She silently counted in her head. Two minutes later, she got up and walked to the French windows, holding her breath and listening intently. Soon, she heard the fading sound of an engine.

Niu Shurui let out a long breath, her heartbeat slowing.

Thankfully, she had gambled correctly. Ye Li's memory was indeed much better than average.

That time in the office, when he'd carried her blindfolded from the desk to the sofa, might have seemed insignificant at first glance, but on closer inspection, it was odd. He went there every week, but there was a difference between having his eyes open and closed.

Even in her own familiar home, Niu Shurui wouldn't dare say she could navigate with her eyes closed.

Especially since he had deliberately glanced around before he'd picked her up.

And her words just now had been intentionally obvious. That was the only way to make Ye Li suspicious. Only by allaying his doubts face-to-face would he leave decisively.

Niu Shurui grabbed a bathrobe and put it on, tentatively opening the bedroom door. It clicked open, just as she'd hoped.

Her feelings were complex, but she didn't linger, hurrying downstairs.

The villa was eerily empty. Niu Shurui didn't see a single person on her way down.

As she stood there, considering her next move, a maid pushing a cart appeared around the corner.

The maid froze when she saw Niu Shurui, but quickly recovered, giving a slight bow before hurrying away.

Niu Shurui strode forward, blocking her path. "Tell Ye Yanhui to come to the villa within half an hour. Or lend me your phone. I need to talk to him."

The maid understood the implication and shook her head without a word, trying to move past.

Niu Shurui grabbed her arm. Every second was precious. Judging by Ye Li's speed, he might be back in less than half an hour.

"I know what you're worried about. But if I was running away, would I be wasting time with you here? You know that Ye Yanhui is still the one in charge. What do you think he'll do if he finds out you delayed Ye Li's treatment?"

"So, give me your phone. Don't worry, I won't let anything happen to you."

The maid kept her head down, silent, but her gaze on Niu Shurui's wrist was steady. Niu Shurui was certainly weaker; if she pulled away now, she could avoid all trouble.

But after a few seconds, she took her phone out of her pocket and handed it to Niu Shurui.

Niu Shurui took it. "Thank you."

Of course, the maid wouldn't have Ye Yanhui's contact information. But Niu Shurui tried anyway.

She dialed a number, but hung up after a few seconds.

Then she quickly created a new email address on the phone and logged into her own account to compose a message.

The maid stood quietly beside her, head bowed, neither interfering nor interrupting. Suddenly, her eyes darted to the side, and she turned her head with lightning speed, only to be knocked unconscious by a sharp blow.

Niu Shurui only reacted after hearing the sound, whirling around.

Qiao Qi had somehow slipped into the villa and was staring at her, his face expressionless. His shirt and suit jacket were marked with scratches from branches, a stark contrast to his usual immaculate appearance. Even his meticulously styled hair was disheveled, falling onto his forehead.

He scrutinized Niu Shurui slowly, his gaze traveling from head to toe.

Finally, he looked into her eyes, the familiar curve of his lips appearing, but without a trace of mirth in his eyes.

He slowly raised his hand, his voice gentle and calm, yet strangely unsettling. "I'm sorry, Niuniu. I'm late. I failed to protect you… You did well. Now, I'm here to take you home."

Niu Shurui instinctively took a step back.

Qiao Qi's outstretched hand froze, the smile vanishing from his face. "I know you blame me. You can do whatever you want later. But now, come home with me."

Looking at this familiar yet strange man, Niu Shurui's heart pounded.

Qiao Qi, at this moment, felt… even more dangerous than Ye Li.

She unconsciously took another step back.

Niu Shurui knew she shouldn't do this; it might provoke him, but her body wouldn't obey. She opened her mouth to speak. "Qiao Qi, listen to me, right now—"