Chapter 42: The Vanishing Observer and an Unexpected Invitation

The wind gently brushed past him, stirring the bottom of his long cloak, causing it to tremble softly.

He quietly watched the two figures on the distant rooftop.

He remained utterly still, his gaze fixed on them, seemingly observing, perhaps even sizing them up.

Yet, moments after their figures vanished, his own body stirred with a subtle shift. Then, in an instant, he disappeared as abruptly as if he had never existed.

The wind continued to blow, but the figure it had just caressed was gone.

****

‘Tsk, I knew I was overthinking things. Why dwell on it so much?’

‘Being so paranoid all day long, how could anything unexpected suddenly happen? Like encountering robbers on the street and being taken hostage? Impossible. I’ve definitely been thinking too much lately.’

After giving his head a light tap, he glanced at Huang Beifeng, who was diligently packing her belongings nearby. It was rather odd that she hadn’t inquired about his whereabouts.

‘Well, that’s fine. If she doesn’t ask, I won’t have to explain anything.’

‘However, regarding Lan Baiyuan knowing my gender… hmmm, I’ll have to find a time to discuss it with Huang Beifeng and figure out a plan.’

As the morning drew to a close and he prepared to leave the classroom with Huang Beifeng, Tang Xiao Rou suddenly called out to him.

Tang Xiao Rou’s appearance, naturally, caught him off guard. ‘How many times had this girl sought me out today?’

‘What did she want this time? Surely there was no reason for her to seek me out again.’

As Mu Rong Luo Ye considered the possibilities, Tang Xiao Rou nervously swallowed. She feared his refusal, the sting of rejection.

Consequently, she found herself unable to voice her intentions.

“What’s wrong? Just say what’s on your mind.”

‘It’s really quite strange. I haven’t done anything, yet she always seems so nervous whenever she stands before me.’

Perhaps his words had a calming effect, for she managed to steady her emotions. After much internal encouragement, she finally mustered the courage to speak her mind.

“Um, there’s a new dessert shop nearby. Would you like to go together after school today?”

‘Oh, so that’s all it was. It’s such a small matter, why couldn’t she just say it directly? No need to be so nervous.’

As for desserts, Huang Beifeng absolutely adored them, though he didn’t share the same passion. Sure enough, upon hearing the words “dessert shop,” her eyes immediately lit up.

“Go, go, go! How could we possibly not go?”

Watching the exceptionally excited Huang Beifeng, a flicker of imperceptible disappointment crossed Tang Xiao Rou’s eyes. She had originally hoped to go with Mu Rong Luo Ye alone.

Now, with Huang Beifeng joining them, a private moment with him was out of the question.

‘Though I wasn’t particularly fond of desserts, since it was an invitation, it would be rude not to go along.’

“Alright then, let’s go together now.”

Since no one objected, that was that.

****

As Mu Rong Luo Ye finished gathering his things and exited the school gates, Mo Yuyan began her own operation.

“Confirmed. Is this the place?”

She lightly pressed the communicator she wore on her ear, and swiftly, Lan Baiyuan’s voice echoed through it.

“According to your current location, Miss, you’ve arrived. The target should be inside. The device will show a signal when you get close to them.”

She glanced at the bracelet on her wrist, recognizing it as Lan Baiyuan’s latest research product.

Lifting her gaze, she read the sign above. Just as she had anticipated, the first target was indeed located at this hotel.

After all, this place was a veritable melting pot, teeming with all sorts of individuals. Whether for exchanging information or for remaining hidden, such a venue offered an ideal cover.

Pushing open the door, she stepped inside. The scene within was much as she had expected; it was still midday, a time when customers were typically sparse.

Rather than a bustling hub of activity, a quiet calm pervaded the air.

As she slowly approached the counter, Mo Yuyan’s gaze swept over the few patrons. Even as she reached the counter, her bracelet remained inert.

“What can I get for you, Miss?”

Seeing Mo Yuyan approach, the bartender professionally inquired.

“No need, I’m just looking for a friend,” she replied.

Upon hearing Mo Yuyan’s response, the bartender shifted his attention away from her, as he had other customers to attend to.

Having completed her sweep of the first floor without spotting any suspicious individuals, Mo Yuyan decided to ascend to the second.

However, just as a man descended the stairs and brushed past her, a faint red light abruptly illuminated on her bracelet.

“I’ve found you.”

Before the man could react, Mo Yuyan suddenly turned, placing a hand firmly on his shoulder. “Excuse me,” she said.