CHAPTER 173: CHAPTER 168: BLACKER THAN A LUMP OF COAL! (SIXTH RELEASE)

Yi Luowa blushed and asked, "Did you come back with You Jia?"

"Wow~ You even learned how to change the subject." Ai Ni chuckled, "Yes, I came back with You Jia, and I brought a friend along. This time, you’ll have someone to play with."

"Who is it?" Yi Luowa let out a long sigh of relief seeing that Ai Ni didn’t press her further.

"My aunt’s niece, Connie. She’s about your age, you two will definitely get along." Ai Ni raised her hand to tidy up her messy hair. "You haven’t had breakfast yet, have you? I haven’t either—should we eat something before heading home, or eat at home?"

"Is it okay to eat here? Going to your place always troubles the staff." Yi Luowa forced a smile. Tong Airui’s aunt’s niece—a princess again—could she be just like Shiqing?

"Then go freshen up first. You Jia and I will wait for you in my brother’s ward." Ai Ni said as she walked out the door.

Yi Luowa stared at the door, blinked her eyes, and thought about Tong Airui sending Ai Ni to pick her up. That meant he wasn’t mad at her. After sulking all morning, her mood instantly lifted as she skipped into the bathroom.

After breakfast, Yi Luowa took a quick look at Yi Weiyang before getting into the car with Ai Ni.

On the way, Ai Ni animatedly recounted how she had pestered her grandfather, causing Yi Luowa to laugh nonstop. "Ai Ni, you should go become a movie star!"

"I think I have the talent for it." Ai Ni said with a laugh.

"Has your fifth brother come back?" After their laughter subsided, Yi Luowa asked.

Ai Ni nodded, "Yes, he’s back. He went home with Connie first. Originally, Grandfather wanted to come this time too, but he wrestled with the decision all night before declaring he wouldn’t come just as we were about to leave. Guess what he said?"

"I don’t know what he said, but I bet it has something to do with me." Yi Luowa smiled knowingly. "It’s not proper for elders to avoid juniors. When your brother has some free time, we should visit La Man to see him."

Ai Ni laughed, "No wonder my brother says you’re clever. Grandfather did say exactly that. But if you’re waiting for my brother to have time, well, that might take until the cows come home!"

You Jia turned to look at Ai Ni and said with a laugh, "Once the military parade is over, my brother should have a few days to rest. But whether or not he’s willing to go to La Man depends on his mood."

"Ever since he started dating my sister-in-law, my brother’s been sunny all the time." Ai Ni nudged Yi Luowa’s arm playfully. "If you do manage to upset my brother, though, just let us know so we can avoid him. When he’s angry, he doesn’t shout or curse—he just torments us till we’re miserable."

"I didn’t upset him!" Yi Luowa said with absolute confidence.

"Fine, I won’t ask anymore. Even if you make him mad enough to explode, he’d still accept it willingly." Ai Ni grinned. "Oh, by the way, my fifth brother said he’d listen to you about everything from now on. When you meet Connie later, be sure to give him your opinion."

"Connie is Aino’s girlfriend?" Yi Luowa perked up.

"Nope. Grandfather and my uncle and aunt are trying to set them up, but I can tell my fifth brother doesn’t even have eyes for Connie."

"Then what’s Connie’s take on it?"

"If you ask me, Connie seems to like my fifth brother a lot." Ai Ni leaned toward You Jia. "What do you think?"

You Jia smiled gently, "You girls always have a knack for reading each other’s feelings. Mine’s only good enough to understand yours."

Yi Luowa clicked her tongue at You Jia and said, "Nobody can beat the Prince’s emotional intelligence. That comment felt so heartwarming to hear."

You Jia blinked his blue eyes and smiled, "Thank you for the compliment, Fourth Sister-in-law."

Yi Luowa chuckled, "You’re welcome."

The three chatted and laughed as the car quickly reached the villa. As soon as Yi Luowa stepped out, she saw Drizzle and a girl in a light blue chiffon dress approaching.

The girl wore a string of pearl necklace around her neck. Her long, beautiful hair cascaded like seaweed down to her waist, and despite her simple attire and minimal makeup, she exuded a radiant elegance. Her skin was smooth like porcelain, and her eyes gleamed like morning stars.

Yi Luowa silently admired her: Gorgeous! Refined and extraordinary—such remarkable charisma!

As Yi Luowa praised Connie inwardly, Connie didn’t hide her amazement either, staring at Yi Luowa with shining eyes. "Luowa, you’re even prettier than in the video!"

Wow, another princess—similar first meetings, yet this one felt utterly different from the arrogant Shiqing Princess.

"Princess Connie, hello!" Having learned from past interactions, Yi Luowa graciously greeted her.

Connie paused for a moment. "You’re being so polite to me that it makes me feel rude in comparison."

Ai Ni laughed and grabbed Connie’s hand. "My fourth sister-in-law is just pretending to be formally polite—don’t take her seriously. The sun’s blazing outside; let’s head inside to chat."

Yi Luowa pouted and clung to Drizzle’s arm, "Drizzle Sister, look at Ai Ni spilling all my secrets!"

"Later, I’ll spill hers on your behalf." Drizzle said with a smile, leading everyone into the living room.

Tong Yao saw the group arriving and quickly instructed the butler to prepare iced tea.

"Hello, Aunt." Yi Luowa smiled sweetly and greeted Tong Yao.

Tong Yao reached out and pulled her to sit next to her. "I haven’t seen you in three days, and your face is already a bit tanned. Did your friend leave?"

"Yeah, they returned to Country F with Uncle and Aunt." Yi Luowa said, touching her cheek. "I forgot to wear sunscreen, and now I’m as dark as coal."

"Darker than coal, I think!" Tong Aino pushed open the study door and laughed as he walked out. "Poor my brother, he’ll have to rely on touch to find you at night..."

"Tong Aino!" Yi Luowa narrowed her eyes and glared at him ferociously.