Chapter 72: Bai Liyao Trapped in a Whirlwind of Trouble

Xian Yu Jing shifted her gaze, feeling a bit embarrassed. She had only undone his clothes to save him, not to take advantage of him.

Jiang Mo He calmly pulled his shirt down, covering the triangular tattoo on the lower left side of his abdomen.

Soaked by icy water, he had returned to his room, washed up briefly, and changed into clean clothes before coming out.

Xian Yu Jing waited for him in the surveillance room, holding a cup of hot milk.

She stared at Jiang Mo He's arm, now hidden beneath his clothes, her eyes filled with worry. "How will you cure the poison in your body?"

Jiang Mo He couldn't tell her that his body would detoxify itself, so he simply said, "I have my own method."

Xian Yu Jing didn't understand how chemical toxins could be neutralized, nor did she press him further. She handed him the hot milk.

In the past, after being injured, Jiang Mo He was accustomed to hiding away and healing alone. Now, someone not only showed concern for him but also brought him milk.

This feeling was different from being with comrades in Country K. It was more than trust—it carried a gentle warmth, and something else he couldn't quite name.

Seeing him lost in thought as he held the milk, Xian Yu Jing couldn't help but ask, "Did you finish your mission?"

What dangerous task had Young Master Nangong sent him on, that he ended up poisoned?

And earlier, when she saw his eyes suddenly turn red—was that just her imagination?

"Yes, it's done." Jiang Mo He finished the milk and asked, "Where's Su Cha?"

When he snuck back earlier, he noticed Su Cha's presence was missing from the villa. He'd been away for days; why hadn't Su Cha stayed by her side?

"My brother sent her back to the estate."

Nangong Ao didn't want Madam Nangong to know he'd been drugged, so he sent Su Cha away. After all, Su Cha was under Madam Nangong's orders.

These past few days, the repairman Xiao Zhao had temporarily taken over as driver, escorting her to and from school.

Jiang Mo He noticed Xian Yu Jing's thin clothing and said, "It's late, you should get some rest."

Xian Yu Jing took the empty cup from his hand. "You too, rest early. Good night!"

At the door, she turned back and said, "I'll take this to my room, and return the key to you tomorrow."

"Alright."

Jiang Mo He watched Xian Yu Jing enter the villa, his gaze puzzled as he looked up at the third floor.

How could Young Master Nangong not have heard the commotion?

---

He had no idea that Young Master Nangong was sleeping soundly!

The next day, Nangong Ao never sent Xian Yu Jing up to urge him to rest again. He hadn't even noticed when Jiang Mo He returned—how could that be acceptable!

Granted, such quality sleep was beneficial for his recovery. But it also left him completely off guard, and for Nangong Ao, that was a dangerous thing!

Xian Yu Jing didn't think much of it, as long as Nangong Ao was willing to take care of his health.

---

Since Nangong Xin and Xian Yu Jing had come to an agreement, he told Lu Hankai and Luo Liya not to target her anymore.

So, for a while, Xian Yu Jing had an easy time at school. Instead, Bai Liyao became increasingly troubled!

Bai Liyao was naturally mild-tempered and low-profile, rarely drawing attention. But thanks to Zhai Yan'er always following him, he became the subject of envy, jealousy, and resentment from other male classmates.

As the youngest daughter of the Zhai family, Zhai Yan'er was certainly the most sought-after girl at Liyang Academy. Many scions of noble families set their sights on her, hoping to win her favor.

Yet she favored only that powerless, status-less fellow who gazed through telescopes, much to everyone's chagrin!

Each day, boys vied for Zhai Yaner's attention, taking the opportunity to belittle and undermine Bai Liyao.

Bai Liyao was at his wit's end. All he wanted was to do his research in peace, but with the chirpy Zhai Yan'er around, it was already taxing—now he had so many others bothering him!

At last, Bai Liyao told Zhai Yan'er directly to stay away from him.

Zhai Yan'er was indignant. "Ignore those guys; let's just focus on our research!"

But it wasn't as easy as she made it sound.

If those boys merely harassed Bai Liyao at school, he could tolerate it. But they even hired online trolls to report his blog, accusing him of spreading false information, leading to its suspension.

Worse still, it affected his research project application with the school!

Bai Liyao didn't care about personal slander, but hindering his research was unacceptable.

"You study astronomy out of interest, but I don't!" Bai Liyao said to Zhai Yan'er. "I won't let your hobby ruin everything I've worked for!"

Zhai Yan'er was momentarily speechless.

At first, she had indeed joined the astronomy department and research only out of interest. But now, her feelings transcended mere academic curiosity!

"I'll have those people retract their statements and stop bothering you. Then can I still research with you?" Zhai Yan'er pleaded, for the first time so humbly.

But Bai Liyao was fed up. "Forget it. Just don't look for me anymore."

He hurried away from the source of his troubles.

Zhai Yan'er looked as if she was about to cry. What should she do now that her idol disliked her?

Over the next few days, Bai Liyao avoided Zhai Yan'er whenever he saw her.

Even when he needed to see Xian Yu Jing, if Zhai Yan'er was present, he would immediately turn and leave.

Zhai Yan'er felt both sad and wronged.

Xian Yu Jing didn't know how to comfort her, for she could empathize with Bai Liyao—being forced into the center of public opinion was miserable!

She advised Zhai Yan'er, "Why not focus on your own research at school? If you have questions, ask Bai Liyao through social media."

Letting the two lay low until the gossip faded was one solution.

But Zhai Yan'er wasn't satisfied. She wasn't pestering Bai Liyao just for research—she liked him. How could she bear not seeing him at school every day?

"I will make those guys apologize to Bai Liyao!" Zhai Yan'er vowed angrily.

Xian Yu Jing couldn't intervene and said no more.

After school, Zhai Yan'er returned home and asked the old butler, "Is my brother coming back today?"

The butler replied, "Young Master instructed before he left—he has social obligations tonight."

"Again with the socializing!" Zhai Yan'er pouted. "I haven't seen my brother for more than a week now, haven't I?"

The butler smiled helplessly. "Young Master manages all the family and company affairs—it's only natural he's busy."

Zhai Yan'er felt aggrieved. "It's because my father was bewitched by that woman, isn't it? He doesn't even care about the family anymore!"

The butler dared not comment on his employer and pretended not to hear.

Zhai Yan'er waited until eleven o'clock at night, but her brother still hadn't returned, so she couldn't help calling him.

The phone rang for a long time before it was answered. "Yan'er, why aren't you asleep so late?"

His usually gentle and clear voice sounded a bit hoarse.

Zhai Yan'er frowned slightly. "Brother, have you been drinking?"