Not only had Wang Ji not expected such a request, but Chen Yi hadn’t either.

However, the two men felt completely different about it at this moment.

Wang Ji was mostly relieved.

He hadn’t been confident he could present the future plans for Hundred Herbs Hall completely and clearly under the watchful eyes of both Chen Yi and Xiao Wan’er.

Like an employee facing their boss, he felt nervous and anxious, lacking in confidence.

Chen Yi, on the other hand, was the exact opposite.

According to their original plan, he wouldn’t have had to say much, which would have lowered his risk of being exposed.

He wouldn’t have felt nervous at all in that scenario and would have been full of confidence.

But now, he had no choice but to speak with Xiao Wan’er face-to-face.

It wouldn’t do to remain silent and act like a nobody.

Chen Yi thought this, but his expression remained calm. He tilted his head up slightly and commanded in a haughty manner:

"In that case, you two will wait here."

That expression and tone, combined with his faintly arrogant and superior demeanor, did indeed give him the air of someone from a great clan.

Furthermore, he wasn’t currently using the Black Tortoise Concealment Technique to restrain his aura. With his Power and True Essence stirring slightly, he appeared much more imposing and powerful.

Compared to his usual gentle, humble, and frail scholar-like appearance, this persona had more impact and a hint of flamboyance.

However, when Wang Ji and Zhang Dabao saw these changes, they were impressed but also couldn’t help but break into a cold sweat for him.

After all, they were inside the Dingyuan Marquis’s Mansion.

Not only did he have to face Xiao Wan’er, but Martial Arts experts like Shen Huatang and Xie Tingyun were also watching from the side.

If he revealed even the slightest flaw, no amount of disguise would be of any use.

But Chen Yi had no time to worry about their thoughts right now.

After taking the Oil Paper Umbrella from Zhang Dabao and the *Baicao Hall Expansion Charter* from Wang Ji, he followed Shen Huatang into the wooden building.

Cui’er then led Wang Ji and Zhang Dabao to an adjacent guest room to wait.

After Cui’er left, the two men looked at each other and couldn’t help but share a helpless smile.

"Shopkeeper..."

"Shh."

Before Zhang Dabao could speak, Wang Ji raised a finger to his lips, signaling that the walls had ears.

Zhang Dabao nodded in understanding and mouthed, "Do you think the boss can handle it?"

"Probably. The boss has always been composed. He should be able to control the situation."

Despite saying so, Wang Ji wasn’t very certain either.

’I hope the boss doesn’t make any mistakes.’

Mistakes?

’Of course, there wouldn’t be any.’

Chen Yi’s previous arrangements had just been a precaution.

But when that "one in a million" chance actually occurred, he didn’t panic. He was merely a little surprised.

’Xiao Wan’er must have some small scheme in mind,’ he mused. ’Probably a little ploy to seize the initiative or show how much she values this.’

With these thoughts, Chen Yi followed Shen Huatang into the wooden building and took a seat in the living room.

He wore a magnificent black brocade robe embroidered with a landscape painting, a sachet hanging from his waist to mask any scent. He simply sat quietly in his chair.

His handsome face was expressionless, abnormally calm, one might even say cold.

And yet, his every action conformed to the rules of etiquette.

Whether walking, sitting, or responding to Shen Huatang’s guidance and welcome, the details of his conduct all displayed the refined upbringing of a great clan.

Naturally, Shen Huatang and Xie Tingyun observed all of this and reported it to Xiao Wan’er.

"Young Miss, this man has an extraordinary bearing and outstanding looks. Judging by his aura, his Martial Arts are not weak either. He must come from a significant background."

Xiao Wan’er nodded, her beautiful head lowered slightly in thought. "Then let’s proceed with the original plan. Present the gift first, then we’ll discuss other matters."

At this moment, she was still wrapped in a large cloak, but the collar was pulled even tighter than usual, almost covering her mouth and nose.

Even so, her pale face, with its hint of fragility, was still stunningly beautiful. With bright eyes and pearly teeth, her every glance exuded grace and nobility.

After exchanging a few simple words, Shen Huatang and Xie Tingyun, each holding a tray covered with a red cloth, followed Xiao Wan’er into the living room.

Chen Yi heard them approaching and even faintly caught snippets of their conversation. Seeing them walk in, he glanced at the three of them out of the corner of his eye before rising to bow.

"Chen Yu of Hundred Herbs Hall, I greet you, Young Miss."

Chen Yi had long been prepared for this, so he naturally didn’t act out of character. Furthermore, every aspect of his demeanor was different from his usual self.

His posture was more upright, his tone colder and stiffer, and his every move carried a hint of dominance. Even the look in his eyes was not entirely the same.

But when Xiao Wan’er saw him, she was still momentarily stunned, an inexplicable sense of familiarity surfacing in her heart.

That posture, that expression, those looks, that voice, and the bearing in his every move...

They should all have been unfamiliar, but she felt as if she had seen him somewhere before.

At first glance, he was like... like... a very, very proper Chen Yi.

So much so that Xiao Wan’er was slow to return the bow.

A few breaths later, Shen Huatang and Xie Tingyun exchanged a look, both feeling a little puzzled.

But seeing that Boss Chen was still bowing, and that to continue any longer would be a breach of etiquette, Shen Huatang had no choice but to give a light cough as a reminder.

The sound brought Xiao Wan’er back to her senses. An unnatural blush appeared on her face as she curtsied.

"Young Master Chen, there’s no need for such formality. Please, be seated."

As she spoke, she took the seat of honor, unable to prevent some strange thoughts from arising in her mind.

They mostly consisted of her grumbling about Chen Yi.

That man not only wrote her poems, but he also frequently stared and spoke improperly, teasing and flirting with her, which had left her with deep-seated "resentment."

Otherwise, why would she now mistake a stranger for him?

Chen Yi, of course, had no idea that in just these few moments, Xiao Wan’er had already started grumbling about him in her head.

After taking his seat, he merely glanced at Xiao Wan’er before turning his head slightly and sitting ramrod straight, wearing a stern and unsmiling expression.

Xiao Wan’er also remained silent. She glanced at his profile, and that feeling of familiarity washed over her once again.