Since the theme was Lu Xian and Lin Ling’s outing, naturally they took Lu Xian’s car.
Among everyone involved, Lu Xian was the last to learn he was taking Lin Ling on an outing, and he found out through Yan Tuo’s phone call.
He was furious: “Yan Tuo, I feel like you’ve set me up. You insisted I agree to get to know Lin Ling, so now I have no choice but to date her and take her out—are you trying to boil me like a frog in warm water, softening me up step by step?”
Yan Tuo took his usual approach of appealing to Lu Xian’s interests: “I’ll cover the gas money, and if you’re tired of driving, I can take over.”
Lu Xian calmed down somewhat, looking at it from another angle—might as well treat it as a day trip.
He said: “What if my car gets scratched or dented…”
Yan Tuo: “I’ll compensate.”
Lu Xian had nothing more to say, and after a while sighed: “Lin Ling’s dating life, and you’re more enthusiastic than she is. Someone might think you’re the one trying to date me. If Lin Ling had your energy…”
Yan Tuo: “You’d fall for her, is that it?”
Lu Xian thought for a moment but stuck to his principles: “No way, I only like beautiful women.”
Lu Xian was an honest person. Shortly after they set out, Yan Tuo noticed that his interest in Feng Mi far exceeded that in Lin Ling.
This man suddenly became talkative, frequently engaging in grand discussions, constantly trying to be clever, addressing Feng Mi as “Miss Feng” at every turn. Feng Mi herself enjoyed men’s flattery, and having been neglected by Yan Tuo these past few days, she felt unsettled and desperately needed to find confidence elsewhere, so she happily played along with Lu Xian, giggling non-stop.
It made Yan Tuo and Lin Ling seem like mere supporting characters.
Yan Tuo didn’t mind; his thoughts were elsewhere. Even if these two fell in love and eloped right now, he would welcome it—it would save him some trouble.
Lin Ling, however, felt uncomfortable, though not out of jealousy. She already had some self-esteem issues, and Lu Xian’s obvious preferential treatment only intensified these feelings.
Yan Tuo noticed her mood and, during a rest stop, teased her: “Good thing you and Lu Xian are just pretending. Look at this guy, fluttering around like a butterfly—clearly unreliable.”
Lin Ling smiled bitterly, looking toward Feng Mi who was buying snacks nearby: “Beautiful people are so lucky. I wish I could be prettier too.”
…
After getting back on the road, Feng Mi suddenly realized something was off: “Didn’t Brother Xiong say it was just over an hour’s journey? It’s been more than two hours, and we’re still not there?”
Lu Xian hadn’t been part of the pre-trip discussion and couldn’t contribute, and Lin Ling had no concept of the journey time either. Only Yan Tuo responded: “Brother Xiong was talking about the high-speed rail. Driving takes much longer.”
Feng Mi: “How long does driving take?”
“Three to four hours.”
Three to four hours? That meant seven to eight hours round trip?
Lin Xirou had insisted on a day trip, and Feng Mi worried: “Can we make it back today?”
That would depend on the situation. When you’re away from home, even military orders can be bent, Yan Tuo thought to himself, but what he said was different: “When you’re out having fun, enjoying yourself is most important. If we’re running late, we can always drive back at night.”
…
A bit south of Hanzhong was Sichuan territory, so there were many Sichuan restaurants in the area. When they reached Hanzhong, it wasn’t quite a mealtime yet, but Yan Tuo parked in front of a Sichuan restaurant, suggesting they eat first to enjoy themselves better afterward, and they could discuss where to go next during the meal.
After entering the restaurant, he excused himself to use the bathroom but detoured into an empty private room to call Xing Shen.
Xing Shen gave the next destination: Mian County.
Yan Tuo asked: “Is Mian County the final destination?”
Xing Shen was vague: “When you reach Mian County, call me again.”
After hanging up, Yan Tuo searched for “Mian County.” The place was relatively underdeveloped, having only shed its poverty-stricken county status in February this year. However, it had some fame because the famous Peking Opera scene “Dingjun Mountain” was set there, with the saying “Gain Dingjun Mountain to gain Hanzhong, gain Hanzhong to rule the world.”
Perhaps he could convince everyone to go see the ancient battlefield.
Back at the table, Lu Xian had already ordered, and he and Feng Mi were huddled together looking at a Hanzhong tourist leaflet. Lin Ling sat alone opposite them, looking down at her phone.
Yan Tuo became annoyed and grabbed Lu Xian’s collar, pulling him aside: “What are you here for? Does Miss Feng need your attention?”
Saying this, he sat down beside Feng Mi himself and picked up the leaflet to look at it.
Prompted by this, Lu Xian realized he had been neglecting Lin Ling. Despite not liking her, he should still maintain his manners.
He smiled awkwardly and moved to sit closer to Lin Ling, who frowned and tensed up momentarily.
Only Feng Mi found it delightful. She enjoyed seeing men compete for her, and Yan Tuo was truly surprising—appearing indifferent but caring quite a bit about her.
While she was lost in these thoughts, Yan Tuo asked: “Have you decided where to go next?”
The leaflet listed Hanzhong’s top ten tourist attractions, but surprisingly, Dingjun Mountain hadn’t even made the list.
Lin Ling looked up: “The server just recommended Liping as a good place to visit.”
Liping wouldn’t work; it was in the opposite direction from Mian County. Yan Tuo lightly kicked Lin Ling under the table: “Too far, almost in Sichuan.”
Lin Ling understood immediately: “Then let’s pick somewhere closer.”
Yan Tuo quickly scanned the leaflet and had an idea: Mian County had made the list.
Lu Xian spoke before him: “How about Mian County? It’s close by and has the Wuhou Temple, which is a national-level scenic spot.”
Feng Mi responded irritably: “Brother, you’re here for a date, and you want to visit a memorial hall?”
Fair point.
They’d have to take an indirect route then. Yan Tuo pointed to the top recommendation: “How about Wulong Cave?”
To get to Wulong Cave, they’d have to pass through Mian County.
Following Yan Tuo’s lead, Lin Ling immediately nodded: “Sounds good, I’ve also heard… it’s quite fun there.”
So it was unanimously approved.
The server came to set the dishes, and Yan Tuo folded the leaflet to make room for the plates.
They could barely manage to reach Mian County, but what about after that? Could he find another reasonable excuse?
After lunch, they continued their journey, reaching Mian County in less than an hour.
Yan Tuo had been watching the shops along the streets and stopped the car in front of a beverage store with a queue. He turned to instruct Feng Mi: “Help me buy something refreshing, I’m feeling a bit greasy after the Sichuan food.”
Feng Mi happened to want something to drink too: “What flavor do you want?”
Yan Tuo: “You choose for me, hopefully, I’ll like it.”
Feng Mi’s heart stirred, and she agreed with a smile, then asked Lu Xian and the others: “Do you want anything?”
Lu Xian eagerly got out with her, and Lin Ling, who originally didn’t want to get out and just wanted to ask Feng Mi to bring her a drink, suddenly noticed Yan Tuo’s meaningful look and changed her mind, getting out too—she had no particular thoughts, just following Yan Tuo’s lead, doing whatever he asked.
Just after getting out and walking a few steps, she received a message from Yan Tuo.
—Take more time.
So this trip did have a deeper meaning. Lin Ling perked up and quickly caught up with Feng Mi and Lu Xian. Yan Tuo rolled down the window and called out to the three: “It’s not good to park here, I’ll drive up ahead a bit. Just walk over when you’re done.”
After saying this, he slowly drove off, his heart racing as he turned on the anti-recording jammer he had bought earlier.
He parked the car about a hundred meters ahead of the beverage store, from where he could see Feng Mi and the others’ movements in the rearview mirror.
After taking a deep breath, Yan Tuo made his third call to Xing Shen.
Xing Shen’s third location was Tonggou Temple.
Tonggou Temple wasn’t a temple, but a town under Mian County’s jurisdiction.
Yan Tuo had been watching the directional signs and remembered this town’s name. If he wasn’t mistaken, they had already passed Tonggou Temple.
He felt somewhat agitated: “You mean I have to turn back toward Hanzhong city?”
Xing Shen’s voice was very calm: “No one said the next location had to be forward from Mian County.”
True, no one had specified that, and from a cautious perspective, this arrangement was more unpredictable. But for Yan Tuo, it was too difficult—what excuse could he make up to take the three people back?
Moreover, yielding once or twice showed sincerity, but constant yielding seemed too submissive.
Yan Tuo calmed himself: “Mr. Xing, you should have heard about my situation from Miss Nie. I’m not like you; every step I take is difficult.”
Xing Shen wanted to say something, but Yan Tuo didn’t give him the chance: “I want to use your manpower, but I’m not coming to you empty-handed and on my knees begging. Mr. Xing, I hope you understand this is a cooperation. You have the right to choose me, and I have the right to choose you.”
“You wouldn’t come to Xi’an, so I came to find you. I’ve walked toward you step by step, showing my sincerity. From city to county to town, the area keeps getting smaller, and I believe we’re not far from the final destination—if you’re worried about me knowing your hiding place, then don’t tell me. Move a bit, come out some distance, let’s meet on the road.”
He stopped there.
In the rearview mirror, Feng Mi had gotten the packaged drinks, but Lin Ling held her back, said something, and then both headed to another store nearby, with Lu Xian naturally following to protect the ladies.
Xing Shen was silent, and Yan Tuo didn’t speak either. In the receiver, only the other’s breathing could be heard.
After quite a while, Xing Shen finally spoke: “How do we meet on the road?”
Yan Tuo glanced at the navigation: “I’m heading to Wulong Cave next, taking the back roads in the Gouwan area. Grey Audi, license plate ending in 421, easy to spot. You choose the location, crash into me wherever you think is suitable.”
Feng Mi was choosing hair accessories with Lin Ling in an accessories store when she suddenly heard Yan Tuo calling. When she turned to look, the car had backed up, and Yan Tuo was at the window looking helpless: “Are you trying to make us die of thirst while you buy drinks?”
The three quickly came out and got in the car. Lin Ling sat in the front passenger seat, her face flushed: “Don’t blame them, I asked Miss Feng to help me look at hair accessories.”
She was so happy to be able to help Yan Tuo a little, feeling a small sense of fighting alongside him.
Yan Tuo said: “Let’s go, fasten your seatbelts.”
Lu Xian hadn’t buckled up originally but did so after hearing this. Feng Mi didn’t care; in her view, sitting in the back made it unnecessary.
She inserted a straw into the drink and handed it to Yan Tuo: “Grape flavor, refreshing enough?”
Yan Tuo took a sip and handed it to Lin Ling: “Hold this for me.”
Then he said: “We’ll be there in another hour, everyone take a rest and save your energy.”
After saying this, he put on some soft background music.
Feng Mi regretted not moving faster and missing the front passenger seat. If she had, she would be the one helping him hold the drink now—but Lin Ling? Whatever, such an unremarkable person wasn’t worth being jealous of.
Lin Ling took the drink, her heart pounding. The cup had ice in it, and with the air conditioning on in the car, the temperature difference caused water to condense on the outside, leaving blurry fingerprints where Yan Tuo had held it.
She secretly placed her hand in the same spot. Her slender fingers looked beautiful against the cup.
If only other parts of her body could be as beautiful as her hands.
Everyone except Yan Tuo was already drowsy after lunch, and with the music playing and the car’s gentle swaying, they were all having trouble keeping their eyes open.
After some time passed, the car suddenly took a hit.
Lin Ling yelped, spilling the drink all over herself. Lu Xian was relatively okay, thanks to his seatbelt, only experiencing an uncomfortable jerk. Feng Mi had it worst—she rolled into the car door from her sleep, her head making a loud thud as she clutched it in pain.
Yan Tuo cursed: “Damn it, don’t you know how to drive!”
This was…
Lu Xian suddenly realized: they’d been rear-ended! More importantly, this was his car!
The potential financial loss instantly infuriated him. He unbuckled his seatbelt and got out, ready to unleash his fury on the other party, when suddenly his vision blurred and the next second, someone grabbed his collar and roughly shoved him against the car.
The other person spoke menacingly: “Can’t you fucking drive? You dented my car.”
Damn, why were they so aggressive?
Lu Xian finally got a clear look at the man who had grabbed him. He was of medium build, around thirty, with an unusually large head that made his neck appear shorter. With his furrowed brows and angry eyes, he wasn’t someone to mess with.
Looking back, he saw that the car that had hit them was a small Honda, with a Prado behind it. A driver got out of the Prado, while everyone from the Honda emerged—including the man in front of him, making five men total. While not all were necessarily huge, they all looked capable of handling themselves in a fight.
Not good, they were outnumbered.
Lu Xian softened his tone: “Hey, hey, I wasn’t even driving. Why grab my collar? Can’t we be civilized about this?”
In the car, Feng Mi was still dazed. Lin Ling noticed blood seeping from her forehead and frantically handed her tissues, also taking some to wipe the drink off herself, calling out to Lu Xian: “Is there a first aid kit in the car? Miss Feng is bleeding!”
An injury! Having an injured person meant they were in the right—traffic police would be more sympathetic during mediation.
Lu Xian felt emboldened and tried to push the man away, but couldn’t move him: “Did you hear that? Our friend is hurt!”
Yan Tuo opened the car door and got out: “Let’s talk this through reasonably. I was driving.”
The man snorted and released Lu Xian, turning to Yan Tuo.
They knew each other—this was Da Tou.
Their last meeting had been at Ban Ya, where they’d been enemies fighting each other—former adversaries now potential allies, how ironic.
Looking behind Da Tou, there was another familiar face: Shan Qiang. After several months, his features were still crowded together in the center of his face—people say faces “open up” as you grow, but who knew how many generations it would take for his features to spread out?
Shan Qiang grinned and raised his voice: “Boss, our car’s damaged. It’s new—how much should they pay?”
What nonsense! Lu Xian nearly jumped up: They were completely twisting the truth! They rear-ended us! His car’s rear bumper was twisted! Besides, his car was an Audi that cost nearly 400,000 yuan, while their beaten-up Honda wasn’t worth more than 100,000—how dare they ask for compensation!
This was a scam, extortion, criminal!
He tried to sound tough: “You’re being so… so unreasonable, I’m going to…”
Before he could finish, he remembered the man had just been called “Boss”—were they dealing with a local gang? Better not provoke them for now…
So he swallowed the words “call the police” that were about to come out.
But while he was scared, others weren’t. Feng Mi, holding tissues to her forehead, suddenly stuck her head out the open window, eyes fierce and face vicious, immediately cursing: “F*ck, trying to scam your grandma here? You want to die?”
Holy crap! Lu Xian was startled by her outburst: This Miss Feng, who usually spoke so delicately, was this street-smart?
Yan Tuo yelled at Feng Mi: “You, sit back down! Lu Xian, take care of Miss Feng. You all stay out of this, I’ll handle the negotiations.”
Feng Mi was initially stunned by Yan Tuo’s shouting, not understanding why he was being harsh to his people, but after hearing the rest, she felt oddly secure—ultimately, if a man could be tough and handle everything, she was happy to accept his protection. Who wanted to bare their claws and teeth all the time?
She sat back in the car without another word.
Shan Qiang gave a dry laugh and called out to the Prado: “Boss, we’ve got someone reasonable here who wants to negotiate compensation.”
Then he turned to Yan Tuo and beckoned: “Come on, let’s talk.”
The road wasn’t particularly remote, with occasional passing vehicles and onlookers keeping their distance—they didn’t dare come too close because Da Tou’s group looked intimidating.
Who knew if any of Lin Xirou’s arranged followers were among them, but it didn’t matter now. As long as this appeared to be a normal traffic accident, that’s what it would be.
Yan Tuo walked past the Honda, and as he approached the Prado, the back window slowly lowered, revealing a man wearing sunglasses who “looked” at him.
Wearing sunglasses inside a car—was he that afraid of people seeing his face?
Yan Tuo found it amusing.
He stood by the car, positioning himself so that Feng Mi and the others, as well as passersby, could see him “talking”—he had considered various meeting locations, but in the end, this broad daylight conversation suited him best, concealing ultimate secrets beneath complete transparency.
They introduced themselves as a mutual greeting.
“Yan Tuo.”
“Xing Shen.”
After a pause, Xing Shen seemed to notice his confusion and smiled slightly, removing his sunglasses.
It was a deceptively gentle face, calm and slightly smiling, reminiscent of landscapes, spring blossoms in misty rain, and distant serenity.
But those eyes…
“Blind. Can’t see.”
Xing Shen was blind?
Yan Tuo stared at those eyes, their pupils covered by nearly transparent light brown film, momentarily stunned.
Out of politeness, regardless of whether Xing Shen could see or not, he didn’t stare, letting his gaze drift naturally into the car interior.
There were others in the car.
Next to Xing Shen…
It was Macha.
Still child-sized, wearing orange children’s down jacket, snow cap tied firmly, face covered with a mask—thinking about what was beneath that fabric “skin” sent chills down his spine, even with mental preparation.
There was also someone in the front passenger seat, just unbuckling their seatbelt and turning this way.
It was a dark-skinned bald woman. Yan Tuo rarely used the word “sturdy” to describe women, but it fit her perfectly. He first noticed the coiled lizard tattoo on the right side of her head, then her nose ring—she seemed impervious to the cold, wearing only a black jacket over a thin T-shirt, her expression impassive, eyes gleaming intimidatingly.
But they were just bright—her eyes, like the others, showed no emotional fluctuation.
Xing Shen introduced her: “This is Yu Rong.”
After a pause, he added: “She can hear anything you say. She’s one of us.”