C9 Be Careful of Your Rice Bowl

When Nie Feng donned the necklace, Wuh Lingyue's face lit up with a sweet smile. "You're in special forces, aren't you? Codename 'Blade'?"

Caught off guard, Nie Feng's expression chilled, and he swiftly pressed a dagger to Wuh Lingyue's throat, demanding, "Who are you? What do you want?"

Startled, Wuh Lingyue stammered in fear, "I... I have no agenda. I just noticed the word 'Blade' on the patch of your uniform, and so..."

"How did you figure out I'm special forces?" Nie Feng pressed on.

"There's only the word 'Blade' and a symbol on your patch, nothing else—not even a unit number. That's why I guessed you were special forces. My dad was in the military; his patch had a unit number," Wuh Lingyue explained hastily.

Studying her eyes, Nie Feng sensed she wasn't lying and released her. His own unit was top secret, hence the lack of identification on his patch. 'Blade' was indeed Nie Feng's call sign.

"I've heard countless military stories from my dad since I was little, so I'm somewhat familiar with it all. I meant no harm," Wuh Lingyue added, worried about a misunderstanding.

Nie Feng shook his head dismissively, "No worries. I'm discharged now. Codenames don't matter anymore."

Though three months had passed since he left the barracks, the thought still ached in Nie Feng's heart, his deepest regret. His greatest desire was to rejoin the troops, to shoulder a rifle and defend his country, but that dream was shattered. Nie Feng had been stripped of his military status, severing all ties with the armed forces.

As the military district commander had put it, "You're lucky not to be court-martialed. You think you can still be part of the army?"

Witnessing Nie Feng's sorrow, Wuh Lingyue realized her blunder and fell silent. Gazing into his profound eyes, she recognized a man with a story.

"It's getting late, and don't you have work tomorrow? You should get some sleep," Nie Feng suggested, pulling the blanket over himself and lying down on the floor. "I must have scared you yesterday, huh? That gun was actually..."

Nie Feng, worried that Wuh Lingyue might get the wrong idea, tried to offer an explanation, but she cut him off before he could finish, "You don't need to explain. I'm not going to report you. I believe you're a good person."

"You're that certain?" Nie Feng was genuinely puzzled. What made this girl trust him so completely? To stay at his place with no reservations? Just because he had saved her? He found it hard to believe.

Wuh Lingyue nodded confidently and declared, "Yes, I'm certain. You're a soldier. Whenever I see you, I feel a connection."

Taken aback, Nie Feng glanced at the earnest Wuh Lingyue, allowed himself a small smile, then turned away and closed his eyes. He couldn't figure out what was happening to him. He had known this girl for less than a day, yet he was beginning to develop feelings for her.

Nie Feng hadn't felt this way since that girl had died. Unexpectedly, Wuh Lingyue had rekindled the flames of love in his heart.

Watching Nie Feng's retreating back, Wuh Lingyue's cheeks flushed, and her heart raced. Despite his lack of wealth and his laziness, there was something about this man that captivated her.

After a night spent in focused cultivation, Nie Feng arrived at the Flourishing Age, energized and ready for the day.

The police had already shown up by then. They learned that the money and jewelry stolen from Gao Liqiang's home the previous night had been mysteriously returned, much to the delight of Gao Liqiang and his wife.

The police, on the other hand, were not having the best of times. Ling Xueqi had stationed people around the neighborhood the night before, yet the thief had managed to slip into Gao Liqiang's house once more, delivering a resounding slap to the police's efforts.

So, early in the morning, Ling Xueqi arrived with her team to take statements. Her demeanor suggested she was hell-bent on capturing Yaen Qing.

Unbeknownst to her, Yaen Qing had just slipped by and made his way to the security room.

"Hey, kid, I kept my end of the deal. Now give it back," Yaen Qing demanded, fixing Nie Feng with a steely gaze.

"Why are you giving me that look? It's as if I wronged you or something," Nie Feng retorted, pulling out the jade pendant and handing it back to Yaen Qing.

"Sis... thank you, really. You've no idea how much you've helped me out this time!" Lee Erniu expressed his gratitude. He still owed Gao Liqiang an apology, but at least he was off the hook for the money and his job was secure.

"Hmph, Nie Feng, is it? You're on my radar now. Our paths will cross again, and when they do, watch out," Yaen Qing warned, paying no mind to Lee Erniu.

Nie Feng just smiled, offering no response. As Yaen Qing stepped out of the security room and approached Ling Xueqi, Nie Feng suddenly bellowed, "Thief! Catch her! She's the one who stole it!"

"Damn you, Nie Feng!" Yaen Qing cursed, panic-stricken, and bolted. Ling Xueqi was quick to react, giving chase, but she was no match for Yaen Qing. With a swift leap onto a nearby tree, Yaen Qing vaulted onto the rooftop and vanished in an instant.

"Go, go, go! We can't let her get away!" Ling Xueqi commanded, mounting a motorcycle and tearing off, with the officers scrambling to follow suit.

Nie Feng was momentarily taken aback. This policewoman was quite the force to be reckoned with—fierce and determined. Yaen Qing was in for it now, especially after his brazen threats. He had it coming.

"Who was the one yelling 'thief'? Come forward and give your statement," a policeman called out to the bystanders.

Nie Feng just grinned and whistled his way back to the security room. In the midst of the chaos, no one had taken note of who had sounded the alarm.

Yet, as a descendant of the Swallow Sect, Yaen Qing was as elusive as a fish in water within the city's confines. In no time, he had disappeared without a trace. Before long, Ling Xueqi and her team returned, dejected and empty-handed.

Having recovered the lost item, Ling Xueqi saw no further reason to remain. She and her team left posthaste. As soon as they were gone, Manager Zhao called all the security guards together for a stern talking-to.

"This is a grave matter. It's not just a failure on our part; it's downright irresponsible to our residents! Have you considered who lives here? They lose one item, and it could cost you more than you own. Thankfully, the item was found, and Mr. Gao isn't pressing the issue. Otherwise, Lee Erniu, you might as well kiss your life goodbye!" Manager Zhao fixed a furious gaze on Lee Erniu, who stood there, head bowed and looking the picture of injustice.

"We provide you with three meals a day and a generous salary. What for? To support you in doing nothing? If this happens again, don't be surprised if I turn my back on you!" Manager Zhao then turned to Third Master, who was squinting at the scene. "Third Master, you're the head of security. You can't just collect a paycheck and avoid the work!"

"Manager Zhao, I'm getting on in years, and I don't have the same authority I used to. You're better suited to handle this," Third Master replied coolly.

Manager Zhao bristled at Third Master's dismissive attitude. He thought to himself, what's the point of keeping this useless old man on the payroll? Still, he didn't dare lash out; Third Master had been personally recruited by the chairman, and he wasn't someone to cross lightly. So, clearing his throat, Manager Zhao resumed his tirade against the guards.

Everyone, Nie Feng included, let the lecture go in one ear and out the other. They hardly saw this property manager as a figure of authority.

Finally, the meeting was over, and Manager Zhao, having worn himself out, sent everyone on their way. As Nie Feng turned to leave, someone tapped his shoulder. Reacting instinctively, Nie Feng executed a swift maneuver, pinning the person behind him to the ground. Third Master, observing Nie Feng's skill, allowed a slight widening of his squinted eyes.

"Ouch, what are you doing? That really hurts—let go of me!" Zhang Menglin wailed in agony.

"Ah? Miss Zhang? I'm so sorry, truly sorry. It was just a reflex. I didn't injure you, did I?" Nie Feng's heart skipped a beat as he quickly released Zhang Menglin. She was the daughter of a wealthy family; if he had harmed her, he'd be in serious hot water.

Not to mention, he was no match for that white-robed elder without a weapon.

"What's your problem? Do you really dislike me that much? Why do you always have to hit me whenever we meet?" Zhang Menglin's eyes brimmed with tears, feeling utterly aggrieved. This guy had no sense of chivalry, and his blows were always too harsh.

"Miss Zhang, I'm deeply sorry. I honestly didn't realize it was you. Please forgive me!" Nie Feng apologized, bowing respectfully to Zhang Menglin.

"Hmph, considering you seem genuinely remorseful, I'll let it slide this time," Zhang Menglin said, her lips pursed in a pout.

Nie Feng breathed a sigh of relief. As long as she didn't hold a grudge, all would be well. If she were to take her grievances to Manager Zhao, he could kiss his job goodbye. Best to get her out of here quickly.

Ever since she drugged him and that white-robed old man appeared, Nie Feng realized Zhang Menglin was no ordinary person. It was wiser to keep his distance.

"Miss Zhang, if there's nothing else, I really need to get back to work. Excuse me," Nie Feng said, making a beeline for the security room.

"Come back here!" Zhang Menglin demanded, grabbing hold of Nie Feng's shirt. "What's with you? You cut me with a knife yesterday, and today you've hit me. Aren't you going to make it up to me with a meal?"

"Uh... I..." Nie Feng was taken aback, at a loss for words. I can't afford to take you out for a meal!

A single meal for these wealthy kids could cost thousands, way beyond Nie Feng's means.

"You look terrified. Relax, I'm paying. Meet me at the front of the complex at 7:30 tonight, and we'll go for dinner. If you don't show up, I'll report you! Watch your job!" Zhang Menglin threatened sternly.

"Rest assured, Miss Zhang, I'll definitely be there," Nie Feng said quickly. He couldn't afford to lose his job; he still had a $3,000 debt to the little monkey. Without his job, how would he repay it?