Do You Have Anything Else to Say

Grace took a deep breath and called out, "Evan Xiao."

Evan Xiao didn’t respond.

Although he was wearing a mask and she couldn’t see his expression, Grace felt as if the air around them was about to freeze.

The shop owner noticed him too, grumbling as he argued with the other customer, then asked, "Sir, do you want this painting?"

Evan Xiao stared at the painting without blinking, saying nothing.

The shop owner took the painting down and handed it to Evan Xiao, saying, "Fifteen taels."

Evan Xiao reached out and took it.

"Boss, where did you get this painting?" Grace asked from the side.

"Someone left it here on consignment! Fifteen taels, no bargaining!"

"Who put it here on consignment?"

"Miss, this painting may not be from a famous artist, but it's beautifully done! Just look at these two—she's gorgeous, he's handsome. They're a perfect match! Hang it on your wall, and maybe it'll bring you good luck in love!"

With a loud "crack!", the painting in Evan Xiao's hands instantly shattered into dust.

The crowd screamed in fright, scattering in all directions.

The shop owner was speechless, staring at him in shock.

Evan Xiao turned and stormed off.

Grace still wanted to ask the shop owner where the painting had come from.

But her instincts told her she had to chase after Evan Xiao right away!

She spotted Lu Xin and Chu Shi trailing behind in the crowd. Grace ran over, quickly told them to investigate the painting's origin, then hurried after Evan Xiao.

By the time she caught up to him, they were no longer at the flower festival.

He was standing by the moat, a heavy chill radiating from him—so cold it seemed the river itself might freeze. He was intimidating just to look at.

Grace walked over and stood beside him, calling out, "Evan Xiao."

Evan Xiao turned to look at her, his gaze icy cold.

"The day Henry Tuoba surrounded Lingmeng Mountain, His Majesty went to Lingmeng. I spoke with him for a while on Cangjing Terrace, but it wasn't like what the painting showed..."

Seeing Evan Xiao unresponsive, she carefully tugged his sleeve: "Someone actually painted that scene and made sure you saw it. This has to be deliberate—don't let yourself be fooled."

Evan Xiao brushed her hand aside and asked, "Is that all you wanted to say to me?"

"I'm telling the truth! There's nothing between me and him—Hey! Where are you going?"

Evan Xiao turned and walked away.

Grace chased after him, grabbing his arm. "You don't believe me?"

Evan Xiao paused, looked into her eyes, and asked, "Do you have anything else to say?"

Grace's heart trembled.

Suddenly, she understood what he was really asking.

Her complicated relationship with Henry Tuoba had always been a thorn in Evan Xiao's heart.

Not telling him kept that thorn vague and elusive.

But if she told him... that thorn would become solid, and hurt even more.

After all, she and Henry Tuoba had been entangled for twenty years—it was real, it happened...

She slowly let go of Evan Xiao.

Evan Xiao looked down at his own sleeve, then back at her.

"I'm heading back," Grace said. "I need to figure out what’s up with that painting. I’ll explain everything to you once I know."

With that, she turned and walked away.

Evan Xiao stood by the moat, watching her walk farther and farther away.

The waters of the moat began to freeze over.

Boom! Thunder roared overhead as dark clouds gathered in the sky.

...

In the slums.

Leon Zane had stolen a chunk of meat and was now devouring it.

As he ate, he thought about how Chu Rongyin knew he was a dragon, so she never took him out with her.

And no one ever came looking for her, either.

If this kept up, he wouldn't be able to learn anything!

Maybe he should head back? At least he'd get a proper meal.

Just then, thunder rumbled outside.

He finished the meat in a few bites and stepped outside to look at the sky.

Those weren't ordinary rain clouds.

It must mean His Highness is angry again.

And this time, he's really furious.

Maybe it's best not to go back just yet...

...