If you were cold and aloof in your past life, why are you crying in this one?

Staying up late on New Year's Eve is a long-standing tradition of the Xi family. The whole family gathers around the warm room, warming themselves by the charcoal fire until midnight, which is when they truly bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new.

The warm room was covered with thick curtains, and the silver charcoal in the middle was burning red-hot, filling the entire room with heat and keeping out the biting cold wind outside the window.

After a few casual words, Xi Jian and Xi Rui set up a chessboard to play, while Xi Song led Xi Wen to disassemble his newly acquired Nine Linked Rings puzzle.

Xi Wen didn't quite understand the things these scions of aristocratic families liked, but he was very patient, and he smiled and agreed with whatever Xi Song said.

Xi Lingxian knew how to enjoy herself. She nestled on a soft couch with plush cushions by the window, while fine snowflakes drifted down outside, and countless snowflakes fell gently.

She ate tangerines, admired the snow alone, and had a brand-new storybook on her lap. No one knew how to enjoy life like her.

Wang Jue was originally standing by the chessboard watching the game, but after a while he found it boring and his gaze involuntarily drifted to the window.

Xi Lingxian was completely absorbed in the dramatic plot of the storybook and did not notice a figure approaching. She had just peeled a segment of orange and was about to put it in her mouth when her wrist was suddenly grabbed by a thug. Without saying a word, the man pulled her hand to his lips, opened his mouth and took the orange segment, without even a polite word.

Upon seeing the person, Xi Lingxian was speechless for a long while. "Don't you have hands? Why did you steal mine?"

Wang Jue didn't speak, but took out the crystal ball, which was completely translucent, from his pocket. His tone remained as domineering as ever. "Take it."

"I already said no, I've changed my mind, I don't like it anymore."

Whether one dislikes the ball or the person is quite telling.

Wang Jue's expression darkened, and he said hesitantly yet stubbornly, "If you don't want it, just throw it away."

Just then, Xi Rui called out, "Qingyu, come lend a hand, I'm about to lose!"

Wang Jue was called away.

Xi Lingxian gradually succumbed to drowsiness, casually draped a thin blanket over herself, and soon fell into a deep sleep.

She was not sleeping soundly; her long eyelashes trembled slightly, her cheeks were flushed, and her breathing was shallow.

The people keeping watch on New Year's Eve unconsciously lowered their voices, afraid of disturbing her peaceful sleep.

After an unknown amount of time, the night grew deeper, the sound of firecrackers gradually subsided, and only the crackling of candlelight remained inside the house.

The girl, still half-asleep, furrowed her brow slightly, her dry lips parted slightly, and she murmured a few soft words in her sleep: "Water...I want to drink water..."

As soon as he finished speaking, in the silence of the room, Wang Jue's body acted before his consciousness.

His hand, which was holding a teacup, suddenly stopped. Before anyone around him could react, he stood up and walked straight to the table. He picked up the porcelain pot, poured a cup of warm tea, tested the water temperature with his fingertips, and then turned and walked toward the soft couch.

The series of movements were so fluid and fast that no one had time to stop them or be surprised.

He paused by the couch, leaned slightly forward, holding a water cup in one hand and gently supporting Xi Lingxian's nape with the other, his movements natural.

Xi Lingxian was still half asleep when she was gently supported by a familiar force. She couldn't open her eyes and felt her mouth and tongue were dry.

Looking at the water glass handed to him, he tilted his head back slightly and took small sips from the other person's hand.

The warm tea slid down her throat, dispelling the dryness. She sighed contentedly, then slowly closed her eyes, snuggled into the soft couch, and prepared to fall asleep again.

She only regained some clarity when no more tea flowed from the bottom of the cup.

Xi Lingxian leaned against the couch, her sleepy eyes fully opened, and looked at Wang Jue who was so close to her, and at the water glass that was still at her lips. Her cheeks instantly turned bright red.

Time seemed to stand still inside the room. Xi Jian, Xi Rui, and the others all turned their gazes to the two of them, their eyes filled with astonishment and bewilderment.

The air seemed to freeze for a moment, and the flickering candlelight cast long shadows of the two people.

Wang Jue calmly placed the empty water glass on the table beside him, his expression quickly returning to its usual cold and aloof demeanor, as if nothing had happened.

Xi Lingxian felt like killing someone, but she didn't know who to kill!

He pulled the thin blanket around himself and decided to pretend he was still asleep.

The room remained filled with astonished gazes, each person preoccupied with their own thoughts, and no one dared to speak up and expose the truth.

The water clock ticked softly, and before we knew it, midnight had passed.

Xi Jian smiled and got up, took out the red envelopes that had been prepared in advance, and gave "money to ward off evil spirits" to several younger people.

Each person receives one, symbolizing peace, prosperity, and freedom from worry year after year.

Wang Jue also took two large red envelopes from the guards behind him, one for Xi Song and the other for Xi Lingxian.

Xi Rui, hands on hips, asked, "Why isn't mine?"

Wang Jue also laughed: "Suppressing evil spirits is a gift from elders. You are older than me, so it should be you who performs the exorcism for me."

Xi Song pinched the thickness of the red seal and his eyes lit up.

"Sister, you can give this to me if you don't want it."

Xi Lingxian: "...Go!"

She is not stupid.

As the old year passed, the morning sun of the first day of the Lunar New Year shone brightly on the courtyard of the Xi family mansion. Red lanterns under the eaves were adorned with delicate frost flowers, and the air still held traces of the festive atmosphere of the New Year.

As dawn broke, the sound of weapons cutting through the air echoed in the courtyard of the Xi residence.

Xi Rui, dressed in a black martial arts outfit and holding a long spear, was sparring with Xi Wen, who was also dressed in martial arts attire.

Their swords clashed, their moves swift and decisive, causing passing servants to stop and stare in disbelief.

The two were engrossed in their practice when a soft sound of footsteps came from the courtyard gate.

Xi Lingxian had just woken up, her bangs slightly disheveled, her eyes still sleepy. Dressed in a casual, soft satin dress, she walked over slowly.

She glanced at the two people in the courtyard, who were still brandishing their swords, and lazily pursed her lips. "They can't even stop on the first day of the Lunar New Year. It's so cold outside, they really can't stay still."

Xi Rui sheathed his spear, turned around, looked at his younger sister, and said in a serious tone: "Martial arts skills should never be neglected, how can you slack off just because it's the New Year?"

As soon as he finished speaking, a tall and dignified figure slowly walked out of the moon gate.

Wang Jue was dressed in a moon-white brocade robe, his black hair was tied up, and his posture was as upright as a pine tree.

Xi Wen paused slightly in his grip on the longsword.

In my mind, powerful and influential families, who spent their days with books on political intrigue, must have been refined and scholarly young men, at most knowledgeable in writing and strategy, but never rumored to have any extraordinary martial arts skills.

He stepped forward, held his sword, and nodded slightly to Wang Jue. His tone was gentle but carried a hint of challenge: "Young Master Wang comes from the Langya Wang clan and has been well-versed in poetry and literature since childhood. I imagine your martial arts skills and knowledge are also extraordinary. I am unworthy, but I humbly request that you, Young Master, enlighten me."

Wang Jue had no interest in a physical fight. "No need," he said, "I have no interest in it."

Xi Wen said, "Young master, there's no need for you to be so modest. It's just a friendly exchange between fellow disciples. We'll stop here once we've made our point. I hope you'll grant us your request."

Upon hearing this, a hint of impatience flashed in Wang Jue's eyes. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Xi Lingxian standing to the side with her arms crossed, looking on with amusement. His previously indifferent thoughts suddenly stirred.

His hands, hanging by his sides, slowly tightened. He turned to look at Xi Wen, his narrow eyes slightly narrowed, and a sharp aura instantly emanated from him. He spoke calmly, "Since Vice General Xi insists, then I cannot refuse any longer."

Hearing the commotion, Xi Jian slowly walked out and stood under the eaves to watch.

Wang Jue casually took the long sword handed to him by a servant and lightly gripped the hilt with his fingertips.

Xi Wen attacked with his sword, but he dodged lightly, then flicked his wrist and the long sword shot out, the move was fierce and ruthless, as swift as the wind.

After only a few moves, Xi Wen's expression changed drastically, his eyes filled with shock and disbelief.

To everyone's surprise, the eldest son of the Langya Wang clan, who spent his days navigating the power struggles of the court, was not only not a weak scholar who only knew how to wield a pen, but also possessed extraordinary skills.

His swordsmanship was fierce and domineering, and his aura was intimidating. In just a few moves, he was left with no chance to fight back.

Wang Jue's moves were swift and decisive, yet he always exercised restraint, never truly harming Xi Wen.

A moment later, he flicked his wrist and gently deflected the sword from Xi Wen's hand, the sword landing with a crisp sound.

Xi Wen stood there, looking bewildered.

After a moment, he clasped his hands in a fist and bowed, saying, "Young Master Wang's skills are superb; I humbly admit defeat."

Wang Jue sheathed his sword and stood there, his brocade robe spotless. "Vice General Xi, you flatter me."

Xi Rui, who was inherently martial and competitive, was instantly ignited by Wang Jue's exceptional skills. He gripped his spear tightly, strode forward, and exclaimed, "Qingyu, I never knew you possessed such excellent swordsmanship! Come, let's spar a few rounds!"

Wang Jue raised his eyes and nodded slightly in agreement.

The next second, two figures darted out simultaneously, their long robes, one black and one white, fluttering in the cold wind, and the sound of their swords clashing was crisp and sharp.

Xi Rui was skilled in martial arts, his moves were powerful and steady, and every move was solid; Wang Jue held a long sword, his figure was as graceful as a pine tree, his swordsmanship was sharp and swift, his moves were quick and decisive, and he was calm and composed in his advances and retreats.

The two men, both tall and handsome, clashed back and forth in the courtyard. Their swords flashed, their robes fluttered, and their movements were clean, swift, and pleasing to the eye.

The maids and servants passing by all stopped in their tracks, leaning against the eaves and doors, their eyes glued to the view.

Sunlight shone on Wang Jue, gilding his moon-white brocade robe with a light gold hue.

The man had a cold and stern look, and his profile was sharp and exquisite. The long sword in his hand seemed to have a life of its own, and he displayed his elegance in every move, whether advancing or retreating, attacking or defending.

The eldest son of the Langya Wang clan, he is skilled in both literature and martial arts, possessing unparalleled strategic acumen and the ability to cleave through the sky with his sword.

Xi Lingxian stood there, staring straight at the man who was showing off his sharpness in the courtyard, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.

She raised her hand and patted her chest, letting out a silent sigh.

It's really not her fault.

This prodigy is both scholarly and martial, possesses unparalleled elegance, and exudes an irresistible charm.

So dazzling, so precious, so perfect in every way, like an unattainable blazing sun, enough to make anyone fall for him.

Even if it's like a moth drawn to a flame, I'd be willing to do it.

In her previous life, she threw herself at him with all her heart, and now, looking back, it wasn't entirely without reason.

Faced with such an extreme person, how many people can remain unmoved and not succumb to temptation?