Chapter Twenty-Two: A Change of Heart

After finishing their work, the two returned to their residence.

Tonight, Qin Xue’er once again shared the bed with Xiao Ye. Though she no longer needed a wheelchair, she still required a bedside lamp when sleeping. Xiao Ye, however, was indifferent; no matter how harsh the environment, he could drift into sleep at any time.

The next morning, he awoke early. Qin Xue’er was still sleeping peacefully beside him. Xiao Ye rose quietly and slipped out of the room.

As soon as Xiao Ye emerged from the house, Red Dragon promptly followed. “King Xiao, someone from the Sitou family called just now.”

“Now?” Xiao Ye’s brows furrowed. It was barely past seven in the morning—what could the Sitou family want at this hour?

“Not just the Sitou family. The Dongfang family also wants to meet you. They’ve invited you to Jianghai Grand Hotel later.” Suddenly, murderous intent flashed in Red Dragon’s eyes. “According to our information, both families contacted the Assassin League last night. This invitation is undoubtedly a trap!”

Neither the Assassin League nor the Sitou and Dongfang families could conceal their plans from Xiao Ye’s men. A simple investigation had exposed their scheme.

“Still want to make a move?” Knowing the truth, Xiao Ye was not angered. Instead, a smile curled on his lips, his gaze thick with murderous resolve.

“In that case, let’s grant their wish and attend the banquet!”

...

Half an hour later, Qin Xue’er slowly woke. As soon as she opened her eyes and changed her clothes, she was eager to head to the Xiao Family Group.

“No need to rush. It’s still early. Have breakfast first,” Xiao Ye said, smiling as he emerged from the kitchen carrying two plates.

Qin Xue’er’s eyes flickered with surprise. Five years ago, Xiao Ye had been a spoiled youth who couldn’t even operate a gas stove. What had changed today?

The aroma made her unconsciously swallow and take a seat at the table. She picked up a steaming fried egg and tasted it. Instantly, a strange light flashed in her eyes. This fried egg possessed a special flavor unlike any she had tasted before.

Though she said nothing, her reaction pleased Xiao Ye.

Taking advantage of the moment, he sat down and spoke to Qin Xue’er. “Xiao Xue, something urgent has come up that I need to handle.”

Hearing this, the light in Qin Xue’er’s eyes dimmed slightly.

“But it’s nothing serious. I’ll take care of it quickly—I promise you, I’ll definitely go to the office today!” Qin Xue’er nodded, finishing the egg in a few bites.

Watching her leave, Xiao Ye’s expression grew cold. “Let’s go.”

...

Jianghai Grand Hotel—the only five-star hotel in Jianghai City.

On the top floor suite, Sitou Mingsheng and Dongfang Furong had already uncorked wine and were waiting for Xiao Ye’s arrival. They poured themselves a glass first.

“Old Dongfang, you certainly have the right idea—choosing this place to meet Xiao Ye!” Sitou Mingsheng said.

“Xiao Ye probably never expected we’d seek him out in broad daylight. Once he’s here, there’s no escape!” Both men’s lips curled with sinister smiles.

To eliminate Xiao Ye, they had chosen a suite with windows on all sides. More importantly, across from the hotel, on the opposite building, the Assassin League’s snipers had been stationed in advance. As soon as Xiao Ye appeared, they could kill him instantly.

“It’s not my plan—it’s all Mike Chen’s idea,” Dongfang Furong replied.

“We can’t be blamed. Xiao Ye brought this on himself by offending the Assassin League. All their killers are out for him now—it’ll be effortless!”

“But it’s odd. Why isn’t Mike Chen here yet?”

The Mike Chen Dongfang Furong referred to was the current leader of the Assassin League, a mixed-blood like John, whom Xiao Ye had previously eliminated.

“Maybe he’s preparing for the assassination. Anyway, our job is just to lure Xiao Ye here.”

What they cared about most was whether they could finally finish Xiao Ye today.

“Master, Xiao Ye is downstairs!” Suddenly, a bodyguard rushed in to report. Both men’s faces lit up with delight—Xiao Ye had actually dared to come!

“Notify everyone—get ready!”

Soon after, slow footsteps echoed outside the suite. The door opened, and Xiao Ye strode in with Red Dragon.

“Masters, what refined taste you truly possess!” Xiao Ye entered with a smile, speaking calmly. Yet the aura of death followed him.

Sensing this murderous energy, even these seasoned men felt their hearts race wildly.

Xiao Ye pulled out a chair and took a seat, the sound making their pupils tremble.

Seeing the cold smile at Xiao Ye’s lips, both men felt as though they were conversing with a demon.

Xiao Ye regarded the two old men before him, utterly unafraid. He had destroyed the Shangguan family with ruthless means—these two knew well his severity.

Sitou Mingsheng forced a smile and stood to pour Xiao Ye a cup of tea. “King Xiao, we invited you today to inform you about the Huangfu family.”

“Yes! We’ve uncovered their location—they’re right here in Jianghai City!” Dongfang Furong replied with a sycophantic smile, though his gaze impatiently swept toward the windows.

Xiao Ye had entered the suite, yet the Assassin League had made no move.

Just then, a red dot appeared on Xiao Ye’s forehead. They had arrived!

As planned, the two family heads were to lure Xiao Ye, while the Assassin League would take him out. Now was the moment.

Sitou Mingsheng suddenly snorted coldly, saying, “Xiao, did you think you could oppress us? Dream on!”

Sitou Mingsheng’s sudden change of attitude did not surprise Xiao Ye.

“Let’s be clear—this banquet is meant to kill you!” Dongfang Furong sneered, and the atmosphere in the suite turned sinister.

More red dots gathered on Xiao Ye’s forehead. Through the windows, countless assassins had Xiao Ye in their sights; there was no escape.

“Masters, why are you in such a hurry?” Xiao Ye chuckled lightly, as if unaware of the many red dots marking his brow.

“Who do you think you are? Still want to lord over us?” “If we don’t eliminate you today, we’ll never rest!” Sitou Mingsheng and Dongfang Furong grinned even wider, raising their right hands—the agreed signal for the Assassin League to strike.