Chapter 109: Planning to Return Home

There was no alternative. Seeing the expression on Xiao Ye’s face, Mouse hesitated but finally spoke up.

It turned out that the underground world of Jianghai City was extraordinarily complex, with various forces intersecting, making the entire underworld a tangled web.

Some time ago, Xiao Ye and Wang Gui had caused a commotion at a transaction site, confiscating all the opponent’s weapons and delivering them to Mouse.

Given what had occurred recently, Mouse quickly realized that this matter must be connected to Xiao Ye.

That was why he had begun to entertain the idea of quitting.

"What I know so far is that the underworld forces involve participants from the Jiangnan District. As for the higher-ups, that’s beyond my reach," Mouse said, glancing around anxiously as if afraid someone might be eavesdropping.

Xiao Ye understood all too well the panic in his eyes.

Indeed, any rational person would take measures to avoid harm while seeking benefit in such situations.

Xiao Ye had long intended to make a move like this; he just had not found the right opportunity until now.

And as long as Mouse remained by his side, he would continue to receive such crucial information.

That was precisely why Xiao Ye insisted Mouse stay close.

“I understand. But now that you know so much, I can’t just let you walk away,” Xiao Ye nodded but continued.

Mouse’s expression shifted; his body trembled involuntarily, lips pale, opening but unable to utter a word.

Seeing him like this, Xiao Ye smiled faintly and patted his shoulder.

“Don’t worry. As long as you don’t cross the line, I won’t harm you.”

At these words, Mouse visibly relaxed but still wore a worried look.

“Xiao Ye, I have only one request: following you, I have no complaints. But if anything happens, you must let me leave and guarantee my safety.”

Xiao Ye nodded, and with that, they parted ways.

About twenty minutes later, upon returning to the villa, Xiao Ye quietly stepped into the living room.

He had intended not to disturb Qin Xue’er’s sleep, but upon opening the door, he found Shu Ran sitting there.

“So late, where have you been?” Shu Ran asked curiously.

“There were some matters I needed to handle. I had to keep it from Xiao Xue to leave,” Xiao Ye replied, pointing toward the bedroom.

“Alright, I don’t want to meddle in your affairs. Just treat Xiao Xue well—I’m waiting for you,” Shu Ran said.

I’ve been feeling uneasy here, and I’ve decided to return to the Shu family to settle these troublesome issues, she added softly.

“Not comfortable staying here?” Xiao Ye asked with some concern.

“I advise you to stay here a while longer. The Chen family situation isn’t resolved yet,” he said, taking a sip of water.

“I know, but given the circumstances, I have no choice but to go back. Some people from the Chen family are threatening my father. These aren’t decisions my father can make. No matter how much I try to avoid it, I must face it,” Shu Ran said, her eyes shining with determination.

Xiao Ye knew she was a remarkably strong woman—stronger in many ways than Qin Xue’er.

Yet, leaving her to handle this alone left him uneasy.

Though he wished to stay out of trouble, Shu Ran was Qin Xue’er’s friend, and he could not turn a blind eye.

“Alright, I’ll just give you a heads-up—consider it a farewell for now.”

“I’ll be gone before Xiao Xue wakes in the morning. Not sure if we’ll meet again.”

Shu Ran smiled, but the smile bore no joy.

“Why don’t I go back with you and handle this together?”

“You? How can you go back with me and deal with this?” Shu Ran frowned.

“You said you didn’t want an arranged marriage, right? Then I’ll pretend to be your boyfriend,” Xiao Ye said solemnly, pausing before adding, “But you must tell Xiao Xue in advance so she knows where I’m going.”

What had happened recently was an accident, but since Qin Xue’er had confided in him, he had kept it in mind.

Shu Ran wanted to object but realized Xiao Ye’s plan might be effective. After some hesitation, she decided to let him accompany her back to the Shu family.

After their conversation ended, Xiao Ye looked at Qin Xue’er’s peaceful sleeping face and couldn’t help but plant a gentle kiss.

...

“What? You’re going back to the Shu family with him?”

The next morning, when Qin Xue’er heard that Xiao Ye would accompany Shu Ran for a few days, her expression was exactly as Xiao Ye had imagined.

“How do you think going back with him will solve anything?” Qin Xue’er turned and asked Shu Ran.

“Listen to me, Xiao Ran. Stay here and wait. Without seeing anyone, they won’t dare to do anything rash!”

“That’s not certain. If the Shu family can’t negotiate terms with the Chen family, they might still act,” Xiao Ye said, lowering his head.

Shu Ran nodded. Qin Xue’er sighed deeply.

Xiao Ye’s departure meant they would be apart for some time. Just the thought made her uneasy.

“When you return to the Shu family, they probably won’t treat you well. Be extra cautious,” Qin Xue’er said earnestly, holding Shu Ran’s hand.

Shu Ran nodded.

After breakfast, Xiao Ye first took Qin Xue’er to her company, then he and Shu Ran headed toward the gates of the Shu family estate.

The Shu estate was not only shrouded in mystery but also lavishly decorated, dazzling any visitor.

“Once inside, someone will definitely make snide remarks. Don’t take it to heart. The toughest hurdle will be my father—be prepared,” Shu Ran said thoroughly, listing every precaution before getting out of the car.

Xiao Ye nodded; he had made full preparations before arriving.

They stepped out, and Shu Ran naturally took Xiao Ye’s hand.

At first, she felt a little self-conscious and shy.

But thinking it was all an act, she relaxed and held his hand firmly as they walked in together.

“Miss, you’re back!” the guard at the gate exclaimed excitedly.

However, upon seeing Xiao Ye by her side and their intertwined hands, the guard’s smile instantly stiffened.

“I haven’t introduced him yet—this is my boyfriend,” Shu Ran said casually, smiling naturally as she introduced Xiao Ye’s identity.