CHAPTER 23: CHAPTER 23 WE SHOULD HAVE NEWS BY EARLY TOMORROW

He lowered his eyes respectfully and replied, "Not yet, but I have instructed them, and they will act tonight."

Remembering something, he added with ill intent, "However, I gave them a subtle hint; by now, that girl is probably already in the hands of human traffickers.

I will have someone spread some news the morning after tomorrow. Even if the Hua Family wants to intervene, it will likely be too late.

Evading the countryside assignment... It’s not just the girl’s reputation at stake; I’m afraid even the reputation of Old Master Chu, who is already in his grave, might be tarnished."

Old Master Shen narrowed his eyes and snorted coldly. "Daring to spoil my plans multiple times means they must pay the price. He wanted to find a backer for his precious granddaughter? I’d like to see just how far the Hua Family will go for her."

After speaking, he took the offered towel and wiped his hands. "Once the matter is settled, have them lie low for a while. We need to prevent the Gu and Hua families from finding any loose ends and tracing things back."

Du Sanhe nodded respectfully. "Rest assured, sir. I have already arranged a place for them."

Old Master Shen looked up at the subordinate who had served him for half his life. "I have always been confident in your work."

***

Hua Family

Old Master Hua stood in the courtyard, leaning on his cane, when he heard a commotion at the main gate. "Is Wanqing back?"

Hearing his father’s question, Hua Wanqing replied, "Dad, I’m back."

Old Master Hua started to walk towards him.

Hua Wanqing quickly spoke to stop him, "Dad, please don’t move. I’ll come over to you."

With that, he quickened his pace.

The moment his hand touched his father, Old Master Hua asked anxiously, "What exactly happened?"

Seeing he could no longer hide it, Hua Wanqing had no choice but to speak. "Dad, please don’t worry. Let’s go inside, and I’ll explain everything slowly."

Old Master Hua struck the ground with his cane. "Then hurry up and tell me!"

Fearing his father might become overly agitated and his health suffer, Hua Wanqing quickly explained Yunyi’s situation. "Dad, it’s mainly because that girl, Yunyi, wants to leave Beijing for a while. I could see she was serious, so I agreed.

That child is very clear-headed and has her own plans. If she ever wants to come back, I will immediately help her with the procedures to return to the city."

Old Master Hua could understand Yunyi’s decision; constantly being reminded of painful memories was indeed distressing. "The place she’s going to in the countryside—you make a personal call there. We must ensure she isn’t mistreated."

Hua Wanqing nodded. "A former company commander of mine, who was demobilized, happens to be the Party Secretary of the commune there.

Rest assured, Dad, I’ve already spoken to him."

Old Master Hua nodded. "That’s good. That’s good."

Remembering the news he had received that afternoon, his expression darkened again. "You must personally oversee the Sun Family matter. Old Master Chu was dragged into this because of us; we cannot fail to protect his granddaughter."

Hua Wanqing certainly wouldn’t let the Sun Family off. Thinking of what his investigation had uncovered, a cold glint flashed in his eyes. "Arrangements have been made. We should have news by tomorrow morning."

***

Yunyi, having entered her space, was not idle. Initially, she had thought about using this time to explore whether the space had any other functions.

However, considering the original owner’s rudimentary martial skills, she had to suppress her curiosity. After drinking a cup of Spiritual Spring Water, she began intensive training within the space, wanting to recover her abilities as quickly as possible.

It wasn’t until around 10 PM, when all was quiet outside, that Yunyi finally emerged from her space.

It had to be said, perhaps due to drinking the Spiritual Spring Water from the space, coupled with her skills from past lives, these few hours of intensive training meant that self-defense against ordinary people should no longer be a problem.

As for Inner Strength, that wasn’t something to be acquired overnight. She would have to cultivate it slowly in the days to come; there was no rush.