Chapter 105: The Strange Rainy Night

However, Lin Chen’s arrival offered him a glimmer of hope.

Lin Chen masked his intentions well. His face instantly broke into a smile. He stepped forward, placing himself between Qin Feiyang and the masked woman. Finding no other choice, the masked woman was forced to let go of Qin Feiyang.

Lin Chen asked, "Ling'er, what brings you to Black Bear City?"

The masked woman frowned. "Is that any of your business?"

Lin Chen chuckled, "If you had told me beforehand, we could have traveled together!"

"No need. I know the way." The masked woman spoke in a lukewarm tone, clearly showing little affection for him.

Lin Chen was unfazed. He smiled and said, "How about we head back to Yan City together tomorrow?"

"We'll see tomorrow," the masked woman replied coldly.

During their exchange, Qin Feiyang signaled to Ling Yunfei and the fatty. The two understood immediately, and the group began to sneak away.

But as soon as Qin Feiyang crossed the threshold, the masked woman noticed. She shouted, "Jiang Haotian, where do you think you’re going?"

"You two keep chatting. I have business to attend to, so I’ll be off," Qin Feiyang replied without looking back. He activated his Smoke Steps and sprinted away as if fleeing for his life.

"You jerk, stop right there!" the masked woman shrieked, preparing to give chase.

But at that moment, a flash of light flickered in Lin Chen’s eyes. He blocked her path again, smiling, "Ling'er, this is my first time in Black Bear City. I’m a stranger here, and since you grew up here, you must know the place well. Why not take me around for a tour?"

Ling Yunfei glanced at Lin Chen, turned to the three elders—Luo Xiong and the others—and bowed. "Seniors, I must take my leave as well."

The fatty followed suit, adding, "I shouldn't impose any further either."

With that, Ling Yunfei ushered his mother away, and the fatty quickly followed, the group hurrying after Qin Feiyang.

The masked woman furrowed her brow, attempting to move past Lin Chen, but he blocked her again, smiling, "Ling'er, let’s go for a walk!"

Finally, the masked woman lost her temper. "Walk? Walk your sister! Can’t you see it’s raining outside? Go for a walk by yourself!"

Lin Chen laughed, "Walking in the rain is even more romantic!"

"Who wants to be romantic with you?" the masked woman snapped. *Good grief,* she thought, *how could I be so unlucky to run into this idiot?*

Nearby, Feng Cheng frowned, looking visibly annoyed. Luo Xiong and Elder Mo exchanged glances, remaining silent, though their eyes held a hint of amusement.

...

On the small path, the fatty scanned his surroundings and chuckled, "Boss Jiang is truly a lucky man to have found such a fierce fiancée. I really fear for his future!"

"Just keep gloating," Ling Yunfei rolled his eyes, shaking his head. "Though, this woman is certainly not someone an ordinary man could tame."

"Yunfei, you shouldn't speak about her like that," his mother chided. "After all, Miss Ling'er is your senior sister. You will need her support in the Alchemist Hall in the future. Besides, she only has a bad temper; her heart is quite kind."

"You are right, Mother," Ling Yunfei nodded quickly.

"I’m here."

Just then, Qin Feiyang’s voice rang out. The three of them turned to look and couldn't help but laugh. Qin Feiyang was hiding behind a small tree, peering back at them, his clothes completely soaked.

Ling Yunfei shook his head. "Stop looking. She was blocked by Lin Chen; she didn't follow."

"Whew!" Qin Feiyang let out a long sigh of relief and stepped out from behind the tree.

The fatty teased with disdain, "Boss Jiang, back when you faced those big shots during the duel between Ling Yunfei and Ling Sheng, you didn't even blink. Why are you so afraid of a little lady now? You’re losing face for all men. If it were me, I’d just sweep her off her feet and do the deed right there!"

Qin Feiyang’s face twitched. "Don't just talk. If you’ve got the guts, go do it yourself."

The fatty’s face turned green instantly. He gave a dry laugh. "I’d love to, but I can't. Who told her to be the future sister-in-law? That arduous task is best left to you!"

Qin Feiyang rolled his eyes at him and turned to Ling Yunfei’s mother with a smile. "Apologies, Auntie. You’ve seen me at my worst."

Liu Zhi laughed, "Not at all. Young people are bound to be a bit wild at times."

"Wild?" Qin Feiyang was taken aback, unable to help but smile bitterly.

Liu Zhi asked, "May I call you Haotian?"

"Of course," Qin Feiyang nodded.

Liu Zhi continued, "Haotian, Yunfei told me everything you’ve done to help us. Thank you so much. That Yunfei could find a friend like you is the greatest stroke of luck in his life."

Qin Feiyang smiled, "Auntie, you’re too kind. It was just a small matter, nothing to worry about."

"Sensible and polite—what a good child," Liu Zhi beamed, clearly fond of Qin Feiyang. She sighed, "If only Yunfei had half your potential, I could rest easy in my grave."

Ling Yunfei complained, "Mother, your son isn't that bad! And please, don't say such ominous things. You’re going to live to be a hundred."

"Yes, yes, of course," Liu Zhi nodded, her face full of maternal love.

Watching this warm scene, a dignified figure involuntarily surfaced in Qin Feiyang’s mind. He looked up at the dark night sky and muttered, "Mother, are you doing well in the Imperial City?"

Ling Yunfei suddenly patted his shoulder and smiled, "Mother has booked a feast at the Spring Wind Restaurant to thank you and see us off. What do you say? Do me the honor!"

"Since your mother has gone to the trouble, I certainly must go," Qin Feiyang collected his thoughts and nodded.

The fatty hurried to add, "What about me? Don't forget that I helped out a lot too!"

Ling Yunfei chuckled, "I wouldn't forget you. We’ll have a good drink later."

"Count me in," the fatty grinned.

The four of them, sheltering under two umbrellas, walked away from the Alchemist Hall, chatting and laughing.

...

In the rainy night, two dark figures stealthily trailed behind the group. But behind those two figures was yet another person—clad in a cloak and wearing a black mask, his true identity hidden.

The fatty’s brow furrowed. He whispered, "Jiang Haotian, Ling Yunfei, do you feel that?"

"Yeah," the two replied, casting a subtle glance behind them.

It was strange that anyone would be out on the streets in such heavy rain, let alone tailing them.

"What’s wrong?" Liu Zhi asked, confused, as she turned to look.

Ling Yunfei quickly pulled her back and smiled, "Nothing, Mother. Let’s hurry!" He signaled to Qin Feiyang and the fatty, who both nodded. Ling Yunfei didn't want to alarm his mother.

A moment later, the four arrived at the Spring Wind Restaurant. It was the largest, most luxurious, and highest-class restaurant in Black Bear City. Naturally, the prices were equally steep, and its patrons were almost exclusively from wealthy families.

As the three of them were now famous in Black Bear City, the waiter recognized them immediately and welcomed them with enthusiasm. "Gentlemen, please, come right in!"

Ling Yunfei asked, "Is the private room I reserved ready?"

"It’s on the second floor," the waiter replied. "Please, let me take your umbrellas."

Qin Feiyang and the fatty handed over their umbrellas. Qin Feiyang looked back outside and saw the two dark figures standing across the street, watching them. When they saw him look, they quickly turned and walked ahead. A cold light flashed in Qin Feiyang’s eyes.

After the waiter placed the umbrellas on a rack outside, he led the four upstairs to a private room. Meanwhile, the two dark figures turned back and stood outside the restaurant, looking up at the second floor. They were burly men, around forty years old, with scarred faces that looked quite menacing.

A waiter near the counter noticed them and asked with suspicion, "Are you two dining?"

The men ignored him, turned around, and left.

"How strange," the waiter muttered, scratching his head before returning to work.

Inside the private room, Qin Feiyang scanned the area. The decor was opulent, and the space was large, featuring both a dining area and an independent tea room.

"What would you like to order?" the waiter asked.

Ling Yunfei said, "Bring one of each of your specialty dishes, three pots of wine, and a glass of fruit juice."

"Right away!" The waiter called out, exited the room, and closed the door.

Just then, the masked person, having removed their cloak, walked into the restaurant.

"Why are so many weirdos coming in today?" the waiter at the counter frowned as he approached. "Guest, do you have a reservation?"

"I’m meeting someone," the masked person said.

"Which room? I’ll lead the way."

"No need, I can find it myself." The masked person waved him off and headed straight to the second floor, pushing open the door to Qin Feiyang’s room.

Three pairs of cold eyes immediately fell upon him. The masked person felt a chill down his spine. After closing the door, he turned to see Qin Feiyang and the others surrounding him, their eyes flashing with hostility.

He waved his hands at Qin Feiyang. "Don't attack, it’s me."

"Huh?" Qin Feiyang and the others exchanged confused glances. "That voice sounds familiar."

The masked person removed his black mask, revealing a familiar face: Jiang Wei.

Ling Yunfei frowned, "Why were you skulking behind us?"

The fatty barked, "Speak! Are you plotting something? Let me tell you, don't mess with me!"

"No, no, no!" Jiang Wei waved his hands frantically, offering a flattering smile. "If I were plotting something, I wouldn't have walked in here like this. Actually, I have something I want to discuss with my dear big brother."

The fatty was stunned. "Who is your big brother?"

"Jiang Haotian," Jiang Wei grinned.

The fatty was shocked. "Wait, you two are brothers from the same father but different mothers?"

"Cut the crap!" Qin Feiyang rolled his eyes at him, then whispered to Ling Yunfei, "Things feel off tonight. Take your mother and get another room, as far away from here as possible. Don't let her get frightened."

"Understood," Ling Yunfei nodded, whispering a few words to Liu Zhi. Liu Zhi looked at them with concern but said nothing, and the mother and son left the room.