Chang Ning nodded, causing Zeng Dalou to tense up once again.
After a moment’s pause, Qi Yunke’s face darkened. “Lingbo, did you bully Chang Ning again? Have you forgotten my instructions? If this happens once more, I’ll…”
Yin Sulian interrupted her husband, smiling as she said, “What kind of father are you, scolding your daughter without knowing the full story? Look at Zhao Zhao and Chang Ning. They’re both perfectly fine…”
Upon hearing “perfectly fine,” Cai Zhao couldn’t help but glance at Chang Ning’s disfigured face. Chang Ning, however, showed no signs of discomfort and even gave her a slight smile. Despite his face being covered in horrific sores, his eyes were clear and captivating, enough to make one’s heart melt.
“…Even if Lingbo can be mischievous at times, she wouldn’t act out on such an important day,” Yin Sulian continued, turning to Cai Zhao. “Isn’t that right, Zhao Zhao?”
“Yes, yes, Father! We were just playing around!” Qi Lingbo hastily explained. “Junior sister, say something!”
Inwardly, Cai Zhao scoffed, wondering where this senior sister got the confidence to assume she would simply swallow her pride and say nothing had happened.
Seeing Zeng Dalou’s troubled expression, Cai Zhao nodded and said, “Although I’ve just met a senior sister, I can tell she has a kind and honest nature. She seems quite sincere.”
Zeng Dalou thought to himself, “Junior sister Cai, you only needed to say enough to save face for the master and mistress. There’s no need to lie so convincingly – no one will believe it anyway.”
Qi Yunke, both angry and exasperated, could only say, “Very well. If you truly believe that, in the future…”
“Uncle, I genuinely believe it,” Cai Zhao said with a straight face. “If you don’t believe me, just watch.” Before she finished speaking, her right hand flicked upward. The exquisite dagger made a soft sound as a burst of energy propelled it toward Qi Lingbo like an arrow cutting through the air.
Yin Sulian let out a piercing scream. The force of the weapon was even more intense than when Dai Fengchi had thrown the dagger earlier. As the blade flew straight toward her daughter’s face, Yin Sulian nearly fainted. Qi Lingbo stood frozen, unable to move. Qi Yunke was too far away, leaving only Dai Fengchi to swiftly raise his hand in an attempt to intercept.
However, just as the dagger was mere inches from Qi Lingbo’s nose, Cai Zhao suddenly struck out with her left palm. The dagger abruptly changed course, tracing a graceful arc in the air before obediently returning to her hand as if pulled by an invisible string.
A hush fell over the crowd as guests stopped to observe the scene. In the silence, a clear ‘clink’ was heard as a pearl hairpin fell from Qi Lingbo’s hair. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead.
Only Chang Ning remained unfazed, watching the spectacle with great interest.
Yin Sulian, drenched in cold sweat, shrieked, “Cai Zhao, what are you doing? Are you trying to kill Lingbo?”
“It was just a joke, Aunt and Senior Sister. Don’t be afraid,” Cai Zhao said with a smile, playfully tossing the dagger in her hand.
Qi Lingbo, feeling cold and numb, struggled to find her voice. “… You… didn’t you say you weren’t skilled in martial arts?!” Even with her limited knowledge, she could tell that Cai Zhao’s move was impressive, matching Dai Fengchi in both power and technique.
Cai Zhao feigned surprise. “Senior Sister, you must be mistaken. When did I ever say I couldn’t do martial arts?”
“But in the grove, you said…”
Chang Ning helpfully interjected, “Junior Sister Cai said she doesn’t enjoy learning martial arts, not that she couldn’t do them.”
Qi Lingbo, eyes bulging with anger, exclaimed, “That’s right, you said you don’t like learning martial arts!”
“What does not enjoying learning have to do with ability? Even if I don’t like it, I still have to learn,” Cai Zhao replied innocently.
Qi Lingbo retorted furiously, “You also said your parents never taught you martial arts!”
“They didn’t, but my aunt did,” Cai Zhao explained matter-of-factly.
Qi Lingbo trembled with rage, unable to speak. Dai Fengchi wanted to intervene but was at a loss. Yin Sulian’s face turned ashen, while Qi Yunke sighed, rubbing his forehead. Only Chang Ning watched Cai Zhao with an amused smile.
With a gentle tap of her right palm towards the ground, Cai Zhao made a grasping motion. The fallen pearl hairpin sprung up, flying directly into her hand.
Everyone except Qi Yunke and Chang Ning stared in astonishment.
Cai Zhao approached Qi Lingbo with a smile, leaning in to repin the ornament in her hair. Her voice grew even softer as she said, “Uncle, don’t you see I was right? Senior Sister is so honest. She believes everything she’s told without a second thought.”
Qi Yunke replied expressionlessly, “Indeed. You and Lingbo are both such honest children.” Even he didn’t believe his own words.