Jiang Si turned slightly as she returned the greeting: “You’re too kind, Sir. As I happened to be present during this murder case, it was only right that I contributed what little I could to help reveal the truth.”

“Regardless, it was thanks to you that we found the crucial evidence to identify Xuan-Ci,” the County Magistrate smiled. “It’s quite late now. The three of you should rest. Tomorrow, after I take the murderer back to the magistrate’s office, I’d like to treat you all to a feast at Fu Xing County’s restaurant. Would you have time?”

Yu Jin looked toward Jiang Si.

Jiang Si shook her head almost imperceptibly.

“Please don’t trouble yourself, Sir. We have other matters to attend to and will be leaving tomorrow.”

“In that case, I wish you three young friends a safe journey.” The County Magistrate seemed to want to say more but ultimately held his tongue.

As soon as the County Magistrate left, Jiang Zhan eagerly asked, “Fourth Sister, what help did you give him?”

“The prayer beads,” Jiang Si said these two words, and seeing Jiang Zhan’s continued confusion, explained, “Xuan-Ci’s prayer beads had the scent of blood.”

“Ah, I see.” Jiang Zhan suddenly understood, then narrowed his handsome eyes, “Fourth Sister, what kind of nose do you have? I think it’s even keener than Second Niu’s—”

Yu Jin placed a hand on Jiang Zhan’s shoulder and smiled slightly at Jiang Si: “It’s late, get some rest. Don’t wake up too early tomorrow. We’ll retire as well.”

Jiang Si nodded and walked toward the guest room.

Only after entering his room did Jiang Zhan belatedly realize something: What was that tone in Brother Yu Seven’s voice? Why did they seem so close, while he, the actual brother, felt like an outsider?

This realization left Second Young Master Jiang unable to sleep.

Something wasn’t right, something wasn’t right!

Jiang Zhan tossed and turned in his bed like a pancake being flipped. After who knows how long, he suddenly sprang up like a jumping carp and rushed to Yu Jin’s quarters.

After a series of urgent knocks, the door creaked open.

“What is it?” Yu Jin stood in the doorway, wearing only an outer robe over his snow-white undergarments, the collar loose enough to reveal his clear collarbones.

He had rushed through his washing up, his exposed skin still carrying moisture, his voice deeper than usual due to the late hour.

Jiang Zhan looked up at the sky.

Ahem, for a man to present himself in such a state was quite improper!

“If there’s nothing, I’m closing the door.” Yu Jin was genuinely tired and spoke impatiently.

“There is something. Let’s talk inside.” Jiang Zhan wedged himself through the door.

Yu Jin frowned slightly, closed the door, and went back to sit down, waiting for Jiang Zhan to speak.

Jiang Zhan planted both hands on the table: “Brother Yu Seven, I think something’s off about you!”

“Oh?”

“The way you speak to my Fourth Sister is very familiar.”

“Is it?” Yu Jin was secretly surprised that Jiang Zhan had suddenly become so perceptive but maintained an innocent expression.

“Of course it is!” Jiang Zhan suddenly leaned forward, not missing the slightest change in the other’s expression, staring for a good while but unable to discern anything.

Could he be overthinking it?

No, more likely the other’s face was too thick, his concealment too good!

“Brother Yu Seven, do you have intentions toward my Fourth Sister?”

Yu Jin almost lost his composure.

How did Jiang Zhan suddenly become so sharp?

After quick consideration, he nodded and replied concisely: “Yes.”

Seize every opportunity that can be seized, victory is within reach.

Jiang Zhan couldn’t believe what he’d heard, pointing at Yu Jin: “You, say that again!”

Yu Jin laughed lightly: “A virtuous lady deserves a gentleman’s admiration. Your sister is intelligent, kind, elegant, beautiful…”

Jiang Zhan nodded repeatedly at the string of compliments.

He hadn’t expected Brother Yu Seven to be such a good judge of character…

“Brother Jiang Zhan, is it not natural for me to admire such a lady?”

“Of course it is,” Jiang Zhan blurted out.

Who was he? What did he just say?

Wait, he felt dizzy, as if he’d been led in circles!

Yu Jin smiled approvingly and clapped Jiang Zhan’s shoulder heavily: “I knew Brother Jiang Zhan would understand and support me!”

“I—” Jiang Zhan opened his mouth, then suddenly slapped the table, “No, wait! While such feelings might be natural, given how wonderful my Fourth Sister is, without parental approval or proper matchmaking, this is irresponsible toward her!”

“So that’s what Brother Jiang Zhan is worried about. You can rest assured, I can speak to my family right away about sending a matchmaker.”

“Hold on.” Jiang Zhan shouted, rubbing his temples, “I’m not asking you to send a matchmaker—”

“Then what does Brother Jiang Zhan mean?”

“It’s just wrong for you to try to get close to my Fourth Sister right now!”

Yu Jin sighed heavily: “Brother Jiang Zhan won’t let me send a matchmaker, yet disapproves of my showing interest in your sister. What exactly should I do?”

Jiang Zhan opened his mouth.

How had he become the unreasonable one?

“Think about it, Brother Jiang Zhan. Your sister will marry eventually, right? Would you rather she marry a stranger whose appearance, character, and abilities are unknown, simply because it was arranged by parents and matchmakers?”

“Of course not.”

“There you have it. If I show my interest now, and if she returns my feelings, I’ll immediately send matchmakers. If she doesn’t…” The mere thought stabbed at Yu Jin’s heart, but he maintained his composure as he continued his persuasion, “Then naturally, I’ll know my place and stop pursuing her. I’ve always felt it is unfair to women when marriages are arranged solely through parental negotiations, without considering the lady’s feelings. After all, if a man doesn’t get the wife he wants, he can still take concubines or visit courtesans, but if a woman marries someone she doesn’t care for, her whole life is ruined.”

Jiang Zhan unconsciously stroked his chin.

It seemed to make sense.

“Moreover, Brother Jiang Zhan, you know me well. If there’s anything unsatisfactory about me, you’d see it. With you as her brother, she surely won’t be taken advantage of.”

“That’s true.” Hearing Yu Jin’s words, Jiang Zhan suddenly felt that the man before him was indeed quite suitable.

With this instant shift in perspective, he immediately began weighing Yu Jin’s pros and cons as a potential brother-in-law.

In terms of martial prowess, Brother Yu Seven was impeccable and certainly capable of protecting Fourth Sister. However, this was also a drawback – his skills were too formidable, and if he ever bullied Fourth Sister, Jiang Zhan would need help to confront him.

Regarding appearance, Brother Yu Seven matched Fourth Sister well; their future children would surely be even more— pah, where were his thoughts wandering!

Er, the drawbacks were also obvious: Brother Yu Seven was too handsome and likely to attract admirers.

As for character, Brother Yu Seven had saved his life – anyone who would help in such circumstances couldn’t have poor character.

Drawbacks— This time Jiang Zhan thought carefully.

His face was too thick, developing feelings for Fourth Sister without saying a word. Fortunately, he had discovered it with his keen eye.

As for family background—

Jiang Zhan suddenly looked at Yu Jin.

They’d known each other for so long, yet he’d never asked about Brother Yu Seven’s family!

While Second Young Master Jiang’s wide circle of friends was based solely on compatibility rather than background, suddenly taking on the perspective of an elder brother made him anxious.

Family background was important too.

“Brother Yu Seven, what’s your family situation?”

Yu Jin’s lips curved slightly.

The protective elder brother was catching on quite quickly.