Mu Yunniang was stunned when she heard Situ Nanzhao address Yanxiao. Her heart tightened and she quickly looked at Yanxiao and Shen Muzhi.

However, he found that Yan Xiao did not seem angry. Although Shen Muzhi was a little annoyed, it seemed that he was holding back some concerns.

This relieved her, but it also deepened her doubts.

But after hearing Yan Xiao's next words, she realized she might have been deceived. Without thinking further, she asked the question that had been bothering her:

"Boss Qian sent someone to find me to reconcile accounts and discuss the operation of goods for the next quarter, saying that this was your idea, Madam. Didn't you know that, Madam?"

Yan Xiao naturally had no idea. It was obvious that Situ Nanzhao wanted to find Mu Yunniang, but he couldn't bring himself to do it, so he used her as a pretext.

She had already guessed that, and the reason she asked that question was intentional.

She could cover for Situ Nanzhao, but she would do it openly, so that both sides would know exactly what was going on.

If the window paper is too thick, it won't be conducive to the development of the relationship. She should break it off in advance. If things go well, great; if not, she can find a second spring sooner rather than later, so as not to waste her time.

Yan Xiao gave a dry laugh, his awkwardness appearing rather perfunctory.

"Oh, it seems there really is such a thing. You see, I've been so busy lately that I forgot about it."

"I have other things to do, so you two can discuss and decide what to do next. You don't need to ask me."

Mu Yunniang wasn't stupid; she knew what was going on as soon as she saw Yan Xiao's expression.

She just didn't quite understand why Situ Nanzhao was putting on this show. If Situ Nanzhao hadn't acted so nonchalantly when he let her go, she would have suspected that he was reluctant to part with her and wanted to keep her.

Worried that she might be imagining things, and also because she was living a fulfilling life now and no longer had to worry about gains and losses like before, she quickly tried to clear her head.

He feigned ignorance and replied, "I will do as Madam says."

Yan Xiao could tell from Mu Yunniang's attitude that Situ Nanzhao's attempt to go back to his old flame probably wouldn't be so easy, and although she felt a little smug, she didn't show it.

He simply said, "Yunniang, you should go and rest in the guest room. I have some things to take care of with Boss Qian."

Mu Yunniang naturally wouldn't refuse, and quickly retreated, not glancing at Situ Nanzhao again from beginning to end.

Situ Nanzhao looked somewhat defeated, watching Mu Yunniang leave until she was completely out of sight. Only then did he reluctantly turn his gaze away and ask Yan Xiaoyu with a hint of reproach:

"Girl, are you doing this on purpose?"

Yan Xiao naturally wouldn't admit it, and simply pretended to be stupid, saying that she didn't understand.

Shen Muzhi, who was standing to the side, had already figured out some of the situation. After realizing that Situ Nanzhao had someone else in his heart, his eyes no longer held any guardedness when he looked at Situ Nanzhao, and instead became polite.

After all, this person is the son of Yanxiao's savior, and has protected his brother-in-law over the years. He is also Yanxiao's benefactor, so he should be given the respect he deserves.

Hearing Situ Nanzhao's words, which sounded like a complaint, he spoke up before Yan Xiao could:

“Boss Qian, my Yan’er is trying to help you. If you really care, you should let Manager Mu know your intentions and try to win her over.”

Instead of acting all high and mighty for the sake of saving face. If you swallow your pride now, you might still have a chance. But if you wait until Manager Mu seeks someone else, it will be too late for regrets.”

Situ Nanzhao looked somewhat embarrassed upon hearing this, assuming that Yan Xiao had told Shen Muzhi about his affairs, so he asked Yan Xiao:

Why do you tell him everything?

Yan Xiao felt wronged; she hadn't said anything, but before she could speak, Shen Muzhi spoke first.

"We are husband and wife, one body; how could there be anything we can't say?"

The lonely Situ Nanzhao felt that Shen Muzhi's words were a bit boastful.

He glanced at Shen Muzhi speechlessly, not wanting to respond at all.

He secretly cursed Shen Muzhi for being oblivious to human suffering with his beautiful wife in his arms. He thought that Shen Muzhi was not doing this for the sake of his worthless pride.

After reflecting on these past few days, he suddenly realized that Mu Yunniang's willingness to be with him might not have been genuine, but rather because of their unequal social status, leaving her with no other choice.

Otherwise, why did she never ask him for a title, and why did she immediately and eagerly distance herself from him as soon as she had a new employer?

Previously, he only felt that Mu Yunniang was his, and he didn't think much about it. But after Mu Yunniang turned and left, he realized that Mu Yunniang's refusal of a title might not be because she was sensible, but because she didn't care.

He did want to get to the bottom of it, but every time he got to the point of speaking, he became timid.

Yan Xiao was unaware of Situ Nanzhao's timidity, had no interest in it, and didn't want to continue the topic, so she directly changed the subject to get down to business:

"Brother, there's something I'd like to confirm with you."

"What is it? Ask away."

"I want to know, is it you who has been secretly protecting Lou Guyu for so many years?"

Situ Nanzhao was slightly surprised by these words, but the surprise disappeared when his gaze fell on Shen Muzhi to the side.

Without much hesitation, he nodded and admitted it.

"Yes, it was me. However, my abilities are limited, and there's very little I can do to help him."

Judging from Situ Nanzhao's reaction, Yan Xiao knew that he probably thought that Shen Muzhi had found out about this.

She didn't intend to explain further, and was just about to thank Situ Nanzhao as Lou Guyu's elder sister when the door was pushed open, and Lou Guyu's voice came from the doorway.

“Brother Situ is wrong. If it weren’t for Brother Situ’s secret help over the years, I would have died long ago.”

The group looked over at the sound and saw Lou Guyu striding towards them, his face full of gratitude, but his tone tinged with self-deprecation:

"It's ridiculous that I always thought it was my own physique and abilities that made those people willing to submit and pledge allegiance to me."

As Lou Guyu spoke, he arrived in front of Situ Nanzhao. He bowed deeply to Situ Nanzhao and sincerely promised:

"I, Lou Guyu, hereby swear that from this day forward, if Brother Situ ever needs my help..."

As long as my loved ones are not harmed, I will do everything in my power and at any cost to complete this task for you, to repay your years of protection.

Situ Nanzhao waved his hand dismissively upon hearing this:

"You don't need to be like this. Our families have been friends for generations. Strictly speaking, I am your..."

Situ Nanzhao paused slightly at this point, glanced at Shen Muzhi out of the corner of his eye, and then changed the subject:

"As your elder brother, it is only right that I, as your elder brother, take care of you after the Lou family suffered a misfortune and you were the only one left."

As he spoke, he gave an order to the person outside the door, and soon a man came in carrying a wooden box.

Situ Nanzhao took the wooden box and handed it to Lou Guyu, gesturing for him to open it and take a look.

Although Lou Guyu had some doubts, he did not hesitate and opened the wooden box in front of Yan Xiao and Shen Muzhi.