Chapter 71: A Battle for a Secret Photograph

Chapter Seventy-One: The Battle for the Stolen Photograph

Xu Yun picked up the wanted poster, his eyelid twitching slightly, unable to suppress a wry smile. Heh, this was truly a tricky case.

"Xu Yun," Qin Wan'er said, seeing Qiu Yan turn and leave, placing her hopes on him now. "I don't know if you've heard of Hao Kai. He killed six police officers."

"That's a crime of monumental proportions," Xu Yun's brows furrowed unconsciously.

"I hope you can help me," Qin Wan'er said. "I want to capture him. He's an extremely dangerous criminal, otherwise he wouldn't have an S-level wanted notice. This man is ruthless, particularly merciless when dealing with police. I... I can't stand the thought of him roaming free!"

Xu Yun was so shocked he sneezed. Was this woman out of her mind? "Did a donkey kick your head? You know how dangerous he is, yet you still want to provoke him?"

Qin Wan'er ignored Xu Yun, glancing at Qiu Yan's back as she ascended the stairs. Qiu Yan paused briefly at her words, but continued climbing.

After living together at the medicinal restaurant for some time, Qin Wan'er hadn't noticed Qiu Yan doing anything excessive. Though she still struggled to trust her, at moments like this, she desperately wanted her help, because she was now certain Qiu Yan, like Xu Yun, was no ordinary person.

"I must catch him," Qin Wan'er's face was dead serious. "Since he's come to Hedong, I can't allow him to continue his rampage as a police officer. If you don't help, that's your right. I'm just trying to win you over."

Xu Yun shrugged. "I'm not brave enough for such dangerous work. I'm not a cop."

Qin Wan'er retrieved the wanted poster from Xu Yun's hand, her face showing disappointment. "Then pretend I never said anything. Let's not tell Sister Qingshuang about this, so she won't worry."

"You're afraid she'll persuade you not to be so reckless," Xu Yun exposed her motive. "Qin Wan'er, let me remind you: don't be foolish enough to take on an S-level wanted criminal head-on. Next to him, you're an ant; he could decide your fate in an instant."

"So what?" Qin Wan'er retorted sharply. "When I killed Gong You, I wasn't his match either!"

Xu Yun slapped his forehead. "You dare bring that up? If I hadn't shielded you from the bullets, if Qiu Yan hadn't stabbed that bastard a few times, you wouldn't have even had the chance to shoot."

"If I'd known he was a wanted criminal earlier, I'd have fired right away!" Qin Wan'er insisted. "None of that would have happened."

Xu Yun snorted. "Do you think bullets are the fastest thing in the world?"

Qin Wan'er was stunned by his words, recalling that night. Indeed, Xu Yun's explosive speed had even surpassed bullets; he could react in 0.03 seconds, completely exceeding the human limit.

"There are plenty of people in this world who can dodge bullets with sheer explosiveness. I know quite a few myself," Xu Yun made no attempt to deny his abnormality. "So even if you'd fired immediately that day, you might not have killed him."

Without giving Qin Wan'er a chance to reply, Xu Yun continued, "And Gong You was merely an A-level wanted criminal. As a police officer, don't you understand the difference between S-level and A-level fugitives? The gap is enormous."

Qin Wan'er's fists clenched instantly. "That's why I need your help!"

"If people don't offend me, I won't offend them," Xu Yun still refused. "I don't want to get involved with someone like that. It would bring nothing but trouble."

"What are you talking about?" Ruan Qingshuang emerged after washing the dishes, concerned by Qin Wan'er's dejected look. "Wan'er, what's wrong? Did something upset you?"

Qin Wan'er forced a smile. "I'm fine, Sister Qingshuang. Just a little tired."

"Then go upstairs and rest," Ruan Qingshuang urged.

Qin Wan'er nodded and said no more. Since she couldn't persuade Xu Yun, she couldn't force him either. After all, everyone has the right to choose. She could only rely on herself.

After Qin Wan'er went upstairs, Ruan Qingshuang said to Xu Yun, "Watch the shop. I'll go buy some herbs."

"I'll go," Xu Yun stood up.

"No need, I have other errands," Ruan Qingshuang declined and quickly left the medicinal restaurant.

Xu Yun looked up at the ceiling and exhaled. For someone as troublesome as Red Scorpion to appear in a small city like Hedong, surely it must be for Guo Guo's sake. After carefully considering Qiu Yan's gaze and reaction, Xu Yun had to reaffirm his suspicions.

No wonder Feng Qiansui, once a dominant figure, was eliminated so quickly. The real adversary was unseen, and now even top experts like Red Scorpion were making moves. What a grand operation.

Suddenly, the sound of light footsteps came from the stairs. Qiu Yan descended, her face full of helpless uncertainty.

"Are you really worried about this man?" Xu Yun couldn't help but ask.

Qiu Yan nodded, her expression solemn. "Ever since Qin Wan'er mentioned an S-level fugitive entering Hedong, I've been worried. I kept hoping it wasn't true... but now it seems certain."

Xu Yun smiled faintly. "Are you fully recovered?"

Qiu Yan's eyebrows knit together. "At least eighty or ninety percent."

"Heh, but that's still doubtful against him," Xu Yun knew well that even a one percent loss in power made it hard for a top expert to compete with a peer.

Qiu Yan self-deprecatingly said, "Even if my internal wounds were fully healed, I'd still struggle against Red Scorpion."

"Is that scorpion really stronger than you, the illustrious Fox Lord?" Xu Yun paused, Qiu Yan's gaze stopping him from finishing.

Her eyes were as clear as autumn water—if not for the intimidating chill in her brows, she would be captivating.

The two locked eyes in silence for some time.

Finally, Qiu Yan spoke. "You know my strength well, but I don't know yours, Xu Yun. I realize you don't want to say who you are, so I won't ask. I just want to know: did you mean what you said to Qin Wan'er?"

"What did I say to her?" Xu Yun was baffled.

"You said you didn't want to provoke such people." Qiu Yan said softly. "If that's the case, I'll take Guo Guo and leave tonight."

Xu Yun frowned. "What do you mean?"

"I'll handle it myself," Qiu Yan said seriously. "I know how much trouble getting involved with them brings. I have nothing to repay you with, so I don't want to trouble you further."

Xu Yun gave a bitter smile. "Wouldn't that make me a gutless godfather?"

"Red Scorpion is not like Gong You or Qin Hu. Even if I don't know if you're from the underworld, since you've heard of him, you should know how strong he is," Qiu Yan's expression darkened.

"Uh, I did say I don't want trouble," Xu Yun smiled lightly. "But what I meant was: if people don't offend me, I won't offend them. If he targets my precious daughter, I won't just stand by."

Qiu Yan trembled, her eyes full of confusion as she looked at Xu Yun.

"Don't look at me like that, I'm not a bad guy," Xu Yun felt uncomfortable under her gaze. "Since the day I recognized Guo Guo as my daughter, it's my duty to be her shield and bulletproof vest. Her problems are my problems. Whoever threatens her threatens me. Don't make any rash moves. If you leave with Guo Guo tonight, not only will Sister Shuang and I never forgive you, Guo Guo won't forgive you either."

Qiu Yan finally calmed down. Sister Shuang not forgiving her was one thing, Xu Yun another, but Guo Guo... If even Guo Guo couldn't forgive her, what would she do?

Xu Yun also felt uneasy, but had to feign calm. "It's nothing, it'll pass."

Perhaps Guo Guo had a sixth sense; she had gone to her room for a nap but, hearing Qiu Yan come downstairs, she followed. She heard every word of Xu Yun and Qiu Yan's conversation.

"When soldiers come, we resist; when water floods, we block with earth. If Red Scorpion comes, godfather will stand against him," Guo Guo couldn't help but voice her thoughts as she came downstairs. "Sister Qiu Yan, I don't want to leave."

Qiu Yan's heart softened, her resolve melting away. She didn't want to leave either, but she didn't know how much longer she could hold on. Red Scorpion was already beyond her control. Even if she got lucky with Xu Yun's help this time, what about next time? And the time after that?

Who knew if one day Green Ghost would appear before her again!

This thought both terrified and excited Qiu Yan. She hoped to one day deal with him personally, but she knew she couldn't win. If that day ever came, she would no longer be able to protect Guo Guo.

"Of course," Xu Yun grinned at Guo Guo. "I won't let my daughter suffer."

Guo Guo, wearing a blissful expression, rushed into Xu Yun's arms. "Hehe, I knew dad treats Guo Guo best. By the way, I haven't forgotten my promise to help you take pictures."

With that, Guo Guo handed Xu Yun Ruan Qingshuang's phone, album open. Though the photo was dark and unclear, Xu Yun could vaguely make out Ruan Qingshuang's graceful figure in underwear, lying on the bed in a perfect S-curve.

Damn, this daughter was worth having! Not just Red Scorpion—even if Red Scorpion's father came, Xu Yun would fight. For the sake of the photo, he must fight!

But, the most important task now was to get Guo Guo a digital camera for better nighttime shots... heh...

"Dad... your nose is bleeding," Guo Guo shook her head helplessly. "You can't handle this little excitement? Too weak... I was going to take even more daring photos."

"No problem, I can take it!" Xu Yun admitted. Even if he died from blood loss, it would be worthwhile.

Qiu Yan's face darkened. Could she really trust this man? Could she really entrust her and Guo Guo's safety to him? Chilling!