A man in a blue robe.
He appeared to be around thirty years old.
He exuded an aura of calm stability.
From a distance, his features were unclear, but his profile suggested a refined handsomeness.
Indeed, as the man approached, Qin Yiqing confirmed that he was a handsome man.
Meng Xiao strode a few steps closer to Qin Yiqing.
In truth, Meng Xiao rarely encountered a woman who dared to scrutinize him so openly. Her gaze held no trace of fear.
Yet, surprisingly, her inspection did not make him feel uncomfortable.
Qin Yiqing cupped her fists in thanks towards Meng Xiao. "You are the one who saved me? Thank you very much!"
Such demeanor did not suggest she was a lady from a prominent family, nor a commoner. It was the bearing of someone from the martial world.
Meng Xiao smiled. No wonder.
"It was a chance encounter, a small favor. Miss, you need not dwell on it," Meng Xiao replied courteously.
"It must have cost a considerable sum to have the physician at the clinic treat me?" Qin Yiqing said, withdrawing a hundred-tael banknote from her embrace.
Then, Qin Yiqing added, "Thank you very much."
If she had encountered some wicked individual, she might have lost both her life and her valuables.
A miscalculation, a miscalculation. She had been too hasty leaving home today and completely forgotten to consider the consequences.
Fortunately, no great harm had been done.
Meng Xiao did not refuse. Those from the martial world were always straightforward and disliked owing favors. He had heard of such matters and smiled, nodding. "You are too kind."
Qin Yiqing continued her praise, "The chef at your residence has exquisite skills. The small cakes were so fragrant!"
Her expression was sincere, yet it revealed a hint of a gluttonous child.
The maid beside her observed that Qin Yiqing showed no maidenly shyness. She even conversed freely with their young master.
Their young master was decisive and taciturn.
It was truly rare to see him adopt such a gentle attitude with anyone.
"Our young master hired our chef from a renowned restaurant. His culinary skills are indeed outstanding!" the maid quickly stepped forward to explain to Qin Yiqing.
Their household chef was praised by everyone who visited.
The young master himself didn't care much for food, but the guests at the residence enjoyed it.
Qin Yiqing nodded in understanding. "So that's how it is."
However, no matter how good the chef, how exquisite the meal, she had seen and tasted it all. No matter how fine the residence, she had seen those too. Thus, she appeared truly calm and unfazed, showing no surprise.
She glanced at the sky, realizing it was nearing dusk.
She had left since dawn, before Yun Shu had even woken, and now it was almost dark. Yun Shu might be worried about her whereabouts.
"It is getting late, I must take my leave. I will return another day with a more substantial token of gratitude," Qin Yiqing said generously, cupping her fists towards Meng Xiao once more.
Meng Xiao paused slightly, but then smiled and nodded. "Very well, I shall escort Miss out of the estate."
"Thank you for your trouble."
Qin Yiqing followed Meng Xiao, marveling at the scenery around her.
One had to admit, this man knew how to live! Everything was meticulously refined, leaving no room for fault.
Considering Meng Xiao's age and his smooth demeanor, he must surely be married with children by now? The woman who married him would be truly fortunate.
Qin Yiqing merely pondered these thoughts internally.
As they neared the entrance, a servant suddenly entered with a woman.
The woman was clad in a vibrant pink gown, making her appear exceptionally captivating.
Upon seeing Meng Xiao, the woman rushed over, her gaze fixed venomously on Qin Yiqing. "Young Master Meng!"
Qin Yiqing was bewildered by the woman's hostile stare. What was happening?
"Wang Ya, why are you here?" Meng Xiao's eyes darkened slightly, and his tone deepened. He clearly did not welcome the woman's presence.
"If I didn't come, you would have been charmed away by some vixen!" Wang Ya's voice was somewhat urgent, and she eyed Qin Yiqing with suspicion and hostility.
Her gaze seemed to bore holes through Qin Yiqing.
Rivals in love, their eyes would burn with fury.
But she wasn't a rival in love. Qin Yiqing felt a touch of exasperation. In the past, many had called her a vixen, saying she had bewitched Ji Rong. Now, even after separating from Ji Rong, people still called her a vixen.
She was wearing a very ordinary false face, for goodness' sake!
How could that be associated with a vixen?
Exasperated, she rolled her eyes. "I am not a vixen."
"If you are not a vixen, then what are you? Everyone in the capital knows that I, Young Master Meng, am the man I wish to marry! You are plain-looking and of ordinary background, yet you dare to have such aspirations of soaring to the heavens. How shameless!" Wang Ya was no sheltered young lady who stayed indoors. In business dealings, she was known to be fiery, and thus she disdained women who sought to climb the social ladder.
Qin Yiqing's lips twitched. Initially, she had no intention of engaging, especially since she owed Meng Xiao a favor. But now, was she to be treated as if she had no temper?
"What is your background?" Qin Yiqing asked with a cold sneer.
Wang Ya was momentarily stunned by the question.
Qin Yiqing then smiled. "Do you believe I could easily buy out all of your family's businesses?"
"You!" Wang Ya had never expected Qin Yiqing to speak this way.
Enraged, she raised her hand, intending to strike.
However, in the next instant, Qin Yiqing's hand moved with lightning speed, delivering several sharp slaps in rapid succession.
This startled the servants nearby.
It also stunned Wang Ya.
When Wang Ya had initially raised her hand to strike Qin Yiqing, Meng Xiao had moved to intercept. But seeing Qin Yiqing act first, the corner of his lips twitched slightly.
Her martial arts were excellent.
Wang Ya had not anticipated being struck.
Her eyes widened, and she stared at Qin Yiqing with fury, looking as if she wanted to lunge forward and beat Qin Yiqing soundly. "You dare to hit me?!"
"I hit you precisely because you dared. I have never encountered anyone who could lay a hand on my face and survive. You should be grateful I did not take your life," Qin Yiqing replied in a clear, cold tone, her gaze dismissive, as if stating a trivial matter.
She was not exaggerating.
Having roamed the martial world for many years, she had indeed never been defeated, except, of course, by Yun Shu.
The servants on the side watched, dumbfounded.
It was the first time they had seen a woman gain the upper hand against Miss Wang.
Furious, Wang Ya turned sharply to Meng Xiao. "Young Master Meng, look at her! Such a ruthless woman, who resorts to violence without hesitation, do you still like her? I am the one suited for you in this world!"
"Wang Ya, I have refused you long ago. I will not marry you. It is best that our relationship remains strictly professional. This young lady was someone I chanced upon and saved; she is not as you presume," Meng Xiao said with little emotion in his voice.
Qin Yiqing raised an eyebrow. She had just been thinking about offering some silver as compensation after the beating, given that Meng Xiao had saved her. But now, she wasn't the woman Meng Xiao fancied?