Chapter 230

Feng Yunyao forced a smile. "It's quite an interesting story."

"Yes, it is." Zuri replied, her tone casual. "Anyway, when you're ready to leave, let me know, and I'll think about going back." She stood up, ready to leave, but as soon as she turned around, she noticed a familiar figure standing behind her. It was none other than her second brother, Adam.

Zuri glanced at Feng Yunyao, a faint smile playing on her lips.

Feng Yunyao stood up excitedly and called out sweetly, "Second Brother, what brings you here?"

Adam walked over to Zuri's side, his gaze fixed on Feng Yunyao. "I should be asking you that. Why aren't you staying at home? What are you doing out here?"

Feng Yunyao replied with a playful tone, "I wanted to invite Sister to come home. Next month is Mother's birthday banquet. This year, her health has improved, and Father plans to hold a family gathering for her. If Sister could attend, it would make Mother very happy."

"Birthday banquet?" Zuri murmured softly, her eyes glinting as she looked at Feng Yunyao.

Feng Yunyao blinked her innocent, pure eyes at Zuri and smiled, "Sister, you'll come, won't you?"

Zuri laughed softly.

How interesting, truly interesting!

If it were someone less perceptive, they might not even realize the true purpose of Feng Yunyao's visit.

Three birds with one stone—impressive, isn't it?

But in this case, she was aiming for even more. No matter what Zuri said or did, as long as they met, Feng Yunyao would emerge victorious.

She had timed Adam's arrival perfectly, anticipating what Zuri might say. Even if Zuri didn't say it, Feng Yunyao would guide the conversation accordingly, ensuring that Adam would see her as the 'hypocrite'—a person who outwardly claimed not to want to return to the Feng family while secretly demanding that Feng Yunyao leave.

That was the first strike.

If Adam hadn't shown up, there would've been the second strike.

During their conversation, Feng Yunyao didn't mention the banquet. Once Zuri returned home, Feng Yunyao could tell their father that she had invited Zuri to the birthday banquet, and Zuri had agreed. If Zuri didn't show up on the day of the event, how would the Feng family react? What would her parents and brothers think?

And the third strike?

It was this very situation, where Adam witnessed Feng Yunyao's sincere efforts to invite her sister, trying hard to please her parents.

Either way, Feng Yunyao had nothing to lose.

Zuri looked at Feng Yunyao's pure and innocent exterior, hiding such an interesting mind.

She had heard people say before that children from big families were never truly innocent.

Innocence was just a facade, a shield to confuse their enemies.

Of course, Zuri might be overthinking things.

Suddenly, Zuri pulled out a chair, sat back down, and propped her foot on a nearby stool. With her chin resting on one hand, she stared at Feng Yunyao with a roguish and mischievous expression.

"Miss Feng, it seems you haven't finished speaking. I happen to have some time, so why don't you say everything at once? I'm all ears."

Feng Yunyao blinked her innocent eyes, glancing at the unsightly posture of Zuri and then at Adam, only to find that her usually proper and disciplined second brother had no reaction.

Seeing Feng Yunyao's gaze drifting, Zuri impatiently urged, "Miss Feng, hurry up and speak. I'm waiting."

"Are you at a loss for words because Second Brother is here?"

"If you don't say something now, you'll miss your chance."

Faced with Zuri's aggressive demeanor, Feng Yunyao looked a little hurt. "Sister, did I do something to upset you?"

"Upset?" Zuri blinked innocently, her expression playful. "Is there some misunderstanding between us? I don't recall anything like that."

Anyone can act if they put their mind to it!

Adam pulled out a chair and sat down next to Zuri, also looking at Feng Yunyao.

Seeing her second brother's indifferent gaze made Feng Yunyao feel bitter and insecure, but more than that, she was heartbroken.

Was she really so inferior to Zuri?

"I must've misspoken. Sister, please don't be angry." Feng Yunyao pleaded, turning to Adam, "Second Brother, please say something to make Sister forgive me."

Zuri chuckled, her laugh sharp and mocking, as if an invisible hand had slapped Feng Yunyao across the face.

If you say I'm angry, then I'll laugh.

In the imperial capital's circles, Feng Yunyao had always been treated like a princess, flattered by everyone. Even though she was adopted by the Feng family, no one outside the family dared to disrespect her, let alone make her feel embarrassed like Zuri did.

Adam spoke up, "It's getting late. Zuri still has classes. You should go home."

Given the opportunity to leave gracefully, Feng Yunyao happily agreed and said to Adam, "Alright, Second Brother. I'll head back now. Sister, you must come to the birthday banquet."

After she left, Zuri turned her gaze to Adam and suddenly said, "This is the first time."

Adam was taken aback.

Zuri stood up and walked away.

Adam followed her, but as they approached the academy, Zuri blocked his way.

"You don't need to walk me in. I'd like to be alone for a while."

"Alright." Adam didn't insist.

As Zuri climbed the steps, she suddenly turned around and said to him, "This is the first time and the last time."

If she dared to try something like this again,

She would make sure Feng Yunyao understood the consequences of provoking her.

Adam watched as Zuri's figure faded into the distance until she entered the academic building. Only then did he turn around. The moment he did, the warm smile on his handsome face disappeared.

"Take me to the old house," Adam ordered coldly as soon as he got into the car.

Sensing the tension in his voice, the driver didn't dare ask questions and quietly started the car, driving towards the old mansion.

Forty minutes later, the car slowly came to a stop outside the old house. The door opened, and Adam stepped out. The people inside saw him coming and hurriedly greeted him with smiles.

"Second Young Master is here."

Adam looked at Aunt Wu. "Is she back?"

"She's in her room."

Adam nodded and strode upstairs, heading to the last room at the end of the hall.

Suddenly, he flung the door open.

The loud sound startled Feng Yunyao, who was sitting inside. She turned around, and upon seeing Adam, her initial joy quickly turned to fear at the sight of his grim expression.

"Second Brother, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?" Feng Yunyao stood up from her chair, concern evident in her voice.

"Feng Yunyao, stop playing games," Adam said coldly.

"Second Brother, what are you talking about? You're scaring me." Feng Yunyao replied, clutching her chest in fear.