Chapter 51: The Most Beautiful ProfessorChief Zhang genuinely had no idea that Yue Zitong lived in this villa. Standing in front of the iron gate, he merely intended to gather evidence related to a murder case and ask the resident if they had heard any unusual noises during the late hours of the night.Two unidentified foreigners had suddenly been found dead on the slope opposite the villa complex—a grave incident in any peaceful nation. The police were naturally duty-bound to launch a full-scale investigation.Yue Zitong's villa happened to face the slope, just a few hundred meters away from the deceased foreigners. They had likely died in the dead of night, and it was reasonable to assume they might have cried for help."What?"Yue Zitong was visibly startled upon hearing from Chief Zhang that two foreigners had been killed on the slope opposite her home. She then shook her head and said, "No, I did stay up quite late last night, but I didn't hear a thing."Yue Zitong's response was well within Chief Zhang's expectations. Glancing into the courtyard, he casually asked, "Ms. Yue, who do you live here with?"In truth, Chief Zhang's question was innocent; he merely thought that if Yue Zitong hadn't heard anything, perhaps someone else might have.However, Yue Zitong's heart skipped a beat. She didn't want anyone who knew her to discover that Li Nanfang was living with her. Frowning slightly, she replied in a somewhat stiff tone, "No one else. I live alone."Chief Zhang, a seasoned veteran, could easily tell that Yue Zitong was displeased. He smiled and was about to explain when a police officer emerged from behind the greenery, calling out, "Chief, the identities of the two deceased have been confirmed—they were foreign assassins.""Ms. Yue, sorry to bother you," Chief Zhang said, apologizing to Yue Zitong with a smile before turning and quickly walking over to the officer.The deaths of two foreign assassins on the slope in front of Yue Zitong's home sent an alarm ringing in her mind. She felt compelled to follow and see for herself but then remembered she was no longer a spy but an ordinary citizen. There was no need for her to get involved in such a violent affair.The Qing Shan City Police Bureau had several skilled investigators. They swiftly confirmed the deceased's identities as assassins and deduced that both had been killed with a military dagger.Only the so-called "King of Weapons," the military dagger, could leave such a distinct triangular wound. Judging from the blood spatter trajectory, the murderer's technique was highly proficient—definitely a one-stab kill, and while the victims were still conscious.Assassins, by nature, are specialists in killing. They possess an extremely sharp sense of vigilance and defense, never allowing strangers to approach them—even when asleep, they keep one eye open and one eye closed. Thus, this proves that the person who want to kill face to face must be someone with remarkably impressive skills. Yesterday, the Provincial Department issued a notice stating that assassins had infiltrated Qing Shan City, planning to commit crimes. Today, two assassins were found dead here. Who killed them, and what was their purpose in Qing Shan City?As Chief Zhang stared at the two lifeless corpses, frowning in deep thought, Captain Ma of the Criminal Police approached and whispered, "Chief, I think I know who might have taken them out.""Who?" Chief Zhang didn't take offense at Ma's use of the word "guess," as the police often rely on conjecture before finding concrete evidence. A correct guess leads to commendation and rewards, while an incorrect one simply means trying harder next time.Ma leaned in and quietly mentioned a name by the chief's ear.Chief Zhang was taken aback, exclaiming, "Him? Are you sure?"Since it was a guess, of course, there was no certainty. Although Ma inwardly criticized the chief's reaction—thinking, "If Deputy Bai were here, she could likely confirm it"—he didn't dare to voice such thoughts. Instead, he said softly, "If Deputy Bai were present, she could probably confirm it. After all, that person is her idol, and over the years, she's been thoroughly studying every case he's been involved in.""Bai Ling? Hmph, Ma, don't try to plead for her in roundabout ways. The fact that she hasn't been expelled from the police force this time is already a fortunate outcome. Even if she returns to the Criminal Police in the future, she'll need time to temper her arrogance."However, Chief Zhang had also heard that Bai Ling indeed admired the legendary Phantom, which caused him some displeasure: A people's police officer admiring a foreign assassin? What kind of loyalty is that?Chapter 52: The Heaven's EyeA gentle knocking at the door roused Li Nanfang from his slumber. He yawned and stretched as he made his way to the door, "Auntie Yue, I wanted to catch some more sleep. Make it quick.""Where did you go after storming out last night?" Yue Zitong fixed Li Nanfang with a piercing gaze."Where could I go?" Li Nanfang let out another yawn, propping himself up against the door frame with his arms crossed. "I just wandered aimlessly along the road. Poor me, wandering like a lost soul until two in the morning. Then I had to tuck you in before getting up at four to stew pig's trotters—yawn, my life is so exhausting.""Did you hear any commotion from the slope across the road while you were out?" Yue Zitong inquired."Commotion? In the dead of night, all I heard were the mosquitoes humming and a couple of stray dogs getting busy," Li Nanfang replied nonchalantly."There were two foreigners murdered on that slope. Get ready, I'm taking you out," Yue Zitong announced, turning to sit on the sofa and lighting a cigarette. She shook her head slightly, thinking to herself, How could I possibly suspect him of being involved in that? With his brute strength and reckless attitude, he wouldn't stand a chance against professional assassins.However, the appearance of those assassins near her didn't sit well with Yue Zitong. As a former spy, she immediately began to wonder if they were after her. But no matter how she racked her brain, she couldn't come up with any reason why she would attract the attention of such dangerous individuals. After all, during her time as a spy for the National Security Agency under the alias Bai Mudan, her identity was kept under the strictest secrecy."Two assassins dead? Auntie Yue, they might be targeting you! Remember, you used to be a top-notch spy. It's not unheard of for you to have made some powerful enemies," Li Nanfang expressed his concern with a worried expression. "I'd better keep my distance from you to avoid getting caught in the crossfire.""Get lost," Yue Zitong snapped, her eyes narrowing as Li Nanfang lingered. "Why aren't you leaving?""I thought it over and figured that with your subpar skills, you probably didn't have the guts to attract assassins. Auntie Yue, where are we heading again?" Li Nanfang quickly changed the subject upon noticing her growing irritation.Yue Zitong didn't bother engaging further and stood up, stating, "To Yan River Reservoir. Oh, and when you get in the car, make sure not to let the police spot you. We wouldn't want them to misconstrue our relationship as anything improper.""Hehe, our relationship has always been ambiguous and subtly complex—Auntie Yue, a suggestion: try not to throw things so often. It might damage your image as a dignified corporate president," Li Nanfang teased, catching the apple Yue Zitong hurled at him and taking a bite. Glancing outside, he remarked, "Around ten o'clock is the perfect time for an outing."At ten in the morning on the eastern hemisphere, it was ten in the evening on the western hemisphere. Inside a lavishly decorated hall at a prestigious university in the United States, a group of men and women in suits and evening gowns were dancing gracefully to the melodious strains of a violin. The attendees included board members, professors, and, of course, a large number of graduating students. The reason for their gathering was simple: to pass the time and bid farewell to Professor He Lan from the Orient, who was about to depart.Professor He Lan, a professor in the History Department, had been teaching at the university for four years and was deeply loved by both faculty and students. Not only did she speak English with remarkable fluency, but she also had the gift of making history come alive with her engaging storytelling. Moreover, her striking beauty and single status naturally drew attention from the male population. According to reliable sources, Professor He Lan, also known as He Lan Xiao Xin, was thirty years old, standing at 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters). She boasted a pair of enviable 36E breasts that even European celebrities would feel insecure about, along with a pair of incredibly long, 3 feet 11 inches (1.15 meters) legs. Her toned and round buttocks, coupled with her radiant and alluring face, made her an absolute goddess of sensuality in the eyes of many.Every time Professor He Lan taught a class, the lecture hall was packed to the brim. However, whether the students actually absorbed the content of her lessons was questionable, as their gazes often lingered on her face and body, lost in fantasy. Anyone, from professors with thinning hair to fresh-faced undergraduates, could present her with flowers during their free time to express their admiration. Professor He Lan would accept them all with a coquettish smile, occasionally joining the students for a few drinks at the campus bar. However, she would never leave the premises, nor would she entertain any romantic advances, preferring instead to maintain a platonic relationship with everyone.Over the four years, no fewer than a hundred men had pursued her, yet none had been granted anything beyond a polite handshake. Not even a hug. Despite her strikingly seductive appearance, she remained as unattainable as the Queen of England, which left many gentlemen deeply frustrated. However, despite their reluctance to see her leave, no one could prevent her departure. It seemed that the university's record of having a professor who never danced with anyone would remain unbroken."Beautiful lady, may I have the honor of this dance?" A tall, handsome young man approached He Lan Xiao Xin, bending at the waist and extending his hand.Chapter 52: Heaven's Eye"Look, someone's inviting Professor He Lan to dance again.""Still getting rejected, huh?"The moment these words left his lips, He Lan Xiao Xin, who had turned down countless invitations over four years, rose with a smile and gracefully placed her delicate hand into the hand of the handsome young man.Everyone present was stunned: Who was this man that Professor He Lan had agreed to dance with?This Eastern gentleman, around twenty-eight years old, was not only tall and handsome but also possessed deep, mesmerizing eyes that could captivate any woman with a single glance.A true beauty among men!No wonder the usually aloof Professor He Lan had accepted his invitation to dance—everyone watching the elegant dance between the two could not suppress their envy.There was also a tinge of sorrow: How could the goddess of our hearts, because he was handsome, abandon her应有的 pride and dignity?Gradually, everyone became engrossed in the enchanting dance of Professor He Lan, their gazes following her every move, oblivious to the man who held her waist. They were intoxicated by her graceful poise, as if she were a midnight elf who had strayed into the mortal world.As the dance came to an end with a dramatic backward lean and an outstretched hand, thunderous applause erupted. Everyone clapped in admiration for having witnessed such a transcendent performance.He Lan Xiao Xin straightened up and, hand in hand with the handsome man, curtsied in thanks to the audience."Professor He Lan, could you introduce us to this gentleman?" asked a young man, his eyes filled with undisguised hostility toward the handsome stranger.Without a hint of shyness, He Lan Xiao Xin looked up at the man and playfully winked before announcing, "He is my—brother, He Lan Fusui."He Lan Fusui placed his right hand over his heart and nodded graciously to the onlookers.All hostility in the crowd dissipated instantly: "Ah, so he's Professor He Lan's brother! No wonder he's so tall and handsome, and their dance was so perfectly synchronized.""I've almost become the enemy of every man here. This suggests that in your four years in America, you haven't found a suitable prince charming yet," He Lan Fusui remarked with a bitter smile as he and his sister walked out of the hall, gazing at the moon overhead."I'm prepared to remain single for the rest of my life," He Lan Xiao Xin replied, plucking a leaf from a tree and placing it between her teeth as she shifted the conversation. "But tell me, Fusui, has all your effort these past years yielded nothing?""Nothing at all," He Lan Fusui responded with another bitter smile."Why is that?" He Lan Xiao Yin inquired, perplexed. "Zitong may be cold and aloof, but I can tell she admires you. After all these years of persistent pursuit, even a heart of stone should have softened by now. Unless she has someone else in her life?""I don't think so. I've never seen her with any man."He Lan Fusui's face clouded with melancholy. "But she always avoids me, hesitating as if she has some hidden dilemma.""Avoiding you?" He Lan Xiao Yin's eyebrows furrowed slightly. "Are you certain you won't pursue anyone else but her?"Without a word, He Lan Fusui looked at her.He Lan Xiao Yin understood. "Alright, I'll do my utmost to help you. I can't believe that even with my assistance, you won't win her over. After all, I've promised that girl I'd be her assistant. Once you achieve your heart's desire, you'll have to thank me properly.""Whatever you ask of me, I will grant," He Lan Fusui nodded, then changed the subject. "But not regarding that matter."He Lan Xiao Yin's eyes narrowed slightly. After a moment, she said coolly, "That's none of your concern. I'll handle it myself."For a long while, the siblings remained silent, gazing at the moon, each lost in their own thoughts.As the moon was obscured by clouds, the night grew oppressively humid. He Lan Fusui reached out and rested his hand on his sister's shoulder. "Let's go. It seems rain is coming tomorrow."He was right. Before dawn, a light rain began to fall."Go wash your face?"Yue Zitong, yawning, entered the dining room just as Li Nanfang was placing a plate of cold-mixed enoki mushrooms on the table. She casually asked."Of course I washed my face. If I didn't, how could I appear before you? As your elder, I must set an example of hygiene," Yue Zitong replied.Yue Zitong sat down at the table, her left hand propping up her chin as she lazily narrowed her eyes. She appeared as if she could do with a few more minutes of sleep. This was all thanks to Li Nanfang. Yesterday's outing had been exhausting. He had insisted on hiking up the mountain, refusing to take the cable car. He had claimed that the joy of climbing lay in the ascent itself, and that taking the cable car would be akin to skimming through an experience. If Yue Zitong wanted to take the cable car, she could go ahead on her own.But Yue Zitong, known for her tenacity, couldn't bear the thought of being looked down upon by this young man. Despite her ankle injury not being fully healed, she had gritted her teeth and followed him up one peak after another. By the time they returned home, the sky had darkened, and she was so tired she skipped dinner, took a shower, and fell into bed.Li Nanfang, noticing her attempt to reach for the dish with her hand, smacked her wrist with his chopsticks. "Ouch!" Yue Zitong yelped in pain, her drowsiness vanishing instantly. She glared at Li Nanfang, ready to unleash her anger, but he interjected, "Which rule book says a hygiene role model can eat with their hands?""I'll eat with my hands if I want. What's it to you?" Yue Zitong huffed, resisting the urge to snatch the dish and dig in with her fingers."Your ankle doesn't hurt anymore, does it?" Li Nanfang asked, pulling out a chair and sitting opposite her."Uh-huh," Yue Zitong replied nonchalantly."Clearly, it doesn't hurt anymore. Otherwise, you wouldn't be so reluctant to use chopsticks.""Li Nanfang, if you want to die, just say so. I can offer no fewer than eighteen painless ways to kick the bucket, all for free.""I'll pass. The world's too beautiful to leave yet."Seeing Yue Zitong put down her chopsticks, Li Nanfang stopped his teasing and buried his head in his meal.After Yue Zitong finished eating gracefully and wiped her mouth with a napkin, Li Nanfang casually asked, "Still flipping coins?"Yue Zitong rolled her eyes and sneered, "I told you before, I don't take advantage of you."She took out a coin and flipped it with her thumb. The coin spun in the air, landed on the table, wobbled a few times, and settled on tails.Li Nanfang let out a relieved sigh and looked at her with mock sympathy, "Auntie, I really don't have the heart to make you do the dishes and washing up when your ankle's injured. But the problem is, you're just unlucky. I—""This time, I wanted tails. I said it in my head. You can't blame me if you didn't hear it," Yue Zitong interrupted him slowly, shooting him a disdainful look before standing up and leaving."You're cheating, and I protest strongly!"Thinking back to the time when Yue Zitong sat on the sofa supervising him as he did the dishes and washing up, recalling his indignant protests, Yue Zitong's mood lifted. She thought to herself: Humph, at her age, she still doesn't understand that girls love to cheat. It seems she's lived these years with her head up her own rear end.Like a lapdog holding an umbrella for Yue Zitong, Li Nanfang arrived at the car and asked, "You driving, or me?"Yue Zitong countered, "How about we flip a coin to decide?""Let's skip that. I'm bound to lose again," Li Nanfang replied, knowing his luck.He pulled open the rear car door for Yue Zitong. She gracefully stepped inside, adjusted her hair, and said with a hint of condescension, "Close the door, or do I have to remind you?"With a bang, Li Nanfang shut the door and got into the car. "This is on you for letting me drive. If the police check my credentials and something goes wrong, don't blame me.""Rest assured, the police usually don't patrol in the rain.""What if they do?""Then you're just a pessimist."Yue Zitong wasn't wrong. It was true that police rarely patrolled on rainy days. However, due to the recent deaths of two foreign assassins in Qing Shan City, the Municipal Bureau had convened an emergency meeting and decided to increase patrol forces to prevent any potential threats."Please present your driver's license!"As Li Nanfang stopped the car at a red light, a traffic police officer in a raincoat approached, saluted crisply, and demanded to see his license.Damn it, my mouth is such a curse-bringer.Li Nanfang was taken aback and glanced back at Yue Zitong.Yue Zitong was equally flabbergasted. It was too late to switch drivers now
