"Have there been any updates on Xie Dongyi?"
The serene voice of Xie Ruyue carried through the grand hall of the Xie family's gathering chamber. Her soft, melodic tone masked an undercurrent of frustration, expertly hidden behind her gentle demeanor.
Xie Min, always eager to curry favor, was the first to respond, practically tripping over his words.
"Don't trouble yourself over him, Young Mistress. A person like him doesn't deserve your concern. He's bound to show up sooner or later. Trash like him always does."
Xie Lingzhi, sitting arrogantly in his chair, scoffed and added, "Why are we even wasting resources on him? That useless brat doesn't deserve the Xie name. If he's disappeared, isn't that better for us all?" His words were met with nods of agreement from several other family members present.
Xie Yuming, however, interjected with a calm but firm tone, "Ruyue must have her reasons for her concern. It's not our place to question her."
Xie Ruyue turned toward Yuming with a soft smile, her face a picture of gratitude. "Thank you, Yuming," she said warmly before addressing the room. "Xie Dongyi is still part of our family. No matter what you think of him, we have a responsibility to find him."
Her words were calm yet resolute, silencing most of the dissent in the room. But beneath her composed exterior, Xie Ruyue's mind churned with anger and anxiety.
'Why did you disappear, Xie Dongyi?' she seethed internally. 'Did you run away like the useless coward you've always been, or has someone realized your value and taken you away?'
The thought of someone else discovering Xie Dongyi's hidden potential sent a chill of fury through her. While the Xie family dismissed him as a failure, she and her father knew the truth.
'For your sake, you'd better be hiding in some hole, trembling in fear,' she thought darkly. 'Because if someone else has taken you, I'll make sure they regret it.'
---
Excusing herself from the gathering, Xie Ruyue made her way to the Xie family's main residence. The sprawling estate was a testament to their influence, its grandeur apparent in every meticulously crafted detail. She walked with purpose, her elegant demeanor drawing respectful bows from servants as she passed.
At last, she arrived at her father's study. Xie Haoran, the patriarch of the Xie family, sat behind an ornate desk, exuding authority with his every gesture.
"Father," Xie Ruyue began, bowing gracefully. "There's still no trace of Xie Dongyi. The search has yielded nothing."
Xie Haoran looked up from the documents he was reviewing, his sharp gaze settling on his daughter. "There's no need to worry," he said dismissively. "As long as the formation remains in Xie Dongyi's body, he cannot escape us entirely. Sooner or later, he will deliver himself back into our hands."
His tone was cold, devoid of any familial warmth.
"Focus your attention elsewhere, Ruyue," he continued. "Building your relationship with Zhao Tianyun is far more important. The alliance with him will secure our future."
Xie Ruyue's cheeks flushed faintly at his words, and she lowered her gaze demurely. "Yes, Father," she replied softly. "I understand."
As she turned to leave, a servant entered the room and bowed deeply. "Young Mistress, Young Master Zhao Tianyun has requested an audience with you."
Hearing the news, Xie Ruyue quickly composed herself, her expression settling into a mix of concern and grace. She walked to the courtyard where Zhao Tianyun waited.
Zhao Tianyun stood there with a calm, reassuring presence. His smile was warm, and his gaze was gentle. To the outside world, he appeared as the epitome of a noble and caring young master.
"Ruyue," he greeted her, his voice filled with warmth. "You've already done more than enough for your cousin. You shouldn't burden yourself with someone who doesn't appreciate your care."
Xie Ruyue let out a soft sigh, her brows furrowing slightly. "But he's still family," she said, her voice laced with genuine-sounding worry. "How can I not be concerned? What if something terrible happened to him?"
Zhao Tianyun stepped closer, his expression softening. "You're too kind, Ruyue," he said gently. "But someone like Xie Dongyi... he doesn't deserve your concern."
As he spoke, Xie Ruyue suddenly faltered. Her hand instinctively went to her chest, and her face paled. Her breath grew shallow, and she struggled to steady herself.
"I'm sorry... it's the cold poison," she murmured softly, her voice trembling.
Zhao Tianyun's expression immediately softened, and he moved closer to her. He supported her with gentle hands, guiding her to a nearby bench.
"Ruyue, you shouldn't push yourself," he said in a soothing voice. "Your health is more important than anything else. We'll find a way to cure the cold poison."
Xie Ruyue managed to look up at him, offering a faint, grateful smile. "Thank you, Tianyun. Your care means everything to me."
He helped her sit, keeping a watchful eye on her as she settled into the bench. The concern on his face was genuine, and he gave a reassuring nod before taking a step back, allowing her to rest.
"Please, take care of yourself," he said softly. "Don't let this poison wear you down. I'll help in any way I can."
Xie Ruyue, still looking pale but managing a small smile, nodded in response. "I will. I'll find a way to handle this, Tianyun. I cannot let it defeat me."
Zhao Tianyun lingered for a moment, giving her a reassuring glance before turning to leave. As he walked away, Xie Ruyue's smile faded, and she sat quietly, her thoughts clouded by the persistent ache in her chest.
-----
After Zhao Tianyun left, Xie Ruyue allowed herself a fleeting moment of composure. However, before she could collect her thoughts fully, a servant entered, bowing deeply before delivering the next message.
"Young Miss, Young Master Rong has come to visit."
Xie Ruyue's fingers twitched faintly, but she quickly schooled her features into a polite, if slightly perfunctory, smile. Compared to the carefully measured expression she wore before Zhao Tianyun, this was far less genuine, though no less graceful.
"Lead him to the main hall," she instructed softly, rising from her seat with practiced elegance. Adjusting her sleeves, she strode toward the hall, her pace unhurried yet deliberate.
When she arrived, Rong Qi was already there, dressed in the finest silks that only served to exaggerate his gaudy taste. His expression brightened the moment he saw Xie Ruyue, his posture straightening as if to present his best self. Despite his attempt to appear composed, his excitement was almost palpable.
"Ayue," he greeted her, his tone laced with a false sense of intimacy. "I hope I'm not intruding on your day."
"Not at all, Young Master Rong," Xie Ruyue replied with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Your visit is always appreciated."
They exchanged the expected pleasantries, Rong Qi practically preening under her attention. However, as the conversation lingered, his eyes flickered over her shoulder, scanning the area behind her. The action didn't go unnoticed by Xie Ruyue, though she pretended otherwise.
"Is something the matter?" she asked, her voice light and curious.
Rong Qi hesitated for a moment, then let out a soft chuckle. "Ah, no, nothing at all. I was merely... ensuring you weren't accompanied by others. I wouldn't want to overstep my welcome."
Xie Ruyue's smile deepened slightly, her expression the picture of poise. "You're always welcome, Young Master Rong."
Satisfied that Zhao Tianyun wasn't lurking nearby, Rong Qi relaxed visibly. He then shifted the topic to what he likely believed was the reason for his presence.
"I heard about Xie Dongyi's disappearance," he began, his tone adopting an air of exaggerated sympathy. "It must be so troubling for you, Ayue. You've always been so kindhearted, even to someone as undeserving as him."
Xie Ruyue's brows furrowed delicately, a perfect display of sorrow. "He is still family," she said softly, her tone tinged with worry. "No matter his shortcomings, it's my duty to ensure his safety."
Rong Qi's face twisted briefly, though he quickly masked it with a smile. "Of course, you're absolutely right. Your compassion is unparalleled, Ayue. It's why everyone admires you so."
Internally, however, Rong Qi seethed. 'That useless trash Xie Dongyi-always stealing even the smallest slivers of her attention! If only he had the sense to stay gone.' Still, he knew better than to voice such thoughts aloud. Instead, he plastered on a look of earnestness, bowing slightly as he spoke.
"Rest assured, Ayue, I'll do everything in my power to assist in the search. No effort will be spared to bring him back."
Xie Ruyue inclined her head gracefully, her expression touched. "Your support means a great deal to me, Young Master Rong. Thank you."
Rong Qi's chest swelled with pride at her words, and he quickly reached for a lacquered box he'd been carrying. Presenting it to her with both hands, he said, "This is for you, Ayue. A small token of my care."
Xie Ruyue accepted the box with a delicate motion, opening it to reveal an intricately carved jade hairpin. The piece was undeniably beautiful, its craftsmanship immaculate. She lifted it slightly, examining it under the light before offering Rong Qi a gentle smile.
"It's lovely," she said sincerely. "You've gone to great lengths, Young Master Rong. I'm truly grateful."
Her tone was warm, and her demeanor seemed genuinely touched, but inside, she felt nothing but impatience. 'This brainless fool... Does he really think a hairpin will distract me from what's truly important?'
Rong Qi, oblivious to her inner thoughts, beamed at her reaction. "Anything for you, Ayue. If there's ever anything more I can do, you only need to ask."
"You're too kind," she replied smoothly, placing the box aside. "Your thoughtfulness is more than enough."
Their conversation continued briefly, Rong Qi eagerly monopolizing her time while Xie Ruyue responded with just enough interest to keep up appearances. When the opportunity arose, she excused herself, citing the need to rest due to her condition. Rong Qi, ever the devoted admirer, nodded understandingly.
"Please take care of yourself, Ayue," he said earnestly. "Your well-being is important."
"I will," she assured him with a faint smile. "Thank you for your concern, Young Master Rong."
Once he was gone, the polite mask she wore slipped away, replaced by an expression of simmering annoyance. Returning to her quarters, she closed the door firmly behind her and leaned against it, exhaling sharply.
'Xie Dongyi... Where are you?'
Her nails bit into her palms as frustration bubbled within her. Despite the layers of pretense she maintained, her thoughts always circled back to the same infuriating question.
'No matter where you've gone, I will find you. Just wait...'