"Sister Nian'an, this is my second brother, Gu Chen."

Gu Wanwan introduced herself solicitously.

"You're too kind, Brother Gu."

Ye Nian'an nodded calmly, meeting Gu Chen's scrutiny with unwavering eyes.

Her demeanor exuded a quiet and refined air, reflecting the scholarly tradition of her family, making her someone to be respected.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Gu Wanwan suddenly seemed to remember something and slapped her forehead.

"Oh dear! Sister Nian'an, look at my memory! Didn't you say a few days ago that you liked listening to classical music? My brother happens to have a few vinyl records that were sent back from abroad in his room. Shall I let you listen to them?"

Without waiting for a reply, she took Ye Nian'an's hand.

"Come with me, I'll show you around."

"This...this isn't quite right..."

Ye Nian'an pretended to be in a difficult position.

He Yue'er smiled and said, "What's wrong with that? Just treat it like your own home, use whatever you like."

After she finished speaking, she and Gu Chen exchanged a glance and both understood Gu Wanwan's intention.

This is to create an opportunity for Ye Nian'an to completely lower her guard against the Gu family.

Ye Nian'an took in their expressions, sneered inwardly, but obediently followed Gu Wanwan upstairs.

She's a master at playing the "using someone else's plan against them" card.

Gu Chen's room was located at the very back of the second floor, and it was simply and cleanly furnished, with meticulous attention to detail.

Just like the feeling this man gives off.

Beneath its harmless exterior lurks immense danger.

Gu Wanwan took a few records from a locked cabinet and placed them on the phonograph.

The melodious sound of a piano flowed out slowly.

"Sister Nian'an, listen first, I'll go get you some fruit."

After Gu Wanwan finished speaking, she turned around and left the room, considerately closing the door behind her.

The opportunity has arrived!

Ye Nian'an's eyes sharpened instantly.

She walked to the door, pressed her ear against the door panel, and after confirming that there was no movement outside, she made a thought.

"Space, scan all the hidden storage spaces in this house."

This was something Ye Nian'an developed on a whim when he discovered the space had a fully automated clothing-making function last time.

Surprisingly, the upgraded space actually did achieve that.

Ye Nian'an was overjoyed to discover this.

This way, no matter which scumbag's house you go to and want to empty it, you'll have a flawless alibi and the opportunity to do so.

"Scanning begins..."

"Ding! Scan complete. Targets locked: A secret room exists behind the wall of the study on the first floor; a hidden compartment exists under the bed in the master bedroom on the second floor; a secret room exists behind the west wall of the underground wine cellar..."

A series of notification sounds rang in Ye Nian'an's mind, making her smile even deeper.

They really hid it well!

If it weren't for the incredible ability to create space, who would have thought that this ordinary self-built building would contain so many wonders?

Although the space is powerful enough to scan out hiding places, she still has to touch the boxes herself to collect them.

This requires the perfect timing.

Now, she has to scatter the bait and stir up the water.

Just as he was pondering his course of action, there was a gentle knock on the door.

"Comrade Ye Nian'an, may I come in?"

It was Gu Chen's voice, gentle and polite, yet carrying an air of undeniable authority.

Ye Nian'an composed herself, put on a calm and composed smile, and turned to open the door: "Second Brother Gu, is there something you need?"

Gu Chen pushed up his gold-rimmed glasses and slowly walked into the room.

He dared not use a scrutinizing gaze anymore, but instead adopted an almost ingratiating posture, though a sharp probing remained hidden behind his glasses.

"It's nothing serious, I just heard from Wanwan that you're interested in classical music, so I wanted to come and chat with you about it."

He smiled, his eyes behind his glasses sharp as an eagle: "Personally, I prefer Chopin; his nocturnes always bring a sense of peace. I wonder which composer Comrade Ye Nian'an prefers?"

They've come; they're testing the waters.

Ye Nian'an looked back at him with neither arrogance nor servility, a faint smile playing on her lips: "Second Brother Gu, you flatter me. I don't know much about these Western musical pieces, but I just feel that the melodies can soothe the soul."

"If we're talking about personal preference, I prefer our country's 'Butterfly Lovers' and 'Spring River Flower Moon Night,' those are melodies etched into my bones."

Her words were neither self-deprecating nor boastful; on the contrary, they carried a sense of cultural confidence, leaving Gu Chen momentarily speechless with his prepared platitudes.

"Comrade Ye Nian'an is absolutely right. What is national is also international. I was too shallow."

He changed the subject, seemingly casually asking, "Speaking of which, my elder brother often reflects on himself in prison, saying that he was confused for a moment, violated the law, and caused great trouble for the Chu family and Comrade Nian'an."

"He asked me to find a way to apologize to you. I wonder if Comrade Ye Nian'an... has any thoughts on this?"

"idea?"

Ye Nian'an straightened her posture, her eyes suddenly becoming clear and cold, carrying a hint of the authority that belonged to the chief's wife: "Second Brother Gu, I think you've misunderstood."

“Your elder brother Gu Tao has violated national laws by attempting to harm military families through feudal superstition. This is an extremely heinous criminal case. He will be judged by the state and the people, not by our Chu family.”

Her voice wasn't loud, but every word was firm and resounding, carrying an undeniable power.

"We trust the government and believe that the law will deliver the fairest verdict."

"As for apologizing, the Gu family should do the most to actively cooperate with the public security authorities' investigation, confess and seek leniency, and strive to gain the people's understanding. Instead of coming to me, the victim, to ask for some 'ideas'."

These words directly put the ball back in its court, placing it on the moral and legal high ground, leaving Gu Chen speechless.

He gave her a deep look, his eyes behind his glasses growing even more intense.

This Ye Nian'an is far more troublesome than he imagined!

She doesn't play by the rules at all, directly using national righteousness to pressure him, making all his carefully prepared tests seem so ridiculous and pale.

Just as the atmosphere in the room reached a delicate stalemate, Gu Wanwan walked in carrying a plate of cut fruit.

The three sat down and chatted for a few more minutes. Ye Nian'an knew that the time was almost right.

She put down her teacup and said to Gu Wanwan with a slight apology, "Comrade Gu Wanwan, I'm sorry, could I use your bathroom? I drank too much tea earlier."

Gu Wanwan immediately stood up enthusiastically: "Of course! I'll take you!"

"No, no need."

Ye Nian'an quickly waved her hand: "I can go by myself. Just tell me the approximate location to avoid trouble."

"It's downstairs, just turn left at the top of the stairs."

Gu Chen spoke up.

Ye Nian'an thanked him and turned to leave the room.

As soon as everyone left, Gu Wanwan's smile vanished. She shrugged her shoulders, lowered her voice, and complained to Gu Chen.

"Brother, look how clever I am! I finally managed to win this woman over. You have no idea how miserable I've been these past few days. I don't even know what Chu Yan saw in her!"