Leng Yexuan was left speechless by Su Wan's retort, the fake concerned smile on his face almost crumbling. He hadn't expected this woman, supposedly from a minor family and a substitute for luck, to be so sharp-tongued and daring enough to use the Leng family's rules against him.
His face darkened, a trace of阴沉 (venom) flashing in his eyes, but it was quickly covered by an exaggerated smile. "Sister-in-law, how can you say that? Of course I'm concerned about Big Brother. How could I disturb his rest? I just want to pop in, say a few words, and leave. I promise I'll be quiet!"
With that, he tried to push his way in again.
Su Wan didn't yield an inch. Her figure seemed slender and delicate, but she was like a flexible bamboo stalk, firmly blocking the doorway. Her voice remained gentle yet carried an undeniable firmness. "Young Master Xuan, we dare not ignore the doctor's orders. Rest is what Yecheng needs most right now. Even the slightest noise could undo all the progress. If you truly care for him, please understand."
She turned slightly, gesturing into the room. "Or, if you're truly worried, you can look from here to confirm he's alright. But entering the room is really not possible."
Her words were soft on the surface but sharp underneath. She made it clear she was following medical advice,占据着理 (occupying the moral high ground), implicitlyaccused him of being unreasonable and insincere, and threw the choice back at him—either comply or appear disruptive and ill-intentioned.
The smile finally vanished from Leng Yexuan's face. He narrowed his eyes,重新审视 (reassessing) the woman before him. She wore simple home clothes, no makeup, looking fresh and fragile, but those eyes were clear and calm, radiating a composure and insistence that made him deeply uncomfortable.
This was not the easily bullied, pitiful substitute bride he had anticipated!
"Sister-in-law," he lowered his voice, a threatening tone creeping in, "I am the Second Young Master of the Leng family. Visiting my elder brother is only natural. For a new bride like you to block me like this isn't very appropriate, is it? Those who know might say you're being cautious. Those who don't might think you have other intentions, that you don't want me to see my brother!"
This was outright malicious speculation and provocation!
Inside the room, lying on the bed, Leng Yecheng's eyelashes fluttered almost imperceptibly. His fingers outside the quilt curled slightly.
Su Wan sneered inwardly but适时地 (timely) showed a trace of委屈 (wronged) panic at being misunderstood. She instinctively glanced back towards the bed as if seeking support, then quickly turned back, forcing herself to appear composed. "Young Master Xuan, how can you say that? I... I'm doing everything for Yecheng! If you insist on thinking that way, I... I can't help it. But today, no matter what, I cannot let you in to disturb him!"
Her voice trembled slightly, choking up as if on the verge of tears from being bullied, yet her feet remained rooted to the spot, not yielding an inch.
The two were僵持不下 (deadlocked) at the door, the atmosphere freezing.
Footsteps sounded from the end of the corridor—Butler Zhong had heard the commotion and hurried over. Seeing the situation at the door, he frowned slightly. He stepped forward and said to Leng Yexuan respectfully yet firmly, "Young Master Xuan, the Young Master has just woken up and is indeed very weak. He needs quiet. The Young Madam is only following the doctor's orders. Please understand. Perhaps you could wait in the drawing room for some tea and visit another day when the Young Master is better?"
Even Zhong Shu was on her side! Leng Yexuan's face turned even uglier; he felt his pride had taken a hit today. He glared fiercely at Su Wan, his eyes cold.
Just then, a weak but clear cough came from the room.
"Cough... cough..."
It was Leng Yecheng's voice!
All eyes instantly turned towards the sound.
On the bed, Leng Yecheng had opened his eyes slightly and was艰难地 (with difficulty) turning his head to look towards the door. His face was pale as paper, his lips chapped, his breathing slightly rapid—the picture of extreme weakness.
"Outside... why so noisy..." his voice was断续 (intermittent), filled with extreme fatigue and displeasure. "Wanwan... who is it?"
He had naturally used the intimate nickname "Wanwan," as if accustomed to it.
Su Wan reacted instantly. She turned and rushed to the bedside