Feng Ling caught the subtle shift in the atmosphere and seized the moment to fan the flames. "It seems the Master's opposition to Miss Ning wasn't really about her background, either."
The implication in her words could not have been clearer-Lian Xiangyu's "father," Wu Heng, actually had some sort of "secret" relationship with Su Bai, the gardener. It inevitably raised doubts about whether his opposition to Lian Xiangyu and Ning Yi's marriage had anything to do with Ning Yi's commoner status.
Lian Xiangyu's expression stiffened. These sudden revelations were like sharp blades, silently slicing apart their beautiful illusions about the world. Standing off to the side, Shen Dong'er was still playing her role in the script, but she understood perfectly well that this was clearly Lian Xiangyu's family business, and outsiders had no place interfering. Even so, her gaze began to sharpen with interest. The script's restraints had done nothing to weaken her instinct for chasing gossip.
"Father..." Lian Xiangyu's voice sounded weak and helpless, carrying a trace of hope mixed with despair. He hoped for his father's explanation
Wu Heng paused briefly, his gaze sweeping over everyone as though considering something. Then he lowered his voice. Rather than explain anything further, he said mildly to Lian Xiangyu, "As for your marriage, you two can decide for yourselves."
Though casually spoken, those words were enough to make the atmosphere in the hall even stranger. Su Bai, Feng Ling, and the others did not need to say anything for Wu Heng to sense it: ordinary interference could no longer change the plot. They had to take a greater risk.
"Father, do you mean..." Lian Xiangyu and Ning Yi were instantly overcome with conflicting emotions. They held their breath, their eyes filled with anticipation and anxiety.
Perhaps, to them within the script,