Chapter 101: Chen Ning Again?

Shu Ran kept a low profile and continued to wander through the villa district.

In a concealed corner of the area, she discovered the squad brought by Chi Long.

Ever since that day in the hospital alley, after settling the remaining matters, Shu Ran had started to harbor doubts about Xiao Ye's true identity.

Her suspicions deepened especially after learning that Qin Xue’er had recently purchased a villa.

Having witnessed it with her own eyes, she was about eighty percent sure that Xiao Ye was no ordinary person.

Just as she was about to investigate further, her phone suddenly rang.

“What’s the matter? The family’s investment assets have been sealed off? I’m heading back immediately!”

Her expression instantly turned tense. After ending the call, she turned and left the villa area without leaving a word to Xiao Ye or anyone else.

By the time they realized, Shu Ran’s figure had completely vanished from the courtyard.

“She said she’d stay here for a few days, but now she’s nowhere to be found,” Qin Xue’er complained, calling Shu Ran only to be met with a series of busy signals.

“It’s probably nothing serious. After all, her family must have things to attend to. Leaving without notice isn’t that unusual,” Xiao Ye reassured Qin Xue’er. He had done all he could, repaid his debts, and anything that happened afterward was no longer his concern.

As for Shu Ran, everyone was an adult with their own important lives; Xiao Ye didn’t dwell on it much.

Yet, the expression before him changed instantly—Qin Xue’er fell silent, but the hopeful gleam in her eyes grew ever more intense.

This was a rekindled friendship after a long time apart.

Xiao Ye understood Qin Xue’er’s feelings well. Though unwilling deep down, he chose to consider her emotions carefully.

He had already transferred the villa’s surveillance footage onto his phone for constant monitoring.

The video showed Shu Ran wandering around the villa before receiving a call and then hurriedly leaving.

Xiao Ye showed the footage to Qin Xue’er, but she frowned deeply.

“Xiao Ran is definitely not this kind of person. Xiao Ye, can you investigate further?”

Her urgency carried a hint of pleading.

Helpless, Xiao Ye nodded.

He sent a message to Chi Long, instructing him to retrieve all surveillance footage within a ten-kilometer radius of the villa.

Meanwhile, he comforted Qin Xue’er, promising to inform her immediately should any news arise.

Reluctantly, Qin Xue’er returned to the villa.

Xiao Ye headed to the garage, sensing that this matter was far from simple.

Just as he informed Chi Long, a voice from the back seat startled him—Wang Gui spoke up.

“Do me a favor. There’s trouble again at one of the factories in Jianghai City. Can you come with me?”

Xiao Ye’s face remained expressionless. At that moment, his phone buzzed with a video from Chi Long.

As expected, Shu Ran was being dragged away by a group of burly men.

“Damn it, nothing good ever happens when dealing with this woman,” Xiao Ye muttered.

Starting the engine, he said to Wang Gui, “Come with me. Let’s go after them.”

Wang Gui was still confused—he had just arrived; where exactly were they chasing?

“No need to question. I have some leads about what you mentioned. Just follow me.”

“I’m glad this trip to Jianghai City wasn’t in vain. Your intelligence gathering always exceeds my expectations,” Wang Gui smiled faintly at Xiao Ye.

“Enough talk. Let’s catch up with them. Move out!”

The two hurriedly left the garage, racing toward their destination.

About twenty minutes later, they arrived near Shu Ran’s last known location.

The map indicated that Shu Ran and her captors were at an abandoned factory on the outskirts of Jianghai City.

“Why do you people always choose abandoned factories? Is it because they’re hidden and secretive?” Wang Gui frowned as he stared at the GPS.

“I don’t know, but it’s clear this area needs strict surveillance,” Xiao Ye replied, puzzled.

The place seemed as if it had been premeditated by these men.

Muttering to himself, Xiao Ye already had new plans for this location.

As it turned out, the group who took Shu Ran that night was led by Chen Ning.

Shu Ran had intended to investigate the sealing of her family’s assets.

Unexpectedly, fate led her to encounter Chen Ning.

Chen Ning had been secretly brought out by bodyguards.

Although severely injured, the Chen family had used all their connections to get him out of bed within a few days.

Though frustrated, he never expected to come face to face with someone he longed for.

Seeing Shu Ran alone, Chen Ning planned to take advantage of her.

With four or five burly bodyguards surrounding her, Shu Ran, a frail woman, could not resist and was taken away.

The group drove to the abandoned factory on the city’s outskirts.

For a long time, this place had been Chen Ning’s secret base.

He had poured all his efforts into developing this hidden sanctuary, hoping to build his empire away from everyone’s eyes.

They stopped the car, and Chen Ning instructed the bodyguards to take Shu Ran to his room.

Looking at her exposed skin, a wicked idea crossed his mind.

“Tonight… I don’t even know how to treat you. You’re making me restless,” Chen Ning said with a twisted smile.

“Forget it, I’ll take a shower first. That should make me feel better.”

Chen Ning removed his clothes and, supported by two bodyguards, headed to the bathing area.

Despite appearances, the abandoned factory had been exquisitely renovated inside, looking nothing like a place for habitation from the outside.

It was divided into various zones where Chen Ning secretly conducted much of his business.

Among all the dissolute scions throughout history, Chen Ning’s eccentric tastes were truly unique.

Shu Ran was confined to a room and tied up to prevent any mishaps.

The lead bodyguard administered a sedative to her.

Forty minutes later, Chen Ning staggered out of the bathroom, exhilaration igniting within him.

Despite his injuries, he was consumed by impulse.

Suddenly, urgent screeching tires echoed outside the factory.

Followed by car doors slamming and someone barging in.

“Who’s there? Go check it out,” Chen Ning ordered his underlings, preoccupied with more pressing matters and lacking patience for intruders.

A few henchmen reached the door, only to see two figures burst in.

They tried to stop them but were immediately knocked unconscious and sprawled on the ground.