CH 97

When a master speaks, asserting dominance abruptly or making decisions for them, a submissive either feels excessively favored and becomes arrogant, relying on that favor, or they are deemed poorly trained, with explosive tempers.

Si Di obviously embodied both traits, daringly commanding his partner arrogantly without fearing any consequences.

A proud and unruly beast.

Louis cast a casual glance at him, completely unfazed by the threatening tone. His gaze lingered on Si Di’s face for less than half a second before turning back to Xiao Zhenyun, waiting for this man, who perfectly matched his preferences in physique and temperament, to respond.

Duan Pei stepped down in defeat, wiping the sweat off his body with a towel. Bending down to speak to his partner, he was also drawn to Si Di’s remark, along with Harold Xiu. Xiao Zhenyun and Si Di instantly became the center of attention.

Unfortunately, Xiao Zhenyun’s response was destined to disappoint Louis. Faced with Si Di’s impudence, he not only didn’t get angry or assert the authority of a master with a stern attitude, but instead, he leisurely crossed his legs, looking at the other with a flirtatious tone in his voice as he asked, “What if I agree?”

Louis wasn’t foolish; as soon as Xiao Zhenyun spoke, he regretfully dismissed the idea. With just two simple sentences, he sensed that this couple was deeply involved, and whether their relationship would last or not, at least for now, there was no chance for him to intervene.

Si Di knew Xiao Zhenyun couldn’t be interested in anyone here, but when he saw a man with clearly ill intentions approaching his guide on stage, and there was banter and laughter exchanged between them, the possessiveness inherent in a sentinel ignited an uncontrollable rage within him.

“Would you agree?” Si Di threw the question back with a sinister tone.

As he spoke, he slightly leaned forward, his semi-long silver hair falling over his shoulders. Xiao Zhenyun noticed this strand of bright silver and gently touched it with his hand before, without waiting for Si Di’s reaction, he forcefully grabbed the collar around Si Di’s neck, forcing him to bend, while he straightened his back and lifted his chin.

Si Di was caught off guard as Xiao Zhenyun bit his lip, receiving a kiss that bordered on territorial possession.

The guide didn’t appreciate others coveting his sentinel either. Just now, when Si Di was throwing punches on stage, there were quite a few greedy and eager eyes.

The not-so-gentle kiss didn’t last long. When they parted, Si Di took advantage of the situation, pressing down on Xiao Zhenyun’s neck, leaning in for a bit more before pulling away, as if he had achieved some great honor. He then awkwardly smiled at Louis, saying, “He didn’t agree.”

Xiao Zhenyun also cleared his throat and smiled apologetically at Louis, saying, “Sorry.”

Louis shrugged, showing no signs of embarrassment or anger, and simply said, “Well, I’m disappointed.”

Duan Pei’s boxing skills were formidable, defeating three opponents in a row. Yet, when Si Di fought him, it seemed more like disciplining a son. After that, no one dared to challenge Si Di again, and the boxing match came to an end.

But Duan Pei seemed unsatisfied, occasionally glancing at Si Di and seeming distracted when talking to Xiu. When Xiu patted his hand, Duan Pei immediately knelt beside him, listening to his partner speak, then nodding thoughtfully.

Si Di also noticed Duan Pei’s gaze and leaned close to Xiao Zhenyun’s ear, saying, “The curly-haired man told his partner not to get close to us, no clear reason, just said we felt off to him.”

“He seemed wary of me just now.” Xiao Zhenyun replied softly. “Probably naturally sensitive, a bit troublesome… How about Hedgehog?”

“I don’t know where he went.” Si Di said. “Definitely lurking somewhere, we need to give him an opportunity.”

Harold Xiu and Duan Pei stood up simultaneously, one after the other, preparing to leave the underground level. Si Di immediately explained to Xiao Zhenyun, “Xiu finds the underground air stuffy, wants to take a walk near the fountain outside the manor for some fresh air.”

No need for further words, the two exchanged a knowing glance and quickly got up to follow.

“Mr. Xiu.”

When the two ahead were left alone by the fountain, Xiao Zhenyun called out to the curly-haired man from a distance.

The first to turn around cautiously was Duan Pei. He stepped forward, positioning himself slightly in front of Xiu, staring silently at the approaching figures. Normally, Xiao Zhenyun would offer a polite smile, but this time he ignored Duan Pei, fixing his gaze directly on Xiu’s mask. “Hello, I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“Hello.” Xiu replied, his right hand staying in his pocket the whole time, and Xiao Zhenyun noticed his subtle movement of scanning nearby surveillance.

“…,” Xiao Zhenyun had intended to ask him a question to buy some time, but facing this alert man, he suddenly didn’t feel like doing so.

An eerie silence spread among the four of them. The night wind was chilly, making Xiao Zhenyun cough continuously. Xiu, running out of patience, said, “Sir, if you’re unwell, you shouldn’t be out in the wind…”

“Mr. Xiu, if you suspect our identities,” Xiao Zhenyun’s voice was as cold as ice, “then why did you dare to come out alone with Duan Pei?”

This statement was undoubtedly a declaration of war.

Harold Xiu hadn’t expected the dark-haired man in front of him to tear off the mask so directly. His movement to draw his gun paused imperceptibly. If it were an ordinary person, his reaction speed would have been acceptable, this moment of hesitation wouldn’t matter much. But he was dealing with an S-class sentinel.

An entirely different league of caliber.

Before he could aim his gun at Xiao Zhenyun, Si Di had already swiftly and fiercely disarmed him, turning the weapon against Xiu.

At the same time, Duan Pei, who should have been aiding Xiu, was also caught in a struggle. Like a ghost, Hedgehog instantly arrived at the scene as Xiao Zhenyun initiated the confrontation, and Si Di’s attack followed suddenly. Despite the chaos, Hedgehog managed to keep up with their movements, suppressing Duan Pei in the moment of conflict.

With hardly any effort, Duan Pei was pinned to the ground, unable to move, by the dark sentinel in high heels and a V-neck top who had removed the bell collar.

“Xiao Pei.” Xiu called out nervously, and Si Di pressed the gun against his head with force. He could only shut his mouth, raising his hands in panic.

“You’re not ordinary people… you’re sentinels!” With half of his face pressed against the ground, Duan Pei’s previous submissive demeanor vanished completely. Now, he exuded nothing but hostility and murderous intent. However angry he was, Hedgehog’s handkerchief mixed with sedatives was too effective. In less than ten seconds, Duan Pei lost consciousness.

At the moment when Duan Pei reluctantly closed his eyes, a glimpse of uncontrollable sadness flashed in Xiu’s eyes. He didn’t struggle anymore; he simply watched Hedgehog lift Duan Pei onto his shoulders and leave. His calm demeanor, almost creepy, made Xiao Zhenyun feel very uneasy.

As the suppressant for the fusion state began to wear off and the mission progressed smoothly, Xiao Zhenyun didn’t take another dose. He glanced at Xiu one last time before quickly following Si Di, who was chasing after Hedgehog.

Ten minutes later, Hedgehog sat in the driver’s seat, changing clothes and tearing off disguises with a smug expression. “I told you before that this mission was simple, but you didn’t believe me. We’re not infiltrating a military base with a fully armed army to steal top-secret data; we’re just stealing a person from a group of ordinary people at a party. It couldn’t be easier.”

Xiao Zhenyun removed his mask and peeled off the disguise blocking his vision, revealing a pair of misty blue eyes.

Surprisingly, Si Chu and Ye Feiran didn’t appear at the party to give them a big scare, which Xiao Zhenyun found somewhat unusual.

He glanced back at Duan Pei, who was sleeping soundly in the third-row seat. “Hedgehog, who’s your employer?… Is Duan Pei really brainwashed?”

Hedgehog paused for a moment, then chuckled. “Oh, so you’ve already found out his name? Well, in our line of work, it’s all about the money. Professional mercenaries never inquire about anything beyond the mission itself.”

“I’m sorry,” Xiao Zhenyun said expressionlessly, “I’m not a professional. I want to know about things beyond the mission, like whether this person has actually been brainwashed.”

“He probably hasn’t,” Si Di, who had remained silent, suddenly spoke up. “His series of actions don’t match the characteristics of someone who’s submissive. From his interactions with Harold Xiu, it’s clear he’s acting voluntarily and eagerly. Those terms of address are just a niche preference and don’t signify anything else. Xiao Zhenyun, you should understand that better than me.”

“But the reality is that you understand a lot more than I do; you must have studied secretly,” Xiao Zhenyun replied.

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4D: Who’s to blame for this?

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