Shao Cheng's demeanor silenced the people under him.
At his command, the crowd that had been teeming moments before dispersed.
Only Sister Ying and the injured Xiao Wang remained.
"I'm truly sorry, Mr. Shao," Sister Ying said. "For causing you trouble. We'll cover the medical expenses."
"No rush," Shao Cheng adjusted his glasses and asked Xiao Wang, "Explain exactly what happened."
"Yes, Young Master."
The matter was actually quite simple. The main reason was that the timetable posted on the door had disappeared, and since Song Xi and the others were here for the first time, a misunderstanding had occurred.
Xiao Wang, clutching the wound on his head, explained, "Young Master, I truly saw nothing! I swear!"
He didn't seem to be lying.
Sister Ying remembered something and said urgently, "Song Xi said a girl told her it was her turn to shower, which is why she went in!"
Shao Cheng frowned. The matter would have been easy to resolve, but if someone had interfered, its nature would be entirely different.
"Who was it? Does she remember?"
Shao Cheng glanced back at the man behind him. As expected, Lou Yuming's face was as black as Yama's.
"I can go ask!" Sister Ying offered.
Shao Cheng glanced at his wrist to check the time. "Ten minutes from now, gather in the back garden. I will summon all the servants then to question them."
"...It might not be necessary to make such a fuss. Isn't there any surveillance?"
His seriousness made her feel a little embarrassed.
Shao Cheng's expression was helpless. "It was raining heavily earlier, and the surveillance seems to be broken. Besides, if I don't do this, I fear some people won't let the matter rest."
Some people... who?
The old house hadn't hired anyone new recently, so it was unlikely a new employee had mistaken the time. That left... only a deliberate act!
"What are you going to do?" Shao Cheng asked.
Lou Yuming resumed his aloof, ice-cold demeanor. "This is your Shao family's business, so you should handle it. Why ask me?"
"...Fine, I suppose I'm just asking for trouble."
He turned to leave. "I'll tell them to drop it then. No need to make a fuss late at night."
Lou Yuming gave a sudden, subtle cough, his meaning clear.
Shao Cheng felt as if he had grasped Lou Yuming's Achilles' heel and found it amusing.
"Since you've broken up, you should maintain some distance. It wouldn't be good if others mistook you, President Lou, for a lovesick puppy."
Lou Yuming said with mock seriousness, "I am not a dog."
Shao Cheng: "..."
At 8:10, Butler Liu led dozens of maids to the back garden. They lined up in an orderly fashion.
Lou Yuming went to the second floor and watched everything unfold.
His deep gaze was fixed on Song Xi. He recalled her entrancing eyes in the bamboo forest during the day, her soul-stirring azure broad-sleeved Hanfu.
He also remembered her tear-reddened eyes and nose, and how she had ultimately broken up with him.
A turbulent undercurrent surged in his dark, deep eyes. The next moment, someone approached.
Lou Yuming concealed the emotions in his eyes and returned to his cold indifference.
"Yuming."
Anna had been secretly delighted at the prospect of being alone with him. However, upon seeing the scene below, a flicker of panic crossed her face.
"What… what happened?"
Her tone fluctuated greatly. Lou Yuming's brow furrowed slightly, and he cast her a sideways glance.
Downstairs, Song Xi didn't understand why Shao Cheng was going to such lengths. After all, he had never shown her much regard before, but she was still grateful.
Unfortunately, it was late, and the corridor lights were dim. Despite trying hard to recall, Song Xi couldn't remember.
Sister Ying comforted her, saying it was alright.
Shao Cheng frowned and told her, "Think harder," before turning to make a phone call.
At this moment, a girl in the crowd complained, "It's so cold!" Others chimed in with hushed agreement.
"Did something happen? It'd be bad if we woke up the old madam."
"I heard it's because of... that woman."
"Who is she? I've never seen the young master make such a big fuss for anyone!"
"Just a small model. Maybe she's deliberately finding an excuse to get close to the young master!"
"Shh, how dare you say such things? Be careful if anyone hears."
"I found it!"