Xun Er's eyes sparkled, her heart swelling with admiration. This Brother Xiao Bai is even more commanding than before.
This kid's got a devilish streak! Ling Ying's mouth twitched. He'd seen plenty of killing—wouldn't bat an eye at a clean death—but this gentle cruelty was a first.
As Xiao Bai raised his foot over Jia Lie Nuo's other leg, the young master choked back his screams, sobbing frantically, "Xiao Bai—no, Lord Xiao, spare me! Let me go, and I'll give you anything! Anything the Jia Lie Clan has, I'll get for you!"
"Sounds good!" Xiao Bai nodded with a sunny smile.
Jia Lie Nuo, enduring the pain, felt a surge of hope, but before his face could light up, a familiar sound cut through.
Crack!
"Aagh!"
Another scream tore from his throat.
"You—hiss—you promised—hiss—you promised!" Jia Lie Nuo hissed through gritted teeth, rage mixing with agony.
"Indeed, I promised. I, Xiao Bai, always keep my word!" Xiao Bai nodded, as if sensing his confusion, and explained in a soft, considerate tone, "But what I wanted was your legs. Touching, right? No need to lift a finger—I'll take them myself!"
Touching, my ass! You damn lunatic! Jia Lie Nuo's eyes burned with hatred, his heart drowning in regret. Why did I run my mouth and provoke this madman?
Noticing Xiao Bai's gaze shift to his arm, Jia Lie Nuo panicked. "Lord Xiao, no! Please, don't break my arm! I'll do whatever you say—east, I go east; west, never! You say catch a dog, I won't chase a chicken. If you don't want to see me, I'll vanish from your sight. Just spare me, please!"
He broke into sobs. Xiao Bai shook his head. "Your words please me, but that look in your eyes? I don't like it. What should we do?"
"No, Lord Xiao, you've got it wrong! From now on, whatever look you want, I'll give it—no questions asked!"
Xiao Bai's smile turned warm, his gaze kind as he looked at Jia Lie Nuo. "Good, good boy. Remember those words—they might just save your life."
With that, he extended a hand toward Xun Er. "Come on, let's go home."
Xun Er's face lit up, her steps light as she skipped over, placing her delicate hand in his, letting him lead her with a docile smile.
As they passed Elder Wang, Xiao Bai glanced at him, making the elder's face pale. After witnessing that scene, he now held the boy in utter awe.
"Y-Young Master Xiao, what do you want?"
"No need to tense up—I'm not a killer. Just make sure to send my regards to the Jia Lie Clan leader after you carry your young master back."
Elder Wang stared at the fifteen-year-old, inwardly groaning. You're trying to drive the clan leader mad! But he nodded. "Young Master Xiao, I'll deliver your message."
Xiao Bai gave a curt nod. The crowd parted like a tide as he approached, clearing a path for the boy with a faint smile, terrified he'd speak to them in that soft, chilling tone.
"Xun Er, don't they look at me like I'm some big villain?" Xiao Bai asked, glancing at the crowd's reactions.
"If Xiao Bai's gege a big villain, then Xun Er will be a little villain. How's that?" Xun Er's eyes curved playfully, giving his hand a teasing shake.
"You little rascal, learning all the wrong things!" Xiao Bai chuckled, unable to resist tweaking her pert nose.
"Hmph! Xiao Bai's gege ways are the best!" She wrinkled her nose at his affectionate gesture, a shy spark dancing in her eyes.
They chatted and laughed as they walked. Passersby gawked at the pair—one a refined young lady, the other in tattered robes—yet so close, their banter warm and easy. Do rich girls play this wild now? But a closer look at the ragged boy revealed a striking face, a hint of majesty in his brow, and the headband's trailing ribbons swaying in his dark hair, exuding a roguish charm. They nodded knowingly. Yup, still a world that judges by looks.
Spotting a clean stall adorned with colorful bracelets, Xiao Bai paused. His eyes caught on a pale green one.
He picked it up, examining it. The material was ordinary, laced with ice silver for a cool touch—perfect for summer. Though simple, the craftsmanship was delicate, giving it an elegant charm.
"How much for this bracelet?" he asked.
"You've got a sharp eye, young master! It may be simple, but the ice silver makes it perfect for summer. Just two hundred gold coins," the stall's female owner said warmly.
Xiao Bai felt a twinge of being overcharged but, thinking it was a gift for Xun Er, didn't haggle. He handed over two hundred gold coins.
Xun Er watched quietly, her eyes shining with anticipation.
"Give me your hand," Xiao Bai said softly.
She obediently extended her right hand. He slipped the bracelet onto her snowy wrist, stepping back to admire it. Not bad.
"It's a bit cheap. Your Xiao Bai's gege is short on coin right now—not like you, little rich girl. Hope you don't mind," he said, ruffling her hair.
Xun Er gazed at him, her fingers brushing his sharp jawline as she shook her head. "Xiao Bai gege, it's not cheap. To Xun Er, nothing in the world is more precious. This is the first gift you've ever given me!"
Her eyes softened, curving into crescent moons, her smile blooming as she admired the bracelet like a rare treasure.
Xiao Bai watched her joy, a pang stirring in his chest. He'd overlooked something vital. Since the day she started calling him Xiao Bai gege, he'd taken her quiet devotion for granted. She'd never asked for anything, never complained.
He'd thought he treated her well, but what was his "well" compared to all she'd done for him? A cheap bracelet—how could it make her this happy? It was only because he gave it to her.
Even a plain stone, if I gave it to her, this girl would cherish it with all her heart.
A mix of tenderness and guilt washed over him. With her status as a Gu Clan heiress, what treasures hadn't she seen? A trinket like this, she'd normally not spare a glance. Yet here she was, beaming like a fool.
He'd never truly considered her inner feelings, treating her like an NPC to farm affection points. No—since arriving in this world, he'd treated everyone like NPCs.
But they weren't. They were flesh and blood, with hearts and emotions.
This isn't a game.