Chapter 108

Chapter 10: Passion

　It happened in the morning, as the noon sun grew stronger, evaporating the puddles on the ground, leaving behind only chilling bloodstains and various scattered body parts.

　The employees of the Mobile Phone Shop found an opportunity to sneak away. The entire street remained unapproachable for a long time. Even after reporting it, no one came promptly to handle the situation.

　In the Four Squares Academy Countermeasures Group Office, Director Dai Hengzhu was absent, and the others held a brief meeting.

　”Wasn’t Yuan Xiaoling’s target the Beach? I saw them go that way,” someone felt puzzled, “Why did she suddenly lead an attack on Dongdong Road? There’s nothing there, right?”

　”Could it be a diversionary tactic?”

　”Hmph, if there really was nothing, she wouldn’t have clashed with the Yun Family. Clearly, there’s something there; we just don’t know what.”

　Quietly listening to her colleagues’ discussion, Li Li didn’t say a word.

　She was wondering if Yuan Xiaoling’s battle with the Yun Family on Dongdong Road had anything to do with that incident?

　…………

　”Stop staring and let’s talk business!”

　Bai Ling raised her hand to shield her little bunny.

　It wasn’t because she was shy; it’s just that they were discussing important matters here, and you kept staring at her chest, making her feel uneasy.

　When your heart itches, credibility rises. When credibility rises, you want to act. Once you start acting, you can’t focus on serious matters anymore.

　”If you won’t look, then fine,” Yuan Xiaoling pouted slightly, “You’re so stingy.”

　She didn’t realize that she had just tested the boundaries of getting scolded.

　Recalling Bai Ling’s words from earlier, the clever Ningning quickly understood her meaning.

　”Are you suggesting that the fragment of the Inner Stone of the Mind from Tianhai City was used to mentally invade these people a year ago?”

　”It’s just a possibility. We know too little about it. Maybe something else happened.” Bai Ling said.

　Even with memories from the future, she didn’t know everything since, during her previous life, she was wandering in the corners of Tianhai City at this time.

　Yuan Xiaoling nodded: “I have many ideas, but instead of speculating wildly, it’s better to find clues from the people involved.”

　She tapped her finger on the screen of her mobile phone at the people who appeared in the footage.

　”It’s been only a year since the Four Squares Academy incident. To find information about these people should still be possible. Also, based on the information I obtained, the academy’s previous usage has continued for a long time, so we can investigate further.”

　After taking a screenshot and putting it into an image search, unsurprisingly, nothing turned up.

　Bai Ling wasn’t surprised at all: “Like the name ‘Four Squares Academy,’ it’s been blocked within Tianhai City.”

　As for outside Tianhai City, it would probably result in finding countless individuals with similar appearances again. Such facial recognition size and clarity make it hard without using official systems.

　Yuan Xiaoling smirked, realizing she had oversimplified things.

　”No problem, don’t forget I have a friend who’s very resourceful. Let me send it to her and see if she can help.”

　Saying this, she sent it to Qiao Lili, asking her to help look into it. After several minutes, the other party replied.

　[Qiao Lili: Goodness, the clarity is like something taken by a door lock camera.]

　[Ningning: It wasn’t me who took it, and it happened a year ago, late at night, secretly recorded. Just tell me if you can find anything.]

　[Qiao Lili: I need time, about a week.]

　Hmm? She actually has a way?

　[Ningning: Are you some kind of amazing hacker who can break into government networks and use their facial recognition system?]

　[Qiao Lili: What are you thinking? I wouldn’t do anything illegal… Anyway, I have my own methods, just wait and see.]

　[Ningning: Alright, when you return from your vacation, I’ll treat you to unlimited seafood buffet.]

　Putting down her mobile phone, Yuan Xiaoling signaled to Bai Ling: “It’s done. Accurate information will be available in a week.”

　Bai Ling wanted to ask who she contacted, whether it was a man or woman, how old they were, and their relationship. But upon reflection, asking such questions would make her seem strange, so she decided not to inquire.

　”A week, perfect,” she said, “According to the plan, in a week, we should be able to take control of the core area of the Beach Area.”

　”So fast?” Yuan Xiaoling was pleasantly surprised, “Then I must commend them thoroughly.”

　Saying this, she walked out to find Luo Zou Cheng and Wu Bian. Bai Ling hesitated but ultimately didn’t stop her.

　Outside the hotel, Luo Zou Cheng was calculating the morning’s gains with Wu Bian when they suddenly heard a sweet feminine voice from behind:

　”Luo Boss, Wu Boss, impressive work efficiency.”

　Yuan Xiaoling approached and said, “I heard you could take over the core area of the beach in a week?”

　”In theory, yes,” Luo Zou Cheng said, “This morning, after displaying our strength on Linhai East Road, the occupiers of that area said they would send someone in the afternoon to negotiate the transfer of industries. If the next few areas proceed at this rate, we can seize part of the scenic beach area in a week.”

　Ah, Yuan Xiaoling nodded approvingly: “Good job, good job.”

　Wu Bian stepped forward and said, “We’re just running errands. Mainly, it’s thanks to Miss Bai Ling. According to the original plan, we intended to advance slowly, testing first. However, before departure, Miss Bai Ling asked about our plans and questioned when we would take over the place where ‘Blue Sea Home’ is located.”

　Yuan Xiaoling blinked slightly: “Why do we need to occupy a men’s clothing store?”

　Could it be that the team’s development is too fast, and everyone needs clothes?

　”It’s Blue Sea Home, blue as in sea blue,” Luo Zou Cheng explained, “Also the largest beach hotel in Tianhai City, located in the scenic area.”

　”Oh, Blue Sea Home, that hotel originally had that name.” Yuan Xiaoling realized.

　”Exactly, I said it. Probably in two to three weeks, we can take it over.” Wu Bian continued, “But Miss Bai Ling was very dissatisfied, saying it was too slow, deciding to act personally. We don’t know what she did, but when we met the occupiers of Linhai East Road, they were already extremely humble, as if they had experienced a great shock.”

　Yuan Xiaoling nodded: “Understood.”

　With Bai Ling’s abilities, she is indeed suitable for this kind of intimidating diplomacy. A fifth-tier mental invasion at an unexpected moment can terrify someone to death.

　”So, it’s all thanks to Miss Bai Ling,” Wu Bian chuckled mischievously, “Right, Luo Boss?”

　Luo Zou Cheng looked awkward: “Yes, and she also told us not to tell Miss Yuan.”

　Wu Bian’s smile froze on his face.

　”Eh, what, did…did I say that…”

　Yuan Xiaoling smirked: “Don’t worry, I won’t say it was you.”

　Sigh, these subordinates of hers, always rushing around carelessly. Can’t they be more mature and steady like Ningning?

　Back at the hotel, Yuan Xiaoling thought for a moment and called Li Li on her mobile phone.

　”Miss Yuan, I heard you’re about to take over Linhai East Road. Your actions are swift and decisive. Congratulations.”

　Before she could speak, Li Li greeted her on the phone.

　Yuan Xiaoling raised an eyebrow: “Your information network is quite efficient. Since that’s the case, you must know that apart from Linhai East Road, today my biggest gain was finding some things on Dongdong Road in the Third Ring of the city.”

　Li Li didn’t respond, but Yuan Xiaoling could hear her breathing deepen.

　Indeed, answering the call with Linhai East Road first clearly indicated feigned ignorance, pretending not to know about Dongdong Road, avoiding any involvement.

　That won’t do. This clue started with the information you provided me. Oh, throwing out bait and running away isn’t that easy. Do you think Ningning is big-breasted and brainless?

　So she took the initiative to say: “Miss Li Li, based on the clues you provided, I found witnesses to the event back then and learned some information. For instance… Four Squares Academy belongs to your territory.”

　Li Li hesitated for a while and asked: “What do you want to know?”

　”First, you’ve been using Four Squares Academy for many years before a year ago. And according to my information, it was used secretly,” Yuan Xiaoling probed, “Is it a base for Spiritual Energy Manipulators or some kind of experimental site?”

　Half a minute later, Li Li replied: “I wasn’t aware of this before being transferred here. At most, I only knew there was such a place. When I was transferred, Four Squares Academy had already become an ordinary office location. As for experiments… I haven’t heard of them, there shouldn’t be any, we don’t have those conditions.”

　Yuan Xiaoling understood. In that case, Four Squares Academy was previously a government base for Spiritual Energy Manipulators. However, she doesn’t know why these people disappeared without a trace later.

　”Is the incident that night related to the Foundation Stone fragment?” she asked next.

　Li Li hesitated on the other end and counter-questioned her: “What is the Foundation Stone fragment?”

　Uh…

　Yuan Xiaoling put down the phone, thinking she couldn’t get any information from her.

　Might as well go back to the room and check on Bai Ling, the stingy one, family members.

　At the same time, in the Countermeasures Group office, Li Li hung up the phone with lingering fear, pondered for a while, and flipped through the relevant photo album. There was a picture circulating online of Yuan Xiaoling’s cheerleading squad.

　A vibrant blonde beauty wearing a somewhat risqué cheerleader uniform, her sweet and energetic smile radiated charm and innocence.

　”Looking so pretty with such a large bust yet smart and scheming,” Li Li shook her head, “Stereotypes.”

　She originally just wanted Yuan Xiaoling to help investigate any conspiracies her superior might have planned, to avoid being implicated in future trouble. Unexpectedly, Yuan Xiaoling ended up using her instead.

　Stereotypes of big breasts and no brains are harmful.

　…………

　Bai Ling felt very uncomfortable.

　Ever since Yuan Xiaoling returned after going out, she kept looking at her with meaningful glances and occasionally made humming sounds.

　”What’s wrong,” she couldn’t help but ask, “Didn’t you just inquire about the progress with Luo Zou Cheng and the others?”

　”Yes, exactly, and I sensed your determination to capture the beach sooner.”

　Especially you—Yuan Xiaoling added silently in her mind.

　”So, I’ve decided to join next time and give everyone a boost,” she said.

　The next clue regarding Four Squares Academy has to wait until Qiao Lili gets the talent. Until then, idling is idling, so Yuan Xiaoling decided to “personally command.”

　”Alright,” Bai Ling’s heart stirred slightly, but she concealed it well, maintaining a calm expression, “Next time, we’ll go together.”

　She wasn’t thinking about being risqué; she just felt that after so much time had passed, it was time for Yuan Xiaoling to regain her memories. In case there were any crucial clues, it might help now, right?

　Anyway, Bai Ling justified herself in her heart this way.

　Yuan Xiaoling directly expressed her thoughts: “If you want to be risqué with me, I’d rather feed the little rabbit nutrients. With so much time having passed, it’s time to grow again. So, let’s see who’s stronger then.”