Investigating Alexander Hayes's Origins

Dr. Rowan Lin looked perfectly calm, shot Simon Yu a glare, and said, "If this brat can't keep his eyes to himself, I'd rather just dig them out."

Simon Yu was so frightened he immediately covered his eyes. "Master, Mistress, I didn't see anything! My eyes have a built-in filter—everything I should see, I see; everything I shouldn't, I can't! Master, please don't gouge out my eyeballs, or you'll just have to put them back in, and that's a hassle."

Simon Yu's reaction made Margaret Evans laugh. She took the bowl from Dr. Rowan Lin and said, "I'll drink it all, I promise. It's your health tonic, how could I refuse? Simon must have come for something important. You two get to your business, I'll finish my porridge and check on Quentin—if he doesn't see me for a while, he'll start calling for his mom. You two really are cut from the same mold, both so clingy!"

Dr. Rowan Lin turned to look at Margaret Evans, his intimidating expression instantly melting into gentle warmth. "Alright, Margaret, drink up and let Quentin keep you company. Simon and I have some things to discuss."

"Go on." Margaret Evans smiled as she watched the two leave, then headed to Quentin Lin's study herself.

Meanwhile, master and disciple went to Dr. Rowan Lin's study, which also doubled as a pharmacy. Simon Yu took out the box of disguise masks.

Dr. Rowan Lin examined them, nodding in satisfaction. "These masks are so lifelike—even the fine hairs look real. This art of disguise truly is a marvel of the martial world."

Simon Yu chuckled. "See how clever I am? I rescued White Lily and had White Pete make me a batch of masks. With these, investigating Uncle's past will be much easier for us—we won't have to worry about being recognized."

Dr. Rowan Lin snorted dismissively, but it was clear he was pleased with Simon Yu's plan.

Simon Yu taught Dr. Rowan Lin how to use the masks, then said, "Master, with these, our secret investigation will be much smoother. I bet we'll have results soon."

Dr. Rowan Lin thought of his elder brother and sighed. "It's been twenty years... I wonder if my brother is still alive. If we do find him, the truth of what happened back then will finally come to light."

Simon Yu nodded, then suddenly asked, "Master, should we tell Prince Alexander? After all, this is closely tied to his origins. If we work with him, his influence would make our investigation much easier."

"Absolutely not!" Dr. Rowan Lin raised his hand, his face turning serious as he lowered his voice. "This must not involve our son-in-law. If my suspicions are correct, he is... If he joins the investigation and the Emperor catches wind of it, his true identity might be exposed, putting him, his wife, and your Mistress in grave danger. If anything happens to Lily or Prince Alexander, Margaret would be devastated. For now, it's best to keep this from our son-in-law."

Simon Yu thought it over and agreed. Their secret investigation, even if discovered by the Emperor, would just look like the Lin Family searching for a missing relative. But if Prince Alexander got involved and was found out, it could spell disaster for the Prince of Qin's Manor.

===

Prince of Qin's Manor

"Princess, you called for me in such a hurry—what can I do for you?" Eugene Jr. entered with a cheerful grin, spotting Belle and Lily Evans in the room.

Belle saw Eugene Jr. come in and covered her mouth, giggling. Eugene Jr. was left completely puzzled, sure there was mischief afoot.

Lily Evans gave Eugene Jr. a mischievous smile. "Eugene, ever done anything naughty? Want to try it once?"

"Huh!?"