Doted By The Regent King-Chapter 1376 - 1374: Testing the Waters

Hearing the call, Guan Chuying looked over and saw her friend striding towards her, revealing a sincere smile.

The man opposite her, Xu Huazhang, also looked over. Seeing a tall and somewhat regal woman, he briefly assessed her before looking away.

"Wufu, you’re here." Guan Chuying, smiling, took Wufu’s arm.

Wufu smiled and said, "I happened to pass by your house, had some free time, so I came to see you." She looked at Xu Huazhang, feigning ignorance: "And who is this gentleman?"

Guan Chuying, face full of shyness and blushing, said, "This is Young Master Xu." She then introduced Wufu to Xu San: "This is my dear friend, Miss Wu."

"Miss Wu, it’s a pleasure." Xu Huazhang acknowledged courteously, projecting an image of propriety.

However, Wufu didn’t even want to return the gesture; she just nodded slightly, her expression distant and indifferent: "Young Master Xu."

She had never liked socializing, always maintaining a cool demeanor with strangers, so Guan Chuying thought nothing of it, while Xu Huazhang felt she was avoiding him.

With this thought, Xu Huazhang wasn’t sure if he was avoiding suspicion or something else entirely, so he said to Guan Chuying, "Miss Guan, since you have a friend visiting, I’ll wait for my mother in the front hall. I hear your brother’s collection of books is impressive, might I have a look?"

"Of course." Guan Chuying instructed a young maid to lead Xu Huazhang to her elder brother’s study.

Xu Huazhang bowed again to Wufu, feeling unsure if it was just his imagination, but he sensed a palpable hostility from the young lady.

Wufu gave a subtle signal to Jadeite, who understood and quietly shifted position without drawing any attention, flicking her fingers at the back of Xu Huazhang’s knee just as he was about to step forward.

Xu Huazhang’s leg went soft immediately, causing him to lurch sideways.

"Careful, Young Master Xu." Jadeite instinctively reached out to steady him.

Though it was merely a maid helping someone, Xu Huazhang reacted as if he’d touched something impure, pushing Jadeite away with force.

Jadeite let out a cry and fell to the ground.

The crowd was stunned, turning to look at Xu Huazhang in disbelief at his overreaction.

Xu Huazhang felt he’d overreacted as well, awkwardly forced a smile, and quickly said, "I apologize, miss, I’m not accustomed to physical contact with women, and reacted instinctively. Please forgive me."

Jadeite stood up, dusted off her knees, and stood beside Wufu.

Listening to his explanation, Guan Chuying felt more satisfied, as the rumors were true: Young Master Xu was indeed a principled gentleman, outstanding in every way.

She was lost in her own thoughts, unaware of the chill in Wufu’s eyes.

Xu Huazhang left in a hurry, feeling as though a scorching gaze lingered on his back, but did not dare to look behind him.

Wufu followed Guan Chuying to her courtyard, sipped tea, and seeing her friend’s blushing cheeks, felt her heart sink.

If she hadn’t known Xu Huazhang’s true nature already, just based on today’s encounter, Wufu would have thought him a gentleman who strictly adhered to etiquette. Unfortunately, beneath that facade lay a shameless heart.

"Your engagement with the Xu family is settled? I heard from Lan Cao that you’ve already exchanged the Betrothal Letters?" Wufu asked her.

Guan Chuying nodded with a blush: "The Xu family wants the engagement formalized soon. I think he’s quite good. What do you think, Wufu?"

Wufu playfully said, "If I say he’s not good, would you call off the engagement?"

Guan Chuying looked up at her in surprise.

"Just kidding. I haven’t greeted your mother yet, shall I pay my respects to her?" Wufu laughed, changing the subject, and continued, "Have Lan Cao lead me there. You can make me your specialty, the Hawthorn Cake. I’ve lost my appetite and would love to eat that."

Guan Chuying suspected nothing, asked Lan Cao to lead her to see her mother, and went to the kitchen herself.