It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

“Miss, and… Young Master Mu, are you leaving?”

As Mu Zhi’an and Bai Ruoxi exited the manor, the two servants guarding the entrance couldn’t help but ask.

Normally, they wouldn’t dare to pry into their superiors’ affairs.

However, Ye Yu had just stormed out, and it was clear that the situation involved both Bai Ruoxi and Mu Zhi’an.

Now, Mu Zhi’an was taking their young mistress away. It was only natural for them to be concerned.

“Yes,” Bai Ruoxi replied, her voice cool and composed. “We have some matters to attend to at the Mu Manor.”

Mu Zhi’an added, “Please inform Madam Bai that Miss Bai will be staying at the Mu Manor tonight and won’t be returning.”

The servants exchanged glances, their eyes filled with knowing smiles.

Had their young mistress rejected Ye Yu because of Mu Zhi’an?

Staying at the Mu Manor tonight… he hadn’t mentioned that.

In the past, such a statement would have sent her mind spiraling with wild fantasies.

After all, it was only natural for a young woman to overthink spending the night at a man’s home.

However, Mu Zhi’an’s recent behavior had reassured her.

He might have feelings for her, but he would never take advantage of her… She was certain of that now.

He’d had several opportunities to make a move, but he’d always restrained himself.

As she pondered this, Mu Zhi’an held open the carriage curtain. “After you, Miss Bai.”

She nodded, her movements graceful as she approached the carriage. A gentle breeze rustled her white dress, revealing her slender figure and long legs clad in simple boots. She placed a hand on her ample bosom, then bent slightly and stepped inside.

Mu Zhi’an nodded to the coachman, and the carriage set off.

Bai Ruoxi turned to face him, expecting an explanation. However, he simply leaned back, his hands behind his head, and closed his eyes, as if settling in for a nap.

After a long silence, she couldn’t hold back any longer. “Young Master Mu, can you please explain why you brought me to the Mu Manor?”

Mu Zhi’an shook his head. “Telling you now would be pointless. You wouldn’t believe me.”

“Besides, I’m not even sure if it’s true. I’d rather not spread rumors.”

The black-robed man had claimed to have seen Bai Yuanfeng at the Gongsun Manor, but it was just hearsay.

He’d shared that information to sow discord between Mu Zhi’an and the Bai and Gongsun families, hoping to prevent them from joining forces against him.

The truth remained unclear.

However, it would be revealed soon enough.

And all signs pointed to Bai Yuanfeng.

…

Mu Manor.

Bai Ruoxi sat sipping tea, her mind elsewhere.

A few strands of hair framed her delicate face, and her white dress accentuated her alluring figure. She exuded an aura of aloof beauty, intimidating in her perfection.

She held her teacup, her gaze downcast, seemingly lost in thought.

Even when she’s daydreaming, she’s breathtaking… Mu Zhi’an sighed inwardly, admiring her beauty.

Sensing his gaze, Bai Ruoxi looked up, meeting his eyes. She didn’t blush or look away. Instead, she asked softly, “Can you explain now, Young Master Mu?”

Mu Zhi’an shook his head. “You’ll understand when night falls.”

Bai Ruoxi’s eyes widened. “When night falls…?”

It was an easily misinterpreted phrase. Combined with his earlier gaze, even someone who trusted him as much as she did couldn’t help but let her imagination run wild.

“I have a surprise for you,” Mu Zhi’an said with a smile. Then he corrected himself. “Or rather… a shock.”

“Be prepared, Miss Bai.”

Bai Ruoxi’s eyes flickered with confusion.

But Mu Zhi’an didn’t elaborate. He took a sip of tea, his gaze distant, as if lost in thought.

Bai Ruoxi, seeing this, decided not to press him further. She held her teacup and sipped her tea quietly.

It was clear he wouldn’t answer her questions, so there was no point in embarrassing herself.

They had dinner at the Mu Manor. As hai shi approached, the city fell silent.

Mu Zhi’an turned to Bai Ruoxi, who looked exhausted after a day of waiting. “Let’s go, Miss Bai.”

She forced herself to focus. “Go where…?”

“To our destination, of course. Unless you’d prefer to go to my room?” Mu Zhi’an teased.

Bai Ruoxi blushed, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of annoyance and amusement. “And where… is this destination?”

“The Bai Manor,” Mu Zhi’an replied. “I’m taking you home.”

Bai Ruoxi stared at him, dumbfounded.

He’d invited her to the Mu Manor, made her wait all day, and now, as night approached, he was taking her back home…?

He met her confused gaze and smiled.

“Have you ever tried sneaking into your own home at night, Miss Bai?”

Bai Ruoxi frowned. “Why would I sneak into my own home…?”

Bai Yuanfeng supported her marrying into the Mu family. She wouldn’t object to her spending the night at the Mu Manor.

There was no reason for her to sneak in.

Mu Zhi’an looked at her, his expression unreadable. “You’ll understand soon enough.”

Chapter 22: Heh Heh Heh