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Hearing the footsteps, the person in the pavilion turned around, revealing an exceptionally handsome face. Upon seeing Nan Gong Shuang, a flash of admiration crossed his eyes before he regained his composure.
"Miss, you have indeed come," Xiao Zhongyan said with a slight smile, gesturing for her to enter. "Thank you for gracing us with your presence."
Nan Gong Shuang did not approach recklessly but stood a few steps away from the pavilion, her voice cold as she said, "What is the purpose of this trap set by Young Master Xiao?"
Xiao Zhongyan shook his head slightly. "You misunderstand, Miss. I am not setting a trap; I am sincerely inviting you."
"The feud between the Xiao Family and the Nangong Family is known throughout the land," Nan Gong Shuang replied sharply, her gaze piercing as she stared at him. "Why would Young Master Xiao want to associate with someone from the Nangong Family? Are you not afraid of being discovered?"
Xiao Zhongyan sighed. "It is precisely because I am aware of our families' enmity that I must take this risk. Do you know that the case involving the Nangong Family is not as simple as it appears?"
"Oh?" Nan Gong Shuang scoffed. "Are you trying to tell me that the murderer who wiped out my entire Nangong clan does not include the Xiao Family?"
"It's not that simple," Xiao Zhongyan said, his expression turning serious. "The Nangong Case from ten years ago holds many secrets that are unknown to the public. My father..."
Before he could finish, a sudden commotion of hurried footsteps and shouts echoed from afar.
"This is bad!" Xiao Zhongyan's expression changed. "Someone is coming!"
Nan Gong Shuang turned alertly, seeing several servants hurrying toward them, led by one who shouted loudly, "Young Master, the master has sent someone to find you!"
A flicker of anxiety crossed Xiao Zhongyan's eyes as he whispered to Nan Gong Shuang, "Follow me; I will take you to a safe place."
Nan Gong Shuang hesitated for a moment but understood that it was not wise to confront the Xiao Family's servants directly at this moment. She nodded slightly and quickly followed Xiao Zhongyan out of the pavilion, taking a hidden path at a brisk pace.
"Young Master, slow down!" The calls from behind grew closer.
"This way!" Xiao Zhongyan suddenly pulled Nan Gong Shuang aside and darted into a dense bamboo grove. Deep within the grove, a concealed small door was hidden among the greenery.
Xiao Zhongyan gently pushed open the door and led Nan Gong Shuang into a tranquil courtyard. The garden was lush with flowers and trees, with an elegant small building nestled within, clearly a secluded residence.
"This is my study; very few people come here, so we should be safe for now," Xiao Zhongyan said as he closed the door, still looking somewhat tense. "Those people earlier were sent by my second uncle; he has been keeping tabs on my movements."
Nan Gong Shuang cautiously surveyed her surroundings. "Why are we hiding from your second uncle?"
"Because..." Xiao Zhongyan seemed to hesitate but eventually spoke up. "Because my second uncle has a close relationship with Zheng Yushi, who was one of the chief judges in the Nangong Case back then."
"So, Young Master Xiao is opposing his own family?" Nan Gong Shuang asked with a hint of sarcasm.
Xiao Zhongyan forced a bitter smile. "You may not know this, but my Xiao Family is not united in thought. When the Nangong Case occurred, my father strongly opposed it but was placed under house arrest for six months. By the time he regained his freedom, the Nangong Family had already... He still regrets it deeply."
A storm of emotions flickered in Nan Gong Shuang's eyes before she quickly regained her calmness. "How can you convince me of this, Young Master Xiao?"
"Perhaps this can prove my sincerity," Xiao Zhongyan replied as he walked over to a bookshelf and retrieved an ornate box from a hidden compartment, presenting it with both hands.
Nan Gong Shuang cautiously took the brocade box and slowly opened it. Inside lay a delicate jade pendant, its texture smooth and warm. Carved on it was a vividly lifelike plum blossom, identical to the mark on her wrist.
"This is..." Nan Gong Shuang's hand trembled slightly.
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