While Yu Zixuan was making her plans, Gou Wen also received the latest news.
"Xia Qingtian is truly cunning, finding the Yue family as soon as she arrived in the capital," Gou Wen sneered. "Does she really think that with the Yue family as her backing, no one can touch her?"
"Currently, it appears Xia Qingtian is unaware that we are monitoring her," the surveillance operative replied. "Today, we observed that besides the people from Linglan, there are also individuals from the Miao family and another group."
"Another group? Who are they?" Gou Wen raised an eyebrow. "Are they after Xia Qingtian or the Tang family's direct descendant?"
"Their objective is unknown, but I have seen one person from that group before." the operative answered. "It was someone from the Young Master's faction."
"The Young Master?!" Upon hearing this, Gou Wen immediately frowned and sat up straight. "You mean someone from the Young Master's faction is monitoring Xia Qingtian?"
"More than that, it seems the Young Master is traveling with Xia Qingtian. Although their identity is yet to be confirmed, they appear to have a relatively close relationship," the operative hesitated.
"Useless! Why didn't you report this to me sooner!" Gou Wen demanded sternly.
She hated unforeseen changes that deviated from her plans the most.
"I wasn't certain before. I've only met the Young Master once," the operative explained hesitantly. "It was only after seeing that group that I could confirm..."
"Useless!" Gou Wen glared at the man. "If you hadn't been with me for so many years and proven to be capable, you would be dead right now!"
"Spare my life!" Cold sweat instantly broke out on the man's back as he fell to his knees.
Gou Wen snorted, narrowing her eyes slightly. She settled back onto the leather sofa, tapping her fingertips on the armrest. "Since the Young Master is involved, do not provoke them for now."
"Regarding the surveillance..." the operative cautiously looked up at Gou Wen.
"Continue the surveillance, and keep searching for the Tang family's direct descendant. Also..." a sly smile curved Gou Wen's lips, her eyes gleaming with cunning. "This is a good opportunity to get rid of that Linglan."
The organization wanted to groom a successor for her, and she wouldn't let those old geezers have their way! She, Gou Wen, had worked tirelessly for years for the organization, searching for her sister, doing everything she was asked, and everything she wasn't. And now, after knowing she was poisoned and her time was running out, they were looking for a replacement? Hah! She wouldn't rest until her sister was returned to her! She would use this Linglan's life to make a point to those arrogant old men, to show them she wasn't so easily manipulated! It would be best if she could use the Young Master's hand to kill with a borrowed knife!
Gou Wen's gaze deepened as a dangerous and audacious plan began to form in her mind. Very well, as long as no accidents occurred, everything would proceed as she wished. Xia Qingtian, the Tang family's direct descendant, Linglan... none of them would escape. They would all die!
Meanwhile, Xia Qingtian finished reviewing the documents at Yue Chengzhong's place and had some refreshments before taking her leave. After departing, she didn't head directly back to the hotel but went to the commercial district to buy plenty of gifts. Tomorrow, she would be taking Xia Qingyu to the Yue family, and proper etiquette required gifts.
Her shopping trip yielded many excellent finds. Not only did she select all the necessary gifts, but she also managed to purchase several newly released handbags and some coveted collector's items she hadn't acquired in her past life. Several of the latest women's fashion items were also particularly eye-catching. Hours passed by in a blur of shopping.
Those tailing Xia Qingtian began to wonder if she was simply a woman indulging in retail therapy or if she had discovered their surveillance and was deliberately trying to shake them off. Xia Qingtian, on the other hand, was enjoying herself. She bought her items, paid, and had them delivered directly to the hotel. She visited one store after another, fueling herself with coffee, milk tea, and snacks. Occasionally, she was recognized by fans and happily posed for photos, earning even more praise.
The surveillance team was truly exhausted. Come to think of it, the Yue family had already gotten involved, so they surely would have informed Xia Qingtian about being followed. Therefore, yes, that must be it. Xia Qingtian was deliberately making them work overtime! It was too much! But they had no recourse. Their orders were clear, so they could only accept their fate and continue following her!
As the sun began to set, Xia Qingtian finally returned to the hotel and had her purchases delivered to her room. Just as she finished tipping the delivery person, Xia Qingyu and her group returned from their bus trip.
"Sister!" Xia Qingyu excitedly rushed towards Xia Qingtian upon seeing her. "What did you do today?"
"I went shopping. I bought you and Aunt Liu a lot of clothes and bags. You can try them on later," Xia Qingtian said, gently ruffling Xia Qingyu's hair. "How was your exam today? Did it go smoothly?"
"It was good, not difficult," Xia Qingyu felt she had performed well. Competitions like these were all similar; stable performance was key.
"That's good," Xia Qingtian smiled and helped Xia Qingyu try on clothes. When she tried on an off-the-shoulder satin dress, Xia Qingtian's eyes lit up. "This one is the prettiest! I fell in love with it at first sight! Try on these strappy sandals."
"Strappy sandals are difficult to wear," Xia Qingyu tossed her long hair, looking at the intricate footwear.
"They're difficult to wear, but they're beautiful! Hurry and put them on," Xia Qingtian urged, simultaneously raising Xia Qingyu's hair and casually styling it into a fluffy, cute bun. Then, with satisfaction, she pulled the shoed Xia Qingyu to stand in front of the hotel's full-length mirror and said, "Beautiful, right?"
"Mmm," Xia Qingyu gazed at Xia Qingtian's reflection in the mirror, smiling faintly as she nodded. "Very beautiful."
"It's about time. Let's go eat. Is the hotel restaurant okay?" Xia Qingtian linked arms with Xia Qingyu. "Although I'd love to take you somewhere else for a treat, with the exam tomorrow, digestive health is most important. The hotel restaurant's food might be average, but it's less likely to cause problems. Let's go with this~"
"Okay," Xia Qingyu was not a picky eater and would do as Xia Qingtian said.
Upon arriving at the hotel restaurant, Xia Qingtian ordered a table full of dishes and reminded Xia Qingyu to call Li Xiaozhong and the others. Once everyone was assembled, Xia Qingtian signaled the hotel to start serving the food.
"I knew coming with you guys was the right choice!" Shi Xingwu exclaimed with a chuckle, looking at the delicious spread. "I want to participate next time you have an outing!"
"Then I'll trouble you to focus on your studies, alright?" Li Xiaozhong said helplessly.
"Studying is impossible. It's not like it works just by focusing on it. If it did, I'd definitely burn incense, bathe, and worship the God of Literature, asking him to bless my exams and keep me from falling asleep in class," Shi Xingwu said, propping his chin on one hand.
"When I tell you to focus, am I asking you to turn to superstition? Your direction of effort is becoming increasingly deviated, and you'll never reach Rome in your life!" Li Xiaozhong retorted, annoyed.
"Why would I go to Rome? I think I can handle gladiator combat," Shi Xingwu flexed his muscles.
"..." Li Xiaozhong rubbed his forehead in exasperation.
The interaction between the two amused everyone at the table.