"Miss, and... Master Mu, are you going out?" The two servants standing guard outside the mansion watched as Mu Zhian escorted Bai Ruoxi away. Normally, servants would refrain from inquiring about their masters' affairs, but recent events had raised their concerns. Ye Yu had just stormed out in anger, likely related to Bai Ruoxi and Mu Zhian. Now, with Mu Zhian taking the eldest lady away, their worry deepened.
Bai Ruoxi responded softly, her voice cold. "Some things need to go to the Mu family." Mu Zhian smiled and added, "Please inform Mrs. Bai that Miss Bai has something to attend to at the Mu family this evening and will not return to the Bai Mansion tonight." The servants exchanged glances, their expressions shifting to one of ambiguity as they regarded Mu Zhian. Had Miss Bai rejected Ye Yu because of him?
Bai Ruoxi instinctively turned to look at Mu Zhian, her eyes widening in surprise. Not returning home tonight... He hadn't mentioned that before. In the past, this would have led her to imagine wild scenarios, as it was natural for a girl to have such thoughts when staying late at an opposite sex's residence. However, Mu Zhian's behavior over the past few days had eased her mind. She believed he might have feelings for her, but he would never exploit someone's misfortune. After all, he had several opportunities to take advantage of her but chose not to.
As these thoughts swirled in her mind, Mu Zhian opened the carriage curtain and called, "Come up, Miss Bai." Bai Ruoxi snapped back to reality, nodded reservedly, and approached the carriage. A gentle morning breeze lifted her white skirt as she walked. She wore plain short boots, accentuating her tall figure, and the fabric clung to her curves. As she bent slightly to enter the carriage, Mu Zhian signaled to the driver, and they began to move.
Bai Ruoxi turned to Mu Zhian, expecting an explanation for their visit to the Mu family. To her surprise, he rested his head in his hands and closed his eyes. After a moment of silence, she finally asked, "Master Mu, can you tell me now what you want to find me at the Mu family?"
Mu Zhian shook his head. "It's meaningless to tell you now; you won't believe it." He continued, "Also, I'm not sure whether the information is true or false, so I won't spread rumors." He recalled the black-robed man who claimed to have seen Bai Yuanfeng at the Gongsun family. However, that information was one-sided and seemed intended to sow doubt about the Bai and Gongsun families to prevent an alliance against him. The truth would soon come to light, and all suspicions currently pointed to Bai Yuanfeng.
At the Mu family, Bai Ruoxi sat in a chair, sipping her morning tea, though she appeared distracted. Strands of hair fell across her delicate face, and her white long skirt gave her an air of cold beauty. Even in her daze, she exuded elegance and refinement. Mu Zhian observed her, feeling a mix of admiration and concern. When Bai Ruoxi sensed his gaze, she looked up and asked softly, "Young Master Mu, can't you explain the reason now?"
Mu Zhian replied, shaking his head. "Wait until nightfall, and you will know." Bai Ruoxi's heart raced at the thought of what "nightfall" might imply. Despite trusting Mu Zhian, she couldn't help but entertain wild fantasies, especially given his intense gaze earlier. "I'll show you a surprise in a while," he added, then corrected himself, "No... maybe it should be called a shock. Miss Bai, you need to be mentally prepared."
Bai Ruoxi's beautiful eyes flickered with confusion, but Mu Zhian remained silent, sipping his tea and seemingly lost in thought. Sensing his distraction, she decided not to press further, quietly enjoying her tea instead.
As evening approached and the hour of Hai neared, the streets of Tianxuan City fell silent. Mu Zhian turned to Bai Ruoxi, who had been sitting beside him all day and looked somewhat tired. "Miss Bai, let's go," he said. Bai Ruoxi forced herself to appear alert and asked, "Where to...?"
"Of course, to our destination. Are you going to my room?" Mu Zhian teased with a smile. Bai Ruoxi felt her cheeks warm as she whispered, "Where is the destination...?"
"Bai Mansion," he replied. "I'll take you home." Bai Ruoxi was taken aback. Mu Zhian had invited her to the Mu family just to sit around all day and then return her home at night?
Seeing her confusion, Mu Zhian gently set down his teacup and smiled. "I wonder if Miss Bai has ever tried to sneak into her own home at night?"
Bai Ruoxi frowned slightly and replied, "Why should I sneak home...?" After all, Bai Yuanfeng supported her potential marriage into the Mu family. If he knew she was at the Mu family tonight, he wouldn't object. In theory, there was no reason for her to sneak in.
Mu Zhian glanced at her, his expression calm. "You will know soon."