CHAPTER 208: CHAPTER 206: MY BOYFRIEND

As the death toll gradually increased, the entire Shanghai City was enveloped in a terrifying atmosphere. A carpet-search had been carried out for several days with no results, but the number of victims kept rising daily.

According to the task force’s investigation, almost all the victims were young adult males aged twenty to thirty, strong in physique, yet the reason remained unclear.

Moreover, traces of destruction were clearly visible at every crime scene—collapsed walls and sunken roads. The powerful destructive force of this elusive monster brought immense psychological pressure on all the police officers in Shanghai City.

As the head of the Shanghai City Police Department, Bai Tao hadn’t slept well these past few nights, not knowing how much of his hair had turned white.

Just a couple of days ago, his superiors had issued a final warning: If he couldn’t make progress on this case within a week, he’d better not continue in his position as chief!

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Under this oppressive atmosphere, three days had passed. During these days, they had not found any trace of the Biochemical Beast, making Xiao Tian’s sense of unease grow more intense.

At seven in the evening, Xiao Tian was organizing the evidence collected by the task force in recent days. It could now be ascertained that this Biochemical Beast gained power by preying on robust humans!

The enemy was in the dark while he was in the open. The later this Biochemical Beast appeared, the more powerful it would become each day!

At this moment, the phone beside him suddenly rang. Xiao Tian picked it up, and the screen displayed the words "Beautiful Master."

"Hello?" Xiao Tian answered the call.

"Handsome Xiao! Did you forget the promise you made to me three days ago?" Yu Ningxue’s somewhat angry voice came from the other end of the line.

They had originally agreed to set off at seven in the evening, but the time had already passed, and Xiao Tian hadn’t shown up at all.

Xiao Tian gave an awkward laugh. Yu Ningxue had mentioned attending a cocktail party, but due to being busy with the Biochemical Beast affair, he had genuinely forgotten.

However, Xiao Tian certainly couldn’t admit that, so he smiled and said, "How could I? I’m getting dressed right now. As your boyfriend, of course, I can’t let you lose face, can I?"

Hearing Xiao Tian’s flattering words, Yu Ningxue nodded in satisfaction, a beautiful curve forming at the corner of her lips, "It’s good you know! Come pick me up at my house after you’re dressed!"

With that, Yu Ningxue hung up the phone.

Yu Ningxue looked at the long white dress she was wearing, as dazzling as if encrusted with gemstones. Under the lights, it appeared incredibly radiant and charming.

This gown had been custom-made for her by her father from France for her eighteenth birthday. However, she had never worn it, always choosing to dress casually for previous parties.

This was Yu Ningxue’s first time wearing this incredibly beautiful dress. People say a woman’s clothes are worn for others; she had never dressed up for anyone before.

But this time was different. Knowing that Xiao Tian would accompany her as her boyfriend to the ball, Yu Ningxue couldn’t help but want to wear this dress.

Is there a woman who doesn’t love beauty? It’s just that they haven’t encountered someone they want to be beautiful for.

At this moment, car lights flashed outside the villa, and the person inside honked the horn. Yu Ningxue knew Xiao Tian had arrived. She gathered her thoughts and slowly went downstairs.

Yu Ningxue sat in the front passenger seat. In the dim light, Xiao Tian could still tell that Yu Ningxue seemed to have put on a light makeup today.

Yu Ningxue, known as the most beautiful woman in the Binhai City police force, naturally didn’t need to boast about her looks.

Her already exquisite and perfect face looked even more captivating with light makeup.

Although Xiao Tian was well aware of Yu Ningxue’s beauty, this was the first time he admired her from such a close distance. Her fair little face was spotless, and even at this close range, her skin remained flawless, like a porcelain doll.

Beautiful from afar, even more beautiful up close.

Seeing Xiao Tian staring at her intently, Yu Ningxue’s cheeks blushed slightly, her gaze somewhat evasive.

"What...are you looking at?"

"Ahem..." Xiao Tian realized his mistake, quickly stepped on the gas, and chuckled, "Nothing, nothing, just thinking my girlfriend is too cute."

"Hmph, sweet-talker." Yu Ningxue glared at Xiao Tian, but felt a small joy in her heart.

What woman doesn’t want a man to call her beautiful? Especially if it’s the man she cares about!

The car sped along the road. At this moment, few vehicles were on the road, most likely due to the Biochemical Beast incidents.

Xiao Tian drove at a fast pace, and ten minutes later, the car stopped at the entrance of a luxury hotel.

Xiao Tian looked up and saw large characters on the hotel’s sign, "Emperor Hotel!"

Xiao Tian had heard of the Emperor Hotel, not just as the most high-end hotel in Shanghai City. It was a place often frequented by the wealthy, and ranked fourth in the Huaxia hotel rankings, further adding to its reputation.

Dining here, even for an ordinary breakfast, would cost at least a few hundred bucks.

At this moment, the hotel was festively decorated, with luxurious cars filling the outside. It was evident that a group of wealthy people had gathered here today.

The main venue of today’s banquet was the hall of the Emperor Hotel. Upon entering the hotel, one was greeted by a lavishly decorated hall built in European architectural style. Whether it was the murals or the carvings, they brimmed with nineteenth-century flavor, both vintage and elegant.

Soft music played by a specially hired band echoed throughout the hall, which was filled with people dressed in luxurious attire, chatting and laughing.

Once Yu Ningxue joined the banquet, she quickly became the center of attention. Numerous local wealthy and influential young men flocked to her, stepping forward to make small talk.

Under the lights, Yu Ningxue wore a long gown that was indescribably elegant and charming. Her flawless appearance was like a magnet, capturing all eyes with no one able to look away.

At that very moment, Yu Ningxue seemed like an ethereal fairy untouched by mortal concerns, or a princess from a classical aristocracy. Her every move was graceful and poised. She smiled gently, lifting her delicate hand to raise a glass, politely responding to the toasts around her.

It was impossible to associate her with the previously fierce police officer.

At this moment, Yu Ningxue was like the most vibrant flower, attracting the surrounding "bees" to swarm towards her.

"Ningxue, you look even more beautiful than a few months ago." Among the crowd, a man dressed in a suit slowly walked over.

The man, dashing in demeanor, approached Yu Ningxue and praised her with a faint smile.

"It’s Xu Zhi!" At that moment, someone exclaimed, instantly drawing all eyes to the man.

"Xu Zhi? The young master of Xu Group?"

Xu Group, ranking among the top 500 in the nation and one of the leading companies in Shanghai City, had a presence in various fields throughout the city, with its businesses spread across the entire country.

As for Xu Zhi, he was a renowned young master in Shanghai, both handsome and wealthy. Countless socialites had sent him secret glances, though it was well-known in the elite circles of Binhai City that Xu Zhi was dedicated to one woman.

That was none other than Miss Yu, Yu Ningxue!

"They say Xu Zhi is the number one suitor of Miss Yu. It seems it’s true. His father, Xu Hu, is such a significant figure that even the mayor has to show him respect. In his presence, the other suitors of Miss Yu seem quite inferior..."

"Haha, Master Yu is really blessed. With such a daughter, she’s enchanted so many young scions from our city. In the end, she could just pick any one of them to be a wealthy son-in-law!"

Faced with Xu Zhi’s praise, Yu Ningxue merely smiled faintly, "Thank you, Zhi."

Xu Zhi, long accustomed to Yu Ningxue’s demeanor, smiled and pulled a small box from his pocket.

Xu Zhi said, "Last time when I traveled abroad, I visited a famous foreign gemstone craftsman. I commissioned him to make a diamond necklace for you."

As Xu Zhi spoke, he opened the small box in his hand, attracting the crowd’s attention.

Inside was a gold square crystal necklace. The links were intricately carved, a masterpiece by all means.

Each section of the necklace was adorned with dazzling diamonds that sparkled under the lights. Even one piece alone would be worth a fortune.

"Wow!!"

Upon opening the box, the surrounding socialites immediately shrieked. Everyone present came from prominent families, so the mere surprise this diamond necklace induced signified its extraordinary nature.

Numerous girls enviously gazed at Yu Ningxue. In their eyes, Xu Zhi was practically a prince. If he treated them that way, they would consider themselves extremely fortunate.

Many of Yu Ningxue’s other suitors around shook their heads helplessly upon seeing this.

These suitors were also young scions of wealthy families, but compared to Xu Zhi, they seemed a bit lacking. With a mountain like Xu Zhi blocking their path, it appeared they truly had no chance of winning her favor.

"Looking at this necklace, it wouldn’t be obtainable without spending several million, if not tens of millions."

"Xu Zhi really is extravagant. Women might be able to resist the allure of money, but they can’t resist the allure of diamonds!"

"Why is Xu Hu his father? He’s one of the most famous big shots in Shanghai City..."

Xu Zhi took out the necklace and walked up to Yu Ningxue, his gaze filled with admiration.

"The foreigners call it the Black Empress, but I found it too unflattering. It doesn’t suit your temperament—let’s call it Snow White instead?"

Yu Ningxue shook her head, declining Xu Zhi’s necklace.

Yu Ningxue graciously refused, "Zhi, thank you for your kindness, but I already have a boyfriend. If I were to accept your gift, I worry he might overthink."

"Oh? You have a boyfriend?" Clearly taken aback, Xu Zhi’s expression momentarily paused before he calmly asked.

There was a hint of lethal intent in his tone that went unnoticed.

"Would you mind introducing him? I’m quite intrigued by the man who has captivated Ningxue’s heart." Xu Zhi’s face flushed slightly, his tone filled with undeniable jealousy.