Chapter 123: A Direct Confrontation

The moment she appeared, Yuan Man deliberately teased, “Already out? That’s barely enough time for two kisses!”

Xian Yuqing’s face instantly flushed bright red.

Qian Xiangxiang stifled a giggle.

Dr. Yuan was notorious in their research department for her sharp tongue; only someone like Chen Shasha, backed by influence and notoriously headstrong, dared to provoke her.

Yet, despite her biting wit, there were still those willing to cross her!

“Doctor Yuan!”

Having finished his work, Gao Zhi shed his white coat and changed into an elegant, appropriate outfit. With eager anticipation, he approached Yuan Man.

Leaning close to Xian Yuqing, Yuan Man whispered, “Cutie, I have a date. You’ll have to head back on your own later!”

Then, turning to greet Gao Zhi, she coquettishly flipped her hair. “Doctor Gao, where are you planning to take me for tea?”

Gao Zhi shyly scratched the back of his head. “I thought maybe we could go to Shangya, you know, that upscale leisure spot. Would you honor me with your company?”

“Sure!” Yuan Man’s smile held a hint of flirtation. “The tea there is delicious, and the private rooms are cozy and convenient!”

Xian Yuqing and Gao Zhi missed the subtle implication entirely, while Qian Xiangxiang caught on a bit, watching Gao Zhi’s expression that practically screamed, “You’re one lucky guy!”

After leaving the research department, Xian Yuqing sent a message to Nangong Ao explaining the situation with Chen Shasha and offered an apology.

After all, Chen Shasha hadn’t truly committed any grave offense. Plus, as the deputy dean’s daughter, the political implications were clear.

Nangong Ao read the message and replied: “The research department does need some cleaning up. You did the right thing.”

Then he added: “Try to stay in the ward and avoid wandering around.”

Xiao Zhiyun, having just finished her examination, was surprised to receive such a long message from Nangong Ao and asked, “Is that from Qingqing?”

“Yeah.” Nangong Ao put away his phone and asked with concern, “Are you feeling any better?”

Xiao Zhiyun nodded. “I’m okay. I just had a bit too much soup this morning, so I felt nauseous.”

Nangong Ao’s expression darkened. “Don’t see them anymore.”

“They’re my family…” Xiao Zhiyun lowered her eyes and sighed softly.

That morning, Yao Min and Xiao Zhiying had come by, bringing soup. Xiao Zhiyun found it hard to refuse and took a few sips, which led to her nausea.

But that wasn’t the real cause of her discomfort. What truly unsettled her was when Xiao Zhiying, avoiding the nurse’s notice, secretly showed her a headline involving Nangong Ao and Xian Yuqing.

Xiao Zhiyun usually dismissed such entertainment gossip, but one comment beneath the article struck her deeply: the actions of Madam Nangong after the headline surfaced.

She felt that this wasn’t mere idle rumor but a deliberate signal sent by Madam Nangong.

She wanted to tell her that Nangong Ao and Xian Yuqing were the pair she favored.

If it had been before, Xiao Zhiyun would have let go and allowed Nangong Ao to choose someone better than herself.

But lately, Nangong Ao had been spending more time with her, growing closer than before. Slowly, she started to crave it. She wanted to be healthy, to spend more time with Nangong Ao...

“Ziyu, is Qingqing feeling any better?” Xiao Zhiyun asked. “After all she went through, has she received psychological counseling?”

“Yes, Yuan Man is providing ongoing therapy.” Nangong Ao picked up some fruit cut by the nurse and handed it to her. “But Qingqing isn’t an ordinary girl. She’s stronger than we imagine.”

“She is... quite special,” Xiao Zhiyun admitted with a hint of envy.

“You’re special too.”

Nangong Ao’s sudden confession made Xiao Zhiyun’s cheeks flush pink. She lowered her gaze, silently biting into the apple in her hand.

The nurse, noticing Nangong Ao’s gaze, discreetly stepped out.

Nangong Ao gently pushed aside the apple at Xiao Zhiyun’s lips and tasted that sweet flavor himself.

Xiao Zhiyun obediently stayed still, only her eyelashes fluttering slightly.

“Knock, knock, knock...” The urgent knocking interrupted their private moment.

Nangong Ao stood up, clearing his slightly hoarse voice. “What is it?”

A Ren pushed open the door, barely concealing his excitement. “Boss, we’ve got a lead on Bai Jie!”

Nangong Ao’s expression hardened. “Where?”

“East Coast City, the Zhai family mansion!”

———

After receiving a call from Steward Shen, Zhai Muli rushed back from the company.

As his car entered the gate, he saw Nangong Ao standing in the courtyard of the mansion, his face shadowed with gloom. Except for the elderly steward, the male servants were either kneeling or lying prone, while the female servants stood with bowed heads, trembling slightly.

Zhai Muli had the driver stop before Nangong Ao. He got out, and Steward Shen respectfully bowed. “Young Master.”

He then stood beside him.

Zhai Muli regarded Nangong Ao calmly. “Young Master Ao, you come uninvited today. What brings you here?”

Nangong Ao didn’t bother with formalities. “Where is Luo Mei?”

Though he had doubts about Zhai Muli, on the day of the incident, Nangong Ao and a few distinguished guests had been with the Mo family, leaving no evidence linking Zhai Muli to Bai Luo Mei’s disappearance.

But the lead A Ren received recently originated from Zhai family’s mansion.

Nangong Ao was furious!

Zhai Muli had always been a thorn in his side, scheming behind the scenes, yet Nangong Ao had endured it all, believing their feud stemmed from business rivalry and did not warrant personal hatred.

But the previous poisoning incident and now Bai Luo Mei’s disappearance—both connected to Zhai Muli—had crossed the line.

Today, setting aside all other concerns, Nangong Ao stormed into the Zhai mansion to declare war.

However, Zhai Muli was no man to surrender easily!

“Young Master Ao, Bai Luo Mei is your subordinate, yet you come to me demanding her? That’s laughable!”

Nangong Ao knew he wouldn’t cooperate, so he tossed a phone into Zhai Muli’s hand.

Zhai Muli caught it with one hand and flipped it over. A location search blinked repeatedly on the map—right inside his mansion.

Raising an eyebrow, Zhai Muli said, “So you suspect someone’s in my house?”

“If you hand her over, we can settle this privately.” Nangong Ao’s tone was his greatest concession.

Zhai Muli smiled coolly. “She’s not here. But if you don’t believe me, you can look yourself. Consider it a visit to the Zhai estate.”

Nangong Ao’s face darkened. “Zhai Muli, don’t push your luck!”

Zhai Muli chuckled lightly. “Young Master Ao, you trespassed, assaulted my men, and now accuse me of going too far?”

“...”

Nangong Ao hated wasting time in petty disputes with men like Zhai Muli.

But Zhai Muli insisted on playing games. “Uncle Shen, send two able servants with Young Master Ao’s men inside for a search. So there’s no misunderstanding that I’m hiding a beauty in my golden mansion!”

“Yes, sir.” Shen promptly gave the order.

He then summoned two uninjured kneeling servants.

Seeing Nangong Ao nod, A Si led his three men and followed Steward Shen into the mansion to conduct the search.

Zhai Muli and Nangong Ao stood face to face, eyeing and probing each other.

Nangong Ao had encountered all manners of men, but Zhai Muli remained an enigma, as if wrapped in a thick disguise, hiding himself deep within...