He looked as if he was in pain.
Without thinking Bairan hurried to his side"Sir, are you okay?"
Zhouyan turned his head meeting her eyes.
His eyes were filled with despair and pain yet beneath them all there was something else—a silent plea.
As though begging for answers he could not put into words.
Bairan straightened and her chest tightening.
She felt if she kept looking into those eyes she might be drawn into them.
She quickly turned her gaze aside and said softly "Sir, don't worry. Master Pei's men will be here soon."
Zhouyan's eyes lingered on her face for a moment. Her face so unfamiliar yet unbearably stirring to him.
He had not come to the banquet because he hated being surrounded by people. But in the end he could not stop himself.
He wanted to see her again.
He didn't understand why? only that when he looked at her it was like seeing Xin Yi once more.
For the first time after seven cold years he felt a faint flicker of warmth.
Awarmth he had long yearned for.
But she was not Xin Yi. He could not let his emotions frighten her.
He forcing himself to steady his breath and adjusted his expression.
finally he spoke in a low voice.
"What message do you want to passed to Han Yue?"
Bairan's eyes widened. The words slipped out of her before she could stop herself.
"How… how did you know? You weren't even there…"
Halfway through she realized it.
She thought "So the one watching me in the hall—was you."
Zhouyan waited patiently for her to answer.
For a brief moment Bairan simply looked at him.
He stood tall and composed not at all like the weakened man she had just seen. This one is calm, cold and unreadable.
She recalled how Master Pei had addressed him as "Master." So this was truly the man above them all. Perhaps it was even better to ask him directly.
Quietly taking a breath.
Bairan bowed gracefully to him
"Yes. I wished to speak with Master Pei… because I have a favor to ask."
Zhouyan's voice was slowly follow
"What is it?"
Bairan said carefully,"I need him to lend me one of his men, Someone who can gather information for me."
His eyes didn't left her eyes. Asked
"What kind of man do you want?"
Bairan answered without hesitation her tone almost careless.
"The more he likes gossip, the better he is for me."
Zhouyan's eyes still lingered on her then he gave a faint nod.
"Anything else?"
"For now, that's all I need," she replied just as casually.
exchange had been so fast so ordinary that Bairan only realized afterward.
she thought
wait... had she just talked to him like he was Bao'er or Baian? Not the cold powerful man? She almost slap herself. "Brilliant, Bairan,....next time why not pat him on the shoulder and ask if he's eaten yet?"
Bairan quickly clasped her hands and bowed. her voice was warm yet respectful.
"Thank you for your help, Daren. If you ever need Bairan's help, I will surely do my best."
Zhouyan's thought.
A moment ago she had spoken so casually as if the weight of my identity meant nothing she didn't care about but now she stood with perfect courtesy every word measured respectfully.
he wondered
Which one is truly you?
A faint crease forming between his brows. The warmth he had felt flickered uncertainly and leaving him more unsettled than before.
To Bairan's luck.
Dongpo came toward them just in time.
When Bao'er returned to the hall just now. He realized it was a signal fro his master—he had been sent to find Miss Lin and see what she needed.
He always happy to talk to beautiful woman so he was happy to take this task.
But when he saw His Highness standing there with Miss Lin.
His heart jolted in shock. Fear swept through him. no one dared linger in the same place when His Highness was present.
He swallowed hard quickly clasped his hands and bowed
"Master."
Zhouyan gave a curt nod.his voice cold as he turned his gaze to Bairan.
"Tell Dongpo what you need. He will do it for you."
Dongpo's eyes flickered with understanding. From this moment it seemed he was to serve Miss Lin's command.
He lowered his head and bowed.
"Yes."
Zhouyan did not remain to hear her request. With a faint rustle of his robe
he turned away and in an instant his tall figure disappeared into the night.
She exhaled softly looking at his leaving back.
Then she glanced at Dongpo.
Well… at least I've gained a source to gather information.
Beneath the moonlight her face was gentle and elegant not less beautiful as the shiny moon.
Dongpo's face turned slightly red. He quickly lowered his head his voice stiff and formal.
"Miss Lin… please give me your order."
Bairan studied him for a moment a faint smile tugging at her lips.
Compared to his unreadable master this one was far too easy to read.
she said lightly.
"Don't be so formal...It's nothing serious. I simply need you to gather information for me—about some people in my household. The more detailed
the better."
Dongpo nodded. "Yes, Miss. Who do you want me to investigate?"
Bairan answered calmly, "Madam Luo and her daughter, her maiden family, as well as my other sister, Rouyu… and my personal maid, Qing'er. And finally my fiancé young master Lu / Lu Yichen "
Dongpo responded quickly, "Yes, Miss. Anything else?"
Bairan smiled gently. "No, that's all. But I'm in a bit of a hurry—I want you to bring me the information by tomorrow night."
Dongpo's eyes flickered in surprise
That soon?
Still he quickly composed himself bowing his head.
"As you command Miss Lin. I will not fail you."
Bao'er's footsteps approached.
She calling her young miss from time to time.
Bairan quickly whispered to Dongpo, "Hide yourself."
Then as she turned away she left one last sentence behind her:
"Tomorrow—meet me at midnight, in my room."
Dongpo darted upward hiding himself on the roof.
But the moment her words sank in his foot slipped against a tile if he wasn't a good martial artist he would fall down for sure.
His ears burned red as he muttered under his breath, "Did she just say… in my room?