Acting overly obedient would be suspicious.
The safest choice was to remain neutral.
Unfortunately, what she did not know was that several members of the Xi family had already become suspicious of her.
From the nearby corridor, Xi Yunchen quietly folded his arms.
"She doesn’t look happy to be here."
Xi Yunhao nodded.
"Would you be happy if you were transferred from Mother’s residence to serve under your master’s wife?"
Xi Yunchen thought about it.
"...Fair point."
Meanwhile, Su Yueqing continued studying Li Mei.
The more she looked, the more she felt that something about the woman was different from the image of a simple maid.
Li Mei wasn’t panicking.
She wasn’t even trying particularly hard to gain favor.
Instead, she seemed to be constantly observing everything around her.
Like someone who was always thinking.
Always calculating.
[No wonder she survives so long.]
[She’s smarter than most people around her.]
At the corridor, Xi Wenzhe’s eyes narrowed slightly.
He remained silent.
Beside him, Gu Xiang glanced at him briefly before returning his attention to the courtyard.
Meanwhile, Li Mei finally spoke again.
"If Young Madam has no further questions, this servant will continue waiting for instructions."
Su Yueqing was about to respond when she suddenly felt something.
It was simply a strange feeling.
The feeling that someone was watching her.
The hairs on the back of her neck immediately stood up.
Slowly, she turned her head.
Then—
Her eyes met Xi Wenzhe’s.
Su Yueqing froze.
For a brief moment, the entire world seemed to pause.
The distance between them was not small.
The corridor was partially hidden.
Yet she immediately spotted him.
Xi Wenzhe stood with his hands behind his back, dressed in dark robes, his expression calm as he watched the scene unfolding below.
Beside him stood Xi Yunhao, Xi Yunchen, and Gu Xiang.
The moment she saw him, Su Yueqing nearly jumped from her chair.
[Why is he here?!]
Her first instinct was panic.
Her second instinct was to pretend she had not seen him.
Unfortunately, it was too late.
Because Xi Wenzhe had already seen her see him.
An awkward silence settled over the courtyard.
The servants looked confused.
Li Mei looked confused.
[I thought he was gone and I wouldn’t have to see him until dinner!]
[Why is he appearing here?]
At the corridor, Xi Yunchen immediately looked away to stop himself from laughing.
Gu Xiang rubbed his forehead.