Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
An Xiaoning put an end to her yoga session and sat cross-legged on the yoga mat. She took the stack of papers from him and asked, “What are these?”
“You’ll know after you read them.”
After carefully perusing the information on the papers, An Xiaoning said in astonishment, “He’s a professional tomb raider who mainly raids tombs in other nations? I really couldn’t tell.”
“I sent people to do a check on him ever since I found out that he had investigated blood-feeding humans before. There are lots of information about him that are kept hidden. It took me quite a huge sum of money to find out more about him. He would regularly sell the items he collects from his raid to a particular antique shop. I’m guessing that he was interested in investigating the blood-feeding tribes because he knows about the existence of a treasure map.”
“According to what you said, this classmate of yours is not a simple man. No wonder he says that he keeps a low profile and is a jobless nomad. Turns out he just couldn’t reveal what he really deals with. Qingyan, I’m not interested in that treasure map at all. I feel like we should try our best not to provoke that mystery man.”
“I’m no longer interested in it either. However, it’s always better to know more in-depth information. You never know when it might come in handy.”
“That’s true.” An Xiaoning stood up to hold his hand and said, “Let’s go downstairs for lunch. I have to head back to B City later in the afternoon.”
“You just came back yesterday. Why do you have to go again?”
“Mother called me to say that that old fogy Shi is asking to see her. Seems like Feng Qiubai was right. He’s thinking of using my mother. My mother is not obliged to see him at all, but I think it would be better to do so. After all, that would allow us to get a hold on him.”
“When would you be returning again?”
“Hmm… the day after tomorrow.”
“No, you must come home immediately after meeting that old fogy. It’s not that far from here anyway.”
“Alright,” she agreed.
He held her hand and said in a mellow voiced, “I’ll be waiting for you at home tonight.”
Lunch consisted of a sumptuous spread of six different dishes, all of which were An Xiaoning’s favorites.
“Young Madam, would you like to have some rice?”
“Nah, the dishes are enough to fill me up. I’ll have less of the staple food. Auntie Chen, is there coconut juice in the kitchen? Please bring me a glass of it.”
“There is. I’ll go get it now.”
Staring at the delicious-looking dishes, An Xiaoning began digging in without hesitation.
When Auntie Chen served the coconut juice, An Xiaoning took it from her and began drinking it with a straw.
“I want some too,” said Jin Qingyan.
“Shall I get Auntie Chen to make you another glass?”
“No, I want some of yours.”
“Fine, there you go. I’ll get Auntie Chen to make me another glass.”
“Let’s share one,” Jin Qingyan said while sucking on the straw.
“Jin Qingyan… can you be more hygienic?”
“We get intimate every day and you’ve never complained about hygiene. Why are you acting all prim and proper now?” he answered nonchalantly.
“…”
An Xiaoning blushed red with embarrassment, at a sudden loss for words.
….
After lunch, she headed to the airport and boarded a plane to B City.
As expected, old Mr. Shi asked Shi Qingzhou to meet him at his place.
He’s probably the only person in this world who would have the cheek to put on airs while requesting to meet someone, isn’t he?
An Xiaoning would have definitely turned him down if it weren’t because Shi Qingzhou had wanted to see what kind of tricks he had up his sleeve.
Old Mr. Shi did not expect that An Xiaoning would come along as well.
Once they took their seats, he instructed his servants to serve some tea. Needless to say, An Xiaoning and Shi Qingzhou definitely wouldn’t touch it at all.
“You’re the one who wanted to see me and yet you still made me come all the way here personally. Just what do you want?”
Being old in his years, he definitely had the ability to suppress his emotions. Maintaining his composure, he said, “Qingzhou, no matter what, I’m still your biological father. You may choose not to acknowledge me, but you can’t deny that fact. Xiaoyu is still your sister at the end of the day. That’s a matter of fact too. On account that you’re related by blood, just spare her this time.”
Shi Qingzhou scoffed and sneered, “On account that we’re related? Get off your high horse. You’re indeed my biological father, but so what? Is that very important? I’ve lived for so many years but I still don’t know the difference between having a father and not having one. If you wanted to talk to me about this, we may terminate this discussion right now.”
An Xiaoning took out a small device from her mobile phone and switched it on stealthily, after which the needle on it began spinning rapidly. Seconds later, a string of numbers appeared on the display.
She walked toward the couch and accurately reached for a recording device beneath it.
She grasped it and removed it. Glaring at old Mr. Shi, she questioned, “You called my mother here just so you could record the things she said, didn’t you?”
Completely caught off guard, old Mr. Shi was at a momentary loss for words upon the shocking sight of her holding the device in her hand.
Before he could even speak, An Xiaoning added, “We came despite knowing that you’ve laid a trap for us. Do you know why we did that?”
Are they going to try doing something to me? he wondered.
That can’t be.
Were they just making a wild guess?
“What trap could I possibly lay for you two? Is there anything wrong with you visiting me, your elder?” he vehemently denied.
“You? Our elder? Are you fit to be one?” An Xiaoning sneered.
“You ignorant girl. I’m your grandfather no matter what. How could you talk to me in such a disrespectful manner?”
“Stop throwing your weight around just because you’re an elderly person. My mother doesn’t have a father like you, and neither do I have a grandfather like you. I’m warning you, my mother and I know clearly all the horrendous acts you and your mother had done to her. Even though your mother has already been dead for several years, that doesn’t mean that her sins can be erased,” An Xiaoning said coldly.
“You… you unfilial girl. You seriously…” old Mr. Shi clutched his chest in agitation, clearly too exasperated for words.
“Mother, seems like he called you here just for this trivial matter. Let’s go home.” An Xiaoning turned around to leave, completely disregarding old Mr. Shi.
“Alright,” said Shi Qingzhou, who stood up.
Just as they were about to leave, old Mr. Shi hollered, “Hold it right there!”
An Xiaoning turned her head around and asked, “What else do you want?”
“Neither of you are to leave this place today.” He blew his whistle with all his might, after which a massive number of bodyguards swarmed them from all directions.
Remaining unfazed, An Xiaoning scanned her surroundings to see that there were at least a few hundred of them who were all blocking the exits.
They all had guns in their hands, which were pointed at An Xiaoning and Shi Qingzhou.
Old Mr. Shi dropped his pretense and glared at them menacingly. “I shall see how you can leave. Shi Qingzhou, you’d better free Xiaoyu!”
“You’re terrible at controlling your temper. You’ve really forced yourself onto the path toward death. Like I said just now, we knew beforehand that you’ve laid a trap. Hence, we definitely came prepared. There’s no way we would fall for your tricks. You already have one foot in your grave and yet you’re still so dull and dim-witted. You’ve lived your life in vain. Well, after all, not everyone has brains,” said An Xiaoning, remaining composed and collected.
