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Xiao Jinyan also felt it odd after hearing the explanation. From the palace alone, one could tell that Ye Haoting treated Feng Wuyou extremely well; even the palace’s name contained the word "carefree."

Shen Chuwei added, "If you can recall the memories from Nanzhao Country, you should know who Feng Wuyou is."

Under the dim light, Xiao Jinyan stared at Shen Chuwei for a good while and realized an issue.

"You don’t seem to care at all?"

Shen Chuwei looked puzzled, "Care about what?"

Xiao Jinyan said, "I have a portrait of Feng Wuyou and a piece of Jade Stone. Don’t you find that odd?"

Shen Chuwei couldn’t help but roll her eyes, "I, too, want to know why you’ve always carried that portrait and some Jade Stone with you. You don’t remember yourself, and I have no way to find out. Am I supposed to beat you up or scold you about it?"

Xiao Jinyan: "..." That seemed somewhat reasonable.

Out of the blue, Shen Chuwei leaned in and kissed the lips that were inches away, "Jinyan, it looks like we’re going to start a long-distance relationship again."

By the time Xiao Jinyan reacted, she had already moved away, "What do you mean?"

Shen Chuwei explained, "I’m inside the palace, you’re outside of it. Separated by red bricks, green tiles, and palace walls, isn’t that a long-distance relationship?"

Xiao Jinyan: "..." This was the first time he heard the term long-distance relationship, but thinking it over, it made some sense.

Shen Chuwei was feeling sleepy at this point and patted his shoulder, "It’s late already; you should head back. If anything happens, I’ll have Xuetuan send you a message."

Xiao Jinyan knew he couldn’t linger long in the Imperial Palace, yet he was still concerned about leaving her there alone.

After Shen Chuwei’s persistent persuasion, Xiao Jinyan left the Imperial Palace under the cover of nightfall, with Xuetuan leading the way.

Before leaving, Xiao Jinyan looked at Xuetuan. He reached out and rubbed its head affectionately. Xuetuan was no ordinary cat; it was very clever.

"You’re grown up now. Be smart in the palace and don’t let anyone bully her, you got that?"

Xuetuan looked confused: "..."

Xiao Jinyan realized he was being influenced by Shen Chuwei and speaking nonsense to a cat, "Off you go."

After listening, Xuetuan sprang down from the top of the wall.

Xiao Jinyan then took advantage of the night to return to the inn.

At the Wang Residence

"I didn’t expect you’d come to me on your own. Have you thought it through?"

Ye Yuchen sprang up from his chair, his voice equally excited, as soon as he saw Wu Tan.

"As long as you’re willing to come back, that position is still easily within your reach."

"..." Wu Tan said, "You’re overthinking it. I came because I need your help with something."

Ye Yuchen’s smile froze on his face, the joy he felt a moment ago vanished, "What is it? Just say it."

Wu Tan said, "Help me find someone."

Ye Yuchen knew Wu Tan had arrived with two men and a woman but hadn’t paid much attention to the others.

"Who are you looking for?"

Wu Tan didn’t have a portrait of Shen Chuwei and could only roughly describe her features, "The girl who came with me." He gestured her height, "About so tall, very beautiful, with a white cat in her arms."

Ye Yuchen, though inwardly reluctant, still nodded in agreement, "Alright, I’ll have my men search for her tomorrow."

Wu Tan raised his voice slightly, "No, you must look for her now."

Ye Yuchen watched Wu Tan with suspicion. Ever since their reunion, he had seemed indifferent to everything. This sudden urgency piqued his curiosity.

"What is she to you?"

Wu Tan replied, "A friend. She has been missing for three hours, and we must find her immediately."

Ye Yuchen chuckled lightly, "Since when did you start liking making friends so much? That’s news to me."

Wu Tan’s expression suddenly turned colder, "What’s with all the questions?"

Upon hearing that tone, Ye Yuchen knew Wu Tan was angry and did not inquire further. He called in the guard at the door, gave detailed instructions, and sent him to search.

He also ordered his subordinates to take people to the places of pleasure seeking relevant information.

Beautiful women gone missing were most likely to be trafficked, making the brothels prime suspects.

After giving the orders, Ye Yuchen then faced Wu Tan, "Are you satisfied now?"

Wu Tan didn’t reply but turned and walked away.

Annoyed, Ye Yuchen called out, "Wait. You come when you want, leave when you like, what do you think this place is? At least I’m helping you."

"When she’s found, I’ll come again," Wu Tan left these words behind and strode off.

Ye Yuchen’s face darkened like the bottom of a pot, but he was helpless to do anything about it.