Manranyama Suzuran sat on the sofa, feeling a bit uneasy.

It had been more than thirty-five minutes since Van went to confirm the arrival of the guests.

There was no sound in the house, which was very strange.

It was so quiet that even the faint sound of insects chirping outside the window could be heard clearly.

This... was unreasonable.

There should be some noise, more or less.

Either the sound of Van talking and communicating with the visitors.

Or the sound of Van returning to confirm the footsteps he made while walking.

In any case, there had to be some kind of sound.

The silence had reached a terrifying level.

Manranyama Suzuran's instinctual intuition told her that something was not right.

She could feel a chill running down her back, her hair standing on end, and goosebumps forming on her arms.

She quickly stood up, walked to her desk, took out a pistol from the drawer, concealed it in her hand, and then sat down in front of the desk.

Just as she sat down, she heard footsteps.

Footsteps that gradually approached from the front door, step by step, slowly and heavily.

The footsteps seemed deliberate, as if to prepare the people inside for the person who would appear next.

And these clumsy footsteps were clearly not Van's.

Thump, thump, thump.

The footsteps grew louder, closer, until finally, the footsteps and their owner appeared at the entrance of the living room.

"Without prior appointment, disturbing you at such a late hour, I hope you can forgive me, Miss Manranyama."

The unexpected guest spoke politely.

With his characteristic small braid poking out from the back of his head, well-defined features, and a face that could be described as handsome, Suzuran Manranyama recognized this person.

"Mr. Tang Mingtuo, your presence illuminates my humble abode. There is no disturbance at all."

"I apologize for the inadequate hospitality, please do not blame me, Mr. Tang Mingtuo."

Suzuran Manranyama slowly stood up, at the same time hiding the pistol behind her back, slightly bending her waist in a bow, and forcing a smile that appeared natural to others.

"Hahaha, Miss Manranyama is too polite."

"Mr. Tang Mingtuo is the one being polite, please make yourself at home."

While saying so, Suzuran Manranyama carefully placed the pistol on the chair, and then walked slowly away from the desk.

She knew that if the visitor was Tang Mingtuo, carrying the pistol would be pointless, and if it were to be discovered, it would become a joke.

At the same time, because the visitor was Tang Mingtuo, she knew that Van was not in danger, so she relaxed a little and her tense attitude eased.

Tang Mingtuo had no motive or reason to harm anyone.

"Very well, Miss Manranyama, please take a seat as well."

Tang Mingtuo sat down on the sofa without any reservation.

Coincidentally, he sat in the same position as Chongzong just now.

Seeing Tang Mingtuo sitting down, Suzuran Manranyama followed suit.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Tang Mingtuo, Van must be busy and couldn't serve you tea. I apologize for the neglect."

While saying so, Suzuran Manranyama intentionally or unintentionally glanced towards the door.

Tang Mingtuo smiled with a deep understanding, knowing that Manranyama Canglian was blaming him for attacking the person she cared about.

"Miss Manranyama, you don't have to be polite. I'll leave soon, no need for tea."

"Van isn't busy either, I just let her take a short nap."

"Because the matter I want to discuss with you tonight is not suitable for a third person to know."

So he briefly explained Van's situation, to reassure Manranyama Canglian.

"Alright, let's get down to business."

Tang Mingtuo clasped his hands and placed them on his knees, his eyes gleaming with a sly light.