Chapter 33: This Sister Cannot Be Touched

Madam Xi conversed with Xianyu Qing and her companions for quite some time, her expression always gentle and kind, her demeanor radiant with warmth. This scene left many guests speculating about the identity of the young woman beside the second son of the Nangong family, who could warrant such gracious treatment from Madam Xi.

On the second floor of the hall, Nangong Xin, Lolia, and Xiao Zhiying had arrived early. Seated together, they gossiped about Xianyu Qing’s recent exploits at school.

“Xin Xin, don’t waste your anger on that wild girl. My sister and I will think of another way to deal with her,” Lolia consoled her.

Xiao Zhiying also soothed her, saying, “Tonight is for us to relax. Let’s not dwell on unpleasant things.”

“Mm,” Nangong Xin replied. Though she remained somewhat sullen, she had come tonight to see her “white moonlight”—her secret ideal—and did not want Xianyu Qing to ruin her mood.

The three soon shifted their talk to the Xi family’s famed musical prodigy, who might make an appearance tonight.

Nangong Xin had liked Xi Junle since childhood; her friends all knew it. Yet, the Xi family’s only son was devoted solely to music, never giving his heart to romance.

Tonight’s charity ball, hosted by Madam Xi, was a rare opportunity to see Xi Junle. Nangong Xin would not let such a chance slip by. In truth, most of the eligible young ladies present tonight were drawn by his reputation.

Nangong Lü also brought Xianyu Qing with the intention of seeing Xi Junle—not, however, to play matchmaker for the two.

After exchanging pleasantries with Madam Xi, it was nearly time for the ball to begin. Xianyu Qing and Nangong Lü had agreed beforehand not to enter the dance floor, so he led her to the viewing gallery on the second floor.

Just as they reached the stairs, a voice called from behind, “Brother Lü!”

Nangong Lü turned to see Gu Zijun and Gu Chao, two brothers, approaching. He frowned slightly, wondering why they had come early.

Leaning toward Xianyu Qing, he whispered, “Qing Qing, you go on ahead. I’ll catch up in a moment.”

She nodded obediently. “All right.”

Nangong Lü then walked over to the brothers.

“Brother Lü, is that girl really your distant cousin?” Gu Chao asked outright.

Gu Yue was still staring in Xianyu Qing’s direction. “Why not introduce her to us?”

Nangong Lü turned Gu Yue’s face away. “So that’s why you came up so early?”

Gu Zijun chuckled. “When the young master guards his little sister so closely, naturally we’re curious to see this beauty for ourselves.”

For once, Nangong Lü grew serious. “I’m warning you—she’s off-limits.”

He had no desire to catch the attention of his elder brother.

“Oh?” Gu Zijun raised an eyebrow. “Now you’ve made us even more curious!”

“Brother Lü, can’t we just meet your pretty cousin?” Gu Yue clearly ignored Nangong Lü’s warning.

Gu Chao glared at him. “With your demeanor, you’ll only frighten the girl!”

They were all seasoned young heirs of high society, accustomed to nightlife and flirtation, while the delicate girl in question seemed barely out of girlhood. Given that she was from the Nangong family, it was best to keep their distance.

While they chatted, Xianyu Qing had made it halfway up the stairs when she suddenly encountered Nangong Xin and her friends descending.

“Xianyu Qing?!” Lolia exclaimed in astonishment.

Nangong Xin had often mocked Xianyu Qing’s lackluster dancing to her friends, convinced that she would never dare attend such a ball. Yet here she was, right before their eyes.

Nangong Xin’s expression darkened instantly. “What are you doing here?”

An event of this caliber ought to be beyond the reach of a distant relative like her.

Xianyu Qing lowered her gaze. “Second Brother brought me.”

“How smoothly you call him ‘Second Brother’!” Nangong Xin sneered. She knew full well her second brother loved stirring up trouble, always bringing Xianyu Qing before her, knowing she couldn’t stand the girl.

Not wanting to argue further, Xianyu Qing tried to move on, but Nangong Xin wouldn’t let her go. “You really have a knack for things! You managed to charm my elder brother into letting you stay at the family manor, and now you’ve convinced Second Brother to bring you out for fun…”

“Xin Xin,” Xianyu Qing interrupted, “if there’s something you want to say, let’s save it for another day. Tonight is not the time.”

They were standing at the staircase, where the slightest commotion could attract attention. Xianyu Qing wasn’t afraid of embarrassment herself—she just didn’t want to disgrace the Nangong family.

“Who are you calling ‘sister’…” Nangong Xin was surprised by her composure and wanted to continue, but Xiao Zhiying quickly changed the subject. “Qing Qing, the ball is about to start; we’re all heading down to watch the opening dance. Why are you going upstairs?”

“I can watch from the second floor.”

“Of course. If you can’t dance, it’s best to watch from the sidelines,” Lolia mocked her.

“I’ll just watch you dance,” Xianyu Qing replied with a calm “mm.”

That retort left Lolia speechless—after all, her own dancing was nothing to boast about. Xianyu Qing might not have known that, but to Lolia, it felt like deliberate mockery.

As Xianyu Qing lifted her foot to continue upstairs, Lolia deliberately caught the lace hem of her dress on her sequined purse.

With a sharp rip, a long strip of lace was torn from the outer layer of Xianyu Qing’s dress.

“Oh!” Lolia cried out in feigned surprise. “What happened?”

Normally, such an embarrassing incident should be handled discreetly, but Lolia deliberately raised her voice, drawing the attention of many around them.

Nangong Xin was delighted, covering her mouth to laugh. “Ha, what brand is that dress? The quality’s terrible!”

“Yes, I didn’t even use much force—how did it tear so easily?” Lolia chimed in, gloating.

Only Xiao Zhiying seemed embarrassed. “Qing Qing, did you bring a spare gown?”

“No,” Xianyu Qing answered coolly.

“What will you do?” she asked.

“It’s nothing.”

With one hand, Xianyu Qing seized the torn lace and gave a strong pull.

With a sharp sound, the entire lace layer came off, leaving only the pale green silk dress beneath.

She stuffed the lace into Lolia’s hand, a faint smile on her lips. “Thank you—it’s actually much cooler this way.”

With that, she turned and ascended the stairs as if nothing had happened.

“You—” Lolia started forward, but Xiao Zhiying stopped her. The gathering crowd’s curious stares were growing by the moment.

“Lolia, enough,” Xiao Zhiying warned. They were ladies of distinguished families; if things escalated, it would be their own reputation at stake, not Xianyu Qing’s.

“Hmph!” Lolia fumed, wanting to throw the lace away, but was forced by the occasion to clutch it tightly instead.

“Outrageous,” Nangong Xin spat in disgust. She had always known the girl was wild, but never imagined she would tear off her skirt without shame in public.

Yet, with one tug, Xianyu Qing transformed her originally sweet and charming dress into something that exuded a hint of allure and sensuality.

Just then, a figure in white appeared before Xianyu Qing. “Do you need any help?”