Previously, when Lan Xinyi gave Xu Fan the elixir, it was because she harbored a slight affection for him deep down, not wanting him to die.

But now, when Lan Xinyi gave Xu Fan the elixir, it was out of charity; Xu Fan's life or death no longer concerned her!

What Lan Xinyi wanted was merely the self-respect that should have belonged to her and the respect Xu Fan should have given her.

"Boring."

Yet, what made Lan Xinyi feel increasingly absurd and even angry was that Xu Fan didn't even glance at her, not even once, merely uttering those two words coldly.

This person actually dared to say that she was boring?

Lan Xinyi was a bit stunned, and what happened next made her eyes widen in disbelief.

"Xu Fan!"

A crisp voice rang out as Song Ling'er came bouncing over, waving to Xu Fan.

Xu Fan, who had always been extremely cold to Lan Xinyi, now had a smile on his face, a smile Lan Xinyi had never seen before.

It turned out that his perpetually cold face could actually smile!

And when he smiles, it's so beautiful!

As Song Ling'er appeared, Lan Xinyi was completely stunned.

Wasn't Xu Fan always cold and indifferent? Why was he smiling at another girl? And so beautifully at that? Didn't he come to the Elixir Pharmacy to pursue her?

Could it be that Xu Fan didn't like her, and all of it was just her wishful thinking?

This thought flashed through Lan Xinyi's mind but was quickly dismissed by her.

Lan Xinyi was an exceptionally beautiful woman and had absolute confidence in her looks.

In fact, it was true; Song Ling'er was like a budding flower, while Lan Xinyi was like a blooming rose—elegant, poised, and glorious.

In terms of appearance alone, Lan Xinyi was undoubtedly superior.

Moreover, having grown up amid praise and pursuit from men, Lan Xinyi never believed that anyone could not like her.

"Is this person using this method to pique my interest?"

Lan Xinyi sneered inwardly as she coldly watched Xu Fan from the side.

Initially, Lan Xinyi had a good impression of Xu Fan, but now, with their increasing conflicts, she felt only contempt for him.

"I want to see what kind of tricks you're up to this time."

Lan Xinyi watched coldly, while Xu Fan didn't bother to look at Lan Xinyi; to him, she was just a petty child making trouble. Although he found it incomprehensible, he wouldn't lower himself to her level and chose to ignore her entirely.

"Ling'er, how have you been lately? Did you miss me?"

Xu Fan gently tousled Song Ling'er's hair, exuding an affectionate demeanor. To him, Song Ling'er was like a little sister, and he couldn't pamper her enough.

Moreover, with Song Ling'er's tragic background, Xu Fan wanted to bring her some warmth in this manner.

Song Ling'er naturally didn't mind Xu Fan's affectionate gestures. Previously, in the Alchemy Pavilion, she had risked everything, including her life, to protect Xu Fan.

Song Ling'er acted so recklessly not because of their collaboration but because Xu Fan's calling her Ling'er filled her with warmth.

At this moment, both of them were smiling, chatting and laughing, while on the other side, Lan Xinyi could no longer endure it.

How could a mere alchemy apprentice earn Xu Fan's smile? Why did he remain so cold toward her, who was a thousand times more distinguished than Song Ling'er?

There was no doubt Xu Fan liked her; otherwise, why would he coincidentally meet her here?

Despite this, Lan Xinyi's heart was filled with immense hatred toward Xu Fan.

If Xu Fan liked her, why didn't he boldly say it? Instead, why use such a method to provoke her? What had she done wrong? She came to the Elixir Pharmacy with good intentions to buy elixirs for him, only to be treated this way?

"Xu Fan, do you even count as a man? If you are, you'll take that bet with me!"

Originally, Lan Xinyi wanted to say, Xu Fan, do you even count as a man? If you are, speak up boldly and tell me you love me!

However, as a bold and passionate young woman, Lan Xinyi couldn't express such words directly, so they turned into something else after some processing.

"Brother Xu, what's going on?"

Looking at Song Ling'er's eyes full of doubt and worry, Xu Fan finally felt a bit of anger rising.

Initially, Xu Fan hadn't planned to quarrel with Lan Xinyi, but for some reason, it seemed like she was intentionally picking a fight with him.

What made Xu Fan even angrier was that he had inadvertently let Lan Xinyi see Song Ling'er.

Song Ling'er was just an ordinary alchemy apprentice with no background. If she were targeted by Lan Xinyi because of him and something bad happened, Xu Fan could never forgive himself. Song Ling'er, who had already suffered so much, shouldn't have to endure any more injustice.

Xu Fan glared coldly at Lan Xinyi, "Since you want a bet, I'll make one with you. But if I win, you have to agree to one condition of mine."

Xu Fan accepted the bet, partly to keep Lan Xinyi away from Song Ling'er by demonstrating his abilities, so she would back off. On the other hand, he was fed up with the harassment and wanted to make Lan Xinyi leave soon.

"Fine! But to make it fair, if I win, you also have to agree to one condition of mine."

Lan Xinyi certainly didn't think she'd lose, and upon hearing Xu Fan add a condition to the bet, she thought she had already figured out what Xu Fan was thinking.

It was nothing more than an old trick. If Xu Fan won, he'd likely ask her to have a meal with him or something.

Xu Fan wanted to use such a method to grow closer to her and pursue her. Had it been earlier, before their conflict, Lan Xinyi would have been happy to accept. But now, she didn't plan to give Xu Fan that chance.

Xu Fan had no idea about Lan Xinyi's thoughts and coldly glanced at her, "Say it, how do you want to bet?"

"Let's bet on whose elixir purchase today has the higher value."

"So, what do you say? Dare to bet?"

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.