351 Caught in the Act!
Qin Huai regarded Song Aâsanâs earnest expression and the hairpin and jewelry he held. He allowed a moment of silence to pass.
âThird Brother.â
A figure approached from the distance, heading toward Song Aâsan. Noticing Qin Huai, his expression shifted to seriousness.
âFifth Master!â His tone held respect, yet his gaze bristled with caution. Then, pulling Song Aâsanâs arm, they both sidestepped a few paces.
âWhat instructions does Big Brother have?â Song Aâsan asked solemnly.
âBig Brother requested that you lead a team to neutralize the remnants of the Lin Gang,â the man stated gravely.
âUnderstood. Just tell Big Brother to leave it to me!â Song Aâsan reassured, thumping his chest with an air of reliability.
The man nodded, then glanced at Qin Huai. âThird Brother, you must be wary of Fifth Masterâ¦â He broke off, giving Qin Huai a tight smile. âFifth Master, Iâll take my leave now.â
Upon finishing his sentence, he distanced himself quickly.
âFifth Master, if we ever have the opportunity, we should share a drink,â Song Aâsan suggested, gathering up two more hairpins. âI have other matters to attend to, so Iâll leave first.â
âIf Iâm not mistaken, did Second Brother task you with another duty?â Qin Huaiâs expression hardened.
âYes, although Big Brother has many subordinates, few are trustworthy,â Song Aâsan acknowledged, his tone infused with pride. âBig Brother and I share a bond forged in life-and-death situations. Weâre closer than actual brothers⦠Rest assured, Iâll manage everything for Big Brother.â
Qin Huai looked at Song Aâsan with a measure of sympathy. He sighed internally. How could Yin Rongen treat such a loyal brother in this manner?
âToday, youâve bared your soul to me,â Qin Huai began. âLeave the duty of hunting down the lingering miscreants of the Lin Gang to me⦠It just so happens I want to test a new poison.â
âWellâ¦â Song Aâsan began.
âDo you mean to imply that I, as the second leader of the Blood Poison Gang, am less competent than you?â Qin Huai questioned, raising an eyebrow. âYouâve had quite a successful day today. Itâs best to reunite with your wife sooner.â
Song Aâsan hesitated before responding, âErr⦠Thank you, Fifth Master! Youâre truly different from the previous leaders of the Blood Poison Gang.â
âThen you must be mistaken,â retorted Qin Huai, his voice nonchalant.
âIâve always been a good judge of character!â Song Aâsan slapped his chest before heading home, laden with his collected accessories.
Qin Huai lingered a moment before heading toward the Blood Poison Gang. Not long after heâd left, Zhou Cunzhong hurried over.
âFifth Master, Iâve just received some news. Yin Rongen returned early and commanded his men to find Song Aâsan,â he blurted excitedly. âThereâs a high chance that Yin Rongenâs plan is to send his brother to search for that beautiful woman again.â
âAnd where does Song Aâsanâs wife reside?â
âAlright,â Qin Huai acknowledged, nodding. âContinue to suppress the remaining members of the Lin Gang. Donât concern yourself with Yin Rongen for now.â
âYes, Fifth Master!â Zhou Cunzhong affirmed, quickly taking his leave.
Qin Huai then resumed his journey toward Willow Street.
â¦
Willow Street, house number sixteen.
Set within the quiet, tastefully designed courtyard, charming scenery of faux rockeries and water features greeted the eye.
A swallow alighted on a branch, chirping cheerfully to its companions. The cobblestone path underfoot was equally exquisite, and an intricate pattern of heart shapes formed from stones of various sizes led from the courtyard entrance to the house. It was clear that whoever laid this path had done so with good intentions.
However, at the end of the heart-shaped path, beneath the eaves adorned with an array of vibrant flowers, were not the courtyardâs original owners.
Yin Rongen lay sprawled on the bed, gasping for breath, his muscular form on full display. Beside him was a woman, her figure elegant and lithe. She rested in his arms, panting softly.
Their complexions were flush with exertion. It was clear theyâd just partaken in a fervent tryst.
âYou little minx, youâre still quite a handful,â Yin Rongen murmured, a lascivious smile curving his lips as he licked their corners, savoring the lingering taste.
The woman, however, pounded Yin Rongenâs chest with mild annoyance. âWhen exactly are you going to rid me of that blockhead Song Aâsan? Every day, the mere thought of having to face him at night makes me nauseous. Itâs enough to ruin my appetite.â
Yin Rongenâs hand traced soothing circles on the womanâs back. âPatience, wait a little longer. Right now, Huang Qiguang, Qin Huai, and I are locked in a power struggle. This is a time when every pair of hands counts.
âSong Aâsan, being at the fifth-level bone pattern realm, is the strongest man within the Blood Poison Gang after us, so we canât dispose of him yet,â Yin Rongen reasoned, his tone gentle.
âAlright thenâ¦â The womanâs finger aimlessly traced circles on Yin Rongenâs chest. âBut letâs agree on one thing. After this is all over, you must kill him and marry me!â
âOf course! Donât you know why Iâve remained unmarried all these years?â
As their banter continued, their camaraderie intensified. He reached for the blanket, ready for another round, when a jovial voice echoed from beyond the courtyard.
âWifey! Iâm back!â
Song Aâsanâs strides were brisk. In five or six steps he reached the door. As a proficient poison user, his senses were sharp. The moment he arrived at the threshold, a rotten smell greeted him.
Bang!
He pushed the door open.
In an instant, his eyes were filled with rage. The pristine jewelry in his hands fell and clattered to the ground.