This was the Ninth Imperial Uncle’s embrace.

Even though the face was different, and even the voice was different.

Yet the feeling of being held in his arms was the same.

Warm, steady — it put one’s heart at ease.

Zhen Jiu’er’s ragged breathing gradually began to settle.

She wasn’t sure how long had passed before she finally let out a long breath and looked up at him. “I’m fine now, Young Master Jiu. You can let go of me.”

Lu Beicheng released his hold and looked down, studying her face.

Though her complexion was still somewhat pale, he could tell that the girl had calmed down.

“Was it Xia Zi’s death that made you…”

“Yes!” The Ninth Imperial Uncle of the present couldn’t remember anything from before, so no matter what she said, he wouldn’t understand it anyway.

Better not to explain, then.

She needed to go see that person first, and find out for certain whether he was really who she thought he was.

Because she had seen it — Lu Qihong’s face belonged to someone else.

Feng Qiongcang!

……

The next time Jiu’er saw Lu Qihong, he was in the middle of eating dinner.

Even out here in the wilderness, Lu Qihong was extremely particular about his meals.

He had brought his own chef, who was at that very moment nearby, pan-searing a steak.

It was said that the steak had just been flown in by helicopter, specially arranged for him.

Fresh to an almost absurd degree.

“Didn’t they say the flight route is still unstable, and helicopters shouldn’t be flying right now?” Jiu’er looked on from a distance.

Seeing this whole display, she thought — truly, only royalty could carry themselves with such an air.

Qin Fei murmured quietly, “It’s true it’s not really suitable, but if you’re willing to spend the money, there’ll always be people willing to risk their lives to work for you.”

Such was the life of the wealthy.

Then again, if he really was Feng Qiongcang — a man who had sat at the top for so many years — how could he possibly care about other people’s lives and deaths?

To him, those people’s lives were like ants — utterly beneath consideration.

Xia Zi had been one of them, hadn’t she?

Lu Feifan was, at that moment, seated not far from Lu Qihong. Though the distance made it hard to see his expression clearly, one could still sense the icy chill radiating from him, and that he was in no mood for anything.

“Jiu’er.” Seeing Jiu’er about to head over, Qin Fei immediately tried to stop her. “Jiu’er, Young Master Jiu wouldn’t want you provoking him.”

“I’m not trying to provoke anyone. I just want to go over and say hello.” Jiu’er’s steps didn’t slow.

Qin Fei had no choice but to grit his teeth and follow along behind her.

“Who is this girl?” Lu Qihong spotted the girl walking toward them from a distance.

Qin Fei was following behind her, seeming rather respectful toward her?

But aside from Lu Beicheng, who else here could possibly be a person of such standing?

Lu Feifan glanced up, and the look in his eyes shifted at once.

“She’s just a little doctor by my uncle’s side — someone of no consequence.” He waved a hand, hoping to signal the bodyguards to block Zhen Jiu’er and keep her from approaching.

But a glint flashed through Lu Qihong’s eyes. “So this little girl is Zhen Jiu’er.”

Jiu’er… heh. What an interesting name, really.

A flicker of something passed through Lu Qihong’s eyes, and he waved a hand, saying with a smile, “Invite her to come sit with us.”

“Yes, sir!” A bodyguard moved to comply.

Lu Feifan, unable to hide his anxiety, said, “Dad, this girl has a bad temper. If you have her come over, it’ll spoil your appetite.”

He stood up, intending to go drive her away himself.

But Lu Qihong’s expression darkened. “Are you trying to tell your father that this girl means something different to you?”

“I have no relationship with her whatsoever.”

“Sit down.”

Lu Feifan was clearly uneasy inside, but he forced himself to hold it in.

Was his father starting to have some sort of intention toward Jiu’er?

His heart tightened with an inexplicable tension.