Pull Xiao Ran over as well

Xu Mu was filled with surprise—what did this woman want with him?

However, since she had signaled him, he certainly wouldn’t pretend not to notice.

He pulled the car over to the side of the road, and Xiao Ran smiled as she opened the rear door and slid inside.

"Beautiful lady, what’s the matter?"

Xu Mu glanced at Xiao Ran’s strikingly pretty face through the rearview mirror.

That short haircut, in particular, suited her features perfectly.

"Director Xu, right? I’d like to have a chat with you," Xiao Ran said with a smile, leaning back against the seat.

"You didn’t wait here just for me to get off work, did you? If you’re close with Wanyue, you could’ve just come up to see me directly."

Xu Mu’s eyes narrowed slightly—her breathing and voice sounded off, likely due to an injury.

But that wasn’t surprising. Given the storyline, Xiao Ran’s missions were always high-stakes.

She usually helped the Dragon King search for rare treasures to enhance his power.

Competing for such treasures meant facing not ordinary opponents but top-tier hidden families and even powerful sects.

Walking away unscathed after snatching treasures from them? That was no easy feat.

"I didn’t want Wanyue to know. I’m just… genuinely curious about you, Director Xu. I have some information on you."

Xiao Ran wore a faint smile as she studied Xu Mu’s face through the mirror. "Who would’ve thought that a rumored playboy would actually be a martial artist?"

"A martial artist? What are you talking about?" Xu Mu feigned confusion.

"Ha. You sensed my presence even with your back turned and instantly dodged five meters away. Even a late-stage Dark Force expert couldn’t pull that off."

Xiao Ran crossed her arms and sighed. "You’ve hidden yourself well."

Xu Mu’s heart raced—as expected of the Dragon King’s right-hand woman. She wasn’t simple at all.

Keeping his expression calm, he replied, "I’m not a martial artist. I’m just a healer who picked up some energy manipulation techniques to treat illnesses."

"Oh? Then Director Xu must be quite impressive."

Xiao Ran raised a thumb, leaning forward to grip the front passenger seat’s headrest. She stared at Xu Mu and asked, "So, Director Xu, what’s wrong with me?"

"You’re not sick. You’re just injured."

Xu Mu started the car and eased into motion. "Your complexion is dull, and your breathing rhythm is off—signs of chronic oxygen deprivation. It’s throwing your body out of balance. Your sleep and mental state haven’t been great lately, have they?"

Xiao Ran’s smile vanished instantly. Her visible eye widened like a bell.

"See, you’re agitated now. Your blood pressure’s rising, and your lungs are under strain. I’d say a coughing fit is coming."

Xu Mu watched her through the mirror and added, "Let’s hope there’s no blood. If there is, things are serious."

"Director Xu, you— cough! cough!"

Before she could finish, Xiao Ran’s body convulsed with uncontrollable coughs.

She quickly pulled a handkerchief from her pocket and pressed it to her mouth.

After over a dozen coughs, she finally steadied herself. Glancing down at the bloodstains on the cloth, she clenched her fist around it.

Xiao Ran couldn’t believe it—just who was this man?

How did he know so much?

She was certain Meng Wanyue hadn’t told him.

Because when Meng Wanyue was sent here on her mission, Xiao Ran hadn’t been injured yet.

"No blood, I hope?" Xu Mu asked with a smile.

"Director Xu, you’ve got some skills. Then guess—how did I get this injury?"

Xiao Ran’s smile returned.

"Can’t tell just by looking. I’d need to check your pulse for more details."

Xu Mu shook his head. "But your boss… really isn’t human."

Xiao Ran’s gaze turned icy. "Director Xu, you shouldn’t speak carelessly."

"I’m not. Your injury is clearly an old wound, yet your boss didn’t let you recover properly before sending you back to work. This recent injury isn’t severe, but it triggered your old condition."

Xu Mu spoke evenly. "Am I wrong about your boss?"

"My boss saved my life!" Xiao Ran snapped.

"A stray hen gets rescued too. You think it’s out of pity, but people just want the eggs. Once it’s spent, the whole family gathers for chicken soup."

Xu Mu’s tone remained indifferent.

"Director Xu sure has a way with words."

"Just stating facts. A skilled person like you? Anyone would want you. If you were in danger, I’d save you too."

Xu Mu paused. "We’re almost at my place. Where do you need to go?"

"I’m coming with you. I want to see Ye Tong and Ye Yu. No point hiding it now—my boss is your wife’s younger brother."

Xiao Ran broke into another violent coughing fit.

Xu Mu stayed silent, accelerating slightly. He’d already known.

Now he was considering whether to pull Xiao Ran into his own camp.

According to the plot, she still had several near-fatal injuries ahead.

She was also a fiercely loyal woman. If he helped her a few times, she might just switch sides.

---

Xu Mu pulled into the villa’s garage.

"Ye Yu should be home. My wife will be back later."

He led Xiao Ran toward the villa.

Xiao Ran kept her hands tucked in her coat pockets, following behind.

They entered the living room, where Ye Yu was sprawled barefoot on the sofa, watching TV.

When she spotted Xu Mu, she grinned. "Brother-in-law’s back… Who’s this woman?"

Xiao Ran studied Ye Yu’s relaxed demeanor and nodded inwardly—just as Meng Wanyue had reported.

Initially, the Dragon King had heard that Ye Tong had married a wastrel. Fearing she was being mistreated, he’d sent Meng Wanyue to investigate.

Ye Yu’s expression alone proved she was living well in the Xu household.

"Ye Yu, don’t misunderstand. There’s nothing between me and Xu Mu."

Xiao Ran smiled. "But I am close with your brother."

"My brother?"

Ye Yu bolted upright, a thin man’s face flashing in her mind. "Ye Chen?"

"That’s right." Xiao Ran nodded.

"He’s alive?" Ye Yu’s eyes widened in disbelief.

"Very much so."

Xiao Ran settled onto the sofa. "I’ll explain everything once your sister gets back. But first… Director Xu, could you take a look at my injury?"

She blinked at Xu Mu.

"My services don’t come cheap," Xu Mu said flatly.

"No problem. I’ve got money." Xiao Ran grinned.

"I don’t want money. Never mind—let’s check first."

Xu Mu sat beside her, taking her wrist to feel her pulse.

Ye Yu gaped. Her brother-in-law knew medicine?

This scene was surreal—like a cow playing the piano.

Then again, back at the Xu family estate, Xu Mu had shown some knowledge of herbs.

Xu Mu’s expression turned grave.

Seeing this, Xiao Ran tensed. "Director Xu, just say it."

"I need to see the wound," Xu Mu said, meeting her eyes.

"But my wound is..."

Xiao Ran clutched the C-grade Heavenly Thunder strike on his chest.