Sun Ningxiang stood before the main house, watching her father and Yang Jing emerge from the study. Her gaze flickered between their faces.
The grim look on her father's brow had vanished, replaced by an unconcealable ease. His whole demeanor seemed much lighter.
'They were only inside for a moment. How could he have changed so much?' Filled with doubt, Sun Ningxiang couldn't help but quicken her pace to follow them, wanting to get to the bottom of it.
"Father, just now..." she began, but Sun Yong cut her off with a raised hand.
Sun Yong turned his head, his expression solemn as he looked at her. He lowered his voice and said, "Ning Xiang, whatever you see in a moment, keep it to yourself. You must not speak of it to anyone. Understand?"
Sun Ningxiang froze. Seeing her father was serious and not joking, she nodded, the confusion in her eyes deepening. "I... understand."
She stared blankly as her father led Yang Jing to the open space in the center of the inner courtyard.
