Shen Qingqing glanced at him, "Are you still thinking of not going?"
King chuckled, "Yes, I have to go. This exciting show wouldn't be complete without me." He then dropped his flippant demeanor and turned serious.
"I suspect this 'Z' might be connected to someone I know."
"Then it seems we need to be careful."
Having been in a back-and-forth with King, who dealt with poisons, with an almost equal win-loss record, it was clear this person was capable. Shen Qingqing, far from being scared, grew even more excited.
"It's been a long time since I've met someone this formidable."
King pointed a finger at her in the air, "You, you're still the same old you."
Her temperament of growing stronger when faced with a challenge would never change. However, this was his beloved disciple, and it was precisely this nature that made him view her differently and feel proud.
Fu Jingshu cast a glance at him, wrapping an arm around his wife's shoulder.
The implication was clear: Mine.
The territorial marking was too obvious, making King both amused and exasperated. He was also a handsome, extraordinary, and pragmatic man, wasn't he!
Would he still cling to his little disciple?
This man was truly petty!
"By the way, aren't you going to call the old man?"
His words reminded Shen Qingqing. If nothing unexpected happened, this 'Z' should be the old man's disciple who had run away years ago. She should call the old man to inform him.
She took out her phone but hesitated.
Given the old man's personality, he would definitely come to deal with him himself. But this person was ruthless and cruel...
King seemed to know her worries, "Don't underestimate him."
The old man's methods in his youth were no less potent than that unfilial disciple. It was only now, with age, and his sole focus on researching poisons, that he appeared more serene.
If they were to truly clash, it was uncertain who between the master and disciple would win.
As soon as the words fell, Shen Qingqing's phone rang. It was the old man calling. "Girl, don't even think about leaving me behind. I know you've found my unfilial disciple!"
"...How did you know?"
She couldn't help but look at King, wondering if he had snitched.
King looked up at the sky.
The old man snorted, "I know you too well. You were definitely planning to go secretly and not take me with you."
Shen Qingqing said in a deep voice, "Old man, this is not a game. Your disciple is quite accomplished and his methods are formidable. Moreover, the enemy is hidden and we are exposed..."
In fact, she didn't have a hundred percent certainty and could only plan as she went.
But she absolutely did not want the old man to get involved in the danger.
The old man's voice also turned serious, "I know you're doing this for my own good."
"Then why are you still going?"
"I am going," the old man said word by word. "Girl, that is my disciple, the troublemaker I raised. To put it crudely, if he harms others, I don't care. If everyone in the world died, what business is it of mine."
His slightly aged voice carried an air of arrogant defiance.
It was evident what kind of person the old man was in his youth.
"But..." his voice softened, and he said slowly, "he has harmed you. That's unacceptable. You are the girl I protect."
"Old man..."
Before Shen Qingqing's gratitude could fully manifest, she heard the old man exclaim, "Hey, hey, don't try that with me. It's not for you!"
"You promised to take care of me in my old age and send me off. If he harms you, that's harming me!"
"That wicked brat has malicious intentions, wanting me to have no one to send me off. I'll do the opposite of what he wants!"
The old man grumbled angrily, wishing he could strangle that unfilial disciple on the spot.
Shen Qingqing's overwhelming gratitude dissipated, leaving only helplessness and amusement. She glanced at her grandmother and aunt, picked up her phone, and walked towards the balcony. "In any case, I'll say it upfront. This is a Hongmen Banquet, nothing good will come of it. If you go and anything dangerous happens..."
The voice on the other end grew quieter and quieter. Xiao Yuying and Madam Xiao exchanged glances, their worry deepening.
"This child..."
Madam Xiao sighed, her brow furrowed with concern.
Fu Jingshu assured, "Grandma, don't worry. I'm here."
Madam Xiao nodded, then looked towards the balcony. Vaguely, her granddaughter's silhouette seemed to merge with her daughter's, but in the blink of an eye, she was still her granddaughter, not her daughter.
She couldn't help but smile.
In the end, they were different. Her granddaughter had far more skill than her daughter.
"Never mind how I know. I'll pack my bags now. Wherever you go, I'll go too. Rent a bigger car, don't squeeze me. I'm old now, I can't be squeezed."
"Also, make sure to prepare bedding and food!"
He rattled off a series of instructions, not giving Shen Qingqing a chance to refuse, and hung up the phone.
Shen Qingqing looked at her phone and sighed.
She turned back to the living room and found the atmosphere had changed. Madam Xiao and Xiao Yuying had been frowning earlier, as if they were going to die outside.
Now they were chatting and seemed to be in good spirits.
She looked at Fu Jingshu, who shrugged, indicating he didn't know. Shen Qingqing didn't probe further. Regardless of the reason, their relief was a good thing.
The invitation specified the event starting tomorrow, so they had to arrive today.
The resort was a two-hour drive away. Shen Qingqing was about to pack her bags. Although Madam Xiao and Xiao Yuying tried to comfort themselves, they were still worried as the time approached and couldn't help but chatter incessantly.
"When you go, be careful. Guard against others. Never trust anyone lightly."
"Also, take good care of yourself. I don't know what amenities the resort has. If you lack anything, call your aunt. I'll have your uncle deliver it."
"Since it's said to be three days, you must return on time after three days..."
Listening to the two of them fussing and packing, it seemed as though they wanted to bring the entire house with them, fearing their child would be wronged if she went.
Chris clicked his tongue and leaned towards King, "This setup, anyone would think you're going to jail."
King gave him a wry smile and loudly said, "Auntie, Uncle says we're going to jail, and that you two look like you're visiting prisoners."
Chris's eyes widened. This brat!
Unfortunately, before he could get angry, Xiao Yuying grabbed his ear and led him out, scolding him.
"What nonsense are you spouting! You're this old, don't you know what you can and cannot say..."
"Ouch, ouch, I know I was wrong, I know I was wrong..."
The voices of the two faded away.
Everyone looked at each other and couldn't help but chuckle.
Madam Xiao insisted on seeing Shen Qingqing to the door. She watched them get into the RV, with all their belongings packed. She stood at the door, looking at her granddaughter.
"Be sure to come back safely."
Shen Qingqing nodded, "Don't worry, I'll be back."
The car door closed, the engine started, and the car gradually drove away. Madam Xiao only turned back into the villa when she could no longer see it.
As soon as she turned, she saw her daughter standing by the door, her eyes red.
"They've left?"
"Yes."
Mother and daughter were both silent.
...
The car drove smoothly down the road. They made a stop in the city to pick up the old man, and then drove along the highway towards the resort.