Chapter 372: Chapter 370: The Tigress Shows Her Might
Several ace bodyguards appeared behind Jian Mingcheng.
Both groups were eager and ready for a fight.
Xinxin clenched her jaw. If I can’t regain my standing today, I’ll never be able to face Si Yuhuan. Trying to do so through assassination was a weaker strategy than using mercenaries. Everyone Jian Yanjun trained was capable of taking on ten opponents at once; she held little advantage.
That damned Jian Yanjun! Just how many mercenaries has he trained! How come Jian Xi has some, and Jian Mingcheng has them too?!
Jian Xi knew that if she didn’t intervene, a major clash was likely.
"Enough!" Si Yuhuan snapped impatiently, a cold snort escaping him.
Jian Xi stepped back.
Xinxin immediately raised her hand.
The members of Secret Gate withdrew.
Jian Mingcheng’s eyes fell on Si Yuhuan’s hand gripping Xinxin’s arm, and his brow furrowed slightly. "Si Yuhuan, you’d best watch yourself."
He said nothing more, turning and leaving with Wan Yu, who was so drunk she was unconscious.
Xinxin sneered. "Want me to take care of that guy for you?"
Si Yuhuan glanced at her, released her wrist, and said mockingly, "Is there even such a thing as ’law’ in your eyes?"
"Don’t be angry," Xinxin said, hurrying after him.
"I was just trying to make you happy. That Jian Mingcheng, just because he’s Jian Xi’s older brother, shows you far too little respect. If we don’t teach him a lesson, won’t he end up walking all over you? Besides, Haohan Group is teetering on the brink. Aren’t you considering taking over Jian Group and getting Luo You back?"
Hearing Xinxin’s words, Jian Xi felt a chill run down her spine.
I’ve been so focused on getting Si Yuhuan to help me get my son back. But I never considered... what if I’m inviting a wolf into the fold? With Si Yuhuan’s methods and cunning, taking over Jian Group...
"Song Xicheng! Get out here!"
Huang Ying came upstairs, her eyes scanning the surroundings as she yelled.
"Over here!" Jian Xi heard her voice and peeked out, waving.
"Why are you skulking around?" Huang Ying hurried over, puzzled by Jian Xi’s cautious demeanor.
"I... It’s not important. Xinxin is in the room across the hall. Your voice is too loud; be careful not to draw her out."
"You’re not afraid of her, are you?" Huang Ying raised an eyebrow. "I’m certainly not."
Huang Ying crossed her arms, her clear, bright eyes seeming to penetrate one’s very thoughts. "Si Yuhuan isn’t with her, is he?"
Jian Xi gave a wry smile. "Never mind me. Go find your Song Xicheng."
Huang Ying must have been shouting too loudly, because the door to Song Xicheng’s room opened.
The moment Song Xicheng stepped out, before Jian Xi could even offer a warning, Huang Ying charged forward.
"What is the meaning of this? Why aren’t you answering your phone? Why aren’t you returning my messages? Song Xicheng, do you think you’re above the law now?!"
Normally, Huang Ying appeared to be a calm and polite young woman, but now she was like a firecracker, ready to explode at the slightest provocation.
Song Xicheng yelped as she grabbed his ear. "What are you doing? There are people watching! Let go!"
Just moments ago downstairs, he had seemed fierce and ready for a fight, but now he looked utterly henpecked.
Huang Ying didn’t release her grip. "This isn’t over until you give me a clear explanation!"
Song Xicheng tried to pry her hand away. "I just..."
A scantily clad, flirtatious-looking woman emerged from the room, her eyes smoldering as she sidled up to Song Xicheng and pressed against him. "Boss Song, you’re so naughty! Is this young lady the ’friend’ you mentioned? Why isn’t she joining us girls for some fun?"
She pouted her red lips, giving Song Xicheng a sidelong glance. "Or perhaps you have something... special in mind?"
As she spoke, her hand landed on Song Xicheng’s chest, tracing circles.
Song Xicheng pulled her hand away. "That’s enough. Go back inside."
He stuffed one hand into his pocket, his expression grim.
The woman cooed, a hint of playful accusation in her voice. "This woman isn’t your sweetheart, is she?"
Her gaze fixed on Huang Ying, instantly wary as if sizing up a rival. "She’s not even that pretty! Certainly not as pretty as me! Mr. Song..."
"I told you to go inside. Do you understand me?" Song Xicheng’s patience had run out. His cold, domineering aura seemed to trigger a memory in the woman; she began to tremble with fear, then turned and fled.
Huang Ying stared at him, her eyes filled with deep disappointment. "Do we really have to do this?"
Song Xicheng frowned. "How did you get to China?"
Huang Ying’s lips quivered, but she remained silent, her gaze fixed intently on him.
Song Xicheng lit a cigarette, took a deep drag, and narrowed his eyes. "I’ll be back in a bit."
"Now!" Huang Ying clenched her fists, unyielding.
Watching from behind, Jian Xi broke out in a cold sweat. Would Song Xicheng actually strangle Huang Ying? she wondered.
An infuriated Song Xicheng crushed the cigarette butt. "So damn annoying! Fine, I get it!"
And with that, he turned on his heel and stalked off, right in front of everyone.
Huang Ying’s shoulders slumped as if all her strength had been drained. The main door was still open, and the people inside stared at her with fear, as if she were some man-eating demon.
Some of the bolder ones muttered under their breath, "Lord Song is actually afraid of a woman? That’s unbelievable."
It was just as unbelievable to Jian Xi. She could sense that the relationship between Huang Ying and Song Xicheng was far from simple. Why would such a ruthless man be afraid of a woman?
Huang Ying walked over, a wry smile on her face. "Do you think I’m crazy too?"
"Not at all! You were incredibly cool!" Jian Xi exclaimed, filled with genuine admiration.
Even though Si Yuhuan is very indulgent with me, I would never dare to act like that. Seeing Song Xicheng obey so readily was truly astonishing.
"I should head back now," Huang Ying said.
Jian Xi hesitated. It wasn’t her place to meddle in their affairs. She decided not to pry.
"Okay," Jian Xi nodded.
"You’re not leaving?" Huang Ying glanced towards Xinxin’s room. Despite all that commotion, Xinxin hadn’t come out. Who knew what was happening in there?
Jian Xi paused for a moment. "Let’s go together. I’ll give you a ride."
「On the road」
Huang Ying was so serene, it was as if she had transformed into a different person. Jian Xi recalled their first meeting: Huang Ying had struck her as a bold yet meticulous psychologist, polite and somewhat cautious. Later, as Jian Xi got to know her better, she realized that was merely a facade. Huang Ying’s true nature was warm-hearted and kind, like a small sun. She wasn’t conventionally beautiful, but her eyes, brighter than any star, seemed to purify the soul with a single glance. Huang Ying possessed a unique charm; being in her company was incredibly comforting.
"Miss Jian," Huang Ying declared, "I’ve decided. After we help you get your child back, I’m going to travel the world."
"You’re not going back to Q Country?" Jian Xi asked.
Huang Ying shook her head. "He doesn’t need me anymore. There’s no point in clinging to his side. This time with all of you has made me understand something: loving someone doesn’t guarantee you can be together. For me, ’togetherness’ is a luxury I can’t afford. It’s time to wake up from some dreams."
Her words were enigmatic, leaving Jian Xi somewhat perplexed.
With a melancholic expression, Huang Ying offered no further explanation, only stating that her relationship with Song Xicheng was over.
Jian Xi dropped Huang Ying off at the residence Xinxin had arranged for her.
"Want to come up?" Huang Ying invited generously, making Jian Xi unsure whether to laugh or cry.
"Alright, alright, I’ll stop teasing you," Huang Ying said. "Today’s not convenient, but another time, we’ll drink until we drop!"
Jian Xi watched Huang Ying go upstairs. Just as she was about to start the car and leave, a flash of headlights swept past. A sleek Bugatti convertible sped by. Through the window, she saw the extraordinarily handsome face of a man, and beside him, the enchantingly beautiful Xinxin.