CHAPTER 45: CHAPTER 45: BEING TARGETED

"I’m to blame for this. If I hadn’t taken Suisui out, none of this would have happened." Guilt was written all over Zhu Xiuxiu’s face.

"I share the blame too. I was the one who let Suisui go with Third Sister-in-law. If anything happens to Suisui, I’ll take full responsibility." Huo Xing’Er also placed the blame on herself.

"Don’t rush, Second Brother hasn’t finished speaking yet." Ji Youzhi, with his years of experience in handling cases, could tell that Ji Youran hadn’t finished speaking.

"This Gu Insect fragrance isn’t meant to inflict Gu on people, but to guide Gu Insects to this scent."

If it’s not about inflicting Gu, then that’s a relief, Old Lady Ji thought, patting her chest and letting out a deep sigh of relief.

"I understand." Ji Youzhi’s face showed sudden realization.

"What do you understand?"

Most people in the room had a similar realization to Ji Youzhi, having almost guessed the purpose of the red cord, though Zhu Xiuxiu hadn’t quite caught on and instinctively asked the question aloud.

"Second Brother means this fragrance is what those beggars use specifically to find their targets," Wang Dongxue interjected.

Zhu Xiuxiu suddenly understood. "I see! So, Suisui *has* been targeted?"

Upon reaching this conclusion, Zhu Xiuxiu broke out in a cold sweat.

Only Huo Xing’Er’s lips curved into a determined, ruthless smile. Targeting the little girl, are they? Then she’ll make sure they never return!

Ji Youyuan’s perpetually half-lidded eyes narrowed completely into a slit. Targeting his little girl? These people must have a death wish.

"Will someone please say something! What should we do?" Zhu Xiuxiu grew anxious when no one spoke.

The Eldest Aunt pursed her lips into a smile and said in a low voice, "Our family has a Divine Hunter in residence. What are you worried about?"

"Alright, it’s getting late. Everyone, go to bed!" Ji Youyuan announced. If someone was planning to steal a child, they had to play along. What if their actions scared the culprits off before they even tried?

Before bed, Old Lady Ji went to check on her little darling one more time. Seeing the little girl sleeping soundly, even with drool bubbling at the corner of her mouth, she chuckled softly, gently wiped it away, and only then went to rest.

Ji Youbo sat on the roof, his eyes closed. Suddenly, his ears twitched, and he opened his eyes.

Ji Youzhi leaped up to the roof and handed him a jug of wine. "Fourth Brother, you’ve worked hard tonight. I need to make a trip to the Prefect’s Government Office to gather personnel and investigate."

Ji Youbo took the jug and had a drink. "Be careful."

Ji Youzhi puffed his chest. "Who do you think I am? The foremost Divine Hunter in the realm, personally titled by His Majesty! I’m off!"

In Xiaosuisui’s room, Huo Xing’Er sat cross-legged to one side, holding a compass and continuously making calculations. Zhu Xiuxiu walked in, a sword in her hand.

"Nothing much should happen tonight. You go get some proper rest," Huo Xing’Er said.

Zhu Xiuxiu didn’t leave. She fetched a meditation cushion, placed it beside Huo Xing’Er, set her longsword aside, and then sat down cross-legged as well. "Second Sister-in-law, please let me stay with you. I’ve had too many scares today."

That single, clean strike cleaving the pig’s head, Xiaosuisui holding the butcher’s knife... She hadn’t told anyone about these incidents. They were all bottled up inside, suffocating her. How could she possibly sleep?

"Suit yourself!" Huo Xing’Er paid her no mind.

The Ji family passed the night uneventfully, but major incidents occurred in other households.

First, there was Zhou Yanchen’s family. Yanchen’s mother usually woke up early. But for some reason, today she slept until broad daylight, almost until noon. When Yanchen’s mother finally awoke, she felt utterly exhausted. Rubbing her aching lower back, she went to call her son out of his room, only to find it empty.