Inside the room, Hua Zhaoxue was in a complete fluster. Downstairs in the Flower Pavilion, the atmosphere was far from calm.

Several courtesans still lingering in the Pavilion gazed affectionately at the tall, elegant figure.

Though Tian You’s face was hidden behind a mask, his refined aura effortlessly overshadowed the “top young master” in their hearts. For a moment, the chirping chatter swirling around him sounded almost melodic.

Li Bai felt no anger at the youth stealing his spotlight. To him, these women were beneath notice. His heart held only Hua Zhaoxue. And after learning there was no bond between the youth and Hua Zhaoxue beyond sibling ties, Li Bai even considered currying favor with this transcendent young man—clearly from a distinguished house.

“Young master, upstairs is where your sister resides,” Li Bai explained to Tian You with a hint of flattery after Sister Zhao went up to deliver the message.

“Then… why don’t we go up instead of waiting down here?” Tian You asked, slightly puzzled.

A trace of surprise flickered in Li Bai’s eyes. He frowned oddly. “Young master… surely you know what kind of place this is?”

Tian You simply shook his head in confusion, bewilderment shimmering in his violet eyes.

Li Bai felt awkward—but not truly shocked. Instead, he grew more certain of Tian You’s noble background. *A man of his bearing would never set foot here for pleasure,* Li Bai thought. *Even I wouldn’t, if not for Hua Zhaoxue. This place is, at its core, for indulgence.*

But how to explain? It was still early. Guests likely slept soundly in the girls’ rooms upstairs. Worse—if some were still… active—the sounds would be rather unpleasant to hear.

Yet as the revered top young master of Huanan, pride held his tongue. Such words were hard to utter.

Just then—hurried footsteps echoed from the staircase.

Li Bai’s face brightened. Ignoring Tian You, he stepped forward eagerly. “Congratulations, Miss Hua Zhaoxue, on claiming the Flower Queen title yesterday! Li Bai brings you a grand gift!”

It was Hua Zhaoxue herself. The moment she saw the transcendent youth behind Li Bai, she recognized him. Panic flashed across her exquisite face. She gave Li Bai a hasty curtsy, lifted the hem of her crimson skirt, and rushed to Tian You, breathless: “Tian You, it’s not like that! I’ve done nothing improper here—my body is still chaste!”

Flustered, the usually serene Hua Zhaoxue stammered.

Seeing her near-tearful anxiety yet speaking such embarrassing words, a faint blush rose on Tian You’s delicate cheeks. He chided softly, “Sister Zhaoxue… what are you saying? Chaste or not… of course I know you’re pure.”

Relief washed over Hua Zhaoxue. She patted her chest. “No misunderstanding… good, good…” Then she froze. In her panic, she’d blurted everything—only to clear his doubt. Now, those words felt utterly shameless.

A deep flush flooded her face. With a soft whimper, she ducked her head. Her slender hands twisted the skirt sash so tightly the fabric threatened to snap.

...

Li Bai’s smile hardened. Watching Hua Zhaoxue act so coy before the youth, veins throbbed on his handsome face.

*Years I’ve devoted to her. She never spared me a glance. Yet I believed… one day.*

*Now—my goddess acts shy before a boy younger than me? How can I not rage?!*

“Little brother?! Older sister?!”

*More like lover-brother, lover-sister!* Anyone with eyes could see their bond ran deeper.

Every prior gesture from Tian You now felt like deliberate provocation. *Who in Huanan doesn’t know I adore Hua Zhaoxue? He came here to humiliate me publicly!*

“Good… very good…”

Even Li Bai’s famed composure cracked.

Hua Zhaoxue, hearing the venom in his tone, forgot her shyness. She stepped protectively before Tian You, her gentle face sharpened with resolve.

Seeing her shield him, Li Bai felt like spitting blood—but pride forbade pettiness. He glared past her. “You! Dare you compete with me?”

*Is he an idiot?* Tian You wondered, watching the warm-smiling man turn aggressive in seconds.

Hua Zhaoxue’s delicate brows furrowed. “Master Li—I’ll still call you that! Tian You is my friend. Explain why you target him without cause!”

“Heh…” Li Bai let out a cold laugh. *First “brother,” now “friend”? Making a fool of me?*

“I actually respected your ‘friend’! Turns out he’s just a coward hiding behind a woman. Miss Hua Zhaoxue—choose your friends wisely.”

Hua Zhaoxue flushed, stepping forward in anger—but Tian You gently held her back. She turned. His expression was calm again. Softly, he faced Li Bai:

“Speak. How do you wish to compete?”