Chapter 106: Secretly Returning Home

Chapter 106: Secret Return to the Homeland

“Ha… ha… ha…” Xiao Tianci wanted to laugh heartily, even to the point of pounding the table, but since it would be improper to laugh at someone who had just fallen, he restrained himself and said, “Um… Guowei, what are you looking for?”

Xu Guowei immediately sobered up, hurriedly standing up in an awkward manner. “It’s nothing… just dropped my pen.”

“Oh, I see. Seems that pen is quite valuable. By the way, did you hear everything I just said?”

Xu Guowei replied, “The boss said the companies are named Xiao Family One and Xiao Family Two. But doesn’t that conflict with your previous plan?”

Xiao Tianci shrugged casually. “Where’s the conflict? There’s no conflict!”

Xu Guowei glanced at his notes to avoid making mistakes, then cautiously said, “Boss, you mean to set up two companies to compete against each other, thereby boosting competitiveness and keeping them dynamic, so they don’t become complacent without rivals?”

“Exactly, exactly. That’s precisely what I mean. Very well put.”

“But if that’s the case, naming them like this will make it obvious to everyone.” Xu Guowei looked at Xiao Tianci intently, craving to observe him more closely, almost greedily, as if staring at an enchanting beauty. He desperately wanted to understand what kind of person this really was.

When he first found him as an heir, he seemed dim-witted, even somewhat unfit for his status. He had even married someone like Tian Hao, who was known for climbing the social ladder.

But now, this person before him seemed entirely different from the one he had met back then.

Xiao Tianci ignored Xu Guowei’s gaze and said nonchalantly, “Yes, I want everyone to know.”

“Thud…” Deep in thought, Xu Guowei once again dramatically slipped and fell.

In the end, Xu Guowei kept quiet, mechanically jotting down the tasks Xiao Tianci assigned him, eager to end the conversation before he fainted.

“Guowei, your focus has really deteriorated lately!”

“That’s because boss, you’re even more impressive.”

“Oh, you’re flattering me again.”

“I’m just being honest.”

“Good, I like honesty. By the way, what do you think of my idea?”

“Absolutely unique.”

“Glad you think so. Well then, go pick up Meg and the others. Once we start playing, we lose track of time. Also, bring those two back—there’s plenty to do.”

“Yes, sir.”

After the chief steward left, Xiao Tianci lit a cigar and exhaled gently. The smoke veiled the surroundings in a misty haze, yet through it, things could still be seen, giving an ethereal impression.

Although Qinglong had improved his skills and become a strong aide, he had to attend to other matters for now, as the plan to cultivate experts still required his attention. Qinglong was aware of the dangers from the last incident, so Xiao Tianci had left Huofeng behind.

Huofeng’s strength had diminished somewhat, but with Jin’gang’s help, she would soon surpass the previous Qinglong’s level. Jin’gang was pleased; the energy expended could be quickly restored since he had accumulated a vast reserve of true energy that no longer had much effect on him.

After Qinglong left, Jin’gang immediately assisted Huofeng in her power enhancement, which delayed things a bit, so Xiao Tianci took the opportunity to refine the concepts for his two companies.

Looking over his ideas, Xiao Tianci couldn’t help but click his tongue. “Look, this is what creativity really means—unique, unprecedented. This is real creativity. If there’s nothing else to do in the future, selling ideas might not be a bad plan.”

Soon, Huofeng completed her power upgrade, naturally taking some time to adjust. Her strength now far exceeded Qinglong’s prior level, making her a formidable expert in their midst.

Once Jin’gang recovered, everyone set off. Xiao Tianci’s plane took off from the Xiao family estate, soaring straight into the clouds. News of this quickly spread worldwide.

Leaving the Xiao estate, Xiao Tianci and the others departed through a secret route. The island had been in the family for over a century, with many secrets and treasures hidden within, so they used a highly covert path to slip away.

They then reached a nearby airfield long prepared for such occasions, secretly flying straight to the mainland. Xiao Tianci’s plane meandered aimlessly in the sky, almost drunk-like—a scene not unfamiliar to many, who had grown accustomed to this playboy’s antics, suspecting he was acting out again.

“Phew… nothing beats the feeling of coming home! Come inside, this is my old home, my real home.” From the airport, they took a helicopter, and Xiao Tianci was already standing at his front door, leading everyone inside.

Knowing it was nearly impossible to conceal his companions’ movements, Xiao Tianci aimed only to buy a little time. Not much was needed—he wanted to swiftly resolve affairs at home without dragging danger or trouble into the country.

He planned to settle things quickly and leave. Since his appearance was sudden, even if the opposition wanted to act, it would be too late; by the time they were ready, he would have vanished again.

Inside, the house had been prepared simply due to the rushed marriage and his initial plan to stay temporarily. It was much the same as when Xiao Tianci had lived there alone—no major changes.

Yet, stepping in now, it felt different. The house was the same, but the atmosphere… changed.

Slowly ascending to the second floor, he opened the door, knowing Tian Ni was at the company’s premises. A faint floral scent lingered—a fragrance he knew well—it was Tian Ni’s favorite.

Taking a deep breath of the gentle aroma refreshed him greatly. Looking around, although he had kept the house tidy before, the masculine bachelor feel was gone, replaced by something else.

The place was adorned with many small, cute decorations. Though it was his home for years, Xiao Tianci now felt as if he were a visitor.

Every detail caught his attention, each little ornament examined and fondled carefully.

After a round upstairs, he came back down. The chief steward Lin Jian was waiting by the door and followed him out. Huofeng and Meg were exploring curiously around.

Xiao Tianci casually asked, “Chief steward, what is Ni’er doing now?”

“The lady is dining with Dongfang Yi.”

“What…” Xiao Tianci spun to look at Lin Jian. “What did you just say?”

“The lady is dining with Dongfang Yi.”

“Why didn’t you tell me earlier?” Still not fully comprehending, Xiao Tianci was already nearly rushing outside. Could he remain calm? His wife dining with the man he considered his greatest rival—this was a red alert of the highest danger level. Even if he trusted Ni’er, that simply wouldn’t do!

Back in the country, there was no need to hide anymore, so Xiao Tianci brazenly arranged for five helicopters. Huofeng and Meg hurried out and boarded swiftly.

The piano’s melody drifted softly through the Western-style restaurant, enriching the dining experience. They sat near a window.

“Ni’er, you’ve lost so much weight and look so worn in just a few days. Has work been too busy and exhausting? You’ve always been so strong-willed over the years, but you must take better care of yourself.”

Tian Ni smiled, appreciating his concern. She remembered it well, but now that she was married, she had to be clear with him. How could she make him accept it more easily? Sigh, she truly didn’t want to hurt him, but…

“Oh, probably just the busy work these past few days,” she replied lightly, brushing it off.

Dongfang Yi remained uneasy and tried to persuade Tian Ni several times. By then, the dishes had arrived. Tian Ni lifted her glass.

“Don’t worry. Look, you just got back, and I’m treating you to dinner. Thanks for your help.”

“You and I don’t need such formalities.”

Dongfang Yi felt strangely unsettled. How could Tian Ni have changed so much in just a few days? Something was different, though he couldn’t quite say what. She seemed quieter now. Before, Tian Ni loved to joke; every meeting was filled with laughter. But now…

He touched the ring in his pocket. He had made a huge decision and was prepared for rejection. Though Tian Ni had never accepted him all these years, he believed the day would come. She had only had him by her side all this time; everyone else had given up quickly.

Yes, he must propose to her—once, twice, thrice… even a hundred or a thousand times if need be. Thinking this, his raised glass trembled slightly.

Just as they were about to toast, someone exclaimed, “Oh… look over there…”

Both turned to see the commotion. The sudden loud noise had startled everyone in the restaurant.

Outside, on the first floor near the parking area where helicopters could not land, five helicopters were descending slowly. The people aboard leapt down from about four or five meters high, eliciting gasps from the crowd. One helicopter hovered just a meter above the ground before someone carefully disembarked.

Huofeng didn’t jump but instructed the pilot, “Higher, a bit higher.” When the helicopter reached seven or eight meters, she pulled Meg and joyfully said, “Come, sister will take you flying down!” She wanted to fly thirty meters higher before jumping, but feared startling others.

“Jump!” Holding Meg, they leapt a few meters. Just before landing, Huofeng flipped gracefully, landing silently and steadily, still cradling Meg. Her Huofeng Dance had clearly improved.

Onlookers gasped, calling it acrobatics, lightness skill, or kung fu—whatever the name, it amazed everyone. Xiao Tianci walked in confidently, ignored by others. Huofeng wasn’t bothered; she enjoyed the attention. Meg giggled happily, and Huofeng promised to play like this often.

Dongfang Yi and Tian Ni sat closest to the spectacle, witnessing everything unfold before their eyes. Especially Huofeng’s flashy appearance and provocative attire stunned even the worldly-wise Dongfang Yi.

Tian Ni felt both joy and unease upon seeing the grand scene, like meeting someone online and then face-to-face in reality.

She was tangled in the complicated and chaotic relationships between these two men, feeling confused.

Dongfang Yi of course recognized Xiao Tianci. He had met him several times before. Seeing Xiao Tianci wave, he smiled and waved back.

Growing up in such an environment, Dongfang Yi had encountered many people and scenes, so this wasn’t entirely new. But the bodyguards around Xiao Tianci shocked him.

And the aura these people exuded—who exactly were they? Suddenly, a buzzing filled Dongfang’s mind: Xiao Tianci? No, impossible! How could he be that Xiao Tianci?

When it was rumored someone had inherited a fortune, Dongfang Yi had considered it but quickly dismissed it. Knowing Tian Hao’s character, if it really were Xiao Tianci, he would have exploited the opportunity. Later, he heard it was just a namesake, not the same person, and that Xiao Tianci had been sent abroad to a branch company.

But now, this scene and feeling were completely different. This didn’t look like someone working for others.

Seeing him greet them with a smile, Xiao Tianci’s face beamed as he waved back. Muttering fiercely to himself, he vowed, “Damn it, if you want to flirt with my wife, I’ll teach you a lesson so hard you won’t even dare think about it.”

***

Plain Heart & “Spirit Hunter”

Starting Monday, I need everyone’s support to climb the rankings. Please bookmark and vote! All votes should go to the new book.

After Sunday midnight, new chapters will continue to update. If everyone votes for the new book “Spirit Hunter,” Plain Heart will speed up updates. Thanks for supporting the new book.

Click to view image link: