Chapter 20: Jealousy

“Ah?” Chen Xingmiao froze instantly, her eyes wide with shock.

“Why were you going to Xiao Zilin’s room in the middle of the night?” Xiao Ziyu suddenly exploded in anger, his hand shooting out to tightly grip her neck. His eyes burned with fierce murderous intent, as if he was about to end her life in the next moment.

His grip tightened, and Chen Xingmiao felt her breath growing rapid and labored, her chest stifled painfully. She hammered desperately on his arm, her face flushed bright red, tears welling up and slowly streaming down.

Seeing her in such agony was like a splash of cold water jolting Xiao Ziyu awake. He suddenly snapped out of it, panic and regret flickering in his eyes, and he released her as if shocked by an electric shock.

Chen Xingmiao collapsed awkwardly by the bedside, gasping for air greedily, coughing harshly.

That was close—she had truly thought she might die right there.

“I’ll ask you again: why were you going to Xiao Zilin’s room so late?” He came closer, his eyes filled with hatred as he stared at her.

“I—I went to the latrine in the middle of the night and found you missing, so I came looking for you. Do you believe me?” Her voice trembled, cautious and tentative.

“Looking for me?” Xiao Ziyu sneered coldly, his laughter dripping with scorn and suspicion.

He slowly crouched down and lifted her chin, raising an eyebrow as he scrutinized her. “If you were really looking for me, why would you run to another man’s room?”

“That was the only room with the lights on late at night. If I didn’t go there, where else could I go?” Chen Xingmiao was forced to tilt her head back, and meeting his gaze sent a chill through her heart.

She felt that now, if Xiao Ziyu wished, he could take her life in an instant.

But why was this little antagonist suddenly so furious? Even the previous times hadn’t frightened her this much.

Xiao Ziyu flung her away and stood up, walking to the window and throwing it open fiercely. The night breeze brushed his face, calming his emotions a little.

“And you? Why were you awake so late looking for him? Didn’t you two have some conflict?” She slowly stood up, clutching the bed to steady herself.

Xiao Ziyu glanced at her briefly, then turned away, his voice cold and sharp: “None of your business.”

“None of my business? We’re married now. Your matters are mine as well.”

“Married, yet you talk about propriety between men and women?” Xiao Ziyu stepped back close to her, pressing her down onto the bed again. “Chen Xingmiao, you’re a woman full of nonsense, two-faced and deceitful.”

??? Insult—that was a blatant insult.

Who could tolerate that? Chen Xingmiao could.

Seeing Xiao Ziyu frown, his eyes locked on hers tightly, she didn’t push him away. Instead, she raised her hand to smooth his furrowed brow, then gently stroked down his face.

A flicker of panic flashed in his eyes, and he turned his head slightly aside.

“Hubby, are you jealous?”

His heart jolted; he denied vehemently, “I’m not.”

“Really?” She cupped his face with both hands, smiling gently. “Then why are you so angry?”

Xiao Ziyu’s gaze flickered evasively, and after a long silence, he slowly grasped her wrist, ready to pull away, but stopped upon contact.

“We’re married now. I just don’t want you to attract unnecessary rumors that could harm your reputation.”

Chen Xingmiao didn’t press further; she had only meant to tease him a little.

After all, he was the greatest antagonist to come—how could he possibly fall for someone so quickly?

“So, can we sleep now?”

Xiao Ziyu turned to lie on his side, pulling her into his arms. His head buried again in her hair, his voice muffled and low: “Mm.”

Chen Xingmiao gently patted his back as if soothing a fragile kitten.

As his breathing gradually evened out, she breathed a sigh of relief.

That was close. Good thing she reacted quickly. If they had kept arguing, today might have been her last day.

But wasn’t her mission to assist the little antagonist?

Chen Xingmiao glanced down at the sleeping Xiao Ziyu.

Oh well, whatever—she’d sleep first. No matter how big the problem, it could wait until after she rested.

The next morning, when Chun Tao came to wake them, she saw both of them sporting large dark circles under their eyes and couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Miss, what were you and your husband up to last night?” Chun Tao kept her head down, trying to stifle her laughter.

Chen Xingmiao and Xiao Ziyu exchanged a glance and fell silent.

Damn it, what kind of complexion does the original owner have—just one late night and such heavy dark circles?

Had she been cursed these past few days? Why did so much bad luck keep happening?

“Miss, I’ll help you get ready now.”

Chen Xingmiao’s face stiffened, tears threatening, “Chun Tao, no more laughing!”

After Xiao Ziyu put on his shoes, he left the bedroom with a brief, “I’ll wait for you in the courtyard.”

Sitting before the bronze mirror, Xiao Ziyu cupped his face, examining it closely. Thankfully, apart from the dark circles, his skin remained smooth and tender.

After Chun Tao finished styling Chen Xingmiao’s hair, she teased, “Miss, don’t worry. Once those dark circles fade, you’ll still be beautiful.”

“Get some cucumbers today, slice them, and have them brought to me every night from now on.”

Chun Tao put down the comb, speaking earnestly: “Miss, if you keep eating cucumbers like that, your body might not take it.”

“This isn’t food; it’s a beauty and skin-care remedy. Don’t ask more.”

Chun Tao obediently zipped her mouth but only grew more puzzled in her mind.

After changing clothes, Chen Xingmiao followed Xiao Ziyu to the Zhuyu Academy.

Just as they arrived at the gate, which had been tightly shut, it slowly opened. Lin Yu stood inside, beckoning them to enter.

So smoothly? The little antagonist really has a halo.

Chen Xingmiao’s heart leapt, and she hurriedly followed Xiao Ziyu after Lin Yu.

The three entered a study where tea had already been prepared, as if Lin Yu had anticipated their visit.

“Please sit,” Lin Yu gestured.

“My wife caused trouble yesterday; please forgive her, Teacher Lin,” Xiao Ziyu bowed slightly, a hint of apology in his tone.

Lin Yu lounged lazily in his chair, playing with a delicate jade pendant. His gaze flicked over the two before him, finally resting on Chen Xingmiao’s slightly bent knees, bent from pain.

“Sit,” he repeated, frowning slightly.

Chen Xingmiao tugged at Xiao Ziyu to sit down and smiled brightly. “Thank you, young sir.”

At once, Xiao Ziyu glanced sideways at her.

Smiling so happily? What a hypocritical woman.

[System prompt: Antagonist’s favorability increased by one.]

Hmm?

Chen Xingmiao tilted her head in confusion, glancing at Xiao Ziyu.

What was this little antagonist up to now? These favorability boosts lately kept catching her off guard.

Lin Yu poured tea for both of them, then slowly sipped his own, setting the cup down gently.

“I heard you plan to take the imperial examinations next year?” Lin Yu looked at Xiao Ziyu, eyes narrowing as if deep in thought.

Xiao Ziyu nodded, neither confirming nor denying.

“What’s your name?” Lin Yu asked, still calm.

“Xiao Ziyu.”

Lin Yu frowned again. Wasn’t the Xiao family’s illegitimate son supposed to be conceited and ugly? How was this refined gentleman standing before him?

His gaze shifted to Chen Xingmiao.

So this must be Chen Jinzhou’s youngest daughter—the one he loved most, the one who knelt all night for him? This didn’t look like someone wanting to break off an engagement.

Interesting.

Lin Yu suddenly smiled, exuding a rebellious air.

“Want to apprentice? That’s possible, but…”

“But what?” Xiao Ziyu and Chen Xingmiao asked in unison.