"Miss Guh, what is it you want?" An Yiqing looked at Guh Siqing with a faint smile, without a trace of emotion in her tone.
Guh Siqing coldly stared at An Yiqing, chin held high with arrogance as she spoke, "An Yiqing, don’t forget tomorrow’s competition! I’ll be waiting for your apology tomorrow!" Between the lines, it seemed as if she had already determined the outcome.
An Yiqing didn’t respond, simply smiled deeply and walked straight past Guh Siqing, leaving her alone to play the solo act under everyone’s gaze.
Having watched the day’s drama, Guh Siqi couldn’t help but let out a snicker at the sight of Guh Siqing, whose face had turned purple with rage, and said with a smirk, "Second Sister, it seems that Miss An has never taken you seriously. It’s only you who sees everyone as an enemy!"
"Guh Siqi, shut up!" Guh Ruoyao fiercely warned her from the side before carefully saying to Guh Siqing, "Sister Siqing, don’t bother with that ill-mannered woman. After tomorrow, she won’t be able to mix in Xuandu City anymore!" Guh Ruoyao suddenly remembered what Qin Jia had told her that afternoon and couldn’t help feeling secretly thrilled, eagerly anticipating the arrival of the next day.
A contemptuous smile flickered across Guh Siqing’s eyes as she turned and left.
That evening, in the An Family’s study, An Muyun, Old Master An, An Zisheng, and An Zhihang, along with the silent An Zhiyan, sat on the sofas in an atmosphere that was somewhat solemn.
"Zhihang, are you sure about this?" An Zisheng adjusted his glasses, asking incredulously.
"It’s true. I’ve been observing all day, and our little sister didn’t do anything, yet Zhang Yuksheng took down a lot of raw jade codes." An Zhihang nodded, asking with some concern, "Grandfather, Dad, could it be possible that our little sister is involved with the family legend..."
"Zhihang, watch your words and be cautious!" Before An Zhihang could finish, Old Master An interrupted him, "That tale about the An Family is just a legend. If it’s overheard by the wrong person, it could bring disaster! It could be very dangerous for Niuniu too!"
"But Grandpa, could the reason our little sister disappeared nineteen years ago be related to this matter?" An Zhihang’s brows were tightly knotted.
The weathered eyes of Old Master An sparkled with sharpness as he sighed, "The An Family has been quiet for so long, and I thought if we didn’t provoke anyone, we could keep Niuniu safe... However, human nature is sinister, and desires are insatiable."
An Zisheng and An Zhihang exchanged puzzled glances, not fully understanding the meaning of Old Master An’s words.
An Zisheng hesitated for a moment before softly calling out, "Dad..."
"You two should go and rest." Old Master An waved his hand, signaling for them to leave.
After An Zisheng and An Zhihang left, Old Master An sat alone in the study quietly.
After a while, he slowly stood up and retrieved a box from a corner behind the bookshelf.
Upon opening the box gently, there appeared a dignified and imposing silver bracelet, engraved with some archaic and mysterious patterns.
Gazing upon it, Old Master An heaved a long sigh...
The next morning, at the An Family’s breakfast table.
"Niuniu," Old Master An looked up from the newspaper, no longer exhibiting the same worry as the day before.
After taking a sip of milk, An Yiqing gently asked, "Grandpa, what’s the matter?"
"I’ve heard about the events of the past few days." Old Master An placed the newspaper on the table, his shrewd, wise eyes sparkling, "You’ve done well! Niuniu, although our An Family is not one of the Ancient Martial Arts Families, we rank no lower than the Guh Family in terms of experience and standing. They cannot bully you, and you must not tolerate any grievance! Now, that Ah Chen following Guh Siqing is Guh Tian’s man; he can’t act as he pleases like Old Zhang. Remember, don’t underestimate yourself, and if you stir up trouble, Grandpa will have your back!"