Chapter Forty-Two: Emergence

"Young master, we've found news about the miss," said one of the men in black, but when he received no response, the excitement in his voice quickly faded. He continued, "We've caught the first group who tried to kidnap her and brought them back. From their mouths, we learned that after they succeeded in abducting the miss and were preparing to leave, they ran into someone." He paused, lifting his gaze to stealthily glance at the young master. "They handed the miss over to that person and left in haste."

"Who?" The single word was uttered simply, yet it sent a chill down the man's spine, making cold sweat bead on his back. He prayed silently, unsure whether it was for himself or the one who had taken the miss.

"The kidnappers said they saw the symbol 'F' on that person's car," the black-clad man finished, bowing his head so low it seemed he wished the floor beneath him would crack open and swallow him, just to escape the young master's wrath.

A soft laugh spilled from rose-hued lips. "'F,' is it?"

The tall, elegant figure rose from his seat and walked toward the door, leaving behind a drifting phrase, "Those kidnappers are yours to deal with." His words faded gently into the air.

The man in black pressed his hands tightly to his thighs, bowing slightly.

Rome

Xiahou Yu was still tirelessly searching for any trace of Yingyue, his eyes bloodshot.

Nothing, nothing, still nothing!

Frustrated, he clawed at his hair, his fingers gripping a phone tightly, surrounded by several desk phones and a computer.

Days had passed, and yet there was not a single piece of news about Yingyue. It seemed his abilities were simply too lacking—he couldn't even find a single person. The thought made him slam his fist hard onto the desk before him.

"Yu, any word about Yingyue?" Yuwen Xi burst in like a gust of wind.

Xiahou Yu looked up, stunned for a moment at the sight of Yuwen Xi.

Yuwen Xi was dressed in a wrinkled suit, so creased it looked like wilted vegetable stems. The once handsome face was now covered in stubble, his eyes blood-red, appearing utterly disheveled.

Yet on his face was undisguised worry.

Xiahou Yu heard Yuwen Xi's question, but for a moment, didn't know what to say.

Yuwen Xi saw his silence, and guessed most of the truth. He turned and punched the hard wall behind him with all his strength.

His crimson eyes were full of concern, lips pressed tightly, hating his own helplessness.

Lakeside Pavilion

In a haze, Yingyue heard a roaring sound and rose, walking toward the window. A golden helicopter hovered above the pavilion.

Her heart gave a jolt, her gaze fixed on the cabin door.

The door slowly opened, and a soft ladder was thrown down. A shadowy figure appeared on the ladder. The helicopter, still dangling the rope, gradually approached the window where Yingyue stood.

Yingyue stared at the figure, not blinking, though the wind stung her eyes until they ached.

The newcomer was clad in black—not a color she was familiar with—and wore a black cap and black sunglasses. Yet as she looked at him, a sense of familiarity overwhelmed her.

The roar grew louder, the helicopter drawing ever nearer to Yingyue's room.

Its blades churned the air, whipping up gusts that sent Yingyue's hair flying, and her dress fluttering. Her eyes reddened as she stared fiercely at the shadowy figure reaching out toward her.

A sudden gust swept through, blowing away the black cap.