CHAPTER 499: CHAPTER 359: SEEING MAX AGAIN_2

First, he went to the underground parking garage, drove out in a regular family car, and then switched vehicles at a public parking lot.

Yan Xing knew that in certain special circles, he was a public figure whose background many were curious about, so he had to be cautious with his movements.

Fortunately, Zhehai City was large enough.

He drove to the mall where he was meeting Lao Guan and Little Li. Before they arrived, Yan Xing took Chui Chui to buy some suitable clothes.

Dressed in casual women’s attire, Chui Chui finally didn’t stand out so much.

Chui Chui’s initial entrance into the mall with Yan Xing had, in fact, caused quite a stir.

Her outfit made her look exactly like a game character stepping out of a two-dimensional world. It wasn’t just her appearance; her entire demeanor fulfilled every fantasy people had about such a character.

Many people had gathered, asking for photos, and some even for her contact information.

Yan Xing could only patiently explain that they weren’t part of a store promotion before pulling Chui Chui towards the clothing section.

Only after Chui Chui changed into normal clothes did the area around them quiet down.

After getting Chui Chui a cup of milk tea, the two of them sat in the mall’s rest area to wait.

Before long, Lao Guan sat down opposite Yan Xing, greeting him warmly like an old friend. "Director Yan, it’s been a while! You’re looking well. And who is this young lady with you? Would you mind an introduction?"

Yan Xing glanced to the side. Little Li was standing at the nearby staircase entrance, hands in his pockets, vigilantly surveying the surroundings.

"Her name is Chui Chui. She’s my assistant."

Chui Chui extended her hand to Lao Guan with a friendly smile. "Hello, Lao Guan. I’m Chui Chui. Director Yan brought me out this time to see the world. I hope for your kind support in the future. Would you like some milk tea? It’s really good; I can go and buy you a cup."

Lao Guan didn’t underestimate Chui Chui despite her innocent, youthful appearance.

Recalling everything that had transpired at Max Manor, he knew none of Yan Xing’s associates were to be taken lightly.

Lao Guan shook Chui Chui’s hand, replying very courteously, "I’m not thirsty, thank you, Miss Chui Chui. You’re truly beautiful, even more so than those big celebrities. Director Yan, this isn’t a convenient place to talk. Shall we find somewhere else?"

Yan Xing replied, "I have a flight to catch, so let’s talk here. Don’t worry, no one else will overhear us."

Lao Guan noticed the sudden silence around them. Despite the mall’s usual hustle and bustle, not a sound reached them.

He had no idea how Yan Xing managed to block out the sound, nor was it something he dared to investigate.

"Director Yan, you truly are unfathomable!" Lao Guan exclaimed in admiration. "Little Li and I have both been transferred to the company here, and we’ve received notice from our superiors. Whatever Director Yan wishes to know, we will not hide anything we’re permitted to say."

Yan Xing nodded. "I wanted to meet with you this time to ask about Max. He’s in this city right now."

Since the Max Manor incident, Lao Guan and Little Li had joined Renlun Investment Company and were assigned to handle matters concerning the Witches’ Aid Society. Monitoring Max naturally fell under their duties.

Lao Guan then recounted Max’s recent activities to Yan Xing.

Not long ago, Max had completed a world tour, indulging himself like a wealthy, profligate heir.

Throughout this period, he hadn’t caused any trouble, and his behavior was indistinguishable from that of an ordinary person.

Even during his time in Zhehai City, he abided by the law and kept a low profile. He frequented well-known nightclubs and exclusive establishments, living a nocturnal life.

"Max has an extensive social network in Zhehai City. The local elites are also fond of associating with this scion of an old noble family from Ancient Europe. So far, we haven’t found Max doing anything out of line. It’s also possible he has, but we’re simply unaware. Oh, and Max is particularly fond of the Earl’s Red Wine you sell in Zhehai City. If anyone wants to invite him, they just need to mention they have Earl’s Red Wine, and Max is guaranteed to show up."

No wonder the sales of Earl’s Red Wine had surged recently. So Max was an unwitting promoter for it. The wine from the Magic World probably reminded him of the taste of home.

"As long as he behaves, that’s fine. Don’t provoke him unnecessarily," Yan Xing cautioned.

At Yan Xing’s reminder, Lao Guan gave a bitter smile. "How would we dare provoke him? We pray every day that he doesn’t cause trouble. Currently, at least two hundred personnel are assigned to monitor him twenty-four/seven. It’s utterly exhausting. Director Yan, you have considerable influence. Could you perhaps get him to leave this place? With him here, everyone from top to bottom is constantly on edge."

Having witnessed Max’s destructive capabilities in his transformed state, no one dared to let their guard down around him, no matter how harmless he seemed.

Yan Xing considered Lao Guan’s suggestion for a moment.

Then he said, "Max likely came to Zhehai City because of me. Since he’s not welcome here, I’ll take him with me. Where is he now?"

Hearing Yan Xing agree to take Max away, Lao Guan was immensely grateful. "Thank you, Director Yan! Thank you so much! Max is currently asleep at his hotel. He usually sleeps until five in the afternoon before becoming active."

What a life, Yan Xing thought with genuine envy.

"Let’s go get him. Are you two coming along?"

Lao Guan replied without hesitation, "We’ll go too. Wherever Max goes, our people will follow. Of course, if it’s not convenient..."

Yan Xing stood up. "We’re going to Gryphon Island. You have a department there too, so it’s not inconvenient at all. Let’s go; we need to catch a flight."

Chui Chui dispelled the Silence Barrier, and the mall instantly reverted to its previous noisy state.

Lao Guan gestured to Little Li, then hurried after Yan Xing, saying softly, "Director Yan, many people are investigating you. Your presence here has attracted some followers. Little Li will take some men to intercept them. Please, take our car."

Chui Chui had already spotted these individuals via the mall’s surveillance system, though she didn’t know which factions they belonged to.

Since someone was going to deal with the trackers, Yan Xing accompanied Chui Chui and followed Lao Guan out of the mall and into a black business vehicle.

Lao Guan was driving. After they circled the mall once, Little Li opened the door and slipped into the front passenger seat.

"Director Yan, good to see you!" Little Li greeted him enthusiastically. "I don’t know what you did, but I couldn’t hear a thing you were saying over the walkie-talkie. I’m not sure how to address this young lady... You can just call me Little Li."

"Hello, Little Li," Chui Chui replied. "My name is Chui Chui, Director Yan’s assistant. Please look after me."

"It is we who should be asking for your and Director Yan’s guidance," Little Li said earnestly.

Lao Guan was an expert driver, weaving deftly through traffic. He soon pulled up at a hotel entrance.

Little Li glanced outside and said to Yan Xing, "I’ll go get Max. Please wait here."

Yan Xing replied, "No need. He knows I’m here."

Just then, there was a knock on the car window. Max, somehow, was already standing beside the vehicle.

Yan Xing lowered the window a crack and said to Max, "Get in!"

Max slid into the car and settled down, then chuckled. "It’s these two. They’ve had binoculars trained on my window from across the street every day. If it were my old self, I’d have turned them into honey-roasted meat by now. Hmm... what’s this? Your creation?"

Max’s expression shifted the moment he saw Chui Chui. He could sense she was different. Her appearance was human, yet she was not.

"Max is just teasing you both; no need to be nervous," Yan Xing reassured Lao Guan and Little Li. Then, turning to Max, he introduced, "This is Chui Chui, my assistant. My creation, you could say. I imagine such a creation is nothing remarkable to Mr. Max. We’re heading to the place where I breed and raise Griffons. If you’re willing to join us, I’m sure you could offer valuable insights for our project."

Max studied Chui Chui intently before saying to Yan Xing, "It seems my guess was correct. You’re an existence like me. I just don’t know who you are. An old acquaintance, or a newly emerged ’Contrary’?"