Chapter 1037: Perplexed and Smitten (97)
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
A frown creased Xiao Chenyang’s forehead the moment he read the contents of the text message. He quickly erased it before Fang Erlan could sneak a peek and sprung up from the bed immediately.
“Where are you going?”
“To attend to something. Go to bed first.”
….
An Xiaoning kicked the metal gate off its hinges and made her way downstairs. She trod down the staircase continuously, all the way until the first floor.
The lady boss was having some liquor while sitting by the bar counter. Upon the sight of her, she asked, “Ms. An, didn’t you find Mr. Jin?”
“Didn’t you say that he’s here? Where is he?” she questioned.
“I don’t know about that, but I remember clearly that he was in that room.”
“Could you show me the surveillance camera footages, then? Don’t tell me the surveillance cameras are faulty.”
The female boss chuckled and said, “Ms. An, you’re such a clairvoyant. Coincidentally, it just so happens that the surveillance cameras here have been faulty for the past few days. I was planning to get it repaired tomorrow.”
Keeping her eyes fixed on the lady boss, An Xiaoning said, “You can repair the surveillance cameras, but if there happens to be a case of murder or a missing person occurring here, I’m sure everyone here will be implicated.”
“What do you mean… implicated?”
“I mean implicated. Everyone will be embroiled and affected because of a single person’s mistake.”
“Ms. An, I know you have the power and authority, but do you really think it’s appropriate to threaten a poor businesswoman like me?”
“I know clearly whether or not you’re a poor businesswoman. I’m sure you’re well aware of it yourself too. We’re all adults. You must consider carefully before doing anything. Otherwise, you may not be able to afford to bear the consequences.”
An Xiaoning then turned around to leave.
The lady boss watched as her figure receded. Her pupils constricted, and she zoomed inside the elevator to go up to the third floor the moment An Xiaoning closed the door.
Knock, knock, knock.
“Come in,” a voice said coldly.
“Master, An Xiaoning has already left. However, she threatened me before she did.”
“What did she say?”
“She said that everyone would be implicated if a murder or kidnapping incident takes place here.”
“Psht… look how petrified you are. What are you afraid of with me around?” the man sneered.
“Master, isn’t An Xiaoning your target? Why did you let her escape?”
“She seemed to have been unable to recognize me. Things are getting interesting. It’s not a bad idea to have some fun for now. Dealing with her is a piece of cake for me. It’s only a matter of whether I want to do it or not.”
“I know.”
“Okay, you’re dismissed.”
“Yes.”
….
An Xiaoning caught sight of Xiao Chenyang just as she left the nightclub.
However, it was just a virtual form of him.
It was An Xiaoning’s first time seeing him in the flesh.
“Are you sure he’s the Emperor?”
“Yes, I’m sure.”
Xiao Chenyang smirked and said, “I’ve finally showed my face to you after so long.”
When they entered again, they b.u.mped into the lady boss who was making her way downstairs. “Why have you come back?”
“How could I leave so quickly when I haven’t found him yet?” said An Xiaoning.
She then entered the elevator.
The lady boss did not say much, and neither did she stop her.
The elevator ascended to the third floor. When they approached the door, Xiao Chenyang mouthed some words with his lips:
“Wait for me here.”
An Xiaoning nodded.
Xiao Chenyang entered the room. Sensing that someone had entered, the man who was standing by the door turned around to take a look.
“Xiao Chenyang? Is that you?”
“Long time no see.” Xiao Chenyang almost teared up. He continued, “Since you’ve decided to hide yourself, you should’ve continued to stay hidden. Why are you out to harm others again? Are you afraid that Xihou Ling and Hua Jin would kill you first?”
He answered with raised brows, “Why would I be afraid of them? I would be fearless even if it’s you. Xiao Chenyang, times have changed. You’d better not mess with me or provoke me again. I hope we can put an end to the feud between us. That’ll be best for both of us.”
“Put an end?” Xiao Chenyang stretched his back and pretended to clean his ears. “Are you fit enough to negotiate with me? You’re just a thief. What rights have you got to say such things to me?”
“Xiao Chenyang! Enough!”
“Oh? Are you afraid to own up to your misdeeds?”
“You say the same things every single time we meet. Aren’t you sick of repeating yourself?”
“Why should I be sick of it? I’m more than glad to do it.” Glaring daggers at him, Xiao Chenyang questioned, “Where did you take him?”
“What has it got to do with you? Stop poking your nose into others’ business.”
“I’m not in the mood to waste my time talking to you. You either release him or end up being tortured by me today. Do as you deem fit. Don’t think you’re the only one who has advanced throughout all these years. Let’s give it a shot if you don’t believe me.”
Xihou Jiaping stood up straight and said, “I don’t wish to spar with you. If you don’t wish to put an end to our feud, you may name your conditions. Like I mentioned before, I can give you an equal compensation.”
“I have everything that you have. Why would I need you to compensate me? Stop beating around the bush and release him. Why? You only got to where you are today by stealing from me. Are you bullying him and taking advantage of the fact that he has reincarnated into a normal human who can’t defeat you? You’re still the same as you were in your previous lifetime. Do you really think the world revolves around you? Have you ever asked for my permission?”
Xihou Jiaping pointed his index finger and said, “I’m giving in to you just this once as a form of compensation for taking your things. Regardless of whether you agree or not, the scores are settled.”
“You didn’t take it, you stole it. The scores may be settled in your opinion, but to me, they’re not. Stop deceiving others and yourself.”
He did not wish to spar with Xiao Chenyang, clearly knowing how capable the latter was. He did not want to incur a major loss by trying to eliminate his enemy. But of course, he had no idea if he had the upper hand or not.
“His bodyguards are locked up in the bas.e.m.e.nt while he’s submerged in the water tank on the top floor. I don’t know if he’s dead yet.”
Before Xiao Chenyang even exited, An Xiaoning began running off like a madwoman the moment she heard their conversation.
Humans would drown within a short amount of time of being completely submerged in water.
So much time had already pa.s.sed…
Ever since she saw the GPS tracking device…
She dared not imagine just how much time had pa.s.sed.
An Xiaoning ran all the way to the seventh floor without stopping to catch her breath, feeling as if she was about to stop breathing.
She shone her torch onto the tank and climbed up the metal ladder to remove its lid.
She shone the light into the tank, only to see that Jin Qingyan was floating on the surface of the water and making eye contact with her.
At this moment, An Xiaoning burst into tears. “Qingyan…”
“Look how excellent of a swimmer your man is.”
She hurriedly cast the rope on her waist into the water while Jin Qingyan grabbed it tightly. If she were an ordinary woman, she wouldn’t have had the strength to pull a man up from the water.
However, An Xiaoning was no ordinary woman.
Her safety was the last thing on her mind when she pulled him out of the water and hugged him tightly, not wanting to let go ever again.