Before Yao Ji could dwell on it further, the door opened, revealing the tall, elegant figure of a man, like a graceful bamboo stalk—Pei Yan, having finished his work, had come to retire for the night.

A smile bloomed on the young woman's face as she moved to greet him. Pei Yan took her hand, sighing, "You're smiling."

Yao Ji paused, surprised. Pei Yan couldn't see her expression, so how did he know she was smiling? Before she could ask, Pei Yan lowered his head, their foreheads touching, inhaling the fragrance at her neck. "...I just know."

There was an almost childlike quality to his words that made Yao Ji laugh softly. She withdrew her hand from his grasp. "Young Master, allow me to help you undress."

Her worries intensified with each passing day, the news of Ye Chonglou's visit weighing heavily on her mind. She tried her best to conceal her anxiety from Pei Yan, but her every gesture betrayed her. That night, as he sought intimacy, he sensed her distraction. With a sigh, he drew her close from behind, kissing her earlobe and murmuring, "Sleep."

The night passed without a word. Yao Ji drifted off to sleep, lost in thought, while Pei Yan remained awake until dawn.

The delicate form in his arms curled contentedly, her small hand resting on his chest. Pei Yan extended a finger, gently brushing it against her long, curled lashes, like a dragonfly skimming the water. The slightest touch sent a ripple of warmth through him. He heard the fading sound of dripping dew as the servants in the courtyard stirred, tiptoeing outside his door, awaiting their master's awakening.

Dawn had broken. As he held Yao Ji close, Pei Yan was struck by a fleeting fear that she might vanish like smoke, drifting away from him.

Pei Yan, with his sharp intellect, was well aware of Yao Ji's unease. However, since she remained silent, he wouldn't pry. He couldn't bear to pressure her. If she wished him to remain unaware, then so be it. But he couldn't stand to see her suffer. If she had troubles she couldn't voice, he would resolve them for her.

Rising from the bed, Pei Yan dressed and stepped outside, softly instructing a servant girl, "Have Pei An come see me."

When Pei An arrived at the study, Pei Yan was already dressed in a sky-blue robe that accentuated his refined appearance. "Inquire about any connection between the Song family and the Boundless Se Pavilion," Pei Yan instructed calmly.

Pei An was startled. "The Boundless Sea Pavilion's leader is visiting today. Could it be…?"

"No need," Pei Yan said, lowering his gaze. "Since he's coming, let him come."

Upon waking, Yao Ji learned that Pei Yan had already gone to the front courtyard to attend to his affairs. Knowing Ye Chonglou was due to arrive, she longed to be by Pei Yan's side. However, Bai Lu informed her, "The Young Master has instructed that, given your recent fatigue, you should rest."

It wasn't unusual for Pei Yan to spare Yao Ji from attending to him, but she couldn't find peace in the inner courtyard. Fearing Ye Chonglou might harm Pei Yan, however unlikely, she paced restlessly. Finally, she devised a plausible excuse to visit the front courtyard. Quickly preparing some pastries, she carried the lacquered box towards Pei Yan's study. Her frequent visits meant no one dared to stop her.

Reaching the door, she heard voices within. Taking a deep breath, she called out, "Young Master, I've brought you some pastries." Pushing open the door, she saw a man near the entrance turn towards her. His face was strikingly handsome, but his expression was cold. It was Ye Chonglou.