Chapter 43 Exposure “An inexplicable dread creeps over Xue Yubai…”

Chapter 43: The Incident A nameless dread crept through Xue Yubai's heart...

As the door closed, it felt as if it separated two distinct worlds.

Yue Rongrong stood in the hall, the silence around her almost suffocating. She pressed her lips together, her heart pounding nervously. She knew she had lied earlier, and though Shen Jichen had seemingly played along to back up her story, she was aware he didn’t believe her. A sense of caution grew within her as she slowly turned around.

Unexpectedly, she met Shen Jichen’s intense gaze. He tossed the household registry onto the table with a sharp “smack,” his face dark and stern. He let out a cold laugh, struggling to contain his anger. “Yue Rongrong, you’ve certainly grown bold—embroidering for prostitutes, forging household documents. Is there anything you wouldn’t dare to do?”

Yue Rongrong frowned, her tone agitated as she raised her voice. “What’s the matter with prostitutes? They didn't choose this life! If not forced by circumstances, who would willingly degrade themselves?”

Shen Jichen was momentarily stunned by her vehemence. His stern demeanor softened slightly as he remarked sarcastically, “You’re quite assertive now. Why were you so pale with fear earlier?”

Yue Rongrong turned her face away, her cheeks puffed out in silent protest.

After a moment of quiet, Shen Jichen’s low voice broke the stillness. “Why forge the documents?”

Yue Rongrong’s gaze shifted nervously. The moment she had dreaded had arrived. She clenched her fingers, the pain from the cut on her palm helping calm her flustered nerves. “I left in a hurry back then and forgot to take my household registry. It caused inconveniences, so I found this solution.”

“Why not have the authorities retrieve your documents?” His voice was icy, his eyes clouded with suspicion.

Yue Rongrong remained silent, intentionally leaving him to guess.

As expected, he guessed correctly. A dark shadow passed over his eyes as he suppressed rising anger, lowering his gaze with a mocking smile. “I forgot. Back then, you avoided me like the plague. How could you dare go to the authorities?” His voice was low and strained.

Even though his guess was directed at her, her heart clenched painfully. She clenched her fingers tighter until the nearly healed wound broke open again, blood soaking through the white bandage and between her fingers. She winced in pain.

Despite his anger, Shen Jichen noticed immediately. His brow furrowed as he strode over, took her hand, and examined it, his expression darkening further. “Which medical hall did Wen Song take you to? What quack doctor!”

Seeing his concern and frustration amid his anger, Yue Rongrong felt a mix of relief and sorrow. Now, even she and Shen Jichen were playing mind games with each other.

He took her hand and was about to lead her back to her room when, after just one step, a sharp pain shot through her knee.

“What happened?” Shen Jichen’s expression was grim.

Yue Rongrong endured the pain and explained, “I hit my knee when I was forced to kneel by those two women earlier.”

A flash of fury crossed Shen Jichen’s eyes, but he said nothing. Suddenly, he scooped her up into his arms, opened the door, and carried her out openly. Only the shopkeeper was in the courtyard, but Yue Rongrong’s face burned with embarrassment, and she buried her face in his chest.

“Fetch a physician!” Shen Jichen commanded coldly.

Wen Song immediately moved to obey, but noticing the shopkeeper standing dumbfounded, he nudged him. “What are you still standing here for?”

The shopkeeper snapped out of his daze, his usual quick wit replaced by sluggishness. It took him a moment to catch up with Wen Song, his mind reeling with shock and questions he didn’t dare voice.

Shen Jichen was about to carry Yue Rongrong to her original room when she instinctively patted his chest several times urgently. “I changed rooms, I changed rooms.”

Fortunately, the embroiderers were all in the embroidery house, and the courtyard was empty.

Shen Jichen glanced at her pale hand resting against his chest after she patted him, paused for a moment, and then asked, “Which room?”

Yue Rongrong pointed, and he changed direction.

Ren Hanzhen was still lying in bed recovering from her injuries. Though she had to remain prone, her spirits had somewhat improved lately. Her bed was near the window, and hearing noises outside, she lifted her head to look out. Her faint color in her cheeks instantly drained as she watched Shen Jichen holding Yue Rongrong tightly. Yue Rongrong pointed, and though he looked impatient, his eyes were gentle. Remembering his cold cruelty that night, she gripped her pillow tightly.

Suddenly, everything clicked into place for her, and she was shaken to the core. All the events of that night connected in her mind: how she had known Shen Jichen was drunk and had dismissed everyone, how someone had called away Du Yan who was pestering her, why there were no guards outside Shen Jichen’s courtyard. Her heart raced—it had all been a trap set by Shen Jichen! Just to pin something on her, pressure the embroidery house, and force Yue Rongrong to seek him out!

Her eyes filled with extreme grief and fury. In that moment, she hated Shen Jichen and Yue Rongrong to the core!

Shen Jichen carried Yue Rongrong into the room, set her down on the bed, and held her as he pulled a cushion from behind her to support her.

At such close proximity, Yue Rongrong’s nose nearly touched the back of his neck, and she could smell his faint, elegant scent. This man, when he chose to be refined, outshone everyone, yet he could also rough it with common soldiers. Her heart beat faster.

Thankfully, Shen Jichen soon released her, letting her lean comfortably against the cushion. He sat by her bedside, his expression calm. “Where’s the medicine chest?”

Yue Rongrong pointed to the cabinet on the inner side of the bed and made to turn and fetch it, but Shen Jichen had already leaned forward. Her lips nearly brushed against the hollow of his neck, and she blushed deeply, freezing in place.

Shen Jichen, with his long and strong arms, effortlessly retrieved the modest medical kit. As he pulled back, he glanced down at her, noting her downcast eyes and flushed cheeks. A faint smile touched his lips, but he quickly opened the medicine chest naturally.

With meticulous care, he unwound the blood-stained bandage, his dark eyes tightening at the sight. He cleaned and applied medicine to her wound, his movements extremely gentle, as if afraid to cause her any pain. Anyone seeing him like this would gasp in astonishment—the formidable Marquis who had just dominated the hall was now tenderly attending to a young woman.

Yue Rongrong winced in pain, biting down on her knuckle, but her heart felt hollow.

After cleaning the blood, applying medicine, and rewrapping the bandage, Shen Jichen lifted her leg. She shuddered and pulled back, eyeing him warily. “What are you doing?”

Shen Jichen looked up at her, his cold eyes narrowing. “Checking the injury on your knee.”

Yue Rongrong quickly tugged her skirt down to cover both feet, muttering, “Let’s wait for the physician.”

“You’d rather let a strange man see?” His voice was low, tinged with obvious displeasure.

Yue Rongrong retorted, “He’s a physician!”

Shen Jichen snapped, “So what?”

“You’re being unreasonable!” Yue Rongrong exclaimed.

“You never wanted reason from me before. The more reasonable I was, the more you’d fuss. You said men who reason with women are fools.” His deep, obsidian-like eyes fixed on her as he spoke slowly and deliberately.

Yue Rongrong pressed her lips together in anger, further embarrassed by the reminder of the past. She turned her face away from him. “I won’t let you look, anyway!”

Shen Jichen watched her defiant expression but didn’t press further. Instead, he said, “I’ll handle your registration paperwork.”

At these words, Yue Rongrong’s face changed instantly. She coughed twice hurriedly to hide her discomfort. Shen Jichen stood up to fetch her water, returning to her side to hand her the cup.

Yue Rongrong took it and murmured her thanks, drinking slowly as she pondered how to refuse. After finishing the water, she swallowed the last sip, steadied herself, and said, “You’ve already helped me so much today. I’ll handle the registration myself.”

Shen Jichen hadn’t expected this heartless girl to change her attitude so quickly, now acting distant as if to create distance between them. His face darkened gradually as he said coldly, “Haven’t you troubled me enough already?”

Yue Rongrong’s heart ached. She nodded. “Yes, so I’m sorry to trouble you further. Today’s events have already caused enough commotion. I assume you wouldn’t want this reaching the Grand Princess’s ears either.”

A faint anger rose in Shen Jichen’s eyes, his voice growing deeper. “What did you say?”

Yue Rongrong looked up and smiled carelessly. “Back then, weren’t you afraid of me standing before the Grand Princess, so you denied everything? So, you should keep your distance from me to avoid her displeasure.”

Shen Jichen’s face paled abruptly, as if his heart had been sharply pierced. His breathing grew heavy. In his youth, though noble-born, he had neither military achievements nor political accomplishments to his name. To protect Yue Rongrong against his mother, he had resorted to a temporary compromise. Now, Yue Rongrong easily exposed his past powerlessness, crushing his dignity once again. Even now, with power in his hands and the ability to oppose his mother, in her eyes he was still worthless!

When Wen Song rushed back with the physician, he saw his Marquis standing rigidly, his back alone radiating cold fury and suppressed rage. He froze—what had happened now? Weren’t they fine just moments ago? How had they argued again?

Not daring to dwell on it, he exchanged a look with the physician and hurried forward, bowing his head. “Marquis, the physician is here.”

Shen Jichen shot a final angry glance at Yue Rongrong before turning and striding away, his sleeves sweeping behind him.

Wen Song quickly said, “Rest well, miss,” and hurried after him.

Yue Rongrong, hugging her knees, trembled slightly. Her delicate, pale fingers pressed against her chest, her gaze vacant. It wasn’t until someone called her name several times that she looked up blankly—it was Zhong Yu.

Zhong Yu looked at her cautiously and whispered, “Did you argue with the Marquis again?”

Yue Rongrong smiled with forced casualness, "How dare I?" Then she said respectfully to the physician standing nearby, "Please, Doctor."

Her knee wasn't seriously injured, just bruised, and the wounds on her hand had been carefully treated by Shen Jichen, earning praise from the physician. Yue Rongrong gazed blankly at her palm for a moment. After seeing the physician off, Zhong Yu sat down on the edge of her bed, saying mysteriously, "I almost passed out from fear today."

"What happened?" Yue Rongrong asked, puzzled.

Zhong Yu took off her shoes and sat cross-legged on the bed. "Today, when I went to ask the Marquis to rescue you, his face was cold and distant initially. But the moment he heard you were in trouble, it turned to ice. I was so scared I could hardly speak. The carriage raced as if flying all the way there. I clung to the window ledge, terrified of offending the Marquis, who was cold as ice. If he’d gotten angry, he might've thrown me out! In the carriage, I almost started writing my last words." She stuck her tongue out, still shaken by the memory.

Yue Rongrong’s expression flickered slightly before she smiled faintly. "He always has a stern expression." She took Zhong Yu’s hand and said sincerely, "Thank you for today. Otherwise, my hands would've been ruined..."

Zhong Yu lifted her chin proudly. Seeing Yue Rongrong get out of bed and put on her shoes, she asked curiously, "Where are you going?"

"I’m going to see Han Zhen. Don’t follow me." Yue Rongrong turned back to warn her as she walked. Zhong Yu scrunched her nose unhappily but guessed what she intended to do, feeling a twinge of sympathy.

Yue Rongrong knocked on Ren Hanzhen’s door. Zhang Jing was still in the embroidery workshop, so Ren Hanzhen was alone in the room. The two made eye contact from across the room, understanding passing wordlessly between them. A cold yet gentle smile slowly spread across Ren Hanzhen’s lips.

"It seems you’ve figured it out," she said languidly from her bed.

Yue Rongrong frowned. "Why did you do this?"

"Why?" Ren Hanzhen laughed as if she’d heard a great joke. "Two tigers can't share one mountain. Haven’t you heard that?"

Yue Rongrong said incredulously, "But I have no intention of competing with you! I only came here to earn money, to survive! I don’t care about fame or titles. I’ve never competed with you!"

"To earn money, to survive—such crude honesty! You’re clearly vulgar, yet you act so refined! You say you don’t compete with me, but you’re competing in everything!" Her smiling eyes suddenly narrowed, glaring venomously at Yue Rongrong. "I was friendly with Cheng Qian, but you disdained him! Who do you think you are? How dare you look down on him! Your contempt makes me look cheap! The ridiculous thing is, he’s become more and more interested in you! The attention that was once on me has slowly been stolen by you!"

Yue Rongrong gaped in shock. "What are you talking about? I didn’t even know he—"

"Of course you didn’t know! Because you never paid him any attention, making me appear inferior at every turn! You’re like a vain peacock, so arrogant."

Such a deep misunderstanding was something Yue Rongrong hadn’t anticipated, leaving her feeling helpless.

"Those young masters who flirted with you—you looked down on every one of them, cared for none..." Ren Hanzhen’s voice rose to nearly a scream, "You’re just a lowborn commoner! The noble life I dream of is worthless in your eyes!"

Yue Rongrong was beginning to understand. "So, because I don’t want it, you disdain it too? And then you hate me for it?"

"Why should I accept what you reject? What makes me inferior to you?"

"...So, you tried to attract Shen Jichen?" she asked, taking a deep breath.

The words seemed to slap Ren Hanzhen in the face. She glared hatefully at Yue Rongrong, her expression shifting through several shades before she hissed in a venomous tone, "Don’t be so smug! Fortunes change. We’ll see!"

Yue Rongrong was shaken. She had always thought there was no deep hatred between her and Ren Hanzhen. Now, her gaze gradually cooled. "Fine, we’ll see."

＊＊

News of the incident at Brocade Tower quickly reached the Grand Princess. Her face turned cold instantly. "Xin Yue?"

Aunt Chun nodded. "Yes. They say there’s a girl named Xin Yue at Brocade Tower, and the Marquis helped her resolve a fake household registration issue."

The Grand Princess’s eyes were icy. "Bring her to me." Aunt Chun acknowledged the order, but the Princess quickly changed her mind. "Wait, never mind. Don’t go."

Aunt Chun watched as the Grand Princess closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and when she opened them again, her expression was calm. "Piao Yao still resents what happened back then. This Xin Yue is probably just a substitute. Let it be. I doubt she can cause much trouble."

This outcome was somewhat expected by Aunt Chun. Given the tense relationship between mother and son now, the Princess would not force the Marquis unless absolutely necessary.

"But what about Miss Meng? She must have heard some rumors. You favor her, and she’s of noble status. If she feels her dignity has been wounded..."

The Grand Princess said calmly, "She’s a smart girl. In aristocratic marriages, love isn’t the main concern. If she can’t tolerate a mere embroiderer, how will she manage as the mistress of the household? As for the Meng family," she sneered, revealing her innate nobility, "a mere embroiderer won’t make them give up the chance to marry into the Shen family. If that girl oversteps in the future, the Meng family might be even less tolerant than I am."

Aunt Chun immediately understood the Grand Princess’s meaning—she might use others to eliminate the girl later. Seeing the Princess’s stiff posture relax slightly, she fetched a Song brocade cushion for her to lean on.

The Grand Princess’s expression softened. "Actually, if Piao Yao truly cares for this Xin Yue, it might not be a bad thing. At least it would prove he’s over Yue Rongrong, right?" She asked Aunt Chun, a trace of girlish uncertainty in her expression. Despite being nearly forty, her stunning beauty made such a look only evoke tenderness.

Aunt Chun naturally indulged her. "You’re right, Princess."

The Princess murmured softly, "As long as it’s not Yue Rongrong." Anyone else she could disregard.

Just then, a voice came from the courtyard: "The Duke has returned."

The lamplight from the glass globes shone into the Grand Princess’s eyes, making them sparkle instantly. She sat up, her earlier aloof pride gone, replaced by a maidenly delicacy.

＊＊

Since the incident during the Spring River Flower Moon Night event, the shopkeeper had angrily cut off her business with that client but hadn’t fined her. However, he forbade her from taking any more mansion jobs until after Miss Zou’s birthday banquet, when the matter was fully resolved, before assigning her work again.

So, Yue Rongrong was idle, almost bored to death. That day, seeing Zhong Yu going to deliver finished embroidery to a mansion, she eagerly offered to accompany her.

This was also the shopkeeper’s decision after that day—to prevent anyone from tampering with her work again. Yue Rongrong thought the shopkeeper probably knew it was an insider’s doing, but he was smooth and, since the matter was resolved, didn’t want to stir up more trouble, so he acted as if nothing had happened.

As for Yue Rongrong, she didn’t expose Ren Hanzhen either. She couldn’t very well run to Shen Jichen and say Ren Hanzhen did it, asking him to avenge her. Just thinking about it made her feel too self-important. Besides, though she disliked Ren Hanzhen, she didn’t want her dead.

She linked arms with Zhong Yu, walking and laughing. "After we deliver this, let’s go have some desserts."

Before she finished speaking, she looked up and her smile froze. Zhong Yu followed her gaze and saw Xue Yubai standing not far ahead. Understanding, she whispered, "I’ll go alone."

With that, she left. Yue Rongrong took two steps after her but stopped. Insisting on going along now would seem too hurtful.

Sure enough, Xue Yubai felt somewhat comforted seeing her stay. He walked over, watching her intently.

Yue Rongrong suppressed her guilt, grinning widely to show a row of pearly teeth. "What a coincidence."

Xue Yubai said, "If a premeditated meeting counts as a coincidence."

"......"

Yue Rongrong hadn’t expected him to be so direct. Her eyes flickered as she struggled to appear calm and composed.

"You’ve been avoiding me. I’ve been waiting for you, thinking you’d come out eventually."

He gave her almost no room to breathe. Yue Rongrong inhaled sharply, then sobered her expression. "I need to explain—I’m definitely not avoiding you. I’m, I’m..." She meant to make up an excuse, but under his unwavering, sincere gaze, she suddenly deflated and looked down defeatedly. "Fine, I am avoiding you. I don’t know..."

"I know," Xue Yubai interrupted. Yue Rongrong looked up at him in surprise. He said gently, "If Piao Yao and I didn’t have that connection, things might be easier for both of us."

Yue Rongrong was stunned. He had actually noticed. She avoided him not only because she sensed his hidden feelings but also because of his relationship with Shen Jichen, which made it hard for her to be open.

He said, "I can wait. At least until someday when you’re in danger, you might think of me too."

Seeing the gloom in his eyes, Yue Rongrong asked in surprise, "You know about that too?"

Xue Yubai smiled bitterly. "It may not be the talk of the town, but it’s fairly well-known. After all, Piao Yao’s every move draws attention, especially helping you with the fake household registration."

Yue Rongrong’s face paled. "Just the fake registration?"

"What else?" Xue Yubai looked puzzled. Seeing her anxiety, he frowned. "You’re afraid? Why?"

Yue Rongrong steadied herself. It had been several days since it happened, and she was still safe, so it probably wouldn’t be a big deal. She comforted herself and replied casually, "He’s too noble. I can’t afford to provoke him."

Xue Yubai felt her fear was justified. After all, Piao Yao’s mother, the Eldest Princess, was the cherished daughter of the current Grand Empress Dowager and the beloved wife of Duke Zhenguo. Even the Emperor showed her deference, so it was only natural for Rong Rong to be afraid.

After a long pause, he smiled gently, sweeping away the gloom in his eyes. "Perhaps there is someone who can protect you."

Yue Rongrong looked at him in surprise.

That person was none other than Mr. Jimo, the most renowned painter of the Zhou Dynasty. Not only was Mr. Jimo highly esteemed and revered by scholars and artists, but because the founding emperor of Zhou had ruled through military strength and always held great respect for scholars—a tradition continued by successive emperors—Mr. Jimo had even been a guest of the late emperor. Even the Grand Empress Dowager showed him courtesy, and the Eldest Princess had received guidance from him in her childhood.

This was what Xue Yubai told her. Kneeling before Mr. Jimo, she was dazed for a long time. Staring at his immortal-like and dignified demeanor, she asked blankly, "Do you truly wish to take me as your disciple?"

Mr. Jimo raised an eyebrow. "What, unwilling?"

"Of course not!" Yue Rongrong said urgently, her eyes brightening before dimming again. "It’s just... just... my status is humble..."

Xue Yubai’s heart tightened. Since he had known Yue Rongrong, he had seen her radiant, vulnerable, and sorrowful, but he had never seen her look so insecure.

Mr. Jimo’s eyes showed tenderness as he helped her up. "Who would dare call you humble once you are my disciple?"

Seeing his proud yet warm expression, Yue Rongrong’s eyes warmed. Overwhelming joy eclipsed everything else. She knelt again with a thud—even with a cushion beneath, it hurt enough to make her wince briefly—then smiled brightly. "Teacher..."

"Hey! Wait, wait, wait!" Mr. Jimo held her arm to stop her from bowing fully.

Yue Rongrong was speechless. "You’ve changed your mind?"

Mr. Jimo laughed heartily. "Silly girl, I can’t accept a disciple so casually. Wait for me to choose an auspicious day, host a banquet at Yizhan Jiangnan, invite everyone to witness the ceremony, and then you can formally become my disciple. Let the world know what a clever and bright final disciple I have taken!"

Such a grand occasion left Yue Rongrong stunned and immensely honored.

Xue Yubai couldn’t wait. Joyfully, he grabbed the almanac of auspicious dates, scanned it, and his eyes lit up excitedly. "Teacher, three days from now is an auspicious day!"

Mr. Jimo was delighted as well!

Xue Yubai bowed to Yue Rongrong. "Junior sister."

The address made a blush spread across Yue Rongrong’s cheeks. She lowered her gaze slightly, and Xue Yubai was captivated. He thought that on the day of the apprenticeship banquet, he would invite his grandmother to attend and let her meet Yue Rongrong.

Amid this tremendous joy, Yue Rongrong could hardly believe it. She would wake up in the middle of the night, pinch her cheek to confirm it wasn’t a dream, and then go back to sleep. She didn’t dare speak of it, afraid that if this heaven-sent fortune were leaked, the gods might take it back.

But she told Zhong Yu. Zhong Yu was completely stunned, pinching her own arm hard. Hearing Yue Rongrong yelp in pain, she murmured blankly, "It’s not a dream..."

Yue Rongrong glared at her tearfully. Suddenly, Zhong Yu hugged her tightly, overjoyed. "I’m actually sisters with Mr. Jimo’s disciple! Mr. Jimo! He’s no ordinary painter! If most current court disciples come from the Shen family, then the remaining few are all either Mr. Jimo’s disciples or have been taught by him! He rarely takes disciples!"

Yes, Yue Rongrong sat in the private room of Yizhan Jiangnan, looking at herself in the mirror, still unable to believe she was about to become Mr. Jimo’s disciple. The room was quiet; she could clearly hear the guests outside in the garden greeting one another, hear the names of various officials and young masters, hear the master of ceremonies loudly announcing their congratulatory gifts. The atmosphere was solemn and grand. Suddenly, she began to fear—fear that she would disappoint such an occasion, disappoint her teacher. Her hands trembled.

"What, is Yue Rongrong actually nervous?"

A cool, slightly teasing voice came from the doorway. Yue Rongrong turned sharply to see Shen Jichen standing there, a faint, elusive smile on his lips as he gazed calmly at her. Her restless heart suddenly settled, though her mind went blank. In her nervousness, she instinctively called out, "Piao Yao..." Her voice trembled.

Shen Jichen’s heart quivered at her call. He stepped across the threshold and walked slowly toward her, his eyes fixed only on her. Stopping before her, he looked intently at her face. Today, she was exquisitely beautiful, like finely carved white jade glowing softly. He smiled thoughtfully, reached out, and gently patted her head. "Don’t be nervous," he said in a low voice. "I’m here."

Yue Rongrong felt as if she had returned to her days in Hangzhou. Whenever she was uncertain or afraid of making mistakes, Shen Jichen would whisper behind her, "Paint freely, no matter what, I’m here."

Her heart settled completely.

Suddenly, a boisterous, surprised, and unrestrained voice rang out. "Marquis Shen! So you’re here!"

Both turned to look. Disturbed, Shen Jichen frowned unhappily at the uninvited, overly enthusiastic middle-aged man who strode in, his big belly jiggling as he smiled, eyes crinkling into folds. The man walked forward without hesitation but suddenly halted, his slit-like eyes widening as he stared fixedly at Yue Rongrong.

Shen Jichen finally remembered who he was—Boss Jin, Mr. Jimo’s only merchant friend, a sentimental and straightforward businessman. Shen Jichen frowned and stepped in front of Yue Rongrong, but Boss Jin simply walked around him. His gaze shifted from curiosity to disbelief, then to confirmed delight. He exclaimed loudly, "You’re Rongrong Yue! Rongrong Yue from Sinan Workshop!"

Shen Jichen’s face instinctively darkened, icy cold.

Yue Rongrong froze instantly, her face turning deathly pale. Wave after wave of panic, layer upon layer of fear, until finally, boundless despair churned within her. She didn’t even have the strength to lift her head. It felt as if countless hands were strangling her throat; she could hardly breathe. Suddenly, everything went black. She shoved Boss Jin aside and stumbled out frantically.

She knocked over a maid bringing tea, cups and saucers shattering on the floor. Everyone was startled and turned to look, but Yue Rongrong noticed nothing. She just kept rushing forward. When she reached the garden entrance, Xue Yubai—who had arrived late to escort his grandmother—saw her charging toward him, face ashen. Before he could ask what was wrong, Yue Rongrong bumped into Lady Xue’s shoulder and ran off without looking back.

Lady Xue nearly fell from the impact. Xue Yubai hurriedly steadied her, worried about Yue Rongrong but unable to leave his grandmother. Anxiously, he scanned the garden—every face was indifferent. Mr. Jimo hurried out upon hearing the commotion. Then Xue Yubai saw Shen Jichen emerge from the private room, equally pale, unconcealed rage burning in his hate-filled eyes though his expression was cold as ice.

An inexplicable fear began to spread in Xue Yubai’s heart.