Her eyes bulged.

Not only Zhang Xiaolu, but Pang Cheng standing before Yuyu Express Shop also looked surprised.

Inside the shop, Song Xiaoxi hadn’t heard anything due to her weaker strength and distance. She watched Zhang Xiaolu’s shocked expression with curiosity.

What had Brother Qin said to her?

Why was she so stunned?

Song Xiaoxi peeked secretly, intrigued.

“You like men!?”

“You actually like men!?”

Zhang Xiaolu’s eyes widened in disbelief, staring at Qin Ling as if he were a ghost.

Qin Ling, seeing her reaction, let a faint smile curl his lips.

Good.

So this woman didn’t know about his secret after all.

That made things easier.

“What are you shocked about? Didn’t you claim to know everything?” Qin Ling asked, amusement in his eyes as he watched her stunned face.

With that IQ, she thought she could trick him?

She should go home and raise kids instead.

“You—you!” Zhang Xiaolu seemed jolted. She dropped her hands and stepped back from Qin Ling.

But after a few steps, she remembered something and marched right back up.

“You’re lying to me!” she declared.

“If you liked men, how could you have been with me before?”

Trick her? Impossible!

She’d almost fallen for it.

“You said you like women. Why can’t I like men?” Qin Ling countered with a smile.

“Don’t judge, Miss Zhang. We’re all the same.”

“Oh~!?” Pang Cheng felt like he’d stumbled on huge gossip. His squinty eyes gleamed with curiosity as he stared at the courtyard.

Big news! Massive news!

Zhang Xiaolu had broken up with Qin Ling because she liked women.

And Qin Ling refused to reconcile because he liked men!

Damn it!

These youngsters really lived dangerously.

“...” Zhang Xiaolu sensed two strange gazes on her. Her expression softened instantly as she turned to Qin Ling. “Well, I only broke up in a fit of anger because you were so distant before.”

“Now I’ve realized how good you’ve been to me. How could I not love you?”

“Qin Ling~ Let’s get back together!” She gazed at him expectantly, hoping to see surprise on his face.

But sadly, not the slightest hint of joy appeared on Qin Ling’s features. Beneath his smiling mask, his eyes held only calm indifference.

Zhang Xiaolu’s heart lurched.

Had she really gone too far?

But he’d lied to her first! How else would she have broken up?

It was all his fault—she’d done nothing wrong!

“Alright, Miss Zhang. I have matters to attend to. Please see yourself out,” Qin Ling said coldly.

Zhang Xiaolu’s eyes widened in utter disbelief as she stared at him.

Qin Ling turned away, brushing past her to leave.

Once he’d confirmed her secret wasn’t the one he feared, she no longer mattered.

After all, what else could threaten him besides that secret?

Heh.

“Qin Ling!” Zhang Xiaolu shouted at his retreating back.

But he didn’t pause, vanishing around the courtyard corner.

“You liar!” Seeing he truly wouldn’t look back or acknowledge her, Zhang Xiaolu yelled in fury.

“...”

Only her own voice echoed in the silent courtyard.

“Hmph! Fine! Fine! I don’t believe you’re truly indifferent to me, Qin Ling!” Zhang Xiaolu stormed out, fuming.

Pang Cheng watched the scene unfold, chuckling silently.

This kid.

His talent for infuriating people was as sharp as ever.

“Zhang Xiaolu’s in for trouble. If she drops her obsession, she’ll be fine. But if she pushes further, she’ll regret it,” Pang Cheng mused, turning to head indoors.

Just then, a head peeked cautiously from the courtyard corner. Seeing no sign of Zhang Xiaolu, Qin Ling stepped out and asked Pang Cheng, who stared in surprise, “No trouble, right?”

“Obviously. Didn’t you see?” Pang Cheng snapped.

Then he added, “Qin Ling! You brat! You’d better stir up more chaos for me. Old Pang needs the exercise. Fail me, and I’ll strip you of your position!”

“Really?” Qin Ling’s face lit up. He strode to the express shop, slapped the doorframe with a loud *crack*, and grinned. “Damn it! I’ve wanted out for ages! All that dangerous work, no extra pay?”

“When’s my last day—now or tomorrow?”

“Should I pack my bags right now?” He actually started toward the side room.

“...” Pang Cheng’s face darkened. “Get back here, you brat!”

“Huh? Weren’t you firing me? Why call me back?”

Seeing Qin Ling didn’t slow, Pang Cheng sighed. “Fine! You want a bonus? You did well this time. I’ll apply for one from headquarters.”

“Seriously?” Qin Ling stopped and turned.

“Have I ever lied to you?” Pang Cheng grumbled.

Spotting Qin Ling’s smile, he added sternly, “But don’t celebrate yet. That Werewolf we contained confessed everything—he said you gave him a Divine Gene.”

“The news has spread through the organization. Even foreign factions have caught wind.”

“So! You stay put, understand? Nowhere but here is safe for you!”