplicable anxiety and unease welled up in Chen Mengyao's heart.

In Liu Ruyan's eyes, Chen Mengyao was pure and lovely, a very competitive opponent.

But in Chen Mengyao's eyes, Liu Ruyan was bright and confident, her makeup exquisite, her eyeliner accentuating the charming of her eyes, her lips a luscious red, every gesture exuding charm.

And she herself was merely a humble, plain maid; how could she compare even a fraction?

Her heart was filled only with self-doubt and feelings of inferiority.

Chen Mengyao's lips trembled slightly, but she feigned composure, averting her gaze.

She pretended to continue her work, but her hands disobeyed her, shaking the hanger with a clatter.

Seeing that she no longer met her gaze, Liu Ruyan subtly lifted her chin, secretly reassuring herself: “She's just a maid; what trouble can she cause?”

She straightened her clothes, took a deep breath, her chest rising and falling with her breathing, swallowing her indignation, and resumed her former haughty demeanor.

As her lotus-like steps moved, her skirt swayed gently, like a nimble fish tail.

She raised a hand to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear, then pushed open the door and entered the villa.

Chen Mengyao watched her retreating figure from the corner of her eye, her heart suddenly trembling, her gaze fixed on that door, her teeth unconsciously biting her lower lip until a faint white mark appeared.

“That's Lu Chen's residence. Is she... really going to see Lu Chen?”

As the thought arose, a sour feeling spread in her heart, her eyes reddened slightly, and her nose felt a bitter sting.

Just then,

Xun Xiaoxiao walked over, humming a tune and carrying a bucket.

Seeing Chen Mengyao in a daze, she lightly patted her shoulder, with just the right amount of force: “Hey, what are you staring at again?”

Following her gaze, she saw the villa door had just closed, and immediately understood.

Xun Xiaoxiao's lips curled into a mischievous smile, and she nudged Chen Mengyao with her elbow, raising an eyebrow: “Oh, thinking about Mr. Lu again?”

Her voice was deliberately drawn out, with a teasing, upward inflection.

Chen Mengyao trembled all over, like a thief caught in the act. She waved her hands frantically in the air, repeatedly saying:

“No! I just saw a particularly beautiful woman and was curious about her identity.”

As she spoke, Chen Mengyao's eyes darted around, not daring to look Xun Xiaoxiao directly.

Her hands nervously twisted the corner of her clothes, her knuckles turning red.

Xun Xiaoxiao wouldn't miss an opportunity to tease. Her smile became even more ambiguous as she leaned closer to Chen Mengyao, tilting her head and winking:

“Oh, still playing tough, huh? Your face is all red; I think you're just jealous!”

Chen Mengyao blushed so hard her neck turned red. She buried her head even lower, tracing circles on the ground with her toes, wishing she could find a hole to crawl into. She mumbled: “Don't talk nonsense...”

Her voice was as thin as a mosquito's buzz, her face burning, filled with embarrassment yet harboring a hint of secret expectation.

She hoped that Lu Chen wouldn't be easily captivated by that woman. Her hands unconsciously clutched the corner of her clothes, her palms covered in sweat.

But then she thought, she had no right or status to expect such a thing.

Chen Mengyao's burning face quickly cooled, and the shyness and embarrassment in her eyes swiftly faded, leaving only a bitter, astringent taste... And at this moment,

After Liu Ruyan approached the villa's main door, she didn't go upstairs immediately. Instead, she unhurriedly took out a pair of black-rimmed glasses from her bag... [image]

Liu Ruyan

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