Chapter 64: Intent to Kill

Chapter 64: Intent to Kill

The next day, Xin You woke up very early, and the mirror clearly reflected the dark circles under her eyes.

Xiaolian silently brought over a boiled egg, peeled it, and gently rolled it under her eyes.

"No need, I'll go check on things in front."

"Miss, aren't you having breakfast?"

"I'll eat when I come back." Xin You didn't let Xiaolian follow her and went to the front alone.

At this hour, no one was in the book hall, and the bookstore's main door was still locked. Xin You walked between the rows of bookshelves and finally stopped at the shelf displaying travelogues.

She picked up a travelogue at random but couldn't focus on a single word. Her mind alternated between visions of He Qingxiao standing here reading peacefully and the horrific scene of her mother bleeding on the ground, like a living hell.

She put the travelogue back and left through the side door.

Although it was still early, there were already many people on the street, most of whom had started their daily hustle for a living.

The morning breeze was cool, and Xin You wandered aimlessly on the street, occasionally receiving curious glances from passersby.

After walking for an unknown amount of time, suddenly a commotion caught her attention, and she instinctively looked over.

A large gate opened, and several Jinlin Guards escorted a disheveled person out. The person suddenly broke free and lunged at the leading man in red robes with a dagger.

The man in red seemed prepared and nimbly avoided the sudden attack, grabbing the person's wrist.

The dagger fell to the ground, making a metallic sound.

"How dare you attack our superior!"

"Take him away."

The person stumbled as the Jinlin Guards pushed them, their eyes red with rage, glaring at the leader: "He Qingxiao, you traitor aiding tyrants will face retribution, you will definitely face retribution!"

One of the guards swiftly gagged the person with a cloth.

Behind them, the person's family wailed in sorrow.

He Qingxiao seemed to sense something and glanced in Xin You's direction.

Their gazes met; one expressionless, the other slightly surprised.

Surprised by Xin You's presence, He Qingxiao nodded in greeting and led his men away.

Xin You kept staring at his back until he disappeared, then turned her gaze to the weeping family.

So, the gentle man who read books in the bookstore was Sir He, and the cold-hearted man arresting people was also Sir He.

The cries of the family made Xin You feel suffocated, and she turned to walk back to the bookstore.

The doors of Qingsong Bookstore were already open, and Shi Tou was sweeping the entrance. Seeing Xin You approach, he politely greeted her: "Good morning, Madam."

"Good morning," Xin You responded and walked in.

Shi Tou straightened up with the broom, concern evident in his eyes.

Madam seemed unhappy.

Liu Zhou, who was dusting the shelves, greeted Xin You with a smile: "Madam went out so early?"

Hu Zhaiguan stepped aside: "Madam, please sit down and rest."

"No need, you sit, Zhaiguan." Xin You's gaze fell on the bookshelf, her voice slightly cold. "Liu Zhou, go collect those travelogues."

Liu Zhou hesitated for a moment before complying and gathered a few travelogues: "Madam, where should I put them?"

Xin You stared at the young clerk holding the books for a moment and changed her mind: "Never mind, just put them back."

With these travelogues, He Qingxiao would visit often, giving her a chance to avenge her mother.

First, she would break the killer's blade, then cut down the heartless man. If she could do both, she would have no regrets when she met her mother again.

Xin You was a resilient person. Having made her decision, her once-dull eyes regained their clarity.

When Xin You went to the east courtyard, Liu Zhou moved closer to Hu Zhaiguan, unable to hide his curiosity: "Zhaiguan, do you think Madam is upset with Sir He?"

Hu Zhaiguan slapped Liu Zhou's head: "Watch your words. Madam isn't familiar with Sir He, why would they be upset?"

"But why did she want to move the travelogues? She was the one who put them out earlier."

"If you could guess Madam's actions, you wouldn't be a clerk. Get back to work, I'm going to the printing house."

For Hu Zhaiguan, the completion of the second part of *Painted Skin* was crucial and required meticulous attention.

When He Qingxiao visited the bookstore again, he noticed that some travelogues had been rearranged. It wasn't significant, and he picked up the one he hadn't finished, quietly flipping through it.

As dusk approached, the light in the depths of the bookshelf dimmed, casting half of his fair face in shadow, making his demeanor even more serene.

Suddenly, he turned his head and looked at the nearby girl, asking with his eyes.

Xin You remained composed: "The light is poor, Sir He, be careful not to strain your eyes."

So, she came to remind him of that.

A faint smile appeared in He Qingxiao's dark eyes: "Thank you, Miss Kou, for your reminder—"

He paused, then added another thank you: "And thank you for your earlier warning, which helped me avoid a bloody disaster."

Xin You pursed her lips, feeling a sharp pain in her heart.

She did not regret it; gratitude and reciprocation were her principles. He Qingxiao had helped her twice, and she had warned him twice; they were even now.

All that remained was the vengeance for her mother's death.

How could she break this murderous blade and escape unscathed?

Just now, she almost couldn't control the surging killing intent and acted impulsively.

Amidst a whirlwind of thoughts, a scene suddenly appeared before her.

It was a teahouse where He Qingxiao seemed to be waiting for someone, holding a cup of tea. Then his face twisted in pain, blood flowing from his mouth and nose. The half-drunk cup of tea fell to the ground, shattering into pieces.

Blinking again, the terrifying scene vanished, revealing the handsome young man with a faint smile on his lips.

Xin You took a half-step back, raising the corners of her lips: "Sir He is too kind. With Sir He's abilities, you would have been safe even without my warning."

Perhaps she only needed to say nothing, and one of her goals would be accomplished.

"No, Miss Kou's reminder was crucial," He Qingxiao said sincerely, his eyes clear and bright.

Xin You lowered her gaze, avoiding his smiling eyes: "Then I won't disturb Sir He's reading."

As she turned to leave, He Qingxiao called out to her.

"I heard Mr. Ping'an is writing a new book, and its release date might coincide with the second part of *Painted Skin*. Miss Kou should keep an eye on it."

Hearing this, Xin You fell silent for a moment before directly asking: "Why does Sir He repeatedly help me?"

"I'm used to reading at Qingsong Bookstore and don't want to see it close due to poor management. Also, I think Miss Kou is a good person. Since we met by chance, I naturally hope you fare well."

At this point, He Qingxiao smiled: "For me, it's just a small effort, requiring no real exertion."

The man spoke with such frankness and clear eyes that Xin You's cold heart wavered slightly, and she asked with an indescribable anticipation: "In April, wasn't Sir He away on a trip?"

He Qingxiao was taken aback, his eyes filled with confusion: "Did Miss Kou deduce this from your divination?"