Li Chonglou did not call Gao Baisong upon his return to Wutaoshan. Just as he was about to make a call, he suddenly remembered that it was best for as few people as possible to know about Xiaobai. When he returned before, he had taken Gao Baisong's car. If he were to take his car again now, the other party would surely guess something.
Although Gao Baisong had been brought into his circle, this "own person" was still in quotation marks. Li Chonglou felt it was necessary to maintain some level of vigilance, as one never truly knew another's heart.
Therefore, Li Chonglou directly hailed a taxi to Wutaoshan.
Moreover, for safety's sake, he got out of the car about a kilometer away from Wutaoshan. He didn't take the main road but climbed over the ridges instead, choosing a secluded, deserted spot to traverse the woods and ascend the mountain.
Wutaoshan was not large, nor was it small. The main point was that although it wasn't tall, it was actually three connected peaks, collectively known as Wutaoshan. As to why it was named five peaks when there were only three, Li Chonglou had no idea.
The villa was located in the center, so after traversing, he still had to climb over one more peak to reach it.
Although it was still springtime, Shangjing's geographical location meant its spring was not as bright and lush as in the south. Shangjing, perpetually shrouded in heavy mist, experienced a spring characterized by its gentle breeze.
Like the soft brush of a gentle woman's hand, carrying the fragrance of grass and soil, this was Shangjing's spring breeze. While not as captivatingly beautiful as the south's, it possessed its own unique charm. Li Chonglou, walking through the woods at this moment, suddenly felt a sense of freedom exclusive to nature.
As the green canopy before his eyes parted, the solitary villa reappeared in Li Chonglou's sight at the end of his gaze.
Just approaching it, he could feel its distinct spiritual energy. Taking a deep breath, Li Chonglou couldn't help but sigh, "Xiaobai, only you can enjoy this carefree existence."
This was a heartfelt envy. If not for the things he had to do, Li Chonglou would also want to take his loved ones to such a place to live in seclusion. A tranquil environment, fresh air, and no disturbances – wasn't this the freedom countless people yearned for?
Alas, for now, it could only be a sigh. Li Chonglou knew he did not yet possess the means, so he quickly composed himself and walked quickly towards the villa with Xiaobai.
Given the precedent set by the three strange men, Li Chonglou became cautious this time. After approaching the villa, he first circled the surroundings carefully, observing. Seeing no other anomalies, he returned to the broken window.
Everything remained unchanged, and Li Chonglou smoothly climbed inside.
"Right, I forgot to deal with those two corpses. I wonder if anyone has entered during this time."
Upon entering, Li Chonglou suddenly remembered. At the time, worried about the girl's wrist, he had been in a hurry to get down the mountain to make a call and had forgotten about the corpses. After so many days, he wondered if they had started to smell.
However, to his surprise, when he returned to the scene of the incident, he found that not only were the bodies gone, but the area had also clearly been cleaned up.
Someone had been here!
Li Chonglou's eyes narrowed instantly, and his vigilance returned. Although he hadn't found anything unusual when he circled outside, what if someone was lying in ambush inside?
Regardless, he should settle Xiaobai first.
With that thought, Li Chonglou quickly entered the underground warehouse, familiar with the way, and placed Xiaobai in its previous hiding spot. He then returned to the first floor, intending to scout the area.
"I'll go upstairs and check."
Li Chonglou mused, but his steps suddenly halted.
"No, my current body..."
The man finally remembered that things were different now. Last time, although he was still under the seal of the curse, he could at least merge his soul at any time, giving him confidence. But that was not the case now.
"Better make a run for it."
Li Chonglou shook his head and quickly headed back the way he came. As for Xiaobai, there was no need to worry. Its location would not be discovered unless someone was specifically searching for it. And even if it were found, there was no need to fear. Xiaobai's slumber was not a deathlike sleep; it would awaken on its own if it encountered danger, just like last time.
However, as he climbed out of the window, a shout suddenly came from behind him.
"Wait a moment!"
Li Chonglou's expression changed instantly, but the voice was slightly sexy, clearly a woman's.
"It's you?"
When Li Chonglou turned around and saw who it was, his expression froze.
The person who had called out to him was the very girl he had saved last time!
"You did come back here!"
The girl's expression was joyful, and her pure face, like that of a school goddess, was radiant with a happy smile.
However, Li Chonglou's eyes narrowed. He noticed several figures hidden in the woods behind the girl!
"Be careful!"
Without the slightest hesitation, Li Chonglou moved forward quickly, shielding the girl behind him.
"Let's get back inside!"
Considering his current condition, Li Chonglou did not intend to engage in a head-on confrontation. Unless absolutely necessary, he did not want to forcibly merge his soul.
Just then, he suddenly heard the girl speak, "Um, those are my people. Benefactor, you don't need to worry."
Li Chonglou's expression immediately stiffened, and he looked at the girl.
"Your people?"
"Yes, after I went back last time, my family arranged bodyguards for me."
Only then did Li Chonglou relax. But then he curiously asked the girl, "Did you mean just now that you've been waiting for me here?"
"Yes, last time I left in a hurry and forgot to ask for your contact information. This time, you have to let me thank you properly!"
As the girl spoke, she suddenly grabbed Li Chonglou's hand, startling him. The figures in the woods instinctively rushed out.
Not only were there the two people he had seen! There were a total of four men, three of whom had guns holstered at their waists.
Seeing this, Li Chonglou's eyes narrowed. Would ordinary bodyguards carry guns?
But the soft feeling transmitted from his hand soon replaced his doubt. Li Chonglou reacted and quickly pulled his hand away.
"Were the bodies inside dealt with by you?"
"Yes, I had people dispose of them."
The girl's tone carried a hint of disappointment. Li Chonglou knew why and, while feeling relieved, couldn't help but shift his attention.
"Thank you. What happened before was just a small gesture, no need to take it to heart."
The girl's expression changed, and she quickly said, "That won't do! I at least have to treat you to a meal, otherwise, my dad won't agree."
"Your dad?"
Li Chonglou actually wanted to say, "What does your dad have to do with it..."