A Bitter Farewell

“So there really is something going on! Why didn’t you tell me the truth, Mu Cheng? You said you hated that new tutor!”

Feeling betrayed by her best friend, Su Yuxin’s heart ached as if pricked by needles. She couldn’t believe Li Mucheng would deceive her, and now that the truth was out, the trust she had held onto so firmly had vanished into thin air.

“Why? Why would you lie to me like this? Weren’t we the best of friends?”

Overcome with emotion, Su Yuxin burst into tears, her gaze toward Li Mucheng now tinged with resentment.

Seeing that her secret was no longer hidden, Li Mucheng irritably turned her head to look out at the scenery and said in a flat tone, "I'm sorry, Yuxin, but I had my reasons."

“What reason could be so important that it would make you betray our friendship? Was everything we shared fake?”

Su Yuxin desperately tried to hold onto her best friend, but from Li Mucheng’s expression, it seemed she was growing impatient with Su Yuxin.

“Is your family tutor really that important to you? More than our long-standing friendship?”

“......”

Silence is often the most hurtful act. Su Yuxin was now completely heartbroken and turned to leave Li Mucheng’s room.

“Fine, if that’s how it is, I won’t say anything more. I wish you well.”

With those words, Su Yuxin wiped away her tears and walked out of Li Mucheng’s room.

Li Mucheng did not turn around but instead clutched a notebook tightly to her chest.

“Ye Feng... I miss you.”

......

“I don’t think anyone will notice me, right?”

On the other side, as Ye Feng prepared to go out and buy clothes for Xie Yuyan, she stopped him and expressed her desire to accompany him.

No way! Don’t even think about such a lucky mentality. Even with your best disguising skills, you can’t be sure you’re safe. Let me handle this.

“But...”

Xie Yuyan’s words were stuck in her throat, and she had to swallow them back.

I’m worried you might get into trouble...

“Relax, who else would know who you are besides me? The best thing you can do is stay here and avoid being discovered. Think about it—if you’re spotted today, the consequences would be disastrous.”

“Alright... fine, but you have to come back soon.”

Ultimately, Xie Yuyan was convinced by Ye Feng and tugged at his sleeve.

“Don’t worry, I’m not exactly a fan of shopping anyway. I’m leaving now.”

“Be careful...”

As Ye Feng left, Xie Yuyan stood still, feeling a growing sense of loneliness. With Ye Feng gone, she suddenly felt a wave of fear wash over her, and a strange thought crossed her mind—what if he never came back?

“Ye Feng...”

At this moment, Ye Feng had no idea what kind of life awaited him.

The mall wasn’t far from Ye Feng’s home. As he walked past a busy street, a man wearing sunglasses approached him.

Ye Feng noticed the man but continued walking as if nothing was out of the ordinary. Soon, the man blocked Ye Feng’s path.

“Who are you? Why are you blocking me?”

Ye Feng looked up at the man with a startled expression, his voice tinged with fear.

“If you don’t explain yourself, I’m calling the police!”

“Don’t be scared, little guy. I mean no harm.”

Seeing Ye Feng threaten to involve the authorities, the sunglasses man quickly took off his glasses and waved his hands, forcing a smile.

“Can I have a moment of your time? Just two questions.”

“Fine, ask.”

Ye Feng agreed impatiently.

“Have you seen this woman recently?”

At this, the sunglasses man pulled out a photo from his pocket, showing Xie Yuyan’s face.

“Hmm...”

Ye Feng stroked his chin thoughtfully and then shook his head.

“I haven’t seen her... but...”

The sunglasses man’s eyes lit up with hope and he quickly pressed, “But what?”

“But she’s really pretty. Can you give me the photo?”

“Get lost.”

The sunglasses man immediately snapped, thinking he had found a lead, only to be disappointed.

“Hey, why are you cursing at me? Do you even have any manners?”

“I said, get lost!”

“Tch... Wearing sunglasses doesn’t make you cool. Turns out you’re just like those guys handing out flyers...”

As Ye Feng walked away, he muttered under his breath, secretly memorizing the sunglasses man’s appearance before leaving the scene.

“Didn’t you forget what the boss told you? Don’t cause trouble with ordinary people.”

While the sunglasses man was still fuming, a well-dressed urban woman approached him and whispered softly.

“What’s the point of asking these ordinary folks? Maybe that woman has already escaped.”

The sunglasses man impatiently put his glasses back on.

“There will always be leads. The boss said it himself—offer these civilians a sum they’ll never see in their lifetime, and they’ll start talking. The net will only get tighter, and that woman won’t escape.”

“Waste of time.”

Watching his companion leave, the sunglasses man adjusted his attitude and approached another passerby to ask questions.

......

Hmm... It seems my suspicions were correct. What kind of person is that woman to have so many people after her? Is she really that sought after as a top assassin?

Arriving at the mall, Ye Feng was troubled. This situation wasn’t sustainable. It seemed he needed to find a way to relocate. For now, it was best not to make any rash moves.

Forget it, I’ll just buy some clothes for myself to confuse anyone watching. Who knows if there are any spies in this mall.

......

“Mr. Su, please take a look at the recent business summary.”

At Su Corporation, a finance officer handed a document to the tall, imposing man in front of him.

“Hmm... Has anything major happened recently?”

As he reviewed the report, Su Wanli inquired. As the underworld leader of Shu City, he needed to stay informed. Li Jing handled the public affairs, while he took care of the covert operations. This division of labor was the reason both companies remained unshakable.

“It seems there have been many people from outside the city entering Shu City recently, with varying identities, as if they’re all here for some purpose.”

“Oh? Investigate this thoroughly. This is no small matter.”

Satisfied with the summary, Su Wanli handed it back to the finance officer.

“I need this cleared up within three days. Use all available resources.”

“Yes, Mr. Su.”

Su Wanli, who had been stern, suddenly widened his eyes and softened his expression as he noticed a familiar figure outside his office. It wasn’t for any particular reason—it was simply because the person approaching was his beloved daughter, Su Yuxin.