Chapter Seventeen: Even Mom Is Eating Dog Food?

“What?” Chu Hengyang’s breath hitched, his gentlemanly, gentle expression nearly breaking.

Xiao Yixi’s cold lips curved into a faint smile, her bright eyes gleaming softly.

[Little Yingying, could it be that you know how I feel about Hengyang? How is it that your proposals always come at just the right moment, stirring my heart so deeply?]

“Cough.” Chu Ying choked on her own saliva.

Glancing again at Xiao Yixi, she saw that her demeanor remained aloof, though the subtle affection on her cheeks betrayed her feelings.

So, it turned out that the elder sister-in-law was just so thrilled by the perfect proposal that she was excited, not truly doubting her.

She gave me quite a scare…

Phew—

Chu Ying quietly exhaled in relief.

[It seems the daughter not only noticed the mutual feelings between Hengyang and Her Highness the Princess, but is quietly playing matchmaker for them.]

Chu Ying’s fingers trembled slightly as she recognized that this was Liu Shuang’er’s heartfelt thought.

Good heavens!

How does Mother see through everything?

Liu Shuang’er’s gentle eyes flickered.

[The only question is whether your method will work.]

Chu Ying:!

Mother… why are you fangirling over this couple just like me and indulging in romantic sweetness?

---

Seeing Xiao Yixi still gazing at Chu Hengyang, who remained motionless from nervousness, Chu Ying quickly coaxed, “Big Brother, hurry up and make a move~”

“All right.” Chu Hengyang reluctantly snapped back to reality, suppressing the “impure” thoughts rising in his heart toward Xiao Yixi.

“Little sister, which dish would you like Her Highness the Princess to try?” Chu Hengyang asked.

“That one!” Chu Ying pointed to a piece of white jade emerald slices near Chu Hengyang.

“Hm.” Calm and composed, Chu Hengyang reached out his chopsticks, gently picked up the dish, and offered it to Xiao Yixi’s plate.

“Thank you.” The melodious, ethereal voice accompanied Xiao Yixi’s moonlit lake-like gaze as she looked up.

Just as Xiao Yixi’s determined chopsticks were about to meet his offering, Chu Hengyang, feeling an electric shock, quickly withdrew his chopsticks.

He dared not meet Xiao Yixi’s face or eyes for even a moment.

He hurriedly bowed his head and stood, “A humble servant just remembered the poetry contest this afternoon, and must judge the event on stage. I shall leave now and go to the study to read.”

With that, Chu Hengyang fled in a panic without looking back.

From start to finish, not once did his inner thoughts reveal themselves, only his flustered and bewildered feelings when facing Xiao Yixi.

“Ah?” Chu Ying was dumbfounded.

Why did Big Brother run off?

She still wanted to keep enjoying this romantic sweetness!

Xiao Yixi struggled to suppress the smile tugging at her lips, afraid she’d burst out laughing outright.

[Unexpectedly… unexpectedly, Hengyang’s feelings for me run so deep. He fled just from a single glance. It seems today I shall surely lure him into kissing me.]

Her eyes glistened with moist joy.

---

Chu Ying widened her eyes.

Huh?

It seemed her little plan was a great success!

Not only had elder sister-in-law confirmed big brother’s feelings, but she also resolved to make him take the initiative, and then… to tear down the veil of their mutual secret affection!

Heh heh heh.

Chu Ying beamed with pride.

She—was truly impressive!

Elder sister-in-law, the stunning and capable beauty who could skillfully reel in the heart of the man she desired—

Chu Ying was utterly delighted.

“Your Highness the Princess, since Big Brother has left, let’s start eating first,” Chu Ying said, her eyes twinkling. “After we finish, we’ll all go to the study together to call Big Brother to the Imperial Academy.”

“Mm.” Xiao Yixi’s fondness for Chu Ying grew even deeper.

[Little Yingying truly is my treasure. So obedient and adorable. I wonder what gift I should give her?]

What?!

Chu Ying’s nostrils flared as she breathed out in excitement.

The beautiful elder sister-in-law is going to give her a gift?