The trusted guard immediately noticed the relaxed atmosphere surrounding his master and almost found it unbelievable.
Since when had the Young Master been in such a good mood?
After bowing respectfully, he spoke.
"Young Master."
Xi Wenzhe set down the document in his hand.
"What is it?"
Dong Li hesitated briefly before answering.
"Li Mei is here."
The moment those words left his mouth, the faint amusement disappeared from Xi Wenzhe’s face.
His expression immediately became serious.
The change was so obvious that even Dong Li noticed it.
For a moment, silence filled the room.
Then Xi Wenzhe finally spoke.
"Let her enter."
Dong Li bowed.
"Yes, Young Master."
Without another word, he turned and left the study, closing the door quietly behind him.
Several moments later, the door opened again.
A familiar figure stepped inside.
Li Mei entered with her usual calm and graceful bearing.
She was dressed in the maid uniform assigned to Xi Wenzhe’s residence—a light yellow hanfu layered beneath a pale green outer robe, the colors soft and elegant rather than plain. The simple uniform could not conceal her natural beauty.
Her features were delicate and refined, with clear skin, gentle eyes, and neatly arranged hair secured with modest jade ornaments suitable for a servant of higher standing. Unlike many of the younger maids who relied on cosmetics and accessories to attract attention, Li Mei possessed a quiet attractiveness that appeared effortless.
Anyone seeing her for the first time would likely mistake her for the daughter of a respectable family rather than a servant.
Years of serving within the Xi household had also given her a composed temperament that made her stand out from the others.
Unfortunately, at this moment, there was a trace of worry hidden beneath her usual calm expression.
After stepping into the room, she lowered herself into a respectful bow.
"This servant greets Young Master."
Xi Wenzhe studied her silently for a moment before speaking.
"You may rise."
Li Mei stood.
Neither of them spoke immediately.
The atmosphere felt somewhat unfamiliar.
In the past, conversations between them had been easy.
Xi Wenzhe trusted her.
Li Mei understood him.
Neither needed to choose their words carefully.
Now, however, things had changed.
Ever since the fire incident, an invisible distance had appeared between them.
Neither had acknowledged it aloud.
Yet both could feel it.
Li Mei lowered her eyes.
"Young Master..."
Her voice was softer than usual.
"I came because there is something I wish to explain."
Xi Wenzhe remained seated.
His gaze was calm, but not as warm as it once had been.
"What is it?"
Li Mei’s fingers tightened slightly within her sleeves as she stood quietly before the desk, her hands clasped tightly in front of her.
She had rehearsed countless explanations before coming here. She had imagined every possible reaction from him.. anger, disappointment, coldness, but now that she was actually standing in front of him, none of those prepared words seemed sufficient.
The man seated before her was still the same Xi Wenzhe she had known for years.
Yet somehow, he also felt like a stranger.
Finally, she lowered her head.
"Young Master, I know you are already aware of my misdeeds."
The moment the words left her mouth, Xi Wenzhe’s expression hardened slightly.
"Misdeeds?"
His voice was calm, but it carried a sharpness that immediately made Li Mei’s heart tighten.
He placed the document in his hand aside and looked directly at her.
"No."
The single word made her nervous.
"What I am aware of are your crimes."