That evening at Xiao Corporation Tower.
"Based on my investigation," Bu Feiwu said, "the Ouyang Family is hosting a banquet tomorrow night. We can use this chance to find Winter Xueer—she’s a key guest."
"Hold up," Xiao Zhan asked. "How’d you confirm that? The Ouyang network isn’t exactly easy to hack."
"Tough as a fortress," Bu Feiwu replied. "But their close associates? After dinner, I hacked through every single one."
"Ruthless," Xiao Zhan muttered. "Still, thanks."
"Don’t thank me. Thank Doudou." Bu Feiwu lifted the dog into view. "Give him a few more hours, and he’ll crack the Ouyang system."
"Since when did this dog go full beast mode?" Glasses Bro blurted.
"He’s not just breezing through code," Xiao Zhan added. "He’s even grasping quantum mechanics now."
"Hell! What’s that leave for us academic failures?" Shishen gasped.
"Can I finish?" Bu Feiwu cut in.
"Please do," Xiao Zhan urged.
Bu Feiwu pulled up a 3D projection—a sprawling estate. "This is the Ouyang estate."
"You got this too?" Lin Jie exclaimed.
"Don’t underestimate an Evolution Corporation field agent," Bu Feiwu said. "I’ve mapped every interior structure."
"Wait—is Evolution Corporation actually that powerful?" Lin Jie whispered to Xiao Zhan.
"Everyone knows except you," Xiao Zhan deadpanned.
The projection’s walls turned transparent.
"These red dots mark likely security hotspots," Bu Feiwu explained, pointing. "Tread carefully. This hall here? The banquet venue. Based on past events, Dong Family guests—especially Winter Xueer, the star of the show—will be in these rooms."
"Got the layout? I’ll charge in, slaughter everyone, and bring Winter Xueer back!" Lin Jie hefted his Spike Mace.
"Slow down," Xiao Zhan snapped. "Hear the plan first."
"What if Winter Xueer gets hurt before we move?" Lin Jie argued.
"No risk," Bu Feiwu interjected. "The Ouyang Family won’t act openly. With Ouyang Rui’s guilt proven, harming Winter Xueer would hand rivals ammunition—and give the Dong Family leverage."
"Sure about that?" Lin Jie pressed.
"Winter Xueer’s Dong blood matters," Bu Feiwu said. "This is a prearranged engagement. If she’s harmed at the Ouyangs’, they’ll face backlash. After the ceremony? That’s another story."
"So they won’t touch her before the engagement?" Lin Jie asked.
"They’ll treat her like royalty," Bu Feiwu said. "All for face-saving. That’s how noble clans operate."
"Whoa—Feiwu’s actually a sharp strategist?" Lin Jie whispered to Xiao Zhan. "I thought you charmed her with a few lines."
"Me neither!" Xiao Zhan feigned shock. "I just wanted intel. Didn’t expect this analysis."
"Your ‘compliments’ are infuriating," Bu Feiwu smiled, drawing a laser dagger. "Shall I kill you here?"
"Wait!" Xiao Zhan yelped. "Just lightening the mood!"
"Back to the plan," Bu Feiwu said. "Risky, but not impossible."
"Hold on—I’ll just slash my way in, grab Winter Xueer, done," Lin Jie insisted.
"No. Even if you’re S Rank, storming the Ouyang estate is suicide. And what about the fallout for the rest of us?" Bu Feiwu countered.
"...Fine. Your plan," Lin Jie grumbled, slumping beside Doudou. "Doudou, they don’t trust me..."
Doudou placed a paw on Lin Jie’s shoulder and barked softly.
"Yep. The more people I meet, the more I like dogs," Lin Jie sighed.
"Glasses Bro, you’re on support," Bu Feiwu continued. "Stay here. Once they get your glasses near Winter Xueer, teleport her and others out. No infiltration needed."
"Phew. Safe choice," Glasses Bro said.
"Oh—and intel: Shangguan Shuai of the Shangguan Clan might propose to Winter Leaf at the banquet," Bu Feiwu added.
"I’m infiltrating too," Glasses Bro declared. "That Shangguan Shuai’s no good."
"Quick change of heart," Xiao Zhan teased.
"How could I hide while you risk your lives?" Glasses Bro declared nobly.
"Who buys that?" Xiao Zhan snorted. "Just admit you want to snag the rich, beautiful girl."
"Who says I can’t?" Glasses Bro shot back. "I just won’t let some loser harass Little Leaf."
"Shangguan Shuai’s handsome," Bu Feiwu noted. "Ranked second in looks among the Eight Great Clans, after Long Wenfeng. He and Winter Leaf are childhood friends, and he’s high-status."
"Damn. Hot, connected, childhood sweetheart, romantic..." Lin Jie leaned in. "Glasses Bro, you’re toast."
"Not necessarily," Xiao Zhan said. "Per my research on geek-to-rich-girl tropes, you need two things: First, she must be heartbroken by the pretty boy. Second, you must risk your life for her. But since he’s proposing? No heartbreak. So even risking your life won’t help."
Glasses Bro deflated like a punctured balloon. "...Fine. I’ll standby here."
"Don’t say that," Lin Jie said. "I’ve got a solution: kill the pretty boy. If he’s gone, she’ll have no choice but you—or at least he won’t win. Better mutual destruction than failure. And if you survive? You still have a shot. He won’t."
"You’re right!" Glasses Bro straightened. "I’m going. No way he proposes."
"That’s the spirit," Lin Jie clapped his shoulder. "Real men act."
"Lin Jie! What’s your zodiac sign? Why do you always jump to killing?" Xiao Zhan groaned. He turned to Shishen, who was spacing out. "What’s on your mind?"
"I’m wondering if any of my female fans are your goddesses..." Shishen mused. "You feel like the Pope of a ‘slash-first’ cult."
"You wouldn’t understand! Real men solve things like real men," Lin Jie declared. "I’ve cut down every enemy before."
"Task assignments next," Bu Feiwu said.
"Hold on," Lin Jie checked his watch. "I need to go home. Little Mumu’s bedtime. I’ll tell her to stay put." He headed for the door. "Brief me later."
...
Lin Jie found Lin Mumu on the couch, hugging a teddy bear and watching TV.
"Brother! You’re back!" She ran over.
"Mumu, homework done?" Lin Jie asked.
"Finished!" Lin Mumu chirped.
"Good girl." He ruffled her hair. "Time for bed."
"But Sister’s not home yet," Mumu said.
"Lin Wan won’t be back tonight," Lin Jie said. "Scared to sleep alone?"
"No way!" Mumu puffed her chest.
"Tomorrow’s weekend. Stay at Xiao Gege’s place? I’ll be out on business."
"Can I bring a friend?" Mumu pleaded with big eyes.
"This..."
"Pleeease?"
"Qingqing again?" Lin Jie guessed.
"Mhm. She wants to see Doudou."
"Deal."
He tucked her in.
"Brother, why are you and Sister always busy?" Lin Mumu asked.
"Adults have work," Lin Jie said. "How about a bedtime story? Journey to the West."
"Okay!"
