Chapter 378: The Truth of Betrayal
The night was like ink, the moonlight obscured by thick clouds, leaving only scattered starlight spilling onto the stone paths of the Zhou residence.
Zhou Moran stood outside the gate of Lin Xinyao's courtyard, tightly gripping a jade slip in his hand. Inside was recorded all the evidence he had collected over the past few days—images of Zhou Qingyang's secret meetings with the Zhao family's illegitimate son, the transaction details of the spirit mine transportation routes, and even their conversations planning to frame him.
He hesitated for a long time, finally deciding to give Lin Xinyao one last chance.
After all, she was already engaged to him, and she had only just met Zhou Qingyang recently. There was no reason for her to betray him.
He took a deep breath and gently knocked on the door.
"Who is it?" Lin Xinyao's gentle voice came from inside.
"It's me." Zhou Moran said in a low voice.
The door quickly opened. Lin Xinyao stood in the doorway, wearing light pink sleepwear, her hair slightly disheveled, obviously already preparing for bed. Her eyes were still bright in the night, carrying a hint of confusion: "Moran? It's so late, what's the matter?"
Zhou Moran's gaze lingered on her face for a moment, then he slightly lowered his eyes and said: "There's something I want to tell you alone."
Lin Xinyao stepped aside to let him in, closing the door behind her. The candlelight flickered inside, reflecting her beautiful face. She walked to the table, poured a cup of tea, and handed it to him: "What's wrong? You look so serious."
Zhou Moran took the teacup but didn't drink, just gently placed it on the table. He was silent for a moment, then finally spoke: "I accidentally stumbled upon Zhou Qingyang meeting secretly with someone from the Zhao family."
Lin Xinyao's fingertips trembled slightly, the tea nearly spilling out. She looked up at him, a flash of surprise in her eyes: "The Zhao family? Aren't they our mortal enemies?"
"Yes." Zhou Moran nodded, his voice low, "They're conspiring to steal the Zhou family's spirit mine resources, and even... planning to frame me."
Lin Xinyao's brows furrowed tightly, her fingers unconsciously rubbing the rim of the cup, seeming to be thinking about something. After a moment, she raised her head, her tone firm: "Moran, this kind of matter can't be reported to the family head lightly."
Zhou Moran was slightly startled: "Why?"
"Zhou Qingyang is the adopted son favored by the family head. If we don't have solid evidence, not only will we not be able to bring him down, but we might also be accused of sowing discord." Lin Xinyao's gaze was sincere, "How about this, you give me the evidence first, and I'll help you investigate clearly."
Zhou Moran looked at her, a hint of struggle flashing in his eyes.
"Xinyao, this evidence..."
"Don't you trust me?" Lin Xinyao's eyes reddened slightly, her voice carrying a hint of grievance, "We've known each other since childhood. Do you think I would harm you?"
Zhou Moran was silent for a long time, finally letting out a soft sigh.
"Alright."
He handed over the jade slip.
Lin Xinyao took it, a flash of imperceptible complexity passing through her eyes.
"Moran, you go back first. Wait for my news."
Zhou Moran nodded, turned, and walked out of the room.
...
Late that night.
Zhou Moran stood in the shadows outside Lin Xinyao's courtyard, his gaze coldly fixed on the window inside.
He hadn't left.
Because he wanted to see if Xinyao would really investigate for him.
Or...
Would she disappoint him again?
Not long after, a figure quietly slipped into the courtyard.
Zhou Moran's pupils contracted.
That figure... was actually Zhou Qingyang!
He watched as Zhou Qingyang gently knocked on the door, and Lin Xinyao quickly opened it, pulling him inside.
Through the window, the two figures gradually drew closer.
Zhou Qingyang's mouth curved into a triumphant smile as he suddenly lowered his head and kissed her lips.
Lin Xinyao initially showed some resistance, but soon, her arms slowly wrapped around his neck, responding to the kiss.
Under the moonlight, the two figures embraced tightly, like a perfect couple.
...
Behind the flowering tree, Zhou Moran clenched his fist tightly, his nails deeply embedding into his palm, blood dripping from between his fingers, yet he was completely unaware.
His gaze was fixed on the embracing figures, his heart feeling as if it was being cut open inch by inch by a sharp blade, the pain almost suffocating.
So... this was the truth.
Lin Xinyao had already stood on Zhou Qingyang's side.
Her so-called "investigate clearly" was just to buy time so Zhou Qingyang could have the opportunity to destroy the evidence, and even... turn against him.
A hint of scarlet rose in Zhou Moran's eyes, the anger in his chest almost burning him to ashes.
But he didn't rush out.
He just slowly retreated, silently leaving the courtyard.
The night wind howled, blowing away a drop of coldness from the corner of his eye.
He stood in the darkness, looking at the window still lit by candlelight in the distance, the corner of his mouth slowly curving into a cold arc.
"Since you've chosen to betray..."
"Then don't blame me for personally pushing you into the abyss."
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