[Ye Hann's Study, Late Afternoon]
The afternoon sun cast long shadows across Ye Hann's study. Scrolls and books were scattered across the large wooden desk, each one meticulously marked and noted. He leaned back in his chair, fingers tapping thoughtfully against the jade pendant at his neck.
The meeting with Ruoqi replayed in his mind—her frustration, her concern. He couldn’t fault her for it; after all, in his last life, she had been right about so many things. Things he had ignored until it was too late.
A knock came at the door, soft but deliberate. Ye Hann's eyes sharpened.
"Come in," he called, voice steady.
The door creaked open, revealing Uncle Wei
Uncle Wei
"Young Master, news from the Yao Clan. It seems your little 'message' was well received. They're scrambling to hide their activities."
Ye Hann smirked, leaning back in his chair.
"Good. It means they’re afraid."
Uncle Wei's eyes glimmered with amusement.
"And the Hann family? There have been whispers. Some are starting to question the Young Master's… resurgence."
Ye Hann's expression hardened.
"Let them question. Soon enough, they'll understand." He paused, his gaze drifting to the scrolls on his desk. "And what of Xian Yue and Hann Jianxun?"
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Uncle Wei hesitated.
"They've been… unusually quiet. But there are movements. I wouldn’t trust that silence."
Ye Hann nodded, his eyes thoughtful.
"I don’t either. Keep watch. Report any movements."
Uncle Wei bowed slightly before leaving the room, closing the door behind him. Ye Hann turned back to the documents sprawled before him. If Xian Yue and Jianxun thought they could use the same tricks as before, they would be gravely mistaken.
[The Courtyard Outside Ruoqi’s Estate, Evening]
Ruoqi stepped onto the stone path, her thoughts heavy. The conversation with Ye Hann still lingered in her mind, his sudden confidence and ruthlessness far different from the man she remembered. She barely noticed the footsteps approaching until her grandmother’s voice broke her reverie.
Madam Ruolan
"Still thinking about him, are you?"
Ruoqi blinked, turning to see her grandmother walking beside her, hands clasped behind her back.
Ruoqi
"I just… I don’t understand. He’s changed so much. I almost don’t recognize him."
Madam Ruolan nodded, her gaze distant.
"Some people only show their true selves when they’ve been burned enough times. Perhaps that’s what we’re seeing."
Ruoqi bit her lip.
"But he’s going to get himself killed if he keeps this up. The Yao Clan won’t sit quietly."
Madam Ruolan chuckled softly.
"If there’s one thing I’ve learned in all my years, it’s that those who are underestimated often surprise us the most." She paused, her eyes locking with Ruoqi's. "And I suspect Ye Hann is not the same fool many take him for."
Ruoqi’s eyes flickered with uncertainty, but she nodded. Deep down, she hoped her grandmother was right.
[Ye Hann's Study, Nightfall]
Ye Hann sat alone, his eyes fixed on the pendant in his hands. Memories of Ruoqi’s words from his past life surfaced. How she had warned him of Xian Yue’s deception, how she had tried to protect him… and how he had thrown her concerns aside.
His grip tightened on the jade, his eyes sharpening with determination. This time, he would. And this time, he would protect what mattered. Even if it meant tearing down the ones who had once been close.
The candle flickered, casting long shadows across the walls. Outside, the wind howled, carrying whispers of betrayal through the night air.
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