Several bodyguards stepped forward, surrounding Shen Qingqing and Fu Jingshu, as if ready to apprehend them at Mr. Z's command.
Despite the tense atmosphere, Mr. Z maintained a faint smile. "You now have two choices. One, surrender and let me take you away. Two..."
"Two what?" Shen Qingqing prompted, playing along.
"Two, resist. But I don't need to tell you the consequences of resistance." Mr. Z stood with his hands behind his back, exuding an air of absolute victory. He didn't believe this couple could escape under the current circumstances.
Shen Qingqing raised an eyebrow. "You're that confident?"
Mr. Z smiled. "Of course."
Shen Qingqing let out a knowing laugh. "I advise you, before anything is concluded, it's best not to be so overconfident."
"A pity, then." Mr. Z's voice was gentle. "Confidence is my greatest strength."
Shen Qingqing rolled her eyes skyward, unwilling to engage in further banter. She stated calmly, "I'm afraid you won't be able to take us today."
"That's not certain."
Mr. Z's smile vanished. He waved his hand, and the black-clad bodyguards surged forward. He knew both of this couple were exceptionally skilled. Thus, he had brought only the best, men who could arguably fight ten opponents at once.
Yet, even these formidable individuals couldn't gain an advantage against Shen Qingqing and Fu Jingshu. Within five minutes, they were all injured.
Mr. Z's gaze turned icy. "These two are indeed swift and effective." He then turned to the butler, who hadn't moved. "You, go."
"Yes."
But before the butler could make a move, the large doors behind them were pushed open. The First Prince entered, followed by a group of guards. His arrival interrupted the confrontation. Mr. Z looked at him with a deep gaze.
The First Prince, however, seemed oblivious to his intrusion, smiling elegantly. "What's going on here? How is it that I'm only a little late, and a fight has already broken out?"
Mr. Z smiled. "Your Highness, it would be best if you did not interfere in this matter."
"If I hadn't arrived, I naturally wouldn't interfere." The First Prince walked forward slowly. The guards behind him subtly moved to separate the two groups. Fu Jingshu and Shen Qingqing offered no resistance; they hadn't intended to fight in the first place.
However, the bodyguards and their associates were reluctant to retreat. They looked to Mr. Z. Mr. Z and the First Prince met each other's gaze. Neither looked away. One appeared elegant and indifferent, while the other, though seemingly gentle, held a subtle chill.
Mr. Z said mildly, "Your Highness, is it appropriate for someone of your status to meddle in such affairs?"
"With my status, it's certainly inappropriate to use power to oppress others." The First Prince did not seem angered by Mr. Z's veiled warning. A smile even appeared on his face. "But what if I'm here as a witness?"
Mr. Z narrowed his eyes. "A witness? Are you personally testifying for them?"
"Of course."
"I heard you met them before, and that Your Highness sent many gifts..." Mr. Z paused subtly. "Does that mean you have a good relationship?" The implication was that if their relationship was good, his testimony would not be credible.
"That's where you're mistaken." The First Prince waved his hand. "It's almost embarrassing to say, but I did visit before and brought many valuable gifts. However..." He glanced at Shen Qingqing and smiled helplessly. "Miss Shen did not give me that face. She not only drove me out but also returned my gifts." This implied their relationship was not good at all, but rather extremely poor.
Mr. Z said gravely, "Then I'll listen to how you testify for them."
"I was with them last night."
"Evidence?"
The First Prince shook his head regretfully. "There's no evidence. However, I did inform my father yesterday. My father can testify that I did indeed go to see them."
Mr. Z's face darkened. He fell silent. If it was the King... he couldn't question it. Although he suspected the First Prince's words, he couldn't voice that suspicion. However, he was unwilling to give up just like that.
"Mr. Z, although I don't know what misunderstanding has occurred between you," the First Prince said slowly, "these two are friends of my third brother, and therefore, my friends. I will shamelessly mediate for you today."
"What if I don't listen to you?" Mr. Z retorted.
"If you don't give me this face, then I can't do anything." The First Prince smiled innocently. "Surely, you don't want someone to arrest you, do you?"
"You're threatening me." Mr. Z's expression turned stern.
The First Prince smiled slightly, gesturing vaguely. "Of course not. How could I be such an impolite person who forces others with power?"
Mr. Z let out a cold laugh.
The First Prince said gently, "Mr. Z, I believe you are a wise man."
Mr. Z ground his teeth. He knew clearly that regardless of whether the First Prince's words were true or not, now that the King had been invoked, no one could pursue this matter further.
Mr. Z took a deep breath and said, "Alright, I will give you this face today." With that, he turned and left. As he left, the bodyguards also retreated like a receding tide.
Shen Qingqing looked at the First Prince. "Thank you."
The First Prince shook his head. "You're welcome."
"But I'm curious, why would Your Highness come to my aid?" Shen Qingqing didn't believe their relationship was that close. Moreover, their previous encounter had not ended well, so she hadn't expected the First Prince to return.
"It's not that I wanted to help you."
Shen Qingqing raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
The First Prince paused for a moment. He first signaled his guards to stand watch outside, then helped Shen Qingqing and Fu Jingshu up and invited them into their room. Seeing his serious demeanor, Shen Qingqing played along. Zhao Qian, however, looked like he had something to say but hesitated.
Shen Qingqing said, "You should go back to your room and rest too. The poison in your body was only recently purged; you need rest to recover."
"Then I'll head back. If anything happens later, just call me. Though I may not be very capable, I can still contribute." Zhao Qian said earnestly.
"Mm."
As soon as he left, Shen Qingqing and Fu Jingshu followed the First Prince into the room. The door closed, and the First Prince immediately bowed, his face filled with apology. "Miss Shen, I must apologize to you."
Shen Qingqing remained silent.
The First Prince continued, "I was too rash before. Acting on impulse, I didn't understand the full story and came to demand your forgiveness..."
"Let's not dwell on the past." Shen Qingqing hadn't taken the matter to heart anyway. "But thank you for your help this time."
"No need for politeness." The First Prince waved his hand, not feeling he deserved thanks, but rather shame. "If it weren't for my third brother telling me that you saved his life... I wouldn't have known you were my third brother's savior."