The people whispered when Xueyue appeared.

Dressed in an expensive outfit of the finest materials, beautiful hairpins adorning her hair, and a face so alluring, it resembled a porcelain doll, Xueyue was the stark contrast of the child she was protecting.

A few people questioned why she would step in.

The thief clearly wasn't from a wealthy family.

What could she gain from helping someone as worthless as a thief?

Not only could Xueyue get hurt in the process, but if the man dared to, a strike in the face could damage it forever.

The burly man turned around at the astonishing voice that dared to tell him to stop.

His narrowed and angered eyes take in Xueyue's wealthy appearance.

He could hear the warning bells go off in his head, but brushed it aside.

His anger and pride overpowered his fear of offending a wealthy family.

He snarled at Xueyue, revealing a grimy set of yellowed teeth. "Screw off brat!"

When Xueyue raised her head, revealing a terrifying pair of dark brown eyes, the man felt fear penetrate him.

This little bunny had the eyes of a predator...

"Are you mute?! I said screw off!" The man spewed, spit flying everywhere.

When Xueyue refused to move an inch, he felt his blood broil with anger. Not only did she ignore me, but she dared to glare at me as well!

Xueyue's eyes moved to the child.

She saw the light and hope had long fled the child's eyes, leaving behind a dark voice of emptiness.

Xueyue felt her throat tighten at how hauntingly hazy the child's eyes were.

It was clear to see the child was forced to grow up and her innocence was snatched from her.

In a firm and unwavering voice, Xueyue asked "How much was the bread? I'll pay for it."

Before leaving for the capital, Duchess Li had given Xueyue a hefty bag filled with gold coins.

Although she had tried denying Duchess Li's generous gift, the woman had insisted she took it with her.

"Disrespectful brat! How dare you waltz into this scene-"

"I'll buy all of the bread you have to offer." Xueyue's chilling voice immediately stopped the man from rambling.

When her razor-cold eyes pierced him, the man couldn't help but shiver.

Were children capable of such emotions?

The man stared at Xueyue's appearance.

He carefully analyzed everything she wore.

His eyes narrowed onto the accessories that decorated her hair. He sucked in a breath upon realizing the jewelries she wore was enough to buy his house, ancestral home, and his entire store.

Xueyue, who had never worn anything expensive in her life, didn't know the value of her clothes.

She thought it was simple attires and walked without a care for it.

Perhaps that's why the people stopped and stared at her. It was because she seemed so nonchalant about the fact that her outfit costed an entire fortune, even one of her hairpins was worth an entire year's worth of income!

"Disrespectful bitch! How dare you interrupt me?! I'm thirty years your senior, show some respect!" He snarled at Xueyue, but the words didn't faze her.

The people pitied the man because he had offended a Young Miss.

The minute Xueyue strolled into the crowd with her gold hairpins, silk hanfu, and poised stature, everyone thought she was at least the daughter of a Marquess or Duke.

If the man was truly unlucky, he might've offended a Princess...But why would a Princess walk around with no guards and maidservants?

Xueyue knew it was unwise to argue with the man, so instead, she kept her voice respectful and polite.

"Unhand the child. The only crime she did was stealing-"

She doesn't finish her sentence when he suddenly lunged at her.

"Brat, I warned you!" He screamed as he grabbed Xueyue by her hair.

The expensive hairpins clattered onto the floor and the people gasped.

He was bold enough to raise a hand to a noble's daughter?!

Xueyue winced at how hard the man was grabbing her by the hair.

She struggled to reach for the small knife she had stolen from the kitchen maids, but the man was faster than her.

He swiftly raised his hand, ready to deliver an immense blow to Xueyue.

She squeezed her eyes, bracing herself for the rough smack.

But it never came.

"Who dares to-" The man's voice died down.

Xueyue opened her eyes slowly and saw a boy, older than her, grab the man's wrist.

With one hand, he was able to stop the hand of a man twice his size.

The boy was dressed in fancy dark green robes with gold and silver embroidery.

His long hair was held up by a single gold stick embezzled with rubies. One glance at him, and the people saw he was from a wealthy family.

The man released Xueyue and dropped to his knees. His forehead touched the ground in a deep bow. At the presence of the boy, the other onlookers immediately bowed.

"Greetings to Fourth Prince, Wang Longhe!"