He liked girls like Yun Xi, who were full of pride and didn't submissively go with the flow, nor was she as high maintenance and snobby as those heiresses.
Assertive and decisive, she aroused his manly desire to dominate.
If he could win over a thorny rose such as her, he would feel extremely accomplished
Especially since she was a thorny rose that the Eldest Heir and Young Marshal Mu both fancied!
If he obtained her, not only would his manly ego be gratified, but he could also use her contacts to maintain a relationship with the Shen family, and be backed by a big family such as the Mu family.
Li Sinuo didn't get the answer she wanted, and was choked by Yun Xi's mention of their "ill-fated relationship".
Her every word and gesture seemed to be an attempt to show off her status, and to mock her for being desperately obsequious for the entire evening!