Chapter 121: I Want That Hairpin on Her Hand

"Oh, My Lady is truly thoughtful to know that the Master would have use for this."

Xiao Lian finally understood; it turned out Zhang Xiaolan was buying a gift for Li Rui.

"Here you are, Miss."

The shopkeeper handed her the box once it was packed. Xiao Lian carefully took it, her face beaming with joy. It seemed the relationship between those two was growing closer every day.

"Let me take another look at that golden hair ornament."

Just as Zhang Xiaolan was about to leave, she caught sight of a golden hair ornament on the counter. The craftsmanship was intricate and delicate, so she wanted to take a closer look.

The top of the ornament featured a golden phoenix with wings spread wide, crafted using hammering and filigree techniques. Tassels hung from the head of the pin, and the lines across its body were composed of swirling patterns, wave motifs, and graceful semi-circles. The phoenix looked majestic and powerful, its color vibrant; the overall design blended elegance with ruggedness, and softness with a touch of masculinity.

Just as she was examining the piece, a discordant voice rang out, filled with arrogant haughtiness. Several gold leaves were tossed onto the counter, and the newcomer demanded the very ornament Zhang Xiaolan was holding.

"I want the ornament in her hand."

Zhang Xiaolan turned her head to look and saw it was the spoiled and willful Miss Fu. Zhang Xiaolan didn't mind; she hadn't intended to buy it anyway, so if the woman wanted it, she could have it.

"My Lady saw it first," Xiao Lian interjected, feeling indignant on Zhang Xiaolan's behalf.

"Seeing it isn't the same as paying for it. Whoever pays first owns the ornament."

Fu Yan stepped closer and deftly snatched the ornament from Zhang Xiaolan’s hand. She turned toward Zhang Xiaolan with a victorious smirk and lazily gestured for the shopkeeper to wrap it up.

"Pack it."

Seeing this, everyone knew the gesture was aimed at Zhang Xiaolan. However, Zhang Xiaolan didn't take it to heart; it wasn't worth getting worked up over someone like her.

"Yes, Miss Fu. And for you, Miss, there are other lovely golden ornaments here. Perhaps you would like to look at those?"

The shopkeeper was clearly intimidated by the Fu family’s status and was overly courteous to her. He was well aware of Miss Fu's temper, yet he still offered a regretful look to Zhang Xiaolan, encouraging her to browse other items.

"Heh! No need. Xiao Lian, Ling Xiao, let's go."

Zhang Xiaolan pulled Xiao Lian, intending to leave. However, Miss Fu, who stood before her, refused to budge. Her servant girl stood right alongside her, blocking the exit.

"Miss Fu, you are blocking my way."

Zhang Xiaolan’s "reminder" was still polite, though she knew the woman was intentionally picking a fight. This was becoming a bit too blatant!

Zhang Xiaolan wondered what she could have possibly done to offend this Miss Fu. During their "chance encounter" at the Prince's residence, Fu Yan had been arrogant and rude, and today she was the same. Even for a pampered daughter of a wealthy family, was it really acceptable to be so willfully boorish in a public place?

"Hmph! It is you who are blocking my way."

Fu Yan scoffed, her tone dripping with menace. She seemed to harbor an extreme resentment toward Zhang Xiaolan. Having run into her today, she was determined to give this lowly woman a hard time; she wanted her to know that Fu Yan was not someone to be trifled with.

Zhang Xiaolan was still lingering at the Prince's residence, and as a woman of unknown origins, what could that imply? It was possible that Li Rui intended to take her as a concubine. How could Fu Yan, who had long harbored feelings for Li Rui, not be hostile toward her?

Xiao Lian realized the situation—this was clearly an intentional provocation. Ling Xiao stood by with a cold expression, watching to see how Zhang Xiaolan would handle it. It would not be difficult for him to force their way out, but he knew that escalating the matter over such a triviality would not be wise.