To Hold One’s Joy

hapter 36-1: Cross Paths

Miss Luo?

Luo Sheng immediately grasped the situation - the man before her didn't recognize her from their previous encounter but instead recognized her as Miss Luo.

She discreetly glanced at Hongdou, hoping for some assistance. But to her surprise, the usually eloquent and fierce little maid appeared dull and obviously could not be counted on.

The man exuded an air of danger, and under the weight of his piercing gaze, Luo Sheng couldn't afford to be complacent. She replied calmly, "I'm doing well."

Given Miss Luo's notorious reputation for swooping in on attractive men whenever she came across them, it was only natural to assume that her interaction with the man in front of her wouldn't be harmonious. At least she didn't hear the slightest intimacy from the man's words.

As the daughter of the Jinlin Guards Commander, Miss Luo held a noble status, so it was fitting for her to handle the man before her with such an attitude.

Luo Sheng's ability to maintain her composure was one of her greatest strengths. To put it bluntly, she could lie without batting an eyelid. Yet, the inquisitive gaze from the man upon hearing her response caused her heart to skip a beat. She had merely uttered two words, so what could possibly make him sense that something was off?

The man raised his eyebrows slightly. His face was a little pale, and his eyebrows looked like black ink.

"It seems Miss Luo no longer remembers me," he remarked.

Luo Sheng lifted her chin slightly and responded impatiently, "I meet countless people and tend to forget them soon after. My apologies."

"Is that so?" The man observed Luo Sheng intently before standing up. "In that case, I apologize for the intrusion."

Luo Sheng watched as the man departed with his attendants, and her tense body gradually relaxed. She wasn't concerned about any potential entanglements between the man and Miss Luo but rather the possibility of him recognizing her from their encounter that night.

With the man's departure and the easing of the invisible pressure, Sheng Sanlang finally regained his senses. "Biaomei, do you two know each other?"

"No." Luo Sheng replied firmly.

Sheng Sanlang blinked in disbelief. It couldn't be true. The man's appearance was on par with Su Yao, and he had even taken the initiative to greet Biaomei. There was no way she wouldn't know him.

However, before he could inquire further, Hongdou, who had snapped out of her daze, tugged on Luo Sheng's sleeve and whispered, "Miss, do you really not remember him? He's Kaiyang Wang!"

Kaiyang Wang? Luo Sheng's complexion changed slightly.

She had previously learned from Hongdou that Miss Luo had been sent to the Sheng Mansion because she had offended Kaiyang Wang. Rumor had it that Miss Luo's old habit of pursuing and snatching handsome men on the street had resurfaced, and she had set her sights on Kaiyang Wang, which had greatly angered him.

Kaiyang Wang, the Emperor's younger brother, holds significant stature despite his youth. Even the Crown Prince, who was several years older than him, would respectfully address him as "Imperial Uncle." Given his high status, it was only natural that his anger had serious consequences. Commander Luo had to take action to appease Kaiyang Wang. He sent his daughter out of the Capital as an apology.

Luo Sheng had considered it carefully. Someone of such high rank and power wouldn't give much attention to a young girl like her, so if she returned to the Capital discreetly, it shouldn't be a problem.

Unfortunately, fate had a different plan, as they coincidentally met on the road. Sighing at her unfortunate luck, Luo Sheng composed herself and said, "It's alright. Since he left, it means he doesn't hold any grudges for my past offenses. Let's continue our journey after drinking tea."

After being teased by a girl, venting his anger, and ensuring the girl was punished, what more could he want? He certainly couldn't force the girl to marry him or become a nun.

"Miss, you may be too optimistic. This maid feels that Kaiyang Wang is still angry." Hongdou interrupted her thought. "Huh?" Luo Sheng frowned, starting to think that the man who had left was rather narrow-minded. His appearance is acceptable, but he is too narrow-minded.

Hongdou lowered her voice: "Back then, on the street, you took off Kaiyang Wang's belt—"