However, there's no way to explain—

Because the reason why this ball of yarn has become such a tangled mess is precisely because of his initial intention to latch onto Ah Xiu and get associated with her... Although Ah Xiu sensed the truth, she ultimately chose to trust him and never exposed it, leading to this accidental situation.

The truth is known only to the two of them, but neither has spoken of it, while the made-up story from back then has bizarrely become the "fact" accepted by others.

"Hey! Kid, look at me!"

The sound of an impatient knuckle tapping on the tatami could be heard, as Saito Dosan continued to glare angrily at the detestable young man in front of him—

"Are you asleep? Don't think you can bluff your way through like this! Don't look over there, Ah Xiu clearly trusts you so much, and yet you... you... hmph!"

He glanced to the side and saw that his precious daughter's face was indeed calm, as if she had readily accepted the news he had decisively announced, which inexplicably made him feel a sense of heartache. He had cherished her as a treasure, but today she was about to be taken away... and this boy was so irresponsible!

"I..."

Gu Mo found that in his past twenty years of life, he couldn't find a single sentence to deal with the current situation.

"What's wrong with you! Speak up!" the Viper growled viciously. At this moment, he bore less the demeanor of a Warring States warlord, more like a father-in-law standing up for his daughter.

How to explain, there's no way to explain... Gu Mo looked at the large White Snake coiled around him, recalled the vivid imagery and feelings that had just emerged in his mind, and then sneakily glanced at Saito Dosan whose eyes seemed ready to spit fire.

The Guardian Spirit has already been entrusted to me...

The ideals and beliefs that follow one's life have also been entrusted to me...

Along with the daughter he cherishes as a jewel, the family business he built over half a lifetime, and perhaps even with the national conditions already written...

This Viper has considered so many aspects before making up his mind and has done so much since then, only to reveal everything today. If at this moment, I explain carefully and say it was all a misunderstanding, that there really is nothing special between me and Ah Xiu, and that what he thinks are all my made-up stories...

I might die, right? Surely I'll die!

A few drops of cold sweat appeared on his forehead, and Gu Mo laughed dryly: "I mean, I... I... there's no problem!"

"Hmph! That's good!" Saito Dosan snorted angrily, "I've seen your management of Lushan City. You do indeed have some talent. In less than a month, you revitalized the city, bringing it to order. Even Mitsushige says he can't compare to you, but governing a nation isn't the same as managing a city..."

With a change in status, he naturally assumed the stance of a father-in-law, perhaps with some intention of maliciously taking revenge and striking a blow, starting to lecture Gu Mo authoritatively.

The latter could only nod repeatedly, feeling utterly tormented, having no heart in that aspect, entirely ignoring the elder's life advice.

...

...

A moment later.

Walking along the corridor, Gu Mo staggered as if a walking corpse, his eyes somewhat vacant.

Finally free... He didn't even know how he had gotten out, didn't hear a word of what was said later. The old guy seemingly had significant issues with him, feeling even more upset about the matter than he did. After confirming, he never mentioned a word, but instead immediately took a stance to lecture him.

Like a stubborn old child, who had to regain his dignity if displeased.

What could Gu Mo say? He could only continuously nod, whether or not he understood or even listened until now, finally achieving freedom.

The two girls behind him also followed along the corridor, looking at him with some curiosity.

After a good while, hearing the clear and lively footsteps behind him, Gu Mo gradually came back to his senses, his expression changing slightly. His promise just now was a temporary measure, now he had to talk to Ah Xiu and figure out how to handle this troublesome matter.

Or maybe take advantage of the fact that nothing's been announced yet to buy some time?

He could make a quick getaway before it's too late, and then Ah Xiu could seize the opportunity to explain before Saito Dosan declares it to the world. That way, her honor wouldn't be damaged, and I wouldn't face the wrath of the enraged father-in-law?

His mind was a jumbled mess as Gu Mo stopped, took a deep breath, then turned around:

"Ah Xiu..."

Looking at the two black-haired girls behind him, feeling agitated, he blinked, scanning over their heads, then reached out and grabbed the wrist of the girl, forcing a smile of apology at Saito Yoshitaka: "Excuse me, Miss Saito, I need to talk to Ah Xiu for a moment, please excuse us—"

Hurriedly throwing out such a sentence, he quickly left with the girl without looking back.

Eh?

The black-haired girl left standing there instinctively nodded, then opened her mouth in astonishment, wasn't he supposed to talk to her, so why...

She saw the girl resembling her being pulled, paused for a moment, then quickly restrained her expression, and as she was being led away, turned back to reveal a mischievous and amused look. It all seemed so natural that she subconsciously developed an illusion.

After a pause, the black-haired girl reacted, and promptly followed quickly.

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