Chapter Seventy-Seven: I Need a Reason

When Qi Yufei spoke these words, she felt a pang in her heart. She could only hope Ye Qian wouldn’t truly fall in love with Long Fei; otherwise, things would become complicated.

Ye Qian’s face suddenly turned grim. “I’ve said it before—how could you arrange an engagement for me when I was too young to understand? Besides, I don’t love Bai Yaowu at all. This engagement means nothing. Don’t ever mention it to me again.”

“You child, how can you speak like that?” Qi Yufei feigned annoyance.

Ye Qian sighed. “Mother, are you really willing to sacrifice your daughter’s lifelong happiness for the sake of the Ye Group’s interests?”

Qi Yufei felt a stab of pain in her chest and was silent for a long moment. Seeing Ye Qian staring at her, she finally sighed, “Alright, we’ll discuss this later. You must believe your mother—your father and I only wish for your happiness.”

Ye Qian said nothing, but never before had she felt so desolate. Long Fei, who stood nearby, found himself quietly astonished.

During the meal, Long Fei noticed Ye Wentian smiling throughout, and it was a smile that came from deep within, a look of happiness radiating from his expression. This left Long Fei feeling somewhat lost. He knew his current state of mind wasn’t good, perhaps even abnormal; after all, it was perfectly normal for a husband and wife to love one another, yet he felt sadness and disappointment because of it. He simply couldn’t control his emotions.

After lunch, Ye Qian hurriedly produced the herbal medicine she’d prepared on the road, and forcibly dragged Long Fei into the kitchen to teach her how to decoct the herbs. Long Fei had no choice but to follow. Outside, Qi Yufei and Ye Wentian looked on, puzzled.

Soon enough, the reason became clear—the smell of the medicine was overpowering and pungent. Qi Yufei and Ye Wentian came to the kitchen door, pinching their noses, “What on earth are you two doing?”

Ye Qian quickly pushed them outside, both awkward and excited. “Father, Mother, don’t worry about us. We’re not up to anything bad, right, Long Fei?”

Long Fei nodded, chuckling. “Yes, nothing bad at all. Ye Qian wants to learn traditional medicine from me, so I’m teaching her how to prepare it.”

Ye Wentian’s eyes showed a hint of doubt, but instead of pressing further, he persuaded Qi Yufei to return to the living room. Then he turned to Long Fei, “Long Fei, come to my study later—I have something to discuss with you.”

It was half an hour later when Long Fei entered the study. The room wasn’t large, but was filled with books. What made it especially remarkable was that most of the collection consisted of rare, thread-bound editions. Each book had clearly been read many times, proof that Ye Wentian’s collection wasn’t merely for show, as was common among wealthy families, but that he truly loved books.

Ye Wentian carefully closed the book he was reading, placed it on the shelf, and gestured for Long Fei to sit in a rattan armchair. Long Fei obeyed, accepting the cup of tea Ye Wentian offered, sipping lightly before asking, “What did you want to talk about, Mr. Ye?”

“Long Fei, lately I’ve been in touch with Uncle Fu,” Ye Wentian said, fixing his gaze on Long Fei.

Uncle Fu? Long Fei was momentarily stunned and his eyes lit up. He still felt a strong affection for Uncle Fu, despite knowing the man had left hidden moves behind and that there were many tasks yet to be completed. Hearing news of him, Long Fei was excited and felt a faint ache inside. Thoughts of Uncle Fu brought to mind that empty sleeve and the Azure Dragon Ring; he couldn’t help but become agitated. “Where is he now? Is he alright?”

Seeing how deeply Long Fei cared about Uncle Fu, Ye Wentian sighed inwardly, then smiled. “He’s alright. He asked me to pass on a message: you should focus on your duties without worry. He’ll support you from the shadows. The reason he hasn’t appeared is because his enemies are formidable—he must consider his safety.”

“Is he safe?” Long Fei sighed as well. He had long suspected that Ye Wentian was just one of Uncle Fu’s chess pieces, so he wasn’t particularly surprised.

“He’s very safe,” Ye Wentian replied. “By the way, what about the Azure Dragon Ring he gave you?”

Long Fei was taken aback. “Oh, I put it away and haven’t worn it. It never felt like the right time.”

“You’re right—not yet. But soon, you’ll be able to wear it, and you must make a trip to Yanjing. After all these years, the appearance of that ring will surely stir up a storm. But what must come will come. In this world, cause and effect are inexorable; the debts of twenty years past must finally be settled!” Ye Wentian’s expression grew indignant.

Long Fei was moved. “Mr. Ye, are you one of Uncle Fu’s people too?”

Ye Wentian hesitated, then smiled. “Don’t worry about who I belong to. Just know that I am your friend, and will do my best to help you.”

“I believe you,” Long Fei smiled slightly. “But I’m not used to friends knowing everything about me while I know nothing about them.”

“What do you mean? Are you saying I still keep too many secrets from you?” Ye Wentian seemed unperturbed by the question.

Long Fei replied calmly, “What do you think?”

“Alright.” Ye Wentian considered for a moment. “Ask whatever you want. Though there are still many things I can’t tell you, I’ll share what I am able.”

Long Fei nodded. “If I’m not mistaken, you’re fully capable of protecting your family. Why did you hire me?”

Ye Wentian nodded. “You’ve noticed. Yes, I can handle those mysterious figures who tried to kidnap Qian, but I can’t spend all day guarding her. So, of course, I need a bodyguard. Besides, if I reveal my strength too soon, it won’t benefit you.”

Long Fei didn’t quite understand, but he didn’t press further. Instead, he changed the topic. “Then tell me, why do those mysterious people target you? Surely it’s not just for money?”

“Until recently, I only suspected, but couldn’t be certain. Didn’t I say I’ve been investigating? Luckily, there’s been some progress, which is another reason I wanted to talk to you today. I’ll be frank: I now have a disk in my possession. Don’t ask where it came from. Just know that it contains breakthrough genetic research from Japan. Used wisely, it could be beneficial, but if misused, it could bring disaster. I haven’t decided whether to hand it over to the government. But somehow, the Black Dragon Society in Japan learned of it, which is why they’ve tried every possible means to steal it from me. Before they targeted my family, they’d already made several attempts on me, but failed. Then they turned their attention to Qian. Do you understand?” Ye Wentian explained.

Long Fei was shocked. “Are you saying—mutants?”

Ye Wentian nodded. “Now you see how important this is.”

Long Fei nodded again. He knew well the power of mutants. Every nation conducted such research in secret, but only America had made real progress. Long Fei himself had encountered mutants—one year ago, during an assassination mission in America, he was blocked by one. Though he eventually killed the mutant, the encounter left him deeply troubled by their strength.

To put it plainly, such beings were like unfeeling machines. Unless you severed their necks, there was no way to stop their suicidal assaults. Worse still, most mutants were special forces talents transformed through injections or genetic modification, making their combat abilities terrifying. After physical enhancements, their speed, reflexes, and strength all exceeded normal human limits—they were truly formidable.

“So what am I supposed to do now?” Long Fei was puzzled.

Ye Wentian said, “For now, the disk remains with me. But with the Black Dragon Society constantly after it, that’s not sustainable. I’m currently searching for their true headquarters. Once I locate it, I hope you can go to Japan—show them that people from Huaxia are not to be trifled with.”

“You want revenge?” Long Fei frowned. “Isn’t this beyond my duties as a bodyguard?”

Ye Wentian laughed. “Haven’t you always wanted to find out who’s targeting us? Trust me—all of this will benefit you. Soon, you’ll understand my well-intentioned motives.”

“I need a reason,” Long Fei said, shaking his head.