Chapter 56

"The Mysterious Man in White: Unclear Objectives"

The person who entered was none other than—Duan Yan!

This left Shimei quite perplexed. Why would it be him? Hadn't he just vowed to be at odds with Baishuo?

"Princess," Duan Yan greeted Shimei with great politeness.

"Lord Duan," Shimei quickly returned the gesture, perhaps the hint of doubt in her eyes was too obvious, which made Duan Yan chuckle, "It's no wonder the princess is suspicious, indeed, this was a spur-of-the-moment decision on my part!"

Shimei looked at Baishuo with questioning eyes—what was going on?

Baishuo slightly raised his eyebrows, indicating that he too was unsure, and suggested she stay calm and listen to what Duan Yan had in mind.

"Here's the situation," Duan Yan began as he sat down by the table. "Indeed, my father was assassinated yesterday, but the framing was too blatant. Therefore... I don't believe it was as Brother Bai has been accused, and I wish to collaborate with him! To lure out the imposter, earlier was just an act to prevent any malicious suspects from growing wary."

"Oh..." Shimei finally understood, somewhat. It made some sense, although many aspects were still puzzling. How could Duan Yan be so rash in his judgment regarding his father's killer? It defied logic!

At that moment, Duan Yan placed something on the table, "What aroused my suspicions was actually this letter."

Shi Mei took the letter and read it, finding only a few hastily written words: "Dayu Mountain, beware of Si."

"This is my father's handwriting, but it seems the letter was left unfinished when he was attacked," Duan Yan said, furrowing his brows, "This letter was clutched tightly in my father's hand, discovered when I was keeping vigil. Hence, I suspect this incident might be connected to the uninvited Fu Si."

"Brother Bai, I've always felt that Fu Si is connected to this matter. Before the succession ceremony, I'll try to probe him," Duan Yan said apologetically, "But to avoid suspicion, I'm afraid you'll have to bear the false accusations for a few days."

Bai She remained composed, taking a sip of water and smiling, "Even if I didn't want to, I've already been implicated."

Duan Yan nodded, "That also proves that the culprit is targeting not just my Duan family, but also the Gui Dao sect."

Shi Mei didn't listen to their conversation in detail, instead, observing Duan Yan's expressions closely.

Compared to Fu Si, Duan Yan seemed more serious. However, Shi Mei couldn’t detect any sorrow for his father's death in him, which puzzled her the most.

After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Duan Yan stood up to leave.

Bai She saw him out and then returned to find Shi Mei, her chin propped on her hands, lost in thought.

Bai She approached her, leaned down close, observing her eyes.

Shi Mei turned her face to meet Bai She's eyes, but before she could react, he kissed her. She quickly covered her mouth, glaring at him... always attacking when least expected!

Bai She's lips curled into a smile, "Feeling better now?"

"I'm more worried than ever!" Shi Mei replied earnestly, "What on earth are you two up to? I don't understand!"

Bai She sat down, casually playing with a strand of Shi Mei's hair, "What do you think about Fu Si and Duan Yan?"

Mei Zi tried to retrieve her hair from Bai She's grasp, but he just picked another strand.

"Fu Si always seems too cunning, and he's always targeting you, which I don’t like. So, I can't judge him objectively," Shi Mei admitted frankly. "I don't know Duan Yan well, but... don't you find it strange? Did he not have a good relationship with his father? I don't see any sign of his grief. Even if a man wants to stay strong, but Duan Mingyue, as a daughter, shouldn't she be inconsolable? Even my father, who doesn't dote on me, would make me cry if he died. The siblings are just too composed."

Bai She raised one side of his mouth, taking Shi Mei's hand, "Smart!"

"Hm?" Shi Mei couldn't see what was so smart about her observation.

"This whole situation is too sudden. Would you like to hear what I think?"

"Of course!" Shi Mei looked at Bai She intently.

Bai She glanced at her, not discussing serious matters but instead lifted her chin, frowning, "You seem to have lost some weight, I didn't notice these past few days."

Shi Mei brightened at his observation, "Really?"

Bai She, puzzled, responded, "You're happy about losing weight?"

Shi Mei went to her bundle and pulled out a beautiful long dress, disappearing behind a screen to change. She adored this dress, which had been slightly tight before. Now it fit perfectly, confirming she had indeed lost weight, much to her delight.

When Shi Mei emerged in her stunning dress, Bai She shook his head, "You look even better without it."

Flushing, Shi Mei pushed him, but Bai She effortlessly scooped her up into his arms.

Shi Mei, a bit flustered by his affectionate behavior, squirmed slightly, pushing him, "What are you doing?"

"You already declared me as your fiancé, didn't you agree to take responsibility? I'm just waiting for the matters to be settled so we can marry," Bai She said as he placed her on his lap, "Holding my bride-to-be for a while shouldn't be a problem, right?"

Shimei's mind buzzed with confusion—A new bride?!

Seeing Shi Mei not responding but with a faint smile on her face, Bai She chuckled knowingly.

"Right," Shi Mei turned back to him, momentarily forgetting the serious conversation, "What were your thoughts again?"

"Here's what I think," Bai She spoke earnestly, "I believe Elder Duan might not be dead!"

"What?" Shi Mei was startled, staring at him, "But many people in the martial arts world saw him dead!"

"It could be a pretense!" Bai She explained, "You know, Fu Si came uninvited, and then we arrived!"

Shi Mei nodded in agreement.

"Recently, everyone has gathered around the Qianzhong area, all with one goal!"

"Oh... they're after the Jade Buddha!"

"How did Qiao Lakuang die, and where?" Bai She scoffed, "At the Duan family! Where did all these events originate?"

"Right, the Duan family!" The more Shi Mei thought about it, the more she suspected the Duan family.

"Ultimately, Fu Si is just someone who jumped in midway, wanting a share. But the real source, I believe, lies with the Duan family. That's why I want to investigate further!"

"You're going alone?" Shi Mei's face showed concern, but Bai She reassured her, patting her head, "Don't worry, I'll go with Qin Dai. However, I'm a bit uneasy about leaving you and Hong Ye behind. We need to find a safe place for you both."

"I'm coming too!" Shi Mei insisted, gripping his arm. "Hong Ye is skilled in martial arts; she can look after herself with a little help from Qin Dai. Plus, she knows the Duan family's terrain well, and... I might be of use too!"

Bai She hesitated for a moment, "Well..."

"Let's go together?" Shi Mei murmured softly, "It's dangerous, and I don't want to stay at home, worrying."

Even the most serious men find it hard to say no when the woman they love pleads softly. Bai She raised an eyebrow, "Okay, it's possible."

Just as a smile appeared on Shi Mei's face, Bai She added, "But..."

"But what?" Shi Mei narrowed her eyes, suspecting Bai She was about to make a demand.

Bai She smiled, gazing into Shi Mei's eyes while gently caressing the soft area under her chin.

Shi Mei relaxed like a soothed cat, her eyes half-closed. Bai She slowly leaned in, almost but not quite touching her...

"Bang!"

The door burst open as Qin Dai and Hong Ye rushed in, "Bai She, we've made a big discovery!"

……

Shi Mei, her face flushed, lay in Bai She's arms, while Bai She looked on with a face of lost opportunity, glaring at the intruders.

"Uh..."

Qin Dai opened his mouth, embarrassed.

Hong Ye, seeing the scene, grabbed Qin Dai and ran out, "You're so clueless!"

As they were about to rush out, Baishuo called out helplessly, "Wait!"

Qin Dai and Hong Ye stopped, turning back apologetically.

Shi Mei sat up, moving to the table and sipping tea, her face still red, trying to hide her embarrassment.

"What did you find?" Despite his regret, Bai She knew the matter at hand was more important.

"Oh, about that!" Qin Dai closed the door behind him and approached, "Thanks to Hong Ye, we did some investigating and actually discovered something!"

"What?" Bai She and Shi Mei exchanged a glance, looking at the two who had just sat down before them.

"There's a foreigner in white clothes asking around about how to get to Ghost Fox Forest!" Qin Dai revealed mysteriously, "And he inquired at several inns."

Bai She was taken aback; they had been traveling together without separation. The only time they asked about Ghost Fox Forest was during a meal, and that was a joint inquiry.

"A man in white asking about Ghost Fox Forest?" Shi Mei pondered, "Are they referring to Bai She?"

"Definitely not!" Qin Dai waved his hand dismissively, "They said this man in white was extremely ugly! Around thirty years old, thin-faced and monkey-like."

"Oh, then it's certainly not him," Shi Mei quickly shook her head in agreement.

"This is bad," Bai She suddenly frowned, "Could it be a ploy to delay us, to prevent us from entering Ghost Fox Forest?"

Everyone fell silent, pondering. It didn’t make sense; only the old tree witch knew about Ghost Fox Forest. Could someone else have found her? If the white-clothed men and Qin Xiang who searched the mountain had found her, then delaying them from entering Ghost Fox Forest might involve a scheme with the Duan family. Could this white-clothed man be connected to the Duan family... just like the first time when they framed Bai She for stealing the Jade Buddha and killing Hong Ye's brother?

Realizing this, everyone exchanged knowing glances — it all connected!

"What's our next move?" Qin Dai asked, "Go to Ghost Fox Forest?"

"Or to the Duan family?" Bai She asked Shi Mei, furrowing his brow, "What do you think?"

Shi Mei paused, realizing it was her decision to make, and after some thought, suggested, "Hmm... I think we should head to the Duan family first."

Everyone looked at her, "Why do you think that?"

"We're not familiar with Ghost Fox Forest, and we've only just learned how to get there. Going there is just to deliver a message. The Duan family is different; Hong Ye knows the terrain, and... we might find more clues there. To understand the heart of a matter, listen to what’s said behind the scenes," Shi Mei explained.

"Indeed," Bai She nodded with a slight smile, "Perhaps, it’s even a better place to gather information."

The group looked puzzled.

"Ah!" Shi Mei clapped her hands, realizing first, "We forgot about Fu Si!"

Bai She nodded, both sharing a smile of understanding — exactly!

Seeing their agreement, Hong Ye, holding her tea, glanced at Qin Dai — when had they become so in sync?

Qin Dai grinned mischievously — from the moment Shi Mei mentioned 'fiancé'.