In the early morning, sunlight streamed through the window and shone on Xiao Yan's face, gently waking him up.

"Ah~~~"

Xiao Yan sat up, stretched his body with a big yawn, and then got out of bed to dress and freshen up.

Today was the Xiao Clan's annual coming-of-age ceremony. It was not only attended by the Xiao Clan members but also open to all the people in the city of Utan. The Xiao Clan's marketplace would also have discounts and promotions on this day, making it a grand event in Utan City.

"After the coming-of-age ceremony today, it will be time for the New Year~"

Xiao Yan's eyes were filled with vitality.

The New Year represented the beginning of a new year.

The issue that had been bothering him, the problem with Dou Qi, had been resolved, and he even unexpectedly gained a teacher in alchemy. This year was undoubtedly full of hope for Xiao Yan.

"But let's put aside these feelings for now." Just then, Yao Chen suddenly appeared and smirked, pointing outside the door. "Seems like you're in for some trouble, my boy. You've already run into it early in the morning."

"Huh?"

Xiao Yan raised an eyebrow, about to ask Yao Chen what she meant when suddenly an argument could be heard outside the door.

"Why are you blocking Cousin Xiao Yan's door so early in the morning? What's your intention?!!"

"I just came to see how my fiancé is doing. As his future wife, shouldn't I have the right to do so?"

"Miss Nalan, you haven't married into the Xiao Clan yet. At the moment, you're just a guest. Please conduct the etiquette of a guest and refrain from wandering around the Xiao Clan at will."

Hearing the three distinctly different voices outside the door, Xiao Yan's previously good mood vanished instantly, and his once hopeful future became full of obstacles.

"Hehe~ Good luck, little Yan. The future is still long, you know~"

Yao Chen mocked her disciple carelessly and returned to the ring once again. Xiao Yan sighed deeply and opened the door, only to see Xiao Mei, Xiao Xun'er, and Nalan Yanran standing at the door in a standoff.

"Cousin Xiao Yan!"

Seeing Xiao Yan open the door, Xiao Mei's angry expression disappeared immediately. She directly pounced on Xiao Yan, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck.

"Good morning! Let's go together to attend the coming-of-age ceremony!"

"Okay."

Xiao Yan nodded lightly and looked at Nalan Yanran.

"Little Glutton, did you sleep well last night?"

After all, it wasn't a formal occasion, and Xiao Yan wasn't someone who wanted to be constantly vigilant. He could be casual when the situation allowed.

However, this nickname didn't sound pleasing to Nalan Yanran's ears.

"I told you not to call me Little Glutton!!!"

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Nalan Yanran couldn't hold back anymore, her face blushing, and she yelled at Xiao Yan.

And on the side, Xiao Xun'er lightly pinched her delicate chin and asked with confusion, "Xun'er has been curious for a while. Why does Brother Xiao Yan call Miss Nalan a 'Little Glutton'?"

Although Xiao Yan didn't use the nickname "Little Glutton" for Nalan Yanran in front of everyone too often, it was still quite memorable. After all, judging solely from her appearance, Nalan Yanran didn't seem to have any connection with the term "glutton."

Upon hearing Xiao Xun'er's question, Xiao Yan chuckled softly.

"Well... that's because..."

"Don't say it!!!"

Nalan Yanran angrily shouted, her face turning even redder, as if she were about to burst with blood. Her posture resembled that of an angry little cat, looking extremely adorable.

"Alright, alright~ I won't say it then~ Don't be angry, okay~"

Xiao Yan assured her with a smile, and Nalan Yanran's flushed face slightly eased.

Yesterday, at the gracious invitation of Xiao Zhan... oh, no, it should be said that it was at Nalan Yanran's own request, she wanted to stay at the Xiao Clan for a few more days. So Xiao Zhan arranged a guest room for her to rest.

Xiao Zhan was also somewhat helpless about this. Judging from Nalan Yanran's appearance, it seemed she would probably stay until after the New Year.

During this period, Nalan Yanran would inevitably have conflicts with Xiao Mei and Xiao Xun'er. However, Xiao Zhan couldn't say anything to dissuade this future daughter-in-law in name only, so he simply gave up.

Let them have their arguments... After all, it's ultimately my son's matter. Why should I worry so much?

And so, with Xiao Mei clinging to his back, Xiao Yan walked slowly toward the venue of the coming-of-age ceremony while Xiao Xun'er and Nalan Yanran confronted each other.

When they arrived at the venue, seeing the bustling crowd, Xiao Yan couldn't help but sigh.

No matter when or where, there were always so many people who loved to watch the excitement.

"Oh! Cousin! Good morning!"

Xiao Ninglao saw Xiao Yan and the others, waved his hand, and walked over. Xiao Yu followed behind him.

"Miss Nalan, good morning."

Xiao Yu greeted Nalan Yanran in a soft voice. As the acknowledged elder sister of this generation in the Xiao Clan, she was impeccable in her manners toward guests. Unlike Xiao Yan, the word "casual" didn't exist in Xiao Yu's personality.

"Good morning."

Nalan Yanran nodded gently in response. Unlike her attitude towards Xiao Mei and Xiao Xun'er, she displayed the dignified demeanor of a daughter of the Nalan family and the future Sect Master of the Yun Lan (Misty Cloud) Sect.

However, although she showed such courtesy on the surface towards Xiao Yu, deep down, Nalan Yanran was always wary of her.

Her woman's intuition told her that Xiao Yu was also her competitor.

Although Xiao Yu didn't explicitly declare it like Xiao Mei, nor did she exhibit the opposing attitude of Xiao Xun'er, she definitely held romantic feelings toward Xiao Yan.

However, Xiao Yu's maturity made her unwilling to cause trouble for Xiao Yan, so she didn't express her feelings directly.

Such opponents were the most formidable, but at the same time, they were also the easiest to naturally disappear.

Not engaging in excessive disputes over emotions is to make it easier for the person you like. If feelings are clarified in the future, it will undoubtedly increase the other person's liking by several times.

However, because of not engaging in excessive disputes over emotions, it is highly possible that the other party may not even perceive one's feelings until the end of the relationship, and the emotions naturally dissipate.

In comparison, Xiao Xun'er's indirect approach is still relatively easy to deal with. As for Xiao Mei... hmph~

A disdainful smile appeared at the corner of Nalan Yanran's mouth.

To put it bluntly, Nalan Yanran didn't care about Xiao Mei at all. In her eyes, Xiao Mei was an immature little girl who couldn't stir up any storms and was not worth worrying about.

"Sister Xiao Yu, please take care of Miss Nalan. I'll go see Father."

Xiao Yan asked Xiao Yu for assistance.

As a distinguished guest, Nalan Yanran couldn't be neglected, but as the son of the clan leader, Xiao Yan had to help receive some guests himself.

The other Xiao Clan members hadn't spoken to Nalan Yanran, Xiao Ning was male and not quite suitable, and Xiao Mei and Xiao Xun'er were even less likely.

It would be considered good if those two girls didn't start a fight with Nalan Yanran on the spot.

So, Xiao Yan could only entrust this task to Xiao Yu, who was comparatively mature and stable.

Xiao Yu understood Xiao Yan's difficulties and nodded gently, saying, "Sure, leave it to me."

"This is no trouble at all~"

Xiao Yan waved his hand and left. As he watched Xiao Yan's figure walking away, a hint of delight flickered in Xiao Yu's eyes.

This could be considered as Xiao Yan's trust in her.

Meanwhile, when Nalan Yanran saw the look in Xiao Yu's eyes, the alarm bells in her heart instantly rang.

Her guess was right! This woman was also a formidable rival!!!