Chapter 37: Chapter The study remained quiet after Xi Wenzhe’s words fell.
Li Mei stood motionless before the desk, her hands folded neatly in front of her. Although her heart felt heavy, her expression remained composed.
She knew this conversation was inevitable.
The moment she had been assigned to Su Yueqing’s courtyard, she had already understood that Xi Wenzhe was aware of everything.
Trying to deny it would be foolish.
Making excuses would be even worse.
After several moments of silence, she finally lowered her head slightly.
"Young Master, I know you are aware of what happened."
Xi Wenzhe’s gaze remained fixed on her.
"What happened?"
His voice was calm.
Li Mei immediately understood the meaning behind the question.
He was not giving her an opportunity to soften her actions with gentle words.
He wanted her to acknowledge them properly.
So she did.
"I know you are aware of my wrongdoing."
Xi Wenzhe’s eyes narrowed slightly.
"Wrongdoing?"
He leaned back in his chair.
"No."
His gaze remained steady.
"I am aware of your crime."
The room fell silent.
Li Mei accepted the correction without protest.
Because he was right.
A servant could commit wrongdoing.
A noble lady could commit wrongdoing.
But deliberately creating a situation that endangered another person’s life was not a simple mistake.
It was a crime.
After a moment, she nodded.
"You’re right."
The straightforward admission caused Xi Wenzhe to pause.
Li Mei slowly raised her eyes.
"I could say that I never intended for things to become so serious."
"I could say I only wanted to frighten her."
"I could say I never expected the fire to spread."
She gave a small, bitter smile.
"But none of those things would change the result."
Xi Wenzhe remained silent.
Li Mei lowered her gaze again.
"The truth is that I acted out of jealousy."
There was no hesitation in her voice.
No attempt to avoid responsibility.
"I knew better."
"And yet I still allowed my emotions to control my judgment."
A flicker of disappointment appeared in Xi Wenzhe’s eyes.
"At least you understand that much."
Li Mei nodded.
"How could I not?"
She looked toward the open window.