In a private room on the third floor of the Hua Man Lou on Baihua Street, in the southern district of Yaocheng, Ye Jingyu, now clad in a black long gown, stood quietly by the window, a faint smile playing on his lips as he watched the guards rushing back and forth in the street below. “Heh, Gongsun Sheng must never have expected we’d still be in the city.

Xiangyi, you rest well here. Big Brother has already gone to look for Xiao Hua’s news; we won't abandon it!” Ye Jingyu turned and said at that moment.

“Thank you, Young Master!” Gongsun Xiangyi looked up at Ye Jingyu, bowing slightly in salute. “Heh, it’s been so long, why are you still so formal?

Go rest. No one will disturb you here!” Ye Jingyu smiled faintly, already making a move toward the door.

“Young Master…” Just as Ye Jingyu was about to leave the room, Gongsun Xiangyi’s voice stopped him again. He turned back to see a look of reluctance and clinging affection shimmering in her beautiful eyes.

“What is it, Xiangyi? Is there something else?” Ye Jingyu spoke mildly.

How could he fail to see that Gongsun Xiangyi wished he would stay? But he was no longer the man he was two years ago.

After what happened with Luo Ling'er, he had told himself that she was his woman, the one he was bound to cherish for his entire life. His heart constantly ached for that sprite-like woman—her charm, her purity, her sincerity.

Her luminous, clear eyes would flash into his mind at every moment, as if she were right there beside him. Towards other women, even the stunningly gorgeous Yao Rao, he felt no stir of emotion, let alone any others.

As for Gongsun Xiangyi, what remained now was overwhelmingly familial affection. Of course, it was impossible to feel nothing at all when faced with such peerless beauty, and he knew that if he were to make a move on her, she certainly wouldn't object; she might even anticipate it.

But could he truly face Luo Ling'er if he did such a thing? Could he be worthy of the true love she offered him?

In the past, Ye Jingyu might have entertained the thought of a household filled with wives and concubines, but now, having truly realized Luo Ling'er’s place in his heart, there was no way he would willingly hurt such an innocent and devoted woman. And setting Luo Ling'er aside, what position would he place Gongsun Xiangyi in if something did happen between them?

If his heart belonged to Luo Ling’er, yet he took her, would that be fair to Xiangyi? Thus, Ye Jingyu, keenly aware of Gongsun Xiangyi’s small longing, merely wore an expression of incomprehension.

Seeing the unmoving composure on Ye Jingyu’s face, a flicker of disappointment crossed Gongsun Xiangyi’s eyes. “It’s nothing, Young Master.

Please be careful,” Gongsun Xiangyi softly shook her head. “Mm, you rest early then,” Ye Jingyu smiled and nodded, then quickly walked out, personally closing the door behind him.

Gongsun Xiangyi stood there, gazing foolishly after Ye Jingyu until his silhouette vanished at the doorway and his footsteps faded into the distance. Only then did she slowly turn back to her couch, a difficult, bitter ache surfacing in her strange, captivating eyes.

For some unknown reason, she felt Ye Jingyu was different now from before. Though he still cared for her and valued her just the same, the feeling between them seemed much more distant.

She clearly sensed that Ye Jingyu had matured significantly, losing the frivolousness and playfulness of earlier days. The old Ye Jingyu felt like an immature older boy, but the current Ye Jingyu gave her a feeling of warmth and comfort.

Especially recalling the calm, in-control presence he displayed while rescuing her—that image made her heart flutter even more intensely… Images of Ye Jingyu’s handsome face drifted through her mind until Gongsun Xiangyi slowly drifted into sleep. Back in his own room, however, Ye Jingyu tossed and turned on the couch, his mind filled with Gongsun Xiangyi’s reluctant expression.

“Damn, when did I become so upright?” he cursed himself in annoyance, sitting bolt upright. Thinking of his former self, he knew he would have long since pounced and devoured the opportunity presented in such a situation.

Yet now, with Luo Ling’er in his heart, he could actually exercise such self-control. To stand firm before such beauty—no one would believe it if he spoke of it.

He harshly chided himself internally, then stood up, humming the tune, “A good man won’t let the woman he loves suffer even a tiny bit…” before stepping out of the room. Barely outside, a white shadow floated towards him.

Yes, floated… But it wasn't a ghost floating over; it was the celestial beauty, Mudan. “It’s so late, why aren’t you sleeping soundly?” Ye Jingyu asked, smiling as he saw Mudan drift near.

“Master, the situation has changed!” Mudan’s face was etched with worry. “Hm?” Ye Jingyu’s brow furrowed, his eyes full of confusion.

They had rescued Gongsun Xiangyi, and the Gongsun family had, just as he predicted, rushed out of the city to pursue them. What other change could there be?

“The Gongsun family not only sent men to chase after us outside the city, but they also ordered the city gates sealed and began a house-to-house search. They will be reaching us soon!” Mudan’s beautiful eyes were fixed entirely on Ye Jingyu.

“Hmph?” Ye Jingyu uttered a single syllable, his brow still tightly locked. The guards and retainers might not recognize him, but they would certainly have portraits of Gongsun Xiangyi.

If the search reached them, discovery was inevitable. The ‘Hmph’ was his silent question to Mudan: what now?

This was her territory, after all. “We can only have Miss Gongsun hide in the secret room first.

If the situation proves too precarious, we can still leave Yaocheng through the secret passage!” Mudan immediately understood his meaning and quickly stated her plan. “You have a secret passage?” The word ‘secret passage’ instantly made Ye Jingyu’s eyes gleam.

“Yes!” Mudan nodded firmly. “Mudan, I have a favor to ask of you!” Ye Jingyu suddenly grasped Mudan’s shoulder, gazing at her with profound seriousness.

“Master, tell me whatever you command. As long as this servant can manage it, I will certainly put forth my utmost effort!” This was the first time Mudan had seen Ye Jingyu so grave; she was slightly startled, but she raised her head to look at him…