"Did you find out?" Lin Xiao asked.

"Yeah, I found out."

"Go on. Let me hear just how world-shattering it is."

The Third Master chuckled. "Young Master, that's a funny thing for you to say. In all of Jiuzhou, is there anyone with a background more world-shattering than yours?"

"Stop spouting such obvious truths!"

On the other end of the line, the Third Master burst into a braying laugh.

After some banter, the Third Master's tone turned serious. "However, while his background may not be world-shattering, it's still enough that you should be careful."

"Hmm, go on."

"He's the illegitimate son of the Shengjing Yang family, but he has another identity: Vice Hall Master of the Sixth Hall of the Ghost Medicine Sect."

"He's so young and already a Vice Hall Master? This kid must have something to him."

"Yes, he does. He's said to be incredibly talented. By the age of fourteen, he was already an Earth Level Martial Artist."

"That can't be right. Why didn't I sense the aura of a Martial Artist on him?" Lin Xiao asked.

"He might have concealed it. After all, his purpose in coming here is your wife, so naturally, he would have made thorough preparations."

"Makes sense."

"So, kid, what's the plan? Do you want to just kill him, or do you want to play with him for a while?"

"Of course, we're going to play with him," Lin Xiao replied with a grin.

On the other end of the line, the Third Master suddenly smelled a scheme brewing. Having raised Lin Xiao for over a decade, he knew the boy all too well. Whenever this kid grinned like that, it meant he had already figured out how to play with his prey.

"Alright then. Since you've already made up your mind, I won't say any more. But I have to remind you, that kid is ruthless and vicious. Be careful."

"Ruthless and vicious? More so than me?" Lin Xiao retorted with a smirk.

The Third Master paused for a moment before bursting into hearty laughter. The old man always laughed like that when he was happy.

"I'm already starting to pray for that kid!"

Just then, the sound of footsteps came from outside. Lin Xiao laughed. "No more chit-chat. I'm hanging up."

Without waiting for the Third Master to reply, Lin Xiao ended the call.

The door to the security office was pushed open just as Lin Xiao was sipping his tea. A familiar figure appeared in his line of sight. It was none other than Yang Fan.

"Manager Yang, what a rare honor. Please, have a seat!" Lin Xiao smiled.

Yang Fan offered a refined smile. "You're too kind, Captain Lin."

He addressed me by my title right away. It seems he's here on official business.

"Care for some tea, Manager Yang?"

"No, thank you. I'm just here to give you an assignment."

Lin Xiao nodded repeatedly. "Of course, Manager Yang. Please, go ahead."

"The bar is reopening today, and we're expecting a lot of people, which makes security a major concern. As the captain of the security team, I wanted to ask what your plan is."

"A plan? There's no special plan. We'll just protect everything in the bar, as we should."

"And how will you do that?"

"With our men, of course," Lin Xiao said with a laugh. "Don't worry, I guarantee it'll be foolproof."

Yang Fan smiled. "Excellent. With your assurance, Captain Lin, I can rest easy."

"You're too kind, Manager Yang. Are there any other instructions?"

"That's all. Oh, right. Since I was just appointed today, there will surely be things I don't handle perfectly. If I do anything wrong, I hope you'll point it out so I can correct myself, Captain Lin."

Lin Xiao smiled. "Manager Yang, you're being too serious. As you can see, I'm just the captain of the security team, responsible only for the bar's security. Other matters are outside my purview. However, being as young and accomplished as you are, I'm sure the bar will thrive under your leadership!"

"I'll do my best," Yang Fan replied with a smile.

Lin Xiao nodded as Yang Fan rose to leave. He saw him to the door of the security office.

After all, he is the manager. I have to show him the proper respect, at least for now. It isn't time to tear off all pretenses just yet.

After sending Yang Fan off, Lin Xiao called Pei Donglai in.

"Captain, what are your orders?"

"Be extra vigilant tonight. I'm afraid someone might come looking for trouble."

Lin Xiao wasn't just being paranoid. Yang Fan's specific line of questioning about security made him realize the new manager was likely up to something. That was why he was warning Pei Donglai.

Pei Donglai's expression turned grim. "Captain, which fool with a death wish is planning to cause trouble?"

"I don't know the specifics yet. Just be alert. If you spot anyone suspicious, tail them yourself. If they dare to start anything, kill them without mercy!"

A dense killing intent laced Lin Xiao's tone. Even Pei Donglai, the former War God of the Western Region, felt his heart skip a beat.

"Understood. Rest assured, Captain. I guarantee tonight will be completely secure. I won't let anyone cause any trouble."

"With your word, I can rest easy. Oh, and if anything happens, let Bei Kuang know. He's an old pro and will know the best way to handle it."

"Understood!"

Pei Donglai left the room.

Just as Lin Xiao was about to continue drinking his tea, the door to the security office was pushed open again.

He saw a young, veil-faced woman stride in.

Although her face was covered, revealing only her eyes, Lin Xiao could still feel the overwhelming killing intent rolling off her.

Indeed, the visitor was none other than Shen Jingzhe.

"Well, if it isn't little sister Jing Zhe! You're here!" Lin Xiao said, his face plastered with a grin.

I have no choice. I've stood this girl up twice in a row, so she's probably at peak rage right now. But as they say, you don't hit a smiling man. I'm already being as humble as I can. Surely she won't blow up at me.

Shen Jingzhe snorted coldly, her striking, clear eyes boring into Lin Xiao with a towering hatred that made him shudder.

"Little sister Jing Zhe, what's with the affectionate gaze?" Lin Xiao asked with a strained smile.

"Liar!" Shen Jingzhe snapped.

"No, no, no! I didn't lie to you! Something urgent really came up last night. My mother-in-law was kidnapped, so I had to leave early. I really didn't stand you up on purpose. I promise, tonight! I will absolutely treat your poison tonight!"

Shen Jingzhe had been in a state of extreme fury, but upon hearing Lin Xiao's explanation, her anger subsided considerably. So that was it. He left early because Su Qingning's mother was kidnapped.

"Then why didn't you call last night to tell me?" Shen Jingzhe demanded.

"Don't even get me started. So much happened last night, I didn't have a moment to spare. I was planning to explain everything when I treated you tonight. I didn't expect you to storm in here ahead of schedule!"

"So, are you certain you can treat my poison tonight?"

"Absolutely. If I can't, I'm all yours to deal with as you please."

A terrifying killing intent flashed in Shen Jingzhe's eyes. "Those are your words."

Lin Xiao nodded repeatedly. "My words."

"See that you do," Shen Jingzhe said coldly.

She's calmed down. Lin Xiao breathed a sigh of relief. With a grin still plastered on his face, he said, "Jing Zhe, can I ask you something?"

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