At the dinner table, Ito Yuhiko had been itching to gossip about Ye Chen’s wife leaving without a word, but fearing he might say the wrong thing, he held back the whole time.
It was not until dinner was nearly finished that he finally ventured, “Mr Ye, those ninjas who came from Japan to help a while back, have they provided any real assistance? If you feel they’re not up to it, I can contact more from Japan right away.”
This question was asked with some finesse.
He did not directly inquire about the progress of the matter, but rather whether the ninjas had brought substantial help. Though it touched on the same issue, the angle and impression were worlds apart.
Asking directly would seem abrupt and nosy, whereas this approach was much softer and more natural. If they had helped, it meant progress on the matter. If not, it implied things were still unresolved.
Ye Chen was straightforward and did not pick up on Ito Yuhiko’s subtle intent. He simply replied honestly, “Thank you for your help, Mr Ito. Those ninjas are now working under Li Yalin, the detective inspector. I’m not entirely sure about the exact progress.”
Ito Yuhiko nodded, feeling relieved in his heart.
Having been a boss for so many years, he understood the basic logic of subordinates well. If they reported progress proactively, it meant things were going splendidly. If not, it was likely a complete mess.
He thought this was just fine. Ye Chen had not found Xiao Churan for so long; sooner or later, he would lose confidence in her. Losing confidence would lead to giving up, and giving up would naturally lead to moving on to someone new.
In his excellent mood, he showed no sign of it and instead said very earnestly, “If Mr Ye needs the Ito family to be of service in any way, please just say the word. The Ito family will go all out!”
Ye Chen thanked him casually, though his expression could not hide his melancholy.
Ito Yuhiko was a clever man. From Ye Chen’s face, he had already gleaned the answer he wanted. So, for the rest of the time, he did not mention even half a word on the subject.
With his mind on Lin Wan’er, Ye Chen bid farewell to Ito Yuhiko and his daughter right after the meal.
Leaving Shanhen Yue, he drove towards Purple Mountain Villa while sending Lin Wan’er a message: “Miss Lin, are you free? I have some new findings I’d like to discuss in person.”
Lin Wan’er replied quickly: “Young Master Ye can come anytime. This servant is always at the hilltop courtyard.”
Ye Chen replied: “Alright, see you shortly.”
As Ye Chen drove to Purple Mountain Villa, Lin Wan’er sent a WeChat message to An Chengxi: “Xiao Xiao is coming to see me. He says he has some new discoveries.”
An Chengxi replied: “It should have nothing to do with the stray cat brigade or the Black Forest King. Probably related to me.”
Lin Wan’er sent a sticking-out-tongue emoji: “I think so too.”
An Chengxi asked her: “Did you really buy Zhen Xiao Xiao?”
Lin Wan’er replied: “Zhen Xiao Xiao is right here with me, but I didn’t buy her. I adopted her.”
After sending, she reached out and stroked the three-month-old calico cat lounging beside her. The little cat flipped over contentedly, its four paws paddling in the air as if swimming.
An Chengxi replied: “Then we’ll chat after Xiao Xiao leaves.”
“Alright.”
The “Xiao Xiao” that Lin Wan’er and An Chengxi referred to was Ye Chen’s nickname.
And Ye Chen had no idea about any of this.
Upon arriving at Lin Wan’er’s hilltop courtyard, he immediately noticed the difference from before: the calico cat by Lin Wan’er’s side.
He asked in surprise, “Miss Lin, where did this little cat come from?”
Lin Wan’er looked at him with a gentle smile and said, “Young Master, this little cat is one I just adopted. She used to live on Purple Mountain with the other strays, but she was always bullied by them. So, this servant brought her home to raise.”
Ye Chen thought the calico cat was quite pretty, with a pair of eyes that seemed to scrutinise everything, appearing very intelligent.
So, he stepped forward, patted the cat’s head, and then asked Lin Wan’er, “What do you call this little one?”
Lin Wan’er laughed softly, “In reply to Young Master, this servant calls her Xiao Xiao.”
