Chapter 60

Chapter 60

"Old Five, wanna play?"

That day, in the office, Yan Shiqi was in the middle of a video conference.

Xie Yunshen, on a sudden whim, picked up a small stick and nudged Yi Wuyi beside him with it.

"What are we playing?"

"Push and test."

This required high skill and control of strength, as well as mastery of internal force. It was somewhat similar to testing force in Tai Chi.

The stick Xie Yunshen held was somewhat crooked and thin, which only added to the challenge.

Yi Wuyi took hold of the stick, and the two of them started playing in a corner of the office.

Yan Shiqi sat in front of the computer, focused on the meeting. The branch manager giving the presentation on the other end of the call suddenly paused.

The sound in the headphones stopped. Yan Shiqi glanced at the computer screen and saw the two figures behind him on his left, popping into the frame now and then.

"Continue," Yan Shiqi said calmly, silently adjusting the camera angle to the right.

Immediately, several participants muted themselves, likely trying to suppress their laughter.

Yi Wuyi finally noticed that Yan Shiqi's laptop was now at a forty-five-degree angle to the edge of the desk.

He quickly pulled Xie Yunshen, signaling that they had gone too far and should stop.

Xie Yunshen was startled. He glanced at Mr. Yan, who was indeed frowning at his computer.

He hurriedly tossed the stick aside.

When Yan Shiqi finished the meeting, Xie Yunshen immediately said, "Mr. Yan, we didn't disturb you just now... did we?"

His tone was apologetic, though it was a statement forcefully turned into a question with a question mark.

"You did."

Xie Yunshen and Yi Wuyi both felt their hearts skip a beat.

"But, it's fine," Yan Shiqi said gently.

Yi Wuyi watched from the side. Mr. Yan's attitude towards Xie Yunshen was always so intimately close that it felt unbelievable.

However, considering Xie Yunshen's contributions to the Yan family, even without personal feelings, Mr. Yan's attitude was entirely justified.

When the secretary came in to bring Yan Shiqi tea, she stared at the potted plant in the corner and suddenly cried out in alarm, "My god, who cut off a branch of the black pine?"

On that aged, elegantly poised bonsai, a section of a branch was conspicuously missing.

Yi Wuyi asked, "What's wrong?"

The secretary walked over to the plant. "This bonsai is several decades old. It was a gift from the Bai Group for the old chairman's birthday. I heard it's worth several million."

Yi Wuyi immediately looked at Xie Yunshen in horror. The latter, equally panicked yet maintaining composure, kicked the stick on the floor under the sofa.

Before doing so, he specifically avoided Mr. Yan's line of sight.

But when he turned his gaze, it met Yan Shiqi's directly.

Those pitch-black eyes seemed to say, *Caught you.*

Xie Yunshen pretended to casually rub his ear.

He screamed internally: *Is this big shot's gaze always so... so flustering?*

"Mr. Yan, should we have someone come to prune and fix it?" the secretary asked regretfully.

"No need. It's fine like this."

Yan Shiqi looked at the bonsai with its broken branch. He seemed to think of something, his eyes sinking into a heavy, mournful contemplation, yet also carrying a cold sense of release. "Let it grow like this."

At this moment, Xie Yunshen's mind was unbelievably perceptive. He knew Mr. Yan was thinking of that senior who waited in vain by the river.

A departed senior, for Mr. Yan, was like this ancient tree losing an important branch.

This bonsai had coincidentally become a symbol of fate.

A touch of melancholy and solemnity quietly arose in Xie Yunshen's heart.

By evening, Xie Yunshen was still somewhat preoccupied by this.

He wanted to go to the training hall to vent some energy. Before that, as usual, he went to find Yi Wuyi to partner up.

As he came out, he happened to see Yi Wuyi on his motorcycle, about to leave.

Xie Yunshen called from upstairs, "Old Five, where are you going?"

With that, he flipped over, grabbing the railing of the second-floor corridor, his foot pushing off a nearby stone pillar for leverage.

Yi Wuyi had just looked up when a figure landed nimbly on the ground.

Compared to a few months ago when jumping from a height nearly broke his bones, this body had been remarkably transformed.

"Where are you going? Did Mr. Yan give you a task?"

"No, I'm going home to check on things."

Xie Yunshen was taken aback. Wasn't Yi Wuyi an orphan?

"Come with me," Yi Wuyi said, sliding down his helmet's visor.

It was like the sun rising from the west. Yi Wuyi, this cool guy, was actually inviting him.

Xie Yunshen, of course, had to go. He nodded, fetched another motorcycle from the garage, and followed Yi Wuyi onto the road.

From a window in the annex, Yan Shizhou watched the two motorcycle figures disappear beyond the main gate, his face darkening before he yanked the curtains shut violently.

"So this is the 'home' you mentioned..." Xie Yunshen looked at the chattering children before him.

But then again, it wasn't wrong. An orphan's home is an orphanage, isn't it?

Yi Wuyi held a bottle of milk, expertly feeding the infant in his arms, his expression indifferent. "Where else could I go?"

Xie Yunshen tilted his head, feeling the whole vibe was somewhat bizarre.

The director was a man in his seventies. Though old, his complexion was ruddy. The moment he saw Yi Wuyi, his face lit up with pride and affection.

"Xiao Wu, you're working at the Yan family's company. It's a good job, but you don't need to send so much money every month. The children here already receive subsidies from the Yans. I've set aside a portion for you, so you can use it when you get married."

"Director, there's no need to save it. I have my own money."

Xie Yunshen was nearby, playing with the children. Hearing this, he leaned in, eager for gossip. "Director, what kind of partner do you hope Xiao Wu finds?"

If Old Wu were to marry the Third Young Master, wouldn't the old director be so shocked he'd gain a few more wrinkles?

The old director smiled. "Anyone is fine, except for that Third Young Master from the Yan family."

Xie Yunshen froze on the spot.

What did that mean?

What on earth did that mean?

Had that guy Yan Shizhou been here before too?

"That Third Young Master is good-looking, but his temper is too fiery. Our Xiao Wu would definitely end up getting hurt."

"..." Relying on his years of experience reading novels, Xie Yunshen keenly caught a whiff of potential angst.

The old director then asked about Xiao Ding's recent situation. It turned out Xiao Ding had also been selected by the Yan family for training.

Yi Wuyi simply said Xiao Ding was working in security for the Yan family.

"And... has Xiao Bing been in touch with you lately?" the old director asked again.

Yi Wuyi replied, "Yes, he's gone abroad. The time difference is too big, so it's not convenient to call. He asked you not to worry."

Xie Yunshen could tell at a glance that Yi Wuyi was lying.

The two of them left the orphanage and walked along the road for a while. Xie Yunshen asked, "Who is Xiao Bing?"

"A senior from the orphanage. I haven't seen him for many years either."

"Where did he go?"

Yi Wuyi shook his head. "But I can guess. A lot of the evidence for the Top Star Group's grey market transactions was gathered by him."

Xie Yunshen was surprised. "So, he's the person Mr. Yan was waiting for that night?"

"Other than him, I can't think of anyone else. After all, there are only a few people Mr. Yan can trust."

No wonder Mr. Yan was so upset. Xie Yunshen sighed inwardly.

In every way, Mr. Yan was rational and decisive, but he was also a man who valued loyalty deeply.

"However, with you here, Mr. Yan will have it a bit easier." Yi Wuyi clapped a hand on his shoulder.

Xie Yunshen paused. "Is that so? I don't feel it."

He had also thought about making Mr. Yan happier, but often felt he was only making things worse.

Yi Wuyi hit the nail on the head. "You should give Mr. Yan a warm hug."

Xie Yunshen was about to say that was a good idea when the roar of an engine suddenly cut through the air.

A heavy motorcycle charged straight towards them at breakneck speed, practically about to take off.

The two of them leaped aside in opposite directions. The motorcycle shot past, almost grazing their bodies.

Several other heavy motorcycles swarmed out from all directions.

"They're after us again," Xie Yunshen said.

The bikes stopped around them. Several men dismounted, bare-handed. Each one looked like they had external martial arts training.

Xie Yunshen counted. "This isn't right. Why are there seven of them?"

"What? Are you scared too, kid?" The leader, a man in a black leather jacket, had a cold glint in his eyes.

Before coming, the boss had repeatedly warned them to be careful dealing with that kid surnamed Xie.

Now it seemed he was nothing special.

"Seven people. How do Old Wu and I split them?" Xie Yunshen said.

"..." The leather-jacket man was speechless.

"I'll take four, you take three," Yi Wuyi interjected.

"That's clearly unfair," Xie Yunshen protested.

"..." The enemies, poised for action, couldn't help but exchange bewildered glances.

Xie Yunshen pointed at the leader. "Three each. This one who looks tougher, we'll save him to split at the end."

"That could work too," Yi Wuyi said reluctantly.

...What did he mean, 'that could work too'?

"What the hell are you two talking about?" a hot-headed man cursed.

Yi Wuyi launched a sudden side kick to the abdomen, spun into a whirlwind kick, and took down one opponent instantly.

Seeing he was a step behind, Xie Yunshen went straight into action against the ones closing in. A high whip kick struck the opponent in front, followed by a swinging elbow and side chop to fend off the one on his right, his movements powerful and fierce.

Although the opponents were also experienced fighters, they couldn't withstand more than a few rounds against such superior strength and speed.

Xie Yunshen raised an elbow strike to the jaw, shattering the last man's mandible.

The two of them almost simultaneously achieved victory in their one-against-three fights. Now only the leather-jacket man remained.

Suddenly, a strange sense of competitive desire arose.

Both of them looked at the leather-jacket man at the same time.

The leather-jacket man stared coldly at the two, showing no fear. He removed his jacket, his muscles rippling as he assumed an Eagle Claw stance.

The moment they engaged, Yi Wuyi knew this guy was a practitioner of Eagle Claw Kung Fu. His hands had explosive power; his techniques were vicious, fast, and accurate.

He was at least ranked within the top thirty.

Although Yi Wuyi managed to hold his own, he almost had his eye gouged out, narrowly blocking the strike with a swift arm block.

The Eagle Claw man was even more astonished inwardly. Few could last three rounds against him.

But deep down, he was still wary of another man.

Namely, the man with the surname Xie.

That was the man he really had to go all out against this time.

"Old Five, my turn," Xie Yunshen said from the side.

Yi Wuyi spun and kicked, retreating to Xie Yunshen's side in one fluid motion: "All yours."

Xie Yunshen stepped forward.

The Eagle Claw man let out a long, heavy breath. Here he comes!

Finally, he'd get to face this guy! The boss had repeatedly warned him to push this guy to his absolute limit.

Xie Yunshen's gaze fixed on the man as he slowly advanced. Suddenly, he frowned: "This isn't even fun. Old Five, let's race. Whoever rides back to Mr. Yan's study first and grabs the eagle on the desk wins."

"..." The leather-jacketed man had had enough—time to stop holding back.

A single move—Heart-Plucking Claw—cut through the air with fierce intensity.

Indeed, the moment they clashed, he understood why the Top Star Group was so wary of this man.

Xie Yunshen not only effortlessly neutralized his Temple-Piercing, Heart-Plucking strike but also managed to launch a continuous, fluid assault on his vital points while deflecting the attack.

His speed was blistering, his legwork and elbow strikes flowed seamlessly, and he dared to press in close for aggressive, tricky, and sticky attacks.

This guy's real-world combat experience and fighting skills were utterly beyond belief.

Even the most gifted genius would find it hard to reach such a terrifying level.

His Eagle Claw technique didn't even faze him.

In just two or three moves, he was sent staggering back several meters by a simple rear kick from his opponent.

Xie Yunshen pursued relentlessly, launching into a mid-air flip kick followed by an elbow strike to the head.

The Eagle Claw man lay on the ground, blood trickling down, his eyes closed.

Xie Yunshen didn't intend to continue. He still had a race with Yi Wuyi.

Turning around, he saw Yi Wuyi already sprinting toward the orphanage.

"Hey! Old Five! No fair! Wait up!"

Xie Yunshen dashed toward the orphanage to get his motorcycle.

On a distant high-rise, Hoodie lowered his binoculars.

Shangguan Hong asked beside him: "Well? Can you tell?"

"Hard to say. In the hospital elevator, Black Impermanence used the most basic brute force, without any discernible style or form. Here, Xie Yunshen's technique and speed are very apparent. However, judging by his build and demeanor, they do seem remarkably similar."

"Whether this guy is Black Impermanence or not, he can't be left alive." Shangguan Hong's eyes gleamed with sinister ruthlessness behind his glasses.

Two motorcycles sped past on the highway.

To avoid breaking the speed limit, they could only pull slightly ahead of each other on the curves.

Finally, at eleven at night, the two made it back to the Yan Family Manor.

They started jostling for the lead the moment they entered the main gate.

Xie Yunshen charged upstairs first, but Yi Wuyi attacked his legs from behind to overtake him. Xie Yunshen then flipped over the stair railing and spun his way up.

A single flight of stairs was stretched into a two-minute ordeal by the two of them.

Uncle Zhao watched them with a smile, his gaze kind.

Yan Shixin looked up from his Rubik's Cube, staring blankly.

Yan Shiying stood there watching with great interest.

Yan Shizhou sat on the sofa, watching the two of them "tussle and pull," his face a picture of disbelief.

In the dark study, the door was flung open violently, letting in a gust of brisk, cool air as a familiar figure burst into the room.

Xie Yunshen swept past Yan Shiqi like a gust of wind and snatched the golden eagle ornament from the desk.

"Old Five, I won!"

Yi Wuyi entered behind him and immediately spotted Mr. Yan sitting on the sofa in the darkness.

He halted his steps and straightened his posture: "Mr. Yan."

Yan Shiqi looked at their disheveled state: "What are you playing at?"

The word "playing" instantly made Yi Wuyi realize he had indeed been influenced by Xie Yunshen's chuunibyou.

Xie Yunshen, however, ran over to Yan Shiqi's side and said, "We had a race. Whoever reached the study and grabbed the ornament first would win."

Yan Shiqi looked at him. Those excited black eyes were strikingly bright in the darkness, and he could smell the faint scent of free night air still clinging to him.

"Is that so? Congratulations on winning." Yan Shiqi smiled slightly.

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Author's Note: Finally updated early, no need to stay up late tonight. [Owl]