The reason Xue Shaoxiong's eyes filled with hope upon seeing Xiao Shixiong was that he felt their relationship was extraordinary. After all, the Xue Family had paid a substantial tribute to Xiao Shixiong over the years, and in return, he had helped them numerous times, both openly and in secret.

But this time, he was doomed to be disappointed.

In the face of absolute strength, self-interest is laughably fragile.

Bai Xiangqian, on the other hand, breathed a sigh of relief. He knew Xue Shaoxiong was finished. After all, he had personally witnessed how respectfully Xiao Shixiong treated Lin Xiao.

Xiao Shixiong ignored Xue Shaoxiong's expectant gaze. He first surveyed the situation inside the restroom before walking up to Lin Xiao and saying reverently, "Sir, my apologies for being late. Leave everything here to me!"

BOOM!!!

Xue Shaoxiong was shocked. Utterly and completely shocked. He seemed to turn to stone, staring intently at Xiao Shixiong, watching the scene unfold in utter disbelief.

Who in the world is this filthy beggar?

Bai Xiangqian's deference had been surprising enough, but he never imagined that even Xiao Shixiong would be so reverent. He could almost understand Bai Xiangqian's attitude. Perhaps this trash's wife has some connections. But why is Xiao Shixiong, of all people, acting this way? This is Xiao Shixiong! The King of the Southern Town! The undisputed ruler of the Jiangnan underground!

Xue Shaoxiong felt his brain short-circuit.

Lin Xiao nodded. I've been out for a while; Su Qingning must be worried. It's time to go back. Besides, I can trust Xiao Shixiong to handle this mess.

"Alright, I'll leave it to you," Lin Xiao said. "Oh, and by the way, don't show any mercy!"

"As you command, Sir!"

Lin Xiao nodded, got up, and left. He paused as he walked past Bai Xiangqian.

"Old Bai, someone will be in touch to explain this to you."

Bai Xiangqian, after all, was from Six Fan Gate. Having killed so many people, Lin Xiao felt he owed the man an explanation, as a matter of principle.

But Bai Xiangqian just shook his head. "Mr. Lin, what's there to explain? This scum from the Cherry Blossom Country colluded with Xue Wenbing to steal critical intelligence from our Jiuzhou. As a patriotic citizen, your actions were in defense of the nation. Besides, you didn't kill these men. They had a falling-out over the loot and killed each other!"

Lin Xiao was taken aback. He hadn't expected Bai Xiangqian to come up with such a... 'considerate' explanation.

"Old Bai," Lin Xiao said with a smile, "I always said your current position is a waste of your talents. This proves I was right!"

"Thank you, Mr. Lin!" Bai Xiangqian replied, a hint of excitement in his voice.

Lin Xiao smiled, nodded, and then turned and departed.

Xue Shaoxiong's face was ashen as he looked from Xiao Shixiong to Bai Xiangqian. In truth, the moment Xiao Shixiong had deferred to Lin Xiao, Xue Shaoxiong knew it was over—for him and for the Xue Family. Bai Xiangqian's words, therefore, came as no surprise. All he felt was despair, a profound and bottomless despair.

When Lin Xiao returned to the private room, Su Qingning was still sitting dazedly in her chair. The moment she saw him, she shot to her feet. She had clearly been crying again; her beautiful, almond-shaped eyes were now swollen like ripe peaches. She pouted, her gaze fixed on Lin Xiao with a look of pure misery.

The sight made Lin Xiao's heart ache.

"Come here," Lin Xiao said softly. "Let me give you a hug."

Su Qingning's tears instantly broke free, as if a faucet had been turned on full blast. Still, she obediently threw herself into his arms. Lin Xiao held her tightly.

After a long moment, he said tenderly, "Let's go home."

Su Qingning nodded gently.

"Can you walk?"

Su Qingning made a sound of affirmation. Lin Xiao let go of her, but the moment she took a step, her body faltered, and she nearly collapsed. The ordeal must have really shaken her to the core. It's been almost half an hour, but her legs are still weak.

Without another word, Lin Xiao swept her up in a princess carry.

Su Qingning froze. A blush immediately spread across her fair cheeks, visible to the naked eye. She was so shy. This was the first time Lin Xiao had ever carried her like this. She buried her head in his chest, allowing him to carry her out of the room. Along the way, the distinctly masculine scent of him filled her senses. Su Qingning's heart raced as if it were a rocket, and her cheeks burned as hot as a branding iron.

Thankfully, they finally exited the restaurant. Under the watchful eyes of the other patrons, Lin Xiao gently placed Su Qingning in the passenger seat and tenderly buckled her seatbelt. By now, her stunning face was flushed a vibrant, dewy red.

Lin Xiao got into the car. He stomped on the gas, and the car shot forward.

After they had been driving for a moment, Su Qingning realized this wasn't the road back to Hidden Dragon Villa.

"Lin Xiao, where are we going?" she asked, puzzled.

Lin Xiao laughed. "I'm taking you to feel the speed of the wind!"

"The speed of the wind? What does that mean?"

"You'll see!" he said with a smile.

Under her questioning gaze, Lin Xiao drove onto the highway. At this time of night, it was mostly empty. He rolled down the windows, and wind roared in from all sides. The wind whipped across Su Qingning's face, tangling her hair. Strands of it danced like tiny sprites, freed by the breeze. In the darkness of the night, her breathtaking face flickered in and out of view, a fleeting, beautiful image.

Lin Xiao turned on the music. The heavy drumbeat from the speakers pounded in time with Su Qingning's own heart. That heart, so long held in check, so long suppressed, began to race, faster and faster.

But the car was faster still. The wind howled past, growing more ferocious and whipping her hair into a wild tangle. This, however, did nothing to diminish her beauty. Instead, it gave her a kind of wild, fractured grace.

Lin Xiao glanced over at her. The indifference in Su Qingning's beautiful eyes was gone, replaced by a fiery passion.

"Do you like it?" Lin Xiao asked.

Su Qingning yelled over the wind, "What did you say?"

She hadn't heard him.

Lin Xiao simply smiled and said nothing more, focusing on the road.

At some point, Su Qingning began to cheer, like a prisoner long-caged who had finally broken free. She's been repressed for too long, Lin Xiao thought. She's finally found an outlet to let it all out. He didn't try to stop her. All he had to do was drive.

After some time, Su Qingning grew tired and quieted down. But despite her exhaustion, her face was a picture of pure satisfaction, her eyes sparkling brightly.

Seeing that her mood had lifted, Lin Xiao smiled and asked, "Feeling better?"

Su Qingning nodded.

"Slow down!"

Lin Xiao decelerated.

"Turn your head toward me, I want to say something," Su Qingning said.

He didn't understand why, but he did as she asked.

The next second, Su Qingning's lips were on his.

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