Chapter 35: I'll Give You a Man

Under the cover of night, Bamboo Viper, dressed in a black tight - fitting outfit, moved swiftly like a shadow in the Spring - filled Garden. She scanned the surroundings warily. After confirming there was no abnormality, Bamboo Viper leaped into a villa about a few hundred meters away from the Chen residence and then slipped into the room.

The light in the room was dim, and from the outside, no brightness could be seen. At this moment, Bamboo Viper stood respectfully beside an old man who was leaning on a walking stick and standing by the window, whispering something. After Bamboo Viper briefly explained the matter, the old man slowly turned around. Although his left foot was not agile, the emanating from his whole body was daunting.

The old man had a kind face, which seemed at odds with the dignity he exuded. After listening to Bamboo Viper's report, he asked softly,

"You've cooperated with 'Mask' many times. What do you think of this young talent?" The old man's voice was vigorous and powerful, and every word was clear.

"He's glib - tongued, but has remarkable abilities..." Hearing this, the old man's lips curved slightly, and he said lightly,

"The offspring personally trained by the old master of the Nalan family, I've never doubted his abilities. Originally, a year ago, I intended to recruit him into the organization. But this young man is too emotional. Besides, because of what happened to his mother, those above have always held a grudge. That's why I've been holding this matter back. This time, the Kawashita Consortium has come to Gangcheng with great ambitions. It's just an opportunity to temper him. You should assist him from the side and make sure nothing goes wrong..."

"Yes..."

"Zhirong, I don't ask about the feud between your Liu family and the Nalan family, nor do I want to. Your father sent you to me when you were five years old, not wanting you, a promising young talent, to get involved. I think the old master of the Nalan family doesn't let Xiao Sheng ask about family affairs for the same reason. The grudges between the older generations, as the younger generation, you shouldn't try to change them. Over the years, I've always arranged for you to cooperate with Xiao Sheng in missions, hoping to avoid any rifts between you. In the future, you'll be teammates. You need to rely on each other to protect your backs. I don't want to hear any disharmonious voices in the team. Do you understand?" Although the old man's voice was calm, every word struck a chord in the heart. Bamboo Viper, who had been lowering her head, slowly raised it and replied respectfully,

"Zhirong understands and will keep it in mind..." Bamboo Viper's words made the old man very relieved. Whether it was the Liu family in the northwest or the Nalan family, which held power in the northern province, their loyalty to the country was beyond words. However, the long - standing "rivalry" among the great families had persisted for thousands of years. The old man didn't hope or want to see such a situation of family feuds in his team. What's more, their relationship was not one of political differences; on the contrary, they had a rather close connection.

"Also, this mission has a wide scope of involvement. Both the gray forces and political forces in northern Jiangsu are participating. Contact Mask and ask him to set up an intelligence network in the shortest possible time. At the right time, you can give him some help. You should grasp the 'degree' yourself." After saying this, the old man turned and walked towards the inner room, leaving Bamboo Viper standing alone in place.

As the first rays of dawn appeared, Xiao Sheng slowly got up and stretched his arms. Having not slept for several nights, although it was nothing to him, the several fights in the early morning still left his eyes showing a hint of fatigue.

Walking out of the room, Xiao Sheng splashed cold water on his face. Feeling a bit more energetic, wearing a military - green vest on his upper body, he vigorously performed a set of military boxing. He didn't stop until his entire vest was soaked with sweat, and then he was full of energy.

Aunt Wu still got up early as usual. Pushing open the door, she saw Xiao Sheng practicing boxing. The old woman didn't go forward to disturb him. Instead, after putting the porridge in the pot, she picked up a broom and started sweeping the dust in the courtyard. In Xiao Sheng's eyes, the courtyard was already spotless, but the old woman still insisted on doing this every day.

Dai Muxue, who arrived at the Chen residence before seven o'clock, when she entered the courtyard and saw Xiao Sheng chatting amiably with Aunt Wu, her eyes couldn't help but dodge. After greeting Aunt Wu, she stood aside, not daring to get too close to Xiao Sheng. What happened yesterday had left a shadow in this woman's heart. Dai Muxue had a deep understanding of Xiao Sheng's audacity.

About twenty minutes later, Chen Shuyuan, who came downstairs after washing up, still had her cold expression. Only when facing Tong Tong with panda - like eyes and the kind - faced Aunt Wu did this "ice - cold beauty" show a rare smile.

During breakfast, everyone didn't talk much. Only Aunt Wu kept using kind words to urge everyone to eat more. The little witch, having suffered a loss yesterday, was extremely "low - key" today. She kept her head down and didn't say a word, but from time to time, the glances she cast at Xiao Sheng were filled with "resentment" and "malice." After finishing the porridge at the bottom of the bowl, Chen Shuyuan declined Aunt Wu's offer to serve her another bowl. As if thinking of something, she turned her head and said to Tong Tong sitting beside her,

"Tong Tong, the day after tomorrow is your birthday. You're already eighteen and a grown - up girl. How do you plan to celebrate it? Your uncle and aunt called me yesterday to ask about this..." Hearing this, Tong Tong slowly raised her head. Unlike other children, she didn't show excitement. She pouted and said softly,

"What's the use of asking? They're busy with work and have no time, right..." Hearing this, Chen Shuyuan showed an embarrassed smile. She wanted to open her mouth to help her uncle and aunt explain, but then realized that she had used all those excuses years ago. Suddenly, the atmosphere of the breakfast became extremely awkward. Xiao Sheng, chewing on a fried dough stick, listened with great interest to the conversation between the two sisters across from him, but he didn't interrupt. There was no need for him to do so.

Tong Tong turned her head and her eyes met Xiao Sheng's. Her eyes rolled half a circle, and suddenly, as if thinking of something, the corners of her mouth curved up, and she said softly to Xiao Sheng,

"Big guy, what will you give me for my birthday?" Tong Tong's words made everyone's eyes turn to Xiao Sheng, who was sitting across from her. Having managed to divert her cousin's mood, when Chen Shuyuan looked at Xiao Sheng, she winked at him, which was clear enough. She wanted Xiao Sheng to keep Tong Tong stable and make her happy.

Swallowing the fried dough stick, clearing his throat, Xiao Sheng replied with a smile,

"What do you want?"

"No sincerity..." Seeing her cousin's appearance, Chen Shuyuan became a bit anxious. She frowned and looked at Xiao Sheng, but Xiao Sheng, whose eyes were always on Tong Tong, didn't even turn his head to look at her.

"You're eighteen, an adult now. Well, girl, I'll give you a gift that no one else can give..."

"What?" Tong Tong stared at Xiao Sheng with wide eyes.

"Since you're an adult, you should do something adult - like. I'll give you a man..." After saying this, Xiao Sheng stood up, deliberately made some gestures, and continued,

"According to my standards. How about it?"

"Bang, crash..." The sound of pots, bowls, and spoons falling to the ground resounded throughout the hall after Xiao Sheng said this. Xiao Sheng fled in a hurry, not daring to look back at Chen Shuyuan and Tong Tong, who both stood up and picked up the tableware to throw at him. This time, Xiao Sheng had incurred public wrath.