Chapter 42: Different Scenarios
The scene went something like this – Ruan Zi and the troupe enters the restaurant when they heard the shopkeeper quote the price of Zhang Ziyi's meal. After observing the look at her and her maid's face, no one in the restaurant would doubt that she was short on money.
So, one little follower who wanted to be in Ruan Zi's good books tried to mock Zhang Ziyi.
Ruan Zi turned her head and softly whispered to her something and looked at Zhang Ziyi which others (the female lead) didn't hear so it turned out that Ruan Zi had mocked Zhang Ziyi which others couldn't hear and then threw a 'mocking' gaze towards her.
Lin Huiying was amazed at how the scene was depicted in the story while the reality was that Ruan Zi just asked her to not create trouble.
Ruan Zi moved forward in Zhang Ziyi's direction but was suddenly blocked by a tall man in front of her who was two steps ahead of her, "I'll pay for Miss Zhang. Put her bill on my tab."
Wu Qi, the little wildflower who had opened her mouth just now was shocked to see the man in front of them.
It was none other than the Third Prince of the empire, Zhou Zuoren.
He was clothed in a brocade costume, looking noble without any comparison, emitted a strong aura.
Unparalleled handsomeness!
Even though he had a smile on his face, it did not reach his eyes. Within his soft eyes was a foxlike cunning look.
Ruan Zi who was right next to him greeted him formally with a smile and a bow, "Your Highness, Third Prince. Are you here for lunch?"
Zhou Zuoren's eyes which were initially 'warm' turned cold, "I did come to have lunch, but did not expect to see you troubling Zhang Ziyi! Manager Qin put Miss Zhang's bill on my account."
Ruan Zi's face stiffened, and the atmosphere turned awkward.
At the corner, Lin Huiying was holding her laughter in at this scene. She realized how the meaning changed in the novel compared to the reality she witnessed.
"Even if my Zhang manor is poor, we can still pay mere twelve thousand tales of silver. Later you can visit the Zhang manor to collect the money." Zhang Ziyi arrogantly finished her statement and gazed at Zhou Zuoren for three seconds with a slightly narrow look and haughtily exit the restaurant.
Zhou Zuoren who was not at all annoyed by a girl ignoring him, the prince and even arrogantly left without greeting him but instead laughed, "Seems like Zhang Ziyi is more than bearable unlike what the rumors say. Maybe Ruan Xian will lose a treasure." *EYE ROLLS*
[How did she become a 'treasure'?]
Ruan Zi stood beside Zhou Zuoren. After getting wrongly accused and hearing such words, she felt angry. (Which is quite natural) But she didn't lash out due to her good education.
Lin Huiying glanced at the disappearing figure of Zhou Zuoren and then looked at Zhou Shen who was sitting across her.
Zhou Shen looked at her observing eyes on his outfit and understood what she was thinking and shook his head, "I am more comfortable in such clothes. I can't go on wearing brocade robes every day."
He was wearing simple clothes. Comfortable and neat. He looked down to earth and comfortable to eyes compared to a prince wearing expensive clothes and accessories making others uncomfortable with his presence.
Lin Huiying softly laughed at it, "I completely agree with you. You can just look at my outfit if you don't believe me. Comfort is more important than flaunting wealth."
Zhou Shen carefully observed Lin Huiying who had started eating. She was like a breath of fresh air. Simple blue color dress with her hair tied back in a ponytail. What was more important was how she carried herself with confidence. His face had a soft smile.
After the restaurant returned to its original state, Zhou Dongyu commented, "What a drama in such a peaceful afternoon!"
Zhou Meng, "And what exactly is Third brother doing here? And paying for a woman? Has he changed so much while we were gone?"
Lin Huiying again laughed amidst the discussion going on, at the table.
Zhou Dongyu turned to her, "Now tell me what were you laughing for? Spill what is going on in that mischievous mind of yours."
Lin Huiying: "Oh God! What a show that was. You heard what Ruan Zi told the other girl, right?"
Zhou Dongyu: "Yes." The others who were drawn by the conversation nodded subconsciously.
Lin Huiying continued, "But how did it turn out in the end?" She dissected what happened and explained what she found so funny.
Ruan Zi was suddenly painted as a bitch who ordered her minion to humiliate the female lead when suddenly the mighty male lead comes to save the damsel. But our female lead is 'strong' (arrogant) who does not need anyone's pity or help. [Strong female-lead troupe]
But how did it turn out to be Ruan Zi troubling Zhang Ziyi when she has not spoken a single word to her and tried to curry favor with the third prince. (WHERE SHE ONLY FORMALLY GREETED HIM AS NECESSARY)
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