Chapter 112: Leaving the Shu Family

At that moment, Shu Ran’s cousin never expected Zhang Lin to treat her this way. Zhang Lin’s strength was formidable, and her face instantly swelled and reddened.

“Hurry up and get lost!” Zhang Lin shouted angrily once more. Shu Ran’s cousin clutched her cheek, too afraid to show any expression, and dashed out immediately.

None of the Shu family dared to intervene in what was unfolding before their eyes. Yet, they couldn’t understand why Zhang Lin was defending Xiao Ye.

“Stop gawking and get back to work.” Zhang Lin’s aura surged fiercely as she addressed the crowd around her.

The onlookers quickly dispersed, knowing well that when Zhang Lin was angry, no one could stop her.

“Captain Zhang truly lives up to his title; those few words were indeed dignified.” Xiao Ye extended his hand toward Zhang Lin.

“Lord Xiao!” Zhang Lin grasped Xiao Ye’s hand firmly, his emotions overwhelming him at that moment.

To him, Xiao Ye was a legendary figure; to see him in person was an immense honor.

But just as he was about to speak, Xiao Ye motioned for silence.

“Come to my room later tonight; we’ll discuss matters there. Do not have unnecessary contact with me outside.” Zhang Lin nodded, roughly understanding Xiao Ye’s meaning, then released his hand and watched as Xiao Ye returned to his room.

Unaware of anything amiss, Shu Ran chatted with Zhang Lin briefly.

As night fell, there was no further interaction between the two; Xiao Ye remained inside his room.

Because Zhang Lin was favored by Shu Shan and had just returned, the two spent the afternoon discussing affairs in the study.

It wasn’t until eleven o’clock at night that Zhang Lin quietly knocked on Xiao Ye’s door.

Upon opening it, Xiao Ye glanced outside to ensure no one was around.

Once certain, he quickly shut the door behind him.

“Captain Zhang Lin of the Lone Wolf squad, pays respects to Lord Xiao!” Zhang Lin entered and immediately knelt on one knee, bowing his head respectfully.

“Get up quickly; what kind of image would this give if outsiders saw?” Xiao Ye hurriedly helped Zhang Lin to his feet. Had Shu Shan been present, he might have been utterly shocked.

“I had heard you had arrived in Jianghai City and had hoped to meet you. I never imagined I’d be so fortunate as to see Lord Xiao in person—it is truly the greatest honor of my life.”

Zhang Lin stood up, though his expression could not conceal his excitement.

Xiao Ye smiled faintly and continued, “Don’t call me Lord Xiao here. For now, I wish to keep my identity secret.”

The squad Zhang Lin commanded was shrouded in mystery.

Though Xiao Ye had never met him before, he had heard of Zhang Lin’s exploits.

That was why, upon seeing Zhang Lin’s face, Xiao Ye immediately recalled his deeds.

Though Zhang Lin had many achievements, he was still not quite worthy to speak directly with Xiao Ye.

Meeting Lord Xiao today was a delightful surprise, and Zhang Lin was naturally elated.

“Lord Xiao, I heard you came to the Shu family to handle something. People below mentioned you and Shu Ran...” Zhang Lin looked at Xiao Ye with a hint of curiosity.

“Don’t overthink it. What happened between us was just a fleeting act to resolve her engagement. Don’t mention this to anyone,” Xiao Ye said, unwilling to involve Zhang Lin in such matters. Speaking too much would only bring unnecessary trouble.

“Please, have a seat. You must be tired from your journey back to Jianghai,” Xiao Ye said, pulling out a cup and brewing some prepared tea.

“No need, Lord Xiao. Meeting you is already unexpected; I cannot ask for more,” Zhang Lin waved his hand and stepped back quickly. Xiao Ye was a godlike figure in his eyes.

Now, returning home, he had even more to boast about.

“You’re a stubborn one. Fine, I’ll stand with you then,” Xiao Ye shook his head and stood beside Zhang Lin.

“Is the engagement really that troublesome?” Zhang Lin had heard bits about it and assumed it would be resolved soon, but he hadn’t expected it to have drawn Lord Xiao’s attention.

“Not really troublesome; it’s not a big deal, but I need time,” Xiao Ye shrugged indifferently.

“Lord Xiao, some matters don’t require your personal involvement. Leave them to me—I’m willing to go through fire and water for you, no matter the danger.”

“I’m not old yet; I don’t need a captain like you to help me,” Xiao Ye smiled, understanding Zhang Lin’s intentions well.

But this was a family matter, and only he could open the way.

They chatted for a while longer. Zhang Lin had just returned from leave and didn’t know much about Shu Ran’s situation.

Suddenly, the door was flung open.

Zhang Lin’s muscles tensed instantly, nearly rising to rush toward the entrance.

Xiao Ye, however, remained seated, staring blankly at Shu Ran standing in the doorway.

“What are you doing here?” Shu Ran looked at Zhang Lin and Xiao Ye with curiosity and surprise.

She had heard their conversation when entering earlier and had initially thought Xiao Ye was on the phone with someone.

The way they spoke and acted made it seem as though they had known each other for a long time.

And Zhang Lin simply standing before Xiao Ye puzzled Shu Ran further.

“There’s nothing much. He helped me deal with your cousin’s matter this morning and happened to pass by my room, so I came to thank him,” Xiao Ye’s mind raced, and in an instant, he answered Shu Ran’s question.

He glanced at Zhang Lin, signaling him to follow his lead.

“That’s right, we still need to talk a bit more. You two...” Zhang Lin nodded and looked at Shu Ran.

“Then you two go ahead and talk. I have some things to attend to, but it’s not urgent,” Shu Ran said, closing the door and leaving Xiao Ye’s room.

Though she left, she still felt something was off.

Why would Zhang Lin want to get acquainted with Xiao Ye?

She had not explained anything about Xiao Ye’s identity, nor the seemingly close relationship between them, all of which deepened her suspicion.

“It’s getting late. If you stay here much longer, more people might notice. I’ll be in Jianghai City for a while. Contact me promptly if there’s any issue,” Xiao Ye said, handing Zhang Lin his contact information and watching him leave the room.

Today was his last day at the Shu residence; he would leave tomorrow.

Only now did he realize that his feelings for Qin Xue’er had long surpassed mere longing.

The next morning, Xiao Ye woke naturally and had breakfast with Shu Ran.

“Last night, you came to my room. What did you want to say?” Xiao Ye asked after finishing his meal.

“Nothing much. Didn’t you say you were leaving today? I wanted to discuss something with you, but I’ve since thought it through,” Shu Ran shook her head and explained to Xiao Ye.