Chapter 25: Flames Of Suspicion
"The warehouse is on fire!" Huang Yuan exclaimed in shock.
"How could that be? It was fine just a moment ago," Huang Tian asked, equally baffled.
"You unfilial child, I'll deal with you later. Let's go!" Huang Yuan commanded, and the three of them quickly left Huang Nian's courtyard.
Jun Mo Xie had noticed a strange gleam in Huang Nian's eyes just minutes before.
'This Young Miss is quite interesting,' Jun Mo Xie thought to himself, a small smile playing on his lips.
"I have to go, wifey," Jun Mo Xie said casually, leaning in to place a quick kiss on Huang Nian's lips.
"You—" Huang Nian was stunned, completely unprepared for the sudden kiss.
'Did... did he just take my first kiss?' she wondered in disbelief.
'Master, do you like him?' Little White, her spirit companion, asked innocently.
"Why are you asking such a thing?" Huang Nian snapped back, her face slightly flushed.
'Because you kissed him just now,' Little White replied cheekily.
"Me? I kissed him?" Huang Nian retorted, shocked. "Little White, is there something wrong with your eyes?"
'My eyes are just fine. I saw you enjoying that kiss,' Little White said smugly.
"Ye Xiwu!" Huang Nian called out, trying to regain her composure.
Her maid quickly appeared. "Yes, Young Miss?"
"Take Little White to the library and make sure it reflects on its... mistake," Huang Nian commanded, clearly flustered.
"Young Miss, you know the maids aren't allowed in the library," Ye Xiwu reminded her cautiously.
"Then throw the cat in the river!" Huang Nian snapped in frustration.
"Yes, Miss," Ye Xiwu replied and obediently headed for the river.
---
At the Riverside
"Little White, what did you do to upset the Young Miss?" Ye Xiwu asked as they walked.
'I only told her the truth—she likes the Young Master. That's why she's mad,' Little White thought, sharing the thought with Huang Nian through their connection.
Just as Ye Xiwu was about to toss Little White into the river, a firm yet soft voice called out, "Stop."
Ye Xiwu turned to see Huang Nian approaching. "Young Miss, why are you here?"
"You don't need to throw it in the river anymore," Huang Nian said, her tone calmer.
"Why not?" Ye Xiwu asked, puzzled.
"Because if it catches a cold, I'll be the one dealing with it, and colds can be contagious. Right?" Huang Nian reasoned.
"Of course, Young Miss. You're right," Ye Xiwu replied with a slight smile.
"What's so amusing?" Huang Nian asked, eyeing her suspiciously.
"Nothing, Young Miss. I just remembered something funny," Ye Xiwu quickly said, hiding her smile.
---
Back at the East Courtyard
Huang Yuan paced nervously in his study. 'How could the warehouse catch fire? The Crown Prince gave me rare objects just two days ago... There must be a spy in the mansion. I need to root them out before it's too late.'
Suddenly, the door burst open.
"My Lord, we've found the culprit," the steward announced.
"Really?"