[Hann Family Courtyard – Night]
– Hann Jianxun
– Xian Yue
– Elder Hann Yuan
Hann Jianxun
(Pacing)
“He didn’t take the bait. Not even slightly.”
Xian Yue
(Looking at the floor)
“His eyes… they used to soften. Now they see right through me.”
Elder Hann Yuan
“He’s either grown sharper—or he’s hiding something deeper. Power always changes men.”
Jianxun
(Scoffs)
“Or maybe he’s pretending to be indifferent, waiting to strike.”
Elder Hann Yuan
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(Sips tea)
“Whatever the case… we can’t afford to underestimate him again. He’s no longer the useless branch of the tree.”
Jianxun
(Calm, probing)
“You still think you can reach him?”
Xian Yue
“I… don’t know.”
Elder Hann Yuan
“Then stop hesitating. If emotional leverage doesn’t work… we’ll shift to the next phase. We use the clan's upcoming ceremony. Let the crowd draw him out.”
[Ruoqi’s House – Quiet Evening]
Grandmother
(Smiling weakly)
“That boy… he’s more than what people say, isn’t he?”
Ruoqi
(Gently stirring tea)
“He’s reckless… but yeah. He’s more.”
Grandmother
“You like him.”
Ruoqi
(Stiffens)
“N-Not like that.”
Grandmother
(Chuckles softly)
“Then why are you still awake, waiting for him to call?”
Ruoqi
“He’s… hiding something. He walks like someone who’s already been through too much. I want to ask, but…”
Ruoqi (narrating internally)
“Why do I feel like… he’s drifting further away again?”
[A Distant Rooftop – Ye Hann Alone]
Ye Hann (thinking)
“They’re preparing to move. Good. Let them.”
“...This time, I won’t.”
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