NFBE Chapter 409: I am utterly impressed
Chapter 409: I am utterly impressed
The young man in white stepped forward, cupped his hands slightly, and said in a gentle, jade-like voice, "Miss Fang, I am truly impressed by your talent at today's poetry gathering."
Fang Xiaoxiao put down her wine cup and politely returned the greeting, saying, "Young master, you flatter me. I was just making things up."
The young man in white quickly shook his head and said, "Miss is too modest. Your poems are like dazzling pearls, unforgettable." As he spoke, his eyes became even more ardent.
However, just then, a woman followed. This woman wore a gorgeous pink dress and had exquisite makeup, yet she exuded an air of arrogance. Seeing the white-robed young man's attentive attitude towards Fang Xiaoxiao, a flame of jealousy instantly ignited in her heart.
The woman stepped forward, snorted coldly, glanced at Fang Xiaoxiao, and said sarcastically, "Hmph, it's just some trivial skill, is it worth praising so highly, young master? I think she's just showing off on purpose to attract your attention."
Upon hearing this, Fang Xiaoxiao simply smiled and did not intend to argue with this rude person, continuing to pick up her wine glass and take a small sip.
The young man in white looked displeased, frowned, and rebuked her, "How dare you be so rude! Miss Fang is exceptionally talented; how can you slander her like this?"
The woman's eyes instantly reddened after being scolded by the young man in white. She said coquettishly, "Young master, you actually scolded me for her sake. Don't you know how I feel about you?"
The white-robed young man's face darkened, and he said, "I know your feelings, but you can't insult others like this."
The woman's eyes welled up with tears of grievance, and she bit her lip as she said, "I did all this for you. How does she compare to me?"
At this moment, the woman's best friend rushed over. The best friend was dressed in light green and had a gentle appearance. She quickly pulled the woman back and gently advised, "Sister, don't be so impulsive. Let's talk things out."
The woman shook off her best friend's hand and cried, "How can I not be angry? This vixen has stolen the young master's heart."
Helpless, her best friend continued to comfort her, "Don't cry, sister. Perhaps the young master is just temporarily misled. Once he understands, he will naturally realize how good you are to him."
The young man in white ignored the woman and turned to Fang Xiaoxiao, saying, "Miss Fang, I am truly sorry to have caused you this undeserved trouble."
Fang Xiaoxiao waved her hand gently and said, "Young master, you don't need to take it to heart. I didn't take those words to heart."
The young man in white looked at Fang Xiaoxiao with eyes full of guilt and heartache, and said, "Your magnanimity is even more admirable."
Fang Xiaoxiao simply smiled faintly and said nothing more.
The princess, watching from the side, couldn't help but say, "Young master, since you're so kind, why don't you sit down and have a drink with us?"
The young man in white readily agreed and sat down next to Fang Xiaoxiao.
However, the arrogant woman stood aside, glaring at Fang Xiaoxiao with resentment, secretly plotting how to embarrass her.
After several rounds of drinks, the princess was already somewhat drunk and leaned against the side to rest.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, the young man in white once again expressed his admiration for Fang Xiaoxiao: "Miss Fang, from the moment I saw you, my heart has been captivated by you. I wonder if you would give me a chance?"
Fang Xiaoxiao frowned slightly and said, "I appreciate your kindness, young master, but I have no such intention at the moment."
The young man in white looked disappointed, but he was still unwilling to give up: "Miss, I am sincere. I hope you can reconsider."
Fang Xiaoxiao sighed softly and said, "Young master, matters of the heart cannot be forced. I hope you will not be so persistent."
The young man in white remained silent for a moment, then finally nodded helplessly.
At this moment, the woman saw that the young man in white had been rebuffed again, and she couldn't help but feel secretly pleased, but she dared not utter another word of provocation.
The gathering following the poetry recital ended in this complex atmosphere.
Fang Xiaoxiao and Princess Li Wan'er departed from the bustling Huashan Poetry Gathering in the afterglow of the setting sun, embarking on their journey home. The winding mountain path was quiet and serene, with the occasional bird song emphasizing the tranquility of the surroundings.
Princess Li Wan'er was in high spirits, chatting with Fang Xiaoxiao about the wonderful moments at the poetry gathering as they walked. "Xiaoxiao, today was truly a worthwhile trip. The poems of those talented scholars were truly admirable." The princess's face was beaming with excitement, and her eyes sparkled with joy.
Fang Xiaoxiao smiled and replied to the princess, "Yes, princess, but your charm is unmatched."
However, this tranquility was soon shattered. Suddenly, a group of dark figures darted out from the woods on both sides of the road and instantly surrounded them.
Princess Li Wan'er was so frightened by this sudden situation that her face turned pale. She screamed "Ah!" and grabbed Fang Xiaoxiao's arm tightly. Her body trembled uncontrollably, and her face turned as white as paper.
Fang Xiaoxiao quickly pulled the princess behind her, her sharp gaze sweeping over the group of uninvited guests. Her eyes held no fear, only determination and resolve. "Who are you? How dare you act so presumptuously here!" Fang Xiaoxiao shouted angrily, her voice filled with authority.
The leader of the thugs had a ferocious look on his face, revealing a mouthful of yellow teeth, and said viciously, "Stop talking nonsense and come with us obediently, or you'll be sorry!"
Fang Xiaoxiao snorted coldly, "Want to capture us? Let's see if you have the ability!" With that, she flashed forward and stood in front of the princess, assuming a defensive posture.
Seeing this, the thugs brandished their weapons and swarmed forward. Fang Xiaoxiao moved nimbly, dodging left and right, avoiding their attacks. Seizing the opportunity, she kicked one of the thugs, knocking him to the ground.
Seeing the situation was turning against her, the other thugs attacked Fang Xiaoxiao even more frantically. While dealing with the thugs' attacks, Fang Xiaoxiao kept an eye on the princess's safety.
After several rounds, Fang Xiaoxiao seized an opportunity and used her fists and feet to beat the thugs until they were staggering. She then grabbed one of the thugs' wrists, twisted it forcefully, and subdued him.
"Speak! Who sent you?" Fang Xiaoxiao glared angrily at the subdued thugs.
The villain was stubborn, "Hmph! Don't even think about getting a single word out of me!"
Fang Xiaoxiao's eyes turned cold. She pulled a silver needle from her sleeve and pressed it against the villain's neck. "You won't talk? Then don't blame me for being impolite!"
The villain felt the chill of the silver needles and panicked, but he still tried to remain calm. "You...you dare!"
Fang Xiaoxiao applied slight pressure, and the silver needle pierced the villain's skin, drawing a trickle of blood. "You think I wouldn't dare?"
The thugs finally became frightened and stammered, "It was...a woman who gave us money to come and arrest you."
Fang Xiaoxiao frowned deeply. "What woman? Explain yourself!"
The villain swallowed hard. "I...I don't know her name. I only know that she is very beautiful and is wearing luxurious clothes."