Chapter 3197: As Fragile as a Willow Swaying in the Wind

Gu Fanlu fell ill the next day. He had a fever and vomited. It seemed as if he’d suffered from heatstroke.

In any case, he appeared listless and drained. The old madame quickly summoned a well-known physician to treat him.

Gu Fanlu could only stay in his room, as fragile as a willow swaying in the wind.

Even his ears drooped—both of them.

Only then did Ning Shu feel at ease. The downfall of Marquis Xuanping’s household had partially been thanks to Gu Fanlu.

Gu Fanlu had been one of Zhuo Cheran’s people.

“Miss, there’s a visiting card,” Lianqiao said as she handed it over.

Ning Shu took the card and glanced at it. It was from Yin Qing.

Ning Shu nodded. “Take her to the garden reception pavilion. I’ll receive her there.”

By the time Ning Shu arrived at the pavilion, Yin Qing was already there. She looked a little weary, and as soon as she saw Ning Shu, she hurriedly curtsied.

Ning Shu returned the gesture and asked, “Miss Yin, what brings you here today?”

“I’m here to thank you for what happened last time at Lotus Pavilion. I didn’t mean to cause you trouble,” Yin Qing said as she subtly observed Ning Shu’s expression.

Yin Qing was a police officer and was well-versed in reading microexpressions, especially those of suspects.

Zhuo Cheran hadn’t found the bracelet at the lotus pond, and Yin Qing suspected that the woman in front of her had taken it.

Ning Shu smiled gracefully, set down her teacup, and said in a light tone, “It’s nothing. It was just an accident. No one wanted that to happen.”

Yin Qing didn’t believe it was an accident. She had felt someone push her into the water.

There had been so many people on the bridge at the time. She had no idea who to suspect.

Yin Qing took a gift box from her maid’s hands. “This is a small token of my thanks.”

Ning Shu smiled and motioned for Lianqiao to accept the gift. She then turned to Yin Qing and said, “Thank you.”

Yin Qing instinctively reached for the bracelet on her wrist, but found nothing. Her heart sank.

Ning Shu pressed her lips together. She hesitated for a moment before asking, “May I ask what kind of relationship you have with the prince’s heir?”

Yin Qing instinctively denied it. “Miss Su, there’s nothing between Zhuo Che… the prince’s heir and me.”

Ning Shu’s expression dimmed. “I sensed it back at Lotus Pavilion… He seems to care deeply about you.”

Yin Qing sighed inwardly. “Miss Su, I promise you, it’s really not like that.”

Ning Shu took a deep breath. “Actually, I understand. It’s unrealistic to expect a man to love only one woman. I’ve already come to terms with that.”

Yin Qing was caught between laughter and frustration. Was this Miss Su implying she was willing to share a husband with her?

Even if Miss Su agreed, she wouldn’t.

Yin Qing didn’t even know what to do anymore. She felt stuck.

Zhuo Cheran clearly wouldn’t let her go. Sooner or later, the military force she controlled would be exposed.

What Yin Qing feared most was that once Zhuo Cheran got his hands on her force, she’d be as good as dead.

She was a police officer and had taken down many criminals. She always kept her guard up.

Now that she had lost her supply line, she had no cards left to play.

She hadn’t even had time to enjoy the bracelet before it vanished.

Without it, she felt anxious and unsettled.

Becoming dependent on something and then suddenly losing it was a terrifying feeling.

Ning Shu forced a smile. “The heir likes you. You’re quite lucky.”

Yin Qing: …

Yin Qing was truly at a loss. Judging by Miss Su’s reaction, the bracelet probably wasn’t with her.

But then, where was it?

Right now, Zhuo Cheran was closing in on her, step by step.

MTL Editor: Ran

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