Chapter Twenty-One: Feigned Flattery

Bai Shengyun bypassed Ning Qingqing and strode directly to Xie Yingying.

"You're back. Did you gain anything from the competition?" Bai Qirui greeted him with a cheerful smile as always.

But Bai Shengyun paid him no heed, reaching out to seize Xie Yingying by the collar at the back of her neck. "I'm taking her with me," he declared.

Xie Yingying struggled to reach behind her, trying to pry Bai Shengyun's hand away. "What on earth is wrong with you? Let me go this instant!"

No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't loosen his grip; every inch of her body was awkward and uncomfortable. To be hauled by the scruff in front of so many people left her powerless and unable to resist Bai Shengyun.

Only now did she regret not being a master of martial arts herself, for she was left at his mercy, bullied and humiliated.

Bai Qirui's brows rose and his smile faded, his tone rare in its seriousness. "Shengyun, you’ll make Miss Xie uncomfortable like that. She’s a lady; you mustn’t treat her in such a rough manner."

"My business is my own. She's mine to deal with as I please. No need for your concern, Third Brother," Bai Shengyun replied coolly. He dragged Xie Yingying off in the direction of his own chambers.

Along the way, not a few people paused to watch the bizarre scene, whispering among themselves.

Xie Yingying stumbled along after Bai Shengyun, inwardly bemoaning her fate. Seizing a brief moment, she glanced at his face and saw it was as cold and still as water, which only unsettled her more.

"You were amazing in the competition—crushed everyone so easily!"

She could manage a little flattery; seeing his foul mood, she thought it best to smooth things over first. She’d already suffered enough at Bai Shengyun’s hands and was loath to taste that suffering again.

He gave no answer, dragging her along without so much as a sideways glance.

Unable to match his stride, Xie Yingying nearly fell flat; only Bai Shengyun’s grip on her collar kept her upright, though it left her face flushed and her neck taut.

He hoisted her up with ease, prompting a fit of coughing. "Are you trying to strangle me?"

Bai Shengyun sneered, mocking her without restraint. "Pathetic. Can't even walk properly."

But after that small episode, he slowed his pace enough for Xie Yingying to keep up.

It wasn’t much of a sign of concern, but small, visible gestures often cut deeper.

Being dragged along, Xie Yingying felt anything but happy. Anxiety gnawed at her, though she tried hard to hide it.

"I haven’t yet congratulated you on winning the coronet—the ultimate victor of the Fox Art contest!"

For the sake of her own safety, she steadied her nerves, wracking her brains for more praise to shower on Bai Shengyun—though it nearly choked her.

"Your mastery of the Celestial Fox Art outshone everyone else, and when you dealt with those challengers, you sent them flying with a single kick. Truly impressive!"

Every word of flattery cost her dearly, but survival left her no choice. If she couldn’t placate Bai Shengyun, she would only bring more misery upon herself.

For the sake of her neck, Xie Yingying swallowed her pride, switching tactics to cajole him.

Though Bai Shengyun’s expression remained unchanged, inwardly he was secretly pleased.

"Such honeyed words. Are you scheming something again?" His gaze lingered on Xie Yingying, meaningful and sharp.

She rolled her eyes in secret, but kept the ingratiating smile. "How could I? You're so outstanding, I could hardly believe my eyes!"

Bai Shengyun gave a cold snort, then fell silent, still leading her toward his chambers.

Xie Yingying stumbled along, groaning inwardly. As the doorway loomed, a trace of resistance flickered across her face.

She had hoped to slip away while Bai Shengyun was occupied with the Fox Art tournament, but fate had thrown her right back into his grasp.

With the air of one marching to her execution, Xie Yingying entered the room, her whole bearing a picture of reluctance.

Bai Shengyun flicked his sleeve, sending a sharp gust that slammed the door shut with a loud bang.

The noise startled Xie Yingying so much she jolted upright, spine ramrod straight.

Bai Shengyun lifted his chin imperiously. "Why are you standing there? Don’t you even know how to pour tea?"

At once, Xie Yingying busied herself pouring him a cup, which she presented with both hands. "Please, have some tea."

Bai Shengyun accepted without ceremony, and when he finished, tossed the cup back to her.

An awkward silence settled between them, each harboring their own thoughts.

Xie Yingying, for her part, worried Bai Shengyun would settle old scores with her, subjecting her to yet more torment.

Little did she know, while she fretted, Bai Shengyun was quietly observing her.

After letting her stew for a while, he spoke offhandedly: "You saw the Celestial Fox Art. From now on, stay put and don’t think about running off into the wilds again."

His display at the competition had served not only to win him the coronet, but also to assert his dominance.

Recalling how Xie Yingying had laughed and chatted with others earlier, his gaze darkened. "Spare me the sweet talk. I’d rather hear what you really think. Do you truly believe I performed well?"

Caught off guard, Xie Yingying hesitated.

She hadn’t expected such an absurd question. Casting a furtive glance at him, she saw his intentions were hardly pure.

But now that she was under his roof, she had no choice but to continue flattering him.

"They were all insignificant clowns, none with your natural talent. With just one move, you commanded the field. I’m certain they all admire you as much as I do."

In that short time, she exhausted every ounce of eloquence she possessed. For the sake of survival and a chance to escape one day, she cast aside every scrap of dignity.

The two of them should never have been entangled to begin with—let alone in a situation like today’s.

Suddenly Bai Shengyun sneered. "If you admire me so greatly, why do you keep trying to escape? Am I some kind of monster?"

"Of course not! You’re an immortal lord, revered by all—how could you be likened to a beast?" Xie Yingying forced a laugh, cold sweat trickling down her temples and into her collar.

"If that’s so, Xie Yingying, you had best abandon all thoughts of escape. Should I catch you trying again, you’ll have only yourself to blame for the consequences."

A cold jolt shot through Xie Yingying’s heart, but she quickly answered obediently, "I’ll stay here as you wish. I won’t dare run off again."