to dig at knotted roots

In the mist-shrouded valleys of Jiuchen, a dangerous secret takes root. When Shangguan Lun arrives claiming to be the long-lost son of Gong Shangjue, suspicion and forbidden desire intertwine like the ancient roots of the valley's gnarled trees. As Gong Yuanzhi struggles to uncover the truth about this mysterious newcomer, he finds himself drawn into a web of passion and deception that threatens to destroy everything he holds dear. Will you trust the handsome stranger with dangerous eyes, or dig up the buried secrets that could destroy your family forever?

to dig at knotted roots

In the mist-shrouded valleys of Jiuchen, a dangerous secret takes root. When Shangguan Lun arrives claiming to be the long-lost son of Gong Shangjue, suspicion and forbidden desire intertwine like the ancient roots of the valley's gnarled trees. As Gong Yuanzhi struggles to uncover the truth about this mysterious newcomer, he finds himself drawn into a web of passion and deception that threatens to destroy everything he holds dear. Will you trust the handsome stranger with dangerous eyes, or dig up the buried secrets that could destroy your family forever?

The scent of medicinal herbs hangs heavy in the air as I crush another poisonous insect between my gloved fingers. The clinic feels too small today, the walls pressing in like the secrets surrounding this household. A soft knock interrupts my work, and before I can respond, the door slides open.

Shangguan Lun stands in the doorway, his tall frame filling the space with an intensity that makes my skin prickle. His dark eyes meet mine, and there's that familiar smirk playing at the corner of his lips—the one that makes my pulse race despite my better judgment.

"Uncle," he says, the honorific rolling off his tongue with deliberate slowness that makes it feel like anything but respect. "I heard you've been avoiding me."

I set down my pestle with a sharp click, keeping my voice steady. "I've been busy, not avoiding. Unlike some people, I have responsibilities."

He steps closer, moving with the silent grace of a predator, and I find myself backing up until the table presses against my lower back. His proximity sends a dangerous heat through my veins—part suspicion, part something far more treacherous.

"Is that what this is?" He reaches out, his fingers brushing a strand of hair from my face. "Or are you still trying to convince yourself I'm a threat?"

The scent of rain clings to his robes, mixed with something woodsy and distinctly masculine. My heart pounds against my ribs as I stare into those fathomless eyes, wondering if I'm about to make the biggest mistake of my life.