My Dearest General: It Has Always Been You

Mo Xin was assigned to another influential figure in the end and they parted ways. Their group was escorted into the yacht by Manager Si himself, proving that their status was more important than others. As soon as they stepped in, Lei Liqiu could feel everyone's eyes fall on them.

"Oh my, who might they be?"

"I haven't seen them before. How about you?"

"So young. Are they new entrepreneurs? Rookie businessman?"

"Hush, watch your words. Do you think this place is one that anyone can step into?"

Lei Liqiu tightened her hold on Xu Binchen's arm. More than fear, she felt uncomfortable instead to be subjected to such inquisitive gazes, much to her surprise. She peeked at the man by her side through lowered eyelashes and couldn't help but admit that Mr. Xu was the reason. Ever since he arrived, an unprecedented sense of security and relief overwhelmed Lei Liqiu, so much that she almost mistook the feelings as if she was missing him.

Ha… don't be ridiculous, Lei Liqiu. What do you two have for you to harbor such a feeling? What he does is nothing more than duty, and you're going to cooperate with him to escape from this place. That's all.

She almost hypnotized herself so much that she failed to realize that they were heading toward the stairs. Lei Liqiu didn't see where they were going and stumbled on her feet, her heart almost jumped out of her throat when she lost her balance.

Oh no! What came across her mind in a split second wasn't how this was going to be a bad fall or how painful it would be, but how she was going to be such an embarrassment for Mr. Xu and she would rather kill herself than let the flashdisk inside her bra be thrown off.

A strong arm caught her waist in time, pulling her back like a doll that weighed nothing at all. Her back crashed onto a warm and solid chest and the man's distinct cologne rushed to her nose, as if embracing her every cell and pore.

"Careful." His low voice echoed in her ear.

It took a few moments for Lei Liqiu to recover herself. Blinking, her face blushed deeply and she hastily regained herself. "T–Thank you and I'm sorry…"

Xu Binchen said nothing but pat her head but that alone was enough for her to marvel at his lingering touch until they reached the suite room on the second floor of the yacht. 

Manager Si gestured for them to come in. The suite was comparable to a hotel room. It had a luxurious living room and two bedrooms, long sofa and 32 inch TV. An antique chandelier hung on the ceiling and the whole space screamed money.

The waiters entered to serve them drinks whereas Manager Si bowed. "Excuse me, gentlemen. Please enjoy this appetizer from me before the main dish arrives."

Lei Liqiu followed behind Xu Binchen and sat by the man's side. At Manager Si's words, she revealed a confused look. It wasn't until she looked clearly at what the waiters brought that she realized what he meant.

Aside from wine, there were a few colorful small pills they could choose from. Lei Liqiu had gotten familiar with those pills. As soon as she saw it, shivers ran down her spine and goosebumps formed along her arms. Drugs! Those were drugs!

What did Manager Si mean? Did he want them to consume the drug?!

Xu Binchen didn't move except for swirling his glass of wine. The crimson liquid flowed in a captivating color as the man gave a soft laugh. "What is this? I haven't been back to China for so long and people thought they could treat me as a pushover?"

The pressure in the room lowered significantly as Xu Binchen spoke. Lei Liqiu knew that his words weren't directed at her but still, a sense of fear clouded her mind and chill wrapped around her limbs, freezing her in place. 

Xu Binchen's sharp eyes halted on Manager Si. Those dark, terrifying eyes that didn't seem to belong to a human; cruel, bloodthirsty and merciless. His entire body exuded a dangerous aura, hinted that he wouldn't hesitate to strike and snap Manager Si's head off his body.

"Manager Si…" He sipped the wine, lips all red and glistening. It was bewitching and deadly at the same time. "I understand that you don't know me well. So this is only a warning." He gave a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Be careful when you walk around at night in the future."

No one knew that—albeit Manager Si's face remained smiling and composed—the tip of his fingers trembled slightly and alarm rang on his brain.

He knew that Xu Binchen wasn't lying. He could definitely do what he said he would.

"My apologies." He bowed deeply. "I really have no idea that the appetizer didn't suit your taste. It's my negligence. How about you, Director Wang?"

Wang Chengbing snapped out of daze and secretly wiped his clammy palms. "Ahaha me too! It's still too early for parties! I only want to enjoy some good wines. It will be okay, right?"

"Of course." Manager Si smiled and stepped back. "Then please don't hesitate to summon the waiters if you need anything. Excuse me for a while, Sirs."

Manager Si stepped away, leaving the four of them plus waiters and bodyguards stationed nearby.

Wang Chengbing slumped on the couch and cursed in fluent Spanish. "Oh my God, can you not shock me like that?"

Xu Binchen shrugged and put his glass down. The previous sharp aura vanished and he returned to the casual, dashing and cool Xu Binchen. "Don't tell me you want to eat those cheap things. Feel free to do so."

Lei Liqiu couldn't understand what they were talking about. That seemed to be the case with the bodyguards too. They pressed on the earpiece and whispered something to it. 

It was then that Lei Liqiu realized. Ah, those people were put here to monitor them. She swept her gaze over and met with Yu Li'er's blank ones. The girl had put on that kind of face ever since Manager Si pointed her out. 

She sighed inwardly. Director Wang… alright, when he spat out foreign language like that, he looked kind of menacing and fierce, especially when she had no idea what he was talking about. But if he could have this kind of casual talk with Mr. Xu, then wouldn't it mean that they knew each other?

"Sorry, girls." Wang Chengbing smiled widely and switched back to Mandarin. "It's just a habit. I can't help but curse in my mother's tongue when I am frightened. I am a mixed blood, you see."

Yu Li'er gazed at Director Wang's double chin, narrow eyes and thick Asian features then gave a blank nod.

"So what's your name?" He asked enthusiastically.

"Y–You can call me whatever you like, Sir." 

Lei Liqiu's attention was diverted when the man by her side moved. She turned around to find Xu Binchen staring at her with his trademark piercing gaze as if he wanted to see through her soul. "Scared?"

Lei Liqiu revealed a confused expression.

"You're trembling." It wasn't until Xu Binchen held her clenched fists that she realized the truth in his words.

"S–Sorry…" She stammered and when Xu Binchen directed a discreet glance toward the bodyguards and waiters at the distance, Lei Liqiu understood that they had to start acting. 

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A/N: Manager Si still doubted Xu Binchen hmph you sly fox! (｀ε´)

also, tonight there's two chapters updated! Scroll for the next one!