Chapter 46

Xie Chu wore his habitual relaxed smile, but his gaze remained coldly fixed on the seat Ming Jiao had just vacated.

There were discrepancies between Ming Jiao’s account and the hunter’s version. Admittedly, she might have been warned by Flying Bird not to reveal anything about ability users to him, but the crucial point was whether she had been injured that night and how severely.

As he pondered, his inner scale still tilted more toward Ming Jiao. Assuming she hadn’t been impersonated, he believed an ordinary person who had truly faced a life-or-death situation couldn’t recover so quickly, either physically or mentally.

If it had merely been a close call without actual danger, that would be more plausible.

The hunter had gone to great lengths to protect his reputation.

Though inwardly scornful, Xie Chu had no intention of exposing this. Rather than nitpicking over unchangeable minor errors, it was better to push him to resolve all troubles quickly.

By the time the hunter emerged from the thick black mist and sat opposite him, Xie Chu had already adjusted his mindset. “Well?”

The hunter knew what he was asking. “I can confirm no one is following or protecting her—not even ordinary bodyguards.”

This made sense. Ming Jiao had said she sneaked out without her aunt’s knowledge. But while her actions might escape her aunt’s notice, they shouldn’t escape Flying Bird’s unless Flying Bird’s people were no longer with her.

Xie Chu thought for a moment before asking, “Not even Shan Que?”

“Not her either,” the hunter said. “She hasn’t been visiting her workplace lately. Probably Flying Bird changed their plans, or maybe they think I’ve been inactive too long and temporarily abandoned the hunt.”

After a brief silence, Xie Chu responded, “Flying Bird’s arrangements don’t matter. If she gains protection by evening, proceed with the original plan. Just make sure they know your employer is Tang Xiaoyu.”

A strange glimmer flashed in the hunter’s eyes as he smiled. “Of course. I’ll certainly remember who my employer is.”

Before Ming Jiao could speak after leaving the club, the System sighed first. 【Host, no need to explain. I understand—agree first, then we can reconsider and backtrack later.】

Ming Jiao suppressed a laugh. 【Then why are you worried?】

【I’m worried the enemy is too cunning. I fear things might spiral beyond our control.】

This concern wasn’t unfounded. Ming Jiao still couldn’t decipher Xie Chu’s intentions, though this wasn’t surprising. Both her aunt and Xie Chu were deeply calculating people—not puppets for her to manipulate. Their actions exceeding her expectations was perfectly normal.

Regardless, the current situation needed to be reported to Tang Xiaoyu.

At the thought of Tang Xiaoyu, Ming Jiao felt a sudden impulse. 【System, check Xie Chu’s call records, WeChat, and other chat app logs. Just from the past week will do.】

The System seemed puzzled. 【Host, Xie Chu wouldn’t use his current phone to contact his subordinates for shady dealings, let alone leave chat records.】

As a capable villain, he wouldn’t make such amateur mistakes.

Ming Jiao wasn’t looking for evidence that way—otherwise she would have asked the System to check his phone sooner.

【Check if he’s invited Tang Xiaoyu or anyone else to hang out.】

When Ming Jiao uttered the word “play,” her tone carried a hint of mockery and amusement.

The System quickly understood and promptly complied.

During this brief interval, Ming Jiao boarded the pre-booked ride-hailing car she had been waiting for. After confirming with the System that the hunter hadn’t followed, her tense nerves relaxed slightly.

While facing a worthy opponent was interesting, the immense pressure and risks were undeniably stressful.

Once the car had traveled some distance, the System delivered an update: 【Host, Xie Chu has invited quite a few people to the Lavender Manor in West Mountain for a vacation, including the protagonist. What is he scheming? Could he be planning to create an accident to eliminate you while using others as his alibi?】

Especially since it’s widely known that you and Tang Xiaoyu are at odds, yet Tang Xiaoyu is a member of the Ming family. Having her testify would certainly dispel much of the Ming family’s suspicion.

The System’s thoughts raced, and it recalled that in the original story, Xie Chu had once pursued Tang Xiaoyu. 【Maybe he also wants to stage some danger—not only to cause your death but also to play the hero and save the beauty.】

The more it thought about it, the more plausible it seemed, and it couldn’t help but sneer, 【I think he’s dreaming too big.】

Ming Jiao had similar suspicions. Recalling that Tang Xiaoyu seemed tied up with some matter recently, yet she had also been openly interacting with Xie Chu, Ming Jiao felt that the issue holding Tang Xiaoyu back was likely related to Xie Chu.

However, since it involved her public identity, Tang Xiaoyu couldn’t easily disclose it to Ming Jiao. By a twist of fate, both of them were stepping right into Xie Chu’s trap.

But should she continue playing along with his scheme?

Ming Jiao curled her lips slightly. She believed Tang Xiaoyu had no choice.

Just as she had said not long ago, enemies weren’t puppets in her hands. The direction she anticipated them taking was merely a prediction—the most likely decision they would make.

But human hearts are always unpredictable, and no one is an exception.

Tang Xiaoyu’s original plan would probably have to change as well.

Meanwhile, Tang Xiaoyu gazed through the car window at the increasingly vast expanse of romantic purple covering the mountains and fields, her delicate face betraying a hint of distraction.

Something felt off. Xie Chu had invited everyone out, yet as the initiator of this vacation trip, he was late to depart.

Although he had explained in the hastily created WeChat group that something urgent had come up and he would arrive in the afternoon, Tang Xiaoyu felt a vague sense of unease.

It was like a premonition—that something was quietly changing, and she didn’t yet know exactly where the shift was occurring.

This feeling easily stirred restlessness and anxiety, but fortunately, she was a rational person who could control her emotions. Such a subtle premonition wasn’t enough to significantly affect her mindset.

Since it was still just a feeling and there was no way to confirm whether something had truly changed, she decided to take things one step at a time. There was no need to worry prematurely.

After steadying her slightly unsettled mood, the magnificent and grand manor in the distance came into view.

Tang Xiaoyu surveyed the surrounding environment briefly, her gaze sweeping over the beautiful dark purple lavender fields. Suddenly, she remembered the lilac-colored dress Ming Jiao had worn on the day of the banquet.

This place was truly beautiful. Waiting until autumn to see the maple forests of Creek Lodge Mountain felt too far away. If given the chance, it would be nice to bring her here to see this.

Tang Xiaoyu’s jet-black, beautiful eyes fixed intently on the distant lavender fields. After a long moment, she suddenly snapped back to reality.

She was thinking about Ming Jiao again.

Although she already regarded her as a friend, the thoughts and concerns she poured into her seemed… a bit excessive.

Was it because of her trouble-magnet constitution?

Tang Xiaoyu thought uncertainly, the complexity in her eyes finally settling into a faint, shallow smile.

Just then, Tang Xiaoyu’s mind stirred—she felt the vibration of the phone she kept separately in her space, the one used exclusively to contact Ming Jiao.

Fortunately, the others were currently selecting their preferred rooms under the guidance of the attendants who had come out to greet them, carrying their light luggage.

Using a trip to the restroom as an excuse, Tang Xiaoyu quickly separated from the group. She then took out her phone and found it was a text message, not an urgent call for help, which eased her mind slightly.

She read the message, and her expression turned somewhat subtle. Her first reaction was: she knew Ming Jiao wouldn’t stay quiet—it was impossible for her to remain obediently in the bookstore.

In fact, ever since the other night when Ming Jiao brought up Blood Cherry, she should have asked, “How long ago was it when you last saw her in action?”

It definitely couldn’t have been before that night at the Rose Garden.

But Tang Xiaoyu wasn’t one to dwell on the past. If she wanted to nitpick, there were far too many things between her and Ming Jiao to scrutinize.

She lowered her gaze and carefully read each line of the message again, falling into deep thought. Her speculations aligned closely with those of Ming Jiao and the System.

Xie Chu had gone to such lengths to bring them here—he must have some scheme in mind.

Especially under the watchful eyes of so many people, creating an “accident” to eliminate Ming Jiao would be particularly convincing, making everyone believe it was truly unintentional.

Moreover, among their group, there were plenty who didn’t get along with Ming Jiao. If suspicions arose, the blame could be shared, muddying the waters even further.

At this thought, a flicker of realization passed through Tang Xiaoyu’s eyes.

She was standing in front of the sink outside the restroom and happened to glance up, catching her own reflection in the mirror.

If anything happened to Ming Jiao, among all the people present, who would be more suspicious than her?

The eyes in the reflection gradually grew profound and cold, staring back at her.

So that’s it.

Ming Jiao wasn’t at all surprised to receive Tang Xiaoyu’s reply agreeing to let her join the situation. After reading the message, she put away her phone and began packing.

While doing so, she didn’t forget to keep tabs on another person’s movements. 【System, has Xiao Ying left?】

【No,】 the System replied. 【So she really is here for you.】

Not because she might have caught wind of some other enemy’s trail and was lingering nearby.

Ming Jiao had never explained Xiao Ying’s situation to it, but the System had finally pieced things together a bit.

Although it still didn’t understand why Xiao Ying was targeting its host, in terms of alignment, she was undoubtedly on the opposite side of crime. If anything unexpected happened, she would surely step in to help.

They had essentially gained an extra ally for free.

Honestly, without even exchanging a word, the host was already scheming to make use of her.

Who wouldn’t call that impressive? The System certainly would.

As the System marveled, Ming Jiao had already finished packing efficiently and was ready to head out.

The System was taken aback. 【Host, aren’t you in too much of a hurry? Didn’t Xie Chu say before evening?】

Ming Jiao lifted her eyes, a teasing glint in their captivating depths. 【I thought you’d already figured out Xiao Ying’s situation. It seems… System, your reaction time still needs some training.】

The System felt that exercise was necessary, but at this moment it could learn from Ming Jiao. [I’m still a novice with little experience. In human terms, I’m just a baby. Your expectations for a baby are too high, Host.]

Ming Jiao was momentarily speechless, then pursed her lips into a smile. [Alright, if I don’t go out, Xie Chu can wait, but Xiao Ying can’t.]

The System thought it over and understood.

Although Xiao Ying had been following the host, she was too far away to eavesdrop on the conversation between the host and Xie Chu, so she wouldn’t know the host was about to leave.

If she happened to leave and return at this moment, they would inadvertently lose an ally.

The System sighed deeply. [Host, I wasn’t wrong when I said you’re full of tricks. You truly are an unfathomable woman.]

Ming Jiao, [Isn’t this something you can figure out with just a little thought? You realized it the moment I mentioned it.]

She laughed. [A truly unfathomable woman wouldn’t team up with you every day to perform crosstalk.]

The System: Somewhat convinced, but not entirely.