Qi Chao, anticipating Chi Yu's question, answered without hesitation, "I asked Chi He to obscure all the clues, as I had run away from home back then, with no intention of ever returning."
Chi Yu's eyes flickered. "And now…?"
Qi Chao's lips curved in a self-deprecating smile.
"The legitimate sons of the Qi family all died young, whether from illness or other misfortunes. Only I, the illegitimate child, survived. So the old man, with tears and pleas, humbled himself and begged me to return to keep the main family line alive."
Across the coffee table, Chi Yu studied Qi Chao intently, her gaze probing. As he spoke, his eyes remained steady, showing no hint of evasion. He seemed sincere, leaving her no choice but to believe him, for now.
A server brought over their coffee, saying, "Please, enjoy."
