Chapter 37: I Have Been Waiting for You for a Long Time (2)

Wen Qingyan was also waiting for Chang Ge’s answer. This woman, Yue Xuan, had repeatedly set herself against her, but it was a pity that she would soon make her realize she had provoked the wrong person. Regardless of which high-ranking official’s daughter she was, she would make her suffer the consequences! For civil officials, she had her father to handle things; for military generals, it was even easier—her maternal grandfather, uncles, and brothers-in-law were all top-tier commanders! When the time came to strip her father of his rank, she would see what she had left to be arrogant about.

However, she did not expect that when Chang Ge looked at them, a hint of a faint smile suddenly appeared in her eyes. "Move aside." As she spoke, Chang Ge brushed past Wen Qingyan, who was blocking her path, and walked directly to the front of the group. Since a life-or-death confrontation was inevitable, why bother with feigned politeness?

Zhuge Suyun felt a chill. Over the years, she had encountered many young ladies from prominent families. Even those who were the legitimate daughters of noble clans, if they wanted to catch her attention, they would all act like peacocks fanning their tails, eager to show off before her. Yet this woman was completely indifferent. Wen Qingyan was also filled with disbelief, but just as she was about to speak, Zhuge Suyun shook her head slightly at her. "Let’s go." In her view, every bit of arrogance was backed by some form of leverage. Until she could discern the strength of the enemy, she could not afford to offend others rashly. Of course, if she discovered the woman was merely bluffing, the consequences would be more than she could bear.

Wen Qingyan nodded, her expression slowly returning to that of a gentle, delicate girl.

After passing through the corridor, Chang Ge glanced at the small courtyard and frowned slightly; there seemed to be more to this place than met the eye. Mr. Ding cupped his hands toward them and said, "Madam Chang Ge, the first room on the left. Miss Wen, the second. And for this young lady, the third room."

After Mr. Ding finished his introductions, the corners of Chang Ge's mouth curled up. She walked directly into the third room without even sparing a glance for Wen Qingyan or Zhuge Suyun. Wen Qingyan was furious, yet her voice remained gentle and graceful. "Mr. Ding, may I ask which noble house that young lady belongs to?" Mr. Ding thought to himself: If you ask me, who the hell am I supposed to ask? He wanted to know, too! But for the sake of appearances, he replied to the goddess of Jincheng, "I am afraid I do not know, either." Wen Qingyan smiled, nodded, and after bidding farewell to Zhuge Suyun, walked straight into the second room.

Once Chang Ge entered the third room, an inexplicable sense of panic washed over her. It was not fear, but a sharp, intuitive warning. The room was not empty; it held all the necessary tea sets and furnishings, yet there was something indescribably wrong.

Chang Ge scanned the room, seeing no one. She frowned slightly, and three silver needles suddenly appeared in her hand. After a long moment, she looked toward a screen in the room. Biting her lower lip, she finally walked over. "This screen..." Usually, screens in households depicted birds, fish, insects, or landscapes, but this one was embroidered with a man! And it was the legendary "Phantom Embroidery"—where one could see the silhouette but never the face.

Chang Ge frowned. Suddenly, she felt as if the silhouette on the screen was revealing a wicked grin, filled with arrogance, contempt, and a touch of playfulness. She instinctively took a step back. Damn it, this wasn't Phantom Embroidery! There was actually someone behind the screen!

Suddenly, the heavy door behind Chang Ge slammed shut. The room seemed to undergo a transformation; stone panels descended as if from the heavens, turning the room into a pitch-black, windowless chamber, illuminated only by a few candle flames that flickered like ghost fires. Under the candlelight, Feng Shang, dressed in red with his dark hair slightly disheveled, looked at her with a mocking glint in his eyes. He toyed with a priceless King of Taihu Pearls as if it were nothing more than a plaything.