Zuo Hengyi's words made Shi Li turn to look at him with surprise.
As a younger brother, it seemed rather absurd for Zuo Hengyi to tell his future sister-in-law that his own brother wasn't reliable.
Lu Lanshan was also taken aback, wondering what kind of person would make their own brother speak ill of them everywhere.
Lu Lanshan's mind quickly analyzed two possibilities: either the brothers had a poor relationship and the younger one was deliberately tarnishing his brother's reputation, or the elder brother truly had character flaws, and the younger one was trying to prevent an innocent person from jumping into the fire, so to speak.
As far as she knew, the two brothers actually had a good relationship.
Lu Lanshan thought of another possibility - perhaps this young man didn't want her to be with his brother because he disapproved of her as a sister-in-law.
She had only guessed half correctly, missing the other half entirely.
As for the real possibility, it would indeed be difficult for Lu Lanshan to guess correctly.
Current Shi Li thought: What's wrong with him? How could someone speak about their own brother like this?
Future Shi Li would realize: Everything had been premeditated.
Zuo Hengyi could hear Shi Li's thoughts and naturally heard her suspicion that something was wrong with him.
Zuo Hengyi laughed bitterly in his heart - if it weren't for wanting his brother to live longer instead of dying early, he wouldn't want to do this either.
Speaking ill of someone behind their back was quite tasteless, after all.
Regardless of what Lu Lanshan thought inside, she maintained her composure outwardly. She nodded gracefully, saying, "Thank you for your warning. I'll keep it in mind," indicating that she had taken his words seriously.
She was well-versed in social interactions and knew how to satisfy different types of conversation partners.
Zuo Hengyi felt relieved - at least she seemed to take it to heart.
He secretly glanced at Shi Li's expression. Apart from briefly thinking he was crazy earlier, Shi Li hadn't made any other reactions. Zuo Hengyi wondered if Shi Li was satisfied.
Speaking ill of his brother in front of Lu Lanshan served two purposes: first, to make Lu Lanshan develop a negative impression of his brother and break up with him voluntarily; second, to make Shi Li approve of his action of exposing his family's shortcomings, hoping she would ultimately spare his brother.
Lu Lanshan pinched a little one's cheek, praising, "So cute."
Shi Ruan ruffled the little girl's fluffy hair, "Indeed very cute."
The Zuo family lived near the Shi family's villa, so Shi Ruan was quite familiar with Elder Brother Zuo. They often played together as children, but grew apart as they got older and became more aware of gender differences - boys didn't like playing with girls, and girls preferred spending time with others who shared their interests.
Though they had grown somewhat distant, they were still quite familiar with each other.
The Zuo and Shi families often socialized together.
Ji Chunsheng's narrow eyes traced Elder Brother Zuo's waist, where the tailored suit's design perfectly accentuated his figure.
Without realizing it, Ji Chunsheng let out a cold sneer.
He thought to himself: Wearing such clothes in this cold weather, wonder who he's trying to attract.
Aliali: 67567d42bd5e46c308c70fee
He further mused that not taking care of one's health when young would surely lead to various problems in old age.
Actually, Ji Chunsheng wasn't dressed much warmer himself, wearing only a black wool coat, though it was slightly more weather-appropriate than Elder Brother Zuo's outfit.
Among their group, only Second Young Master Fu was the most unpretentious, dressed normally.
The other gentlemen weren't wearing much either.
While Elder Brother Zuo was chatting with Second Young Master Fu, Ji Chunsheng whispered in Shi Ruan's ear, "Never learn from him - choose warmth over style. Otherwise, when you're old, you'll have all sorts of health problems. His wife will be dancing with old men right in front of him while he can only watch helplessly from a wheelchair."
Shi Ruan thought: What's wrong with you?
Your imagination is running wild - you're even thinking about what will happen to him when he's old. And why can't you wish him well instead of putting him in a wheelchair?
Shi Ruan wondered if these two had some unknown grudge between them.
Ji Chunsheng proudly declared, "I'm different. I've been focusing on health since I was young. When I'm old, I'll still be a fit old man who can go square dancing with you. You won't have to worry about finding a dance partner."
Shi Ruan: ......