The living room was quiet, with only the soft rustle of turning pages.
Leng Yaozhu stood nearby, neither able to leave nor stay, feeling uncomfortable all over. She secretly shot Zhong Shenxiu a glare and cursed inwardly, It's all this guy's fault!
As if sensing her gaze, Zhong Shenxiu looked up at her, a faint smile playing on his lips. "What are you standing there for? Sit."
He patted the spot beside him.
Leng Yaozhu's face reddened, and she instinctively took a step back. "No need! I'm fine standing!"
Her voice was a little too loud. Even she felt it was inappropriate after saying it, so she coughed awkwardly and lowered her voice. "I still have things to do. I'll head back first."
With that, she turned to leave.
"What's the hurry?"
Zhong Shenxiu reached out and grabbed her wrist. His palm was broad, his fingertips slightly cool as they firmly clasped her wrist. He did not use much force, yet she could not break free. "Since you're here, we might as well discuss our next plan for dealing with the Federation."
Leng Yaozhu struggled once but could not free herself. She bit her lip and could only stop, though she did not dare meet Gu Yue's eyes.
Gu Yue sat on the sofa opposite them. She lifted her teacup and took a sip, her gaze passing over their clasped hands before quickly moving away, as though she had seen nothing.
In truth, she was not surprised.
She had long known about Leng Yulai and Zhong Shenxiu's relationship. She also knew that Leng Yulai wanted to draw her master into this, and she had vaguely sensed her master's feelings for Zhong Shenxiu. She simply had not expected things to progress so quickly, or for her to witness it firsthand.
Gu