Chapter 49: Stay Away from My Sister

From the moment Bao Yuan appeared, Xianbo Ke’s gaze never wavered.

To see her even once seemed simple, yet was as difficult as scaling the heavens.

A few days earlier, before leaving, Zongnian Pei had whispered a warning in his ear—stay away from Bao Yuan Pei.

Bao Yuan had been living at the old Pei family mansion recently. He had thought about visiting her there, but every time he neared the Pei estate, some inexplicable obstacle would arise.

Using some special means, he learned that Xuanling Song would take her to a gathering, so he took the initiative to go to the Huo residence for the first time.

Chunlan Xu glanced cautiously at Xianbo Ke. “Xianbo, which young lady has caught your eye? If you like her, I can have your uncle help arrange something later.”

She hadn’t attended such socialite gatherings for a long time, especially those in the top echelon of the capital’s elite circles.

Previously, the Song Group had inexplicably canceled their cooperation with her family. Later, their own company projects got stalled during approvals. She still couldn’t understand what had soured the relationship between Bao Yuan and her son.

The two had once been so close, with Bao Yuan constantly visiting their home. Now, after a bitter falling out, business for the Huo family had become difficult.

These socialite ladies were sharp; sensing the change in winds, many invitations stopped coming Bao Yuan’s way. Some who did invite her barely treated her warmly. Without Xianbo Ke, Xu wouldn’t even bother coming.

Xianbo Ke withdrew his gaze, half-smiling, half-smirking. “Really? If I liked a girl, do you think Uncle and Auntie would help me?”

Hearing “Uncle and Auntie” from him made her heart flutter.

She always felt there was a hint of mischief behind Xianbo Ke’s smile. Owing to that person from Gang City, Chunlan Xu nodded, “If you like her, I’ll speak to them immediately.”

“Since Auntie says that, I’m reassured. I like pretty girls—the prettier, the better. I’ve looked around, and only one stands out.”

Following his gesture, Chunlan Xu’s face froze.

She could hardly believe it. Stammering, she asked, “Bao Yuan Pei? You… you’re not mistaken, are you?”

Xianbo Ke leaned lazily against the wall, his eyes filled with unabashed admiration as he looked toward Bao Yuan. “What do you think, Auntie?”

Xu almost exploded. “She’s your brother’s girlfriend! How can you… how can you covet your brother’s girlfriend?”

“Girlfriend… I seem to recall she’s an ex.”

Xu choked. Now she finally understood the scheme behind his invitation to the gathering. All that talk about “wanting someone who understands me” and “Gang City is full of gold-diggers” was just nonsense to fool her!

He had long set his sights on Bao Yuan.

She was her son’s—how could this scoundrel have her?

Xu’s thoughts twisted and turned, and when she met Xianbo Ke’s eyes, a cold sweat broke out on her back.

Those eyes were like a wolf’s, fixated on its prey, fierce and ready to pounce any second and tear it apart.

Just then, a lady approached and greeted, “Ah, Mrs. Huo, it’s been a while since you joined us.”

Xu felt saved, her back drenched as if pulled from underwater. This lady used to be close to her, though she, too, was one who sized people up.

Though annoyed, Xu didn’t dare show her displeasure—after all, their families still had business ties.

“Yes, Mrs. Wang. I’ve been recuperating at home recently due to some health issues.”

Mrs. Wang said some words about taking care of one’s health, then quickly shifted the topic to Xianbo Ke. “And this handsome young man is?”

“This is my nephew,” Xu replied, rolling her eyes behind her back. She knew perfectly well but played innocent. She had noticed his eyes glued to Xianbo Ke when speaking to her. “Xianbo, this is Mrs. Wang. Go say hello.”

Xianbo Ke was courteous and well-mannered, especially in front of elders.

Mrs. Wang grew more and more pleased.

Handsome, polite, and from the prestigious Ke family of Gang City—if her daughter married into that, she’d be set for life.

“Today’s gathering is full of prominent young ladies. Have you seen anyone you fancy? If not, no worries; my daughter is about your age…”

Xianbo Ke was well aware of her intentions. “Thank you, Mrs. Wang. I was just admiring a certain lady and was hoping Auntie would introduce me.”

Mrs. Wang hoped to match her daughter with Xianbo Ke, but he had no interest. Her tone cooled. “Which young lady is it? Let me see—I might be acquainted with her family.”

Xu opened her mouth, wanting to brush it off. If she revealed the name, it would be a complete embarrassment.

But someone’s tongue was too quick: “Mrs. Wang definitely knows—it’s from the Pei family.”

“Pei family?” Mrs. Wang didn’t react immediately. There was only one Pei family in the capital, and only one daughter. Xianbo Ke had chosen Bao Yuan Pei! She looked at Xu with a teasing glint. No wonder Xu’s face fell earlier—it was because the two brothers fancied the same girl.

Yan Ci Huo was famously involved with an actress. Everyone in the capital knew. If it were any other girl, it wouldn’t matter. But Bao Yuan was just a step away from Huo Yan Ci. How could the Pei family tolerate Huo mistreating Bao Yuan? That’s why the Huo family’s project had been stuck in review for two months.

Mrs. Wang praised Bao Yuan while slyly adding, “Good eye. Bao Yuan has been exceptional since childhood—not like those actresses who aren’t fit for the stage. Don’t you agree, Mrs. Huo?”

Xu’s expression darkened as if genuinely ill.

Meanwhile, Bao Yuan struggled to slip away from the flattery of the ladies. Matchmaking was terrifying, especially these so-called social gatherings where suitors brought photos before even arriving.

She glanced around but didn’t spot Xianbo Ke in the crowd. Instead, several wealthy young men noticed her alone and approached.

Bao Yuan smoothly uttered polite remarks and excused herself.

Looking at the chat feed she hadn’t checked in a while, she wanted to see what Xianbo Ke was up to—was he in some corner cozying up to another lady?

[Ke Xianbo was blatantly blocked by Bao Yuan’s brother, haha!]

[Ke Xianbo: I like Bao Yuan! (Loud and clear!)]

[Why do you all say Ke Xianbo’s tire blew out and he got stuck in traffic because of Zongnian Pei? I’m a loyal fan—don’t slander my perfect player brother!]

[Detective team reporting: Before leaving the villa, Zongnian Pei leaned close to Ke Xianbo and, though unheard, lip-reading reveals he said, “Stay away from my sister.” Since then, every time Ke Xianbo nears within three kilometers of the Pei family, strange accidents like tire blowouts and “accidental” dirty water splashes occur. It’s clear Player Brother is being sabotaged.]

[After all, the capital is Pei’s turf. Our little prince from Gang City has never suffered such troubles.]