Chapter 339: There are plenty of chances to meet

Fu Sijue followed Lu Xiwan's gaze and looked over.

"Did you notice just now? There's embroidery on the hem of her clothes."

Lu Xiwan didn't react at first, but she remembered it when she jumped out the window.

"I was wondering earlier how someone like Lilian, an American, would have embroidery on her belongings in our traditional style, but the embroidery on that person's clothes is exactly the same as on Lilian."

"If it's their token for recognition, then it makes sense."

"She's very familiar with this place."

Fu Sijue quickly understood too; that person ran straight for the exit without hesitation.

"At least she's familiar with the terrain here."

"The Vacation Villa is picturesque, with many cleverly designed spots; Lu Xiwan got lost there when she first arrived."

"But this person didn't take a single detour, which is really suspicious."

"I've stationed plenty of people around the Mountain Villa; no outsider could sneak in." Fu Sijue said in a low voice.

"Then it must be an insider."

"To do something like this right under their noses."

Lu Xiwan looked down and saw the dagger still dripping blood; "Want to know who it is? Just wait until tomorrow morning."

Lilian couldn't run away just then, or else she'd be confirmed as guilty.

Lu Xiwan yawned; the night outside was deep, and at this hour launching a manhunt for the killer would only draw more attention.

"Let's rest early; we have important things to do tomorrow morning."

"The next morning, at mealtime, Lu Xiwan kept a close watch on Lilian's expression."

"It's been hot these days; you might as well take off your coat indoors." Lu Xiwan probed carefully.

Lilian's expression didn't change, but her hand movement paused.

"I'm rather cold-sensitive, and I'll be going out with them soon, so wearing a sun-protective shirt is more convenient."

"You can put it on when you need to go out; we're all family here, so there's no need to be so formal at home."

Lu Xiwan walked over and gave Lilian a serious look.

The atmosphere in the Living Room grew tense for a moment; Lilian seemed reluctant as she took off her sun-protective shirt.

Fu Sijue also turned his gaze toward her.

Xie Zian didn't understand, but seeing Lu Xiwan unusually stern, he felt a bit curious and cautiously glanced over.

"Mrs. Fu could just speak plainly like she did when she scolded me before; I, Lilian, am certainly not someone who stirs up trouble unreasonably."

Lilian's arm was smooth as new, without a trace; perhaps because of Lu Xiwan's attitude, Lilian also felt a little angry.

"Since Miss Lilian has already guessed, I might as well say it straight: last night someone sneaked into the Vacation Villa and went to the Study. Unfortunately we didn't catch them."

As soon as Lu Xiwan finished speaking, Lilian slammed the sofa hard and said, "So you suspect me?"

"Apart from the day she clashed with Xie Zian, this is the second time Lilian has lost her temper."

Lu Xiwan didn't dodge either, meeting her gaze: "In this great Vacation Villa, everyone up and down are my and A Jue's trusted aides; I naturally trust that Xie Zian would also trust Zhongyi Shu, not to mention my master and my son and daughter."

"I suspect Miss Lilian is suitable both emotionally and rationally, but I wrongly accused you today; I apologize to you."

Lu Xiwan was neither humble nor arrogant; she admitted her mistake but thought there was no need to deceive Lilian with lies.

"Is this the Fu Family's rule?" Lilian, however, seemed unwilling to let go, pressing on relentlessly.

Lu Xiwan sat on the sofa, looking up at her with no emotion in her brows or eyes.

"Since Miss Lilian said that, I might as well tell you a bit more: the person who came here last night bore the same mark as you."

"This can't convict Lilian, but it shows she can't be completely cleared of involvement."

"There are plenty of identical marks in the world; for Mrs. Fu to pin the blame on me based solely on this clue—what kind of reasoning is that?"

Lilian isn't the type to let things rest; this reaction fits her personality.

"I never suspect anyone without cause or evidence; if I've offended you today, Miss Lilian, you should understand. After all, the people living here are those I care about."

"Lu Xiwan doesn't want any mishaps; perhaps realizing that, Lilian's expression relaxed considerably."

"I'm not saying Mrs. Fu shouldn't worry, but many things become chaotic when overconcerned; she should think carefully. What reason would I have to harm everyone? Moreover, according to Mrs. Fu, when the first incident occurred, I didn't even know you."

Lilian appeared especially eager, urgently wanting to explain herself.

Lu Xiwan sighed, stood up, and patted her shoulder: "Since Miss Lilian can understand my helplessness, I feel more relieved; I also understand your desire to clear your name."

"Life is nothing but mutual tolerance; Lu Xiwan thus harbored no suspicion."

……

The wounded woman sat in a chair, gasping heavily, while the doctor beside her carefully treated her injury.

A sharp pain came from her arm, making her frown involuntarily, but she didn't make a sound.

"How did you get yourself into such a mess? It was just to fetch a small thing."

The person sitting opposite the woman frowned, evidently thinking she didn't need to hurt herself over this.

"If someone else went to fetch it, they might not be able to find where it is."

"Even if you went yourself, you still wouldn't take good care of yourself, and I would feel heartbroken."

The young man curled his lips into a smile, his gaze fixed on her.

"If it weren't for your uncle pulling people away, how would you get the chance to risk yourself?"

The wounded woman reached into her pocket and pulled out a Listening Device: "Don't give me your smooth talk in front of me; my sister might be taken in by your lies, but I don't believe your nonsense. I risked my life to bring this out, so you'd better analyze it properly."

Perhaps the movement tugged at her wound, and the woman hissed.

Meanwhile, the man sitting opposite didn't rush to grab the Listening Device; instead he picked up the alcohol from a side tray and dismissed the doctor.

"What are my intentions? You should know better than I do; we've grown up together since childhood, why be so guarded against me? Letting your sister know would make her think I'm bullying you—our two families have known each other for years; we all know each other's backgrounds…"

"Enough nonsense! Don't think I don't know what your family's been up to lately—hiding someone who shouldn't be hidden, and now you want to use this to deceive my father!"

The woman slapped his hand hard, and her tone also grew a bit sharper.

"My sister is nothing like you; you'd better stay away from her. We don't want to get tangled up with you."

"Oh, too bad you think that way, but Uncle may not see it that way. Cheer up—we'll have plenty of chances to meet in the future."