"By the way, Miss Chu's friends left the Northern Underworld Imperial City overnight last night."
For the past two days, Chu Qianli had been confined to Yuhua Palace, personally guarded by Gui Tong. Prince Hao had every reason to believe that Chu Qianli was not yet aware of this matter.
"Therefore, your allies in the Northern Underworld have also abandoned you. Since that's the case, why don't you return to the Southern Underworld with me? The Southern Underworld may not be without someone you wish to see."
"Is Prince Hao seeing that I am isolated and helpless, thus can only be at your mercy?" Chu Qianli sneered.
Chu Minghao chuckled, "How could that be? Miss is a phoenix among men, said to be full of schemes. I must remain vigilant at all times."
"Am I not already abandoned by everyone? Even if I have schemes, where would I find the opportunity to employ them?"
"So, you're agreeing to return to the Southern Underworld with me?" Chu Minghao's smile was always a forced one, never reaching his eyes.
Chu Qianli turned her face away, no longer able to smile. "The meat is on the chopping block, and no one is willing to save me now. What difference does my agreement or refusal make to you, my lord?"
Chu Minghao merely smiled, no longer bothering with pleasantries.
Since they both knew the situation, why bother with unnecessary explanations?
"However, there is one thing I still cannot understand."
Chu Qianli looked back at him, her expressionless. "My lord is extremely busy, yet your visit to the Northern Underworld seems to be merely for leisure. This is completely unlike your usual style of doing things."
"Heh, just assume I'm here for a holiday. I'm merely accompanying Feiyan on her travels."
Chu Minghao offered no explanation. After ordering someone to bring refreshments for Chu Qianli, he left.
Gui Tong remained seated on the rooftop.
Even though Long Xinghe and his group had departed, and Feng Yexuan and Feng Qihe seemed to have completely given up on Chu Qianli, Gui Tong still couldn't let his guard down.
Everyone appeared to have abandoned Chu Qianli.
But he had a feeling that this woman was far from simple.
Before long, a maid brought tea and pastries.
Gui Tong paid no mind, continuing to sit on the rooftop and gaze at the stars.
Chu Qianli put down her book and picked up the sweet soup.
A subtle, unusual glint flashed in her eyes, but the maid did not notice, and Gui Tong had no opportunity to.
Chu Qianli glanced at the maid and asked casually, "The refreshments sent two days ago were just that, but why such effort today, even making sweet soup?"
The maid's expression immediately changed, and she stammered, "Whatever the kitchen makes, this servant... this servant just delivers. How would I know?"
Gui Tong, sitting above, furrowed his brow slightly. He seemed to have thought of something but dismissed it.
Chu Qianli held the bowl, not drinking immediately, but merely looking at the maid.
Where Gui Tong couldn't see, she suddenly curved her lips into a smile.
The maid was so frightened she dared not breathe, clutching the hem of her clothes. In the cold weather, sweat beaded on her forehead.
"Miss... Miss should drink it while it's hot."
"Alright." Chu Qianli continued to smile. Just as the maid thought she was about to discover something, Chu Qianli unexpectedly scooped up the sweet soup and brought it to her lips.
The maid instinctively glanced around. Seeing no one watching, she finally relaxed.
She had finally eaten it. Otherwise, she wouldn't know how to explain to the Princess!
This foolish woman was doomed this time!