You Don’t Want That Either

Chu Xinran’s arrival shattered the calm Qiao Sisi had painstakingly maintained.

She had thought her plan was foolproof, but a flaw was found.

A shadow crossed Qiao Sisi’s eyes as she looked at Chu Xinran, now so different from before, feeling a hint of helplessness.

She tapped the table, attempting to negotiate.

“I said I’d hand him over in a month and I will keep my promise. You coming here shows you don’t trust me.”

Chu Xinran laughed coldly, her gaze devoid of emotion.

“If you hadn’t taken him so far, I might have believed you.”

She knew Qiao Sisi’s intentions and stood, looking down at her, speaking in a way she’d never shown before, “You’re trying to buy time to move Fang Zhou, aren’t you?”

Surprise flickered in Qiao Sisi’s eyes, caught off guard by her accurate guess.

Even the best actors can’t control their physiological reactions.

When one’s thoughts are revealed, the expression and posture can’t be faked.

She was astonished at how accurately Chu Xinran guessed her intentions.

She had indeed considered delaying to move Fang Zhou, giving hints to her hired help.

If Chu Xinran couldn’t find him, with no evidence, her words would be useless.

“Actually, you don’t need to do that because I’ve stationed people at all village entrances. Any movement will be reported to me.”

Chu Xinran’s eyes were full of confidence; she wouldn’t allow Fang Zhou to disappear under her watch.

She’d learned from past events that victory belongs to the prepared.

There are many excuses for failure, but victory often comes from being well-prepared.

Success is for those ready.

“Why not hand him over and save the argument?”

Qiao Sisi fell silent, her smile vanishing, becoming a different person.

She hadn’t expected Chu Xinran to be so difficult now.

The once innocent flower had quietly transformed into a black-hearted lotus.

Dealing with her required extra caution to avoid being ensnared.

Qiao Sisi stood, her height matching Chu Xinran’s, their eyes level.

They locked eyes, neither yielding.

Qiao Sisi moved her lips, telling Chu Xinran.

“The month isn’t up. I’ll return him then. Why rush?”

“If I don’t, you can report me or expose me online.”

A shadow crossed Qiao Sisi’s mind; she couldn’t let Chu Xinran take him now.

She’d finally made progress with Fang Zhou. If he left now, it’d be all for nothing.

And Chu Xinran might paint herself as a saint and Qiao Sisi as the villain.

Chu Xinran often used tears for sympathy.

And Fang Zhou was easily swayed by her.

How could Qiao Sisi be at ease?

Fang Zhou needed to stay longer, to deepen their bond, or make substantial progress, before she could hand him over.

Chu Xinran didn’t immediately respond, considering her words’ credibility.

The biting wind roared outside like a lion.

Suddenly, the sky seemed to tear open, pouring rain.

Raindrops pounded the windows, sounding like a stampede, or war drums, deafening and powerful.

The sudden rain pierced the room’s calm, creating a tense, oppressive atmosphere.

After a few minutes, Chu Xinran acted.

She sat, sipping warm butter tea, soothing her tongue before speaking.

“I’m not interested in reporting you or your career. I care about Fang Zhou.”

Her fingers tapped the cup, creating a crisp sound, like an accompaniment to her clear voice.

“Now, let me see him, or I’ll send this location to Qin Yun and Han Xi.”

She lifted her gaze, locking eyes with Qiao Sisi, meaningfully saying, “You don’t want them to know, do you?”

“Sis-ter Q i a o .”

Her voice was sweet, like an oriole’s song, melodious and captivating.

Yet her words were chilling, like a cold wind, sending shivers down the spine.

Qiao Sisi pondered, considering herself experienced, having weathered many storms.

Yet faced with Chu Xinran’s blatant threats, she felt a hint of fear.

It was like an invisible hand gripped her throat, making it hard to breathe.

Despite trying to stay calm, a trace of panic remained.

Qiao Sisi squinted at Chu Xinran.

She seemed relaxed, well-prepared.

Qiao Sisi couldn’t help but tense, pondering her words’ truth.

Bringing Han Xi and Qin Yun would complicate things.

Qin Yun wouldn’t allow Fang Zhou to be close to them.

She’d likely monopolize him, not sharing at all.

Fang Zhou had chosen her, giving her more confidence.

With Qin Yun, would there be any chance for them?

Qiao Sisi thought, sipping tea, finding a strategy.

“Don’t joke, sister. Bringing them benefits you how?”

“You can see, this place is safer than Kyoto.

If you want, stay here, we’ll alternate weeks.”

Qiao Sisi quickly switched from threats to temptation.

She didn’t believe Chu Xinran could resist.

A month versus a week, who wouldn’t choose the latter?

Seeing Chu Xinran hesitate, eyes shifting, considering.

Qiao Sisi raised the stakes, whispering, “I know what you want.

You want to see Fang Zhou? I’ll take you.”

Chu Xinran raised an eyebrow, thinking: That’s more like it.

This woman wouldn’t concede until the end.

She responded with a single syllable.

“Okay.”

Inside, she was ecstatic, like a deer prancing.

Finally, she’d see Fang Zhou. It wasn’t easy.