Chapter 63: Unwanted Company

Kon Lan huffed, "Just wait and see," before vanishing into thin air.

"Still as quick-tempered as ever," Ye Jianghuai muttered, shaking his head.

He turned to the young girl on the sofa, gesturing for her to follow. "Let's go visit the Zhao family and see the involved parties."

Without hesitation, Ling Ji stood up and naturally positioned herself ten centimeters to his right. "Let's go."

Seeing her positioning, Ye Jianghuai's eyes flickered. A small stone seemed to fall into the calm lake of his eyes, creating ripples. "You..."

When Ling Ji didn't hear him continue, she looked up, puzzled. "Hmm?"

Seeing his reflection clearly in her clear eyes, Ye Jianghuai smiled, deciding not to pursue his thoughts further. "Nothing, just noticing you've grown taller since we last met." He ruffled her hair, the silky texture making him ruffle it again, loosening her bun.

Ling Ji rolled her eyes at him but didn't push his hand away, even nuzzling into his palm with a satisfied hum.

The small sound was audible to everyone present, human and demon alike, leaving Jin Hong stunned.

Seeing how Ling Ji complied with this human, Jin Hong was initially jealous. When she saw him ruffle Ling Ji's head without being reprimanded, her eyes widened, expecting Ling Ji to scold him. Instead, Ling Ji seemed content.

Jin Hong turned to Xing Miao, looking for support, only to find Xing Miao had already sided with the new status quo. "You saw correctly. In Ling Ji's heart, he holds a higher position than we do. Respect him accordingly."

Not only because of Ling Ji but also because he exuded an immense, quiet pressure. It felt like a calm sea that could swallow anyone at any moment.

Reluctantly, Jin Hong admitted Xing Miao was right. The way the two stood together, even without interacting, had a harmony no one could intrude upon.

Gu Xiaowu nudged Zhao Jiong, whispering, "When did they get so close?"

Zhao Jiong glanced at Gu Xiaowu. "Don't ask questions that could kill your curiosity, Little Cat."

Gu Xiaowu, known for loving cats and being young, understood the warning in Zhao Jiong's words and quickly averted his gaze, despite his lingering curiosity.

...

In an apartment near the stadium, Huang Rui sat nervously on a sofa, speaking to a man across from her. "Mr. Zhao, that's all I saw. I don't know anything else."

Zhao Lirun leaned back, deep in thought. The silence in the room was oppressive, making Huang Rui even more anxious.

Finally, Zhao Xiaobo broke the tension. "Thank you for your help, Miss Huang. We'll thank you properly once we find Yuxi."

Startled, Huang Rui quickly declined. "No need for thanks. I'm glad to help." She stood, bowing slightly. "Mr. Zhao, I'll leave now."

Zhao Lirun remained silent. Huang Rui glanced at Zhao Xiaobo, who smiled at her. "I'll see you out."

"No need," she insisted, hastily heading to the door. As she opened it, she was surprised to find someone standing outside.

"Oh!" she exclaimed, stepping back and nearly falling.

Zhao Xiaobo reached out to catch her, but Zhao Jiong was quicker. "Are you alright?" he asked kindly.

Blushing, Huang Rui stepped aside. "Please, come in."

Instead of entering, Zhao Jiong leaned against the doorframe. "You must be Huang Rui."

Surprised he knew her, Huang Rui nodded. "Yes, and you are?"

"I'm Officer Zhao, handling Lu Shu's case." He showed his badge, then glanced at Zhao Xiaobo. "I have some questions for Mr. and Mrs. Zhao. May I come in?"

Zhao Xiaobo, seeing the familiar black-clad girl behind Zhao Jiong, was momentarily stunned. "Ling Ji?"

"Hello," Ling Ji greeted. She remembered Zhao Xiaobo from their earlier encounter and was willing to be polite, but not more than necessary.

Zhao Xiaobo quickly recovered. "Come in, Officer Zhao."

He turned to Ye Jianghuai, who entered with them. "Found anything?"

"Yes," Ye Jianghuai nodded, handing Ling Ji a pair of slippers before putting on his own. He glanced at Huang Rui, who was about to leave, and said, "Miss Huang, please stay a moment longer."

Feeling trapped, Huang Rui reluctantly took off her shoes and returned to the living room.

Zhao Jiong succinctly explained his purpose to Zhao Lirun. "Please recount everything that happened yesterday, including every detail of your day."

"Is this necessary?" Zhao Lirun frowned.

"It's for the investigation," Zhao Jiong replied calmly. "We're all working to find your child as soon as possible."

Zhao Lirun was about to respond when the doorbell rang. He looked surprised.

"I'll get it," Zhao Xiaobo offered, moving towards the door. Before he could reach it, a figure darted out from a bedroom and opened the door first.

"Are you Daoist Lu?" Zhao's wife asked the man outside, her tone respectful. "Please, come in."

The man, dressed in a clean Daoist robe, carrying a peachwood sword, and holding a horsetail whisk, looked serene and dignified. As he entered, Ye Jianghuai's expression changed, a cold glint in his eyes.

Ling Ji noticed his reaction immediately. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Ye Jianghuai reassured her, his irritation fading. He ruffled her hair again. "Do you have a comb?"

Caught off guard, Ling Ji blinked. "What?"

"Never mind," Ye Jianghuai said, dropping the subject. "Are you hungry?"

"Yes," Ling Ji replied eagerly. She could always eat, regardless of the circumstances.

Ye Jianghuai chuckled softly, earning a puzzled look from Ling Ji. Why was he acting so oddly?

Unaware of her thoughts, Ye Jianghuai began preparing some food for her.

Daoist Lu entered the living room, frowning at the number of people. Seeing Ye Jianghuai, his frown deepened. "It's best to keep the atmosphere calm during rituals. Too many people can disrupt the energy."

His meaning was clear: the room was too crowded.

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