The Young Master raised his eyebrows, his voice calm: “Why? You were supposed to watch over Chuxia, and because of your incompetence, she was abducted, and now you want to blame others?”
Qinglong’s temples throbbed, but he had no rebuttal, only watching Bai Xue leave, then heavily kneeling down again: “It was Qinglong’s incompetence.”
The Young Master remained silent for a long time before saying, “Get up.”
“Was there any unusual noise when Chuxia was abducted?”
“None at all.” Qinglong said softly, “I only found this.” He handed over the silver bracelet.
The Young Master took it, gently rubbing it with his fingers. Just last evening, she wore this bracelet while helping him wash his face. The occasional sound of the bracelet tapping against the copper basin was quite pleasant. At this thought, the Young Master was slightly dazed.
“Was it already twisted like this when you found it?”
“Yes.” Qinglong responded, looking anxious. “Young Master… could Chuxia have been tortured? How else would her bracelet be so badly twisted?”
“Qinglong, you’re letting your concern cloud your judgment.” The Young Master’s voice carried a slight rebuke. “Have you forgotten everything I’ve taught you?”
Qinglong looked ashamed, lowering his voice: “Yes.”
“You left the fabric shop within half a cup of tea after being deceived. They wouldn’t have time to torture her in the secret passage.” The Young Master said slowly, “Moreover, this bracelet was twisted into an ‘I’ shape, but not straight. Clearly, it was done by someone without martial arts skills. If not Chuxia herself, who else?”
“Then… what is Chuxia trying to tell us?” Qinglong’s eyes lit up.
The Young Master didn’t answer, only sighed softly: “She’s a clever child.”
Looking up, he saw Qinglong’s regretful expression and asked, “Qinglong, how long have you been by my side?”
“Ten years.”
“You’re intelligent and impetuous. Facing some setbacks now is good.” The Young Master glanced at him. “Tell me, where did you go wrong today?”
