Thinking of this, Shen Wuxiao picked up his phone and dialed the number that had been marked as a scam. Lin Fan had called him several times earlier, but he had been having dinner with Jiang Huaiyue and didn’t plan on returning the calls. Now was the perfect time to do so.
The call connected quickly.
“Brother Sikong, are you busy?” Lin Fan asked.
Shen Wuxiao responded with a faint sneer, “Brother Lin Fan, I didn’t see the calls earlier. I’ve been trying to gather some information. The Haisha Society has been searching for you like mad these past few days. I’m genuinely concerned.”
“I also heard that the leader of the Haisha Society is thinking of hiring overseas bounty hunters to capture you. You absolutely cannot show yourself.”
Hearing this, Lin Fan let out a calm laugh. “Don’t worry. Even if they come, they won’t be able to leave. I know I was the one who started things, and I can’t directly take action against the Haisha Society. But if they push too far, I won’t just sit back. I have no hesitation killing bounty hunters.”
Lin Fan felt a wave of warmth in his heart. Brother Sikong had always taken care of things for him. That kind of loyalty meant a lot.
Shen Wuxiao continued, “I know you’re capable, Brother Lin Fan, but sometimes less trouble is better than more. If you can stay hidden for now, then do so. Your goal isn’t to get caught up in pointless conflict.”
Lin Fan was stunned for a moment. That was true. His aim was to take revenge on Shen Wuxiao for his brother. If he clashed with the Haisha Society now, it would spiral into an all-out war. Even if he won, it would drag on and bring unnecessary complications. That would go against his original purpose.
Brother Sikong was right—if it could be avoided, it should be. Once the storm passed, he would show up and directly deal with Shen Wuxiao. Once he confirmed the truth of his brother’s death, he would handle the Haisha Society however they deserved.After reevaluating his priorities, Lin Fan replied, “I understand. I won’t act rashly for the time being. Thank you for your efforts. You’re always out there collecting intel and handling things for me.”
Shen Wuxiao responded casually, “You’re being too formal. After all, we’ve been through life and death together. Besides, I’m just a lazy young man with plenty of free time. Don’t feel like you owe me.”
Lin Fan chuckled, “Alright, then I won’t be so polite.”
“That’s more like it, Brother Lin Fan. Let’s end it here. I’m driving, and you should get some rest.”
After hanging up, Shen Wuxiao let out a snort of contempt. He dialed another number, switched to speakerphone, and tossed the phone on the passenger seat. Then he rolled down the window and lit a cigarette.
The call connected again.
“Master!” a voice greeted from the other side.
“Old Cat, spread the word. Tell the people from the Haisha Society to search the western suburbs of Zhonghai, especially the abandoned areas. Tell them to look everywhere!”
“Yes, Master!”
The call ended.
Shen Wuxiao stared ahead, took a drag of his cigarette, and exhaled slowly. Sending the Haisha Society out to search was meant to show Lin Fan how closely the outside world was watching. With Lin Fan’s skills, they definitely wouldn’t find him. But it was important to let him see how dangerous things had become.
Lin Fan was a fifth-grade, eighth-level master. His combat ability was unquestionable. If those idiots from the Haisha Society tried to fight him, they’d be walking to their deaths. No need to intervene. Once the bounty hunters were involved and someone leaked Lin Fan’s location, the real chaos would begin.
Let others spend money. Let others attract the danger. He would just observe from the side and collect rewards for being involved. It was the perfect setup.
Since he had already given the villa to Jiang Huaiyue, Shen Wuxiao didn’t plan to return there tonight. Doing so would waste all his earlier efforts. But he was too lazy to get a hotel, so he drove directly to the Liu family villa—to Liu Ruyan.
The roads were quiet at night. Shen Wuxiao didn’t even bother stopping at traffic lights. Of course, this wasn’t something anyone could do. It required top-tier driving skills and a powerful background. If an ordinary person dared drive like this, the law might punish him, but eventually, he’d be dead.
The drive was smooth, and in less than twenty minutes, Shen Wuxiao reached the Liu family villa. It wasn’t too late, and the lights inside the villa were still on. Liu Ruyan hadn’t gone to bed yet—she was reading messages on her phone.
Ever since she returned, she had been keeping a close eye on what was happening in Zhonghai. She had also been tracking Lin Fan. But she was a little disappointed. That fool Lin Fan had actually killed someone from a powerful local group—the young master of the Haisha Society. Now he was a wanted man. Even if she wanted to cooperate with him, there was no opportunity.
But it was only temporary. She still intended to work with Lin Fan. After all, Liu Ruyan had witnessed his strength. To escape from the Haisha Society’s siege and kill their young master was proof of real power. Her mind was sharp, and she was close to Shen Wuxiao, which meant she had access to first-hand information. Lin Fan had the combat strength, and she had the strategy. Together, they might just have a chance to take Shen Wuxiao down.
While she was lost in thought, Liu Ruyan noticed a car parked outside. Her heart skipped a beat. She slowly stood up. Shen Wuxiao had arrived. He had been here twice in the past few days, and every time he came, he left her devastated—almost fainting.
Now he was here again. There was no need to say anything.
Liu Ruyan picked up a pair of indoor slippers, walked to the door, and placed them neatly on the floor. Then she simply stood there, waiting.
A moment later, the door opened.
Shen Wuxiao’s handsome face appeared in the doorway. His smile was relaxed, and his expression carried a hint of teasing arrogance. “Oh, this is nice,” he said casually, changing into the slippers.
Then he opened his arms to Liu Ruyan. She hesitated for a second, then stepped forward, not to hug him, but to take off his coat.
Liu Ruyan was dressed in a loose home outfit. Her long hair flowed freely, adding a casual elegance to her mature charm. Her expressionless face had a quiet beauty that stirred the desire to conquer.
After she took off his coat, Shen Wuxiao pulled her into his arms. He pressed her against the villa door and kissed her hard on the lips.
“Mmm…” Liu Ruyan let out a soft sound but didn’t resist. She relaxed into his embrace and responded to the fierce kiss.
Shen Wuxiao didn’t hold back. One of his hands…!
After a long while, he finally pulled away from her lips but kept her pressed against the door.
“You don’t look too happy. What’s wrong? Bad mood?” Shen Wuxiao asked casually.
Liu Ruyan looked a little dazed. How could she feel happy when facing the man who killed her family? But she just shook her head slightly.
Shen Wuxiao’s mood shifted quickly. After the brief intimacy, he pushed her aside and walked into the villa.
Liu Ruyan, now left behind, felt sadness, anger, and an inexplicable sense of loss. Shen Wuxiao didn’t just kill—he knew how to destroy someone’s heart.
When he entered the living room, he didn’t sit on the sofa. Instead, he walked straight to the Liu family’s ancestral tablet and portrait. He lit a few sticks of incense, gave them a gentle wave, and placed them before the altar.
It was a ridiculous scene—watching a murderer pay tribute to the dead, right in front of the last remaining member of their family.