Chapter 214: Contradiction
According to Wan Yue’s arrangements, under normal circumstances, Meng Huai and Liang Tai would take turns being responsible for the club’s security work.
It wasn’t until just before dinner that Meng Huai returned to the Jinhe Club, which coincided with his agreed shift handover time with Liang Tai. His reason for being out during the day was to find a suitable rental.
Unlike Liang Tai, who had remained stationed at the club for years, Meng Huai could only temporarily stay in the staff lounge at the club. Although no one would restrict how long he could live there, most newcomers who graduated from Hyacinth Villa and joined the Jinhe Club would find their own housing within a month or two.
“How did it go? Did you find anything suitable? Renting a place is quite a hassle right now. Should I ask Xiao Dong or Xiao Yan to help you out?”
In the golden hall, Liang Tai, dressed in a rare casual outfit, had already been waiting, while in a nearby corner, Xiao Dong was dressed flamboyantly, indicating that the two were preparing to go out on a date.
Having spent nearly every day, all 365 of them, quietly guarding certain key secrets within the Jinhe Club, Liang Tai’s life had become more colorful after his relationship with Xiao Dong became clearer, and even his attire had become much more fashionable.
“Just taking my time, no rush…”
Meng Huai took the large set of keys that Liang Tai handed him and glanced deeper into the hall, where another newly inducted knight, Xiao Miao, was on duty for the holiday, eating takeout with two attendants.
After Liang Tai and Xiao Dong left, Meng Huai returned to his room, locked the door, put away the newly purchased laptop, plugged in a USB drive, and continued to peruse some simplified printed materials.
China’s management of people with rare blood types really improved only after entering the new century. The missing person data compiled by Han Jie Li pertained to the section that dealt with the eliminated threats, all of which were ordinary citizens.
In the past twenty years, over six hundred individuals with rare blood types had gone missing in mainland China, more than two-thirds of whom were women. Among these four hundred women, a large portion were aged between twelve and sixty.
Meng Huai naturally ignored the male portion and concentrated his attention solely on the details of those two hundred or so female cases.
As he cross-referenced the brief paper data with the detailed information and photographs on his computer, Meng Huai gradually became absorbed, losing track of time.
After an indeterminate period, Meng Huai rubbed his neck, slowly stood up from the computer, a faint, bittersweet smile on his lips.
None of the information on missing persons matched Jiang Yan or Jiang Yao’s identities; none of the two hundred black-and-white or color photos resembled the current Jiang sisters.
Meng Huai couldn’t pinpoint his feelings—whether he felt happy or disappointed—but there was an ever-present sense of unease that made him anxious, and a voice in his head urging him to stop.
This contradictory internal conflict had always been a trait that Meng Huai concealed beneath his stable and reserved nature.
“Check again; if nothing’s wrong, then it’s settled…”
Meng Huai murmured to himself, gathering all the items on the desk into his only travel bag.
He fiddled with the secure phone for a dozen seconds before stepping out of the Jinhe Club and heading to the leisure green area across the street.
“…Hello, this is the Strategic Support Center of the Special Operations Group. Now verifying identity code… Hello, fearless warrior, how may I assist you?”
No matter when he called, it was always that same unemotional female voice, with the speed, tone, and emotion remaining unchanged at any time.
Meng Huai even suspected that the personnel at this Strategic Support Center utilized specific voice software to maintain a completely consistent style.
“I need the highest data query privileges from the Civil Affairs, Police, and Social Security Departments of Province S, 24/7, starting now.”
After a moment’s thought, he suppressed the internal censure from another part of himself.
“Okay, the account information for the relevant privileges will be sent to your secure phone storage within thirty minutes; please check back.”
After the call ended, a subtle indicator light on the secure phone began to flicker white; once it turned green, it would signify that the data Meng Huai requested was ready.
He glanced at his watch and realized it was already past nine o’clock. At that moment, Meng Huai finally felt an unbearable pang of hunger and sighed.
Looking around, the dazzling urban night represented the golden hour of nightlife; in City C, one could easily find a place to eat.
“Li Ge, Xiao Yan Jie is here.”
Holding a package of wontons, as Meng Huai pushed open the club’s main door, he spotted Xiao Yan making gestures from a distance with a peculiar smile.
What was she doing here at almost nine o’clock?
Xiao Yan Jie brought you dinner, hee hee, she must have sensed that you wouldn’t eat on time!
Xiao Yan was currently the youngest knight from Hyacinth, vivacious and energetic, reminiscent of Xiao Ling and the former Zhou Ping; it was said she was only fourteen when blood was spilled, and she was barely over thirty now, yet her appearance was akin to that of a high school student.
Of course, this conclusion excluded the two numerical anomalies, Jiang Yan and Jiang Yao—at least among blood kin, nobody would believe the age on their IDs.
Meng Huai’s nose twitched slightly, as if catching a whiff of a familiar scent, his favorite roasted duck.
Following the scent into the staff passage, he found Jiang Yan sitting in a staff lounge designated for his temporary accommodation, smiling at him warmly.
You love duck meat; today, we made ginger duck at home, leaving half for you. Since I thought it might not be enough, I bought a portion of roasted duck on a whim.
Xiao Yan stood up, glanced at the takeout wontons in Meng Huai’s hands, smiled, and opened a thermos on the desk, taking out several dishes and a rice box.
With a half-bun hairstyle, a vintage long-sleeve shirt, and a black silk skirt embroidered with gold threads, she looked graceful and elegant, her demeanor exuded charm.
After seeing the actual effect on Jiang Yao, Jiang Yan had also donned her outfit, eagerly anticipating Meng Huai’s opinion.
Hmm.
Meng Huai wasted no time, taking the chopsticks and diving into the meal without looking up.
I knew he was completely unperceptive; I’m really full yet still hungry… Jiang Yan grimaced, her frustration lessening.
You left in a hurry last time, and most of your clothes are still at Hyacinth Villa. Next time, I’ll ask Xiao Ling to bring them back for you. By the way, those clothes you brought back from the south probably need washing too.
Shaking off the chaotic thoughts in her mind, Jiang Yan approached the bed, crouching down to open that familiar travel bag.
There’s a laundry room here; I can handle it myself.
Meng Huai kept his head down, savoring the roasted duck wrapped in skin.
Moments later, it seemed Meng Huai suddenly recalled something and turned around sharply. Jiang Yan was squatting by the bed, her travel bag open, holding a pile of printed documents, lost in thought.
Meng Huai set down his chopsticks, slowly stood up from the desk, and fell into silence.
“Are you investigating me?”
Jiang Yan set the printed materials aside, pulled out all the dirty clothes, her tone cold and calm, but with her head down, her expression couldn’t be seen.
“What do you want to find out?”
As she rolled up the clothes, Jiang Yan looked up at Meng Huai, her face somewhat pale, her eyes filled with deep disappointment and despair: “Why are you doing this? How long will you dig for the truth?”
“Wouldn’t it be simpler if I just told you? What do you want to ask?”
Jiang Yan’s voice trembled as she slowly approached Meng Huai, her expression like ice.
“…”
Meng Huai slightly tilted his head, avoiding Jiang Yan’s gaze, his palm clenching into a fist and then relaxing, repeating the action.
“What exactly is your mission…”
Jiang Yan edged closer, her voice hoarse, the indifference and severity in her eyes becoming clearer.
“I can’t say.”
Meng Huai stood still, still avoiding Jiang Yan’s face, whispering softly.
Suddenly, a surge of fierce energy erupted from Jiang Yan’s body, instantly filling the small staff lounge, the intense chilling aura wavering with chaotic fear, anger, and confusion.
Caught off-guard, Meng Huai felt as if he had received a heavy blow; his body went limp, half-kneeling on the floor, spitting out a mouthful of blood. Although he was already familiar with Jiang Yan’s presence, experiencing such direct killing intent and hatred aimed at him was a first.
With scarlet eyes and a pale face, Jiang Yan bit her lip, staring at the tall young man in front of her, who offered no resistance.
“Xiao Yan!”
“Xiao Yan Jie!”
The door was flung open, and Liang Tai and Xiao Dong, returning unbeknownst to them, rushed in with guns, closely followed by Xiao Miao wielding a shotgun.
“What are you… Xiao Yan, calm down!”
Xiao Dong and Xiao Miao were trembling all over, but Liang Tai, who had already become a higher-ranking knight, also had a poor complexion and was struggling to breathe.
Jiang Yan gradually calmed down, her boiling blood dissipating rapidly. Xiao Dong finally sighed in relief, quickly stowing away her weapon and moving to Jiang Yan’s side. Without understanding the circumstances, she dared not speak but merely embraced Jiang Yan’s arm.
Jiang Yan wiped away the boiling blood, brushed her eyes, shrugged off Xiao Dong, and charged out of the room directly.
“Meng Huai, what are you doing? Xiao Yan’s condition had just improved!”
Xiao Dong frowned, having never witnessed a couple argue to such an extent before, especially this pair that had been intimate in K City just days earlier.
“Um… what exactly happened?”
Liang Tai was also a bit startled; looking around the room, he didn’t see anything amiss.
Meng Huai maintained his usual stiff expression, standing there as if he were in a daze, even his expression was distracted.
“What are you still standing there for? Go after her!”
Seeing him remain unflinching, Xiao Dong became anxious and shouted.
“Hey, take the car keys!”
Liang Tai quickly pulled out a set of car keys and thrust them into Meng Huai’s hands.
Finally snapping back to reality, Meng Huai nodded slightly and ran out.
…
Night, 11 PM, East Suburbs Martyrs’ Cemetery, City C.
“Um, miss, you’re really getting out here?”
The taxi driver glanced around, puzzled as to why a young girl would come to such a place late at night. He even turned to look at the rearview mirror.
If it weren’t for the fact that the passenger looked like just a frail college girl, most ordinary taxis wouldn’t be willing to take a trip to this desolate place.
Jiang Yan said nothing, took out her phone to scan for payment, then got out of the car, walking toward the dimly lit entrance of the cemetery without looking back.
A few seconds later, another SUV arrived and stopped beside the taxi.
Meng Huai jumped out of the car, ignoring whether the parking spot was appropriate, and sprinted after the diminishing presence of Jiang Yan.
“This is really strange; nowadays, couples fight and run to a place like this…”
The taxi driver, a middle-aged man, quickly realized the situation, shaking his head repeatedly.
“Um, officer… Yes, I’m here at East Suburbs Martyrs’ Cemetery, the northwest gate. I’m worried something might happen; you’d best come and take a look.”
After some thought, the taxi driver still felt uneasy and pulled out his phone to call the police—after all, that young girl had come alone, and what if the pursuing young man had issues?
A good citizen should care.
…
The late-night cemetery was silent, with the almost full moon casting a solemn silver sheen over every gravestone.
“Just go back.”
Meng Huai halted, watching the outline of the girl ahead, feeling somewhat lost.
In a secluded corner stood three parallel gravestones, clearly the site of a recent public memorial organized by a school or institution, piled high with flowers.
In front of one gravestone inscribed with the name Xia Yan, Jiang Yan stood there in a daze.
“You’re dead, Meng Huai; the old you is dead, the old me is dead; we can’t go back!”
Jiang Yan turned her head, tears streaking her face: “You can start anew, do what you think is right!”
“My sister and I are very special, but we’re not bad people. We haven’t harmed anyone! Don’t act like this; I’ll kill you!”
Jiang Yan muttered, taking a few steps back, then lifted her skirt and pulled out a handgun, pointing it at the young man a few meters away.
“I’m sorry.”
Meng Huai moved forward, his tone heavy, his expression vacant.
“I hate the words ‘I’m sorry.’ I know you haven’t given up; you can’t move on!”
Jiang Yan’s arm holding the gun trembled, her voice breaking with a sob: “You are the leader of the Dark Arrow; you share no goodwill with the blood kin! How far do I have to go for you to feel at ease!?”
“Don’t do this.”
Meng Huai closed his eyes and sighed deeply, stepping forward to press his chest against the barrel of the gun pointed at him.
“You fool; you’re a vampire now, just like me. What are you still clinging to…”
Jiang Yan slowly lowered the gun, raising her other arm to wipe her tears from her face.
Meng Huai remained silent, merely shaking his head with closed eyes.
“Hey, what are you doing in the cemetery!?”
From behind, a beam of flashlight light flickered in the darkness, soon followed by a police officer approaching with a stern expression.
Meng Huai moved swiftly, snatching the firearm from Jiang Yan’s hand and quickly stowing it away in his embrace, before pulling her close and kissing her wet cheeks and lips.
“What are you…”
The officer, taken aback by the sight of the couple embracing passionately, dropped the flashlight and pulled out a portable ID scanner, saying, “Hey, could you give me your ID numbers?”
“Sorry, my girlfriend and I had a fight and she ran off…”
Meng Huai released Jiang Yan, turned back, and smiled as he explained, casually pulling out his ID, smoothly reciting Jiang Yan’s ID number along with his.
“I’m not blind; I saw everything… Now get out of here; this isn’t a place for lovey-dovey moments!”
The police officer grimaced, not pleased, while working on his portable ID scanner. A minute later, he turned and walked away.
Ten minutes later, a dazed Jiang Yan was led back to the car by Meng Huai.
He kissed me; I was kissed by him; he kissed me; I was kissed by him…
Jiang Yan sat in the passenger seat, her lips moving as if in a trance.
Meng Huai placed his right hand on the gear shift, glancing sideways and softly asking, “Shall I take you home?”
“Yeah…”
Jiang Yan still seemed a bit dazed, merely nodding lightly.
“Help me check the rental tomorrow; I’ll pick you up from your house.”
“Oh…”
“I like what you’re wearing.”
“Mm… huh!?”
Jiang Yan looked up, staring in surprise at the smiling Meng Huai next to her, her still damp cheeks showing immense astonishment and a gradually spreading blush.
“Meng Huai, if one day you learn my secret, would you…”
“Don’t say that!”
Meng Huai shook his head vigorously, his foot and hand moving in perfect harmony, and the SUV let out a rough roar as it surged onto the street.
…
At the very moment, in Province G, City G, a five-star hotel.
Wan Yue was sitting by the vanity, removing her makeup, with her phone on speaker nearby.
“Jiang Yan pointed a gun at Meng Huai and blood boiled?” After tossing her earrings onto the vanity, Wan Yue glanced at her phone, frowning, “Where did this girl get such a temper… What’s happening now?”
“Meng Huai took Xiao Yan home; it seems fine now.”
From the phone receiver, Liang Wei’s somewhat awkward voice responded.
A few seconds later, Wan Yue chuckled, shaking her head repeatedly: “You don’t have to worry about that; they are both in an awkward phase. Let me handle it when I get back.”
Ending the call, Wan Yue sighed: “This child is indeed going after them; he just doesn’t realize how many things in this world of blood kin could shatter his understanding…”
At that moment, there was a knock at the door.
“Wan Jie, I’ve already contacted Old Master Feng; he agreed to meet tomorrow.”
Zhao Peng walked behind Wan Yue and reported in a low voice.
“He must be anxious since he knows Deng Bao Yi is dead…”
Wan Yue pondered for a moment, revealing a faint smile.
