A few days ago—
A letter arrived.
Zhao Han had recognized the seal immediately.
His father's.
Inside, there were only a few words.
Short.
Direct.
Keep an eye on Li Xian.
Nothing more.
No explanation.
No reason.
That was how it always was.
Orders didn't need reasons.
And Zhao Han…
Never questioned them.
Until now.
His eyes remained fixed ahead as he walked beside Li Xian through the dark.
Silent.
But his thoughts—
They wouldn't stop.
First—
The attack.
Someone targeting him.
Not Li Xian.
Only him.
Then—
Li Xian's behavior.
Subtle.
But noticeable.
He laughed the same.
Spoke the same.
But something underneath had changed.
And he refused to admit it.
Zhao Han had seen it clearly.
Even when Li Xian tried to hide it—
He couldn't.
Then suddenly—
He left the academy.
Returned days later.
Different.
And now—
Sneaking out in the middle of the night.
Zhao Han's gaze darkened slightly.
Too many coincidences.
No—
Not coincidences.
Connections.
But no matter how he tried to piece them together—
They didn't fit.
Like threads—
Tangled too tightly to separate.
What is he hiding…?
Zhao Han's grip tightened slightly.
And deeper than that—
A more dangerous thought lingered.
…Can I trust him?
Silence stretched between them as they walked.
Li Xian didn't know.
Didn't know about the letter.
Didn't know about the order.
Just like Zhao Han didn't know—
Whether the person beside him was someone he should be watching…
Or someone he shouldn't let go.
That uncertainty—
It was unfamiliar.
Uncomfortable.
Zhao Han had always seen things clearly.
Right or wrong.
Enemy or ally.
But now—
For the first time—
The line between them was blurred.
And the more he tried to see through it—
The deeper it pulled him in.
Ahead—
The forest stood in silence.
Dark.
Waiting.
Zhao Han's eyes narrowed slightly.
Whatever this is…
He would find the truth.
Even if it meant stepping into something he couldn't control.