?Zhang Wei's nod was more of an affirmation than a gesture. "So, that must be it. Chen Yulan must have known about the threats. She chose Liu Ming – a lesser evil compared to the Councilman's son – to protect you."
A bitter realization washed over Chen Dong's face. "It... it might be true."
Zhang Wei's tone turned accusatory, his words sharp as he stepped closer. "Do you realize it now? Your inaction forced her hand. What kind of brother does that make you?" His mockery was a piercing blade, forcing Chen Dong to the edge.
Chen Dong's fists clenched, his nails digging into his palms. "I'll kill that bastard Fan Jun!" The inception of this chapter's publication is linked to N0v3lb11n.
Zhang Wei's laugh, however, was devoid of humor. "And then what? Get yourself thrown behind bars? Ruin what's left of Chen Yulan's life as she scrambles to bail you out?"
!!
Chen Dong's realization, chasing away the shadows of anger from his face. "You're right. I was being impulsive. But when did you start sounding like the wise one, Zhang Wei?"
Zhang Wei's grinned, confidently. "It's not me who's matured. You're just being stupid."
"..."
Chen Dong's response was a silent, frustrated stare.
He drew a deep breath, his chest rising and falling in the cool night air, gathering his thoughts for a reply. But before he could speak, Yu Lei emerged from the shadows, her approach almost spectral. In her hands, she held a collection of mini LED lights, each attached to a miniature device.
The lights twinkled like a cluster of stars in her palm. "Husband, these are the trackers I installed. I've removed them all," she said, her voice tinged with a reluctance that shimmered in her eyes.
Zhang Wei's eyebrows twitched in disbelief. "How many are those?"
Yu Lei attempted a nonchalant shrug. "Not many."
Unsatisfied, Zhang Wei pressed further. "Give me a number."
With a sigh, Yu Lei's internal monologue betrayed her admiration. 'He's so charming when he's assertive.' She relented, "Twenty-one."
Zhang Wei's expression froze, a blank mask of suprise. 'Twenty-one is 'not many'?'
Even Chen Dong, standing nearby, wore an expression of baffled amusement. 'Where on earth did Zhang Wei find this woman?'
Yu Lei's pout was almost childlike. "What's wrong with using trackers? I just want to ensure your safety! Husband, it's all for you!"
Zhang Wei's frown deepened, his stance firm. "No more trackers on anything related to me. That's final."
Yu Lei's sigh was a mix of disappointment and resignation, but her eyes suddenly sparkled with a new idea. "Can I fix them in other places then?" Her voice held a hopeful lilt, her eyes shining with the thrill of the possibility.
"Hmm... thanks fine." After a moment of contemplative silence, Zhang Wei gave a hesitant nod of approval.
"Yay!" Yu Lei's exclamation was a burst of joy in the night.
She spun around, her grin as bright as the lights she held, and then turned back to face Zhang Wei, her smile now soft and warm.
This swift change in her demeanor caught Zhang Wei off guard, a rare moment of concern flashing across his features.
Before he could formulate a response, Yu Lei closed the distance between them in a fluid motion.
She planted a quick, affectionate kiss on his lips, a fleeting connection that left him momentarily speechless.
With that, she turned and walked away, not wanting to intrude on what she perceived as men's matters.
Zhang Wei stood in stunned silence, watching her retreating figure. Finally, he exhaled a heavy sigh. 'System, why do I feel her condition is only getting worse?'
System responded, [There is nothing to worry about, Host.]
Zhang Wei shook his head, his disbelief clear. He wasn't convinced. The system added, [You have the power to cure her, should you choose to... But it seems you're not too interested in doing so.]
Zhang Wei's expression turned introspective. He was indeed hesitant, mostly due to the potential consequences that might follow her recovery. But he knew that if her condition continued to deteriorate, he might have no choice but to intervene.
His contemplation was abruptly cut short as a critical realization hit him. 'System, why didn't you inform me about the tracker in the car?'
System hesistated, it's voice tinged with a guilty conscience. [I... forgot.]
Zhang Wei shook his head, a mix of amusement and exasperation at the system's unreliablity.
He then redirected his focus to Chen Dong, who was still visibly shaken by Yu Lei's unexpected display. "Brother Dong, it's time you were completely honest about this councilman and his son. Or are you content with hiding behind a woman's skirts?"
Chen Dong snapped out of his daze, his expression hardening as he met Zhang Wei's piercing gaze.
Zhang Wei's words had struck a nerve, prompting a deep sense of resolve within him.
He divulged every detail he knew about the councilman's son, Fan Jun, his voice steady but laced with underlying resentment.
Ten minutes later, as the final pieces of the story were laid bare, Zhang Wei murmured, almost to himself, "So, he's already engaged..."
Chen Dong's voice was bitter, a caustic edge sharpening his words. "Yes, the scoundrel wanted Yulan as a concubine."
A flicker of intrigue passed through Zhang Wei's eyes. "Interesting... Men with wives and daughters should think twice before preying on someone else's sister." His voice was low, a dangerous undertone resonating within it.
Chen Dong, catching the ominous glint in Zhang Wei's eyes, frowned with concern. "There's no need for rash actions, Zhang Wei. We should plan this carefully."
Zhang Wei's response was decisive, "Let's meet her tomorrow."
"Huh?" Chen Dong's shock was evident, fully aware of the implications. 'She' was the councilman's fiancée.
This was akin to stepping directly into the viper's den.
But Zhang Wei was undeterred by Chen Dong's astonishment. His mind was already racing, plotting a strategy to damage Fan Jun deeply.
In that moment of strategic contemplation, the tranquility of the night was shattered by a sudden, ear-splitting explosion.
Boooom!
The blast erupted right in front of the garage, sending a deafening roar through the neighborhood.
The shockwaves rippled through the air, the ground trembling beneath their feet.
?Zhang Wei's nod was more of an affirmation than a gesture. "So, that must be it. Chen Yulan must have known about the threats. She chose Liu Ming – a lesser evil compared to the Councilman's son – to protect you."
A bitter realization washed over Chen Dong's face. "It... it might be true."
Zhang Wei's tone turned accusatory, his words sharp as he stepped closer. "Do you realize it now? Your inaction forced her hand. What kind of brother does that make you?" His mockery was a piercing blade, forcing Chen Dong to the edge.
Chen Dong's fists clenched, his nails digging into his palms. "I'll kill that bastard Fan Jun!" The inception of this chapter's publication is linked to N0v3lb11n.
Zhang Wei's laugh, however, was devoid of humor. "And then what? Get yourself thrown behind bars? Ruin what's left of Chen Yulan's life as she scrambles to bail you out?"
!!
Chen Dong's realization, chasing away the shadows of anger from his face. "You're right. I was being impulsive. But when did you start sounding like the wise one, Zhang Wei?"
Zhang Wei's grinned, confidently. "It's not me who's matured. You're just being stupid."
"..."
Chen Dong's response was a silent, frustrated stare.
He drew a deep breath, his chest rising and falling in the cool night air, gathering his thoughts for a reply. But before he could speak, Yu Lei emerged from the shadows, her approach almost spectral. In her hands, she held a collection of mini LED lights, each attached to a miniature device.
The lights twinkled like a cluster of stars in her palm. "Husband, these are the trackers I installed. I've removed them all," she said, her voice tinged with a reluctance that shimmered in her eyes.
Zhang Wei's eyebrows twitched in disbelief. "How many are those?"
Yu Lei attempted a nonchalant shrug. "Not many."
Unsatisfied, Zhang Wei pressed further. "Give me a number."
With a sigh, Yu Lei's internal monologue betrayed her admiration. 'He's so charming when he's assertive.' She relented, "Twenty-one."
Zhang Wei's expression froze, a blank mask of suprise. 'Twenty-one is 'not many'?'
Even Chen Dong, standing nearby, wore an expression of baffled amusement. 'Where on earth did Zhang Wei find this woman?'
Yu Lei's pout was almost childlike. "What's wrong with using trackers? I just want to ensure your safety! Husband, it's all for you!"
Zhang Wei's frown deepened, his stance firm. "No more trackers on anything related to me. That's final."
Yu Lei's sigh was a mix of disappointment and resignation, but her eyes suddenly sparkled with a new idea. "Can I fix them in other places then?" Her voice held a hopeful lilt, her eyes shining with the thrill of the possibility.
"Hmm... thanks fine." After a moment of contemplative silence, Zhang Wei gave a hesitant nod of approval.
"Yay!" Yu Lei's exclamation was a burst of joy in the night.
She spun around, her grin as bright as the lights she held, and then turned back to face Zhang Wei, her smile now soft and warm.
This swift change in her demeanor caught Zhang Wei off guard, a rare moment of concern flashing across his features.
Before he could formulate a response, Yu Lei closed the distance between them in a fluid motion.
She planted a quick, affectionate kiss on his lips, a fleeting connection that left him momentarily speechless.
With that, she turned and walked away, not wanting to intrude on what she perceived as men's matters.
Zhang Wei stood in stunned silence, watching her retreating figure. Finally, he exhaled a heavy sigh. 'System, why do I feel her condition is only getting worse?'
System responded, [There is nothing to worry about, Host.]
Zhang Wei shook his head, his disbelief clear. He wasn't convinced. The system added, [You have the power to cure her, should you choose to... But it seems you're not too interested in doing so.]
Zhang Wei's expression turned introspective. He was indeed hesitant, mostly due to the potential consequences that might follow her recovery. But he knew that if her condition continued to deteriorate, he might have no choice but to intervene.
His contemplation was abruptly cut short as a critical realization hit him. 'System, why didn't you inform me about the tracker in the car?'
System hesistated, it's voice tinged with a guilty conscience. [I... forgot.]
Zhang Wei shook his head, a mix of amusement and exasperation at the system's unreliablity.
He then redirected his focus to Chen Dong, who was still visibly shaken by Yu Lei's unexpected display. "Brother Dong, it's time you were completely honest about this councilman and his son. Or are you content with hiding behind a woman's skirts?"
Chen Dong snapped out of his daze, his expression hardening as he met Zhang Wei's piercing gaze.
Zhang Wei's words had struck a nerve, prompting a deep sense of resolve within him.
He divulged every detail he knew about the councilman's son, Fan Jun, his voice steady but laced with underlying resentment.
Ten minutes later, as the final pieces of the story were laid bare, Zhang Wei murmured, almost to himself, "So, he's already engaged..."
Chen Dong's voice was bitter, a caustic edge sharpening his words. "Yes, the scoundrel wanted Yulan as a concubine."
A flicker of intrigue passed through Zhang Wei's eyes. "Interesting... Men with wives and daughters should think twice before preying on someone else's sister." His voice was low, a dangerous undertone resonating within it.
Chen Dong, catching the ominous glint in Zhang Wei's eyes, frowned with concern. "There's no need for rash actions, Zhang Wei. We should plan this carefully."
Zhang Wei's response was decisive, "Let's meet her tomorrow."
"Huh?" Chen Dong's shock was evident, fully aware of the implications. 'She' was the councilman's fiancée.
This was akin to stepping directly into the viper's den.
But Zhang Wei was undeterred by Chen Dong's astonishment. His mind was already racing, plotting a strategy to damage Fan Jun deeply.
In that moment of strategic contemplation, the tranquility of the night was shattered by a sudden, ear-splitting explosion.
Boooom!
The blast erupted right in front of the garage, sending a deafening roar through the neighborhood.
The shockwaves rippled through the air, the ground trembling beneath their feet.
