Jian Dan paid no further attention to the Zhao family's affairs. Her focus now was solely on breaking through to Foundation Establishment—after which she would begin her travels under the guise of a vacation.
Three days later, as she practiced body-tempering exercises in her room, Steward Zhao knocked on her door.
"Second Young Miss, you have a visitor."
She ceased her movements and opened the door, nodding politely.
"I'll change and be right down. Please ask the guest to wait."
Seeing her in workout attire, Steward Zhao assumed she had been doing yoga and quickly withdrew.
Jian Dan changed into a black knee-length mulberry silk dress, loosely pinning up her hair. She then took a sandalwood-carved box and descended to the living room.
Seated on the sofa was a burly middle-aged man—the same bodyguard who had accompanied Young Master Gu that day at the museum.
Hearing her footsteps, Wu Kai turned sharply, his gaze alert and assessing. He stood and bowed slightly.
"Miss Jian, I apologize for the intrusion. I'm Young Master Gu's personal guard. The young master has been... unwell since your last encounter."
Jian Dan showed no impatience at his wariness. Calmly, she replied:
"It was my fault for startling him. This is my apology—have him carry it with him."
She handed over the intricately carved box. Wu Kai accepted it with both hands, surprise flickering across his stern face before he schooled his expression.
"Miss Jian, if you have time, would you consider meeting with him?"
"Unnecessary. If fate wills it, we'll meet again. Give my regards to your master."
Wu Kai hadn't expected a refusal but knew better than to press. After expressing thanks, he departed swiftly.
With matters settled, Jian Dan didn't wait for Steward Zhao to report to Zhao Mufeng. Instead, she left the villa in Zhou Bing's car. By the time the steward went to summon her, her room was empty.
"Brother Zhou, take a few detours. Make sure we aren't followed."
Seated in the car, Jian Dan smiled faintly.
"Understood."
The vehicle accelerated, weaving through the bustling streets until it vanished into the traffic.
Gazing out the window, Jian Dan reflected.
She had been expecting the Gu family's visit.
That day at the museum, her unleashed killing intent had undoubtedly affected Gu Zhongqiu. Though physically unharmed, his soul had been shaken—hence the nightmares and deteriorating health.
Knowing herself responsible, she had prepared the white jade token carved with marigolds, imbued with her spiritual energy to soothe his condition.
The token also carried three layers of protective blessings, shielding him from major calamities—if he wore it consistently, his symptoms would ease within days.
Meanwhile, Wu Kai returned to the Gu estate, presenting the sandalwood box to Patriarch Gu.
The elderly man, though white-haired and stern-faced, bore traces of Gu Zhongqiu's features. Dressed in a gray Tang suit, he opened the box, revealing the white jade token nestled in silk.
As he lifted it, a soft glow flickered across the exquisitely carved marigolds.
"Did the girl say anything?"
"Only that the young master should wear it. She refused our invitation to meet, saying fate would decide."
Patriarch Gu exhaled. "She doesn't wish to see us. Give this to my grandson. If his father asks, tell him the truth."
In his room, Gu Zhongqiu sat by the window, dark circles under his eyes.
Since the museum encounter, sleep had eluded him. Visions of being hunted plagued his dreams, each awakening leaving him drenched in sweat, his chest tight.
And always—those cold, indifferent eyes, promising annihilation.
A knock interrupted his thoughts.
"Come in."
Seeing Wu Kai, he blinked in surprise. "Uncle Wu? You don't need to guard me—I'm not going out."
Wu Kai studied the boy's pallid face, then extended the sandalwood box.
"The girl from that day sent this. An apology for frightening you. She said to wear it at all times."