Chapter Twenty-Two: The Mysterious Young Lord

“Was what I just said not clear enough? Are you unable to understand?” Shen Hezhi had completely lost his patience.

His words left Cen Changxiao and Cen Changjing at a loss for what to say. Cen Changxiao, uncertain, asked again, “Are you saying you’ve never had feelings for my sister? Then why do you treat her—”

“I’ve already explained. It’s because she’s your sister, which may make you feel that I treat her differently from other women, but in essence, I do not like any of them,” Shen Hezhi replied.

Cen Changjing stepped back two paces in disbelief, gripping her brother’s sleeve tightly as tears stained her face. She looked up at Shen Hezhi, her cheeks wet. “I don’t believe what you’re saying. If you never liked me, why did you help me, time and again?”

She released her brother’s sleeve and walked toward Shen Hezhi, tears streaming down her face. “I know you’re angry because I left you so suddenly, but I was deceived back then. Can’t you forgive me just this once?”

Shen Hezhi covered his face and did not answer. In truth, he did harbor some feelings for Cen Changjing, but they had never reached the depth of romantic affection between a man and a woman. Perhaps, had she not left him, those feelings might have grown and eventually become love.

But Cen Changjing had left him, and so decisively.

“Miss Cen, when you left me, I was indeed angry, but after thinking it over, you are free to go wherever you wish. I have no right to interfere in your choices,” Shen Hezhi explained patiently.

Yet Cen Changjing interpreted his patience as an opportunity. “I’ve returned now. I know I was wrong, and I’m here to make amends for my past mistakes.”

“That’s unnecessary. Seeing you as you are now, it’s best not to remain in the prince’s residence. Move out tomorrow. Changxiao, I know you care deeply for your sister, but not everything can go according to your wishes.”

Cen Changxiao opened his mouth, wanting to speak, but in the end, he said nothing. Cen Changjing saw the coldness in his expression and realized she likely had no chance.

But she couldn’t give up just because there was no hope; she had come here to try. Suddenly, Cen Changjing pressed her hand to her forehead. “Brother Hezhi, I—”

With a thud, Cen Changjing collapsed to the ground. It happened so suddenly that neither of them had time to catch her.

“Jing’er!” Cen Changxiao quickly gathered his sister in his arms.

Shen Hezhi instinctively took two steps forward, but then quickly withdrew.

“Go fetch the physician,” he said, leaving immediately.

Cen Changjing had not truly fainted. She was merely testing whether she held any place in Shen Hezhi’s heart.

But the result left her deeply shaken.

Shen Hezhi truly did not care about her. If that was the case, she might die—

For without any value to be used, she would be killed by the master lurking behind the scenes.

Feigning unconsciousness, Cen Changjing bit her lip, pondering what to do next.

Yan Heru had recently devised a daring plan, and soon began to prepare for it.

But to fully execute her scheme, she needed to leave the prince’s residence to investigate outside. Thus, Yan Heru departed, beginning her inquiry in the bustling streets.

The avenues of the capital were lively and vibrant. Though dusk was approaching, the crowds had not dwindled; instead, they grew.

Street performers of every kind mingled with vendors selling their wares.

In her modern life, Yan Heru had rarely ventured beyond her home. Most of her time was spent with medicinal herbs, her only amusement found online.

Now, witnessing the lively, bustling streets, she felt an unexpected joy—a feeling she hadn’t realized she could still experience.

In the modern era, she had been forced to study herbs for survival, and, once she gained skill, could not escape them; her fame ensured she could not abandon her way of life.

Over time, Yan Heru became cold and withdrawn, her solitude leaving her friendless, her only daily companion being poison.

“Miss, if you like it, buy one. Two coins each.”

“Fresh hot buns! If they aren’t delicious, you don’t pay!”

“Miss, take a look at this mask. Do you like it? You’ll look wonderful wearing it.”

…

The vendors called out warmly to her, leaving her startled and flustered, like a frightened rabbit.

In fact, under certain circumstances, Yan Heru would suddenly be overwhelmed with fear of people; any contact made her anxious.

This was the result of years spent alone with herbs, with no one to converse with.

“Miss.”

Startled, Yan Heru stepped back, and bumped right into a man’s chest.

The contact brought her back to herself. She turned to look at the man she had run into, apologizing, “Forgive me, sir.”

After saying this, she wanted to escape. She was married to the prince, a woman with a husband; if anyone saw her in such close proximity to another man, it would invite gossip.

But the man did not share her view.

He reached out, blocking her path. “I saw you looking at this mask for a long time. You must like it.”

He placed his hand on her shoulder, and Yan Heru instantly felt resistance and anger.

She hadn’t expected such a handsome man to be so forward. Yet in the next moment, he leaned in and whispered in her ear, “Someone is after me. Please, miss, help me escape this danger.”

Yan Heru was at a loss for how to refuse. She was never good at interacting with people, and now this man was in trouble, needing her help.

She hesitated only briefly before agreeing, “Alright.”

Upon hearing her reply, the man breathed a sigh of relief, his voice growing louder. “This mask suits you perfectly. Let’s each take one.”