Chapter 72: Just Coax Her and It’ll Be Fine

Finally, it was time for dismissal in the evening. Aier walked alone to the academy gates.

From afar, she spotted that familiar, slightly rusty Zemo carriage.

Recalling the scene when Lady Xie Yier had appeared at noon today, Aier’s heart grew tense, and her steps also became hesitant.

She dawdled her way to the side of the carriage, took a deep breath, and then finally climbed inside.

As soon as Aier lifted the curtain, she was immediately struck by the oppressive atmosphere both inside and outside the carriage. The air inside felt several degrees colder.

Little Ai couldn’t help but clutch at her clothes with her small hands, her nerves growing taut. She hesitated a moment before finally sitting down.

Lady Xie Yier, meanwhile, was leaning against the seat across from her, eyes closed, still in her uniform. It was unclear whether she was taking a nap or just lost in thought.

The air was frozen.

Aier mustered her courage and quietly called out a greeting.

But Lady Xie Yier gave no response, still keeping her eyes closed, as if she had really fallen asleep.

Yet Aier knew for sure that she was awake.

This deliberate silence was even more unsettling for Aier than any scolding, and she had no idea what might happen next.

Time passed slowly, marked only by the monotonous sound of the carriage wheels rolling over the cobblestones.

Aier felt every second drag on unbearably. The oppressive atmosphere made it nearly impossible for her to breathe.

She couldn’t help but wonder how Lady Xie Yier would punish her this time.

Would it be like last time, making her drink bitter coffee until her stomach hurt?

Or like the time before that, playing that “teasing but not satisfying” game that left her body burning?

Or maybe something else entirely…

Anyway, tonight was sure to be another bout of torment.

“Master…” Unable to withstand the suffocating atmosphere any longer, Aier gathered her courage and timidly tugged at Lady Xie Yier’s sleeve.

“Quiet.”

But Lady Xie Yier’s cold voice cut her off, full of annoyance.

Aier hung her head, feeling wronged.

All along, Lady Xie Yier had been gentle and amiable toward her. Even when angry, she would usually wear a fake smile. But this time, she radiated icy hostility from start to finish.

It looked like she was truly, truly angry.

The carriage slowly pulled up to the gates of the iron castle.

“Get out.”

Aier hurriedly stepped out of the carriage.

Lady Xie Yier looked down at her from above, her entire shadow looming over Aier, as if she were trapped in a pitch-black space.

In the dim light, Lady Xie Yier’s pitch-black eyes seemed even colder and sharper.

“Do you know why I’m angry?”

“(o+~v。) I really haven’t done anything to upset you, Master.”

“Then what did I see at noon today? Was it just my imagination? Or are you saying that what I saw— the two of you lying in bed together— means nothing?”

Aier’s knees went weak from anxiety and she collapsed to the ground.

“Master, I really didn’t! I have no improper intentions at all! I’ve already been doing my best to avoid them! I even let Tang Chu eat all the snacks, and I haven’t—”

Aier, eyes filled with grievance, tried to explain through her tears.

“Oh?” Lady Xie Yier crossed her arms and let out a laugh. “But it seemed to me that Miss Wenjia from the Wen family is quite fond of you. Can’t you tell she likes you? Would you like me to help you two be together?”

“No, no, no!” Aier quickly shook her head, panic written all over her face.

“Right~ Also, that third young lady from the Family of Teluowei Si seems to like you quite a bit too. And there’s also that little cannon from the Wen family. Which one do you like? Or do you like them both?”

“Master, I really don’t! They’re just classmates, that’s all.”

Big, round tears rolled down Aier’s cheeks as she tried her best to explain.

Seeing Aier’s pitiful appearance, Lady Xie Yier’s heart softened a little.

But in the end, she only let out a cold snort, flicked her black hair, and walked silently into the castle, leaving Aier alone at the gate.

At this moment, Aier didn’t know what to do. Should she keep kneeling at the gate, or should she go inside? By the time she gathered her wits, Lady Xie Yier was already gone.

Instead, a silver-haired figure glided gracefully over.

Aier looked up with her teary eyes, and when she saw it was Wenlei, her heart’s grievances grew even deeper.

Maybe it was because she trusted Wenlei that she unconsciously wanted to pour out her troubles.

Wenlei remained upright and dignified, not squatting down to comfort her. After all, she wasn’t sure if Lady Xie Yier was still watching from a hidden corner.

Wenlei sighed, “Little cutie, haven’t I told you before? Lady Xie Yier is extremely possessive.”

“But… I really have been trying my best to avoid them.”

Wenlei’s gentle eyes were full of sympathy. “I understand, and I’m sure Lady Xie Yier knows it too. Otherwise, her anger wouldn’t have stopped at just scolding you.”

But being angry was still being angry. After all, Lady Xie Yier did not like it when what belonged to her was touched by others.

After Wenlei’s advice, Aier’s heart calmed down a little.

Yes, since Master only scolded her, it showed she was doing her best to control her anger.

With that thought, Aier felt much better.

She looked at Wenlei. “Sister Wenlei, then what should I do?”

Wenlei said, “But after all, she’s the Duke and a member of the Royal Family. How could she easily lower her head? At a time like this, you should offer her a way out. Just coax her a little and everything will be fine.”

Aier suddenly saw the light.

But… how should she coax her?

At this moment, Wenlei’s gaze grew gentle and meaningful, looking Aier up and down. “Aren’t you, yourself, the best soothing medicine for Lady Xie Yier?”

Hearing Sister Wenlei’s teasing words, Aier’s whole body stiffened, her cheeks instantly flushing red.

With Wenlei guiding her this far, how could Aier not understand?

But the usual methods might not be enough to move Lady Xie Yier this time. If she wanted to get through this safely, she’d have to use some stronger measures.

Already, ideas were swirling in Aier’s mind—though they were so embarrassing she could hardly stand it.

But this time, she had to go all out!

For herself, and for Yun Qi as well.

“Sister Wenlei, could you help me prepare a few things? I’ll need them for… something important.”

Aier quietly shared her plan with Wenlei.

As Wenlei listened, her expression grew as sly as a fox’s.

“All right, all right, I’ll get everything ready for you right away.”

Wenlei smiled mischievously, making Aier blush so hard she nearly melted into the ground.

This time, she was truly betting everything…

Meanwhile, Lady Xie Yier sat in her office atop the tower, legs crossed. Her expression was no longer icy cold, but rather a little regretful.

Did she go too far just now?

After all, Little Ai had already tried so hard, and besides, the others were heiresses from the Family of Teluowei Si and the Wen family. Those families would definitely give her an explanation. If Little Ai wanted to cut ties with them completely, it would be tough for her too.

Lady Xie Yier began to reflect on herself.

Even though rumors outside painted her as a cruel and overbearing person, her status here meant she sometimes had to put on a stern front, to intimidate certain people.

In reality, Lady Xie Yier had a softer side too.

It was just that seeing her beloved Little Ai being coveted by others made her unbearably frustrated, so her attitude turned cold.