Although filled with contempt for the Tang family and distrust for Xia Qingtian, Miao Tong's expression remained unreadable. "Since you say you're sincere, I'll reluctantly believe you then."
After saying this, Miao Tong nonchalantly flashed another bright, sunny smile.
If Miao Tong had truly argued with Xia Qingtian, badmouthing Er Ya or cursing the Tang family for their awfulness, Xia Qingtian might have believed her words, thinking Miao Tong had at least taken them to heart.
Seeing Miao Tong's current demeanor, Xia Qingtian knew nothing she said would be effective. She could only chuckle and say, "That's good. I won't disturb your rest. Goodnight."
With that, Xia Qingtian turned and walked out.
The smiles on both their faces vanished simultaneously.
After the door closed, both of them let out a "tsk" at the same time.
Things were starting to become difficult to control.
This feeling was not good.
The next day, Xia Qingtian took Xia Shang to Z University early in the morning.
As soon as they reached the school entrance, they spotted Er Ya waiting with her hands on her hips.
Er Ya, with her cheeks puffed out and her large, beautiful eyes wide open, let out a soft huff upon seeing Xia Qingtian and Xia Shang.
She seemed to still be sulking.
"Have you been waiting long?" Seeing this, Xia Qingtian didn't give Er Ya a chance to lash out and immediately stepped forward, saying, "Have you had breakfast? We haven't eaten yet, and my little uncle hasn't tried the Z University cafeteria. Why don't you take him to try it?"
Upon hearing Xia Qingtian's words, Er Ya's lips merely twitched, and she nodded sullenly.
Upon arriving at the Z University cafeteria, Xia Qingtian immediately bought three breakfasts. Only when they were halfway through their meal did Er Ya seem unable to hold back any longer, slamming her hand on the table and exclaiming, "I just can't understand it! How could Xia Shang be a member of the Miao family!"
"We feel the same way," Xia Qingtian replied, taking over the conversation. "It all happened so suddenly. It seems we have no other choice but to accept it."
"How is there no other choice? Silently kill the Miao family member currently in your home, and then I'll take Xia Shang back to the village!" Er Ya extended her thumb and made a gesture across her neck. "Or kill the Miao family member currently in your home, and then Xia Shang and I will wander the world!"
"He's my brother," Xia Shang, knowing Er Ya wasn't joking, said seriously. "No."
"Tsk." Er Ya puffed out her cheeks again, stirring the porridge in her bowl with a spoon, and complained, "This won't do, and that won't do either..."
"Your two ideas are essentially the same!" Xia Qingtian couldn't help but retort. "Miao Tong hasn't done anything to you besides having the surname Miao! Can't you just let him be?"
"Not provoking me now doesn't mean he won't in the future. A Miao family member suddenly appearing in your home, who knows if he's trying to harm Xia Shang!" Er Ya blinked her large eyes and pouted her small lips. "Anyone who dares to touch Xia Shang will die a gruesome death!"
Though her words sounded like a tantrum, both Xia Qingtian and Xia Shang knew Er Ya was serious.
If anyone were to hurt Xia Shang, she might genuinely fight to the death.
"He's my brother," Xia Shang, aware of Er Ya's feelings for him, said helplessly. He reached out and gently patted Er Ya's head, stroking her soft hair with his palm. "If either of you gets hurt, I will be sad."
"Then... then what if I secretly... without letting you know?" Er Ya asked tentatively.
Xia Shang didn't reply but flicked Er Ya's nose with his fingertip.
"Oof!" Er Ya, stung by the flick, covered her nose with both hands, hunched her shoulders, and looked wronged. "Okay, I understand now..."
Xia Qingtian watched Er Ya, who looked as wronged as a puppy, and propped her chin on her hand, smiling helplessly.
If only Miao Tong were as easy to deal with.
Meanwhile, Miao Tong had already begun a full-scale search for Tang Jiamingzhu in City Z.
As soon as that Tang Jiamingzhu was found, he would teach the Tang family a lesson and let them know that they shouldn't touch the people the Tang family shouldn't touch!
On the other side, at City Z Airport.
A flight from Kyoto landed steadily. Yu Zixuan, wearing sunglasses and holding her phone, walked out with her suitcase. "Don't worry, I've arrived safely. My collaborators have arranged a hotel, and a car is here to pick me up. You can rest assured."
"Message me when you get to the hotel," Yue Chengfeng said from the other end of the phone. "Later, I'll call Qingtian. She's in City Z, so you two can look out for each other."
"No need. Didn't you give me her number? I'll contact her myself when the time comes and give her a surprise." A happy smile played on Yu Zixuan's lips. "You know, don't always treat me like a child. It's not my first business trip..."
"Heh heh." Yue Chengfeng also chuckled dotingly. "I've already started missing you the moment you left."
Yu Zixuan's smile widened. "I'll be back."
"Mmm."
After hanging up, Yu Zixuan got into a black business van that was waiting for her.
As soon as the car door closed, Yu Zixuan's smile vanished, and a cold glint appeared in her eyes. "Is there still no news about Tang Jiamingzhu?"
"Not yet," the driver replied guiltily. "We've already sent people to look."
"Tang Jiamingzhu has a confidant named Ah Long, who is from City Z. Do you have any whereabouts for him?" Yu Zixuan continued to ask.
"We originally found Ah Long's lodging, but for some reason, he hasn't returned for the past two days, and there's no trace of him nearby. We suspect he's discovered we're investigating him and has temporarily changed his lodging. It's also possible he's reunited with Tang Jiamingzhu," the driver replied as he started the car. "We've already had people searching extensively."
"Give me all the compiled information shortly," Yu Zixuan said, her brow furrowed.
"Yes," the driver replied and drove the car away.
Less than three minutes after this car left, another dark gray private car stopped at the position where the first car had been parked.
Immediately after, a bright and beautiful woman stepped out with her suitcase.
Someone promptly opened the door for her and took her suitcase.
Once inside the car, the woman lazily glanced at the man waiting for her. "Song Junhan, any news on Tang Jiamingzhu?"
"Not yet," Song Junhan replied respectfully. "I've already hired the best private investigators."
"Tang Jiamingzhu is cunning and has countless skilled subordinates. Not to mention others, Ah Long alone is a ruthless killer." The woman raised her hand and rubbed her aching forehead. "Give me all the information you've compiled later. I'll personally arrange for people to search."
"Yes," Song Junhan replied. "Ms. Shen, I heard there's another person looking for Tang Jiamingzhu this time?"
"There is that," the woman called Ms. Shen, Shen Yao, responded lazily.
"Is there anything I need to do?" Song Junhan asked, his eyes lighting up.
This was another good opportunity for him to prove himself!
Now that he knew he had latched onto the coattails of [Gou Wen], who wouldn't want more powerful backing?
Climbing up regardless of the cost was what he should be doing.
Shen Yao's eyes were alluring, her casual glance exuding charm, but her words were shocking. "Find an opportunity, and kill him."
"Kill, kill him?" Song Junhan was stunned. He never expected Shen Yao to give such an order.