It seemed that this action was meant to convey boundless strength and reassurance to the lady, allowing her to completely relax.

He tightened his grip on his wife's hand slightly, as if making an unwavering promise to her.

No matter what difficulties or obstacles they encounter in the future, he will stand in front of them without hesitation and protect them from the wind and rain.

Be their strongest and most reliable support, and protect them for life.

Qin Shouzhen gently embraced Lin Ruoqing, as if he were holding the most precious treasure in his life.

He lowered his head slightly, his chin gently touching the top of his wife's head.

The familiar and comforting scent of her hair lingered around my nose, a fragrance that seemed to dispel all gloom.

He murmured in a slightly hoarse yet gentle voice, like a babbling brook, his voice seemingly carrying the deep affection accumulated over the years: "Don't be afraid, I'm here."

His palm gently caressed Lin Ruoqing's back, the movements soft and soothing.

It seemed as if he wanted to pass on all his strength and peace of mind to her without reservation, each touch containing endless pampering and care, like a silent soothing melody.

Meanwhile, Su Jinyun and Qin Qianluo walked side by side, their steps light as a frolicking deer, as they arrived at Qin Qianluo's courtyard.

The moment she stepped into the courtyard, Qin Qian instinctively tightened her grip on Su Jinyun's hand, a barely perceptible hint of wariness flashing in her eyes, like a startled deer pricking up its ears.

After confirming that no one was around, he led Su Jinyun and Yaoguang into the space.

Hidden in the shadows of the courtyard, Qimeng took in all of this.

She was dressed in black, like a ghost blending into the night, her figure hidden in the darkness.

Only those eyes gleamed with a cold, frosty light in the night, like a bottomless, icy pool.

Upon noticing this, a flash of malice crossed her eyes like lightning, revealing a jealousy and resentment that seemed about to erupt like a volcano about to burst forth.

She moved with the agility of a cat in the night, her toes lightly touching the ground, silently evading the guards' sight.

She held her breath and moved with precision, avoiding the blind spots of the guards' vision with every step, clearly a veteran who was well-versed in the art of concealment.

A moment later, Qimeng pretended to have just come out of her room, with a perfectly timed smile on her face.

That smile, however, was fake and stiff, like a mask stuck to her face. She turned and called to Qianxi, and together they walked towards the outside of the Left Prime Minister's residence.

The guard saw Qianxi following behind Qimeng and realized that Qianxi was originally Qin Qianluo's person.

The two were often seen going out together, their eyes revealing a hint of nonchalance, so I didn't suspect anything and continued to dutifully guard my post.

Moreover, Qin Qianluo specifically instructed Qianxi's team to keep a close eye on Qimeng's every move, not letting any detail slip by, just like hunters keeping a close watch on their prey.

The two left the Left Prime Minister's residence and darted left and right, like two nimble fish weaving through the intricate streets and alleys.

The streets were bustling with people, and the sounds of hawking and laughter mingled together to create a lively symphony of everyday life. But the women seemed detached from it all, immersed in their own private world.

Finally, they came to a secluded alley. It was filled with clutter, old wooden crates were overturned, and rotting vegetable leaves emitted a pungent odor.

The walls were covered with mottled moss, and there was a damp and decaying smell, as if it were a corner forgotten by time.

Qi Meng stopped and turned to look at Qian Xi, her eyes sharp as a blade, signaling her to guard the alley exit.

Qianxi understood immediately, nodded slightly, and quickly walked to the alley entrance, cautiously observing her surroundings.

His hand unconsciously rested on the hilt of the sword at his waist, like a guard on standby, ready to deal with any unexpected situation.

Qimeng took out a specially made signal flare from her bosom and threw it forcefully into the sky.

With a whoosh, a bright light streaked across the gray sky like a meteor, exploding in the oppressive air with a piercing sound, like a thunderclap breaking the silence.

Not long after, Shadow One appeared in the alley like a ghost.

Yingyi exuded a chilling aura, dressed in black and masked, revealing only a pair of sharp, eagle-like eyes that seemed to see through people's hearts, sending shivers down one's spine.

Qi Meng approached Ying Yi, lowered her voice, and quickly explained something. Her lips trembled slightly, and she spoke very fast.

His words were filled with urgency and determination, as if he were issuing a life-or-death command.

Upon hearing this, Yingyi's eyes widened instantly, a hint of disbelief flashing across them, but she quickly regained her composure, then accepted the order and turned to leave.

With a flash, he disappeared at the end of the alley like a gust of wind, leaving only a faint sound of wind, as if he had never appeared.

As Qi Meng watched Ying Yi's departing figure, a meaningful smile slowly crept onto her lips.

That smile concealed an unfathomable calculation, as if a cunning fox was plotting a conspiracy.

Afterwards, she casually led Qianxi around the city, picking out cosmetics and face powders at stalls, her fingers lightly brushing against the exquisite powder boxes.

She put on an enthusiastic expression, just like an ordinary young lady from a wealthy family.

A little while later, they bought some exquisite pastries at a pastry shop, haggling with the owner over every penny, as if they were carefully calculating how to make ends meet.

After all that fuss, they slowly made their way toward the Left Prime Minister's residence.