Zhen Jiu’er spoke so openly and without guile that it left Yan Qiu feeling somewhat embarrassed instead.

He gave a light cough, unsure how to explain himself.

In the end, he simply fell silent.

Lu Beicheng, on the other hand, remained perfectly composed as always—having Jiu’er overhear their conversation didn’t seem to bother him in the least.

“You came looking for me?” he asked, his tone not unkind.

Yan Qiu quickly noticed that Ninth Master’s attitude toward Zhen Jiu’er really was somewhat different.

Even his tone softened.

Could it be that Ninth Master truly held a special affection for this Miss Zhen?

“We walked all day today. Even though you didn’t do much exercise yourself, I still think I should check your legs.”

Jiu’er glanced at Yan Qiu. “Looks like you’re in the middle of something. I’ll come back later—”

“The legs aren’t busy.” Lu Beicheng pulled away the blanket covering his legs.

Yan Qiu didn’t understand—did this mean he wanted Zhen Jiu’er to stay and listen to their conversation?

But what they were about to discuss counted as confidential. He still didn’t know where this Miss Zhen had really come from.

The tomb robbers were far too brazen; no one knew how many of them might have infiltrated the team.

Not only was Yan Qiu confused—even Jiu’er herself didn’t understand. He’d even pulled back the blanket—did that mean he wanted her to come over right now and examine him?

But they’d just been in the middle of what sounded like an important conversation!

Would it really be all right for her to stay?

Lu Beicheng’s meaning, however, was direct and to the point. “Aren’t you here to check my legs? Do you want me to come over there myself?”

“That’s not what I meant.” Jiu’er hurried over.

He already had trouble moving—how could she possibly let him come to her instead?

She set her medicine box down on the low table beside him, pulled over a small stool, and sat down by Lu Beicheng’s leg.

She wanted to glance back at Yan Qiu, but wasn’t sure what she could even say to him.

It wasn’t that she didn’t know Yan Qiu distrusted her, but she hadn’t meant to stay on purpose either… well, whatever—she had no ill intentions anyway.

Yan Qiu hesitated, then looked at Lu Beicheng. “Since Ninth Master has matters to attend to, I’ll come back later—”

“Do you think I’ll be any less busy later?” Lu Beicheng’s tone was flat.

There was a familiar chill in his words—the kind Yan Qiu was used to.

See, when speaking to Zhen Jiu’er, his tone was gentle. But the moment he spoke to Yan Qiu, it turned back into that same bone-chilling coldness.

Ah, even someone as formidable as Ninth Master couldn’t escape the pull of beauty!

But this Miss Zhen really wasn’t anything extraordinary to look at—Yan Qiu had no idea what someone as worldly as Ninth Master saw in her.

His probing gaze lingered on Zhen Jiu’er, until he distinctly felt an icy, bone-piercing chill sweep toward him. Yan Qiu raised his eyes—and by accident met Lu Beicheng’s deep, frigid stare.

He froze, then quickly caught himself and looked away at once.

He didn’t dare think any further on it!

“Ninth Master, you were just saying…” Something was wrong within the archaeological team—but with Zhen Jiu’er right there, could he really say it out loud?

“If you’ve nothing more to say, go back and rest.” Lu Beicheng picked up the cup resting on the armrest of his wheelchair.

Yan Qiu couldn’t help glancing at Zhen Jiu’er again—she had already rolled up Ninth Master’s trouser leg and was checking the nerves in his leg.

Her hands moved over his leg, and Ninth Master showed not the slightest resistance, as if he were already used to it.

Such closeness between them…

Forget it—for now, he’d simply treat this Miss Zhen as trustworthy.

“There’s someone from a tomb-robbing organization on the archaeological team.”