The living room of the Manranyama Clan fell into silence for one minute and thirty-two seconds.

Clearly, Tang Mingtuo did not need any more time to think or organize his thoughts. He came prepared. He remained silent, adopting a playful attitude, simply observing Manranyama Uminari's reaction.

Tang Mingtuo was curious to see how the young lady, who was always adept at handling everything smoothly and keeping everything under control, would react to a sudden crisis.

When her attendant, Yui, was rendered powerless.

When she had no means of resistance or weapons at hand.

When she became completely helpless.

In such a situation, Tang Mingtuo was very interested to see what tricks Manranyama Uminari had up her sleeve.

"This is quite interesting," he thought.

"The previous visitor before my arrival was Uesugi Chongzong, correct?"

After tauntingly observing Manranyama Uminari for a while, Tang Mingtuo finally spoke. Both sides were well aware of this fact, and Tang Mingtuo's purpose in stating it was not to confirm, but rather to provide some background for what he was about to say. Additionally, he wanted to gauge Manranyama Uminari's attitude.

After all, if she were to deny it, Tang Mingtuo would have to execute his plan B.

"Yes, Uesugi-san had just left before you arrived, Mr. Mingtuo," Manranyama Uminari replied.

"Quick at understanding the situation, as expected of Manranyama Uminari's daughter," Tang Mingtuo thought. It was easy to deduce that Tang Mingtuo already knew Chongzong had been here. The time between their visits was too short. Not noticing it would actually seem strange. In the middle of the night, one after the other, unless it was intentional, it would be strange to call it a coincidence.

"In that case, things become clearer," Tang Mingtuo said with a slight smile, leaning forward a bit.

"You want to get rid of Bai Yaxin, don't you?"

Following the previous question, he asked another one, seemingly inquiring but actually testing Manranyama Uminari's stance. Especially the use of "you" in the sentence, without explicitly specifying the subject, was noticed by both parties.

"Yes, that is our plan," Manranyama Uminari replied.

Hearing her response, Tang Mingtuo's smile became even brighter.

"I understand. That Bai Yaxin, he's quite bothersome, ruthless, and climbing up rapidly."

"Although he lacks the proper qualifications, he's already fixated on Manranyama Uminari's position."

"Whoever it is, they would all find this guy disagreeable."

"Moreover, his methods are far from righteous. Sooner or later, he will be the one to destroy your Manranyama family."

Upon hearing Tang Mingtuo's words, Manranyama Renge nodded slightly.

"Mr. Mingtuo is absolutely right."

But Tang Mingtuo scoffed disdainfully.

"Hah, it's all nonsense. Even these fools can see it."

"What I want to say is, after dealing with Bai Yaxin, what will you do?"

A cunning hint crept back into Tang Mingtuo's smile.

Manranyama Renge sensed that this sentence was the reason for his appearance tonight.

"Sorry, I don't quite understand what Mr. Mingtuo means."

"Very well, then let me explain it further."

Tang Mingtuo spoke, his smile fading away, his expression turning serious.

"Miss Manranyama, you have already been expelled from the Manranyama family by Manranyama Uminari."

"Even if you deal with Bai Yaxin, Manranyama Uminari will not change his decision."

"You will always be the discarded one from the Manranyama family."

"In this situation, there is no benefit for you to deal with Bai Yaxin."

"Unless..."

At this point, the once serious Tang Mingtuo couldn't help but reveal a hint of a smile.

"Unless you plan to absorb his power and enrich yourself after dealing with Bai Yaxin, am I right?"

Tang Mingtuo's words, dissecting the situation, left Manranyama Renge frozen, unable to utter a word.

She had been completely seen through by Tang Mingtuo.

But what made her heart almost stop were the words that followed.

"It seems I have guessed correctly. However, if you do this, your power will only reach a dead end."

"You know I don't joke around, Miss Manranyama."

Tang Mingtuo's low, emotionless words, coupled with his calm and icy gaze, pierced through Manranyama Renge's heart.