Chapter 18: Lingering Heat

Lu Yao's mind buzzed loudly at these words, and she quickly released her grip, standing awkwardly to the side. A barely noticeable curve appeared at the corner of Ye Zehong’s mouth; his mood had improved somewhat compared to moments ago.

“Ze Hong, are you alright?” Qiao Wan’er, clearly displeased that Ye Zehong had intervened, dared not voice her anger, so she feigned concern and took his arm.

Ye Zehong paused in silence, glanced at Lu Yao with an unreadable expression, then pushed away Qiao Wan’er’s hand and replied calmly, “The one in trouble isn’t me.”

Qiao Wan’er’s face stiffened; she wanted to take Ye Zehong’s arm again, but didn’t dare risk provoking him. She could only vent in frustration, “This is the heavily guarded old Ye residence—how could a lunatic appear here? The security patrols are useless, a bunch of incompetents!”

Lu Yao pressed her lips tightly and gazed thoughtfully in the direction where the madman had left. The security at the Ye family’s old estate was anything but incompetent; on the contrary, their patrols were meticulous, not even letting a mosquito slip by. That such a lunatic could wander freely here must mean he had tacit approval from the Ye family. In other words, this madman’s identity was far from ordinary.

Ye Zemao curled his lip and turned his head toward Qiao Wan’er, saying, “Second sister-in-law, don’t shout so loudly. The lunatic you speak of is, in fact, our eldest sister’s husband in the eyes of the law.”

“You mean that madman—the long-haired man just now—is Sister Hua’s husband?” Qiao Wan’er frowned, astonished. “But I distinctly recall the Ye family officially reported Sister Hua’s husband’s death years ago.”

“This goes back more than ten years. Eldest sister and her husband were living in Bamboo Garden then, deeply in love, admired as the perfect couple,” Ye Zemao’s gaze darkened. “I remember clearly—it was only after she met her husband that eldest sister began to tread an unusual path, her brushstrokes in painting reversed, forging her own unique style. Her husband single-handedly elevated our once-obscure eldest sister to become a celebrated master of ink wash painting.”

“What happened then?” Qiao Wan’er pressed, curiosity piqued.

“Later, for reasons unknown, eldest sister and her husband quarreled. Her husband, in a moment of despair, tried to end his life by burning charcoal in their room. Luckily, he was discovered in time and survived—but his mind was never the same afterward,” Ye Zemao’s face showed regret.

Qiao Wan’er sighed along with him, “Sister Hua must have felt so guilty then. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have stayed by his side all these years.”

Lu Yao felt deeply shaken upon hearing this, her heart awash with mixed emotions. She couldn’t tell if Qiao Wan’er was truly naive or just pretending. Someone as ruthless and self-serving as Ye Hua would never spend her life caring for a madman—there had to be a hidden secret behind it all.

She cleared her throat, feigning discomfort. “Excuse me, I need to visit the restroom.”

Without caring about anyone’s reaction, she left directly.

Lu Yao entered the restroom, bracing herself against the sink as she gazed dazedly at her own reflection. She was about to sort through the useful information she’d gleaned about Ye Hua these past days when suddenly, a cold, striking face appeared in the mirror. Its owner curled his lips ever so slightly toward her.

“This is the ladies’ room. What are you doing here?”

Ye Zehong stepped forward, placing both hands on the sink to either side of Lu Yao, leaning in, his deep eyes fixed on hers. Their breaths mingled, heating the air that moments ago was icy.

“Naturally…I’m here…for you.”

His voice was low and seductive, his gaze drifting from her eyes down to her lips, hunger unmasked in his eyes. He had only ever looked at her this way in bed.

Lu Yao’s mind involuntarily recalled their moments of intimacy; her ears grew warm, her cheeks flushed, and her heart raced. Heat radiated between them, as if he might kiss her lips the very next second.