Xiao Yan's gaze swept across the room, landing on the group of young men and women staring curiously at him.
A mid their curiosity and concern, there was a faint glimmer of ambition, perhaps even something they hadn't fully realized themselves.
This scene wasn't unfamiliar to Xiao Yan. In his previous life, they had looked at him the same way.
As his strength failed to recover, their ambitions gradually swelled.
When a god falls from their pedestal, mortals often deliver the most terrifying backlash.
To crush the once-first in the family underfoot would indeed give a sense of achievement.
Unfortunately for them, in this life, they would never have that chance.
Xiao Yan didn't care for their gazes. How could a swan care about the eyes of sparrows?
The past was just a smile and a shrug for him.
"Father, Elders, I'm late."
Xiao Yan smiled faintly and walked straight to where Xun'er was seated.
Xun'er's seat was just above Xiao Ning's, while Xiao Yan's was reserved above Xun'er.
Even though he had fallen in strength, he still counted as the leading youth of the family.
Before Xiao Yan arrived, Xiao Ning had been chattering intermittently with Xun'er, though the little girl seemed distracted, her gaze lingering on her plate.
It wasn't until Xiao Yan arrived that her eyes lit up.
"No matter, the dishes haven't arrived yet anyway."
Xiao Zhan chuckled, and the Elders said nothing more. Their feelings toward Xiao Yan were largely dictated by family interests.
As long as he remained valuable to the family, their smiles would always face him.
"Xiao Yan, why do you have so many bruises?"
As Xiao Yan sat beside Xun'er, one of the Elders spoke, his gaze serious as it fell on the bruises on Xiao Yan's arm.
Immediately, others turned to look as well, and Xun'er quickly stood up to pull back Xiao Yan's sleeve.
"Brother Xiao Yan, what happened?"
The little girl's delicate face was filled with concern, her lively eyes watching him anxiously.
This scene made the other young people, who had previously been a bit wary of Xiao Yan, look on with a tinge of jealousy.
Especially Xiao Ning, whose expression darkened as he observed.
As the most beautiful girl in the family, Xun'er—though still undeveloped....already commanded admiration from these blossoming youths.
Yet, over the years, she had been indifferent to everyone except Xiao Yan, revealing her gentlest side only to him.
"It's nothing. I went to the back mountain to train my body and accidentally got a few bumps. Some healing ointment will fix it."
Xiao Yan smiled, lightly patting Xun'er's shoulder as he sat down.
"Training?"
The Elders exchanged glances. After a brief pause, Xiao Zhan nodded gently
, "After the meal, go to the family warehouse and get some healing salve."
"Thank you, Father."
Xiao Yan nodded and started chatting casually with Xun'er. In his previous life, he never lacked ways to make girls laugh. In this life, it took just a few words to have her giggling softly.
"Bastard."
Xiao Ning watched, feeling a pang of bitterness. He had spent half an hour trying to win Xun'er's attention, only to be ignored, while Xiao Yan made her smile in mere seconds.
But for now, Xiao Yan was just a fallen Dou Qi talent, still holding the title of the family's young genius. Xiao Ning didn't dare confront him directly.
Soon, the dishes arrived. Everyone ate while chatting, and once half full, Xiao Zhan finally spoke.
"Children, you must strengthen your training. In seven days, the family's annual Dou Qi examination will take place."
Xiao Yan froze slightly, realizing the family test was coming up soon.
He glanced at the young members of the family.....why were they all watching him so intently?
Clearly, they were eager to see the moment he fell from grace. Xiao Yan smiled wryly.
If events had followed their previous course, seven days later would indeed mark his downfall. But in this life, that would not happen.
"Xiao Yan, how's your Dou Qi recovery? Are you confident for the seven-day test?"
Xiao Ning, watching Xiao Yan chat happily with Xun'er, felt a deep unease.
He seized the moment to steer the conversation, speaking with an air of concern but underlying doubt. Xiao Yan found it mildly amusing.
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