After a brief pause, Bai Ruoxi appeared incredulous. She was tempted to rise and peek through the window to see what was happening inside the room. However,MuZhian quickly grabbed her hand, pressed his finger to his lips, and whispered, "Shh." While Bai Yuanfeng had an average cultivation level and likely wouldn't notice their intrusion, Gongsun Xiong was another matter entirely. Even if Gongsun Xiong let his guard down upon seeing Bai Yuanfeng, the presence of Wei Mengrou could still lead to their detection. Despite the risks, Mu Zhian could faintly hear the intimate sounds emanating from the room, and those sounds confirmed everything.
Observing Bai Ruoxi's pale face, Mu Zhian realized how deeply affected she was by what she had heard. He called her name softly, but she didn't respond. Concerned for her well-being, Mu Zhian picked her up, turned, and quietly left the Bai Mansion. It wasn't until they were in the carriage, the rhythmic sound of horse hooves on the ground surrounding them, that Bai Ruoxi began to regain her composure. She gazed back at the receding night scene, her eyes reflecting a complex mix of emotions.
The situation had become clear to Mu Zhian. It made sense why Bai Yuanfeng was reluctant to part with the Tongmai Pills and why Bai's father had been attacked and seriously injured on his way back. It was all part of a calculated plan, a collaboration between Bai Yuanfeng and the Gongsun family. "Master Mu, why do you think my mother did this?" Bai Ruoxi asked softly, turning to the young man beside her. "What does she gain from destroying the Bai family?"
Mu Zhian sighed softly, "No gain." He continued, "But human emotions and actions are unpredictable. If we could understand people's thoughts based on common sense, there wouldn't be so many shocking crimes. It's impossible to truly know how someone's mind works. What's truly terrifying is not a beast, but the human heart—especially a woman's heart."
After a long silence, Bai Ruoxi looked at Mu Zhian and said, "Master Mu, if you can save the Bai family, I will give you the Tongmai Pills tomorrow." Mu Zhian glanced at her, a sigh escaping him. "Miss Bai, do you think the Tongmai Pills are still in the Bai family's possession?"
Bai Ruoxi was taken aback. After a moment of silence, a helpless smile crossed her face. She thanked Mu Zhian and prepared to disembark the carriage to attend to the Bai family's affairs. However, Mu Zhian reached out and pulled her back. Confused, Bai Ruoxi looked at him. Her once radiant face now appeared pale and weak, yet her eyes still held a flicker of strength.
"Don't you need my help?" Mu Zhian asked. Bai Ruoxi shook her head. "Master Mu is not part of the Bai family, so there's no obligation for you to help. Besides, you've already done so much for us."
"Ruoxi will come to thank you another day," she added with resolve as she stepped out of the carriage. Mu Zhian contemplated his next move. It seemed likely that the Tongmai Pills had been transferred to the Gongsun family, leaving nothing for him within the Bai family.
"Miss Bai, what do you think our relationship is now?" Mu Zhian inquired. Bai Ruoxi was taken aback; the dynamics between them had shifted from a master-servant relationship to something more equal, tinged with ambiguity. "It's not just a business relationship, but it's not just friendship either, right?" Mu Zhian gently held Bai Ruoxi's hand. After a brief silence, she blushed slightly and softly acknowledged their connection.
"My father may be injured, but he's not disabled. With our current relationship, we could almost meet the parents."
"Meet the parents?" Bai Ruoxi hesitated, then slowly raised her head, the realization dawning on her. "You want to meet my father?!"
Mu Zhian nodded. Compared to the conniving Gongsun family, he found the Bai family
to be more trustworthy.