“It seems that something regretful has happened between you and Qingyue,” Xia Hongyi commented ruefully.

Yun Che had addressed him using a different appellation. He also seemed to be much more distant than before. Finally, he had avoided saying Xia Qingyue’s name at all, referring to her as “she” or “her” only.

The odd behavior hadn’t escaped Xia Yuanba or Xia Hongyi’s notice.

“Five years ago, we ended our marriage and relationship because our ‘beliefs’ were misaligned. Moreover, I wasn’t able to notify Uncle Xia about it sooner due to the circumstances that were in play at the time.”

Yun Che explained in the most indifferent and reserved tone he could muster.

“I see.” Xia Hongyi shot Yun Che a long look, but didn’t press him to explain what exactly he meant by “misaligned beliefs”. Instead, he moved onto a different topic.

“Che’er, I would be lying if I said that I’m not curious about what really happened between you and Qingyue, but I’m aware that some things are too private even for an elder to ask about, so I won’t. Instead, I will ask you to tell me the whole truth about another matter.”

Yun Che knew what he wanted to ask about. “Ask away, Uncle Xia.”

“Five years ago after you left for the God Realm, you apparently told Yuanba that Qingyue had found her mother… was it true?”

For the first time, there was a slight tremor...