163 Awaiting the Right Moment

“Second Master, long time no see.”

Si Qingchen’s lips curved into a faint, helpless smile.

Looking back, when had he ever experienced something like this before?

It felt like a man caught red-handed in an illicit affair.

Although... it seemed he actually was having an affair.

...

“It’s not really that long,” Mu Qing replied vaguely. “I’ve ‘accidentally’ seen Young Master Si several times.”

“...”

Hearing Mu Qing’s evasive answer, Si Qingchen narrowed his eyes, his expression growing contemplative and grave.

Mu Qing shrugged nonchalantly, still relaxed.

“You don’t need to be nervous. I’m not here to report you.”

“If the Second Master has something to say, just speak plainly.”

If he wasn’t here to expose him yet came at dawn to confront him, then surely... he must have a favor to ask.

Indeed, Mu Qing did not beat around the bush and said directly,

“I want Young Master Si to help me find someone.”

“Who?”

“A student from your school.”

“Is it the same one you had me look for a few days ago... Xia Wan?”

“Mm,”

Mu Qing nodded truthfully.

A rare trace of worry flickered across his usually cold, indifferent face.

---

Si Qingchen found it amusing, gradually relaxing his aura as he leaned against a trellis, watching him leisurely.

After a long pause, he spoke,

“Second Master... are you... falling for her?”

Mu Qing was momentarily startled, his confused and vague expression circling before finally returning to Si Qingchen’s gaze.

He shook his head, puzzled.

“I don’t know. I’ve always been indifferent by nature. I’ve never been in love and don’t understand what it means.”

“Alright, I understand. I’ll keep an eye out for you.”

Si Qingchen nodded, harboring no doubts about what Mu Qing said.

This world-renowned artist was notoriously cold.

Even if he didn’t say it, Si Qingchen could sense the turmoil and inner struggle he must be facing.

But in the end, these matters could only be resolved by himself.

“Let’s go. Take good care of Qingcheng for me.”

“Understood.”

Si Qingchen patted Mu Qing’s shoulder, formally accepting the task. After a few steps, he quickly vanished into the thinning night.

...

In the following days, Si Qingchen truly did not appear again as he had said.

Not only that, even the usual brief messages grew scarce.

Mu Qingcheng knew clearly that he must have gone on a covert mission concerning the Shadows.

Those matters were always fraught with danger and it was indeed inconvenient to maintain outside contact.

Though she knew extreme danger rarely came near Si Qingchen, she couldn’t help but feel uneasy, often sitting by the window, phone clutched in hand, lost in thought.

This troubled the old master Mu, whose brows furrowed deeply, yet he was hesitant to speak directly.

Fortunately, one afternoon, the old master suddenly received a call from Qin Beichu.

The young man had recently been abroad assisting his father with business affairs, and having suffered some losses, was planning to move the family back to the capital.

It seemed preparations were nearly complete.

Upon hearing of Mu Qingcheng’s condition, Qin Beichu grew concerned and asked the old master when he might come to visit.

The grandfather and grandson shared a tacit understanding but said nothing, merely waiting for the right moment.

****

That day,

Mu Qingcheng changed into her pajamas and went to bed early.

Though all the doctors insisted her health was gradually improving, only she truly knew the truth.

Her foundation was slowly being depleted.

The toxins within her would not erupt violently but still inflicted damage.

Si Qingchen had built a barrier for her, but it was only a temporary shield.

To truly dispel the poison, they had to seek out the Xu family.

Yet she had barely managed to deceive Ye Zi that day, and now she absolutely could not mention it again.

If that scoundrel found out she had given both Wanwu Pills to Si Qingchen...

She wasn’t sure what reckless act Ye Zi might commit.

For example... blowing up the Shadow base?

Meanwhile, with this anxious heart, Mu Qingcheng gradually fell asleep.

Around midnight, her window, once sealed tight...

Suddenly creaked open a sliver...