Lin Xiao was stunned. Li Shilin had been recommended by Xiao Shixiong, after all. He wasn't worried that Li Shilin was the problem, but rather that Xiao Shixiong was.

"Shen Jingzhe, what are you trying to say?" Lin Xiao asked in a grave voice.

"What, you don't believe me?" she asked coldly.

"Bullshit. Of course, I believe you. I'm asking *why* you think there's something wrong with him!"

Shen Jingzhe gave Lin Xiao a cold glance. "The way he looks at Qing Ning… it's not right. He hides it well, but I can feel it."

Lin Xiao's expression darkened. He was getting angry.

Without another word, he called his master at the Heavenly Machine Pavilion. The person on the other end picked up quickly.

"Young Master, what are your orders?" a hearty laugh boomed through the phone. It was his Third Master.

Lin Xiao smiled. "Old-timer, what have you been up to lately?"

"The usual busywork!"

"Well, if you're free, I have a job for you."

"Who am I investigating?" Third Master asked directly.

"Li Shilin. He's the man Xiao Shixiong recommended to my wife."

"What's wrong? You think there's a problem?"

"Yes, I suspect there is. Don't mention this to Xiao Shixiong for now."

Third Master chuckled. "Kid, are you afraid Xiao Shixiong is in cahoots with him?"

"I'm not afraid. If they really are working together, I'll definitely make a move. I just don't want to startle the snake before we're ready."

"Alright, I understand. I'll get you everything you need shortly."

Lin Xiao acknowledged and they both hung up.

He was about to say something to Shen Jingzhe but noticed she was looking at him with a complicated expression.

Lin Xiao smiled. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

Shen Jingzhe snapped back to reality. "It's nothing," she said coldly. "It's just… since you're so powerful, why not just tell Qing Ning the truth? You might not know this, but she's under immense pressure right now."

Lin Xiao let out a frustrated sigh. "You think I haven't tried? But the problem is, Qing Ning doesn't believe me. Do you know of Myth Corporation?"

Shen Jingzhe nodded. She passed by Myth Corporation every day when she went to the bar with Su Qingning, so of course she knew of it. Although she had no idea what the company did, judging from the corporation's towering, cloud-piercing skyscraper, it was clearly no simple enterprise.

"That's a gift I prepared for Qing Ning," Lin Xiao explained. "I told her I was giving it to her, but she didn't believe me. The day before yesterday, I was planning to take her there directly. She would have had no choice but to believe me then. Unfortunately, Su Daonong and his son just had to go looking for trouble, and that delayed everything."

Shen Jingzhe was taken aback. For some reason, a pang of envy toward Su Qingning sprouted in her heart. Lin Xiao was just too good to her.

Lin Xiao continued, "Actually, I've come to terms with it. I'll just let nature take its course. When the time comes for my wife to know, she'll know."

Shen Jingzhe nodded. "Qing Ning must have done something wonderful in a past life to marry you," she said sincerely.

Lin Xiao smiled. "You're wrong. The fact that I got to marry her means I must have saved the galaxy in my past life."

Shen Jingzhe shuddered. His words conveyed a love for Su Qingning so deep and fervent it was palpable. For some reason, her mind drifted back to what had happened between them in the cave. An inexplicable wave of regret washed over her.

If I hadn't let him detoxify me back then… could I be his woman now?

But then she chastised herself for the disgraceful thought. Su Qingning had treated her so well. How could she covet her friend's husband? Still, the fact that Lin Xiao, that scoundrel, was the first man to ever see her true face, left her feeling conflicted. According to her master, he was supposed to marry her.

Forget it. Since the bastard doesn't know about it, I'll just never bring it up.

As they were talking, Lin Xiao's phone rang. It was Third Master. That was fast.

Lin Xiao quickly answered. "You found something?"

Third Master chuckled on the other end. "You little brat, who are you looking down on? You make it sound like his background is some great mystery. You know how easy it is for the Heavenly Machine Pavilion to investigate someone!"

Lin Xiao laughed. "You're right. So, what's his story?"

"He's from the Ghost Medicine Sect!" Third Master said gravely.

Lin Xiao was startled. "Are you sure?"

"What, are you questioning the capabilities of the Heavenly Machine Pavilion?"

"This is no joking matter, old-timer."

"I'm not in the mood to joke around. Li Shilin joined Xiao Shixiong three years ago. He was valued for his outstanding talent in business. But guess what other identity he has besides being a member of the Ghost Medicine Sect?"

"I'm not in the mood to guess. Just tell me."

"He's also the Hall Master of the Eighth Hall of the Yan Luo Hall!"

A chilling glint flashed in Lin Xiao's eyes. "How involved is Xiao Shixiong in this?"

"He probably doesn't know Li Shilin's true identity," Third Master replied.

"Alright, I understand."

"Kid, whenever you need the Heavenly Machine Pavilion, just say the word. After all, these are your people."

"I know. Hanging up."

Lin Xiao ended the call.

"So?" Shen Jingzhe asked curiously.

"He's a member of the Ghost Medicine Sect," Lin Xiao said coldly.

"No wonder!"

"No wonder what?"

"No wonder I felt something sinister about him the first time we met. He appears gentle and proper on the surface, but some things just can't be hidden."

Lin Xiao nodded. "Shen Jingzhe, thank you."

She was taken aback. "Thank me? For what?"

"For seeing through his identity. If you hadn't warned me, I never would have noticed. It's a good thing you did. Otherwise, who knows what might have happened."

"In that case, you really should thank me properly!"

"Name your price," Lin Xiao asked with a smile. "As long as it's something I can give you, there'll be no questions asked."

Her contribution in exposing Li Shilin was one thing, but her diligent, daily protection of Su Qingning was more than enough to earn her a handsome reward from him.

"Anything at all?" Shen Jingzhe asked seriously.

Lin Xiao smiled. "Anything but me."

Shen Jingzhe shot him a look of mock displeasure. "I'm not Qing Ning. I don't see you as some priceless treasure!"

"Good, that's good. I was actually worried you might fall in love with me!" Lin Xiao said with a grin.

"Disgusting. Are you going to let me speak or not?"

"Go on, go on. Hurry up, what do you want?"

"I want a car," she stated.

Lin Xiao was speechless. He thought she was going to make some exorbitant demand, but she just wanted a car.

"Are you sure?"

"If you can't part with it, then forget it!" she said coldly.

Lin Xiao looked at her, exasperated and amused. "A car is nothing. Just wait. I'll have someone deliver it to the bar for you tonight."

Seeing him agree so readily, Shen Jingzhe felt an inexplicable warmth spread through her heart.

"Thank you."

"What are you thanking me for?"

Just as Shen Jingzhe was about to reply, Lin Xiao's phone rang again. He glanced at the caller ID. It was Xiao Shixiong.

Lin Xiao sneered and answered the phone.

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