"Here, I've already given you the autograph you wanted." Huai Shi patted his shoulder. "Go and report in later yourself." He withdrew the Source Substance virus and reminded him earnestly, "Remember to buy handshake tickets next time. Invasive fans and freeloaders are unacceptable. You must have a sense of shame, understand?"

Ignoring the restrained, chilly glares from all around the hall, Huai Shi casually raised his hand and gestured with his middle finger toward the second floor.

Unexpectedly, the Death Perception, which had pricked him like thorns in his back, vanished in an instant.

He heard a soft cough from beside him.

It was a young man with a guide cane—Cui Ping, the Good Samaritan who had once given Huai Shi a ride.

He smiled gently. "Mr. Huai, may I have a chat with you?"

Huai Shi thought for a moment, then shook his head. "To be honest, it's better if you don't know me, especially if you knew what I was here for today..."

"It doesn't really matter if I don't know. I just don't want anything bad to happen, that's all."

Cui Ping shrugged and beckoned Huai Shi to sit with him. "This is all my younger sister's request—it's the first time I've seen my little sister admire someone so much, aside from us, her brothers. To be honest, it leaves a bit of a sour taste in my mouth."

Huai Shi subconsciously turned his head and saw Cui Jing among the group of girls, sneaking glances at him. He couldn't help but give a wry smile and scratched his head. "Girls often have unrealistic fantasies when they're young. They grow out of it."

"Although I worry a lot about my sister, I'm sure of one thing: she's not the shallow type of girl who blindly idolizes someone just because they're good-looking.

She's been telling me all about the rookie competition for the past couple of days. Unfortunately, my eyesight is poor, so I haven't watched it. I only just now remembered that you're the third-place winner."

"Just luck," Huai Shi said indifferently.

Sensing Huai Shi's desire to keep his distance, the Second Young Master of the Cui Family showed no anger or displeasure. After a brief exchange, he simply smiled serenely and fell silent.

Objectively speaking, he was a very likable man. Despite his blindness, one couldn't sense any resentment or darkness from him. His temperament was gentle, his conversation elegant, and his presence as refreshing as a spring breeze. Even his silences weren't awkward but rather put others at ease.

However, these surrounding stares are truly unpleasant.

Huai Shi narrowed his eyes, gazing at the reflection in the glass, at the figure lurking in the hall's shadows, observing him. His fingers tapped intermittently on the hilt of the Sword of Virtue.

It seems the arrangements for me are already underway, huh?

I just don't know how Ai Qing is doing. It's been so long since I came in, and I still haven't seen her. Don't tell me she's been put under house arrest, like in some classic melodrama, could she?

Amidst the ticking of the clock, Huai Shi lowered his gaze and quietly waited for the birthday banquet to begin.

As his index finger tapped on the sword's hilt, time slipped by, second by second.

"Is he starting to cause trouble now?"

In the quieted reception room, after seeing off a guest, the old man leaning on a cane turned and looked at the shadow standing in the corner.

After hearing his brief report, Yin Liangji nodded, a sneer touching his lips. "No need to bother with him... He's still too young, too arrogant, and impatient." If he had actually left, I wouldn't have any way to deal with him for the time being. But since he has overreached and come here, his life and death are no longer his to decide. "Is everyone in place?"

The shadow nodded.

"Good."

After pondering for a moment, a glint of cold light flashed in the elder's murky eyes. "Later, you keep an eye on him. If he wants to cause trouble, let him. The bigger the commotion, the better..."

Once he's caused enough trouble, it'll be time for him to meet his end.

It doesn't matter if I lose face. No, it would be best if I were utterly disgraced, seen as that kind of good-for-nothing old man. That way, the final handover can proceed more smoothly.

Before I step down, I'll sacrifice this worthless reputation to eliminate the last scourge for the younger generation...

He squinted, lost in thought for a long time. After confirming there were no oversights, he nodded, then turned to the mirror in the corner and rubbed his face, ensuring there were no signs of decline, that he still looked vigorous.

Just one more day to endure, and then he can finally lay down this heavy burden.

"Master, the birthday banquet is all arranged."

The butler knocked on the door from outside, asking respectfully, "Shall we begin?"

Yin Liangji thought for a moment, then asked, "Has Little Qing been up to anything these past few days?"

"After the Third Miss returned home, she stayed in her room the entire time. She hasn't gone out or contacted anyone outside. She hasn't resisted any of your orders or arrangements, Master," the old butler replied. "I think she might have finally understood your painstaking efforts, Master, and has started to be obedient."

"Whether she's obedient or not is irrelevant."

Yin Liangji shook his head dismissively. He didn't care if Ai Qing had learned her lesson or what she was plotting. Her supposedly clever, secret arrangements these past few days had never once left his sight. In fact, he had a big surprise in store for this great-granddaughter of his.

She still doesn't understand how people's hearts work, after all...

He sighed with regret, then looked up and ordered, "Begin the banquet. Today is a grand occasion for our family. Let's not keep the guests waiting."

The butler respectfully complied and departed.

Three minutes later, the doors of the banquet hall slowly opened.

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