Si Mingjing’s body stiffened in an instant, her legs nearly gave way. Intuition told her that the way this man looked at her was unsettling. Could this be a smile that hid a dagger?
It seemed she was bound to face a calamity tonight, whether at the hands of Grandpa Song and Song Pianlan, or from this powerful, high-ranking Crown Prince. What was coming couldn’t be avoided.
Mo Yinhe’s gaze was deep and lingering; it never strayed from Si Mingjing, nor was he willing to look away.
That captivating scent indeed emanated from her.
Young Ye Nianbai was still tugging on Si Mingjing’s arm. Seeing her stand still as if rooted to the spot, he thought she was unwilling to move. Angrily, he exclaimed, "Jingjing, come home with the young master! You are the young master’s woman; the young master’s home is your home! Let’s go!"
"Mingjing, let’s go."
Old Madam Ye also came over and put an arm around her shoulders, her expression full of pity, clearly not wanting to stay a moment longer.
Si Mingjing wished she could find a crack in the ground to disappear into.
She did want to leave, but not with Old Madam Ye and Xiaobai. Rather...
"Madam Ye, the medicine I brought back from Prison Star is still at Grandpa Su’s home. I won’t go back with you tonight. I’m going to Grandpa Su’s place to prepare medicine for Mr. Xie; treating his illness cannot be delayed."
Having said that, Si Mingjing turned to Xie Changyuan and Grandpa Su. "Mr. Xie, Grandpa Su, shall we go first?"
Grandpa Su was, of course, delighted. "Let’s go, let’s go! Mingjing, from now on, you should live at my house. I’d like to see who dares to harm you then!"
Xie Changyuan was even more eager to take his medicine and hurried to keep pace with them.
But before they had taken two steps, Si Mingjing’s wrist was suddenly restrained by a domineering force.
She looked down and saw a large hand.
Mo Yinhe possessed a pair of strikingly handsome hands. They were long and fair, seemingly delicate enough for a gentle grasp. However, their strength was such that Si Mingjing, struggling covertly, couldn’t break free no matter how hard she tried.
She looked up, her gaze meeting Mo Yinhe’s deep, vortex-like eyes. After just one glance, she quickly looked away. This man’s stare... it’s like he wants to devour me whole!
It was over! He must have guessed that she had impersonated his beloved and even slept in his arms for an entire night. Though it wasn’t her intention, it was an undeniable fact. This man must think she harbors ill intentions, just like Song Pianlan. Si Mingjing felt a chill creep down her spine.
The other attendees in the banquet hall watched this scene in shock, not understanding what was happening.
Some, fearing Mo Yinhe might believe Song Pianlan’s words, quickly spoke up to clarify, "Mr. Mo, Mingjing truly wasn’t the one who stole the necklace."
"That’s right! Don’t misdirect your anger towards her. Miss Bai lost her necklace before Mingjing was even born. It was Song Pianlan who framed her."
Mo Yinhe, however, seemed not to hear them at all. He kept his hold on Si Mingjing’s wrist, his intense, probing gaze fixed on her face, his eyes shimmering with a captivating light.
"If you’re treating illnesses, shouldn’t there be an order of priority? What medicine should I take tonight?"
She had given him a three-day course of medicine, and he had already finished it. Tonight, he had no medicine left to take.
Using this as a pretext, Mo Yinhe led her out of the banquet hall under everyone’s watchful eyes.
Reaching the doorway, the night breeze brushed against her face, and Si Mingjing’s mind cleared somewhat. "Mr. Mo, please let go of me. I can walk on my own."
"Is that so?" Mo Yinhe paid no heed. His arm was strong and powerful as he tightened his grip on her slender wrist. A hint of grievance was hidden within his smile as he said, "I thought you had already forgotten the way home."