The Li Family and Ye Family had left, and naturally, others followed to enjoy the spectacle, leaving the area emptier for a moment.

The cold wind blew, making the lanterns on the lake surface twinkle like stars.

"Aren’t you worried?" Ye Rui looked at her with concern, hesitating, "There are no cameras here; they’ll all think it was you..."

That she had pushed Su Yishan into the lake, everyone would only believe what they saw; without evidence, it would be hard for her to clear things up.

Ye Jiuliang raised her hand to press down the brim of her hat, her voice cold and mocking, "What’s there to worry about?"

"But..." He truly didn’t want her to be slandered, yet based only on his own words, no one would believe him.

Ye Jiuliang’s eyes lifted slightly, "Didn’t you see it too? Why don’t you believe it?"

Meeting her gaze, Ye Rui spoke with certainty, "You wouldn’t."

Although he didn’t know her very well, through their few encounters, he knew she wasn’t that kind of person; she would own up to what she did. To him, she seemed more straightforward than anyone.

Ye Jiuliang’s lips curved into a smile, abruptly changing the subject, "Where can I buy fireworks?"

"Huh?"

Ye Rui’s mind couldn’t keep up, "What?"

"Fireworks." She repeated.

Confirming he heard correctly, Ye Rui’s lips twitched, but he still answered her, "Over there."

Ye Jiuliang raised an eyebrow, "Thanks."

She set off, while Ye Rui stood there stunned. By the time he came to his senses, Ye Jiuliang had already disappeared.

What would she need fireworks for at this time?

Could it be that she was planning to celebrate Su Yishan’s downfall in a big way?

Thinking this, he embarrassed himself.

**

"Since Master Li seems preoccupied, I won’t delay his time further and let the young miss wait too long," Mingchong remarked with a warm smile, glancing at the Lotus Lantern in Li Mochan’s hand.

"The young miss is quite impressive; Master Li should cherish her."

Li Mochan’s indifferent gaze paused for a moment, his thin lips parting slightly, "It seems Mr. Ming is rather concerned about my fiancée?"

Fiancée?

Mingchong shook his head and chuckled lightly, was this a declaration of his own territory?

A trace of regret flickered through his eyes as he said slowly, "The young miss reminds me of someone very important to me."

Li Mochan’s brows furrowed, just as he was about to speak, a ringtone from a phone interrupted.

He took out his phone and saw it was Feng Yi calling.

"Mohan, something’s happened." As he put the phone to his ear, Feng Yi’s slightly anxious voice came through.

Feng Yi briefly explained the situation, and by the end of it, Li Mochan’s eyes, as deep as a cold abyss, stirred up a stormy rage.

After hanging up, he threw down the Lotus Lantern and took off running.

Mingchong was taken aback, looking at the damaged Lotus Lantern at his feet, confused.

What was this about?

Having known Li Mochan for so long, he had never seen him so uncomposed.

What could have made him change his expression so dramatically, could it be...

Perhaps something had happened to the young miss?

His mind racing, he turned and hurried away.

**

The spacious room was buzzing with people.

The news of Su Yishan’s fall into the lake spread like wildfire.

It concerned both the Li Family and the Ye Family, and several elders were alarmed.

Li Jingxuan came out with the doctor from the inner room, and when everyone saw them, Old Master Su was the first to approach.

"Doctor, how is she?"

"Miss Su has a minor injury to her knee and a slight sprain to her left ankle. Plus, she got a scare from falling into the water. She needs to rest well for the next few days, but other than that, there’s nothing serious," the doctor said.

Upon hearing this, Old Master Su was somewhat relieved.

After seeing off the doctor, the heavy atmosphere showed no sign of dissipating.

Knowing that his granddaughter was okay, Old Master Su turned his head to look at Old Master Ye. Although the Ye Family was stronger than their Su Family, it was they who were the victims in this matter.

He challenged with full confidence, "Old Ye, please give us an explanation for this incident. Our families usually have a good relationship. Even if Yishan did something wrong, she shouldn’t have been pushed into the lake in the middle of the night."

Old Master Ye’s face turned ashen, and Ye Lei and the others stood to the side, heads bowed, afraid to speak.

"Old Su, don’t be hasty. Let’s discuss this calmly," intervened Old Master Li, his sharp gaze sweeping over Li Jingxuan and the others, "Jingxuan, tell us what exactly happened."

"Grandfather, everyone saw it—it was Ye Jiuliang who pushed Yishan into the lake. When we arrived, Yishan was kneeling in front of Jiuliang, saying she would not fight over Master Li with Ye Jiuliang," Jingxuan said, glancing at the Ye family.

"Yishan begged Ye Jiuliang not to push her, but Ye Jiuliang didn’t listen. Many people saw it and can testify."

Upon hearing this, the crowd’s expressions were mixed.

So it was all because of Master Li.

Old Master Ye’s temples throbbed with rage, his tone dark, "Ye Xin, tell me, is this true?"

Suddenly called on, Ye Xin panicked. Remembering Ye Jiuliang’s domineering behavior, she thought, if she really got together with Master Li, wouldn’t she have to call her aunt in the future?

No, she didn’t want that.

Ye Xin said softly, "Grandfather, it’s indeed as Jingxuan described."

"Where is Jiuliang now?" Old Master Ye’s face darkened, and under the watchful eyes of everyone, he knew he had to give the Su Family an explanation.

Ye Lei and others looked down, no one spoke out.

They had all just come along, and had no idea where Ye Jiuliang had gone.

At that moment, Ye Miao suddenly spoke up, "Grandfather, I think Ye Rui must know where Ye Jiuliang went. After all, I just saw Ye Rui speaking to Ye Jiuliang."

In an instant, a wave of gazes turned to Ye Rui, who stood in the corner.

Old Master Ye commanded, "Ye Rui, speak."

Ye Rui was in a dilemma, his eyes catching Ye Miao’s schadenfreude smile, feeling rather conflicted.

"I..."

"Speak up," Old Master Ye barked sternly.

"Old Master Ye, there’s no need to rush," Feng Yi walked in from outside, timely intervening on behalf of Ye Rui.

"Whether it was Jiuliang who did this remains to be confirmed. Let’s not rush to conclusions."

"Feng Yi, what do you mean by that?" Old Master Su frowned upon hearing this, immediately displeased.

The others also looked puzzled.

Feng Yi’s eyes lifted slightly, and with an easy smile, he said, "Old Su, I understand how you feel, but some matters are better investigated thoroughly."

"Everyone here surely knows Master Li’s temper. If he finds out that someone he treasures has been wronged, the consequences are likely to be more than anyone can bear."