Deng Yan wanted to speak, but in his hesitation, he felt that explanations were meaningless now. Ultimately, he chose not to utter another word, letting Zheng Rongxi's sharp questioning flow unimpeded. He became like a meditating stone statue, completely immobile.
Unable to get a response from him, Zheng Rongxi was left performing a monologue. She felt both annoyed and embarrassed, but without the ability to force him to talk, she could only redirect the focus back to Cheng Xiangheng and asked:
"Old Cheng, he's your man. You talk to him."
She skillfully used the word "talk" in an attempt to ease Cheng Xiangheng's suspicions, ensuring he wouldn't suspect her of taking advantage of the situation to eliminate dissent.