Matchmaker's Thoughts

Dustin’s expression carried a trace of displeasure, and his tone became much more severe.

If he said nothing and allowed Li Juntang to search without protest, that would seem even more suspicious.

"Brother Logan," Li Juntang said grimly, "there’s been a thief in the residence. The entire compound is under lockdown. For your own safety, we have to conduct a search!"

Right now, Li Juntang strongly suspected that Dustin was the thief. But without concrete evidence, he couldn’t fall out with him directly.
Of course, if Dustin insisted on interfering, then he wouldn’t be polite either.

"A thief?" Dustin raised a brow. "Something like that happened? Was the tremor earlier related to this thief?"

"We’ll talk about the details later. To prevent the thief from escaping, we need to search this place first."

Li Juntang had no interest in explaining further. With a wave of his hand, he motioned for Zhang He and Wu Yong to begin.

The two exchanged a glance, said nothing, and led a squad of guards as they stormed into the inner rooms.

Li Juntang gave Dustin a deep look, then followed them inside.

The spacious and tidy room was softly lit, the light flickering gently.

Within the glow sat a woman in red.

Her long black hair was elegantly coiled, with a crimson-gold hairpin swaying gently and casting delicate shadows with its dangling pearls.

Her brows were like distant mountains brushed in ink, and her upturned eyes sparkled like ripples spreading over a spring lake. The gleam in her gaze rivaled the brilliance of the coral on her hairpin.

Her nose was finely sculpted like jade, and her lips were naturally rosy. When she smiled, it was like a red plum blooming in snow --- even the dimples at the corners of her lips held a hint of intoxicating charm.

"Hongniang? What are you doing here?"

Li Juntang furrowed his brows upon seeing the woman in red, visibly confused.

"Greetings, Your Highness."

Hongniang was unhurried, setting down her chess piece before rising gracefully to bow. "I was playing a game of chess with Mr. Rhys. We became absorbed and didn’t realize something had happened outside."

Her voice was soft and languid, with a touch of allure.

Li Juntang glanced at the chessboard on the table, where black and white pieces were scattered in what appeared to be a fierce game.

He looked again at Hongniang, eyes filled with suspicion. "You’ve been here playing chess the whole time?"

Hongniang nodded slightly, her expression calm. "Exactly. We haven’t left even half a step."

Li Juntang said nothing but glanced at Dustin, the doubt in his eyes not disappearing.

"Zhang He, Wu Yong --- search every inch of this place, inside and out. See if the thief is hiding nearby," he ordered again.

"Yes!"

Zhang He and Wu Yong responded at once and immediately began a thorough search of the courtyard.

But after a long while, they found nothing --- no trace of the thief at all.

"Your Highness, since a thief has broken into the residence, perhaps I can be of assistance?" Dustin offered.

"No need, Brother Logan. I’ll handle it myself!" Li Juntang snorted and quickly left with his men.

Though he still suspected Dustin, without any proof, all he could do was bury that suspicion for now.

Of course, it was still possible that the thief was someone else entirely.

Once outside, Li Juntang gave another order:
"Zhang He, Wu Yong! Mobilize all forces and conduct a full search of the residence! Leave no corner unchecked --- dig three feet into the ground if you must. I want that thief caught no matter what!"

"Understood!" Zhang He and Wu Yong cupped their fists in salute before marching off with a large force.

Li Juntang had already ordered every exit sealed.

In such a short time, the thief couldn’t have escaped. So they had to still be hiding within the estate.

As long as the search was thorough, they’d find them.

…

Once the sound of footsteps faded, Dustin closed the courtyard gate, turned, and looked at Hongniang with a probing gaze.
"Why did you help me?"

When he returned to his courtyard after escaping the hidden chamber, he found an unexpected guest in his room --- Hongniang!

At first, he thought he’d been exposed. But soon, he realized something was off.

Hongniang hadn’t revealed his secret. On the contrary, she even helped him hide his night gear and mask in the chessboard’s secret compartment.

Before he could ask her about it, Li Juntang had arrived with his men.

Hongniang had then skillfully helped him stage a scene.

What puzzled him was, Hongniang was clearly one of Li Juntang’s people --- why would she help him cover things up?

"Mr. Rhys, there’s no need to overthink it. Helping you is helping myself."

Hongniang sat back at the table, took a sip of tea, and curled her lips into a meaningful smile.

"In Li Juntang’s residence, I may appear to be an honored guest, but in truth, I’m nothing more than a puppet at his beck and call. I know very well that following him won’t lead to any good outcome. That’s why I want to break free."

"I know you’re not an ordinary person. Helping you today is also my way of leaving myself a way out. I don’t want to be controlled by him anymore. I want freedom --- and right now, only you can give me that." - Ton