Unintentional Eavesdropping

When Mu Qing returned to his villa, it was already very late.

The very first thing he did upon entering the door was instinctively search for that familiar figure sitting by the window.

Fortunately, she was still there.

Even the housekeeper standing nearby noticed Mu Qing's unusual behavior.

Yet, wary of her master's temperament, she dared not say too much.

After changing his shoes, Mu Qing walked over and sat down directly across from Xia Wan.

Xia Wan looked up, saw that Mu Qing had returned, blinked, and spoke in a calm tone,

"Second Master, you're back?"

"..." Second Master?

Mu Qing frowned.

This was the first sentence Xia Wan had said to him since arriving here, yet it made him feel intensely uncomfortable.

"There's no need to be so formal. You can just call me by my name."

Mu Qing thought for a moment and decided to speak his mind directly.

After all, when dealing with a simple girl like Xia Wan, there was truly no need to beat around the bush.

Right now, the young girl's mood seemed to have improved significantly.

Just yesterday, she had been like a bewildered and panicked little beast, but by now, she was entirely tranquil.

He looked into her eyes and caught a glimpse of an unusual hue within them.

Curious, Mu Qing leaned forward slightly and asked,

"Xia Wan, your eyes..."

"!!!... It's nothing."

Xia Wan abruptly lowered her head, concealing her pupils.

The bangs across her forehead fluttered, accidentally brushing against the tip of Mu Qing's nose.

Only then did Mu Qing realize, belatedly, that he had gotten... this close to her.

There was no artificial scent about the girl—she was clean and fresh, carrying only the faintest trace of medicinal fragrance.

Mu Qing suddenly realized that every time he saw Xia Wan, he seemed to catch this faint aroma of herbs lingering around her.

Yet, why would her body... carry such a scent?

Before either of them could continue the conversation, they heard the sound of a car engine echoing from outside.

At the same time, the domestic housekeeper stood by the doorway and announced,

"Second Master, someone from the Si family is here."

"The Si family?"

Mu Qing looked in puzzlement toward the SUV slowly coming to a halt outside the window, then watched as a tall, aloof figure stepped out of the vehicle.

In his hand... he was carrying a silver canister.

Mu Qing grasped the situation almost instantly.

Without a second thought, he patted Xia Wan's shoulder and said,

"It's getting late. Go back to your room and rest first, I'll step outside for a moment."

"Mm."

Xia Wan nodded expressionlessly.

Yet, Mu Qing caught a fleeting trace of docility within that blankness.

He smiled, then stood up and walked out the door.

***

Outdoors,

Si Qingchen stood beside his car, watching Mu Qing—ethereal as an immortal—emerge from the house.

He couldn't help but offer a wry smile inwardly; it was a wonder how those "elites" of the Mu family could immerse themselves in the business world for so long yet remain far less perceptive than an artist who cared nothing for worldly affairs.

Through many matters, Mu Qing could actually see straight at a glance.

Perhaps precisely because of that, he chose to live in seclusion from the world.

By this time, Mu Qing had walked up close and took the initiative to speak,

"For Young Master Si to visit so late, it must be on account of Qingcheng."

"Yes."

Si Qingchen nodded without the slightest hesitation.

Mu Qing smiled faintly and continued,

"I knew Qingcheng's illness couldn't be that simple. But you don't need to explain further—just tell me what I need to do."

"The Second Master is truly perceptive, I am deeply ashamed by comparison. Then I will speak directly..."

Si Qingchen handed over the thermal insulation flask he was holding, while briefing him on the necessary precautions and the cover story to tell the Mu family.

***

"I understand, I'll be careful. You can rest assured."

"Then many thanks to the Second Master. Farewell."

After finishing the instructions, Si Qingchen did not linger. He turned directly, got into his car, and drove away.

Neither of the two men noticed that, in a second-floor bedroom, a petite figure was pressing stealthily against the window, hearing every single word they had spoken from beginning to end.