She saw him move calmly through the crowd, his steps steady and strong, each one seeming precisely calculated—not too fast, not too slow—but carrying an undeniable presence.
He drew nearer and nearer, and the air seemed to grow thinner.
Mu Xi felt as if even her breathing had become difficult.
She nervously clenched the hem of her dress.
Li Xin stayed close behind her, her sharp gaze fixed on that man.
Anyone attempting to approach Mu Xi would be stopped under her vigilant watch.
The man finally stopped in front of Mu Xi, halting his steps.
The distance between them was so close they could almost feel each other’s breath.
Mu Xi’s heartbeat thundered in her ears.
She forced herself to lift her head and meet the deep eyes behind the man’s mask.
The man slightly turned his head and made a move that Mu Xi did not expect.
He seemed utterly uninterested in her, casting her a casual glance before brushing past her as if she were a stranger, continuing deeper into the banquet hall.
His movements were natural and fluid, as if it were merely an ordinary crossing between strangers, without any intention or pause.
Mu Xi froze, standing dumbfounded as she watched the man’s retreating figure, her heart filled with confusion and doubt.
Could she have been mistaken?
Was she simply too sensitive, confusing a stranger for someone from her memories?
Was that strong sense of familiarity nothing but an illusion she imagined?
Just as she was lost in confusion and disappointment, an odd sensation suddenly came from her fingertips.
Mu Xi instinctively looked down and saw that in her palm, a small folded piece of paper had appeared without her noticing.
The paper was ordinary, cheap white paper, completely unremarkable—easily overlooked if one didn’t pay attention.
Mu Xi sharply lifted her head and looked toward the man’s back again, only to find he had disappeared into the crowd, leaving no trace behind.
Her heartbeat quickened once more—this time, from excitement and surprise.
This note had to be left by that man.
That familiar intuition told her this was far from simple.
She quickly hid the note inside her sleeve, casually glancing around to confirm Li Xin hadn’t noticed her little movement before finally allowing herself a small breath of relief.
Li Xin continued to stand dutifully by her side, eyes scanning the surroundings with the vigilance of a mother wolf guarding her young, not allowing anyone to encroach upon her territory.
But Mu Xi knew now was not the right time to open the note.
With Li Xin never leaving her side, trying to check the note under her watch was nearly impossible.
She had to find a suitable excuse to get Li Xin away and have a chance to see what was written.
Suddenly, a flash of inspiration hit Mu Xi.
She turned around, showing Li Xin a slightly troubled expression, and softly said, “Li Xin, I suddenly feel a bit unwell. I want to go to the restroom.”
Li Xin’s sharp eyes immediately scanned her face, as if judging the truth of her words.
Mu Xi forced herself to remain calm, holding Li Xin’s gaze without a single crack.
With Li Xin’s keen perception, any slight abnormality could raise suspicion.
After a moment of silence, Li Xin finally nodded slightly.
Her tone remained cold but carried an imperceptible hint of concession, “I’ll accompany you.”
Mu Xi breathed a silent sigh of relief but kept up the act of discomfort, lightly nodding, “Thank you.”
Completely evading Li Xin’s watch was almost impossible, but if she could just get into a stall in the restroom, that would be enough.
The two left the banquet hall, one after the other, heading toward the restroom.
The noise of the banquet hall gradually faded away, replaced by the quiet and chill of the corridor.
Mu Xi’s heart still pounded fiercely.
She could feel the note hidden in her sleeve, like a burning iron branding her skin.
Upon entering the restroom, the luxurious decorations came into view—huge Crystal Mirrors, exquisite washbasins, and a faint fragrance permeating the air—all reflecting the Manor owner’s decadent taste.
Mu Xi headed straight for a stall, while Li Xin remained at the restroom entrance like a dutiful guard, blocking all eyes from entering.
Inside the stall, she locked the door behind her and leaned against the cold door panel, exhaling deeply.
She quickly pulled the note from her sleeve and carefully unfolded it.
The note contained only a few short lines, the handwriting somewhat messy.
“I am Tuesday. I disguised myself as a VIP to come back and save you. Come to the banquet hall tonight. Find a way to come alone. Don’t let Li Xin follow you.”
Those few words struck Mu Xi like thunder in her mind, leaving her dizzy and almost unable to think.
‘Tuesday?’
‘It really was Tuesday!’
He wasn’t dead, nor missing.
He had actually escaped the Manor and even risked everything to disguise himself as a VIP to come back here to save her!
Mu Xi’s emotions became overwhelmingly complex—shock, joy, gratitude, and an indescribable guilt all intertwined, nearly suffocating her.
She had always thought Tuesday was just a pawn used by Ye Lan, a disposable tool.
But she never imagined this man, whom she had always looked down on, would risk everything to return to this danger for her sake.
Tears uncontrollably welled up, blurring her vision.
She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart, forcing herself to think clearly about the next steps.
Tuesday’s rescue was a rare opportunity she absolutely couldn’t miss.
But at the same time, it meant enormous risk.
Emerging from the stall, Mu Xi exhaled softly, as if a heavy burden had been lifted.
She acted casual as she walked to the washbasin, tidied her appearance in the mirror, and made sure no trace of her emotions showed on her face.
Only then did she turn to Li Xin waiting at the door.
“Let’s go, Li Xin.” Her voice was as calm as she could make it, though a faint tremor was still barely noticeable.
As always, Li Xin escorted her back to her room without leaving her side.
Mu Xi entered the room and went straight to the soft, large bed, then lazily threw herself onto it like a cat.
“Miss Mu Xi, would you like me to prepare anything for you?” Li Xin stood at the bedside, her tone still cold but her eyes carrying a trace of inquiry.
“No, Li Xin, I’m a bit tired. I want to rest for a while.” Mu Xi closed her eyes, her voice muffled, as if truly exhausted.
Li Xin silently observed her for a moment, then nodded slightly, “Then rest well. I’ll be outside the door. Call me anytime if you need.”
As soon as the door clicked shut, Mu Xi suddenly opened her eyes wide—any trace of sleepiness was gone.
She sat up, her gaze full of excitement and anticipation.
Tonight’s plan was crucial to whether she could escape this hell.
She had to prepare thoroughly—and first, she needed to be well rested.
Time dragged heavily in the wait.
After an unknown length of time, the room darkened; night had fully fallen.
Mu Xi climbed out of bed, hunger reminding her that it was time for dinner.
“Li Xin.” She walked to the door and softly called out.