Zhao’er seemed to hear nothing she said at all.

Her gaze remained fixed on Jingrong, who stood not far from her.

“Miss?”

She snapped back to her senses.

“What is it?”

“I should be asking you that. Why… do you keep staring at that young gentleman?”

She immediately made a “shh” gesture at the maid.

“What’s wrong, Miss?”

“Don’t say anything more.” Her face flushed red instantly.

The maid stared at her blankly.

Unable to comprehend.

Although her young mistress was very innocent, a woman’s thoughts were ultimately difficult to guess.

Zhao’er couldn’t restrain the impulse in her heart and stepped toward Jingrong.

“Young Master Jing.”

Her voice called out softly.

Jingrong stood with his hands clasped behind his back, originally watching the snow. Hearing the voice, he turned around.

He saw Zhao’er’s petite and delicate figure had already walked to his side.

A pair of dewy large eyes were looking at him.

“Does Miss Zhao’er need something?”

“No.” She shook her head.

Standing there silently.

Jingrong glanced inside the morgue, then said, “The weather is so cold. You should go back first. If there’s anything else needed, we’ll notify you.”

“It’s alright, I’m not afraid of the cold.” She smiled slightly.

“Then go sit in the main hall from earlier.”

“Are you concerned about me?”

Jingrong couldn’t help but laugh, looking at the young girl before him. “Miss Zhao’er, I think there are some things—have you perhaps misunderstood?”

“Some things? What things? What should I be misunderstanding?”

Her large eyes were full of confusion.

She wasn’t pretending not to understand; she truly didn’t understand.

This type of woman—every word, every action, even all the thoughts in her heart were almost displayed on the surface.

Not a trace of scheming!

Jingrong had seen countless people and naturally knew this young girl’s innocent kindness.

He had originally wanted to speak more plainly, but after considering it, he swallowed his words back.

He only said, “It’s nothing!”

He turned his gaze away, continuing to watch the snow.

Zhao’er continued to stare at him blankly.

A blissful smile playing at the corners of her mouth…

Meanwhile, inside the morgue.

Ji Yinshu was examining the stone that had contained Su Qiao’s severed head.

The stone, having been chiseled open, lay scattered in several pieces.

She picked up one piece to examine, then asked, “Is there any vinegar here?”

An old official said, “There is!”

He quickly had someone bring it.

Ji Yinshu dipped her finger in some vinegar, then rubbed it on the stone several times.

Dark gray particles clearly fell from the stone.

She said, “This is made of plaster!”

Li Cheng responded, “You’re certain it’s made of plaster?”

“There’s no doubt. The person who made this fake stone mixed a gray pigment into the plaster, and this pigment should have been extracted from minerals. Once mixed with plaster, it’s very difficult for the color to fade—only vinegar can wipe it off! That’s how it could pass for real stone! Moreover, things made from plaster are very light, which is why this stone is lighter than other stones.”

Li Cheng listened silently.

Then asked in confusion, “But why would the murderer use plaster to make a fake stone and hide the victim’s head inside it?”

“That… I don’t know either!” Ji Yinshu thought for a moment, then asked, “Are those merchants who transported the gambling stones still in jail?”

“That’s right, they’re all still locked up!”

“I’d like to meet with them and ask some questions.”

“I’ll bring them over right now.”

“No need. It’s getting late. Let’s ask tomorrow instead.”

“That works too.”

Ji Yinshu added, “By the way, Young Lord Cheng, I need you to help me investigate something else.”

“What is it? Tell me, as long as I can manage it.”

“Could you trouble yourself to go to the Ministry of Justice and retrieve the case files related to Du Mubai?”

“Investigate him?”

“Yes.”

Li Cheng fell silent for a moment, didn’t ask further questions, and agreed, “Alright! I’ll have it for you tomorrow.”

With that, the two of them left the room.

As soon as they emerged, they saw Jingrong and Zhao’er standing under the eaves.

One watching the snow!

One watching the person!

The scene appeared quite harmonious.

Li Cheng smiled.

Then spoke in a teasing tone near Ji Yinshu’s ear, “See that? That’s what you call a perfect match of talent and beauty.”

Clearly deliberately trying to provoke Ji Yinshu!

However—

Ji Yinshu didn’t get angry, nor did she feel the slightest bit uncomfortable.

She and Jingrong had experienced so much together. Their feelings were already deeply rooted, impossible for anyone to come between them.

She also knew that Jingrong’s heart held only her.

Long ago, there had been no room for anyone else!

Seeing her completely unconcerned expression, Li Cheng was about to say something more when—

Jingrong’s voice rang out.

“Are you finished already?”

Ji Yinshu nodded at him, then turned to Li Cheng, “Young Lord Cheng, we’ll head back first. I’ll come again tomorrow.”

“Mm… alright!”

Clearly reluctant to part.

But Ji Yinshu had already walked to Jingrong’s side.

The pair left together…

Zhao’er wanted to say something, but the words reached her lips and she stopped.

She watched helplessly as the two figures, one tall and one short, gradually departed.

Feeling somewhat dejected!

Li Cheng felt the same!

Afterward, he glanced at Zhao’er. “Little Zhao’er, you should hurry back. Otherwise when your father learns you’re here with me, he’ll make a big fuss again.”

Zhao’er glared at him. “Big Brother Cheng, you’re prejudiced against my father!”

“What your father is like—I experienced it deeply in earlier years. If your older sister hadn’t married into a good family, how could I have escaped?”

“Who told you to provoke my eldest sister!”

Uh!

That…

Li Cheng laughed awkwardly.

Then said, “Alright, I’ll have someone escort you back. If there’s anything else later, I’ll contact you again.”

Leaving those words behind, he strode away!

Zhao’er stood in place.

…

Li Cheng returned to his manor.

His expression heavy.

He stood at the main gate, neither entering nor leaving.

A servant saw him and asked, “Young Master, what’s wrong with you?”

He held his breath.

Gritting his teeth, he then headed toward his elder sister’s courtyard.

Since returning, Li Wenshu had never gone out again, spending all day reading in her room.

She was practically becoming addled from reading!

Li Cheng arrived at her door and paused.

Then—

He knocked.

This was the first time he’d ever knocked!

Li Wenshu glanced at him, thinking how well-behaved the boy was being.

“Come in.”

Then she continued reading!

After Li Cheng entered, he sat across from her without speaking.

After a short while…

Li Wenshu looked up. “What is it?”

“Elder Sister…”

“Why are you hesitating? If you have something to say, say it.”

Li Cheng kept one hand inside his robe the entire time. After a long moment, he finally withdrew it.

In his hand was that worn old fan.

He handed it to Li Wenshu.

Li Wenshu didn’t understand. She put down the book in her hands and took it from him.

Opening it to look!

When she saw the handwriting on it—

Her palm tightened.

Her heart trembled suddenly.

Her eyes moistened.

“This is… his handwriting.”

“So Elder Sister still remembers.”