Chapter 115: Heartbeat

Only after Lady Wang had walked away did Yi An turn to Shen Yuqin and ask, "What do you make of Lady Wang?"

Shen Yuqin replied indifferently, "She is insidious, cunning, and two-faced—a wolf in sheep's clothing. I had been wondering all along how Luo Kui could have possibly known about me. But after seeing Lady Wang today, I have a fairly good idea."

If no one had been plotting against her, Luo Kui would never have cast his gaze toward this desolate corner. She was a recluse who kept to herself, and those who truly knew her were few and far between. After meeting Lady Wang today, the truth had become glaringly obvious.

"It seems your mind is as clear as a mirror; I am relieved to hear that," Yi An said, slightly taken aback. He had feared that Shen Yuqin might fall for another's hypocrisy. However, it was clear he had worried in vain. Shen Yuqin was brilliant and refined, not easily deceived. Lady Wang's petty tricks could never escape her sharp eyes.

Yet, this realization brought a new challenge. Given Shen Yuqin’s intelligence, his own future actions would be put to the test. If he were to show any suspicious behavior, even with his borrowed memories, he would likely be exposed. Once a rift formed between them, mending it would prove difficult.

"Ever since that day, I have warned myself to always keep my guard up. I can only rely on myself. If I fall into someone’s trap, who is there to help me?" Shen Yuqin sighed, voicing thoughts she had never shared with anyone before. Since arriving in the Ghost City, every step she took felt like walking on thin ice, yet trouble continued to find her.

"From now on, you have me," Yi An said, driven by an unbidden impulse.

As he caught the faint fragrance drifting from her hair, he felt a strange, unprecedented sensation. His heart began to race, and he was suddenly seized by the urge to pull her into his arms. He restrained himself, however; his mind was in turmoil. He did not know if this was truly affection. Having never been in a relationship, he was unfamiliar with such feelings. *Perhaps this is just pity... though it doesn't quite feel like it... Could this be what they call falling in love?*

The thought startled him, leaving him looking momentarily dazed and distracted.

"Yi Lang, what is wrong?"

Shen Yuqin tugged at his sleeve, looking at him with confusion.

"It is nothing, just lost in thought," Yi An said, shaking off his daze and offering her a smile.

"Oh," she replied, nodding slightly without pressing further. If he wanted to share, he would; if not, forcing him would be futile. Even if he were to confide in her under pressure, it would not be what she wanted.

"Yuqin, if I am not mistaken, Lady Wang has gone to report back to him. We might as well turn the tables on them," Yi An said earnestly.

Shen Yuqin’s clear, beautiful eyes shimmered with curiosity. "How shall we do that?"

Seeing that Yi An had been thinking of their predicament filled her with a subtle sweetness.

Yi An had not yet worked out the specifics, but he had a general direction in mind. "Since Lady Wang is colluding with him, we can sow seeds of suspicion and ensnare Luo Kui. Since the information is being funneled through Lady Wang, if Luo Kui suffers a setback, he will not let it go easily. The one who provided him with false information—Lady Wang—will surely face dire consequences."

He did not know much about Luo Kui yet, and was still considering how best to proceed.

"Hmm..." Shen Yuqin grew thoughtful, staring down the street. After a long moment, her eyes lit up, and she whispered, "Yi Lang, I have an idea that might work."

"Tell me, Yuqin," Yi An said, intrigued.

"Luo Kui has thirty-eight concubines, and his ninth, Mu Lan, is his favorite. It is common knowledge that he dotes on her," Shen Yuqin explained. "Mu Lan has a particular fondness for a perfume shop in the south of the city, which she visits every few days. The owner of that shop is a man. Perhaps we can make something of this."

Yi An considered it and couldn't help but applaud the idea. "A brilliant plan! If we succeed, it will be killing two birds with one stone. While it may not cause Luo Kui any lasting physical harm, it will certainly make his life miserable for a while. And as for that insidious Lady Wang, she will not be so fortunate."

He instantly understood her intent. Luo Kui cared for Mu Lan, but should his prize possession fall into the hands of another, it would be an entirely different matter. As the saying goes, love runs deep, but hate runs deeper. If he were in Luo Kui’s position, he would surely destroy what he could no longer possess; that is human nature. Not everyone is magnanimous enough to forgive. Given Luo Kui’s temperament, there was a ninety percent chance he would react with blind, impulsive rage.

Once the dust settled and Luo Kui realized the truth, Yi An could already imagine his furious expression. By then, there was a high probability that he would execute Lady Wang just to vent his frustration.

Shen Yuqin nodded in agreement. Mercy toward an enemy was cruelty to oneself; survival was the only eternal truth. Luo Kui was like a tiger waiting to pounce; if they were merciful to him, who would show mercy to them? Over the years, Shen Yuqin had seen the coldness of the world, and her heart had hardened. She hadn't realized it herself, but a warm current was beginning to thaw that icy exterior.

"Yuqin, shall we still head out?" Yi An asked, turning to her.

"We shall, but we must change our destination," she replied with a smile.

Yi An pondered for a moment. "But since Mu Lan only visits the shop occasionally, it might not be easy to cross paths with her."

He understood her plan and agreed, but they could not simply stand guard outside the shop indefinitely.