Chapter 38: Investigation

She swung with great force, but the ball, as if deliberately defying her, veered wildly into the nearby pond, sending ripples spreading across the surface.

Chu Linchen’s brows knit tightly together. He sighed softly, a flicker of impatience crossing his eyes, yet he maintained his composure to demonstrate again, his voice low and detached: "Watch closely. The force must be moderate, and the angle precise."

Qin Xi bit her lip, her eyes filled with frustration and resentment, yet she nodded stubbornly and tried again.

At that moment, Bai Yu strolled over, dressed in a pale pink athletic skirt and holding an exquisite parasol. A sweet smile graced her face, and her gaze lingered on Chu Linchen for a moment before shifting to Qin Xi. Her tone was tinged with feigned intimacy and apology: "Xixi, you look so tired. Why don't you let me try? Linchen, will you teach me? Perhaps I can master the technique faster."

As she spoke, she set her parasol aside and walked naturally to Chu Linchen’s other side. Her eyes sparkled with expectation and provocation, as if a silent battle had quietly begun. Sunlight filtered through the edge of the parasol, casting a soft glow on her delicate features and adding a touch of cunning beauty.

Chu Linchen’s gaze shifted between Bai Yu and Qin Xi, finally settling on Bai Yu’s expectant face. He nodded slightly, his voice carrying a hint of imperceptible softness: "Very well. Perhaps a different approach will help you learn faster."

With that, he gently withdrew his arm and turned to face Bai Yu, his expression focused and earnest.

A smug smile played on Bai Yu’s lips as she naturally took the club from Chu Linchen’s hand. Chu Linchen adjusted her grip, patiently explaining every detail. The focused tenderness he displayed was something Qin Xi had never seen before.

Standing to the side, Qin Xi watched the scene with complex emotions. Her heart was a whirlwind of bitterness, and the parasol in her hand trembled slightly; even the sunlight seemed to grow harsh and blinding.

Seeing this, Lu Ranran curved her lips into a charming smile, her eyes glinting with cunning and anticipation. She said softly: "Everyone is working so hard, I’d like to learn too. Could you teach me as well?"

As she spoke, she moved closer to Chu Linchen, her body nearly brushing against his, and a faint, elusive scent of perfume wafted through the air.

Chu Linchen paused, turning his head to look at her. A flash of imperceptible surprise crossed his eyes, yet he maintained his calm and steady demeanor. He nodded slightly, his voice low and magnetic: "Of course."

He took Lu Ranran’s slender hand in his, their posture becoming somewhat ambiguous.

Chu Linchen held Lu Ranran’s hand, attempting to divert his focus from the brief moment of loss of control he had just felt. He tilted his head slightly, avoiding being too close to her, lest the turmoil in his heart affect her.

"Wait here for a moment. I have something to attend to." His low voice carried a hint of hidden agitation. He gently released Lu Ranran’s hand and turned to leave.

Lu Ranran was momentarily stunned, a look of disappointment washing over her face, but she quickly regained her sweet smile and whispered: "All right, go ahead. I’ll be here waiting for you."

Chu Linchen nodded and walked away quickly. In his mind, the blurred image of the woman from that night kept surfacing—her soft hair, the faint scent, and those eyes that followed him intently. It felt as if an invisible force was tugging at his heartstrings.

Qin Xi’s gaze remained locked on Chu Linchen’s retreating figure. Her fingers tightened around the handle of her parasol until her knuckles turned white. The sunlight cast mottled shadows across her face, failing to hide the jealousy in her eyes.

Watching him until he vanished into the distance, Qin Xi slowly withdrew her gaze. A meaningful smile touched her lips as she turned toward Lu Ranran. The sun cast a long shadow behind her, adding a touch of coldness to her presence.

Stopping beside Bai Yu, she said coldly: "Lu Ranran, we are both women; we should understand what ought to be done and what shouldn't. You are already married; it would be best to abandon certain thoughts early on. Otherwise, you’ll only end up hurting yourself and others."

As she spoke, Qin Xi tapped Lu Ranran’s shoulder, her eyes full of admonition and warning, as if everything were understood without being spoken.

At this, Lu Ranran offered a playful smile, her bright eyes flickering with cunning. She tilted her head and retorted: "Oh? And in what capacity is Miss Qin telling me this? As Chu Linchen’s official girlfriend? Or just another one of his many admirers?"

Qin Xi’s face turned ashen instantly. She hadn't expected Lu Ranran to strike at her pain point so directly and sharply. Her fingers tightened around the handle of the parasol, her nails digging into her palms, yet she forced herself to maintain a facade, glaring at Lu Ranran with eyes full of rage and resentment.

Sunlight filtered through the leaves, dappling the two of them, but the air felt tense and stifling, as if an invisible storm were brewing.

Stung by Lu Ranran’s words, Qin Xi’s face flushed from ashen to deep red. She shook her parasol violently, sending water droplets flying, reflecting her uncontrollable anger.

She stepped forward, her face almost touching Lu Ranran’s, and said with a trembling voice, though she tried to remain composed: "Who do you think you are? You’re nothing but a married woman who doesn't know her place! Chu Linchen, he..."

Lu Ranran raised an eyebrow, a detached and slightly mocking smile on her lips. Her gaze seemed to pierce through Qin Xi’s anger, reaching the insecurity hidden deep within. "That has nothing to do with you."

She said these four words very softly, yet they carried undeniable weight, like a spring breeze brushing over a lake—gentle, yet capable of stirring ripples.

With that, she turned slightly and walked gracefully past Qin Xi. The sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting mottled rays on her shoulders and gilding her with a faint halo.

Bai Yu followed behind her, a faint smile on her face, though her eyes betrayed a hint of imperceptible exhaustion.

Lu Ranran stopped and turned to look at Bai Yu, her eyes filled with gentle warmth. "Let’s stop here for today. You must be tired; let’s go back and rest."

Bai Yu nodded and said, "All right, let's go home."

Before the words had even faded, she reached out and gently took hold of Lu Ranran’s wrist.

Just as they were about to leave, a ringtone interrupted the quiet. Bai Yu answered the call, her expression gradually turning grave. After a few brief exchanges, she hung up and turned to Lu Ranran, her demeanor filled with apology and confusion: "Ranran, I looked into Chu Linchen and Qin Xi. Strangely, there seems to be no record of any significant interaction between them. I can't find any evidence of a direct connection."

Lu Ranran frowned at the news.