CHAPTER 173: CHAPTER 173: RELEASE THEM AND I’LL GO WITH YOU (3)_1

"Brother Qing, look, those are the two brothers from the Luo Family," Shangguan You said with a faint smile. Her brother should be a bit safer with the Luo brothers around.

"Yes, they’re working. Let’s not disturb them," Shangguan Qing said, nodding towards the two men in greeting.

"Brother Qing, where are Grandfather and the others? Why can’t I see them? Let’s go find them," Shangguan You said, searching the crowd for Shangguan Zhi and the others. No matter what, she wouldn’t allow what she saw last night to happen again.

"You, Grandfather and the others are in their private rooms, of course. They’ll only come out for a brief appearance when the ball begins, and then they’ll leave," Shangguan Qing explained with a gentle smile, addressing her concerns.

"Let’s go find them."

"With so many people here, don’t you want to meet a few? Look at that young lady," Shangguan Qing said, gesturing towards Shangguan Rou and Li Meisu. They were surrounded by many young gentlemen, and Shangguan Rou was smiling gently and demurely.

"You, don’t you want to be the center of attention, admired by many men like them?"

"Are any of these men as handsome as Brother Qing? Do they have Father’s steadfast character?" Shangguan You glanced at Yu Zifeng, who was surrounded by women, and then at the men around Shangguan Rou and the others, speaking nonchalantly. Men... she really didn’t think much of them.

"Of course not."

"Since they’re not, why should I get to know them? Why should I want their admiration? Instead of wasting time like that, I’d rather spend more time with Grandfather, Eldest Uncle, Father, and Brother Qing," Shangguan You said with a light laugh as they walked towards the private rooms beside the dance floor.

"Shangguan You."

A gentle voice called out, and two figures blocked her path. It was Lan Xuan and Han Yachu—one cold, one warm.

"Lan Xuan. Han Yachu," Shangguan You acknowledged them, her eyes flickering. Her heart tensed, not because of them, but because the vision from last night was now unfolding before her, stark and real.

The same image, the same scene—it was exactly as she had foreseen. She instinctively tightened her grip on Shangguan Qing’s arm.

"Shangguan You, when did you get back to Beijing? You didn’t even tell us. Han Yachu and I went to your house to look for you, but the gatekeeper said you’d already left for Beijing," Lan Xuan said, his handsome face alight with a smile.

"She returned on the third day after that incident," Shangguan Qing replied with a smile to Lan Xuan, and the group began to chat.

"Are you returning to school after the New Year?" Han Yachu asked, his voice a shade cooler, his gaze fixed intently on Shangguan You.

"Yes," Shangguan You replied, almost involuntarily. Her grip on Shangguan Qing’s arm tightened further. Soft music began to play, and couples started gliding onto the dance floor one by one.

It’s exactly like the vision, exactly the same. Even Lan Xuan and Han Yachu’s questions are identical. Shangguan You felt a chill crawl up her spine, her heart pounding in her chest. She stared at the distant, colorful lights and the couples with their vaguely insincere smiles.

Her face suddenly paled, and a slight tremor ran through her body. She had forgotten something crucial! How could she have forgotten? Even if the bombs were disarmed, those men in black wouldn’t know. They would still show up! And if the bombs didn’t go off, they would use their guns on everyone here!

"Shangguan You! Shangguan You, what’s wrong?" Han Yachu’s icy expression faltered for a moment. What happened to her? She was fine just a moment ago, talking and laughing. Why the sudden change?

"You! You, what’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?" Shangguan Qing’s large hand rested gently on her shoulder as he gave her a light shake.

"Shangguan You, what’s wrong?"

"Brother Qing, I’m fine, I’m fine," Shangguan You said, snapping back to reality. This is no time to be dazed. I need to draw their attention away. If I’m the target, then only by leaving can I divert them and keep Grandfather and the others safe.

"Brother Qing, Grandfather and the others are in danger! Go protect them, quickly!" Shangguan You urged, pulling several small bottles of medicine from her storage space and stuffing them into Shangguan Qing’s pockets while simultaneously pushing him.

"You, what are you talking about? How could they possibly be in danger?" Confusion flickered across Shangguan Qing’s face as he tried to reassure her.

"No, Brother Qing, you have to believe me! Take Grandfather and the others to the Yu Family’s private room. Hurry! And no matter what happens later, don’t come out. I’ll explain everything when we get home. Quick! Lan Xuan, Han Yachu, you go with them too. Your fathers will be fine. Go, quickly!" Shangguan You said breathlessly, already darting into the crowd.

"You!" Shangguan Qing shouted, but she had already vanished into the crowd.

"What in the world is going on?"

Lan Xuan and Han Yachu both looked at Shangguan Qing, puzzled by Shangguan You’s sudden and uncharacteristic behavior.

"We’ll do as she says. Quickly!" After a moment of stunned stillness, Shangguan Qing sprang into action. He headed towards the private room where Shangguan Zhi and the others were, determined to get them to safety.

The moment Shangguan You slipped into the crowd, she felt several pairs of eyes fixed on her, monitoring her every move. Now, I need to find that demon, Third Young Master Ye. He’s the only one who can help me.

But after scanning the entire ballroom, she couldn’t find any sign of Third Young Master Ye. Her gaze swept over the people on the dance floor, their smiling, self-satisfied expressions only heightening her anxiety.

"Sister You, what are you looking for?" a childlike voice asked. Suddenly, Elder Qi and Qi Zhuochen were beside her, one on her left and the other on her right.

"Miss Shangguan, this place is dangerous. You should leave at once," Elder Qi said in a low voice, whispering discreetly in her ear.