Having made her very first friend in this world, Yu Wanzhi was brimming with joy; even her steps home carried a light, bouncy skip.
Xiao Yunting had gone with Fu Zhoujing to their “headquarters” earlier that day. Business was exceptionally prosperous this year, and on top of that, the two brothers knew exactly how to win people over. Even though they operated under the military’s umbrella, they never stinted on greasing palms up and down the chain of command.
The leaders, both high and low, at the Revolutionary Committee and Joint Defense Office received their regular monthly stipend of “tribute” without fail. And so, those officials not only turned a blind eye to their black-market dealings but willingly acted as their protective shield, clearing their path and keeping them safe.
As a result, even in such a mixed, lawless place, Xiao Yunting’s black-market empire grew larger by the day, rolling onward like a snowball. Everyone wanted to align themselves with a powerful, wealthy patron — and among his many followers, one man, known by the nickname “Ghost Face,” stood out as fiercely loyal.
His real name was Dong Biao. Now in his early thirties, he had enlisted at fifteen and was later wounded on the border; an explosion had taken half his arm and left sixty percent of his face badly scarred. When he returned home after his discharge, he received no care from his family — only cold disdain and disgust from his wife.
Disheartened, he packed his things and left for the capital. He had hoped his skills would earn him work as a personal bodyguard, yet before he could even catch a glimpse of any important figures, underlings turned him away, saying his appearance was too frightening.
Xiao Yunting had met him purely by chance. Back then, Xiao was only seventeen — at his most rebellious age. One day, he and Fu Zhoujing had been caught alone in a brawl against the black-market gang from East Fourth Street, and it was the passing Dong Biao who had saved his life.
Afterward, out of gratitude, Xiao Yunting kept Dong Biao close. Perhaps because of Grandfather Xiao and his brother Xiao Shan, Xiao Yunting held all former soldiers in high regard and trusted him deeply. Before long, Dong Biao became his most trusted right-hand man.
Whenever Xiao Yunting was away, it was Dong Biao who ran the market. In time, Xiao stepped back into the shadows — after all, with Grandfather Xiao’s standing, it would not do to appear too publicly involved. Being the power behind the scenes suited him far better.
Dong Biao never betrayed that trust. Over these past two years, he had expanded the business brilliantly. Sharp-witted, resourceful, and formidable in combat — capable of taking on five men at once — he kept the accounts immaculate. Xiao Yunting need only collect his share on schedule.
That day was their monthly settlement date. Once the books were checked and profits deposited into a secure account, his duties were done.
Back at the compound, with time on his hands, Xiao Yunting had meant to take an afternoon nap. But the thought of the young girl wandering about alone gnawed at him so that sleep was impossible. Long before noon, he had dragged a small folding stool and sat at the bus stop across from the compound. He waited there until dusk — and only then did he catch sight of that little ungrateful thing stepping off the bus.
“Well, look who’s here. She does know how to come home, does she? A moment longer and I’d have marched straight to the police station to report you missing!”
Yu Wanzhi had barely stepped down when she heard that familiar, sharp-edged tone. She turned and met his gaze — and in those dark, phoenix-shaped eyes, she caught a glimmer of hurt and longing.
Yu Wanzhi: “……”
Really? Look at the state you’re in.
A man standing nearly six feet tall perched on a tiny stool, his long legs cramped and awkwardly tucked away, one arm propped casually upon his knee. He struck quite a pose — if not for that face, twisted into a mournful, anxious pout that looked utterly ridiculous…
“How long have you been waiting? I was held up a little, that’s all~ Come on, get up. Do you plan on sitting here all night?” Yu Wanzhi bit back a laugh, afraid he would sulk, holding it in with considerable effort.
Xiao Yunting’s gaze drifted aside. He gave a light cough. “My legs… they’ve gone numb from sitting so long.”
“Pfft — hahaha!” Yu Wanzhi burst out laughing, cheeks flushing pink.
How can he be this adorable?
Was this the same Xiao Yunting she knew from twenty years hence — the stern, immaculate Mr. Xiao, who would not suffer a single crease in his shirt?
Xiao Yunting looked at her helplessly. “Laughing still? Come — give me a hand up, won’t you?”
“Oho! So now you don’t mind being seen clinging to me? Careful — they’ll lock you up for being a public nuisance!” Yu Wanzhi teased, yet her hand reached out to him of its own accord.
The pair chatted and laughed all the way home. But the moment Qin Mengshuang saw Yu Wanzhi standing there safe and sound, she seemed to lose her mind. Her voice rose sharp and shrill, like lightning tearing the night sky: “How dare you come back? Where is Jiaorui ?!”
She trembled visibly with shock. Yu Wanzhi swept her a cool, disdainful glance, arched her brows, and replied with a mocking glint in her eyes, “Why should I not return? Who is this ‘Jiaorui ’ you speak of? I have no idea where she’s gone.”
At the noise, Grandfather Xiao and Xiao Shan emerged from the study. “What is the meaning of this commotion?”
“Grandfather, is this woman quite mad? We’ve barely stepped through the door and she’s snapping like a rabid dog, demanding to know where that little burden of hers has got to. Wanzhi barely knows the girl — how on earth should she know?” Xiao Yunting spoke, his brow furrowed. Unobtrusively, he drew Yu Wanzhi behind him, shielding her — lest this woman fly off the handle once more.
Grandfather Xiao’s gaze was sharp as a blade. Xiao Shan felt the full weight of that disapproving stare and braced himself.
“Mengshuang, what has happened to Jiaorui ? Only moments ago you were perfectly composed. What is the meaning of this?” Xiao Shan knew his father was furious. He stepped quickly to Qin Mengshuang’s side and gripped her arm firmly, a silent warning to behave.
Qin Mengshuang appeared to snap back to her senses. She clutched Xiao Shan’s hand in return, her face etched with urgency and alarm. “Quick! Send someone out to look for Jiaorui ! It is far too late — she should have been home hours ago. What if something terrible has happened?”
Before Yu Wanzhi’s return, Qin Mengshuang had told herself Jiaorui must be celebrating her success, or delayed somehow. But seeing Yu Wanzhi return unharmed filled her with sudden, icy dread.
She knew perfectly well Jiaorui had set four or five men in wait — and she had succeeded before!
Why then was this little minx standing here, safe and sound? Jiaorui had been planning this for days; the past two had offered no chance with that little brat always underfoot. But this morning — she had seen it herself! That little harlot had left all alone!
It should have gone exactly as Jiaorui planned!
A nervous tic began to twitch at Qin Mengshuang’s eyelid. She pointed an accusing finger straight at Yu Wanzhi, who stood looking back with wide, innocent eyes. “It is her! Jiaorui was kicked — by… by Yunting — because of her! She has been seething with resentment! She dared not cause trouble here, for fear of displeasing the Old Master. So this morning, she told me she meant to find her and have it out once and for all!”
“Night has fallen. Jiaorui should have been home long ago. Yet look at this one — returning as if nothing had happened at all! I tell you — she must have hurt Jiaorui ! Or paid others to do her harm! Xiao Shan, I beg you — send someone to search for her! Now!”
Xiao Yunting could endure it no longer. In three long strides, closing the distance between them, he stood before Qin Mengshuang. Every line of his body quivered with barely contained rage. He lifted his leg — and kicked her with every ounce of his strength. So swift was the blow that Xiao Shan, standing right beside her, had no time to react…