Initially, Captain Tan had felt a little guilty talking to Chi Wan. After all, any young woman constantly being threatened by a rich, powerful scoundrel would want to see her tormentor brought to justice as soon as possible.

Especially since this perpetrator had just committed some truly deranged acts.

But after hearing Chi Wan’s unexpectedly mature response, Captain Tan’s little bit of guilt instantly swelled into a flood.

’What an understanding and considerate young woman!’

The more Captain Tan looked at Chi Wan, the more she liked her. She squeezed Chi Wan’s shoulder and said solemnly, "Xiao Chi, we are also incredibly grateful for the leads you’ve given us. If we achieve our goal one day, you will have played a huge part."

Chi Wan smiled bashfully. "It’s only right to do my part for public safety. You’re giving me too much credit."

Captain Tan smiled as she walked her to the car, handing her a business card. "Contact me directly if you have any more leads."

After putting the card away, Chi Wan headed back to her apartment with Xiahou Yu.

Xiahou Yu looked grim the entire way.

Chi Wan guessed he was upset. ’He probably feels left out, since he meant to help but I shut him out completely.’

She tried to find the right words to explain the sensitive nature of the situation and why she didn’t want him getting involved.

But the words died on her lips. She changed the subject instead. "Oh, right. About putting that protection on my phone—can you do it soon?"

Xiahou Yu shot her a look and muttered under his breath, "So heartless..."

Chi Wan didn’t quite catch it. "What?"

"Nothing," Xiahou Yu said, his face blank. "Of course I can. It’s rare that Wanwan actually needs me for something. I can’t possibly disappoint you, or you won’t even bother asking for my help with such a small thing next time."

His passive-aggressive tone made Chi Wan laugh. She played dumb. "What’s that? A favor from the great CEO is so precious, I have to save it for when it really counts! The likes of He Lingfeng aren’t worthy of me cashing in such a valuable favor."

When Xiahou Yu remained unmoved, Chi Wan gave up and pressed her palms together, her expression earnest. "Xiahou, I know you mean well, and I’m very grateful for your concern. That includes this time, too—it’s all thanks to the Lili you gave me.

"But I hope you can trust me a little. I’m not the type to bite off more than I can chew. If things really get to a point where I can’t handle it, I swear I’ll come running to you for help!

"As for this situation, I signed a confidentiality agreement with Captain Tan. I’m not trying to hide things from you on purpose."

Gazing into Chi Wan’s bright eyes, Xiahou Yu’s expression finally softened. He even looked a bit sheepish. "I... that’s not what I meant, really."

’It was just... this was the first time he’d ever felt such a strong desire to help someone, only to be gently pushed away time and again. It was frustrating.’

But after her earnest explanation, his frustration began to subside, replaced by a growing sense of apology. ’He was taking his frustration out on her for no reason.’

’After all, Chi Wan was the most innocent person in this whole affair, yet she still had to manage his unreasonable mood. Wasn’t that... completely contrary to his original intention?’

"Wanwan, I... I’m sorry. I was being too impatient." Xiahou Yu apologized readily. "I shouldn’t force my will on you. You’re right. You’ve always had a mind of your own, and I’m sure you have your own way of handling this.

"From now on, if you need my help with anything, don’t hesitate to ask."

Chi Wan beamed at Xiahou Yu. "Oh, I won’t be shy. But also, if you hear of any good jade deals, be sure to let me know~"

’After all, before, the money was just for her parents. Now she had a boyfriend who needed a lot of expensive equipment. It was better to save up more to have some peace of mind.’

The car stopped outside the gate of the apartment complex. The driver spoke in a low voice, "BOSS, they’re saying there was an incident here, and the old and new property management companies are in the middle of a handover. Unregistered vehicles aren’t allowed in for now. Do you want me to tell them that the new management is actually..."

But Xiahou Yu cut the driver off. "It’s fine. We’ll walk. Just find somewhere to park nearby."

With that, he opened the door and helped Chi Wan out, continuing their previous conversation. "And what about me? Am I not a ready-made buyer?"

Chi Wan hopped out of the car, wagging a finger playfully. "Nonono, a young man like you can’t handle the power of a Jade Token. So, Mr. CEO, you should go out and meet more powerful, senior figures. That way, I can tag along and reap some of the benefits~"

Something she said must have struck him as funny, because he suddenly let out a low laugh. "In that case, I really should work on expanding my network. I’ll do my best to help Wanwan’s Jade Token business grow and prosper."

Xiahou Yu had never asked where the Jade Tokens came from. Perhaps it was because, from the very beginning, he’d seen Chi Wan as someone who didn’t play by the rules.

Chi Wan had her secrets, but he didn’t see that as a flaw. On the contrary, he admired the feisty way she would put up a fight, no matter who she was up against.

The two of them walked toward Chi Wan’s building. Along the way, they saw several people in crisp property management uniforms, all of whom looked well-trained. They were definitely not the same crew as before.

Chi Wan couldn’t help but comment, "Seeing them like this is actually very reassuring."

Xiahou Yu just smiled faintly without saying a word.

Just as they were approaching her building, Chi Wan’s phone rang. It was Zhou Huaijin.

’She didn’t even have to guess why he was calling. It had to be about the change in the complex’s property management.’

Sure enough, the moment she answered, Zhou Huaijin’s urgent voice came through. "Wanwan, I heard from Jiayou that Xiahou Yu suddenly stepped in and replaced the entire property management company for your complex, and even put his own security team in place. What happened? Did He Lingfeng do something to you again?

"Where are you now? At school? I—I’m coming to find you right now. Don’t be afraid."

The words tumbled out of him so fast and urgently that Chi Wan couldn’t get a word in. She had never seen Zhou Huaijin so flustered, but she could definitely feel his panic.

Chi Wan smiled, trying to soothe him. "Huaijin, calm down, calm down. It’s alright. I’m with Xiahou right now, standing downstairs in the complex. You landed? We can talk after you get back. Everything’s been resolved, so drive safely. It’s fine."

Hearing Chi Wan say that, Zhou Huaijin finally relaxed a little.

God only knew the unease he’d felt when he turned on his phone after landing and saw a message from Qi Jiayou asking, "What’s gotten into Xiahou Yu? Is he so bored he’s expanding into the property management business for apartment complexes?"

He had known Xiahou Yu for a long time. They weren’t exactly close since Huaijin was a few years younger and they ran in different circles, but he knew enough about Xiahou Yu’s personality.

’Why would he get involved in changing a property management company just for the hell of it?’