Chapter 123

"Oh... well, actually... I have quite a lot of official business lately. Perhaps... perhaps I will return to China next week." Yuwen Xi said this with his eyes closed, sounding completely indifferent, though a cunning smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth where Eva could not see.

Hmph, I refuse to believe I can't handle you!

"Huh? What? What did you say? You said you're going back to China next week?" Eva exclaimed in disbelief. She then rolled over to face Yuwen Xi and used two fingers to forcefully pry open his tightly shut eyelids.

Yuwen Xi squinted his blue eyes and said lazily, "Eva, don't disturb me. I’m taking a nap." With that, he closed his eyes again, ignoring her.

Eva realized now that this petty man was taking revenge for her ignoring him earlier!

Hmph, how small-minded!

Eva stood with her hands on her hips, glaring at him indignantly.

Then, in the next second, her expression shifted instantly. She leaned over Yuwen Xi and purred, "George, George, don't sleep. Let's go home. I promise, I promise I'll listen to everything you say from now on, okay?" She nudged his arm coquettishly.

"Hey, get up! George!" Seeing that he still ignored her, Eva kept calling out and pestering him.

Yuwen Xi was overjoyed inside. Calculating the time, he decided it was enough, so he feigned waking up, opened his eyes, and looked at Eva. "You said it yourself, you’ll listen to me from now on!"

"Yes, yes, yes, I'll listen to you. Everything you say." Eva nodded happily, giving her word.

"Fine, let’s go home then!" Yuwen Xi said in a light tone. He nimbly rolled out of bed, grabbed his backpack, and took Eva’s hand to lead her back.

Eva followed behind him, looking at his sturdy back. She felt a strange sensation in her heart, a nagging feeling that she had been tricked!

However, unable to put her finger on it, she stopped thinking about it. Thus, she missed the triumphant smile on Yuwen Xi’s face ahead of her.

***

Italy, Rome.

Still the same office, that violet-themed office. Still the same man—that delicate, slender man she knew but had never met—sat behind the desk. Standing before him was an old man, stooped over, speaking in a low voice about the intelligence he had gathered.

"How has she been lately?" When the slender man spoke, two charming dimples sank into his cheeks.

"The young lady has been physically frail recently, but otherwise, everything is fine."

"Everything is fine?" The man whispered to himself. "Any movements from the others?"

"Yuwen Xi moved in not long ago, and he has been getting quite close to the young lady lately." The old man kept his back bowed as he replied.

"How did he find out?" the slender man asked in a low, cold voice.

"He was summoned by the master of that house."

"The master?" The slender man fell into deep thought.

What kind of relationship could they have?

The man drummed his fingers on the desk, pondering the question.

"Anything else?" After a moment, he asked again.

"Yes, there is one more thing." The old man hesitated, stealing a glance at his master. He was met with a sharp, piercing gaze that made him shudder, and he quickly blurted out, "The young lady’s family doctor... he seems to have feelings for her."

As soon as the words left his lips, the air in the room grew heavy. The old man dared not even breathe, waiting quietly for his master's judgment.

Family doctor?

Is that the person who caused her to end up in this state? He actually dares to set his sights on her again? It seems someone thinks their life is too long!

If that is the case, he wouldn't mind helping him end it.

"Keep a close watch on his every move. If he steps out of line, report to me immediately. If the situation is severe, you may act without waiting for authorization!"

"Yes, Master." The old man stood straight and bowed.

"How is the situation at the Whitelight Villa?"

"A few days ago, he spent the day boating on the Thames with Miss Weiting. Aside from that, there are no special circumstances."

Boating?

Heh, he certainly knows how to enjoy himself. A cold sneer suddenly curled the slender man's lips.

Perhaps your days have been too boring lately, if you have the leisure to go boating with your fiancée.

It seems you need something to do!

The slender man’s eyes turned gloomy for a moment.

"Tell them to keep watching. Report any unusual news immediately. You may go."

"Yes, Master." The old man retreated.

After the man left, the slender man flashed a strange, eerie smile, one that was cold and tinged with a hint of bloodlust.

I don't care what your motives are, but after hurting someone of mine, don't think you can get away unscathed!

***

At the Weiting family castle, Eva and Yuwen Xi had just finished their picnic and were walking upstairs, feeling a bit tired.

Yuwen Xi walked her to her door and said gently, "Get some rest. Today's activity was a bit much for you."

"Alright, alright, I know. You're so naggy, like an old man! I'm not like you; my body is perfectly healthy!" Eva waved him off impatiently, signaling him to leave.

Yuwen Xi smiled indulgently. "Fine, I'm an old man, and you're young. Satisfied? I'm going then. Remember to take a bath before you sleep; it’ll feel much better."

"I know, I know! Go, go. I'm going to shower." Eva pushed Yuwen Xi, who still seemed to have more to say, out the door and slammed it shut.

***

Whitelight Villa.

Arthur was sitting in the living room watching the news when a report caught his attention. The anchorwoman’s sweet, fluid voice filled the room, speaking in Italian.

"According to our reporters, the Rome headquarters of the Asciugandosilacrime company held a press conference today. They announced that several months ago, they signed a joint business agreement with the CEO of Blue Tear, based in Norway, to develop a small island in the southern Pacific called Sirius Island. Recently, Asciugandosilacrime will be sending representatives to Sirius Island to discuss development plans in detail with the representatives of Blue Tear..."

Arthur didn't pay much attention to the rest of the report; he only focused on the company, Asciugandosilacrime.

He remembered that at the time, they had a specific requirement to sign the agreement with Ying Yue herself, rather than the Vice President, Xia Houyu. Very few people knew that Ying Yue was the true CEO behind Blue Tear. This company was not simple—or rather, the person behind this company was not simple, because they had managed to hide even deeper than Ying Yue. When that contract was signed, they hadn't even met their own CEO!

So, now that Ying Yue was missing, why would they suddenly decide to send special personnel to discuss the development project with her team?

Who was the person behind this?

"Your Highness, Charles is on the line." As Arthur was lost in thought, Hill walked over with steady steps and bowed to report.

"What is it?" Arthur frowned.

"Our club in Rome has been attacked by unknown individuals."

"Attacked by unknown individuals?" Arthur’s frown deepened into a knot. "Is the damage severe?"

"Not very. It feels as if the other party is sending us a warning."

"A warning?" Arthur’s frown eased, replaced by a wicked smirk.

Interesting. Someone is trashing his place and giving him a warning. Who could it be?

Suddenly, his eyes drifted to the television, which was still reporting on Asciugandosilacrime.

A strange thought crossed his mind. Could this be the same person?

And what exactly was their goal?

Heh, his wicked smirk turned into a meaningful smile.

Interesting, very interesting. It seems someone thinks his life has been too dull lately and has gone out of their way to find him some amusement.

Since I am indeed bored, why not play along?

With that, Arthur picked up the phone nearby and dialed a number. "Hello, is that Yu? It’s me... Yes, I was just watching the news. It said Asciugandosilacrime is sending representatives to discuss the Sirius Island project with you... Yes... I understand you have a contract... but do me a favor. If anything unusual happens, you must let me know, okay? Good... I know. Once this is done, I have some good news for you... Yes, I keep my word... Alright, talk to you later, bye!"

Arthur hung up with satisfaction, his usual wicked smirk on his lips.

Heh, this time I’ll peel back your mysterious veil and see exactly what kind of sacred being you really are.

"Hi, darling!"

Just as Arthur was lost in his thoughts, a playful male voice rang out, instantly making his skin crawl.

He didn't even need to guess who it was. Arthur didn't turn around; he simply raised an arm, propped his forehead against his hand, and asked with his eyes closed, "What are you doing here?"

"I came because I missed you, of course. What, darling, didn't you miss me?" The voice behind him lost its playfulness and turned sorrowful. "Sigh, if you don't share my longing, I suppose I'll go find Yue-yue instead. She will surely be happy to see me—after all, I even brought her a gift!"

With that, the man turned to leave.

"Stop right there. What did you just say?" Arthur lunged toward the man.

Meanwhile, Eva had finished soaking in the massage tub and finally emerged from the bathroom feeling satisfied. As she dried her hair and walked toward the bed, a chill breeze hit her, making her shiver. She noticed the window curtains fluttering.

How did the window get open? She remembered it being closed before her shower.

Eva frowned and walked over to close it. Suddenly, "Eh? Something on the bed caught her attention! What is this?"