After dinner, I drank tea and enjoyed the scenery in the drawing-room on the second floor. Jing Ni and Qu Hao came to look for me.
Qu Hao held Jing Niâs hand. Jing Ni felt a little shy, so I couldnât help but smile.
I liked to see happy couples.
Seeing Jing Ni with Qu Hao and Mai Qi with my little uncle, I felt a sense of comfort. I had already lived for two lifetimes and liked to see happy endings. After all, everyone had suffered too much.
âWhere are my little uncle and Jing Tian?â I asked Qu Hao as I poured tea for them.
Qu Hao took the teacup. âThe two of them have gone to check the defenses. They also have to figure out where Gu Nian might set the traps for us.â
I laughed. âGu Nian wonât harm us. Thereâs no need to be so nervous.â
Qu Hao looked at me. âNanxing, you need to be more cautious. Gu Nian has helped you before, but his biggest problem is he has always been on the fence. However, no one can keep that going forever. This time, he will be forced to pick a side.â
I said with some uncertainty, âHe will stand on our side.â
Qu Hao took a sip of his tea and looked at me. He smiled helplessly. âNanxing, youâre not him. Also, you canât assume heâd do that because he likes you.â
I raised an eyebrow. I wanted to retort but didnât say anything.
Qu Hao was right. I knew that Gu Nian liked me, so I had nothing to fear. Besides, Gu Nian had never let me down. Of course, I knew Gu Nian had his own goals. But he had always tried not to harm me while pursuing his own goals.
Qu Hao added, âGu Nian is Master Liu, one of the Seven Brothers. If Master Liu is someone who can be tied down by feelings, will he be Master Liu? Think of Master Si and Master Qi.â
I looked at Qu Hao, speechless.
âOf course, Master Liuâs stance in the Seven Brothers is the hardest to tell. This is because he is always wavering. He also needs to protect his own interest. Nanxing, donât let down your guard against Gu Nian.â
I nodded lightly.
Qu Hao sighed lightly. âYou and Tong Le are not suitable for the next step of the plan. Jing Tian and I will take over.â
I looked at him in surprise.
Qu Haoâs expression was calm.
âTong Hui and Tong Zhuo are your families. It might be fine for you, but for Tong Le, that is asking him to cut off his own flesh. We donât want him to live with this scar for life. So Iâll take charge instead.â Qu Haoâs attitude was firm and calm.
I looked at him curiously. âQu Hao, are you Master San?â
Qu Hao was stunned for a moment before he smiled. âNanxing, why would you think that?â
âBecause among the Seven Brothers, only Master San has remained unknown. Heâs mysterious, yet he is powerful. I believe he has hidden his identity because the exposure will harm him. After some thoughts, youâre a likely candidate.â
Even Jing Ni looked at Qu Hao in shock.
Qu Hao didnât know whether to laugh or cry. âIf I say no, will you believe me?â
Jing Ni and I stared at him, not saying a word.
âTsk! What can I do to make you believe me?â He felt a little helpless.
âIf itâs you, just admit it,â Jing Ni said.
âThatâs right. We also hope that Master San is one of us. That way, we can at least be evenly matched. Otherwise, my little uncle and Jing Tian would really be on their own.â I was certain that Qu Hao was Master San.
âItâs a pity that Iâm not. If I were, I wouldnât have to hide it from you guys,â Qu Hao said seriously.
Thatâs true! Jing Ni and I exchanged a glance. We had to admit that Qu Hao was right.