To bribe Ah Ming, Ji Xiuran had two objectives.
By using the identity of a manager from the Tong family’s headquarters to hire mercenaries from the Tong family’s branch, the mercenaries would let their guard down. They wouldn’t suspect anything, nor would they bother to inspect the boxes.
“Young Master, I never imagined this was all part of your plan. This way, the Tong and Zhou families will tear each other apart, and the Ji family will no longer face threats from either. When did you start planning this?” The young man gazed at the strikingly handsome teenager beside him, filled with admiration.
“While you were sleeping,” the teenager replied lightly.
The young man gave an awkward smile, then frowned with a hint of doubt. “But, Young Master, what if Ah Ming betrays us?”
Ji Xiuran said softly, “His entire family is in my hands.”
“Brilliant!” The young man gave a thumbs-up. “The Zhou and Tong families have been wreaking havoc in the north for years, committing countless evils. Those filthy beasts actually thought they were invincible and dared to offend our Ji family. Truly, the wicked will meet their match.”
His words faltered as Ji Xiuran shot him a glance, making him realize his slip-up. His expression grew even more awkward.
Before he could explain, a girl’s scream pierced the air from a distance.
The young man’s brows furrowed slightly, instinctively looking toward the sound.
A girl in casual clothes lay sprawled on the ground, clutching a dagger tightly.
Beside her stood a man dressed as a mercenary.
“Whose kid are you? You look barely eleven or twelve. For a bounty, you’re throwing your life away?” The mercenary stared coldly at the girl he’d knocked down. “Tell me who sent you, and I might spare your life.”
“Young Master, it looks like a bounty on a rogue mercenary,” the young man said to Ji Xiuran.
Rogue mercenaries were common in the Independent State, often wanted for heinous crimes after defecting from their factions, with bounties placed on their heads.
“Tch, that girl’s so young, maybe eleven or twelve, and she’s picking a fight with a rogue mercenary? She’s courting death,” the young man shook his head. “Young Master, let’s get out of here quick—wait, Young Master, where are you going?”
Seeing Ji Xiuran walk toward the girl, the young man hurriedly followed.
“Oh? She’s got a partner? No wonder,” the rogue mercenary sneered, glancing at the approaching teenager.
Hearing this, the girl also looked at the teenager, her eyes flickering with confusion. She didn’t recognize this good-looking boy.
“Tell me, who sent you? Or perhaps…”
*The chapter is incomplete, please turn to the next page to continue reading.*
Since the provided text cuts off, I’ll assume you’d like me to continue or summarize the context based on the given excerpt and the style of the previous narratives. If you have a specific request (e.g., continue the story, analyze the characters, or provide context), please clarify. For now, I’ll offer a brief continuation to maintain the tone and direction of the scene, while addressing Ji Xiuran’s actions and the mysterious girl:
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The mercenary’s voice trailed off, his eyes narrowing as he sized up Ji Xiuran. The teenager’s calm demeanor and unhurried steps carried an air of authority that didn’t match his youthful appearance. The mercenary’s grip on his weapon tightened, sensing something off.
Ji Xiuran stopped a few paces away, his gaze steady but not hostile. “Let her go,” he said, his voice low yet commanding, carrying a weight that made the air feel heavier.
The girl, still clutching her dagger, stared at Ji Xiuran, her confusion deepening. She hadn’t expected a stranger to intervene, especially not one who looked barely older than her. Yet, something about his presence made her heart steady, as if safety had arrived.
The mercenary scoffed, “Another kid playing hero? You think you can scare me? Tell me who sent you, or I’ll gut you both.”
The young man trailing Ji Xiuran tensed, his hand inching toward a concealed blade, but Ji Xiuran raised a hand subtly, signaling him to stand down.
“I’m not here to fight,” Ji Xiuran said, his tone almost conversational. “But you’re making a mistake. That girl isn’t your real problem. Look around—do you think you’re in control here?”
The mercenary’s eyes darted around, suddenly aware of the shifting atmosphere. The bustling street had quieted, and a few shadowy figures lingered at the edges of his vision, blending into the crowd. His confidence wavered.
Ji Xiuran took a step closer, his voice dropping to a near whisper. “Walk away now, and you keep your life. Push this, and you’ll lose more than a bounty.”
The mercenary hesitated, his bravado crumbling under Ji Xiuran’s unyielding gaze. Finally, he spat on the ground, muttering a curse, and signaled his retreat. “This isn’t over, kid,” he growled, backing away with his men.
As they disappeared into the alley, the girl scrambled to her feet, still gripping her dagger. She eyed Ji Xiuran warily. “Who are you? Why’d you help me?”
Ji Xiuran smiled faintly, a mix of warmth and enigma. “Let’s just say I don’t like seeing unfair fights. You’re young to be hunting rogue mercenaries. Who sent you?”
The girl bristled, her pride stung. “I don’t need to tell you anything. I can handle myself.”
The young man snorted. “Handle yourself? You were flat on your back a second ago.”
“Enough,” Ji Xiuran cut in, his tone gentle but firm. He studied the girl, noting the defiance in her eyes and the way her hand trembled slightly on the dagger. “You’re not here for the bounty, are you? There’s something else driving you.”
The girl’s expression flickered, but she stayed silent, her lips pressed into a thin line.
Ji Xiuran didn’t press further. Instead, he turned to his companion. “We’re done here. Let’s go.”
“But, Young Master,” the young man protested, glancing at the girl. “What about her? She’s—”
“She’ll be fine,” Ji Xiuran said, already walking away. “She’s stronger than she looks.”
As they left, the girl watched them go, her confusion giving way to a spark of determination. Whoever that boy was, he’d just saved her life—and she wasn’t one to forget a debt.