In the deep and silent underground parking garage, only faint lights illuminated the empty space. It felt like a forgotten corner of time, where nothing stirred save for the occasional echoing sound.
The figures of Jiang Wan and Bai Xiaoxi finally broke the dead silence. Emerging from the elevator, their eyes scanned the parking garage. Spotting Tang Hao, they seemed to have found their savior as they walked over with him to a brand-new BMW 7 Series.
"Can you drive?" Jiang Wan asked, holding the car keys that gleamed under the lights as she looked at Tang Hao with a hint of expectation in her voice.
Tang Hao nodded, a confident gleam in his eyes. "Yes."
Jiang Wan smiled and handed the keys to Tang Hao, making her trust in him completely clear. "Then from now on, you'll be in charge of driving us around."
Taking the keys, Tang Hao felt a surge of responsibility rise within him. He gently pressed the unlock button and walked over to the back door, opening it for the two women.
"Please get in." His tone carried a hint of unquestionable firmness.
Watching Tang Hao's actions, both Jiang Wan and Bai Xiaoxi were somewhat surprised. His attentiveness and consideration left them very satisfied.
Bai Xiaoxi blinked playfully and said to Tang Hao, "Our safety is in your hands now, so you'd better drive carefully!"
Tang Hao smiled faintly and nodded. He knew this was both his responsibility and a test for himself.
As Jiang Wan was getting into the car, Tang Hao carefully shielded the top of her head with his hand to prevent her from bumping against the door frame. This gesture made Bai Xiaoxi appreciate Tang Hao even more in her heart.
Once both women were seated, Tang Hao quickly put the luggage into the trunk, walked over to the driver's seat, settled in, and fastened his seatbelt. He inserted the key and turned it slightly; the engine roared to life, and the navigation system lit up.
"Where are we headed?" Tang Hao turned his head to ask the two women.
Jiang Wan glanced at the navigation screen. "To Jiangshui Residential Area. It's not far from here."
"Alright." Tang Hao nodded.
With the destination locked in, Tang Hao smoothly started the car. His hands and feet worked in perfect coordination—pressing the clutch, shifting gears, stepping on the gas—flowing like a moving cloud and flowing water in one unbroken motion as the car slowly moved forward.
Seated in the driver's seat, Tang Hao gently pressed the accelerator with his right foot and held the steering wheel steady with his left hand, guiding the vehicle slowly toward the exit. Once they drove out and entered the smooth main road, he skillfully worked the clutch and changed gears again, accelerating rapidly and driving steadily down the road.
Seated in the back, Jiang Wan and Bai Xiaoxi watched Tang Hao's practiced maneuvers, and the worries in their hearts gradually dissipated. They could see that Tang Hao not only knew how to drive, but was likely an experienced driver. This realization gave them peace of mind and put their doubts to rest.
As the car cruised smoothly down the road, Jiang Wan and Bai Xiaoxi started chatting.
"Xiaowen, do you remember that client from last time? She actually wanted to trade their inferior perfume formula for our newly launched perfume formula—that is simply going too far!" Bai Xiaoxi reclined in the back seat, her face written with indignation.
Jiang Wan appeared relatively calm, saying flatly, "That's just rival competition. She can't stand the fact that our perfume is better than hers, so she resorted to such a underhanded trick. We don't need to pay her any mind."
"But what she said at the end was really infuriating. She actually threatened us, saying that if we didn't hand over the formula, she'd make us pay. People like that are just despicable!" Bai Xiaoxi's tone was filled with anger.
Though Jiang Wan was also upset, she was more rational. "Although we've gained a certain reputation in Jinghai City, the domestic perfume market is still huge. She won't take action against us over something this small. Besides, this is a society governed by law; she wouldn't dare do anything reckless."
Hearing their conversation, Tang Hao gave a light cough and chimed in, "You shouldn't be too optimistic either. If she really hires a hitman to deal with you, things will get troublesome. After all, if the assassin does a clean job and the police find no clues, your lives would be thrown away for nothing."
Jiang Wan and Bai Xiaoxi were thoroughly startled by Tang Hao's words, knowing full well that such a scenario was entirely possible.
"What should we do then? What if she really finds a hitman to kill us?" Jiang Wan's voice carried a hint of fear.
Bai Xiaoxi wore an equally worried expression. "Yeah, what are we going to do if an assassin comes?"
Tang Hao glanced back at them, a trace of determination flashing in his eyes. "Don't worry. With me around, even if an assassin shows up, I can keep you completely safe."
Bai Xiaoxi, however, remained somewhat unconvinced. "Who do you think you are? Those assassins are elusive experts. By the time you react, we might already be dead."
Tang Hao smiled faintly, brimming with confidence. "In this world, the greatest assassin is right here before you—how could any others dare to come and court death?"
Amidst their conversation, they had already arrived at their destination: Jiangshui Residential Area.
Jiangshui Residential Area was a renowned villa district in Jinghai City, developed by Jiangshui Group with a massive investment.
These villas were ingeniously designed, with every single one embodying the hard work and wisdom of the group.
Among this cluster of villas, the most prominent one stood out—a Western-style villa that served as the private residence of Jiang Xia, the founder of Jiangshui Group.
Although Jiang Xia had already handed over the daily management of the company to his daughter Jiang Wan, he still played a crucial role within the firm, as Jiang Wan was still young and needed the guidance and support of her experienced father.
A BMW slowly drove into the villa district and finally came to a stop in front of Jiang Xia's residence. The moment the car door opened, a middle-aged man dressed in a butler's uniform hurried out to greet them. He enthusiastically opened the gate and signaled for the driver to pull the vehicle into the courtyard.
"Ah, the young miss is back, and Miss Bai as well! This must be the bodyguard the master invited to protect the young miss. Welcome, welcome..." The butler's face beamed with a warm smile as he gestured for the three of them to get out of the car.
Jiang Wan, Bai Xiaoxi, and Tang Hao stepped out one by one. Jiang Wan looked at the butler and asked softly, "Steward Liu, is my dad home?"
"Yes, he is. He's currently practicing calligraphy in the study. He specifically instructed me to bring you straight to the study to see him the moment you arrived," Steward Liu replied with a nod.
"Alright, Steward Liu, you can go back to what you were doing." Jiang Wan nodded, then glanced in the direction of the study before pulling Bai Xiaoxi toward the front entrance of the villa. Tang Hao followed closely behind, his eyes sweeping across the villa with a flash of awe.
The exterior of the villa featured a unique design that blended Western elegance with Eastern refinement. It was both aesthetically pleasing and ingeniously crafted.
Tang Hao had seen many Western-style villas abroad, but this was the first time he had ever seen one that combined Eastern and Western elements so perfectly.
Stepping inside the villa, Tang Hao was even more struck by the sight before him. Top-tier Western wall decorations, white-ice floor lamps, Yangbai jade flooring, and white jade stair banisters... every single detail exuded luxury and taste.
One could easily imagine that the owner of this villa must be a wealthy, successful person of refined taste.
Passing through the spacious hall, the three of them arrived in front of a side room. Warm light spilled out from inside—this was Jiang Xia's study.
"Come in!" A calm, steady voice echoed from the room.
Pushing the door open, they saw a dignified middle-aged man sitting upright at his desk, wielding a brush with fluid strokes. The characters taking shape under his brush were vigorous and powerful, spelling out the four bold words: "Heaven rewards diligence."
"Xiaohao, you've finally come. Come take a look at how I wrote these characters!" Jiang Xia raised his head, smiled upon seeing Tang Hao, and said.
Tang Hao walked up to the desk and carefully examined Jiang Xia's handwriting. Without a hint of sparing praise, he lauded, "Uncle Jiang, these characters are truly magnificent! The calligraphy is grandiose and imposing, with powerful strokes and a weighty, transcendent aura—just like you, Uncle Jiang, possessing a truly grand presence."
"Haha, you flatter me." Jiang Xia patted Tang Hao lightly on the shoulder and laughed. "Having you come to help protect my daughter and Xiaoxi is truly my blessing! I'll have to trouble you to look after things in the days ahead."
"You're too kind, Uncle Jiang," Tang Hao responded modestly. "It is my honor to serve you."