Ling, You're Here

After waiting for a while, Lin Xuan leaned against the wall and closed his eyes.

His consciousness entered a separate space.

Inside this space was a computer.

His fingers flew across the keyboard with rapid, rhythmic clicks.

He was hacking into the surveillance system of the Shang Organization, manipulating the villa's cameras to display exactly what he wanted—ensuring no anomalies would be detected.

Soon, Lin Xuan successfully infiltrated their system.

From now on, the Shang operatives would only see footage of their captives remaining stationary, while any movements outside the monitored area would be automatically filtered out.

Once finished, Lin Xuan withdrew from the space.

He quietly opened a small vial.

The powder inside dispersed into the air, and within moments, the guards watching them slumped into a deep, drowsy slumber.

Lin Xuan and Wang Ba, having taken an antidote beforehand, remained unaffected.

Wang Ba stared in shock. "Boss, what just happened? Why did they pass out?"

"They inhaled the powder I brought. It knocks them out," Lin Xuan replied.

Wang Ba gave him a puzzled look.

Hadn’t the Shang Organization confiscated all their belongings?

Apart from their clothes, they had nothing left on them.

So how had the boss smuggled in this powder?

As if performing a magic trick, Lin Xuan then produced a knife out of nowhere.

He swiftly cut through the ropes binding him.

Wang Ba gaped at the sight.

Not only powder, but a knife too?

Lin Xuan freed himself before helping Wang Ba out of his restraints.

He tossed eight small bottles to Wang Ba.

"These contain different powders. Find a way to disperse them in the air. Anyone who breathes them in will lose consciousness in an hour and a half."

There were faster-acting powders, but Lin Xuan had chosen this delayed variant to avoid raising suspicion.

"But the surveillance..." Wang Ba frowned.

Wouldn’t their actions be caught on camera?

"Don’t worry. I’ve already handled the cameras. As long as no one physically sees you, we won’t be detected."

"Seriously?"

Wang Ba’s jaw dropped.

That sounded way too impressive.

He knew their boss was a legendary hacker, but manipulating live surveillance feeds?

"We’re short on time. Let’s move quickly," Lin Xuan urged.

"Got it."

Wang Ba nodded.

"One more thing."

Lin Xuan handed Wang Ba a lifelike mask, then donned one himself.

Wang Ba glanced at one of the unconscious guards, then back at Lin Xuan.

"This... this is..." He was speechless. "How is this possible?"

The disguise was flawless.

Had he not seen Lin Xuan put it on, he’d never have guessed it was his boss beneath the mask.

"Survival in this world requires real skills," Lin Xuan said casually.

These were techniques from another realm—ones he’d conveniently put to use now.

Wang Ba could only marvel.

Their boss was on another level.

This plan might actually work.

Lin Xuan pointed at another unconscious man. "Change into his clothes. We’re moving out."

"Yes, sir."

Wang Ba obeyed.

After changing, the two moved through the villa disguised as Shang subordinates, discreetly spreading the powder in key areas.

Lin Xuan also took mental notes of the layout, strategizing their next steps.

When the time was right, they returned to the original room.

They resumed their positions, pretending to still be bound.

The guards gradually stirred awake.

"What happened? Did I black out just now?"

"Me too."

Their suspicious gazes immediately locked onto Lin Xuan and Wang Ba.

"Was this your doing?"

Wang Ba feigned innocence. "We’ve been tied up this whole time! We don’t even have pockets—how could we pull anything off?"

"True."

The guards reluctantly dismissed their doubts.

There was no way the prisoners could have done anything.

An hour later, Su Hua arrived.

Zhao Long sat across from her, a smug smile on his face.

"Where is he?" Su Hua demanded coldly.

Zhao Long chuckled. "My Ling, after seven years, I finally see you again. I’ve missed you terribly."

"Where. Is. He?" Su Hua repeated, her voice sharp as ice.

Zhao Long’s grin didn’t waver. "Ling, aren’t you worried your lover might regain his memories?"

Su Hua raised her gun, aiming it squarely at him. "I said—where is Ah Xuan?"

"Go ahead, Ling. Shoot me." Zhao Long spread his arms wide, daring her.

He was certain she wouldn’t.

Not while Lin Xuan was in his grasp. Any reckless move would endanger him.

Su Hua’s grip on the gun tightened.

Her eyes burned with barely restrained fury.

She wanted nothing more than to pull the trigger.

But she couldn’t.

Not yet.

Ah Xuan was still in danger...

"My Ling, do you know how much it pains me to see you so devoted to another man?" Zhao Long clutched his chest dramatically. "You were always meant to be cold and untouchable."

"Not this... emotional creature, willing to die for love."

Su Hua remained silent, her gaze unyielding.

Zhao Long smirked. "Love is nothing but an illusion, Ling. It’s not worth your attention."

"Then again, you’ve never experienced betrayal from someone you love, have you?"

Nearby, Jiang Qing couldn’t help but think:

Given Su Hua’s nature, even if Lin Xuan betrayed her, she’d sooner lock him away than let him go.

"My relationship with Ah Xuan is none of your concern. Bring him out. Now." Su Hua’s voice was steel.

Zhao Long laughed.

"Ah, so eager to see your little lover? Fine, I’ll oblige."

Soon, she’d witness just how easily her beloved could turn against her.

"Men," Zhao Long called. "Bring him in."

Two subordinates entered the room where Lin Xuan and Wang Ba were held.

"Take Lin Xuan," one ordered.

Lin Xuan frowned.

Su Hua wasn’t supposed to arrive yet.

Why was he being summoned now?

Unless... she was already here?

Escorted at gunpoint, Lin Xuan was brought before Zhao Long.

The moment he entered, his eyes locked onto Su Hua.

Panic flickered through him.

She’d come much earlier than planned.

And the powder he’d spread wouldn’t take effect for another ten minutes.