Yama Reborn-Chapter 528 - 525 [Enemy Presence]

Chapter 525: An Enemy

January 30, 2003.

Jinling City.

Tomorrow was New Year’s Eve, and the day before, Jinling City was already steeped in a festive holiday atmosphere.

This atmosphere meant...

Every street and alley was utterly empty!

Even in usually crowded places like Xinjiekou in the city center, pedestrians were now a rare sight.

The city center roads, typically congested, were now so clear that drivers could speed freely.

The people who usually kept the city running—those in the service and construction industries, migrant workers, and students from other places—had all departed.

By this time, they had all returned to their hometowns, part of Jinling’s annual Spring Festival travel rush.

During the New Year, Jinling City’s population would decrease by at least half.

This phenomenon would only intensify twenty years later.

Conversely, the small surrounding counties, usually sparsely populated, became the epicenters of this homecoming tide. Rural towns and villages, typically overlooked, were now teeming with people.

Zhang Linsheng woke up early, first seeing Xia Xia off.

Xia Xia wasn’t a Jinling local and was also heading home for the New Year.

They had agreed that Xia Xia would go home first for this Spring Festival. Zhang Linsheng, in turn, would visit Xia Xia’s family on the third day of the Lunar New Year.

This signified meeting the parents.

Xia Xia had already met Zhang Linsheng’s parents in Jinling City. Since they had been together for over a year, it was only right for Zhang Linsheng to pay her family a visit this Spring Festival.

Moreover, the young couple had already arranged for Zhang Linsheng’s visit on the third day of the New Year.

If her family had no objections—which seemed unlikely—then it was settled. After the first lunar month, Zhang Linsheng’s parents would travel from Jinling to Xia Xia’s hometown. The two sets of parents would meet to finalize the young couple’s marriage arrangements.

When he saw Xia Xia off that morning, the trunk of her car was already packed with New Year’s goods Zhang Linsheng had bought. As she was leaving, a tearful Xia Xia clung to Zhang Linsheng, unwilling to let go. Only after much coaxing did she finally drive off.

After seeing Xia Xia off, Zhang Linsheng hurried back to his parents’ house. He picked up some gifts his parents had prepared, added a few items he had purchased himself, and then set out.

Tomorrow was New Year’s Day, so today he needed to visit Old Jiang’s house to express his gratitude to his mentor.

Returning to the faculty building of No. 8 Middle School and seeing the newly renovated school complex from a distance, Zhang Linsheng couldn’t help but feel a wave of sentimentality.

He remembered two years ago, when he was still playing the role of Brother Haonan at this school. Back then, he was just imitating those street punks, thinking that smoking, fighting, and bullying were signs of power and coolness. Looking back now, he felt so ashamed he wanted to slap himself twice.

Actually, aside from a few genuine bad seeds, many so-called delinquent youths are simply struggling to find an outlet for their boundless youthful energy. Young people always crave to be different, to feel a sense of presence, but most possess only average abilities.

Want to be impressive? Wouldn’t getting first in the grade be impressive? Want to be impressive? Wouldn’t winning a gold medal in a competition be impressive? But that’s beyond their reach!

Youngsters want to be impressive but often lack real skills. Driven by the desire to be different, they resort to whatever is within their grasp. Thus, smoking, drinking, and getting tattoos become low-barrier activities, easy to adopt, yet seemingly capable of showcasing their individuality.

In reality, it’s all quite foolish.

Zhang Linsheng now understood that those things held no real value; they were merely treasures he had clung to in his ignorant youth.

Parking the BMW he had just bought before the New Year, Zhang Linsheng took out the New Year’s gifts from the trunk—four large, brimming bags.

Knowing Old Jiang’s temperament—that he wouldn’t accept expensive items—Zhang Linsheng hadn’t dared to bring things like premium cigarettes or Maotai liquor, fearing Old Jiang would return them. Instead, he’d asked his father to contact relatives in the countryside to procure some pork from pigs raised without commercial feed. He had them cut off all the best tenderloin, which he then bought and packed. There were also some farm-raised chickens and ducks. A bag of preserved dried mustard greens was also included, sun-dried by hand, not the factory-processed kind.

Zhang Linsheng himself had put thought into preparing two special items.

Old Jiang had taught Chinese language and literature his entire life and had a fondness for traditional Chinese studies. He enjoyed playing chess and reading books on classical Chinese culture. Zhang Linsheng had commissioned someone to find a fine piece of redwood and craft a Chinese chess set, complete with a board. He also went to great lengths to find a few thread-bound antique books.

As he reached the foot of the stairs, he saw Old Sun and his wife, Yang Xiaoyi, coming down.

Zhang Linsheng was momentarily surprised, then straightened up and respectfully called out, "Principal Sun."

Old Sun and Yang Xiaoyi both looked quite excited. They stopped and greeted Zhang Linsheng. Old Sun even exchanged a few pleasantries. Learning that Zhang Linsheng was now running a business and hadn’t gone astray, Old Sun patted Brother Haonan’s shoulder emotionally.

"Work hard and live a good life."

With that, they waved and hurried off.

Zhang Linsheng guessed they were probably heading to the airport. Tomorrow was New Year’s Eve, and by his calculation, Sun Keke should be returning from Neon today.

Zhang Linsheng wasn’t clear about the incident that had occurred more than half a year ago. He had no idea about Sun Keke undergoing ’Body Seizing.’

However, after Sun Keke returned from her volunteer teaching stint, she had a change of heart and applied to be an exchange student. Though Old Sun thought her chances were slim, she somehow managed it and subsequently went to study abroad in Neon.

Zhang Linsheng didn’t know that the ’Anti-Great Devil Trio’ had played a role in this, especially with the help of Niveer, a wealthy noble, who had paved the way. Zhang Linsheng also didn’t know that the Sun Keke of today was a far cry from her former self. She was thriving in Tokyo and had even made a name for herself in the Underground World.

He went upstairs to Old Jiang’s apartment. After he knocked, the door opened, and the smell of cooking oil wafted out from inside.

Zhang Linsheng sniffed and smiled. "Master, are you frying smoked fish?"

It was Old Jiang who opened the door. His face broke into a smile when he saw Zhang Linsheng.

From the kitchen, Song Qiaoyun emerged, wearing an apron and full of energy. She greeted him warmly and invited Zhang Linsheng inside to sit down.

Song Qiaoyun’s mental illness had been completely cured...

She had returned over half a year ago. It was said that during the preceding six months, Chen Nuo had arranged for her to receive treatment at the Qingyun Sect. In the half-year since her return, the illness hadn’t recurred.

Given the deep bond between master and disciple, Zhang Linsheng was genuinely happy for Old Jiang and his wife.

After refusing several times, Old Jiang reluctantly accepted the gifts. However, he then went back inside, rummaged around for a while, and came out with a large bag of items for Zhang Linsheng.

"You’re a young man, full of vigor, practicing the Outer Gate techniques I taught you. Cultivating these arts can inevitably take a toll on your body... and you have a girlfriend now, hmm... you still need to look after your health. This medicine... one packet is for nourishing qi and blood; boil it and drink it. Another packet is for external application, for soaking baths to repair tendons and bones. Use one of each daily. When you run out, come back to me for more."

Zhang Linsheng didn’t stand on ceremony with his master, readily agreeing and accepting the items.

This gesture, however, made Old Jiang very pleased. He had Zhang Linsheng sit down for tea, and they chatted for a good while.

When asked about Chen Nuo, Zhang Linsheng simply said that Chen Nuo had gone on a long journey and wouldn’t be back for a long time, claiming not to know much else.

Old Jiang fell silent for a moment, then sighed and made a couple of emotional remarks.

"He’s your martial brother. While he’s away, you should help look after his family."

"I know," Zhang Linsheng replied with a smile. "After I leave your place, Master, I’ll go deliver New Year’s goods to Chen Nuo’s family."

Glancing at Song Qiaoyun, who was busy in the kitchen, Zhang Linsheng lowered his voice, "About Mrs. Jiang’s illness..." 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

"It’s cured. This time, it really seems to be cured," Old Jiang said, his expression pleased. "She hasn’t had an episode in months. We still had some medicine prepared for her at home, but it’s no longer needed. I got rid of a batch the other day that had been stored for too long and couldn’t be used anymore. If nothing unexpected happens, we should be able to throw out the rest soon."

He paused, then hesitated slightly, "However, while the periodic bouts of madness have stopped, she’s recently developed some... strange habits?"

"Oh?"

"It’s just that every morning and evening, she likes to do a headstand for a while. She didn’t tell me at first. Then one day I happened to see her. Curious, I asked her about it. She said she didn’t know why, she just felt like doing a headstand. If she doesn’t do a headstand for at least ten or twenty minutes each day, she feels uncomfortable all over. But hey, it doesn’t affect anything. If she likes doing headstands, let her. It’s not a big deal."

Zhang Linsheng listened, equally perplexed.

Of course, he didn’t know that Song Qiaoyun’s treatment at the Qingyun Sect involved practicing meridian reversal techniques with that middle-aged woman. He was clueless, and for that matter, so was Old Jiang.

When the conversation turned to other disciples, Old Jiang mentioned Dazhi.

Old Jiang said Dazhi had come by two days ago to deliver New Year’s gifts. The things that blockhead brought almost made Old Jiang kick him out!

Speaking of which, Dazhi had a windfall last month.

Remember how he initially went to Hong Kong with Zhang Linsheng to get involved in some messy affairs of the Hong Kong Song Family? They had an agreement that Zhang Linsheng would occasionally help the Song Family with some commercial fights and arena matches in Hong Kong. But Zhang Linsheng later lost interest in that sort of thing.

He’s a boss now, with a girlfriend. What’s the appeal of fighting in Hong Kong arenas?

So, that task eventually fell to Dazhi.

Dazhi was also Old Jiang’s disciple and practiced the Song Family’s ancestral Ancient Martial Arts. And although the guy was a blockhead by nature, his talent... well, it was hard to figure out. When Seed came to Jinling, he’d even given Dazhi some pointers or benefits. Later, during the major battle in Jinling, The Fourth Seed encountered Dazhi and gave him some very peculiar compliments.

Dazhi was now an Ability User. Winning an arena match was a breeze for him.

Last month, he went to Hong Kong, won two matches, and collected a hefty prize, making a small fortune.

Now, Dazhi had a resounding nickname in the Hong Kong boxing scene: The Iron-Mouthed God Fist!

Strictly speaking, how much fame could one achieve after winning only two matches? But Dazhi... this guy had an incredible mouth on him! During pre-fight interviews, the moment he opened his mouth, his words could infuriate people to death! He practically radiated a taunt aura at maximum level! His opponents’ anger levels would shoot to MAX, and they’d immediately declare they wanted to fight him to the death. Then, once in the ring, Dazhi would pummel them senseless!

Those words he spoke. It was a classic case of ’talk trash, get thrashed’ – except Dazhi was the one doing the thrashing!

This pattern repeated for two consecutive matches, and Dazhi naturally became famous. His mouth could enrage opponents, provoking them into a complete fury. Then, in the ring, he could still pin them down and give them a sound thrashing.

Before one match, during the pre-fight trash-talking, his opponent, likely looking down on mainlanders, said he’d beat Dazhi back to the mainland or something...

Would Dazhi back down verbally? He shot back, "Once we’re in the ring, I won’t do anything else. Just remember this: Your daddy is going to kick your ass! If I hit any other spot, it’ll mean your daddy failed in raising you!"

Sure enough, once in the ring, he sent the guy to the ground with a kick—smack on the buttocks! After knocking his opponent down, Dazhi didn’t strike anywhere else. He just kept aiming for the guy’s butt cheeks, delivering a barrage of vicious kicks!!! If the referee hadn’t desperately pulled them apart, the opponent’s tailbone might have been shattered. The post-match diagnosis at the hospital was an anal fissure, a comminuted fracture of the coccyx, and he’d also kicked the guy into developing a herniated lumbar disc.

In this world, there are many who like to show off and talk tough. But if someone who talks tough can actually back up their boasts, that’s truly badass. Two matches in a row following this script—wasn’t that even more satisfying than a power-fantasy novel?

Thus, Dazhi became a sensation in Hong Kong after just two fights. Rumor had it that at least a dozen offers for commercial fights came his way.

After those two fights, Dazhi found it dull. He curled his lip, said he didn’t want to play anymore, then took his girlfriend Xiao Yu sightseeing in Hong Kong for two days before casually leaving.

The Song Family members, however, were persistent, begging Dazhi until he agreed to one more fight. After the New Year, in spring, he was scheduled to fight a boxing champion from Thailand.

At that time, in front of over a hundred reporters, Dazhi blurted out:

"Huh? A Thai boxing champion? Isn’t that place most famous for its ladyboys?"

Man, the reporters went wild with laughter!!! That mouth of Dazhi’s was priceless! Every time he opened it, it was headline news!

Subsequently, the boxing champion was furious enough to explode. In an interview, he vowed to beat Dazhi to death.

Dazhi, in fact, was quite innocent. He hadn’t intended to insult his opponent... he was just an ignorant country bumpkin. In his understanding, the most famous thing he knew about that country was its ladyboys. He didn’t know anything else!

The Song Family in Hong Kong had been very generous with the prize money for the two matches, giving him a substantial amount. Dazhi bought a pile of gifts in Hong Kong: for his girlfriend, his sister and brother-in-law, his master and master’s wife, and for Chen Nuo’s family.

So why did Old Jiang almost kick him out?

The gift Dazhi brought for his master and master’s wife... during his few days with the Song Family in Hong Kong, he’d heard from somewhere about a certain medicinal ointment from India...

Ahem...

The fact that Old Jiang only kicked him out and didn’t chase him for several streets with a stick was a testament to their deep master-disciple bond.

Zhang Linsheng declined Old Jiang and his wife’s invitation to stay for lunch and then took his leave. Upon leaving, he headed straight for Chen Nuo’s place.

Before Chen Nuo had left on his trip, he had instructed his sworn brothers to help look after his family. For the past few months, Zhang Linsheng and Brother Lei hadn’t visited often. This was actually Brother Lei’s suggestion.

With Chen Nuo not at home, the household consisted mostly of women. It would be inconvenient for men to drop by, even to help with things. Besides, in an old residential complex like this, there were bound to be gossips. It was better to avoid potential trouble.

So, Brother Lei had set the guideline: fewer visits from the men, more from the women. Xia Xia and Brother Lei’s wife, Zhu Xiaojuan, would drop by every so often. Even Dazhi’s girlfriend, Xiao Yu, had visited three or four times.

This just went to show how thoughtful and reliable Brother Lei was.

But for New Year’s visits, such considerations were usually set aside.

Zhang Linsheng arrived, his car trunk also stocked with New Year’s gifts. The items weren’t particularly expensive; it was the thought that counted.

Everyone knew that even though Chen Nuo wasn’t home, the mother of his child living there was more formidable than all of them combined! And wealthier than all of them combined! What could they possibly be lacking at home?

Before arriving at Chen Nuo’s place, Zhang Linsheng had already planned his visit. He’d deliver the gifts, not stay too long, greet Chen Nuo’s mother, and ask if they needed help with anything. If they did, he’d take care of it promptly. If not, he’d make his excuses and head home. After New Year’s Eve, when Xia Xia returned, he’d have Xia Xia invite Lu Xixi out for coffee. If there was anything to discuss, the women could talk it over. As a man, he shouldn’t pry. His plan seemed solid. He figured he’d be in and out of Chen Nuo’s house after a quick cup of tea. Yes, he could even make it back to his own parents’ place for lunch.

However...

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!

He knocked, and the door opened.

Zhang Linsheng was instantly stunned!

The person who opened the door wasn’t Lu Xixi, nor Ou Xiuhua, nor the little white-haired girl who usually stayed with Lu Xixi at Chen Nuo’s house. It certainly wasn’t Chen Xiaoye.

It was... an old acquaintance!

The woman standing there was tall, and her long legs, even clad in winter trousers, couldn’t conceal their slender lines. She wore a close-fitting knitted sweater, had a sharp chin, and her face was flushed, likely from the warmth of the air-conditioned room.

She spoke, "Well, well? If it isn’t Brother Haonan?"

Zhang Linsheng instinctively took a step back. "Li Yingwan?"

What the hell? What is this girl doing in Chen Nuo’s house?

He glanced further inside and saw... In the living room, there was also a golden-haired, athletic-looking young woman with an explosive figure—naturally, it was the school director, Niveer. And the petite Japanese swordswoman, Xicheng Xun, was kneeling gracefully by the coffee table, preparing tea.

But wait, there were more people in the living room.

Chen Nuo’s mother, Ou Xiuhua, was seated in the middle of the main sofa, looking somewhat awkward and tense. Xicheng Xun was clearly trying very earnestly to demonstrate her tea ceremony skills, but Ou Xiuhua hardly seemed in the mood to appreciate it.

As for Lu Xixi... Well, the Star Sky Empress was sitting right beside Ou Xiuhua. Her posture was impeccable, her expression betraying neither joy nor anger. She had an air of absolute composure, as if she could remain steadfast no matter what storms brewed around her.

Zhang Linsheng’s mind raced! The moment he took in the scene, a single thought flashed through his mind:

An Asura Field! This is no place to linger! Retreat! Zhang Linsheng had been caught in the crossfire of Chen Nuo’s Asura Fields quite a few times in the past! And the most tragic part was... why was it that in every Asura Field Chen Nuo created, he, Brother Haonan, always ended up as collateral damage?! Chen Nuo, you’re not even in Jinling anymore, yet I still have to take the heat for the Asura Field in your house? Go, go, go! If I don’t leave now, I’m an idiot!

The thought had barely crossed his mind when he saw Lu Xixi, still on the sofa, look over at him with a faint smile.

"Zhang Linsheng, you’ve arrived," she said.

"...Er, yes. I came to visit Auntie. And... Happy New Year, Sister-in-law Xixi!"

The Star Sky Empress, her aura practically radiating, gestured towards an empty armchair nearby.

"Sit."

"...Yes ma’am!"

He meekly walked over and sat down.

Seriously though... in Chen Nuo’s inner circle, including Brother Lei, was there anyone, Zhang Linsheng included, who wasn’t afraid of the Star Sky Empress? Even Chen Nuo himself was afraid of her, alright!

He had barely settled into his seat when a cup of tea was placed before him.

"Drink it while it’s hot."

"Right! Er... GULP, GULP, GULP..."

It was still a bit scalding, but Zhang Linsheng didn’t care and downed the entire cup in one go. He even chewed and swallowed all the tea leaves.

"Um, Auntie, Sister-in-law, I just came to drop off some New Year’s gifts. If there’s nothing else, I’ll be..."

"Stay for lunch," Lu Xixi said, without even lifting her eyelids.

"...As you command." His eyes darted around the room.

Niveer sat there silently. Xicheng Xun was meticulously completing her tea ceremony, looking a bit strained.

Only then did a hint of a smile touch Lu Xixi’s lips. "Xiao Yezi and Little Candy went downstairs to play. My daughter is sleeping inside. Stop looking around."

"Oh."

"How’s business at your shop recently?"

"Good!"

"Are you and Xia Xia getting along well?"

"Good!"

"What were you up to this morning?"

"I went to see my master, Old Jiang."

"Are your master and his wife in good health?"

"Good!"

"Has Sun Keke returned?"

"She’s back... Huh?!" Zhang Linsheng, caught off guard, suddenly paled.

Lu Xixi, however, still wore a smile. "Don’t worry, I was just asking casually."

It’s not that I’m scared for myself. It’s Chen Nuo I’m worried about! A few months ago, Brother Lei returned to Jinling City. We had drinks, and after he’d had a bit too much, he secretly pulled me aside and told me a secret. He said that during their time at the Qingyun Sect, he once saw Chen Nuo and Sun Keke going into a small inn in town together...

"I knew Sun Keke went to Tokyo and was with these girls. Since they all showed up together today, I guessed Sun Keke must have returned as well," Lu Xixi explained with a smile.

At that moment, Xicheng Xun finally completed the last step of her tea ceremony with an almost ritualistic solemnity. Cupping a small, shallow teacup in both hands, she presented it to Ou Xiuhua.

"Mother, please drink."

Before Ou Xiuhua could say anything, Zhang Linsheng nearly choked!

Mother!!! Mother??? What did she just call Chen Nuo’s mom??? No... this isn’t right!

Zhang Linsheng glanced around. These girls in the house—Li Yingwan, Niveer, Xicheng Xun—who didn’t know about their feelings for Chen Nuo? Now they were all here, at Chen Nuo’s home, gathered around Ou Xiuhua. And it was the New Year period. Lu Xixi was even present. This is... What on earth was this scene? Was this like the principal wife leading the numerous concubines to pay respects to the matriarch of the family?! It looked exactly like that!! I watched the old TV adaptation of ’Dream of the Red Chamber’ when I was a kid, you know!!

"Zhang-san, we have already acknowledged the elder as our adoptive mother," Xicheng Xun explained earnestly.

Zhang Linsheng was still stunned.

But Li Yingwan shook her head. "Xicheng Xun, your Chinese still needs work. Chinese people don’t really say ’adoptive mother.’ Here, it’s called ’recognizing a god-relative,’ so you should call her ’Godmother.’"

"Yes, I still haven’t practiced enough." Xicheng Xun didn’t argue, meekly accepting Li Yingwan’s deliberate correction.

The long-legged girl from South Korea, over the past six months... well, how should one put it? Her progress in other areas was perhaps limited. At least when compared to Xicheng Xun, who was already a top-tier Ability User, Li Yingwan held no advantage. But in one respect, the long-legged girl could hold her head high with pride! Her Chinese, after torturous, self-inflicted intensive study, had become the best among the girls! She had not only surpassed Niveer but was also significantly better than Xicheng Xun. One could say that the long-legged girl who had once turned pale when Chen Nuo casually threw a few tongue-twisters her way was long gone. Her fluency was such that she could effortlessly handle well-known Chinese call-and-response lines. Quip the first half of a famous spy code, and she’d deliver the second. Start a line from a popular comedy sketch, and she’d fire back the punchline without missing a beat.

As for how she learned Chinese so well... Sun Keke had taught her.

During Sun Keke’s six months in Tokyo, she had occasionally seen Li Yingwan struggling with a book of Chinese tongue-twisters. Finally, one day, unable to watch any longer, Sun Keke had shown Li Yingwan a ’secret technique.’

"Watch these shows: ’I Love My Family,’ ’The Story of Zhen Huan,’ ’Journey to the West,’ and ’The New Legend of Madame White Snake.’ Watch them repeatedly, even at double speed. When you can watch them without subtitles, you won’t need to study anything else. If your Chinese isn’t fluent by then, I’ll take your surname!"

Li Yingwan took her advice to heart. She watched ’I Love My Family’ eight times! Now, she could even sing songs from the shows, like those about the beauty of West Lake in March! She could casually hum lyrics like, "Let’s roam the world freely, living a dashing and carefree life together." And without a trace of her Korean accent.

Because of this debt of gratitude, the animosity between Li Malang and Sun Fatso gradually lessened. Now, Li Yingwan rarely even called Sun Keke ’Sun Fatso.’

Zhang Linsheng was made to stay for lunch—though not entirely of his own volition.

The meal itself was, how to put it... outwardly calm, but incredibly awkward.

At the dining table, Lu Xixi nonchalantly informed Zhang Linsheng that all the girls present, including Li Yingwan, had sworn an oath of siblinghood with Chen Nuo. The kind where they kowtowed together, vowing not to be born on the same day, same month, and same year, but to die on the same day, same month, and same year.

Zhang Linsheng really wanted to ask if they were planning to escort Auntie Ou Xiuhua on a Journey to the West to fetch scriptures, or if they were aiming to restore the Han Dynasty and eliminate traitors to the state?

However, even someone as straightforward as Brother Haonan could clearly sense a subtle nuance in Lu Xixi’s attitude.

She... genuinely didn’t seem to care one bit about these girls who had shown up at her door. She didn’t perceive them as any kind of threat whatsoever. Instead... it was probably Sun Keke, the one who hadn’t come today, who Lu Xixi considered the most significant threat.

After lunch, Lu Xixi suddenly stopped Zhang Linsheng as he was about to leave.

"Could you do me a favor?"

"Sister-in-law, please, just ask!" Zhang Linsheng replied, adopting a very earnest attitude.

"This afternoon, Chen Nuo’s mom wants to go out for a walk and buy a few things. All these girls want to go with her. I was thinking, a large group of women going out can be quite chaotic, and most of them are foreigners. Some things might not be convenient... Perhaps you could..." Lu Xixi said slowly, letting her voice trail off.

Zhang Linsheng immediately responded, "Don’t worry, Sister-in-law, I’ll accompany them."

"Then thank you... My daughter will also be going with Chen Nuo’s mom—she’ll be carrying the baby—and Xiao Yezi and Little Candy from downstairs will tag along too..."

Zhang Linsheng didn’t hesitate. "Rest assured, I’ll take good care of the elder and the children. I’ll make sure nothing goes wrong."

"Then I’ll have to trouble you. Thank you for your trouble," Lu Xixi said with a gentle smile.

Zhang Linsheng didn’t even think to ask why Lu Xixi herself wasn’t going if the whole family was out. That was a question Zhang Linsheng would never dare to ask. This Sister-in-law Xixi was no ordinary person; she surely had her own reasons and affairs.

So, after lunch, Ou Xiuhua led a troop of girls, young and old, out the door, with Zhang Linsheng in tow.

Zhang Linsheng could actually tell that Ou Xiuhua hadn’t originally planned to go out. Who goes shopping for New Year’s goods on New Year’s Eve Eve? But it seemed Lu Xixi had found some pretext, saying they were short of something at home, which prompted Ou Xiuhua to agree to go out for a stroll in the afternoon and pick it up.

Smiling, Lu Xixi saw them all off. After she closed the door...

The smile on the Star Sky Empress’s face vanished instantly! Her eyes immediately turned cold.

She took a slip of paper from her pocket.

On it, two words were scribbled crookedly:

"Enemy Present"