Su Xueyi's cryptic threat doesn't become any clearer for Xi Zirui in the time it takes Han Yu to return from the lake with the hairpin.
His robes soaking wet, Han Yu hands the hairpin to Su Xueyi with a murderous scowl, his eyes lingering on Su Xueyi's unrelenting grip on the back of Xi Zirui's neck.
Su Xueyi covers his fingers with his long sleeve, and holds the hairpin by the stem, like a pen.
He lets go of Xi Zirui and makes his way to Xi Ming's funeral tablet.
Han Yu rushes to Xi Zirui's side, taking his hand between his cold ones. "Is Shizun okay?" he asks, voice barely above a whisper.
Xi Zirui nods, eyes fixed on Su Xueyi.
His fingers tighten around Han Yu as he watches Su Xueyi rear back to kick down Xi Ming's funeral tablet.
Han Yu gasps in horror and Xi Zirui averts his eyes, biting the inside of his cheek.
