The courtyard.
He Jitang is sitting in the study writing.
The study is quiet, Shen Ci stands beside him, wanting to speak several times.
He Jitang says calmly, "If you're here to plead for Yingzi, there's no need."
He says, "I'm not interested."
Shen Ci sighs softly.
Madam Xishan calculated everything, and Yingzi to the young master is just an "interest"!
He Jitang asks Shen Ci to leave.
Shen Ci hesitates to speak, but eventually leaves and closes the door.
He Jitang remains in the same position until ink drips onto the white Xuan paper, pulling him from his thoughts.
He crumples the Xuan paper and throws it away.
He sits quietly in the chair, lost in thought.
The door opens with a creak.
He Ci'an's little face peeks in, cautiously, afraid of being discovered.
But He Jitang sees him.
He asks calmly, "Ci'an, is there something you need?"
Little Ci'an walks over to his father, hands behind his back.
