Part 1
After hearing that name, Shadow 8, who was sipping on his matcha latte, suddenly choked and spat the drink across the ground.
Han Yue wrinkled her nose in disgust. With a small hmph, she shuffled closer to Long Yi, putting more distance between herself and the disgraceful Shadow 8.
Still coughing into his hand, Shadow 8's expression shifted into one of manic glee."Cough cough—wait, wait. You mean that pitiful loser down the cliff is Lu Ziyang?!?!"
Then he grinned wider."Isn't that your friend? Why don't you look the least bit concerned, boss?"
Han Yue's eyes widened, her mouth dropping open."Long Yi… that's your bestie?!"
Long Yi squinted at Shadow 8, ignoring both their questions. Calm as ever, he continued sipping his coffee like it had nothing to do with him. Without missing a beat, he placed more cookies onto Han Yue's plate.
Shadow 8 smirked."Yueyue, stay away from that guy. He's one of those rich dandies who always cause trouble."
Han Yue tilted her head innocently."But… aren't you also a troublemaker? Do I have to avoid you too?"
Before Shadow 8 could protest, Long Yi answered simply."Yes."
Shadow 8 clutched his chest dramatically."Boss! I'm such a good person! Don't lump me together with that dandy!!"
A while later, the guards finally brought the injured Lu Ziyang up from the crumbling ledge that was moments away from giving way. He lay tied to a stretcher, unconscious from exhaustion, cold, and severe blood loss.
After setting him down near Long Yi, the guards stood in formation, reporting one by one.
"Reporting: the footprints lead from the northern side. Car tracks were also found a few miles away, heading down the northern slope—directly toward City J."
"Reporting: the injured man has lost too much blood and is suffering hypothermia from the cold rain, blood loss, and prolonged exposure on the cliff."
"Report: he is also in shock, with visible bruising and swelling on his head."
Long Yi didn't waste time."Bring him back to the base for treatment."
"Yes, sir!"
The guards moved quickly, wrapping the man in dry blankets and administering first aid as they loaded him into the vehicle. The car departed, heading back to base.
As for Han Yue, Shadow 8, and the two kids…They simply finished their tea party and decided to head back as well.
Long Yi took out a jeep from his space and ordered Shadow 8 to drive them back.
Han Yue quickly packed away her table, chairs, and umbrella into her space, then climbed into the jeep with Zhihan and Rose. She sat obediently in the back seat, while Long Yi took the passenger seat. Shadow 8 started the engine and drove them toward the base.
Along the way, Han Yue used her spiritual power to sweep up patches of terrain filled with mushrooms, leaving behind flattened, barren soil.
As the jeep bounced along the dirt road, she suddenly remembered something and asked,
"Is it okay to take him to our base?"
Her tone carried a hint of worry — what if he exposed their location?
Long Yi didn't look the least bit concerned.
"Don't worry about it. Our base has already been spotted by some people in the dark, even if it's not that obvious."
Shadow 8, still focused on the road, nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, Yueyue, don't worry too much. Our base isn't that hidden to begin with. Don't forget, our training site was exposed a while back. It's not surprising if the base itself has been spotted too. But we're a solid team, and so far, no spies have been detected inside."
Han Yue sighed, leaning back against the seat.
"That's true… the training site was exposed before — and that was just by thugs. If they could find it, then more powerful forces with unlimited resources could definitely find the base too."
The conversation faded, and soon they reached the base.
Shadow 8 drove Han Yue and Long Yi straight to the administration hall, while Zhihan and Rose were dropped off at the fortress mansion.
Inside Long Yi's office, Secretary Xu stood at attention and gave his report.
"Sir, the doctors said the patient's condition is critical, but his temperature has been stabilized. He'll remain in the ICU for the next few days under treatment and observation."
Long Yi nodded.
"Report to Commander Long that the patient is Lu Ziyang — the base leader's son."
Secretary Xu paused, his lips twitching slightly, but he still kept a straight face.
"Understood."
He turned and left to deliver the message.
Han Yue, sitting beside Long Yi, tilted her head.
"Hmm… it seems like everyone knows that name."
Long Yi's mouth curved slightly.
"Yes. He's infamous in City J."
"Oh~~~"
Before she could ask more, Long Yi reached over, cupped her cheeks, and smiled.
"Don't think about other men anymore."
Then, without warning, he leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to her cheek.
Han Yue: "!!!!!"
She pouted, rubbing the spot where he'd kissed her, while Long Yi leaned back lazily on the sofa with a grin.
A long day had finally come to an end. After some shameless flirting in the office, they decided to head home for dinner and rest.
As for the pitiful Lu Ziyang… well, neither of them took him seriously. Secretary Xu had already said he wasn't dying anytime soon anyway!