Chapter Forty-Eight: Han Emerges

The sheriff pondered for a moment and decided to investigate. After all, snake venom powder was nothing to take lightly. If any incident occurred, it would not be a minor matter.

He poured all the poisoned water into the toilet, then washed it several times and disinfected it once. Both watched the entire process closely, for if anyone accidentally consumed it, the consequences would be grave.

Once everything was dealt with, the three went together to the garage. An Feng cautiously opened the trunk and inspected it carefully—indeed, there was nothing suspicious inside.

When the sheriff saw that there was nothing there, his brow furrowed deeply. He could no longer recall who had tipped him off—someone from the station, that much he remembered. He had simply worried too much and trusted the wrong person.

"Do you believe me now? I have no reason to bring such things back, and besides, how could I possibly have the ability to transport so much of it?" Mo Lan never intended to hold the sheriff accountable; she knew that if the two of them truly prepared to drink that water, he would have stopped them. Losing two talented people was not something he would wish for.

The sheriff awkwardly scratched his head and muttered, "Sorry."

An Feng and Mo Lan exchanged a smile, shook their heads, and returned to their posts. The bouquet of roses was left on her desk, not interfering with her work in the slightest.

"Hey, pretty girl, are you alright?" That annoying man strolled over again, with Xiao Qi trailing behind, shaking his head helplessly.

Mo Lan began to believe what Qian Yin had told her—this man must have listened to that so-called boss and returned here because of him.

"Can you go back now?" Mo Lan asked, puzzled.

The man shook his head with resignation. "I’d like to stay, but they insist on sending me away."

Mo Lan wanted to inquire further, but Xiao Qi grew angry and dragged him out immediately. Watching Xiao Qi storm through the corridor, hauling the man along, Mo Lan couldn’t help but find it amusing; it seemed he was ready to kill someone.

She suddenly felt that Xiao Qi had become more forthright and less petty than before—how wonderful.

Meanwhile, Qian Yin arrived at the seaside, having received a call from an unknown number, telling her someone she wished to see was waiting there.

"Han, how did you get out?" Qian Yin smiled as she saw him. Though their paths hadn’t crossed often, their time together had been pleasant.

"I just got out and came straight to see you. Doesn’t that prove I missed you terribly?" Han still carried that rogueish, flirtatious air, speaking like a seasoned charmer, teasing at will.

Qian Yin rolled her eyes and listened to the soothing sound of the waves. The sea breeze brushed gently past, as if someone were fanning her. Gazing at the boundless ocean, she longed to dive in and swim.

"Alright, enough joking. Let’s talk about something serious. You know An Feng had me locked up—didn’t you ever think of avenging me?" Han grew agitated as he spoke; he still didn’t understand why he’d been imprisoned. Though impulsive, he wasn’t that reckless.

Qian Yin found it amusing—if she told him that she and An Feng were now good friends, would it infuriate him? But were they really good friends? Mo Lan might show mercy, but would An Feng?

Han, not hearing a reply, walked over and patted Qian Yin’s shoulder.

Lost in thought, Qian Yin was startled by the touch and glared at Han, nearly stumbling into the sea. What was this man up to? Was he planning to kill her in revenge?

"I just didn’t hear you speak and thought something was wrong. I didn’t mean anything," Han waved his hand, feigning innocence.

"Enough nonsense. Tell me how you got out, and why you wanted to see me," Qian Yin wasn’t foolish; Han’s invitation was definitely not just for idle chat.

"I’ve joined a new team. They got me out, and I’m willing to help them out of gratitude. You’re close to Mo Lan, aren’t you? This time, I’m supposed to target the Mo family." Han gazed at the endless sea, his mind clearly troubled.

Qian Yin was stunned; surely this was another scheme from the boss. That man was infuriatingly cunning. What did he ultimately want? What was his goal?

With An Feng around, would Han really leave his team? Besides, he said it was for gratitude. Qian Yin searched for the right words to persuade him, but realized she had no right to interfere in Han’s life.

"Whatever you do isn’t my concern. I just want to know—will you ever turn against me?" After much deliberation, Qian Yin finally voiced her question, hoping to leave a mole by the boss’s side.

"I won’t let anyone hurt you," Han replied firmly.

Satisfied with his answer, Qian Yin and Han stood together, gazing at the sea.

Cold Blood, who had been lurking nearby for quite some time, remained silent and unmoving, just quietly accompanying them.

Suddenly, someone leapt several times, landing beside Han. He was dressed in a crisp white shirt and trousers, looking quite formal.

"Big brother, shouldn’t we be going? The master is still waiting for you."

Hearing the familiar voice, Qian Yin spun around and was taken aback to recognize the man who had spied on her in the hot springs.

"Understood, we’re leaving now." Han paid no mind to others’ reactions, giving the man a glance before turning back to glance at the surprised Qian Yin.

"I’m leaving. Take care of yourself," Han said, preparing to depart, when suddenly he heard—

"Qian Yin, pretty girl, you’re here too!" The man called out with familiarity, striding boldly toward Qian Yin, clearly intent on teasing her.

Qian Yin didn’t respond, busy sorting through her thoughts. Was this man the one who had freed Han? Had Mo Lan been hurt? What had happened?

Han immediately blocked his path, his gaze hostile toward the man. Partners were partners, but no one could touch those he cared about.

Cold Blood, who had been itching to act, paused when he saw help arrive.

The man was puzzled—how could Qian Yin be on good terms with everyone?

Cold Blood, being an assassin, didn’t count.

How about the pretty captain and An Feng?

Seeing Han’s hostile gaze, the man withdrew his scrutiny of Qian Yin and grinned, "Let’s go, don’t keep the master waiting."

"I’m leaving," Han repeated. His eyes were full of hope—if she asked him to stay, he wouldn’t go.

"Go on, go on," Qian Yin urgently needed time alone to think. What should she do? Should she tell An Feng and have him capture Han again, or let Han act as a spy?

Not hearing the words he wished for, Han walked away in disappointment, with the man following. Han looked back once at the woman standing frozen by the sea, and finally disappeared from the shore.