Shadows in the Village

The construction project in Xiaolong had become a race against time. Chen Wei, Ning Li, and their team worked tirelessly, pushing the project forward with an urgency that left little room for error. Chen Wei knew that if Tang Jun's influence began seeping into the village, their progress would be their best defense.

In the village square, Yu Jian loaded supplies into a truck, preparing to accompany Chen Wei to the city for a critical meeting. The air was brisk, but the tension between them was heavier.

"We need to keep the pressure on," Yu Jian said, adjusting his gloves. "If Tang Jun retaliates, it won't be subtle. We need to make sure we're a step ahead."

Chen Wei nodded, his eyes scanning the surroundings. "That's why we're involving more agents. The more eyes we have, the harder it'll be for him to move unnoticed."

Before leaving for the city, Chen Wei made his way to the willow tree at the edge of the village, a quiet place where he often found solace. To his surprise, Li Mei was already there, her hands resting on her lap as she sat on the stone bench beneath the sprawling branches.

"You always know where to find peace," Chen Wei said, his voice breaking the silence.

Li Mei tilted her head toward him, a faint smile on her lips. "And you always bring the storm with you."

He chuckled, sitting beside her. For a moment, they let the silence linger, the willow's branches swaying gently in the breeze.

"I wanted to talk to you," Chen Wei said finally. "Things are escalating, and I don't want you caught in the crossfire. Tang Jun isn't someone who plays fair."

Li Mei's expression didn't waver. "I may be blind, Chen Wei, but I'm not helpless. Don't underestimate me."

He hesitated, then nodded. "I know. Just…be careful. If you notice anything unusual, let me know immediately."

As if on cue, Ming Hao approached from the distance, his face tight with concern. "Chen Wei, there's something you need to see."

The three of them returned to Li Mei's pottery shop, where Ming Hao pointed to a man standing across the street, his hands shoved into his pockets. He wore casual clothes, but there was something about his stance—too still, too focused—that sent a chill down Chen Wei's spine.

Li Mei tilted her head, her senses heightened. "He's been there before. I can't see him, but I've felt his presence."

Ming Hao clenched his fists. "He's been watching the shop. I have noticed him few days ago as well." He paused about how he had seen the guy. It was while following Su Lan earlier, when she had been on her way back from the market to her in-laws.

Ming Hao continued, "I didn't want to spook him, so I didn't approach."

Chen Wei's expression hardened. "We'll deal with him later. For now, let's focus on securing the village and the project."

As the group dispersed, Chen Wei's mind churned with possibilities. The shadow over Xiaolong was growing darker, and he knew Tang Jun's hand was likely behind it. But he wasn't about to let his home fall into chaos.

With Yu Jian waiting for him in the city, Chen Wei prepared to leave, knowing that the fight for Xiaolong's future had only just begun.