Chapter 156: Uninvited Guests

This... Chen Changfeng was instantly struck by the realization of something monumental, his expression stunned into speechlessness.

Besides, aren't you keeping a close eye on things from behind the scenes? If we do anything detrimental to Madam Bai, you can intervene in time, can't you? Luo Kui continued to cajole him.

However, this could hardly be called mere cajoling; rather, it was a statement of fact. Every word he had just spoken was entirely true, without a shred of deception toward Chen Changfeng.

You mean... Madam, she... Chen Changfeng still found it somewhat difficult to believe. The impact of this revelation upon him was simply too immense.

Yet, until the matter was definitively concluded, it was best for him to maintain a skeptical attitude. Still, Luo Kui's words carried a fair amount of logic, making it worth a try.

In any case, the few individuals before him were, in his eyes, mere fragile children utterly unworthy of mention. With his guard up, they could hardly stir up any turbulent waves.

Mind your words, mind your words. Luo Kui hurriedly cut Chen Changfeng off. Some matters were best understood implicitly without needing to be spoken aloud.

Before this matter is verified, all of this must remain hidden in the shadows. If we have wronged Madam Bai... then the final outcome will be an entirely different picture.

Walls have ears. When working under great figures, only those who are cautious in word and deed can live long lives.

Luo Kui felt he had made himself clear enough; he believed Chen Changfeng was not a foolish man.

Brother Luo speaks very wisely. Since this matter is at Lord Bai's behest, I shall simply turn a blind eye from here on out. But let us make things clear beforehand: if what you said earlier was merely to trick me, then do not blame me for being discourteous. Chen Changfeng caught on immediately, his mind now entirely occupied with how to distance himself completely from the affair.

At the thought of this, the gaze he cast upon Luo Kui involuntarily mixed with a hint of sympathy. This was a thoroughly thankless and grueling chore; even if done right, it would bring no open commendation, while any mistake would carry consequences far beyond mere punishment.

Brother Chen, hold on a moment. I have one more thing I wish to ask, and I beg you to answer truthfully. Seeing that Chen Changfeng's heart was set on retreating, Luo Kui quickly intercepted him and cut straight to the point.

Brother Luo, please speak. Chen Changfeng remained calm. He had already made up his decision; since he had resolved to sever ties with this matter, he had no intention of entangling himself further with Luo Kui.

If the matter inquired about was of little consequence, he wouldn't mind doing a favor of convenience. Conversely, for the sake of self-preservation, he would have choice but to profess complete ignorance. After all, the truth of the matter was known to him alone.

***

Brother Chen, having stayed constantly by Madam Bai's side, have you truly not noticed any unusual circumstances at all? Luo Kui asked earnestly.

Chen Changfeng was the primary confidant closest to Madam Bai aside from her inner circle. If Madam Bai harbored any anomalies, he should have perceived them to some degree.

Sighing, Chen Changfeng shook his head helplessly and said, Brother Luo, you are asking the wrong person. I am merely a shadow guard dispatched by Lord Bai to protect Madam's safety; even Madam herself is unaware of my existence. I am only privy to some of her usual whereabouts, but as for what she specifically does or whom she meets, those are matters I am hardly qualified to question.

His words were not mere prevarication, but the absolute truth. Madam Bai was not one to remain quietly confined; the people and things she came into contact with on a daily basis were simply too numerous. Moreover, his existence was somewhat special; he could not remain by Madam Bai's side every single moment. When outdoors, he could tail her stealthily, but once Madam entered certain establishments or private quarters, he could no longer follow and had to maintain vigilance from the periphery.

Failing to obtain a useful answer from Chen Changfeng, Luo Kui felt a trace of disappointment. After a long while, as if recalling something, he hurriedly asked, Then Brother Chen, might I ask which place Madam Bai frequents the most?

Since betrayal was at play, it naturally could not be a matter of just once or twice. Much like his previous suspicion of Mu Lan, it was precisely the other party's anomalies and someone else's prompt that had instantly awakened him. Although the final outcome had been less than ideal, the underlying logic had been entirely correct.

This...

Chen Changfeng hesitated once more, then shook his head, indicating he had no knowledge of it.

First of all, he had never deliberately paid attention to such matters beforehand, nor could he jump to conclusions based purely on his own subjective assumptions.

Secondly, just as Luo Kui had said earlier, until the matter was verified, it was best for him to exercise caution and prudence.

In any case, this affair held no benefit for him whatsoever.

Between two gains, choose the greater; between two harms, choose the lesser.

The present situation was undoubtedly the latter. Weighing the pros and cons, he naturally still chose the latter.

With a dark expression, Luo Kui said, Should Brother Chen recall anything, be sure to notify me promptly. Once the deed is done, there will surely be a generous reward.

Easily done, easily done, Chen Changfeng said with a smile.

***

Luo Kui glanced at the other man and said no more. Those few phrases just now were mere polite formalities; the other party had already politely declined him earlier.

Yet it was only natural. The two of them were merely strangers who had met by chance, and the other party had no reason to assist him. While Luo Kui felt a measure of dissatisfaction, he harbored no deep resentment.

Putting himself in the other's shoes, if he were in Chen Changfeng's position, he would likely have made the exact same choice.

To reiterate, all actions are ultimately anchored upon the word profit.

After Chen Changfeng departed, Luo Kui followed his previous method and stealthily trailed behind once more. Fortunately, Madam Bai had not traveled far, and they did not lose track of her.

Regrettably, after trailing her for the better part of another day, they still uncovered no special discoveries. It was not until Madam Bai returned to the Bai residence that Luo Kui let out a long sigh and concealed himself once more in the familiar hiding spot from the previous night.

A trace of sullen resentment flickered in the depths of his gaze. For a fleeting moment, he even entertained the thought of throwing up his hands and quitting entirely. Yet this dangerous notion flashed only briefly before he quickly banished it from his mind.

...

Early the next morning, Luo Kui was greeted by an uninvited guest. The visitor's appearance took him quite by surprise; while feeling a slight knot of tension in his chest, a faint sense of anticipation stirred as well. His tension stemmed from the dread that the visitor might bring more bad news, while his anticipation was rooted in the hope of receiving some genuinely valuable information. Whatever the case, it would be far better than remaining completely in the dark as he was now.

However, this was hardly the place for discussion. Led by Luo Kui, they swiftly and familiarly made their way to a teahouse.