Chapter 1046: Looking for Someone

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Some of the girls even smiled and greeted Qiao Xuan and Taotao.

Qiao Xuan noticed that Taotao was doing well and engaging in conversation with the Miss of the Xie Family and her two sisters. Taotao seemed a bit shy, but she was managing fine, which relieved Qiao Xuan.

However, when she glanced back later, Qiao Xuan realized that Taotao was no longer in the pavilion.

Xiaoman, who had been following Taotao, was also nowhere to be seen.

Surprised, Qiao Xuan inquired with a smile when she spotted the fourth daughter of the Xie Family playing chess with someone else.

Miss Xie was engrossed in her competitive chess match and paid little attention to Qiao Xuan. She threw a glance in Qiao Xuan’s direction while still focused on the chessboard and replied with a smile, “Did they go to the garden? Sister Lin and the others mentioned wanting to play games on the lawn, so they might have gone together. Don’t worry, our garden is safe, and there are servants everywhere. If they get lost, they can ask for help.”

The man playing chess with Miss Xie sneered and cast a disdainful look at Qiao Xuan. “Indeed, it would be impossible to lose someone in the Xie Family!”

Internally frustrated, Qiao Xuan remained composed and calmly responded, “She’s not familiar with this place, so I hope she’s okay.” Then she left.

The woman playing chess with Fourth Miss Xie was taken aback. She sneered softly and commented, “What’s so impressive about the Shao family? They seem incapable and lack proper manners. Quite arrogant, I must say!”

Fourth Miss Xie smiled but didn’t say anything. This guest had been invited by the senior members of the family, while she belonged to the junior branch. It wasn’t her place to intervene, although she shared similar thoughts.

Qiao Xuan realized that every family was alike in some ways. Some connections were destined, while others were not. Taotao had never experienced such a family before, and it seemed that the Miss of the Xie Family was unaware of it as well.

Well, Taotao would find her own way. Just how vast was the Xie Family’s estate? Could it span over such a large radius? If Taotao truly wanted to find someone within the premises, she would be able to locate them.

Qiao Xuan activated her heightened senses and quickly located Taotao. She found her behind a vine-covered rockery, not far from the lake, which she hadn’t noticed before due to the obstruction of a flowering tree and the rockery itself.

As Qiao Xuan approached, she realized that Xiaoman was nowhere to be seen, and even He Zhiqing’s maidservant was absent.

With a sense of urgency, Qiao Xuan hastened her steps.

Observing the cousin of the Xie Family, He Zhiqing, she appeared gentle and mild on the surface, but her eyes betrayed a certain mischievousness. Qiao Xuan had a hunch that this woman was not easy to get along with and had ulterior motives.

Qiao Xuan couldn’t bring herself to believe that He Zhiqing genuinely wanted to befriend Taotao. It seemed more likely that she intended to exploit Taotao in some way.

When Qiao Xuan was about ten meters away from Taotao, she witnessed He Zhiqing extend her leg, preparing to trip Taotao.

Startled, Qiao Xuan exclaimed, “Miss He!”

He Zhiqing was taken aback by the sudden interruption. Hastily retracting her attempt at a cheap shot, she stumbled and almost lost her balance.

Taotao, completely oblivious to the danger, was overjoyed upon spotting Qiao Xuan. She waved excitedly, her eyes sparkling. “Fifth Sister-in-law, there are so many beautiful koi fish here!”

Qiao Xuan smiled and approached calmly. “Really? Then let me have a look too.”