However, the man still stood there motionless, with the kitchen knife raised in his hand, as if ready to chop at Song Qiao if she dared to take another step forward.

Although their previous interaction was relatively pleasant, Song Qiao was very sure this group would indeed follow through on their threats.

She took a small step back, reluctantly glancing at the door, but with it closed, she couldn’t see anything.

Frustrated, she glanced at the man blocking her, wanting to stamp her foot but unable to say anything. She pursed her lips and returned to continue cooking.

Just as she was about to start the fire, someone walked in from outside and spoke to the two men in black, "I saw the boss bring back a woman just now..."

The two men in black looked at the newcomer in disbelief.

The newcomer quickly added, "Really, the woman is still outside, and she’s a celebrity. We’ve even seen her movies before."

Since their boss had never brought a woman back, the man’s words immediately drew the two men to the kitchen door. The man previously holding the knife didn’t put it down but walked to the door, knife in hand, both of them peering outside with a gossiping expression.

Song Qiao wanted to go over, but feared the knife wouldn’t see her coming and hurt her.

Silently, she started cooking.

The woman brought by the man initially thought she heard Song Xi’s voice, but didn’t consider the woman could be Song Xi.

...

Outside the living room, Song Xi stood there, unsure of what to do. She initially wanted to leave, not believing the man’s words, but was stopped after just two steps.

This made her frustrated, glaring at the men in black in front of her. Song Xi gritted her teeth and spoke, "What exactly do you want? I asked if my sister is here, and you didn’t answer? You’re not letting me see Li Kai; are you planning to illegally detain us?"

The man in black remained silent, expressionless as he stood there.

Song Xi, "..." It’s the worst when you talk, and the other person says nothing, not even showing any expression.

Who knows what they’re thinking?

As Xiao Ye returned, he hadn’t even entered the living room before he heard voices, "I heard the boss is back? Someone told me earlier that a pretty sister said we’re having hot pot tonight...huh, who’s this pretty lady?"

Xiao Ye immediately noticed Song Xi standing there, froze for a moment, and then quickly approached her. 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

He looked her up and down excitedly and spoke, "Are you Nicole?"

Song Xi hesitated, then nodded.

Nicole was Song Xi’s English name, rarely used abroad as Song Xi.

Xiao Ye became excited, even somewhat overwhelmed, grabbing her hand and squeezing it tightly, "Hello, Nicole, I’m Xiao Ye. I really liked the movie [Family] you starred in. I’m a fan of that movie, always wanted a photo with you, but never had the chance."

Song Xi looked at her hand being held, feeling strangely about it.

The movie [Family] he mentioned was a suspense drama, mainly popular with male audiences, as few women watched it.

Song Xi’s mask and sunglasses had been removed in the car, exposing her delicate features to everyone.

Song Xi was not only famous domestically; three years ago, she broke into European and North American markets with a film gaining her fame there.

Over the last two years, she continued pursuing her career, boosting her reputation worldwide with countless fans.

The boy in front seems confused like the others, wary of them all, but unable to shake off his grip.

After half a minute of silence, Song Xi curved her lips into a smile, nodded and said, "Of course, we can."

Xiao Ye grew extremely happy, "Nicole, wait here, I’ll go get my phone."

Song Xi nodded, and Xiao Ye dashed upstairs, quickly disappearing from sight.

Feeling everyone’s gaze, she used to feel embarrassed, but was now accustomed.

She gazed at the floor, desiring to find her sister and have a heartfelt reunion.

These years, she always pretended to be strong, never showing weakness, only she knew how often she wanted to give up and hide for a simple life.

"Xiao Xi?"

As she was lost in thought, an astonished voice reached her.

Song Xi turned to see Xu Qian approaching, looking slightly pale.

Seeing Xu Qian, her eyes widened, quickly walking over to support her, "Aunt, why are you here?"

Where is her sister?

Could she be here too?

Thinking of this, she instinctively glanced at where Xu Qian came from but saw only black-clad figures and no sign of Song Qiao.

Could it be her sister isn’t in their hands, only Xu Qian?

No, she had asked her brother-in-law. Her sister and Xu Qian were kidnapped together, Xu Qian first, then used to capture her sister, logically her sister should be here too.

Xu Qian, unsure how to explain, simply said, "I guess we’ve been kidnapped...What about you? How did you end up here? Were you kidnapped too?"

"Kidnapped?" Song Xi was stunned, incredulously looking at Xu Qian, asking with doubt, "You’re saying that man is a kidnapper?"

Xu Qian didn’t catch on, instinctively asking, "Which man?"