The smile on Jiang Baixie’s face instantly froze.
Seeing the matter resolved and Song Wenyue’s group safe, the situation briefly came to a close. However, Jiang Baixie suddenly changed the subject, looking at Song Xingqiu. “Speaking of which, why did you bring so many people from outside the school to the dormitory? Are you in some kind of trouble?”
These words acted as a wake-up call for Song Wenyue.
Exactly! What right did Song Xingqiu have to bring so many outsiders into the dormitory? If those bodyguards had not suddenly appeared, their plan never would have failed. It was as if Song Xingqiu had calculated that they would be lying in ambush and specifically brought muscle to the door.
But how? Had there been a leak?
Song Wenyue racked his brain but could not think of anyone who would have leaked the news. Only the three of them knew about it, though Qin Xiushi eventually discovered the key was stolen. But Qin Xiushi would never have tipped off Song Xingqiu. It did not make sense.
Song Xingqiu shrugged and gave a ridiculous answer that felt strangely familiar. “It is nothing. They were just helping me deliver my luggage. I only transferred a week ago, and many of my personal items have not been organized yet.”
Song Wenyue nearly swore out loud.
Can you say that without a guilty conscience? What kind of luggage requires three bodyguards? Are you escorting bank notes?
Song Xingqiu stepped aside, and everyone finally saw a massive suitcase sitting at the entrance. Before Jiang Baixie could speak, Song Wenyue snapped, “It has been so many days, and you still have things to move?”
He deliberately emphasized his words. “Three grown men just to move one box!” He bit down hard on the numbers “three” and “one.”
Song Xingqiu blinked. “I returned to the country suddenly, so naturally, many things were not prepared. As for the number of people, did the three of you not share a single sack?”
Song Wenyue fell silent. Is this what a boomerang feels like? He had nothing left to say.
Song Xingqiu added in a leisurely tone, “Safety comes in numbers. Otherwise, if one were alone in the dark and encountered someone hiding to throw a sack over them, even if it is just a joke, it is quite dangerous.”
Song Wenyue opened his mouth to retort, but Jiang Baixie, acting as if he did not understand the underlying meaning, lowered his eyes and said mildly, “Since this is all a misunderstanding, let us let the matter rest here for today.”
As he spoke, he looked Song Xingqiu in the eye with a tone of unquestionable authority, forcing Song Wenyue to shut his mouth. These words were both a response to Song Xingqiu and a gag order for Song Wenyue.
Song Xingqiu nodded readily. He gestured for the bodyguards to drag the suitcase into his bedroom, while on the other side, Jiang Baixie led the three toward the adjacent room. Once the bodyguards dropped off the box, Song Xingqiu dismissed them.
Wu Hongzhou glanced curiously at the suitcase on the floor. When the three bodyguards were at the front seizing Song Wenyue and the others, he had been the one responsible for moving the box. To his surprise, it was not empty. It was extremely heavy, so heavy that it was difficult to move even with rollers. He had no idea what Song Xingqiu had put inside.
Wu Hongzhou was a smart man; if Song Xingqiu did not offer the information, he would not ask.
“You should head back as well. Contact me if there are any issues,” Song Xingqiu said, dismissing him.
Wu Hongzhou had no objections. The act was over, and it was time to leave. As he walked out, Song Wenyue and the others were emerging from Jiang Baixie’s room. Jiang Baixie had rescued them, going through the motions to finish the play.
Wu Hongzhou remained silent. Seeing Wu Hongzhou, Song Wenyue felt a sudden sting in his heart. Things had happened so quickly and chaotically earlier that his attention had been entirely absorbed by Song Xingqiu and the guards pinning him down. In his anger and haste, he had forgotten that Wu Hongzhou was following Song Xingqiu.
Now that the situation had settled, seeing Wu Hongzhou brought a surge of humiliation. The thought that his pathetic and embarrassing state had been witnessed by his former lackey left him feeling suffocated.
Wu Hongzhou nodded to Song Wenyue as a greeting and then left without looking back. He could guess what Song Wenyue was thinking, but it was beyond his control and not something he could explain in a few words.
Even a mere Wu Hongzhou dares to act superior to me!
Song Wenyue’s hatred for Song Xingqiu deepened. He felt his composure break again as he roared, “Song! Xing! Qiu!”
With a creak, Song Xingqiu’s door opened. “Why are you calling me? Do you want to learn a few more moves?” Song Xingqiu’s smiling face appeared behind the door.
Song Wenyue’s mouth twitched. Seeing that face now made him feel physically sick, along with a sense of fear he refused to acknowledge.
“Just you wait!” Song Wenyue threw out a parting threat and hurried away. His retreating back betrayed a clear sense of flight.
Song Xingqiu found it amusing; the farce was finally over. Song Wenyue was gone, and now it was time for the next person. Hearing the commotion outside, Jiang Baixie opened his door, and the two men locked eyes.
Jiang Baixie was the first to break the silence. “I apologize. I did not expect them to steal the key.”
He rubbed his temples, fatigue replacing his previous composure. “Before I went abroad, I left the key with Qin Xiushi for safekeeping. When I went to retrieve it just now and found it missing, I realized something was wrong. This matter is my fault, and I apologize to you.”
Jiang Baixie no longer had the calm he displayed when protecting the others earlier. His brow was furrowed with exhaustion, appearing as if he had finally dropped his mask. His fatigue made his helplessness seem remarkably sincere. He let out a soft sigh, appearing genuinely troubled by Song Wenyue’s irrational behavior.
He was direct, unhesitatingly admitting that everything earlier was a lie and acknowledging that Song Xingqiu knew the truth. In doing so, he invisibly closed the distance between them, acting as if they were of the same kind.
Song Xingqiu sneered inwardly. Jiang Baixie was indeed the special existence Wu Hongzhou had described among the F4. Anyone else would think Jiang Baixie was simply unlucky, stuck helping his friends while having to clean up their messes. He truly had two faces.
Song Xingqiu’s gaze flickered, though his mood remained unreadable. He waved a hand, dismissing the topic casually. “What is in the past need not be mentioned. However, I do have one thing to tell you.”
Jiang Baixie nodded, his tone sincere. “What is it? If it is within my power, I will certainly help you.”
Song Xingqiu held out his hand. “You can definitely help. It is just a small matter. I have installed surveillance in the living room, so you may not be as free there in the future.”
Jiang Baixie’s eyes darkened for an imperceptible moment before he quickly adjusted, flashing a perfect smile. “That is certainly no problem. I do not spend much time in the living room anyway. Do as you wish.”
Song Xingqiu smiled, his tone relaxed. “I knew you would agree.”
Jiang Baixie maintained his smile, though it did not reach his eyes. He had not expected Song Xingqiu to be so cautious; no wonder the plan failed today. He lowered his gaze to hide the chilling coldness within.
As the conversation ended, Song Xingqiu turned back toward his room. Just as the door was about to click shut, Jiang Baixie heard Song Xingqiu’s cool voice drift through: “After all, you also installed them in the living room. It is only fair.”
“Click.” The door closed.
The smile on Jiang Baixie’s face instantly froze.