Because Jingqing’s spiritual energy was gentle, it had a subtle, seamless effect. Even if the bouquet were handed to Ye Chen now, he wouldn’t detect any tampering.
Looking at the lively flowers in her hands, Xiao Churan felt a surge of affection. Taking them home and caring for them could let them bloom for days, perhaps longer.
So, she bowed to Jingqing again, “Thank you, Master!”
Not wanting to linger, she stepped back, nodded to both, and said softly, “Gentlemen, I’ll take my leave.”
With that, she turned and walked away slowly.
Outside, Sun Mengmeng approached, surprised, asking, “Director Xiao, why did it take so long to pray for the talisman?”
Unaware of Sun Mengmeng’s involvement, Xiao Churan forced a smile, “I had a few more questions, so it took some time. Go on in, I’ll wait for you at the entrance.”
Sun Mengmeng nodded, then noticed the flowers in Xiao Churan’s arms, asking curiously, “Director Xiao, where did those flowers come from?”
Xiao Churan said awkwardly, “These… Master Jingqing gave them to me. He said I’m fated with these flowers and told me to take them home and care for them.”
Sun Mengmeng’s eyes widened, puzzled, “That sounds so strange, but I’ll go in now. Director Xiao, please wait for me a bit!”
Xiao Churan nodded, watching Sun Mengmeng head inside.
Inside, Sun Mengmeng saw Tang Sihai and Master Jingqing, approached, and whispered, “Butler Tang, what should I do next?”
Tang Sihai replied, “Stay at Mrs. Ye’s company for now. She needs some time to handle things. She’ll likely leave after the young master’s birthday on February 2nd. I’ll arrange for you to leave at the same time.”
Sun Mengmeng asked, “What about you, Butler Tang?”
Tang Sihai said, “I’ll stay at Qixia Temple. Once Mrs. Ye confirms the timing, I’ll meet her here to finalise the details of her departure.”
Sun Mengmeng said nervously, “I’m just worried Mrs. Ye might not hold back and tell the young master. If he finds out, he’ll come to Qixia Temple looking for you and might suspect me. If he finds us, we won’t be able to keep our secrets.”
Tang Sihai sighed helplessly, “We have no other choice now. We can’t force Mrs. Ye to leave immediately, so we must trust she’ll see the situation clearly and, for the young master’s sake, keep her promise.”
Sun Mengmeng sighed, “I saw Mrs. Ye’s expression as she left—she seemed in great pain. I’m not sure if the young master will notice…”
Tang Sihai shook his head, “Since we’ve chosen to trust Mrs. Ye, we shouldn’t overthink it. Madam’s intention is to take a gamble on Mrs. Ye. If it pays off, she’ll continue orchestrating things from the shadows. If it fails, she’ll meet the young master herself and explain everything.”
Sun Mengmeng nodded, “Understood, Butler Tang. I’ll keep working diligently for now.”
Tang Sihai added, “If Mrs. Ye suspects you, I believe her character means she’ll confront you directly. If she does, don’t hide anything—except for Madam’s involvement. Tell her everything else. If she still needs your help, stay by her side. If not, inform Sister Sun, and she’ll arrange for you to leave first.”
