Infiltrating the Bai Family

"You're the second prettiest girl I've ever seen."

Inside a luxury car, Bai Shaojun flashed a roguish grin at the scantily clad girl in the passenger seat.

The girl pouted curiously, "Then who's the first?"

"The first is my girlfriend."

Bai Shaojun swept his hair back and murmured tenderly, "Would you like to be my girlfriend and become the prettiest?"

Blushing, the girl stole a glance at him. "W-wait, there are outsiders here... this is embarrassing."

"What outsiders?"

Bai Shaojun turned and saw the dead-eyed young man in the backseat, instantly breaking out in goosebumps.

"B-Bai Xiu?! What are you doing here?!" he stammered in shock.

He hadn’t heard the car door open—was this guy a ghost coming back to haunt him?

"Your pickup lines are outdated. Two stars."

Bai Xiu yawned lazily.

Sensing the tense atmosphere, the girl quickly bolted from the car. "ShaoJun, today’s not a good time. Let’s meet tomorrow!"

Watching his would-be conquest slip away, Bai Shaojun sighed. "Why are you back in the capital?"

"You serious? It’s Grandma’s 80th birthday, and you’re still out picking up girls?" Bai Xiu shot him a disapproving glare.

If not for the interruption, Bai Shaojun would’ve been celebrating in a hotel by now.

"I-I bought a gift! I’ll head back right away."

Bai Shaojun put on an ingratiating smile, careful not to provoke him.

Others might not know, but as a martial artist, Bai Shaojun was well aware—his little cousin was part of the Asura Sect.

The sect’s leader, An Yi, and his right-hand man, Lin Chen, were now ranked among the top 30 on the Heavenly Leaderboard. Even An Yi’s disciple, Fang Jueming, had climbed to 87th place!

Lately, the Asura Sect’s reputation had exploded, almost rivaling the four great factions of Xia.

"When one rises, even their dogs ascend to heaven."

Now that Bai Xiu had hitched himself to the Asura Sect’s rising star, their humble Bai family in the capital couldn’t afford to cross him. No matter how much Bai Shaojun despised his cousin, he had to tread lightly—this guy could crush him with a flick of his fingers.

"Let’s just go home. It’s been a while." Bai Xiu said wistfully.

"Right away!"

Bai Shaojun hesitated before adding, "You know about the Jiang family calling off the engagement, right?"

"What Jiang—oh, right. Whatever, let them."

Bai Xiu shrugged indifferently.

He’d only met Miss Jiang once in his life.

She wasn’t much to look at, and she reeked of cheap perfume.

He’d been trying to figure out how to reject her himself—now the Jiangs had saved him the trouble.

Bai Shaojun frowned. "That’s it? That’s your reaction?"

Bai Xiu yawned again. "What else am I supposed to do?"

"The old madam’s gonna lose it. You know how she is about face."

Bai Shaojun shook his head with a sigh.

Being publicly dumped by the bride’s family was a slap to the entire Bai family’s pride.

But over the past two decades, the Jiangs had climbed the social ladder, joining the capital’s elite, while the Bai family had stagnated. It was no surprise they’d want out.

"Drive. And don’t mention this to Grandma." Bai Xiu said flatly.

Bai Family Estate, Capital

"Mmm, so good!"

Ziyue stuffed her face with one hand while sipping a drink with the other.

Thwack!

A serving tray smacked her on the head.

"Ow! That hurt!"

Rubbing her head, she glared at the waiter standing beside her—An Yi in disguise—and nearly clawed his face off.

An Yi scolded, "Quiet down, you little thief. No more stealing!"

"You jerk! You ate your fill and now you’re blaming me?!" Ziyue flailed wildly as he held her head down.

After a trip to the salon, Ziyue now sported a sleek black princess-cut hairstyle with straight bangs. Paired with her new dress, she looked like she’d stepped out of a manga—adorable and doll-like.

An Yi lowered his voice. "Don’t slander a scholar. When did I steal anything?"

"You’ve got cream on your mouth!"

An Yi wiped it off instantly. "Nope, don’t see it."

Ziyue: "..."

"I’ll kill you!"

She lunged at him, but An Yi held her back with a warning. "Keep it down. We snuck in here for a reason. Cause any more trouble, and next time I’ll lock you up with Hongtian."

At the mention of the dog, Ziyue froze. Timidly, she whispered, "But you stole a piece of the birthday cake... Won’t they notice?"

The massive cake now had a gaping hole.

Why did this idiot have to pick the most obvious thing to steal?

An Yi smirked. "Relax, I forged it."

Forgery was a handy skill.

Too bad he rarely got to use it. Combined with his pickpocketing techniques, it was a match made in heaven.

"Remember, don’t talk. No one here understands you, so just play deaf and mute." An Yi reminded her.

They’d come to see Bai Chenxiang, but the old lady had refused all visitors.

Luckily, her birthday banquet provided the perfect cover.

Without an invitation, they’d had to sneak in disguised as staff.

"Fine."

Ziyue tugged at her black stockings, grimacing. "But do I have to wear these? They’re so uncomfortable."

An Yi didn’t budge. "Yes."

Meanwhile...

Bai Xiu stepped through the gates.

The banquet was in full swing, bustling with staff and guests.

"Young Master! You’re back!"

A suited butler—Uncle Liu—spotted him and lit up with joy.

"Uncle Liu."

Bai Xiu nodded with a faint smile.

Uncle Liu beamed. "Come with me! The old madam will be overjoyed. It’s been three years since you last visited."

"Has it really been that long?" Bai Xiu murmured.

Elsewhere at the banquet...

An Yi brushed past a waiter and emerged with a glass of juice.

The waiter stared blankly at his empty tray, utterly confused.

Spotting Bai Xiu, An Yi’s eyes gleamed.

Perfect. With him here, meeting Bai Chenxiang will be a breeze.

Just then, a plump, silver-haired old lady came bustling out, full of energy. "Oh, my dear grandson! You’ve finally come home! You never visit your poor grandma, even when you’re on break!"

Bai Xiu hurried over with a smile. "Grandma, I’m here now. Happy birthday."

An Yi nearly choked.

This was Bai Chenxiang? The legendary top physician of Xia, the "Divine Healer"?