Chapter 201: "I Want to Return to Qingshan Town"
When Xiao Yi Xian met Ya Fei's gaze, she froze for a moment. However, she quickly understood what the woman in front of her was thinking.
"So, this is one of Xiao Yan's women, huh?"
Looking at the mature, alluring Ya Fei, whose charm was like a ripe peach, Xiao Yi Xian's clear, bright eyes took on a subtle and more complex expression.
The two women exchanged glances, and an unspoken spark of rivalry flared in the air.
"This is Xiao Yi Xian, uh…" Xiao Yan hesitated, sensing the tension between the two women. For once, the experienced charmer felt a rare moment of awkwardness.
Unlike the women he had brought together in Jia Ma City before, who were already acquainted, Xiao Yi Xian was a complete outsider to his other relationships. Even with all his "experience," this was new territory for Xiao Yan.
In his previous life, when juggling relationships led to conflicts, he often found himself slapped on both cheeks and left empty handed. Now, while polygamy was accepted in the Dou Qi Continent, such awkward situations still posed challenges.
Just as Xiao Yan was struggling to find the right words, Ya Fei broke the ice. She extended her fair hand toward Xiao Yi Xian with a warm smile.
"Xiao Yi Xian, right? Hello, I'm Ya Fei, the current leader of the Mittel Clan. I'm a bit older than you and have been with Xiao Yan longer. If you don't mind, you can call me Sister Ya Fei."
Xiao Yi Xian blinked in surprise but quickly softened her expression into a gentle smile.
"Nice to meet you, Sister Ya Fei. I'll be counting on your guidance in the future."
In that moment, their delicate hands met in a light handshake, and the tension in the air dissipated.
Even Xiao Yan, who had been silently sweating bullets, felt relieved. Ya Fei's exceptional social skills were once again on display.
With her charm and tact, Ya Fei could easily smooth over situations even Xiao Yan found difficult. Having someone like her around spared him countless headaches.
After the handshake, Ya Fei turned her attention back to Xiao Yan with a playful smile.
"Dear, since we have a new sister in the family, should I inform Sister Yun Yun and the others about her arrival?"
Her tone and demeanor resembled that of a gracious matriarch welcoming a new addition to the household, leaving no room for criticism.
Seeing her poise and understanding, even Xiao Yan couldn't help but feel a swell of pride. "What a gem! She really knows how to handle things."
Xiao Yi Xian, however, wasn't as composed. Although she had mentally prepared herself for Xiao Yan having other women, the reality of it still stung. Worse yet, Ya Fei seemed entirely at ease, her calm and confident demeanor making Xiao Yi Xian feel like a novice.
Her expression faltered briefly, but Xiao Yan quickly placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"Don't worry. They're all very kind and easy to get along with."
Though her lips tightened, Xiao Yi Xian nodded and whispered, "It's fine. As long as I can stay by your side, I'm happy."
Ya Fei's brows arched slightly, a glimmer of surprise flashing in her eyes. "This new sister isn't as simple as she looks. She knows how to turn vulnerability into strength."
Watching the subtle interplay between the two women, Xiao Yan chuckled inwardly. While the faint rivalry was entertaining, he was confident there wouldn't be any serious fallout. He stretched out his arms and pulled both women into a warm embrace, pretending not to notice their discreet pinches at his waist.
Later that day, Ya Fei had a tranquil and elegant courtyard prepared for Xiao Yi Xian. Not only that, but she also arranged for a fertile plot of land near the Yun Lan Sect to serve as Xiao Yi Xian's medicinal herb garden, fulfilling a promise Xiao Yan had made.
The Yun Lan Sect's leader, Yun Yun, personally approved the arrangement, and her disciples worked quickly to prepare the land.
By evening, Xiao Yi Xian had her own peaceful retreat within Jia Ma City, complete with a garden to grow her medicinal herbs.
That night, the soft glow of lanterns illuminated Xiao Yi Xian's courtyard, where six women gathered around a small table. While Qing Lin, being the youngest, remained carefree, the other five women all had ties to Xiao Yan.
"Xiao Yi Xian, I'm Yun Yun, the current leader of the Yun Lan Sect." Yun Yun's dignified aura was accentuated by her phoenix crown, her noble demeanor both elegant and commanding. Though she shot a brief glare at Xiao Yan, her attitude toward Xiao Yi Xian was warm and welcoming.
"The Yun Lan Sect's leader?!" Xiao Yi Xian felt a wave of disbelief. While she had expected Xiao Yan's partners to be remarkable, she hadn't imagined one of them would be the leader of the most prestigious sect in Jia Ma Empire.
Even Ya Fei's status as the Mittel Clan's head paled in comparison. Yun Yun's beauty and grace were so striking that Xiao Yi Xian couldn't help but feel a pang of inadequacy.
"Hello, Sister Yun Yun," Xiao Yi Xian greeted timidly, her tone carrying a trace of reverence.
Another woman, exuding a regal aura, extended her hand. "Hello, Xiao Yi Xian. I'm Yao Ye, the Grand Princess of Jia Ma Empire."
"The Grand Princess?" Xiao Yi Xian's mind went blank again.
Ya Fei chuckled and chimed in, "She'll be the future Empress of Jia Ma Empire."
"That's enough, Ya Fei. There's no Empress here just sisters," Yao Ye replied with a soft laugh.
"Future Empress?" Xiao Yi Xian glanced at Xiao Yan, who remained calm and composed, as if this were entirely normal.
"What kind of women is this guy surrounding himself with?"
Her confidence wavered further. Compared to these women, she felt like an insignificant village girl.
Finally, a delicate, youthful voice cut through her thoughts.
"Hello, Xiao Yi Xian. I'm Nalan Yanran."
"Nalan Yanran? The prodigy of Jia Ma Empire?" Xiao Yi Xian's mind reeled again.
One after another, Xiao Yan's women turned out to be prominent figures. Any one of them could command immense respect across Jia Ma Empire. She couldn't help but feel like a simple, unremarkable woman amidst a gathering of legends.
However, as she shook Nalan Yanran's hand, Xiao Yi Xian noticed a trace of jealousy in the young woman's gaze. It dawned on her that, despite her own insecurities, not all of Xiao Yan's women were as composed as they seemed.
At least, Nalan Yanran appeared to be the weakest link in this extraordinary group.
The dinner, though cordial on the surface, left Xiao Yi Xian feeling out of place. She found herself struggling to reconcile her simple roots with the lofty status of the women around her.
Meanwhile, Qing Lin remained oblivious to the tension, cheerfully enjoying her meal.
Thanks to Ya Fei's social finesse and Yun Yun's leadership, the evening concluded without any major conflicts. However, Xiao Yi Xian couldn't shake her feelings of inadequacy.
Later that night, after Xiao Yan escorted the other women away, Xiao Yi Xian hesitated for a long moment before speaking.
"I… I want to return to Qingshan Town."
(End of Chapter)
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