Nan Man didn't plan to give Yang Qiuyi any face at all, leaving Yang Qiuyi utterly embarrassed.
If someone else had said this, Yang Qiuyi would likely act all high and mighty. Perhaps he'd have his eyes soaring to the sky. Luckily, the person he encountered was Nan Man, whom from the start he had to address as master.
"Dear sister, you're so good with words. He didn't show me this attitude at all earlier. He even said I could only be like family but wouldn't give me a title. It's different for you; he gives you a title and is fine with you scolding him, hitting him. I'm really in awe of you."
Chen Jingyi wasn't really admiring Nan Man; she was just mocking Yang Qiuyi in front of Nan Man.
"Yang Qiuyi, have you forgotten the basic rules at the Island Master Mansion after being here for so long?"
Nan Man's voice wasn't loud, but it was enough to intimidate Yang Qiuyi, who seemingly forgot what rules meant to him.
"I wouldn't dare, the rules of the South Island—I would never dare forget them; they've always been remembered in my heart."
Yang Qiuyi suddenly kneeled before Nan Man, apologizing and bowing substantially three times.
"It's all my father's fault for spoiling you; you've grown accustomed to flaunting and bullying in the Island Master Mansion, looking down on everyone except me and my father. You're arrogant, causing harm to innocent women, and you do all sorts of wicked things. A scoundrel like you—I will definitely report to my father and have him punish you properly."
Nan Man didn't want to deal with Yang Qiuyi herself; even punishment needed to be handled by her father. How could a young girl dirty her hands?
"Please, miss, don't! I was momentarily misled; it's this woman who has constantly seduced me. I pitied her since she just arrived at the South Island and had nowhere to stay, so I kept her. I genuinely have no feelings for her; please discern the truth."
Yang Qiuyi accused Chen Jingyi of seducing him?
Chen Jingyi felt like punching Yang Qiuyi's head, stuffing his brain with muck—even the idea seemed absurd.
"Dear sister, do you think I would be interested in your family's servant? Someone like him."
Chen Jingyi spoke candidly. When she asked Nan Man, Nan Man instinctively shook her head without even thinking about it.
"Not interested."
This was an undeniable fact.
Women's discernment between women is nearly always consistent; they have a unified standard for judging men, making it easy to determine whether a man is of quality or inferior.
"So, some people just like speaking without conscience, insisting I fancy him and demanding I be subservient. Isn't that sick?"
Yang Qiuyi looked at Chen Jingyi in disbelief, unable to comprehend how someone who admired him could speak so sharply and sarcastically.
"Chen Jingyi, you damn well better not say another inappropriate word, or I'll kill you, believe it or not."
Yang Qiuyi's viciousness was apparent; killing someone seemed simpler to him than stamping out an ant. The issue was his audacity to say such things in front of Nan Man, thus creating trouble for himself.
"I believe you, even believe you'd commit murder in front of your master."
Chen Jingyi reminded Yang Qiuyi of his master nearby, making Yang Qiuyi deflate completely.
Truthfully, he wouldn't dare commit murder in front of his master. Even speaking boldly earlier shouldn't have been done in front of the master. Unfortunately, there's no remedy for regret now; it's too late.
"Dear sister, today you witnessed a scoundrel from your house; you needn't thank me. If you do want to, perhaps consider letting me stay for a few days. What do you think?"
No need for Yang Qiuyi's continuous blabbering or watching his attitude. If Nan Man allows them to stay a few days, Chen Jingyi believes Tang Rao can handle everything well.
"Where are you from? From Yang Qiuyi's words, you're not from the South Island?"
This Yang Qiuyi is increasingly audacious, knowing full well the Island Master Mansion can't associate with outsiders to avoid trouble. Yet he goes off doing such things privately, driving Chen Jingyi to frustration.
"We are from the North Island, here to find a long-lost sister. I have a very close bond with my sister, and hearing she's in the South Island brought us here."
Chen Jingyi's words were true; she did come to find her sister, although the sister was right there, not recalling past events. Telling her more now wouldn't help.
"Looking for your sister? You don't seem like a bad person. Alright, I'll agree to let you stay, considering it a reward for the favor you did me."
A favor? Oh right, Nan Man was thanking Chen Jingyi for helping her identify the pest?
"Thank you, I'm really grateful to you; finally, I won't have to watch his expressions or worry myself to sleep."
Yang Qiuyi gritted his teeth; even he wasn't dumb enough to realize he had been used by Chen Jingyi.
"No worries, my father is coming later. I'll definitely have my father assess how despicable this person is. Thanks to you, I can see his true nature."
Nan Man thanked Chen Jingyi numerous times, yet Chen Jingyi didn't actually do much—it was merely a way to express her pent-up anger. Saying thanks felt a bit too formal.
"Oh yeah, your father is coming; should I retreat a bit, after all, it's your family matter, and airing dirty laundry is avoided."
Chen Jingyi only listened to Nan Man, and Nan Man had mentioned the Island Master didn't like associating with outsiders. Seeing Chen Jingyi would likely lead to repulsion, naturally disliking Chen Jingyi.
"No need; my father is easygoing, unless someone hits his breaking point."
Dear sister, doesn't my presence itself challenge your father's breaking point? What on earth are you thinking?
"Man Man, you invite father here; is it because there's something you want to tell him?"
A slightly elderly voice emerged from behind them, and Chen Jingyi hadn't yet had the chance to leave; the person stood beside Nan Man.
"I had planned to invite father to admire flowers as they bloomed, but didn't expect to watch a drama instead. Father, you missed a fantastic show just now."
Nan Man treated the old man wonderfully. They relied on each other, hardly going outside except staying in the Island Master Mansion, enjoying quietude, sipping tea, and watching flowers. Life was peaceful and cozy.
"What show did I miss?"
The old man only saw Yang Qiuyi and a stranger standing properly together; that was it.