roccoschili Chapter 145 Academy Meeting
Chapter 145 Academy Meeting
At Zhaoyin Academy, Cen Jiexiao's study, the elegant room known as "Luoxia Studio," was filled with a faint scent of sandalwood. In the incense burner, fine silver incense threads slowly emanated wisps of smoke like a thin silver snake, the fragrance permeating the air, as if trying to dispel the doubt and uneasiness that permeated the faces of the few people. Outside the carved window lattice, a few branches of red plum blossoms bloomed proudly, adding a touch of vibrant color to the winter sky. In the center of the room, a round rosewood table, upon which were placed several plates of exquisite pastries and cups of tea, exuding an alluring aroma.
Cen Jiexiao, Chen Zigui, Xiaozhi, and Yulan sat around a round table, each with a different expression. Cen Jiexiao was dressed in a simple, elegant green dress, her long black hair tied up with a white jade hairpin. She was elegant and refined, but a hint of unwavering sorrow could not be concealed between her brows. Chen Zigui was dressed in a moon-white robe, as gentle as jade, with a faint smile on his face, as if trying to comfort Cen Jiexiao. Xiaozhi, on the other hand, looked anxious, and from time to time, she would secretly glance at Cen Jiexiao, wanting to say something but stopping herself. Only Yulan, usually smart and capable, was silent at this moment. She just lowered her head and fiddled with the teacup in her hand, as if thinking about something.
"Those old foxes of Lü Menzhong are more cunning than the last. Now is not the time to close the net." Chen Zigui's slender fingers gently lowered the celadon teacup in his hand, his tone a bit cold. His deep eyes gleamed with wisdom, as if everything was under his control.
"Yes, these old guys are all shrewd people. They have been in the court for many years and have experienced countless bloody storms. If they are not careful, they will alert the enemy and all their previous efforts will be wasted." Yu Lan nodded in agreement. Normally, when talking about serious matters, she would talk like a machine gun, but at this time, she rarely spoke faster. It can be seen that the difficulty of this matter made her feel a lot of pressure.
"News has come from the Qiming Group that Ji Zhao has fallen for the plot orchestrated by the dean and Prince Xixiang," Yu Lan said, pulling a neatly folded slip of paper from her sleeve and handing it to Cen Jiexiao. "Now, it's up to Supervisor Chen to use his 'torture scheme'."
Cen Jiexiao took the note, delicately unfolding it with her slender fingers. A quick glance at the contents deepened the worry between her brows. She raised her head, her gaze settling on Chen Zigui, a chorus of emotions welling up in her heart: sweet, sour, bitter, and salty. It was her eldest brother again, the one who, for the Great Zhou, had repeatedly risked his life, putting himself in harm's way. She owed him more than just a favor. How could she repay this profound bond of friendship?
"Big Brother, this time... I'm sorry to trouble you again." Cen Jiexiao's voice was soft, as if she was afraid of disturbing something, yet it carried a hint of inexplicable guilt. Her eyes were filled with a complex mix of gratitude, worry, and a hint of affection she wasn't even aware of.
Upon hearing this, Chen Zigui smiled gently, his eyes full of tenderness and pampering: "Silly girl, what nonsense are you talking about? What is the difference between you and me?" His voice was as warm as the spring breeze, making people want to get close to him and rely on him.
His gaze burned, as if it could melt Sister Cen Xiao. Sister Cen Xiao's heartbeat suddenly accelerated, and a blush spread across her cheeks, reminiscent of the faint rouge on the branches. She hurriedly lowered her head, not daring to meet his gaze, fearing he would see the secret deep within her heart.
"Cough cough... cough cough..." Xiaozhi coughed twice deliberately, covering his mouth with a handkerchief in a pretentious manner. While coughing, he glanced at Cen Jiexiao and Chen Zigui. Seeing that they were both looking at him, he put down his handkerchief and said seriously, "I say, can you two restrain yourself for a moment? We are discussing serious matters now! Two officials appointed by the court?"
Upon hearing this, Cen Jiexiao's face flushed with shame, and she wished she could find a hole to crawl into. They were all senior brothers, and he always said things that were misunderstood. Now, Xiaozhi had caught him, and it was really embarrassing! She secretly glanced at Chen Zigui from the corner of her eye, and saw that he looked calm, as if nothing had happened. She felt even more ashamed and annoyed, and couldn't help but secretly complain in her heart: It's all your fault, it's all your fault, why do you have to be so good-looking!
Chen Zigui received Cen Jiexiao's resentful look and felt amused in his heart, but he remained expressionless. He turned to look at Xiaozhi, with a hint of helplessness in his tone: "You girl, you just love to talk nonsense. Your young lady and I are open and aboveboard, and we act uprightly."
Xiaozhi curled her lips and muttered softly, "I'm not talking nonsense. You two are flirting with each other. Do you really think I can't see it? Just now, the way the senior brother looked at the young lady was enough to melt her completely. Only you, the young lady, are so stupid that you can't see what the senior brother is thinking..."
"Xiaozhi!" Cen Jiexiao interrupted Xiaozhi in embarrassment. This girl is becoming more and more disrespectful. She dares to say anything!
Yu Lan watched them bickering and couldn't help but laugh out loud. "Alright, alright, Xiaozhi, cut the smack and stop teasing your young lady." Then she turned to Chen Zigui and asked, "Master Chen, what are you going to do next? Ji Zhao has taken the bait. Should we close the net now?"
"No rush." Chen Zigui shook his head, a gleam in his eyes. "Lü Menzhong is cunning and meticulous, and we've finally managed to expose his flaws this time. We can't close the net easily. We have to wait until he completely lets down his guard and lays all the evidence on the table. Only then can we catch him in one fell swoop and put an end to this trouble forever."
"Big Brother is right," Cen Jiexiao also collected her thoughts and said seriously, "This matter is of great importance. We must act with caution and must not act hastily."
"Okay, stop messing around." Cen Jiexiao coughed lightly and brought the topic back to the topic, "Big Brother, what are you going to do?"
Chen Zigui put away his smile, his expression becoming serious. He spoke in a steady voice, "Ji Zhao is inherently suspicious and greedy. If you want him to trust me, you must let him see my 'value' as well as my 'weaknesses.'" He paused, his eyes slowly sweeping from Yu Lan and Xiao Zhi to Cen Jiexiao. Cen Jiexiao felt his gaze, and her heart skipped a beat, as if a deer were fluttering in her chest. She quickly lowered her head, not daring to meet his gaze. Chen Zigui looked at her slightly red earlobe, a barely perceptible smile playing at the corner of his mouth. He continued, "I plan to..." His voice was low and magnetic, like a spring flowing through a mountain stream, or the melodious sound of a flute lingering in the night sky. It held an indescribable charm that captured everyone's attention. Cen Jiexiao listened very carefully, staring at Chen Zigui with her bright eyes without blinking, afraid of missing any word. She wanted to know what he planned to do so that Ji Zhao could trust him and ensure her own safety.
"It's too dangerous!" Before Chen Zigui could fully unfold his plan, Cen Jiexiao abruptly stood up and interrupted him. Her eyes widened, her tone filled with worry and anxiety, and an unusual blush crept across her fair cheeks, like a peach blossom in full bloom in spring, delicate and alluring.
"Big Brother, you can't always put yourself in danger! You know who Ji Zhao is? He's ruthless and capable of anything! If anything happens to you, I..." At this point, Cen Jiexiao paused, realizing she was a little emotional. She quickly lowered her head, trying to hide her frantic heartbeat. She didn't dare to continue, afraid she'd say something she shouldn't, revealing her deepest feelings.
"There's no such thing as an emergency." Chen Zigui interrupted her firmly, his deep eyes revealing an unquestionable determination, "I know what I'm doing, nothing will happen." He would not let anything happen to himself, nor would he let her worry.
"But..." Cen Jiexiao wanted to say something else, but Chen Zigui gently patted her shoulder with a hand. His palm was broad and warm, as if carrying some kind of magical power, instantly calming her anxiety.
"Believe me." Chen Zigui looked into her eyes and said word by word.