CHAPTER 223: 202: KILLING SOMEONE IS NOT A PROBLEM

His refusal was expected, but it still left Yu Zhi with a trace of disappointment. She pressed her lips together. "Then do you have a better idea?"

Xue Xiongsen pinched his temple, and suddenly an fleeting image flashed through his mind. His brows relaxed all at once.

He stared at the young girl, as if seeing something precious, and smiled with remarkable kindness. "Little Zhi, are you still raising Gu lately? How’s it going?"

As soon as those words escaped his mouth, Yu Zhi immediately guessed what he intended to do. She picked up her tablet and flipped to the drinks section. "Quite well. Killing someone wouldn’t be a problem."

"Do you still have the one you used before?"

"Only one bottle left."

"Can you make a few more bottles?" Currently feeling the heat, Xue Xiongsen’s tone carried a hint of urgency. "I can provide all the materials."

He vividly remembered the overseas faction that had been annihilated before. It was accomplished using a powdered concoction made from a single poisonous insect, taking out nearly a dozen people.

Although it wasn’t fatal, the immense power—captured in a video relayed by a subordinate—left him unable to forget it for a lifetime.

"I can, but it’ll take two weeks." Without lifting her head, Yu Zhi stared at the screen, casually swiping through a series of dishes.

"Alright, make a list and give it to Secretary Li. Once he gathers everything, I’ll arrange for someone to deliver it to you."

Having endured fruitless efforts for two months, he and his subordinates could certainly endure another two weeks.

Xue Xiongsen, now invigorated, felt as if his earlier fatigue had been swept away. Even the tea in his cup didn’t taste as bitter as before.

When the restaurant server finished placing the dishes, the first item he picked up with his chopsticks went directly into the girl’s bowl, as if fearing she might go hungry.

"Little Zhi, how are things at school lately?"

"Pretty good."

"And the Yu Family? Settled yet?"

"..."

The two engaged in casual bits of conversation. Although Xue Xiongsen had entered middle age, his thinking seemed to keep up with the younger generation.

Not only could he follow the conversation, but he could also add his insights, making the interaction enjoyable rather than tiresome.

Yu Zhi dabbed at her lips and let out a burp. "Old man, keep an eye on Yu Baisheng over there. Don’t let anyone bail him out."

Though Yu Baisheng was already like a fish on the chopping board, precautions must still be taken until the final cut.

After all, no one knew to what lengths Yuan Li might go for him.

"Alright, I’ll notify the others shortly." Xue Xiongsen agreed without hesitation.

This trivial favor paled in comparison to what the young girl had done for him. Besides, Yu Baisheng had already received his well-deserved retribution.

Yu Zhi nodded slightly. She lifted her wrist and glanced at the moving minutes and seconds on her watch dial. "Old man, I need to go back and finish my homework."

"Okay, I’ll have Secretary Li take you."

"No need, Shi Wei will be here soon."

Having been unwittingly fed a serving of "public display of affection," Xue Xiongsen clicked his tongue and turned to Secretary Li with a chuckle. "Ah, youth is truly wonderful."

Yu Zhi: "..."

She ignored his teasing tone, rummaged through her bag, and pulled out a porcelain bottle she had prepared earlier. She placed it on the table. "Take one pill a day to nourish your body."

Having dropped off this remark, the young girl swung her backpack over her shoulders, leaving behind a lazy figure.

"This kid..." Xue Xiongsen clutched the cool porcelain bottle, yet his heart warmed immensely.

Looking toward the direction she had left, his eyes sparkled.

**

On the first floor, the hall was filled with the graceful, winding notes of music.

At the very center, a pristine white piano stood. Its keys danced beautifully under the performer’s fingertips.

As the song neared its end, the girl descending the staircase reached a pillar in the hall.

She glanced lightly at the piano. But just as she withdrew her gaze, the corner of her eye inadvertently caught sight of a pair standing not far away.

Upon recognizing the man’s side profile, Yu Zhi’s pupils contracted unconsciously. Instinctively, she took half a step back, hiding behind the pillar.

"Shi Yin, long time no see." Jian Xitong tilted her head with a smile, her gaze shimmering like starlight.

She had shoulder-length short hair, a slightly rounded face that exuded adorable charm, and a pink suit dress that accentuated her distinctly youthful vibe.

"Mm, you just returned from abroad?" Shi Yin’s lips curved slightly, flashing her a faint smile.

Yet that smile carried a trace of detached indifference.

"Yes." Jian Xitong’s expression didn’t change. Her eyes shifted to the document in the man’s hand. "Are you here for business?"

"It’s already finished. What about you?"

"I was supposed to have dinner here with a friend, but she had something come up at the last minute, so she ditched me."

She maintained her lively, cheerful demeanor, as if being stood up weren’t a big deal.

"I see." Shi Yin found himself unsure of what to say, awkwardly remaining where he stood.

Jian Xitong, noticing his aloofness, excused it as natural given how many years it had been since they last met.

"Your tie is crooked."

The soft laugh reached his ears, and before Shi Yin could react, her hands had already reached his lapel, adjusting it for him.

The sudden, intimate touch felt almost too close.

Close enough to stir a vague irritation and discomfort in Shi Yin’s heart. He responded with minimal emotion. "Thanks. I’ll be going now."

"Could you give me a ride?" Jian Xitong puckered her lips pitifully. "The driver at my house called in sick today. I’ve been trying to book a ride but no one’s accepted."

Shi Yin: "..."

After hesitating for a while, he drew a deep breath and gestured toward the entrance with his right hand. "Let’s go."

The sight of the man and woman walking side by side, chatting and laughing, appeared odd and inexplicable in the eyes of the girl behind the pillar.

"Buzz——"

The vibrating sensation in her palm brought Yu Zhi back from her chaotic thoughts. Looking at the caller ID on her phone, she hurriedly moved her legs.

"Zhizhi." Sitting in the driver’s seat, Shi Wei pulled the young girl into his arms as soon as she got in the car.

He planted a kiss on her lips, his deep voice tinged with displeasure. "Why did it take so long?"

"..." It had only been half an hour—how was that long?

The girl found a comfortable position, wrapping her arms around the man’s lean waist and softening her voice slightly. "Did you eat yet?"

"Not yet." Her dinner time was supposed to be his, but a phone call from Xue Xiongsen had kept her out of sight.

He stroked her silky, soft black hair, resting his chin on the top of her head and rubbed lightly. "Zhizhi, let’s go home and eat together, okay?"

Shi Wei’s quick transformation into a clingy "big puppy" was downright exasperating.

Fortunately, Yu Zhi was already used to it. No matter how clingy he became, she could accept it calmly.

The girl moved her small head slightly within his embrace. "Let’s eat outside—it’ll save time."