Li Caiyi walked down the hallway behind the butler and couldn't help but feel the tension. The big place seemed emptier than before, making their steps echo in the quiet and spacious area.
Throughout the trip, the latter said no words, making her feel even more awkward. He led her to a big door and raised his hand at her, signaling her to wait. Then, he knocked on the door several times.
"Master, I brought Miss Li Caiyi with me."
"Enter."
"Miss Li, please this way," he said while politely opening the door for her.
Li Caiyi gulped and steeled her nerves before stepping into the room. The spacious room had a strong tobacco smell, making her frown slightly.
When her gaze met with the big man's sitting behind the big mahogany desk, she resisted the urge to look down and stepped forward.
"Good morning, Sir. The butler said you have something to talk about with me?"
Ye Huizhong exhaled a ring of smoke before putting his pipe down. There was a burn mark on the left side of his face, catching her by surprise.
Li Caiyi could never find Ye Wang's boss's picture anywhere on the internet. She expected he would be one scary-looking person. She didn't expect the person in front of her to be far more frightening than she thought.
A glance from him was enough to intimidate people. It was nerve-wracking to stand there, but Li Caiyi persisted as she had something she'd like to ask him too.
Meanwhile, Ye Huizhong scrutinized her with a deep and meaningful gaze. He had heard so many things about her, but it was his first time seeing her in reality.
He had to admit that Dai Zhiqiang got himself a beautiful girl. He cleared his throat before asking, "I heard you were kidnapped by Huang Zhen. Can I ask you a few details about that?"
"Sure, I don't mind. Coincidentally, I also have something I need to ask you. Do you mind if I ask you some questions after this?"
Ye Huizhong's eyes slightly narrowed upon hearing that. She looked quiet and meek from the outside but turned out to be more assertive than he thought. His interest was piqued.
"I assume you already heard one or two things about us from Zhiqiang?"
"Yes. But it's because I pester him to tell me. Please don't blame him for that."
Ye Huizhong chuckled. "Why would I blame him for that? Whether he wants to tell others or not is his freedom. However, the consequences that come after it will become his responsibility."
They only exchanged a few words, but Li Caiyi seemed to have a better understanding of Ye Huizhong's personality. Clearly, he was not someone anyone could mess around with. She chose her words carefully.
"What is it that you want to know from me?"
"Everything. Tell me what you know about him."
Li Caiyi pondered for a moment. Since he was a leader of the information trading business, there was a high chance that he already knew many things. Lying to him probably wasn't a good idea.
With that idea in mind, Li Caiyi began recounting her past entanglement with Huang Zhen, including her first meeting with him, which eventually led to yesterday's kidnapping. It was more or less the same explanation as the one she had told Dai Zhiqiang before.
She told them everything, minus the probability of Huang Zhen's involvement with the drugs she investigated.
Ye Huizhong rubbed his chin thoughtfully once she finished. His sharp and deep eyes stared at her dubiously. "Is that all you know?"
"Yes. Unfortunately, I couldn't see the face of my attacker, and I lost my phone. But the one who called me out there was definitely Huang Zhen."
"No, I don't mean that. I already know that much."
Li Caiyi tilted her head in confusion. "Then, what are you doubting?"
"Hmm, I'm pretty sure you have yet to tell me everything. Is that really all?"
Li Caiyi's heart skipped a beat. Under Ye Huizhong's inquisitive and intimidating stare, it was difficult to stay calm, and he seemed to notice her trepidation.
"Miss Li Caiyi. Let me change my question. For your own good, I suggest that you clarify something for me. Does Huang Zhen ever say anything to you? Let's say something like: 'don't get too involved, or I'll not guarantee what happens to you.'"
Li Caiyi's heart jumped after hearing that. "He said something like that. He probably didn't want me to get too involved with Dai Zhiqiang and Ye Wang."
Ye Huizhong slammed the table hard, making her flinch in place. His piercing glare and domineering aura almost made her forget to breathe. Her heart beat rapidly as her legs trembled before his presence.
He looked like a beast that could lunge forward anytime and attack her.
Then, he spoke coldly, "It's no use to play the fool in front of me. Speak the truth, or I will be forced to use extreme measures to make you talk."
Li Caiyi clenched her fist. She was scared but stood her ground stubbornly. "I'm afraid I have nothing else to tell you."
Ye Huizhing sneered. "Is that so? You seem confident and fearless, but will you still act the same knowing those two's fates are in my hands now?"
"...! What are you planning to do?!" Li Caiyi asked anxiously. She didn't need to ask to figure out what he meant.
A chill ran down her spine, thinking about what this person could do to Dai Bolin and Dai Shenqiang.
But if he intended to hurt them, why did he arrange for a doctor to help Dai Bolin and keep Dai Shenqiang safe here? Or did he plan to use them as hostages?
"It depends on your cooperation, young lady." Ye Huizhong smirked wickedly. "Usually, I will refrain from harming my subordinate's family, but as they say, anything is fair in love and war. This is a war, and I intend to utilize any cards I can find to win."
Li Caiyi bit her lips. The last time she was here, she discovered that Dai Zhiqiang had significant value for the group, but could she say the same about his family? Could she risk keeping her secret while putting his precious family members at stake?
The answer was obvious. She couldn't.
Not when she knew Dai Zhiqiang would be devastated if something happened to them.
From Ye Huizhong's words, she assumed that he had already seen through her and was waiting for her to confirm it.
If that was the case, she had no choice but to admit it.
"Actually, there is something in my mind. I don't know if it's true or not since I never confirmed it with Huang Zhen before…."
"Interesting. Go on."
Li Caiyi nervously pursed her lips before continuing. "I assume that Huang Zhen might have something to do with a dangerous organization."
"Huang Zhen always has something to do with dangerous people. You gotta be more specific than that, Young Lady. Don't hold back anything." Ye Huizhong's tone became more impatient.
Upon noticing that, Li Caiyi dared not to speak vaguely anymore and reluctantly spoke, "I know this organization is working on a project to produce a drug that can create artificial geniuses."
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