Chapter 295: Jealousy?

Morning. The Brilliant Tower, CEO’s Office.

As soon as Lin Xiao entered the office, he saw Ning Xi and Wan Caixuan sitting on the sofa, deep in conversation.

“Lin Xiao, did you really capture Wan Shixuan all by yourself?” Ning Xi shot up from the sofa upon seeing him, half-running over to his side, looking him up and down with disbelief etched on her face.

Even though Wan Caixuan had informed her yesterday afternoon that Lin Xiao had captured Wan Shixuan, she still found it hard to believe, even after a whole day to process the news.

Over the past few days, Ning Xi had mobilized all of Wan Caixuan’s resources across Jiangnan Province to track Wan Shixuan, yet despite all the manpower and effort, they had found no trace of him.

Yet, Lin Xiao had caught him single-handedly.

“Yes,” Lin Xiao replied simply.

Before the words fully left his mouth, a figure suddenly flung itself into his arms. Two slender, jade-like arms wrapped tightly around his waist.

“Sister Ning Xi, what are you doing?” Lin Xiao asked, somewhat helplessly.

“Thank you! You have no idea how exhausting it was for me to chase after Wan Shixuan these past few days. I was completely overwhelmed!” Ning Xi said, rubbing her upper body against Lin Xiao’s arm for emphasis.

“I don’t have much to give to repay you, so I’ve decided to offer myself to you.”

She tilted her head back, looked up at Lin Xiao with sparkling eyes, and made a playful face, winking at him.

“…”

Lin Xiao was frozen in place. The warm, soft figure in his arms left him unsure whether to push her away or let her go, especially with Wan Caixuan glaring at them from the side. He could only stand stiffly like a wooden post.

“Sister Ning Xi, please don’t joke like that.”

“Joking? Who’s joking?” Ning Xi said with mock indignation. “You have no idea how much you’ve helped us by capturing Wan Shixuan.” She glanced at Wan Caixuan. “Isn’t that right, Miss?”

However, Wan Caixuan shot her a sharp glare.

Although she was deeply grateful to Lin Xiao, seeing Ning Xi clinging to him ignited an inexplicable feeling inside her.

A mix of sourness and bitterness welled up, leaving her frustrated and stifled.

Wan Caixuan lightly tapped the table, her face expressionless as she walked over. Her tone was frosty as she said, “Ning Xi, you’re at work. Mind the company’s image.”

“Miss, today is a happy day. No need to be so serious…” Ning Xi teased. 

But when she caught Wan Caixuan’s expression, she seemed to realize something and, with a probing tone, asked, “Miss, could it be that you’re jealous?”

“Jealous? What nonsense are you spouting?” Wan Caixuan’s heart skipped a beat, and she let out a cold snort. “Ning Xi, if you have so much free time, I have a few documents here that need your attention.”

“No, no, please, Miss, I’ve been working day and night for several days now. Can’t I have a little break?” Ning Xi quickly pleaded.

“Hmph.” Wan Caixuan snorted coldly but said no more.

She was aware that Ning Xi had indeed worked hard lately. Her earlier words were simply a warning for Ning Xi to watch her mouth.

Ning Xi breathed a sigh of relief but couldn’t help replaying her earlier speculation. Before now, she would never have thought of such a thing. After all, Wan Caixuan had always been cold and aloof, especially towards men, keeping them at arm’s length.

Even after meeting Lin Xiao, though her attitude softened noticeably, Ning Xi had only assumed it was because Lin Xiao had saved her life multiple times and had earned her friendship.

But Wan Caixuan’s reaction earlier definitely seemed like jealousy.

Could it be that Wan Caixuan had feelings for Lin Xiao?

Sneaking a glance at Wan Caixuan, Ning Xi chose to stay quiet, knowing her boss’s thin skin. If she pushed the topic further, Wan Caixuan would probably blow up.

Still, the suspicion had firmly taken root in her mind.

“How’s Wan Shixuan?” Lin Xiao asked, breaking the awkward atmosphere.

“Yesterday, the White Night Squad transported him to Jinghai. He woke up early this morning. The squad has been keeping a close watch over him. Ning Xi and I were just discussing when to head over,” Wan Caixuan replied.

“Should I come along?” Lin Xiao asked.

“Of course! We wouldn’t miss the chance to see his face when he sees us,” Ning Xi said with a grin.

“Alright.”

***

Jinghai City Outskirts, Secret Warehouse.

Wan Shixuan slowly regained consciousness. He felt a sharp pain in the back of his neck. He opened his eyes but saw nothing. His vision was shrouded in darkness. A piece of black cloth covered his eyes.

He tried to speak, but his mouth was stuffed, rendering him mute.

Not only was he blindfolded and gagged, but his body was also tightly bound to a chair, leaving him completely immobile.

As the grogginess in his mind cleared, memories of what had happened flooded back, filling him with overwhelming fear.

He struggled violently, but the ropes binding him were exceptionally strong and securely tied. No matter how hard he fought, they wouldn’t budge.

After several minutes of futile effort, Wan Shixuan, drenched in sweat and gasping for breath, realized he was wasting his energy and fell still. Yet the fear in his heart only grew stronger.

He could hear footsteps shuffling around him, people moving back and forth, yet no one spoke. The oppressive silence was suffocating.

‘Where am I? What is this place?’

‘Am I going to die here today?’

‘No, impossible! Wan Caixuan wouldn’t dare! No matter what, I’m her family. I’m her brother!’

‘But if she doesn’t intend to kill me, why treat me like this?’

Countless chaotic thoughts churned in his mind. Like a criminal awaiting judgment, every passing second was unbearable torture.

After an indeterminate amount of time, the cloth over his eyes was finally yanked off, and the gag in his mouth was removed. The sudden brightness of the white lights made him squint until his eyes adjusted.

What he saw next sent chills down his spine.

A stunningly beautiful woman stood a short distance away, her icy gaze fixed on him.

Beside her stood a young man of ordinary appearance but with a calm demeanor—the very person responsible for his current predicament.

“Third Sister, long time no see,” Wan Shixuan said, forcing a smile. 

He took a deep breath to suppress the fear and hatred swirling inside him, striving to appear calm.

“You have no right to call me Sister,” Wan Caixuan replied coldly, her expression devoid of emotion. Her gaze toward Wan Shixuan was as if she were looking at a stranger. “Wan Shixuan, you never thought you’d end up in my hands, did you?”

“Third Sister, I was wrong! I let greed cloud my judgment and used despicable means against you,” Wan Shixuan said, his eyes reddening with feigned remorse. “I’ve realized my mistake. Completely and utterly. But no matter what, we’re both Wans. We’re family. Can you forgive your second brother?”