Qin Yuanfeng replied warmly with a full smile, "I am the humble Qin Yuanfeng!" After speaking, he glanced at Ruan Jingliu and added, "I am a friend of Jingliu."

First Young Madam Ruan secretly assessed the man in front of her. He appeared to be around twenty years old, with a clean-shaven face, bright eyes, and sharp brows, all adding to his handsome and charming demeanor. Upon further observation of his attire, he wore a dark green robe with dark red and gold embroidery of blooming gentian flowers. He was tall and upright, his manner composed but slightly frivolous. However, it was evident his family background was likely distinguished; otherwise, he wouldn’t exude such an aura.

Could he be the offspring of some high-ranking official in the capital?

Yet she had never heard of any Cabinet merit breeder with the surname Qin in the capital.

Could she have remembered incorrectly?

Ruan Jingliu had a good relationship with the Fourth Madam of Xuanning Marquis Mansion in the capital. Together, they ran two profitable medical clinics, and Grand Commander Xiao enjoyed the Emperor’s favor... She frequently visited meritorious families’ residences for medical consultations, so knowing a nobleman wasn’t surprising; perhaps she was indeed mistaken!

Changing her mind, she looked again at his attitude towards Ruan Jingliu. His closeness was somewhat attentive, and his eyes undisguisedly showed his fondness. Could it be that he had intentions towards her?

It’s just a pity he’s a bit too young!

In a single glance, First Young Madam Ruan’s mind already turned over multiple thoughts. She smiled and said, "Guests who come are considered friends. However, her elder brother has important matters to discuss with her, should there be any disregard, I seek your understanding." With that, she gestured with her hand, "Please!"

Ruan Jingliu, without any sidelong glances, entered the courtyard, while Qin Yuanfeng smiled and nodded at First Young Madam Ruan, saying, "No problem, no problem, I shall wait for her." After saying this, he followed Ruan Jingliu indoors without waiting for First Young Madam Ruan to say more.

First Young Madam Ruan frowned secretly and followed them in. Just as she reached the main hall, she saw a man pulling aside the curtain from the adjacent room and stepping out. He was not tall, slightly plump, and bore a resemblance to Ruan Jingliu. The man’s gaze immediately fell on Ruan Jingliu, his face sinking as he was about to speak. First Young Madam Ruan quickly raised her voice to interrupt, "Master, your sister is back."

First Master Ruan paused, finally noticing the presence of an outsider, and held back his scolding words to look at Qin Yuanfeng, who cupped his hands in salute, "I am the humble Qin Yuanfeng."

"My respects!" With the same scrutinizing gaze as First Young Madam Ruan, he looked Qin Yuanfeng up and down, saying, "Ruan Bosong."

The two had thus exchanged formalities, and as they spoke, Ruan Jingliu had already entered the main hall first, with Qin Yuanfeng following behind Ruan Bosong. Ruan Bosong asked, "Mr. Qin is a friend of my younger sister?"

"Indeed," Qin answered, then, upon invitation, sat down beside Ruan Jingliu, "I have known Jingliu for three years." He glanced at Ruan Jingliu, who remained expressionless, even colder than usual.

Ruan Bosong also looked at his sister and exchanged a few polite words with Mr. Qin. After the tea was served, he asked, "May I inquire where Mr. Qin hails from and where you are currently employed?"

"I am from Yangzhou; my family runs a small pharmacy, barely sustaining our livelihood, thus not worthy of the words ’employed’!" Qin Yuanfeng said, sipping tea leisurely, he then raised his brows in appreciation, "Excellent tea!"

Upon revealing his background, Ruan Bosong showed little reaction, his earlier smile faded as he turned to speak with Ruan Jingliu, "You’ve been back for over two months. Why haven’t you come home?"

"No time." Ruan Jingliu didn’t drink tea; her peripheral vision swept over Qin Yuanfeng!

Ruan Bosong knitted his brows. Earlier, out of caution and not knowing Qin Yuanfeng’s identity, he had shown some restraint. Now, knowing he was merely a person without status or position, his face turned cold, unguarded, "Over two months and you have no time? I think you simply don’t consider this your home!"

Ruan Jingliu did not look at him, "Why bother asking if I consider this home? You invited me back to say something; if there’s nothing, I won’t entertain further." She made a move as if to leave.

Ruan Bosong’s face darkened as he was about to erupt in anger. First Young Madam Ruan came in with a laugh, "It’s hard to come back. Speak nicely, speak nicely." Saying so, her demeanor not as enthusiastic as before towards Qin Yuanfeng, "Mr. Qin, the siblings have things to discuss, it’s inconvenient to have an outsider present. I kindly ask Mr. Qin to excuse us briefly."

Qin Yuanfeng continued to drink his tea with a cheerful smile; he looked up upon hearing these words and said with a smile, "I won’t speak, nor listen; I’ll just enjoy my tea!" The implication was that they could say whatever they wanted, as if he wasn’t there, with no intention to leave.

First Young Madam Ruan was stunned, having never encountered such a person; she was visibly uncomfortable and awkwardly said, "This... truly is a bit inconvenient." Saying so, she looked at Ruan Bosong.

Ruan Bosong’s brows tightened, showing obvious disdain. Ruan Jingliu, however, said, "He is my friend; there is no need for him to leave. Say whatever you have to say."

The couple was infuriated. Ruan Bosong pointed at Ruan Jingliu, "You..." Then looked at Qin Yuanfeng, who remained sitting boldly, showing no embarrassment. Truly, birds of a feather flock together, all so arrogant and ill-mannered!

"Come with me!" Ruan Bosong stood up with a burst of energy and stormed out the door.

Ruan Jingliu didn’t move. First Young Madam Ruan glanced around, then walked over and said with a smile, "Your elder brother has important things to discuss with you. It’s rare for you to come back; you two siblings should have a good talk." Saying this, she forcibly pulled Ruan Jingliu, "You go; I’ll take care of Mr. Qin!" Pushing her out as she spoke.

Ruan Jingliu’s face fell as she was about to speak, but saw Qin Yuanfeng subtly nodding to her, showing a rare composure in his eyes. Her eyes moved before she shook off First Young Madam Ruan and followed Ruan Bosong to the next room.

As soon as she entered the room, Ruan Bosong couldn’t wait to reprimand, "Tell me, what have you been doing outside?" Pointing to the outside, "What sort of disreputable friends have you been associating with? A pharmacy owner... it’s just as I thought, birds of a feather flock together."

Ruan Jingliu squinted her eyes, and Ruan Bosong continued, "What is your status, and what is our family’s status? From a young age, how did mother and the nanny teach you? You, a woman, going out every day exposing yourself, do you have no sense of shame?"

"Shut up!" Ruan Jingliu sneered coldly, "You have no right to scold me." She retorted, word by word, "If you have something to say, say it quickly; I have no time for your nonsense!"

Ruan Bosong’s face turned livid from anger, he glared at Ruan Jingliu with his hands behind his back, eyes full of disdain and contempt, "I am your elder brother, like a father to you, and you speak to me without respect."

Ruan Jingliu looked at him with disdain, offering no further response. Infuriated, Ruan Bosong stepped closer, just about to speak, when a cough was heard outside. First Young Madam Ruan walked in, softly glancing at Ruan Bosong. His words were interrupted by her, and she smiled and said, "You are siblings by blood; with our parents gone, isn’t this the closest you have in the world? Don’t get angry, speak calmly." Saying so, she moved to Ruan Bosong’s side, "You, Jingliu is young, and she hasn’t been home for many years. You speak of her every day, but when you meet, you can’t help but be harsh, I really don’t know how to speak of you."

Ruan Bosong hesitated, avoiding looking at Ruan Jingliu. First Young Madam Ruan turned to persuade Ruan Jingliu, "What your elder brother says, don’t take it to heart; you know him, deep down he cares for you and can’t bear seeing you struggling and working hard outside. So, he thought of bringing you back, but when meeting, he can’t speak properly..." With that, she went to take Ruan Jingliu’s hand, "Let’s sit down and talk this over slowly!"