Xie Ansu remained silent for a long time before solemnly saying, "Ansu promises Mingyue that he will be able to distinguish right from wrong in the future and will no longer easily believe what others say." He paused, his tone firm, "If anyone tries to harm Mingyue again, I will not stand idly by."

Qi Mingyue smiled slightly: "With An Su's words, Mingyue feels at ease."

After chatting for a while longer, Xie Ansu took his leave. Zhishu came in to tidy up the tea set and asked in a low voice, "Why didn't Miss tell Young Master Xie the truth directly?"

Qi Mingyue looked out at the lotus pond and said softly, "Some things he needs to figure out for himself." She paused, her tone turning cold, "As for Bai Lian'er... if she knows what's good for her, she should restrain herself."

However, Qi Mingyue underestimated Bai Lian'er's persistence. Three days later, news spread from the academy: Bai Lian'er was seriously ill and, in her coma, kept calling out Xie Ansu's name.

Xie Ansu was reluctant to go again, but several students persuaded him: "Miss Bai is depressed because of yesterday's events. If you don't visit her, her condition will only worsen."

Helpless, Xie Ansu had no choice but to go and visit her. Upon entering the room, he saw Bai Lian'er lying on the bed, her face as pale as paper. Tears welled in her eyes when she saw him: "Young Master Xie...you've finally come..."

Xie Ansu exchanged a few polite greetings and then prepared to take his leave. Bai Lian'er suddenly grabbed his sleeve, sobbing uncontrollably, "Young Master Xie, have you grown tired of Lian'er? Why haven't you come to see me all this time…?"

Xie Ansu calmly withdrew his sleeve: "Miss Bai, you're overthinking it. Take good care of yourself and I'll come see you another day."

He turned to leave, but Bai Lian'er said softly behind him, "Young Master Xie, have you heard some gossip and misunderstood Lian'er?"

Xie Ansu paused, but ultimately did not turn back.

Leaving Bai Lian'er's residence, Xie Ansu felt a sense of unease and strolled to the lotus pond. There he saw Qi Mingyue standing alone in the waterside pavilion, feeding the fish. The setting sun cast its golden rays upon her, as if gilding her.

"Bright Moon," he called softly.

Qi Mingyue turned around and saw his gloomy expression. She asked knowingly, "You went to see Miss Bai?"

Xie Ansu smiled wryly: "Nothing can be hidden from Mingyue." He was silent for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Does Mingyue think I'm too indecisive?"

Qi Mingyue smiled slightly: "An Su is kind-hearted and unwilling to assume malice towards others, which is a good thing." She threw in the last handful of fish food and watched the koi fight for it. "It's just that not everyone in this world deserves this kindness."

Xie Ansu gazed at her for a long time, then suddenly said, "How about I take Mingyue somewhere tomorrow? I promise no one will bother us."

"Where?" "It's a secret for now." Xie Ansu's eyes regained their light. "Mingyue will definitely like it."

As the sun set, it cast long shadows of the two. The fragrance of lotus blossoms wafted through the air, yet it could not conceal the undercurrents of turmoil beneath.