Xie Ansu hesitated for a moment, then finally said, "Then I'll go take a look first. Mingyue, be careful on your way back."

Qi Mingyue nodded, watching him leave in a hurry, but a strange feeling inexplicably arose in her heart. Zhi Shu muttered softly, "Why did he have to fall into the water at this time..."

Back at Tingxue Studio, Qi Mingyue sat alone by the window, gazing at the pear tree in the courtyard. Most of the pear blossoms had fallen after the rain, leaving the branches somewhat desolate. She suddenly recalled Xie An's words about "bright moon" from earlier that day and sighed softly.

Outside the window, dusk was deepening. Unbeknownst to Qi Mingyue, Bai Lian'er lay on the couch, her face pale, but her eyes gleaming with triumph. Xie Ansu sat before the couch, his brow furrowed with obvious worry.

"Young Master Xie, there's no need to worry, Lian'er is fine..." Bai Lian'er smiled weakly, her fingers unconsciously twisting the corner of the quilt, "I just wanted to go for a walk by the lotus pond this afternoon, but the stones were slippery after the rain..."

Xie Ansu gently comforted him, "Be more careful in the future. Should I inform your family?"

Bai Lian'er shook her head repeatedly: "No need to trouble yourself. It's just..." Her eyes suddenly filled with tears again, "I had made an appointment with Sister Qi to go boating on the lake today, but I'm afraid I won't be able to go... Young Master Xie, could you please apologize to Sister Qi on my behalf?"

Xie Ansu was taken aback: "Mingyue? She went to Biyun Temple with me today and didn't mention this matter."

A barely perceptible sneer flashed across Bai Lian'er's eyes, but she feigned surprise: "Ah... perhaps I've misremembered." She lowered her eyelids, her voice growing weaker, "Sister Qi is exceptionally talented and shares the same interests as you, young master, which is naturally good... It's just that I'm dull-witted and unworthy to be among you..."

Upon hearing this, Xie Ansu frowned slightly, but didn't say anything, only saying, "Take good rest and don't overthink it."

It was completely dark when Xie Ansu left Bai Lian'er's residence. Walking back under the moonlight, Bai Lian'er's words lingered in his mind. He shook his head, trying to shake off these pointless suspicions.

The moon shines like frost, and the breeze is as gentle as water. But an undercurrent is quietly brewing beneath the surface.