Silence—
At that moment, the Ye Clan's little courtyard was quiet as the grave, and even the air seemed to have grown heavier. Naruto sat ramrod straight at the edge of the low table. His gaze swept over the evidence laid out on it, then slowly lifted.
Across from him, the old geezer leaned back with his eyes closed, resting. The Nine Heart Begonia in his hand blazed with light as he used a detoxifying technique to cure his own alcohol poisoning.
So you could sober yourself up!
A few black lines crept across Naruto's face. Then, almost imperceptibly, he shifted his gaze to the other side, where Ye Lingling sat quietly sipping her tea.
Perhaps she felt the moment had come. Ye Lingling finally set down her teacup, turned to Naruto, and gave a slight nod. Her voice was calm and polite.
"Junior's enthusiasm for learning is truly admirable."
"..."
He didn't deserve the praise. Naruto focused on devising a response, while the sound of someone trying to stifle their laughter reached his ears.
Stop laughing!
You were snooping too!
He only replied in his mind. Inside the Sealing Space, Bibi Dong was leaning against a Soul Power sofa, one hand over her mouth. She was laughing so hard that she had gone limp.
Traitor!
He'd settle things with that traitor later, Naruto thought indignantly.
Taking a deep breath, Naruto composed himself. He was ready to bluff his way out of this. Just as he opened his mouth, though, he looked up and met Ye Lingling's placid gaze. Her pale blue eyes showed not a hint of emotion.
What was that supposed to mean?
For a moment, Naruto's words caught in his throat.
Just as the atmosphere grew more awkward by the second, Ye Renxin, now sober, suddenly put