Chapter 0060: Another Mission Approaches

“How dare you try to manipulate me, you bastard! If it weren’t for you, would I be suffering like this?” Zhao Kai cursed, his words filled with grievance. He truly felt wronged—this was all because of that wretched fat man.

Hua Yue’er patted her chest with her small hands, still shaken by what had just happened. She hadn’t expected Zhang Xiaofan to possess such skills. At this moment, he seemed impossibly handsome in her eyes—so dazzlingly impressive.

Ten minutes later, Zhao Kai seemed exhausted, slumping down to the side, panting heavily. He glanced at the fat man, whose face was now swollen beyond recognition, bruised and bloodied, looking exactly like a pig’s head. His nose was broken and bleeding profusely, and most of his teeth had been knocked out. It was a sight too tragic to bear.

Even Zhang Xiaofan couldn’t help but feel a twinge of pity—this beating was almost too much.

“Brother Fan, what do you think? If you’re not satisfied, I’ll rest for two minutes and then keep going.” Zhao Kai had completely lost his arrogance, left only with awe and fear for Zhang Xiaofan.

Only now did he recall his father’s warning—that this was someone he could never afford to offend. Even his father was wary of him! Realizing this, Zhao Kai no longer cared about saving face and immediately began addressing Zhang Xiaofan as “Brother Fan,” which was music to Zhang Xiaofan’s ears.

Not bad, not bad—this boy finally understands. Judging by his demeanor, he’s genuinely sincere.

Since the man had called him “brother,” there was no reason to continue beating him.

“That’s enough. If you hit him any more, he’ll be dead. Spare his miserable life,” Zhang Xiaofan said coolly. “If this fat fool dares trouble Yue’er again, I’ll come looking for you. As for Yue’er’s father’s situation, take care of it.”

“Don’t worry, Brother Fan, I’ll handle it properly. If this fat idiot stirs up trouble again, I’ll make sure he rots in prison,” Zhao Kai answered quickly.

“No, we must be reasonable. Do you understand reason? If he causes trouble again, just make sure he’s in no condition to do it again. Understand?” Zhang Xiaofan replied.

Zhao Kai was startled—this was even tougher than making him rot in prison! Nevertheless, he nodded vigorously to show his understanding.

“I’ll be going, then. Tell your father not to mess with me again. As for him sending people after me, I won’t pursue it further. I’m a reasonable person,” Zhang Xiaofan said, taking Hua Yue’er by the hand as he spoke to Zhao Kai.

“Yes, yes, I’ll pass on your message. Take care, Brother Fan.” Zhao Kai was startled—his father had sent people after him? He remembered seeing Feng Zhuyue severely injured. My god, did Zhang Xiaofan beat up that powerhouse too?

The more Zhao Kai thought about it, the more terrified he felt. He was completely convinced—he must never offend this man again!

Hua Yue’er stared in a daze at the scene; everything felt too dramatic, like a movie.

“Brother Fan, you’re amazing.”

As they walked, Hua Yue’er clung to Zhang Xiaofan’s arm with adoration, her soft curves pressing against him, making his heart flutter.

“Brother Fan, do you have time tonight?” Hua Yue’er asked, blushing. After all that Zhang Xiaofan had done for her today, she was determined to thank him properly. Even if he had unreasonable requests, she’d agree. In this modern world, romance was a normal thing. Even if she knew nothing could come of them, she was willing.

“So, are you planning to offer yourself to me?” Zhang Xiaofan teased.

“Brother Fan, you’re so naughty…” Hua Yue’er replied coquettishly, her face filled with shy charm.

“Haha, did I guess right? Are you really going to offer yourself to me?” Zhang Xiaofan laughed.

“I just wanted to invite you to dinner…” Hua Yue’er’s voice was so soft it was barely audible. There were some things a girl simply couldn’t say openly.

“Heh, so I misunderstood,” Zhang Xiaofan chuckled softly. “It’s alright, it was no trouble at all. Just keep me company at work and chat with me.”

Hua Yue’er, simple as she was, thought Zhang Xiaofan meant he wasn’t interested. She quickly said, “Brother Fan, that’s not it. If you want… I… I’m willing to keep you company.”

“Haha, alright then. Just be sure to keep me company and chat from now on,” Zhang Xiaofan replied, pretending not to understand her true meaning.

A girl like Hua Yue’er deserved her own life. If she ever found a real boyfriend, Zhang Xiaofan would be careful with his words. After all, just because you meet a beautiful woman doesn’t mean you have to take her to bed. If you do, you should take responsibility. To just walk away afterward—how would that be any different from a beast?

Of course, a little teasing was harmless.

Hearing this, Hua Yue’er couldn’t help feeling a little disappointed. She thought Zhang Xiaofan wasn’t interested in her. Then again, with his talent and the way President Lin and Vice President Lin looked at him, how could he possibly fancy her?

Zhang Xiaofan had no idea what was running through her mind as he led her back to the company.

“Zhang Xiaofan, where did you take Yue’er?” Lin Sixue emerged from her office as soon as they arrived at the company. He hadn’t had lunch with her, but had secretly gone out with Hua Yue’er instead.

Even Lin Sixue herself didn’t know why she felt this way.

“It’s nothing, we just went for lunch,” Zhang Xiaofan replied with a casual shrug.

“Hmph! From now on, don’t flirt with the girls at the company.” Lin Sixue glared at him, then turned to Hua Yue’er. “Yue’er, I’m warning you—this guy is a lecher. You’d better not be fooled by him.”

Hua Yue’er was momentarily stunned. Brother Fan isn’t like that, she thought. Sure, he looks at pretty girls, but what man doesn’t? She’d hinted so clearly, and Brother Fan didn’t even make a move—he’s not a lecher at all.

It must be Vice President Lin who’s jealous, definitely.

Hua Yue’er was sure of it, but she wouldn’t say it out loud. She simply remained silent—after all, Lin Sixue was the vice president; talking back wouldn’t be wise.

Her silence didn’t mean Zhang Xiaofan would keep quiet. Women could be inscrutable at times, but sometimes their feelings were obvious—like Lin Sixue’s jealous little expression at this moment.

Zhang Xiaofan wasn’t sure why Lin Sixue was jealous, but she certainly was. Perhaps he was simply too charming and she’d fallen for him unconsciously.

Sometimes, being too perfect and too attractive was a burden.

“Xuexue, are you jealous? If so, just admit it. There’s nothing between me and Yue’er—we’re pure as can be, not like you think.”

“Xiaofan, my grandfather wants to see you.”

Just then, Lin Siyu stepped out and called for Zhang Xiaofan.

Zhang Xiaofan immediately put on a more serious expression and walked toward Lin Siyu’s office.

Watching him leave, Lin Sixue tossed her hair and marched back to her own office, muttering, “Stupid Xiaofan, damn Xiaofan, shameless rogue, utter scoundrel…”

Just as Zhang Xiaofan entered Lin Siyu’s office, he sneezed. Who’s cursing me behind my back? he wondered.

“Xiaofan,”

As he picked up Lin Siyu’s phone, he heard General Lin Haonan’s voice.

“What does General Lin need from me?” Zhang Xiaofan asked.

“Last night, a group of mysterious people arrived in Jinghai City. Among them is likely the one who cast the blood curse on me. Their goal is the Divine Pill. They’re hiding in the city, so the military can’t act openly. I’d like you to kill them,” Lin Haonan said directly. “I’ve already contacted Dragon Soul. In Jinghai, you’re the most suitable candidate.”

“They dare to snatch something from the military?” Zhang Xiaofan asked.

“In a couple of days, a batch of Divine Pills will be transported out. These people are not ordinary. Even with military protection, there’s significant risk. To be safe, it’s best to eliminate them first,” Lin Haonan replied gravely.

“I can’t shoulder such a burden alone,” Zhang Xiaofan said.

“Don’t worry, you know Feng Qingyang from Jinghai High, right? He’ll assist you. Jinghai’s police force is also at your disposal,” Lin Haonan assured him.

“You should know—even though I’m from that place, I have absolute freedom. Protecting Lin Siyu was already an exception. I don’t want to be bogged down by these affairs every day,” Zhang Xiaofan replied. Although he was part of Dragon Soul, he’d made it clear to the highest commander, Du Yuefeng, when he joined: he wanted his freedom.

Even so, Zhang Xiaofan had done much for Dragon Soul, saving many lives—during that mission three years ago, he’d rescued no fewer than a hundred elite soldiers.

Therefore, even when Du Yuefeng assigned him tasks, it was never in the form of an order.

“Du Yuefeng told me how crucial this is. In Jinghai, I simply can’t find anyone stronger than you,” Lin Haonan insisted.

“Fine, I’ll do it. Send me all the information you have,” Zhang Xiaofan said in a low voice, then hung up.

This mission would be more dangerous than anything he’d faced in Dragon Soul—here, he was on his own, with little support. The mysterious people Lin Haonan spoke of were surely sent by the force behind the Poison Hand Medicine King. With the king dead, his backers would be even more formidable.

First the Beast Taming Sect, now this mysterious force—Zhang Xiaofan felt the pressure mounting.

Lin Siyu didn’t ask what was going on, but she knew that anything her grandfather discussed with Zhang Xiaofan must be important. Judging by his expression, it was a difficult matter.

Soon, Zhang Xiaofan’s phone buzzed with a lengthy message, detailing the last known locations of the mysterious individuals, their facial features, and background profiles.

Clearly, every one of these people was an expert. Zhang Xiaofan suspected many of them might be on par with Dragon Soul’s Yellow Division.

Dragon Soul was divided into four divisions: Heaven, Earth, Black, and Yellow. Heaven Division was the strongest, Yellow the weakest—still considered elite among special forces.

“Let’s finish work early today. I have something to do tonight,” Zhang Xiaofan said seriously.

Lin Siyu nodded without further questions.

That afternoon, Zhang Xiaofan found a computer and logged into Dragon Soul’s secret website, gathering as much information as possible on the targets. After entering two passwords, he found data on one of them.

Leng Lishang, Miao ethnic group, specializes in curse techniques, cultivation at the Awakening Realm—exact level unknown.

Zhang Xiaofan’s eyes narrowed. Someone at the Awakening Realm, skilled in curses—this mission would be extremely difficult!