Xiao Chen gently stroked the gray bone ring on his finger, his voice deep and resolute.
"Old Su, I've already met your sister. Don't worry—no one will harm her as long as I'm alive."
This strange bone ring had been with him since childhood. According to an old fortune-teller, it concealed a great secret. Half a month ago, under that fortune-teller's guidance, Xiao Chen went to Naga in hopes of unlocking it. Su Yunfei, Su Qing's brother, had accompanied him on that journey.
But fate was cruel—Su Yunfei died protecting him. With his last breath, he had asked Xiao Chen to look after his sister and solve her troubles.
That was why Xiao Chen, still recovering from his wounds, had rushed to Longhai City straight from Naga. He feared being too late. Yet now, seeing the situation, it seemed less dire than he imagined.
"Old Su, once I help your sister, I'll return to Naga to continue the search. Blood debts must be repaid. Whoever the culprit is, whatever force stands behind them—I'll make them pay."
Murderous intent flickered in his eyes, cold and sharp. When his phone rang, he instantly restrained it and answered.
"Brother Chen, how are you doing?"
"All good."
"Where are you staying? Want to come over?"
"I'm living here with Su Qing." He lit a cigarette. "Xiao Dao, what about the task I gave you?"
"I've scouted three locations. Waiting for your decision."
"Good. I'll take a look tomorrow."
After the call, Xiao Chen smoked in silence, then headed to the bathroom.
Night passed quietly. By six in the morning, he was already awake. After washing up, he slipped out of the villa to circle the area. It was his habit—whenever he arrived in unfamiliar territory, he would familiarize himself first, so he could react instantly if danger struck.
When he returned, Su Qing was already in the kitchen preparing breakfast. She peeked out as he entered.
"Back from a morning run?"
"Mm, just went for a walk."
"Breakfast will be ready soon."
"Want me to help?"
"No need, I've got it."
As they spoke, Su Xiaomeng came downstairs. The moment she saw Xiao Chen, she ground her teeth. Last night, not only had her little schemes failed, but she had been humiliated—he even dared touch her! Worst of all, her camera hadn't recorded a thing. How had he done it?
"Good morning, Xiaomeng," Xiao Chen greeted with a smile.
"I love you—sister!" she snapped.
"…I don't have a sister."
Lowering her voice, she demanded, "Tell me the truth, did you mess with my camera?"
"Camera? What camera?" he asked innocently.
"The one in my room!"
Xiao Chen widened his eyes. "Xiaomeng, you keep a camera in your room? You're not filming yourself, are you? That's dangerous—remember the school scandal years ago?"
"Get lost! You're the one making dirty videos!"
Her fists clenched in frustration. Su Qing appeared with honey water.
"What are you two arguing about?"
"Photography," Xiao Chen said smoothly.
"Oh? Xiao Chen likes photography too? Xiaomeng, you two can share tips—"
"Pfft!" Xiaomeng choked, spraying honey water everywhere.
Suppressing his laughter, Xiao Chen teased her until she finally gave in and, through gritted teeth, called him "Brother Chen."
Breakfast passed with smiles on the surface, though Xiaomeng secretly swore revenge. Afterward, Xiao Chen drove the sisters out—dropping Xiaomeng at school first before heading to the company with Su Qing.
"Xiaomeng can be rebellious," Su Qing sighed. "Don't take it to heart."
"She's fine. Everyone rebels at that age."
Changing the subject, Su Qing said, "I spoke with Sister Lan. You'll join the company as my personal bodyguard, under the security department. Any objections?"
"No problem."
When Xiao Chen asked about her troubles, she hesitated, then admitted, "I received a threatening letter recently. I don't know who sent it."
"So we can only defend passively?"
"Mm. For now, yes."
Xiao Chen's eyes hardened. Then show yourself soon… whoever you are.
They arrived at the company, where Su Qing busied herself with work. Xiao Chen went to meet her assistant, Qin Lan.
Today, she wore a sleek black dress that highlighted her curves. Xiao Chen's eyes lit up.
"Sister Lan, you're stunning today!"
"Oh? So I wasn't yesterday?" she teased.
"You're beautiful every day," he grinned.
With a laugh, Qin Lan explained his position. Though officially under the security department, he would answer only to her and President Su. She added with a playful wink, "So I'm your other leader."
Xiao Chen smirked. "You won't bully me, will you?"
"That depends on how you behave," she replied, eyes sparkling.
After some playful banter, Qin Lan briefed him on the department structure and arranged for him to report in.