Chapter 32: Chapter The introductions continued for a while longer, and although Su Yueqing did her best to maintain the image of a spoiled and unreasonable young madam, even she was beginning to grow tired.
There were simply too many people.
One servant would step forward.
Then another.
Then another.
After hearing nearly thirty names in a row, everything had begun blending together inside her head.
She had already forgotten who Fatty was.
Bamboo Pole had somehow become Tall Bamboo.
And she could no longer remember whether Steamed Bun was the round-faced maid or the one with the soft cheeks.
At this point, even her Villain Points were not enough motivation.
Then, just as she was wondering how much longer this torture would continue, a familiar face stepped out from the third row of servants.
Su Yueqing immediately paused.
Her eyes narrowed slightly as the courtyard became quiet, even the servants noticed the change.
The head maid also followed her gaze.
Su Yueqing stared for several seconds before finally speaking.
"You."
Li Mei stepped forward.
"This servant greets Young Madam."
Unlike the other maids, her posture remained straight and composed. She neither appeared nervous nor overly eager to please.
Her expression was respectful.
But there was a certain distance in her eyes.
A certain unwillingness.
The sight immediately interested Su Yueqing.
"Oh?"
She leaned slightly against the armrest.
"Why are you here?"
Li Mei looked up.
"This servant was reassigned by the Duchess."
Su Yueqing frowned.
"Weren’t you serving in Mother’s residence?"
Li Mei lowered her head slightly.
"This servant follows the arrangements of the masters."
Her answer sounded proper.
Yet somehow...
It also sounded cold.
Almost as though she was saying she had no choice but to be here.
Su Yueqing raised an eyebrow.
The other servants immediately became nervous.
Anyone could hear that Li Mei’s tone was not particularly warm.
It was not disrespectful enough to punish.
But it was certainly not the attitude most servants would use toward a newly married young madam.
Inside her mind, Su Yueqing clicked her tongue.
[Oh?]
[Already showing me character?]
[Interesting.]
The moment the thought appeared, the Xi family members hiding nearby nearly focused all their attention on Li Mei.
Meanwhile, Li Mei remained calm.
She knew exactly how far she could push things.
After last night’s incident, she had already realized that her position within the Xi family was no longer as secure as before.
Acting openly hostile would be foolish.