Xiu Mumo’s eyes lit up. She told Bie Yuan to head to a popular hot pot chain in Shangjing called "Little Peppercorn."
When they arrived, it was just past five in the afternoon. A server led them to a relatively secluded table, making it easier for them to chat.
"Order whatever you want, don't hold back. Eat your fill, and tonight I'll take you out for karaoke—we’ll go until dawn." Xiu Mumo handed the ordering tablet over.
"Fine. If the three of us spend a thousand, you won't regret it, will you?" Xia Lengying squinted at her suspiciously.
"Not at all, definitely not!" Xiu Mumo raised her hand to promise.
"Alright then." Xia Lengying began to order with a smile.
This was just habit. Back in the Combat Division, they often operated on strict mission budgets. They couldn't overspend, which had made them all a bit frugal. Of course, that was just habit, and it was all relative.
While they waited for the food, Xia Lengying asked curiously, "Babe, you still haven't told me: how did this guy make you fall for him at first sight? And how did you figure out he was 'the one'?"
Out in public, some things couldn't be spoken of too clearly. As the saying goes, the speaker may have no such intent, but the listener might. What if someone was recording or caught onto something? It had to be said, they were just being cautious out of habit.
"It was a bit of fate, at the banquet..." Xiu Mumo explained what had happened.
"Destiny. It’s truly full of fated connection. I can't believe you actually teased him at the banquet—that's so you," Xia Lengying marveled.
"You're wrong; it's the fate of a fated enemy," Xiu Mumo pouted. "Until this grudge is settled, there are only sworn enemies, not destiny."
"Fine, you're always right. Let me just have a few sips of this corn juice—I've missed it so much."
While eating and drinking, Xiu Mumo remembered something. "By the way, in about two weeks, I'm going to participate in a live-streaming travel variety show for a month. Do you want to come with me?"
She felt a bit bored going alone, especially since she would have to face someone like Xue Anyan; just listening to that sugary, passive-aggressive tone gave her a headache.
"Ah, if you're going to be on a live-streaming show, Bie Yuan can't go with you, right? Isn't Bie Yuan your guard?" Xia Lengying paused and looked at Bie Yuan. A combat officer's guard was usually required to stay by their side at all times.
"That's exactly why I'm asking you two to come along! Bie Yuan can just act as your younger brother and join the show with you. You two already called each other siblings back in the Combat Division anyway," Xiu Mumo said, stating her plan with a straight face.
Both Xia Lengying and Bie Yuan had been orphans in their early years. Xia Lengying had been adopted by the Xia family and given her current name. They had met at school, but Bie Yuan was a child from the orphanage Xia Lengying had lived in previously. Even then, they were like siblings, though they hadn't seen each other for so many years that they barely knew each other.
Bie Yuan wasn't as lucky as Xia Lengying. His personality wasn't particularly endearing, and he was a bit naturally dense, often speaking before thinking. However, he was extremely sharp, and he had been recommended for a special military academy even before college. Later, he became a sniper. His sniping skills were top-notch, and since she went on missions frequently—and with Kong Sheng having temporarily retired due to injuries—she had had Bie Yuan transferred to her side to ensure her safety.
Therefore, there was no issue with them participating in the show together to build a rapport.
"It’s... not impossible," Bie Yuan said, looking at Xia Lengying. "I did call you 'Sister' back at the orphanage."
"That’s ancient history," Xia Lengying coughed lightly. "And I’m not that much older than you."
"A day younger is still younger," Xiu Mumo noted, glancing at Xia Lengying again. Why did she feel like things were so awkward? Could there be some sparks flying between these two? Or was there something she didn't know?
"A month for a variety show... Alright, let's do it. We'll sign up too." Xia Lengying didn't really want to be separated from Mumo, and besides, she could treat this month as a vacation.
"Great, then it's settled."
Xiu Mumo and Xia Lengying were staying together, and the luggage had been moved into the hotel room as well.
"You're not going home? What about Uncle Xia and the others?" Xiu Mumo asked, looking at the suitcases by the sofa.
"It's fine. My parents are still out in the deep mountains working on research. They don't have time to worry about me." Xia Lengying smiled. She had a wonderful relationship with her adoptive parents, but their careers meant they rarely had time for vacations, and they were often unable to reunite. But that didn't diminish their bond.
"The research project isn't finished yet?" Xiu Mumo was stunned. "It's been over three years, right?"
"Yeah, it’s phased. But it’s almost done. I talked to them on the phone the day before yesterday, and they said we’d be able to spend the New Year together this year."Xia Lengying’s eyes and brows crinkled with warmth at the mention of her foster parents.
"Hurry up and take a shower. You’re coming home with me to celebrate the New Year. Elder Xiu has been missing you—he was just mentioning 'that girl Lengying' to me the other day."
Xiu Mumo pulled out a pair of freshly laundered pajamas and a new bath towel, then gently pushed Xia Lengying into the bathroom.
If the Xia family hadn't adopted Lengying back then, the Xiu family might have done so instead. Lengying was quite intelligent, honest, and had a sunny disposition.
"Alright." Xia Lengying took the clothes and towel into the bathroom and scrubbed herself thoroughly. She had spent so much time in Silu Continent that she felt like she was covered in a layer of grime.
Meanwhile, Xiu Mumo used her private account to message the official blog of the travel variety show, submitting the names of Xia Lengying and Bie Yuan.
—May I ask who these two are? Are they relatives? We only have two spots left. If you can confirm, we’ll be announcing the final list in three days.
Xiu Mumo V: They are my friend and her younger brother. However, their situation is a bit unique. They aren't blood-related; they were siblings at an orphanage. Later, the sister, Xia Lengying, was adopted, while the brother stayed behind. Would that be acceptable?
—Yes, of course! The more backstory there is, the better it is for our show. It makes it easier to build emotional connections.
Xiu Mumo V: Understood. After the final list is published, will we be signing a contract?
—Yes. I will have a courier deliver a contract to your city. Please review and sign it. Once the contract is received, we will send the advance payment. The balance will be paid half a month after filming begins. Please be aware that there is a ten-fold penalty for breach of contract.
Xiu Mumo V: Alright, I understand.
—Great, then that’s settled. Looking forward to our collaboration.
After finishing, Xiu Mumo lay on her bed, deep in thought. She reckoned that by now, many people already knew her friend was Xia Lengying. However, Xia Lengying’s position in the Combat Division and her true profession remained hidden.
***
At the Quan family estate, Quan Xijuan stood by the window. "Has she made any other strange moves? And what about the person I had you investigate?"
"I even checked the taxi driver who drove him. Nothing out of the ordinary. The driver said the guy was complaining in the car about running into a lunatic who insisted he was a thief, even though he hadn't done anything—he's just a regular office worker."
Sha Jing looked at the file, puzzled. Why had he been asked to investigate such a person? Was there something odd about him?
Quan Xijuan, having been inadvertently labeled a lunatic, felt his eyelid twitch. "..." He pondered for a moment, wondering if he was overthinking things.
"Have your people keep an eye on him for another week. If there’s nothing out of the ordinary, pull them off." Quan Xijuan trusted his intuition; he didn’t believe it would suspect someone for no reason.
"Understood," Sha Jing said in a low voice. "By the way, another person has appeared near Xiu Mumo. It seems to be a close friend. Xiu Mumo picked her up from the airport, and they are living together now. I am still investigating this person’s identity."
"A close friend? A man or a woman?" Quan Xijuan asked instinctively.
"A woman," Sha Jing said, a mischievous glint in his eyes as if he’d discovered a new continent. "Boss, you don't actually have a crush on Xiu Mumo, do you? Why are you so focused on her?"
"No," Quan Xijuan denied. How could he like Xiu Mumo? The borders were still at war, even if there had been a ceasefire for the last few months. When the time came, the Kill Camp would have to be ready at a moment's notice; he had no time for romance, let alone liking anyone.
Still, it seemed that Xiu Mumo was indeed the first woman, unrelated to him, who had ever gotten this close.
"Fine, if you say so, Boss. Also, I need to mention—you asked me to look into that live-stream travel show, *Travel Donkey*. I checked, and there are no issues."
Sha Jing flipped through the data on his computer. "The director of this show is a newcomer. It was rumored they were going to use a veteran, but it was changed at the last minute. The director, the staff, and the guests all travel together without any camera crews. The show is funded by Zhiping Technology to test their new gadgets. There are twelve guests in total, and all spots are now filled."
"However, I did find one thing: both the elder and younger members of the Ming family have signed up for the show. I suspect they’re targeting you, Boss.""Ming Luoxing? Ming Yang'an?" Quan Xijuan’s pupils deepened, a hint of annoyance mingling with his cold, detached expression.
He wasn't a fool; he could see that Ming Luoxing was interested in him. Consequently, everywhere he went—outside of the Kill Camp and military assignments—she would follow, constantly tracking his whereabouts. He hadn't thought much of it before, but ever since he enlisted, he had grown utterly tired of such behavior. No one likes being watched every second of the day.
Yet, Ming Luoxing never did anything explicitly out of line, leaving him with no choice but to either send her away or avoid her altogether. But it was impossible to guard against everything. They were in Shangjing, and the Ming Family was at the height of its power. There were plenty of people looking to curry favor with them, and providing information on his movements was hardly a big deal; the Quan family couldn't very well hold people accountable for that.
To him, Ming Luoxing was like an inescapable fly, forever trailing him. And now, just as he expected, she had somehow found out about his participation in the variety show and signed up too.
"Yes, it’s those two. You know how it is, Captain; the Ming Family has always wanted to marry Ming Luoxing off to you." Sha Jing didn't care much for the Ming family either, including the arrogant Ming Luoxing, who carried herself like a white swan.
"I have no interest in the Ming family, and even less interest in Ming Luoxing. We aren't from the same world." Quan Xijuan pondered for a few seconds.
Perhaps this was for the best. By participating in the show, he could clearly reject her on camera. Since it would be a live broadcast and Ming Luoxing was so concerned with her public image, maybe, just maybe, he could finally have some peace afterward.
"We really aren't from the same world," Sha Jing said, arching a brow. The Captain spent his missions facing the dust and the earth, while she was a delicate, pampered princess—they existed in completely different dimensions.
"Let me know if you find any new leads. Hanging up."
After hanging up, Quan Xijuan collapsed onto his bed and rubbed his temples.
*
Ming Luoxing smiled at the thought of seeing Quan Xijuan on the variety show in two weeks. They would be traveling together for a month, which would be the perfect opportunity to cultivate their relationship at close range.
Her looks were arguably on par with Xiu Mumo’s. While she wasn't as tall as Xiu Mumo, what use did a girl have for such height anyway? If she could confirm their relationship within that month, she could have her family prepare for an engagement. Once that was settled, she wouldn't have to worry about political marriages, and the Quan family would be there to back her up.
She would become the mistress of the Quan family.
At the thought, her breathing quickened. She had been dreaming this dream for eight years. Since the moment she came of age, she had wanted to marry Quan Xijuan and become the most prestigious woman in the Beijing circle. He was handsome, fit, had a good personality, was incredibly doting toward his sister, and possessed an impeccable family background. To her, he was the optimal choice, and their age difference was perfect.
She made a phone call to order new clothes and jewelry to bring along.
*Late-Night Mission*
She would wear them for Quan Xijuan; she refused to believe he could remain unmoved by her.
"Sister." Ming Yang'an’s voice came from the doorway.
Ming Luoxing frowned impatiently and got up to open the door. "What is it?"
"Mom said I don't have to go to class for a month and that I'm going to travel with you on a live-streamed variety show?" Ming Yang'an’s eyes brightened as he grabbed Ming Luoxing’s arm.
"Yeah. Don't want to go? If you don't, I can find someone else," Ming Luoxing said with a scoff and a yawn.
"No, I’m going! Of course I’m going. You’re the best, sister." Ming Yang'an grinned and acted coy.
"If you're going, stop bothering my sleep. Go back to your room." Ming Luoxing tapped his forehead.
"Oh, going now." Ming Yang'an immediately exited, closed the door, and ran back to his room, beaming.
Ming Luoxing suddenly chuckled. Perhaps she had been too hard on Ming Yang'an lately. He was just a twelve-year-old child; what could he possibly know?
*
3:00 AM.
*BOOM—*
A deafening clap of thunder shook the house. Immediately after, the sound of heavy rain began to wash against the windows. As a flash of lightning split the sky, it jolted many people awake.
As the top officer of the Combat Division, Xiu Mumo was a light sleeper; a single thunderclap was enough to rouse her completely. Beside her, Xia Lengying was still fast asleep, showing no signs of jet lag.
A breeze drifted in through the window, bringing a hint of chill. She tucked the blanket around Xia Lengying, when suddenly, her phone rang.
Xia Lengying woke up with a start, her eyes bleary. "What’s wrong? A new mission?"
"I don't know, let me take this." Xiu Mumo saw the familiar number and answered. "Chief, I'm listening."
Her voice was calm as she sat up in bed.
"It’s me." The familiar voice came through the other end.
"Dad? What happened?" Xiu Mumo was startled, her pupils constricting. For her father to be at the Chief’s house at this hour meant something serious had happened.
"An explosion at an old residential building on Bianhe West Road. The family of diplomat Yang Ce has been targeted for assassination. The area is currently experiencing a blackout due to the lightning and aging circuitry. You and Lengying take Bie Yuan and go check it out. Protect the safety of diplomat Yang Ce’s family—especially Geng Che. He just returned from research a few days ago."
Elder Xiu’s voice was grave, his tone even tinged with urgency.
"Understood. Mission guaranteed."
Xiu Mumo’s eyes glinted with a dark, intense light. The identity of Yang Ce flashed through her mind.
Yang Ce, female, 57, a diplomat currently serving at the Mo'an joint embassy in the Danlan Empire, held a high status at home. Because the Danlan Empire was plagued by religious conflict and power struggles, Yang Ce had gone overseas alone to hold the fort at the embassy, ensuring the legal rights of their citizens remained protected from local strife.
Her husband, Geng Shan, was also a diplomat; he had been assassinated ten years ago while saving the Chief. Their daughter, Yang Qian, had also joined the diplomatic service and was shot to death in the Enbo Empire three years ago. The only child left was their son, Geng Che, who worked in scientific research deep in the mountains. He had only just returned. It was no wonder the Chief and her father were so concerned.
*Arriving at Bianhe West Road*
The whole family were heroes, pillars of the nation. Her husband had sacrificed himself to save the Chief, her daughter had given her life for diplomacy, and now only one son remained. Many relatives of the Yang and Geng families lived there, and Geng Che usually stayed with his uncle when he was back.
Diplomat Yang Ce protected their citizens in the Danlan Empire; she could not let her family suffer a tragedy on home soil.
With that, they both quickly got up to change and splash some water on their faces. Before leaving, Xiu Mumo called Bie Yuan, telling him to get up and grab his gear.
When they stepped out, Bie Yuan was already prepared.
"Let’s go!"
Xiu Mumo, Xia Lengying, and Bie Yuan headed downstairs together and drove toward Bianhe West Road.
At the same time, Quan Xijuan had also received the news and was heading out, coat already on.
"A-Juan, come back safely." Elder Quan, sitting on the living room sofa with reddened eyes, stared blankly at the weather outside.
"Don't worry, Grandfather. I will bring Geng Che back safely."
Quan Xijuan comforted him. He knew his grandfather and Diplomat Yang Ce were friends—though there was a significant age gap, they were both people of great ambition. They were close, if not exactly peers. Through his grandfather and Aunt Yang, he knew Geng Che. They weren't close, as their pursuits and circles were different, but he deeply admired that family and would do everything in his power to help.
He dashed into the rain, started his car, and headed toward Bianhe West Road.
*
Meanwhile, in the car.
Bie Yuan asked as he drove, "Boss, what’s going on? What happened?"
"Diplomat Yang Ce’s family was targeted for assassination, and their apartment building was bombed," Xiu Mumo said concisely.
"Yang Ce? The diplomat in the Danlan Empire? The one we met?" Bie Yuan’s breathing hitched, his pupils contracting.
The Danlan Empire wasn't far from the Silu Continent, and they had passed through it on their way back. It was Diplomat Yang Ce who had hosted them. He remembered her well because of her seniority, and the tragedies in her family were common knowledge among their circle; they all admired her.
"Yes." Xiu Mumo touched her pistol. "I’ve already notified the others in the Combat Division to rush to the scene. This situation is beyond the jurisdiction of the Law Enforcement Bureau—this is our battlefield. I’m leaving the sniper to you."
"Mission guaranteed. As long as he’s still in the area, I will catch him!"
Bie Yuan’s eyes were terrifyingly dark as a cold smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "Which country’s lunatic is this, daring to run wild in the Mo'an Empire?"
"Read fewer edgy novels. Our own spies in the Danlan Empire don't just run wild—they leave a mess behind too."
Xiu Mumo quipped, though her cold, clear eyes shimmered with killing intent.