The Second Young Master of the Shen Family

However, Luo Shiyi quickly dismissed the thought. Given Shen Xiuyi's personality, he probably wouldn't sit back and let someone take what was rightfully his.

Shen Xiuwen had successfully charmed the patriarch, who rewarded him generously. Shen Xiuwen cast a smug glance at Shen Xiuyi, but Shen Xiuyi acted as if he didn't see it.

The patriarch seemed indifferent to the rivalry between the two brothers. After speaking with Shen Xiuwen for a while, he turned his attention to Luo Shiyi. "Everyone, leave. I'd like to have a few words with Jiayi."

"Alright, Dad."

Shen Xiuwen quickly agreed, shooting Luo Shiyi a meaningful look, reminding her of their agreement.

Luo Shiyi lowered her eyes, appearing obedient and well-behaved.

The two brothers soon left the room, leaving only Luo Shiyi and the patriarch inside. 

Luo Shiyi contemplated the patriarch's intentions for keeping her behind while carefully observing his expressions and responding tactfully.

After a while, Luo Shiyi emerged from the room and called the two brothers back in. The patriarch had something to discuss with them, and Luo Shiyi wasn't part of the conversation, so she waited outside.

She held the card the patriarch had given her, her gaze deep and contemplative, lost in thought.

Not long after, the two brothers came out. Shen Xiuyi's expression was unreadable, showing no emotional fluctuations.

However, Shen Xiuwen looked visibly annoyed, likely having experienced something unpleasant during the discussion. His earlier arrogance and smugness were gone, replaced by a cold snort directed at Shen Xiuyi before he stormed off.

Luo Shiyi wasn't sure what had transpired between the two brothers, but it seemed Shen Xiuwen hadn't come out on top, otherwise, he wouldn't have left in such a state.

Not one to pry into others' private matters, Luo Shiyi didn't inquire further. Instead, she pulled out the card the patriarch had given her. "Grandpa gave this to me earlier."

Shen Xiuyi glanced down at it, his gaze shifting to her face. "Since he gave it to you, keep it."

In the past, Luo Shiyi would have accepted it without hesitation. But this time, she hesitated. This was something the patriarch had given to Shen Jiayi, and Luo Shiyi had principles—what didn't belong to her, she wouldn't touch.

"Having so much money makes me a bit anxious. Uncle, could you hold onto it for me? I'll ask for it when I need it." Luo Shiyi spoke obediently, slipping the card into his hand.

Shen Xiuyi looked down at his palm, where the card lay quietly. The warmth from her touch still lingered on the back of his hand. His eyes flickered slightly as he slowly closed his fingers around the card. "Since you've asked me to keep it, I'll hold onto it for now."

"Mm-hmm." Luo Shiyi nodded repeatedly, her large, watery eyes gazing up at Shen Xiuyi.

"Let's go. We'll head back now, and I'll bring you to see the patriarch again later." Shen Xiuyi, flustered by her gaze, quickly changed the subject.

"Alright."

Luo Shiyi responded while edging closer to Shen Xiuyi. "Uncle, how is Grandpa's condition?"

"Don't worry. The patriarch is in good health."

Shen Xiuyi spoke casually, and Luo Shiyi felt a bit more at ease.

Her watch vibrated, but Luo Shiyi's expression remained unchanged. She casually said, "My shoelace came undone. Uncle, go ahead first. I'll catch up after I tie it."

Luo Shiyi bent down, her long black hair cascading forward. She used the movement to glance at her watch.

*A mission at the Drunken Dreams tonight. Keep an eye on Shen Xiuyi.*

Drunken Dreams was a famous entertainment venue in the southern city, known for its shady dealings and illegal activities.

It seemed tonight was going to be busy.

Luo Shiyi mourned her lost plans for a peaceful night before quickly composing herself and running to catch up with Shen Xiuyi.

Shen Xiuyi glanced at her flushed face but didn't ask further. "Get in the car. You'll go back first. I have some things to attend to and will return later."

During the ride, Luo Shiyi pondered recent events, frowning slightly. She had just received the intel when they left, and her suspicions about Shen Xiuyi were growing stronger. However, she couldn't follow him immediately.

Since she couldn't help directly at Drunken Dreams, she decided to focus on the house. Earlier, she had been worried about finding a chance to enter Shen Xiuyi's room, but now the opportunity had presented itself.

Back at the house, Luo Shiyi pretended to return to her room. As she passed Shen Xiuyi's room and was about to sneak in, a cold voice interrupted her. "What are you doing?"

Luo Shiyi's hand trembled, but she quickly composed herself and turned around.

Behind her stood a middle-aged man who bore a resemblance to Shen Xiuwen. He was glaring at her with hostility.

Luo Shiyi immediately recalled the Shen family's information. This man was Shen Xiuqi, another son of the patriarch. She hadn't heard him return; he had appeared without a sound.

Though she complained inwardly, Luo Shiyi put on a frightened expression. "Who are you?"

Shen Xiuqi was momentarily taken aback before his eyes swept over her face. "You're the niece that Third Brother found?"

Luo Shiyi nodded and tentatively asked, "Are you my Second Uncle?"

Shen Xiuqi neither confirmed nor denied it, his cold, sharp eyes boring into her. "What were you doing sneaking around just now?"

"I left something in Fourth Uncle's room and wanted to get it."

Luo Shiyi spoke nervously, acting like an innocent, inexperienced girl.

Shen Xiuqi stared at her for a moment before finally looking away. "His room is usually locked. Wait for him to return and ask him for it."

"Alright, I understand. Thank you, Second Uncle."

Luo Shiyi nodded obediently and retreated to her room under Shen Xiuqi's cold gaze.

She couldn't help but feel a pang of regret. Such a perfect opportunity had slipped away. Of all times, why did Shen Xiuqi have to return now? Was it deliberate?

With Shen Xiuqi keeping watch outside, Luo Shiyi had to abandon her plan to enter Shen Xiuyi's room for now. She would wait for another opportunity. For the moment, the priority was the mission at Drunken Dreams.

After locking her door, Luo Shiyi opened her wardrobe, which was filled with various cosmetics.

She ran her fingers over the array of products and smiled slightly.

*It's time for you to take the stage.*

That evening, after dinner, Luo Shiyi told the housekeeper that she was tired and wanted to rest early. She instructed him not to disturb her unless necessary and went back to her room, locking the door behind her.