Chapter 1296

“Wait a minute, you… still haven’t told me what the surprise is.”

Baili Xia hurried after them, but before she could take more than two steps, someone grabbed her arm.

“Why are you asking? If I tell you, how would that still be a surprise?” Mu Xiaoyao’s voice carried a trace of impatience.

“Hm, you’ll find out later.” Bei Tianyou added.

Seeing the two of them acting so tight-lipped, Baili Xia was left with no choice.

She could only wait eagerly to find out what this so-called surprise was tonight.

Just as Bei Tianyou was about to say goodbye once again, a figure entered through the doorway.

Nangong Xu walked in holding something in his hand.

Noticing Bei Tianyou there, he went directly up to him.

“Looking for me?” Bei Tianyou glanced at Nangong Xu and said flatly.

Nangong Xu nodded.

“I just went to find you, but the servants told me you came here.”

“I came up with a new method last night, so I wanted to try it out with you.”

Bei Tianyou’s gaze remained calm and unruffled, without the slightest ripple of emotion.

Perhaps after so many trials, he’d grown somewhat numb.

“Alright, let’s go to my room.”

With that, he gestured invitingly before leading the way out of the room.

Nangong Xu nodded at Baili Xia and Mu Xiaoyao, then followed him out.

Baili Xia was puzzled—what were those two up to?

So mysteriously secretive.

A surprise?

Even her brother knew about it?

Honestly, Baili Xia wasn’t particularly excited about the so-called surprise.

She just hoped it wouldn’t turn into a scare.

Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, Baili Xia decided to focus on other matters.

The pressing concern was to gather some information about Youyang Pavilion as soon as possible.

The evening presented such a great opportunity, and she had to make sure not to waste it.

“Brother, I need to head out for a bit and find a way to ask around about Youyang Pavilion.

I’ll come back to find you later.”

“I’ll go with you,” Mu Xiaoyao said, evidently unwilling to let her go alone.

Baili Xia shook her head and replied, “I’m just going to find someone to ask a few questions. Trust me, it’s fine. Honestly, it’s less convenient with you along.”

Less convenient with him?

Since when did Mu Xiaoyao become a burden for anyone?

Noting the faint displeasure etched into Mu Xiaoyao’s expression, Baili Xia quickly explained.

“I plan to approach a maid or someone like that and have them show me around. If you come along, the girls won’t pay any attention to me.”

With someone as striking as Mu Xiaoyao following her, any girl’s thoughts would be completely absorbed by him.

Who would bother paying attention to Baili Xia?

Her compliment was so natural that Mu Xiaoyao couldn’t find a single reason to argue.

Sure enough, the look of displeasure on Mu Xiaoyao’s face faded noticeably.

In the end, he simply let out a faint grunt.

“Be careful.”

…

Baili Xia left the guestroom and headed toward the front courtyard of the main house.

At this time of day, the courtyard was nearly deserted, save for the occasional security guard passing by.

Baili Xia knew that Tang Jixin had a habit of napping during the afternoon.

After lunch, she would routinely rest for two hours.

At her stage in life, people tended to be quite particular about their routines.

Her hope was to catch sight of Tao, who often came out to stretch her legs during this timeframe.

As luck would have it, Baili Xia’s timing was spot on.

She had only just entered the courtyard when she saw Tao trimming a potted plant.

“Tao.” Baili Xia stepped closer and greeted her.

Hearing someone call her name, Tao turned her head around.

“Miss Xiaxia.”

Seeing it was Baili Xia, Tao quickly gave a respectful bow, her face lighting up with a pleasant smile.