The Risk of Exposure [Bonus Update 2]

Na'er ran fast, her eyes betraying a tension she could not hide.

As she drew closer, her gaze stayed fixed on Li Qingyue, on the boy before her.

Red marks covered him, and the clothes across his back were nearly torn to shreds.

When Na'er reached him, Li Qingyue gave her a faint smile.

"I'm not badly hurt."

"I'm going back to the dorm to change. I'll come right down, so don't worry."

Li Qingyue looked at Na'er, his voice gentle.

He was exceptionally tender with the little girl he had raised himself.

But Na'er shook her head at his words.

She gripped his arm tightly, then gently ran her fingers over his clothes.

Only after she had made sure he had no injuries did the tension slowly leave her face.

She let out a long breath, then fixed a hard stare on Gu Yue. "What happened? Why does Brother Qingyue look like this?"

"He was perfectly fine when he left with you. How did he come back like this?"

Her voice held an undisguised accusation.

Her gaze remained locked on Gu Yue.

Clearly, Na'er had noticed Li Qingyue leaving with Gu Yue and had watched them from beginning to end.

She had simply had no grounds to object or stop them, so she had watched in silence.

Now, seeing Li Qingyue like this, her expression turned cold almost at once.

Under Na'er's stare, Gu Yue raised an eyebrow. Helplessness flickered through the girl's calm black eyes, but she said nothing.

She did not know how to explain or what to say. After a moment's silence, she finally spoke softly.

"This is my fault. I'll pay for the clothes. Let's leave it at that for now... I'm going."

Gu Yue turned and walked away without another word.

Watching her go,