Chapter 32: Interrogation and a New Look

Having seen Wang Lei safely returned to his room, Bai Mengqi carefully closed the door before making her way back to the living room.

Bai Mengqi approached the group, her face etched with clear displeasure. “Why didn’t you reveal your identities sooner?” she demanded, a distinct note of complaint in her voice. “You can’t blame me for this beating; I genuinely thought Liu Corporation had sent you to retaliate against me.”

Song Yanhua gingerly touched his face, which was swollen to the size of a steamed bun, and offered a wry, bitter smile. “Did you even give us a chance?” he countered. “I hadn’t finished speaking before you struck. Naturally, when my men saw you make a move, they responded in kind.”

Song Yanhua grimaced throughout his explanation, his pained expression making onlookers wince in sympathy.

Bai Mengqi offered a noncommittal smile, then scratched her head. “Well, wasn’t I worried about my friend?” she mused. “If you’ve come about me protecting Zi Yanran earlier today and crippling those individuals, there’s truly no need. That was merely my duty and my mission.”

Bai Mengqi had made her stance clear; she felt her actions were entirely justified and had no desire to be troubled over them.

Upon hearing her words, Song Yanhua and the others couldn’t help but roll their eyes, silently grumbling about Bai Mengqi’s excessively ruthless methods.

“We are primarily here to investigate you,” Song Yanhua explained, feeling that this inquiry was simply part of his duty. “Your identity is quite unusual; you’re so young, yet your supernatural abilities are remarkably potent. For the sake of safety, it’s only natural that we need to verify who you are.”

Having dealt with agents from the Bureau of Supernatural Abilities before, Bai Mengqi understood the nature of their duties.

“Alright, have you learned everything you needed to know?” Bai Mengqi replied, feeling that her consistent adherence to rules made such intense scrutiny unnecessary. “If there’s nothing else, you’re free to leave. Rest assured, I am a law-abiding citizen; otherwise, with my capabilities, why would I bother being a mere corporate drone?”

Song Yanhua nodded, signifying his understanding.

“Understood,” Song Yanhua affirmed. “We were indeed presumptuous this time. However, national regulations mandate that all ability users must be registered. Please make time to visit the Bureau of Supernatural Abilities. As for tonight, consider it our misfortune.”

Song Yanhua rose to his feet, a pained expression still etched on his face. His injuries still throbbed, making it clear what an ordeal this night had been.

“So beautiful, yet so ruthless,” he muttered. “Truly violent.”

The remaining agents, leaning on each other for support, wobbled unsteadily out of Bai Mengqi’s apartment, muttering softly as they went. Their collective appearance was a pathetic, yet amusing, sight.

Once they had departed, Bai Mengqi let out a heavy sigh, a trace of helplessness flickering across her features.

‘Ugh! Things are getting more and more troublesome,’ Bai Mengqi thought, a headache already beginning to form. ‘With the Bureau of Supernatural Abilities showing up at my door, who knows how many more problems will arise in the future?’

The entire day had been tumultuous. In the morning, Zi Yanran had left her feeling unsettled, and by afternoon, the fighting had begun, escalating into an even more intense clash by evening.

And so, the most exhilarating day in her history finally drew to a close.

****

The following morning, Wang Lei groggily fluttered his eyes open.

“What happened?” Wang Lei mumbled in confusion. “Why did I suddenly faint?”

Still somewhat disoriented, he stumbled out of his room, only to see Bai Mengqi, bag on her back, preparing to leave for work.

“You’re awake, Old Wang,” Bai Mengqi said, greeting him as if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred. “I’m off to work.”

As for Wang Lei, she felt a vague sense that he had forgotten something.

“Oh?”

Bai Mengqi had, in fact, used magic to erase a portion of Wang Lei’s memory from the previous night, which explained his current bewildered state.

Bai Mengqi stepped out of her apartment as usual, and the moment she did, she noticed activity from the neighboring unit.

She turned her head, observing several workers busily moving in and out, carrying a variety of items.

It appeared Zi Yanran had already rented the apartment, and these workers were likely clearing out the previous occupant’s belongings.

Judging by the scene, it was highly probable that by the time Bai Mengqi returned that evening, Zi Yanran’s entire household would have been moved in, with her completely settled into the new place.

Downstairs, Zi Yanran stood with an elegant posture, patiently awaiting Bai Mengqi’s descent.

Her attire today was particularly striking, a stark departure from her usual style.

As Bai Mengqi slowly made her way down the stairs, Zi Yanran spotted her, then gently pressed the horn of a sleek white sports car.

While the sports car appeared relatively unassuming, its actual value was considerable, easily in the millions. Still, it maintained a far more understated profile compared to the ostentatious displays of Lamborghinis and similar luxury vehicles.

Hearing the horn, Bai Mengqi quickly approached and settled naturally into the passenger seat. The moment she was seated, she couldn’t help but voice her complaint: “I told you already, there’s really no need to pick me up. It’s not as if I don’t know the company’s location. Your doing this makes me look like some kept man, clinging to a rich woman. It’s so awkward!”

However, no sooner had the words left her lips than she turned her gaze back to Zi Yanran, and in that instant, she froze.

Today, Zi Yanran appeared utterly transformed, a vivid contrast to her appearance the day before.

Yesterday, she had dressed with extreme maturity, her makeup reflecting a sophisticated and steady style.

Today, however, she wore a white floral print dress. The fabric appeared light and flowing, making her look exceptionally fresh and ethereal.

Furthermore, her hair wasn’t tied up as it usually was; instead, it was gently secured with delicate hairpins, allowing a few strands to fall casually around her cheeks. The overall effect made her appear several years younger, exuding an aura of vibrant youthfulness.

“Huh? You?” Bai Mengqi gasped, utterly captivated. Her eyes were fixed on Zi Yanran, and for a moment, she completely forgot to look away.

Seeing Bai Mengqi staring so intently, Zi Yanran couldn’t help but feel a surge of triumph. Her lips immediately curved into a brilliant smile, and with a touch of smugness, she declared: “I told you, didn’t I? How about it? Doesn’t this outfit make me look instantly younger? Even though I’m a mother of two, I’ve put immense effort into maintaining my figure over the years. Surely now you can’t possibly accuse me of being old anymore, can you?”

As she spoke, she deliberately straightened her back, subtly showcasing her still-graceful figure.

It was undeniable; with this new ensemble, Zi Yanran truly did appear significantly younger.

Hearing her words, Bai Mengqi was instantly caught between laughter and exasperation. She quickly waved a dismissive hand. “When did I ever say you were old?” she retorted. “Don’t falsely accuse me; I’ve never had such a thought!”

“Hmph! You clearly did, I could tell,” Zi Yanran retorted with a haughty sniff, looking as though she had suffered a grave injustice. Yet, the subtle, lingering smile at the corner of her lips betrayed her genuinely joyful mood.

Seeing her demeanor, Bai Mengqi decided not to prolong the discussion on that particular topic. She deftly changed the subject. “Are you moving in today?” she inquired.

“Mm, of course,” Zi Yanran replied. “I’ve already prepared everything. Oh, right, this is for you.” She casually picked up a box from the side and lightly tossed it to Bai Mengqi.

She continued, “This is from my home, brand new and unused. You are my dedicated secretary, after all. It’s quite unusual for you to carry a men’s backpack to and from work every day, isn’t it? Use this from now on.”