Chapter 124 – Conclusion 3

Let him curse. Only this version of Ma Rui seemed to be in the best condition in Que Jiang’s eyes. His voice was still so strong, which meant it was likely just superficial injuries, with no internal damage. Que Jiang arranged for bodyguards to take him to the hospital for bandaging first, and then to President Fei’s house. After all, that was the safest place, and the two children needed to be looked after. To maintain secrecy, they wouldn’t hire a nanny for now, so it was the perfect time for Ma Rui to go over.

When Ma Rui arrived at the Fei residence, half of his face was tightly wrapped in gauze, resembling a small steamed bun. But that wasn’t the most awkward part. The most awkward part was seeing the row of people sitting on the sofa. A screen full of powerful figures all turned their gazes on him. The feeling was something else entirely.

Ma Rui hadn’t been this nervous even when he was tied up in the bathroom. Now, his legs were practically trembling like a sieve.

“Brother Ma Rui is here. Come on over.” A small head popped out from a room. It was Xiao Xu, who pattered over in his slippers, took Ma Rui’s hand, and led him toward the room.

Before entering, Ma Rui nodded to each of the powerful figures in turn. Only after entering the room did his tense heart finally relax. This room had become a combined room for Xiao Xu, Lang Lang, and Nuomici. Its area was second only to the master bedroom and it was very warmly decorated. Ma Rui sat on the sofa, and Xiao Xu looked at him with a worried expression.

“Does it hurt a lot, Brother Ma Rui?”

Ma Rui’s heart felt instantly healed. He immediately shook his head with great fortitude. “It doesn’t hurt at all! Have you guys had dinner? I’ll make you something. Has Lang Lang’s milk been prepared?”

“It’s all done, and I’ve already bathed Lang Lang. Brother Ma Rui must not have eaten yet. I’ll make you something. It’s just simple instant noodles.” It was just that the quality of his instant noodles was a bit more expensive.

How could Ma Rui let a child do that? He was about to refuse, but his stomach betrayed him with a growl.

“Why don’t you keep Lang Lang company for now? He’s a bit energetic right now and needs someone with him.” Xiao Xu thoughtfully found some work for Ma Rui.

Lang Lang wasn’t making a fuss at all; he was currently chewing on his foot quite happily. But hearing his little uncle say that, he immediately let go of his fragrant little foot, rolled over, and pounced on the dozing Nuomici.

Nuomici: ???

Ma Rui’s expression was slightly complicated. Alright, he was a bit of a handful.

Xiao Xu thoughtfully closed the door and left. Ma Rui stared at his retreating figure, lost in thought. This child was usually the most attached to Xiao Fang. Now that Brother Xiao was in trouble, he was the calmest one. Was it because he didn’t want the adults to worry about him? This child was far too sensible.

“Un… cle, hold.” A tug on his pant leg. Unknowingly, Lang Lang had already crawled to his feet. This child was very smart. After his little uncle’s “strict” education, he could call almost everyone he met by name.

Ma Rui effortlessly picked up the child, and his own bun-like face was instantly poked, a truly merciless act.

Back to Fei Xiangnan’s side, after he had made his basic arrangements, the elders of the family immediately got the news and rushed over. The old men, of course, were no exception. They squatted on their grandson’s Weibo every day, using various alternate accounts to like and comment. One could say they were a few fervent little fans.

Sitting there were Elder Fei and Elder Liu, and on the coffee table was Elder Zhuo, connected via video call.

The moment the child’s Weibo was updated, they knew something was wrong.

Also present was Zhang Yuanxiao. Ruan Tan had wanted to come too, but it was too late, so Zhang Yuanxiao had soothed him and come over by himself. Usually, he had a carefree demeanor, but now his face was also grim.

“So it was really Xiao Qi who did it? What a sin! Twenty years ago it was his mother who harmed my daughter, and now it’s him harming my grandson!” The old man in the video was so angry his eyes turned red. There was still no specific whereabouts of the child. If anything really happened, what face would he have to see his daughter?

“Grandpa, don’t worry for now. We’re discussing it right now. We’ll definitely be able to find him.” Fei Xiangnan was probably the calmest one here, and now he was responsible for comforting the old man.

“I’ve already notified the higher-ups to pay attention to the entry and exit status of the city recently. The possibility of them leaving in a private car is the highest, so we’ve largely controlled the scope to every exit. If Xiao Fang wasn’t transported out two hours ago, they’ll definitely leave a trail if they try to leave now.” Elder Liu had a complex network of connections and had more ways of doing this kind of thing than they did.

“I’ve checked all of Xiao Qi’s properties in the country, all the places he’s been, and his network of contacts. As long as he gets close to a place, he can’t escape. It’s just that this situation is beyond what he’s capable of. I’m just afraid,” Elder Fei trailed off.

“Afraid of what? Old Fei, just say what’s on your mind. I can’t stand this wishy-washy nature of yours right now.” Elder Liu was impatient. It wasn’t like he hadn’t experienced these situations before. If Xiao Xu hadn’t been lucky enough to meet Xiao Fang, they wouldn’t have had the good fortune of meeting now. To save Xiao Fang, he didn’t care about paying a certain price.

Elder Fei had basically relinquished his power. He looked at Fei Xiangnan; in the end, it was up to the current family head to speak.

Fei Xiangnan nodded. At this point, there was nothing that couldn’t be said. “It’s someone from the third branch, who’s been in America all this time. They’ve always wanted to annex the other two branch families. If Fei Li, the current head of the third branch, has come, things won’t be so simple.”

“Hmph, this is our home turf. There’s no room for him to run wild. I don’t believe we can’t deal with this little brat.” Elder Liu said angrily. He wasn’t afraid to say it out loud. Daring to kidnap his god-grandson meant he had to pay a price.

“Indeed. To bully the Fei family so blatantly, do they really think the Fei family is the same as it was a decade ago?” Elder Fei chimed in.

And so, the meeting gradually deviated from its course and turned into a Fei Li condemnation rally. No one believed that Xiao Qi could have pulled this off.

Zhang Yuanxiao helplessly exchanged a look with Fei Xiangnan. The connections had been made, so shouldn’t they let the old men go home and sleep? How long would this go on?

“Grandpa, Maternal Grandpa, and Elder Liu, things are almost ready. You should go back first. Your bodies need to be well taken care of right now. As for the rest, Yuanxiao and I will handle it.” Fei Xiangnan spoke with an authority that belied his age, a power that made people trust him. Although the three old men all felt their bodies could last a few more nights, they were persuaded by his words.

After all, they all knew that with Xiao Fang in trouble, Fei Xiangnan was the most anxious one. If they really found him, the subsequent methods would surely be more creative than their own.

After the three old men left, Fei Xiangnan turned off the living room lights and took Zhang Yuanxiao to the study.

“Check the entry and exit details of the hotels in this city,” Fei Xiangnan said with a frown. “We should be able to find the phone number Xiao Qi recently registered soon. When I call, it’ll be much easier for us to trace the source. The phone number should be found no later than two in the morning.” A dangerous glint condensed in Fei Xiangnan’s eyes. This time, the other party had truly enraged this master.

“I know, I’ve already contacted them. Eighty percent of the hotels here have a relationship with me. For those that don’t, just mentioning my name will create a relationship. As long as he’s still here, once you pinpoint the location, the hotel can immediately be put on alert,” Zhang Yuanxiao said.

“By the way, did you get any results from checking the incoming and outgoing vehicles earlier?”

“Fei Li is very smart. He hired mercenaries with the cleanest backgrounds. I didn’t think it would be this easy.”

“True. After all, you really pissed him off.”

Fei Xiangnan narrowed his eyes. “No, you’re wrong. He doesn’t even know his own backyard is on fire yet. This time, I’ve offered three times the price to make him homeless.”

Zhang Yuanxiao, sitting opposite him, shivered. Thankfully, thankfully he wasn’t on this man’s opposing side. To be turned into a dish on a platter and still think you’re toying with the diner.

“Then what about Xiao Fang now? He’s definitely going to suffer a bit, right?” Zhang Yuanxiao frowned with a hint of pity as he said this.

Fei Xiangnan chuckled, but his eyes grew darker and more intense. “Back then, he was fine even when I held a knife to his neck. How could he possibly fall into Xiao Qi’s hands now?”

***

“Hmph, hahahaha! Yes, yes, this is it! Xiao Fang, look! Aren’t they your fans? Weren’t they shouting about supporting you for a lifetime just a moment ago? Now, in a blink of an eye, they’re cursing you so disgustingly. How does it feel to be betrayed?” Xiao Qi laughed hideously as he looked at the comments. Everything he had suffered, Xiao Fang would suffer no less. How great this was, how great!

Xiao Fang had almost no desire to speak to Xiao Qi in his current mental state. What was the point of provoking him with this stuff? It was something he could have predicted from the start. However, he did feel a sense of relief. He and Fei Xiangnan no longer had to hide. This feeling of standing in the sunlight was surprisingly good.

“Why aren’t you angry? You’ve been betrayed. Is this your attitude?” Seeing Xiao Fang’s completely unmoved expression, Xiao Qi felt another surge of anger.

Xiao Fang didn’t even lift his eyelids. “Since there was never that much trust, where does the feeling of betrayal come from? Only friends and family can betray you. Xiao Qi, you’ve grown so old, how have you not figured this out?”

Not figured it out? Madness flared in Xiao Qi’s eyes again. “What are you talking about? You think I’m like you, with friends and family? Don’t make me laugh. Those are all superficial things. They’re probably laughing at me somewhere right now. And Dad’s business too. You just leeched off Fei Xiangnan’s money to fill the gap for Dad, and in the end, you effortlessly received everyone’s praise. And me? Because I have no money, I have to be criticized by the public. You… you, you were born standing on a cloud. How could you understand my feelings!” As he spoke, Xiao Qi was about to lunge forward and strangle Xiao Fang.

Xiao Fang dodged to the side. “Hey, good brother, I’m just thinking of you. Look at you, you didn’t even catch me with your own abilities. Do you really think you can dispose of me as you please? What happens to me is surely up to the person in charge. If you do anything to me and affect my price, you’ll definitely have to pay a price.”

Xiao Qi’s eyes were red with anger. He said to the bodyguard beside him, “What are you standing there for? I’m half your employer too. Grab him for me!”

“Price? The price is my life. What am I afraid of? At worst, I’ll die. Dragging you down with me would be the best!”

Xiao Fang quickly hid behind the bodyguard, peeking out with half his head. “Good brother, let me say something unpleasant. Your life is definitely not worth the value the big boss has estimated for me.” His infuriatingly cheap tone made Xiao Qi’s rage boil over again and again.

He now wished he could tear Xiao Fang to pieces and rushed forward to attack, but he was caught by the bodyguard with one hundred percent certainty.

“What are you doing?” Xiao Qi demanded, but his confidence was clearly waning.

“He’s right.” The bodyguard’s Chinese was a bit awkward, but his words were true.

Hiding behind the bodyguard, Xiao Fang also breathed a sigh of relief.

For now, he was safe. This was also a way of buying time for Fei Xiangnan.

“He promised,” Xiao Qi said, his eyes red.

“Yes, and he did deliver. Mr. Xiao Fang’s reputation in the industry has been pretty much ruined,” the bodyguard stated matter-of-factly.

What was this? How could this possibly quell his anger? Xiao Qi glared resentfully at Xiao Fang, who was now comfortably situated behind the bodyguard. Where else was as safe as here?

The man sitting in the shadows watching everything on the monitor let out a soft chuckle. “Fei Xiangnan’s wife is really quite adaptable.” With that, he took out his phone.

Just as Xiao Qi was about to say something more, his phone rang. Right now, only one person knew his number.

Xiao Qi answered the call without hesitation and immediately demanded, “What is the meaning of this?”

“Just as Xiao Fang said, what you wanted, I helped you achieve.”

“I want more than that.”

“But I don’t recall agreeing to everything you wanted. Killing him versus keeping him, it’s obvious which is more useful to me. You don’t even understand this simple principle?”

Xiao Qi’s eyes were red with anger, his hands trembling, but he had no power to resist. His entire life, he had always been controlled by others, never having a moment of freedom.

“I… understand.” Xiao Qi had to swallow an immense amount of anger to utter those words.

Watching from the side, Xiao Fang felt his teeth ache for Xiao Qi, but he didn’t sympathize with this kind of person. He was well aware of the things he had done. If he had even a shred of kindness left, Xiao Fang wouldn’t have this kind of dismissive attitude.

Just as he hung up, Xiao Qi’s phone rang again, but this time it was clearly not the same number. Without thinking, Xiao Qi hung up. It was probably just a telemarketer.

Xiao Qi sat on the sofa, fuming, glaring at Xiao Fang, but there was nothing he could do. Just as he calmed down for a moment, the phone rang again, from yet another number. Could telemarketers be so precise in finding his number these days? As if wanting to vent, Xiao Qi answered the call.

“Who is this?”

“The partner of the person you kidnapped.” A familiar voice came through the phone. Fortunately, Xiao Fang was sitting far away and didn’t hear. Xiao Qi absolutely could not let Xiao Fang see anything unusual, nor could he get up and leave. That bodyguard was no longer of any use. If he had known, he would have tied Xiao Fang up, and this wouldn’t have happened.

“I don’t want insurance.”

“…Let him go. He’s of no value to you now. Or do you want to die?”

“I don’t want dividend insurance either. I’ve already bought it.”

“…Or do you want to see solid proof of you sleeping your way to the top posted online in one minute?”

“I don’t want double either. I don’t need it anymore. That’s all.” With that, Xiao Qi hung up.

Xiao Fang looked at Xiao Qi suspiciously. Could he have such a calm chat with an insurance salesman? Shouldn’t he have just hung up immediately? A terrible guess surfaced in his mind.

“Was that Fei Xiangnan just now?”

Seeing Xiao Fang’s somewhat ugly expression, Xiao Qi felt a wave of satisfaction. “Yes, it was him. You could have told him your location. Heh, what a pity you’re too stupid.” Xiao Qi no longer cared about face, dignity, or even his life. He just wanted to see Xiao Fang suffer.

Xiao Fang’s face instantly turned the color of pig liver, as if he had missed out on a hundred million. How could he have forgotten? Before this brother of his turned to the dark side, he was a famous Film Emperor, the youngest one in the country at that.

Xiao Qi’s lips curled up, and he couldn’t help but laugh. This was the effect he wanted. This was much more satisfying than punching Xiao Fang.

After Fei Xiangnan hung up, he looked at the staff who were continuously monitoring the data. “Well? Did you find the location?”

One person took off his headphones. “Found it. It’s at the XX Hotel.”

Fei Xiangnan’s brow twitched. He was actually at that hotel? Was Xiao Qi planning to make Xiao Fang suffer everything he had suffered?

The moment Zhang Yuanxiao heard the hotel’s name, he started contacting his friends at that hotel. The efficiency was terrifying. It took no more than two minutes. In short, Xiao Qi’s laughter was all for nothing.

***

The moment Xiao Qi finished laughing, the bodyguard answered a call, then grabbed Xiao Fang and started walking outside.

Xiao Qi’s expression changed. “Stop! Where are you going?”

The bodyguard emotionlessly shook off Xiao Qi. “You’ve exposed the location. Their people have already started to move. We need to relocate.”

Xiao Qi’s eyes flickered, clearly frightened. “How could that be? Our call didn’t even last a minute.”

“Your one minute is enough for many people to do many things. Don’t think of things so simplistically.” The bodyguard walked past the stunned Xiao Qi. Xiao Fang didn’t resist at all. He knew he couldn’t beat the bodyguard; resisting would only get him hurt.

Xiao Qi stood stunned for a moment before trying to chase after them, but the bodyguard following behind stopped him. “Sorry, you don’t need to come. The boss said your value ends here. What happens next has nothing to do with you.”

If he still didn’t understand by now, he’d be an idiot. In short, he had lost his value. His life or death was up to fate.

Xiao Qi stood on the spot like a withered tree that had exhausted all its strength, just waiting for the fire to burn it down. As Xiao Fang was being led away, he looked at Xiao Qi like this and left him with one last sentence.

“Xiao Qi, are you living for the world or for yourself?”

Xiao Qi was stunned. By the time he wanted to look at Xiao Fang, he had already disappeared down the corridor. He had no room for maneuver. Even an idiot would know he couldn’t escape now. Without that person’s protection, how could he possibly escape from Fei Xiangnan’s grasp?

Living for whom? If it were the old him, he would definitely say he was living for himself. But ever since Xiao Fang changed, he had been living in a struggle against him, losing interest in everything else. That’s why life was so tiring, so tormented by this world.

Fei Xiangnan arrived in no more than fifteen minutes. In those fifteen minutes, Xiao Qi hadn’t returned to his room. What was the point of hiding? It was useless.

“Xiao Fang was taken away?”

Xiao Qi hung his head. “Kill me or cut me up as you please. I have nothing else to say.”

“Boss, I can—” Que Jiang stepped forward. He had all sorts of ways to make him tell the truth.

Fei Xiangnan held up a hand to stop him and continued, “For someone who doesn’t care about his life or dignity, what you do would be a waste of time.”

“Xiao Qi, let me ask you, still in this room, for the sake of Yan Yunyang’s career, what price are you willing to pay?”

Xiao Qi let out a cold laugh. “For that kind of person? Not worth it.”

“Even if he’s frantically looking for you right now, you’re still unmoved? He’s even asked me. It’s a pity his influence in this city is weak. He’ll probably have to bow to his own family now. I remember he was unwilling to bow to the Yan family even when he was in that state. Now, it’s for you.” Fei Xiangnan was a master at this kind of threatening brainwashing.

As expected, this brought a glimmer of hope to the already despairing Xiao Qi, like a abandoned person finding an oasis again, even if it was just a mirage.

“I have a condition,” Xiao Qi said after a long pause.

Fei Xiangnan nodded for him to speak.

“Hand me over to the police.”

“Going there is nothing compared to a private settlement. You’ll go to jail, and for a long time.”

“I know.” It was precisely because he knew that he said it. For now, Xiao Qi didn’t want to face this world anymore.

“I promise you. Now speak.” This didn’t affect anything.

“I can only tell you his phone number. Whether you can get through or not is your business.” Xiao Qi looked up, revealing his dark eyes, filled with despair for this world and for himself. He wanted to go to jail, mostly because he didn’t want to hold that person back. This might be one of the few acts of kindness he had left for this world.

***

After getting the number, Fei Xiangnan immediately took his men and started the pursuit. This time, he led the charge himself, with Zhang Yuanxiao and Que Jiang by his side. Zhang Yuanxiao was responsible for recording, Fei Xiangnan for calculating, and Que Jiang for driving.

“Their escape route is basically confirmed. Turning from the Fifth Ring Bridge is the most direct route.” When Zhang Yuanxiao dropped his usual flippant demeanor, his skills were still top-notch.

Que Jiang drove without even needing to blink. After all, he was a champion of a famous international racing competition. Fei Xiangnan picked up his phone and made the call. As he expected, the other party answered. This kind of person was naturally arrogant and wouldn’t be afraid of a mere phone call. Even if he was being located, he wasn’t afraid, because he had plenty of ways to deal with it.

“Well, my dear cousin. Calling your big brother now? I’ve met your wife. She’s really quite delicate and lovely.” The other end of the line was very noisy, as if at a helipad.

Fei Xiangnan had the call on speaker. He gave a look to the two people in the car, and Zhang Yuanxiao immediately planned the quickest escape route to the nearest airfield.

“If you want something, we can talk in person. Kidnapping your sister-in-law isn’t something a big brother should do.” Fei Xiangnan chatted with him, a smile not quite reaching his eyes.

“Hahahaha, so my old man was right. I’m just an unqualified big brother, always doing things for the thrill of it. Big brother is about to take off. Is there anything else you want to say to your wife? I can let you two chat for a bit.” Fei Li’s behavior could be described as extremely lax.

“Then I’ll have to trouble big brother to pass the phone.” Fei Xiangnan’s tone was light and breezy, but everyone present could see how much hostility he was radiating.

Fei Li was clearly looking down on Fei Xiangnan enough to actually pass the phone to Xiao Fang within three seconds.

It was the first time he had ever met such a lax kidnapper. Xiao Fang didn’t even know what to say when he got the phone. However, the other party’s first words almost made him cry.

“Are you okay? Did they hurt you? Don’t be afraid, I’ll find you very, very soon.”

Xiao Fang uncharacteristically bounced on his feet, just to distract himself so he wouldn’t cry here. That would be utterly humiliating.

“Big brother!” Because of the loud noise around them, Xiao Fang couldn’t help but raise his voice. Now, everyone in the car could hear him clearly.

“Our family isn’t short on money! If cousin wants something, just give it to him! Don’t be stingy with that stuff. None of it is as important as your baby! You only have one baby, and he’s not the kind that can be cloned!” Xiao Fang’s extraordinary will to survive once again refreshed the worldview of everyone present except Fei Xiangnan.

Only Fei Xiangnan could respond at a time like this. “Okay, I know. I’ll give him everything.”

“Big brother! I’m about to board the plane! I don’t know where I’m going, but you have to negotiate well with cousin! Don’t give him half now and half later, I’m afraid I’ll be sent back in halves too!” The tears Xiao Fang held back turned into motivation.

Fei Li’s eyebrow twitched as he took back the phone. The other end hung up as well. They really didn’t waste any time. This sister-in-law of his had really broadened his horizons.

“Even if I wanted to take over the entire Fei family, you’d still say that?” Fei Li couldn’t help but ask.

“Of course! Even if Fei Xiangnan can’t work anymore, isn’t there still me? Although I’m getting cursed out pretty badly right now, I can still be an extra. Plus, with my own little private savings, we can still be a happy, well-off family,” Xiao Fang analyzed seriously.

As the villain, Fei Li inexplicably felt like he had been fed a cold serving of public affection. If Fei Xiangnan had heard that, his eyes would have disappeared from smiling so much.

And he had never met such a cooperative hostage before, who climbed into the plane without even needing a reminder.

But if it ended just like this, even if he won, what would be the point? Fei Li stroked his chin. He couldn’t stand seeing others live so comfortably in his hands. Thinking this, he threw the phone in his hand away. Let the game become a little more interesting.

***

Time skipped directly to the next morning. Fei Xiangnan had been out of contact with Xiao Fang for nearly seven hours. When they found Fei Li’s phone, it was just an empty location with a smoke bomb. By the time they tracked the plane again, it was already too late.

There was no choice but to expand the search nationwide, meticulously searching for every one of Fei Li’s private properties. The amount of data was enormous; even the best technicians wouldn’t be able to do it in less than two or three days.

While working, Que Jiang suddenly received a call. His expression changed instantly. Que Jiang’s face wasn’t very expressive, but this was one of the rare times it was so rich with emotion.

“Really?” Fei Xiangnan also stood up. How should he put it? This came too suddenly. He had woken up when he shouldn’t have.

“Don’t tell Qu Xi about what’s happening here for now. You go see him this afternoon, and don’t say anything.” He had already done his job very well; he couldn’t be put in danger like this again. Even though having Qu Xi this time would make a complete difference. The reason being, Qu Xi was the one among them who understood Fei Li the best, because this man had been Fei Li’s assistant—and undercover agent—for eight years.

“But, would Qu Xi want us to do that?” Que Jiang was the last person who wanted Qu Xi to be in danger, but seeing his boss, who hadn’t slept all night and looked as haggard as one could be, he couldn’t help but say it.

Worried about Xiao Fang? Of course, he was the most worried. But he also didn’t want Qu Xi to see that person again and suffer that kind of pain.

Que Jiang said no more, only agreeing to go see Qu Xi in the afternoon.

Speaking of Qu Xi, he was a legendary man. As children, they were in the same batch of orphans adopted by the Fei family. His grades were always the worst among them, which made the Fei family even consider giving up on him. But later, they learned that Qu Xi’s abilities didn’t lie there. As if testing him, they threw Qu Xi like a small stone into the deep sea, never expecting this stone to stir up a giant wave.

His disguise made even Que Jiang, who was on his own side, question him. He quietly became Fei Li’s most trusted subordinate. His abilities were fully developed under Fei Li’s hand. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that all of Qu Xi’s abilities were thanks to Fei Li. But this Qu Xi, who seemed to trust Fei Li completely, could always quietly pass information to the Fei family, change the group’s structure, and eliminate the true confidants. All of this was done so perfectly it was astonishing. But two years ago, an accident happened.

Two years ago, when it was time to officially bring Qu Xi back, his last mission was not difficult compared to the previous ones; it was even quite easy. But he was easily exposed during this mission, which enraged Fei Li. A single shot pierced Qu Xi’s vital point. The Fei family used the most advanced and sophisticated medical techniques to save him, and he only woke up today.

As Qu Xi’s best friend, Que Jiang of course wanted to see him, but he didn’t want to see him in this state.

He had just woken up, yet that person was now at the closest place to Qu Xi.

***

When Que Jiang arrived at the sanatorium with a fruit basket, Qu Xi was already able to sit up. If it weren’t for his strong physical constitution, he wouldn’t have survived back then.

Qu Xi’s appearance was not as formidable as his abilities. He looked as fragile as a small blade of grass that could be blown away by a slightly strong wind. His soft, round features, like unpolished jade, made him look very harmless. His fair skin was so pale you could almost see the blue veins underneath. His slightly long hair had grown to his shoulders, giving him a somewhat androgynous look. The obviously oversized hospital gown made him seem even more fragile.

“Qu Xi.” Que Jiang called his name softly. After waiting for two years, this name was finally spoken out loud.

Qu Xi turned back and smiled gently at him, like the March sunlight. “I’m back, Que Jiang.”

Que Jiang was not a man of many words. Even though many words were already at the tip of his tongue, he still held them back. He sat down beside him with the fruit basket and poured him some water.

“You’re still as much of a brooder as ever. How could someone like you possibly find a partner?” His friend had just woken up, and he couldn’t help but tease him.

“I found one,” Que Jiang replied simply, which made Qu Xi’s jaw nearly drop to the floor.

“Who was so gracious as to take you?!”

Que Jiang handed him the water, just wishing he would recover well and not gossip. Qu Xi took the cup; he had to finish the water his friend poured for him.

“Two years ago, why did you make such a low-level mistake?” Que Jiang still asked the question.

Qu Xi’s hand paused, and a ripple appeared in his eyes. “Then you tell me, you, with your OCD, why did you buy ten apples and nine mangosteens? Did something happen recently?” Qu Xi’s superhuman powers of observation had noticed it the moment the fruit basket was put down.

Que Jiang wasn’t an actor, nor had he undergone undercover training. When the words came out like that, he was momentarily speechless. “You should rest well now. Don’t worry about so much. It’s just some ordinary business in the group.”

“What ordinary business could shake you up like this?” Qu Xi teased, but in the next second, he found the answer on Que Jiang’s face.

Qu Xi’s expression froze. “No way, my timing for waking up is really terrible. He actually came back to the country? What is he planning to do to the Fei family this time?”

Que Jiang remembered his boss’s instructions. It wasn’t easy to deceive Qu Xi, but he could just say nothing.

Qu Xi sighed. “Do you think I spent eight years abroad for nothing? If you don’t tell me, believe it or not, I can find out within an hour. But by then, I’ll definitely be exhausted. Didn’t the doctor tell me not to think too much and waste energy, otherwise it would be bad for my recovery? Don’t forget, my brain was injured. If I think myself into a dementia patient, all you’ll have left is an idiot Qu Xi.” If Qu Xi were to chat with Xiao Fang, they would surely find a lot of fun.

Que Jiang’s just-steeled resolve slowly began to crumble.

“Tell me, tell me. If you tell me, I won’t tell your partner your little secrets from when you were a kid.” Seeing Que Jiang waver, Qu Xi continued to pester him.

But Que Jiang couldn’t bear for Qu Xi to have contact with Fei Li again. “On one condition. You can’t meet Fei Li face to face. I don’t want—”

“I know,” Qu Xi answered in a second. “Don’t look at me like I’ve been sleeping for two years. Time still passed while I was asleep. I’ve matured!” Qu Xi patted his chest in assurance.

Que Jiang looked at him and sighed. “The boss’s wife has been kidnapped. We can’t find his specific location at the moment.”

Qu Xi’s eyes widened. How did his boss and best friend both get partners while he was asleep?!!