Han Rui looked at the shy waitress before him, then glanced at the glass of lemonade, a faint smile playing on his lips.
The Shadow Department's God of War… In the Han family, he had sensed her mettle, her powerful influence, her aloof demeanor. During their conversation earlier, he had perceived her sharp insight, a grateful heart, and respect for her partner. He hadn't expected she would also have such a girlish side.
He raised his eyes, his phoenix eyes stirring the heart, and took the glass of lemonade, saying faintly, "I understand."
Han Rui didn't usually like sour things, not even easily tasting fruits with a strong sour flavor. Yet, looking at the pale yellow water floating with lemon and mint, he inexplicably took a shallow sip.
In an instant, the sour taste spread through his mouth, accompanied by a chilling sensation. He held the glass, his brows furrowed slightly—it was indeed invigorating.
At that very moment, he felt an unusual sensation, a feeling of being watched.
He turned his head and saw the waitress who had just served the lemonade staring at him. He frowned slightly, "Is there anything else?"
Upon hearing his words, the waitress blushed, "Um, that young lady also said… she said you were on a blind date, would you consider me?"
To be precise, the girl had said: "That man is unsatisfied. If the lemonade doesn't clear his head, please tell him where he can vent his 'evil fire' nearby."
It seemed these two were on a blind date, but the handsome man had made… rather rude requests, angering the young lady.
The young lady didn't fancy him, but she did.
With such bearing, such looks, she could accept him!
Han Rui looked into the waitress's eyes and clearly heard her inner thoughts. His handsome brows furrowed slightly, and he pressed his temples, "I apologize, I didn't mean anything by it."
After speaking, he stood up, picked up his dark red suit from beside him, and left the restaurant.
Bai Xi… He would not let this opportunity pass him by easily.
As night deepened, Bai Xi arrived at the hotel.
Inside the brightly lit hotel, she took out her phone, hesitating whether to call Han Mo.
Undoubtedly, she wanted to call, but… what should she say?
There was no need to mention Han Rui's matters; she wouldn't agree anyway. What else could she talk about? Shangyang? Or… inquire about his health?
That should be fine.
Just as she thought this and was about to dial, her phone suddenly rang. The screen clearly displayed two characters: "Bai Han."
Her brother was looking for her; could it be something important?
Bai Xi immediately answered, "Brother, is there something happening at home?"
A gentle smile came from Bai Han on the other end of the line, "If nothing is happening at home, can't I call my own sister?"
Bai Xi felt a little embarrassed, "I didn't mean it that way."
Her six years in the Shadow Department had passed by at a rapid pace, so she had forgotten how to be close to people. This was also why she had been struggling with whether or not to call Han Mo earlier.
Actually, her brother was right; couldn't they contact each other without a reason? Then why was she contemplating what to say when she wanted to call Han Mo?
Bai Han said gently, "Xiao Xi, are you having fun in Shangyang?"
Bai Xi replied, "It's not bad."
She had considered it. She would let the Shadow Department investigate the trial Han Rui had mentioned. If it were merely Han family assets or treasures, the Shadow Department would not interfere. But if, as he claimed, the matter involved the well-being of the entire Huaguo, then they would discuss it further. However, this matter… would no longer be linked to his past life-saving grace.
During the two days of investigation, she would have the Shadow Department step forward and cooperate with the Security Bureau to help the Han family restore its reputation and minimize their losses. Regardless of whether Han Rui appreciated it or not, she was repaying his kindness in this way.
Completely settled.
Bai Han recounted trivial family matters, mostly recent anecdotes. Bai Xi's brows, which had been furrowed due to the Han family, slowly relaxed.
Laughter and pleasantries filled the phone call.
Time passed quickly, and Bai Xi felt a sense of fatigue, "Brother, I'm getting a bit sleepy, so I won't talk much longer."
After speaking, she yawned without reservation.
A gentle laugh came from Bai Han on the other end, "Okay, then Xiao Xi, get some rest early."
Just as Bai Xi was about to hang up, Bai Han's voice came again, "Xiao Xi, you're alone in Shangyang now. You must protect your safety and try not to do anything dangerous. Our family has only just reunited, and both Mother and I will worry about you."
Hearing his gentle voice, Bai Xi felt a warmth in her heart, "Brother, I know. You too, take care of yourself, and help me take care of Mother."
Bai Han responded, "Okay, I'll be waiting for your safe return at home."
Bai Xi answered, "Mhm."
The call ended. Bai Han stood on the balcony, buffeted by the cold wind, letting it blow through his hair.
In his mind, he saw the scene he had witnessed not long ago.
Bai Xi, with a dagger stuck in her shoulder, leaned against a rock wall, panting heavily. Beside her was a man whose face he couldn't see.
He stood with his back to Bai Xi, approaching step by step.
Bai Han raised his eyes. The usually gentle face now held no emotion, his gaze empty as he looked at the sky, at the stars.
Evidently, what he had been anticipating… had slowly begun to progress. After three hundred years of dormancy, he would not repeat his past mistakes this time.
The sun pierced through the clouds, revealing half its face, scattering seeds of sunlight onto the wide street.
Sunlight streamed through the large floor-to-ceiling windows onto Bai Xi's face, casting a warm glow.
Bai Xi seemed to sense the sunlight and opened her drowsy eyes, a heavy morning grumpiness clouding her features.
She hadn't slept soundly last night, having had many dreams, mostly about the perilous situations she faced during missions. Although she had completed all her missions, in her dreams, there were repeated failures by a hair's breadth, each leading to utter ruin.
It had happened often when she was in the Shadow Department, though there were a few days of particularly peaceful sleep every so often. After returning to M City, her sleep had significantly improved. She had thought her insomnia was due to the dangerous missions in the Shadow Department and that returning to her family would resolve it.
Unexpectedly, after leaving M City, in just three days, it had started again.
She gently pressed her temples, picked up the remote control by the bedside, and pressed a button. The floor-to-ceiling window slowly retracted, and the blackout curtains were exceptionally effective, plunging the room back into darkness in moments.
As she rolled over and prepared to go back to sleep, her phone rang.
The screen displayed an unknown number, causing her to frown slightly. She hung up directly and tossed the phone onto the nearby sofa.
The world was vast, but sleep was paramount. Moreover… she had guessed who was calling.