The late afternoon sun filtered through the narrow alleys of Jinan Street as Yang Kai walked alone, his hands in his pockets and thoughts swirling in his mind. His footsteps were steady, but his mind was far from calm.
Pulling out his phone, he opened WeChat and tapped on the All Big Shots group chat. His thumb hovered over the screen for a moment.
I can't ask for their help directly… it'll be too suspicious.
But curiosity got the better of him. He opened the chat and scrolled through the recent messages.
The screen was buzzing with conversation.
Miss Shen had sent a message:
"Mr. Lin, do you know this Xuan Yan guy personally?"
Mr. Lin replied:
"No, we only talked in chat yesterday night."
Mr. Han chimed in:
"Do you guys really think he's a big shot? I think he might just be a scammer."
Miss Shen asked again, teasingly:
"Is he young and handsome, or some balding old man?"
Miss Qing added with a laughing emoji:
"If he's handsome, I'll make him mine."
Yang Kai stared at the screen, lips curling in a dry smirk.
What the hell are they even talking about…
He didn't waste time. Switching to his Xuan Yan identity, he typed a short message:
Xuan Yan:
"Hey, I have a task. Can someone help me out?"
For a moment, the group fell silent.
Then, a message came from Mr. Lin:
"What kind of task?"
Yang Kai quickly replied:
"I need some information on someone."
Mr. Lin:
"Who is it?"
Yang Kai hesitated for only a second. Then he typed:
"Lin Quizu. She's a university student."
The screen was still. Seconds passed. Then came Mr. Lin's cautious reply:
"Why do you want information on her?"
Yang Kai frowned, his steps slowing.
Why does it matter to him?
He responded with a touch of attitude:
"Why do you care?"
This time, Mr. Lin didn't reply. But just a few seconds later, a message popped up from Miss Shen.
Her words hit like a bolt of lightning.
Miss Shen:
"Hahaha! What a joke. Why does he care? Lin Quizu is actually Lin Yao's daughter!"
Yang Kai stopped mid-step. The air around him suddenly felt heavier.
His eyes widened.
Lin Yao… and Lin Quizu… same surname. Damn it, how could I not connect the dots sooner?
A chill crept up his spine. Lin Yao wasn't just anyone. He was one of the most mysterious figures in the group. A man others treated with respect—and caution.
Yang Kai stared at his screen, the weight of the situation settling in.
So the campus goddess isn't just beautiful… she's the daughter of a real powerhouse.
Yang Kai's expression turned cold as he stood at the edge of the sidewalk, eyes still fixed on his phone. Without hesitation, he tapped on the keyboard and replied to Mr. Lin in the group chat.
Xuan Yan:
"Mr. Lin, I want her information for some business. Don't worry—it won't bring her any harm."
The message was calm, but Yang Kai's brows furrowed. He didn't like being questioned, especially now that he had power of his own.
A few seconds later, the screen lit up again.
Mr. Lin:
"So you still dare to ask? You think you can just demand information about her and I'll stay silent?"
Yang Kai's jaw tightened. He resumed walking, his pace picking up.
So what if she's Lin Yao's daughter? I'm a big shot now too. If this guy wants to push, I'll push back.
He sent another message, his patience thinning.
Xuan Yan:
"I was asking politely. Don't make me repeat myself. You think your little business can compare with my wealth?"
Yang Kai's eyes narrowed, the fire in his chest slowly rising.
If he wants a fight, I'll show him who he's dealing with.
---
Meanwhile, in the prestigious Royal Area of Jinan—a place known for housing tycoons and powerful families—Villa No.3 stood like a quiet fortress surrounded by manicured lawns and luxury cars.
Inside the lavish living room, Lin Yao sat calmly on a deep leather sofa, his expression unreadable. A sleek mobile phone rested in his hand, and behind him, a tall, suited bodyguard stood at attention.
Lin Yao stared at the screen silently.
Then he spoke, voice cold and firm.
"Find out everything about this Xuan Yan. I want results in five minutes."
The bodyguard gave a sharp nod and rushed out of the room, already dialing.
Just as the atmosphere thickened, the villa's front door opened with a quiet creak.
A soft voice followed.
"I'm home, Father."
Lin Yao turned toward the entrance. His daughter, Lin Quizu, stepped in, still dressed in her university clothes. Her golden hair shimmered under the chandelier's glow.
"Come here," Lin Yao said.
She walked over and sat beside him, her eyes full of curiosity.
"What's wrong?"
Lin Yao studied her for a moment.
"Do you know anyone by the name Xuan Yan?"
She blinked.
"No... I don't. Who is that?"
She paused, confused.
Xuan Yan? I've never even heard that name before.
Before Lin Yao could respond, another message popped onto his phone screen.
Xuan Yan:
"Mr. Lin, I don't want us to become enemies. I believe you're a reasonable man. I just needed her information for a task—nothing more. I promise, she won't be harmed."
Lin Yao didn't reply. He turned back to his daughter and gave her a gentle nod.
"Alright. You can go rest."
Quizu got up and walked toward the stairs, her footsteps light.
As she disappeared upstairs, the bodyguard returned, breathing slightly heavy.
"Sir... we couldn't find anything."
Lin Yao's eyes sharpened.
"Nothing?"
"Nothing at all," the guard replied. "No records, no history. I don't think anyone named Xuan Yan even exists."
For a long moment, Lin Yao sat silent, his fingers tightening slightly around his phone.
A fake name... or his info is hidden. Who exactly are you, Xuan Yan?
---
Yang Kai wandered through the bustling streets of central Jinan, his eyes occasionally flicking to his phone screen. He sighed, sliding the device into his pocket, and looked up at the city around him.
So I've walked this far… now, what can I do here? he thought.
His gaze swept the area, taking in the people and shops, when something across the street caught his attention. On the footpath, a girl stood out among the crowd. Long black hair cascaded over her shoulders, a black hat shaded her face, and black-rimmed glasses hid her eyes. Her suit was sharp, paired with a crisp white shirt.
Yang Kai froze. His lips parted slightly in shock.
"Wait… is she… Won Kaolin?" he murmured under his breath.
No… it can't be. Didn't she leave Jinan days ago?
---
Flashback — Five Days Earlier, Late Night Club
The room was alive with music and laughter. Inside a large karaoke room, Won Kaolin stood confidently, microphone in hand, her voice flowing through the air like silk. Her classmates, including Yang Kai, Bon Min, Hang Chen, Chen Zu, and a few others, watched her in awe.
As her performance ended, she placed the microphone on the table and asked brightly,
"How was it, everyone? Am I good?"
The room erupted in cheers.
"Yes! You were amazing!"
"You're literally the best singer here!"
"She deserves to be the second goddess of the campus!"
Yang Kai's eyes followed her as she smiled, bowing slightly. He couldn't help but think,
She really is talented.
Then his thoughts flickered to Sen Ren, sitting beside him with a forced smile.
But I have my girlfriend… hehe.
Sen Ren, on the other hand, thought bitterly to herself,
This crazy bastard… if I didn't need money, I'd never have become his girlfriend.
She quickly masked her true feelings with a smile.
"Yang Kai, is something on my face?" she asked casually.
Yang Kai shook his head. "No, nothing."
Meanwhile, Won Kaolin clapped her hands to gather everyone's attention.
"I invite everyone to listen carefully," she said.
A student stood up respectfully. "The goddess is speaking, so please remain silent for a moment."
Won Kaolin smiled at him. "Thank you for helping me."
She turned her gaze to the group, meeting each of their eyes. Her voice was soft but clear.
"I came here to tell you all that I'm leaving Jinan tomorrow. I wanted to say goodbye in person."
The room grew quiet, a mixture of sadness and surprise rippling through the students.
Yang Kai remembered the moment vividly, the impression of her voice, her poise, and the elegance that seemed to fill the entire room.
---
Back in the present, Yang Kai blinked at the girl standing across the street. His heart skipped a beat.
She's really here… in Jinan?