"If we're talking about the absurdities of this world... could there be anything more absurd than—"
His gaze swept over Qian Renxue as if it had substance, then settled once more on her face, where she struggled to stay composed.
"—than a beautiful young woman in the prime of her youth, willing to give up the best years of her life, use unorthodox Soul Skills, and keep her mind taut every moment, all to impersonate the crown prince of a mighty empire? Could anything be more absurd, more earth-shattering?"
"W-What?!"
The gentle smile on Qian Renxue's face froze instantly, as if caught in ice!
Her pupils contracted sharply. A bone-deep chill raced up her spine, and for an instant, her heart seemed to stop beating!
He knew!
He really did know!
He wasn't testing her or guessing. He had stated it with such certainty, so bluntly!
The shock left her mind blank for a moment. The Soul Power throughout her body nearly surged beyond her control.
But she was no ordinary person. She forcibly suppressed her roiling blood and shock, then asked in confusion:
"M-Mr. Zhao, what do you mean? I... truly don't understand."
"Impersonating the crown prince? A woman? W-Where did that come from?"
"Such an outrageous accusation... please don't joke about things like that."
"Do I really have to spell it out even more clearly?"
Zhao Linchuan said coolly,
"You know why you came here today, and so do I."
"You saw a glimpse of the strength in my estate and wanted to win me over, so I could help you fulfill your unspeakable ambition. That's all."
Zhao Linchuan shook his head, his tone turning cold. "But a 'partner' who dares not, and does not wish to, reveal her true appearance, her true identity, or her true intentions..."