Chapter 55: Oscar-Worthy Performance
“No, really.”
“Then show me.”
“Sister Xi, just toss a paper cup.”
Tang Ze said confidently.
Xi Meng, wanting to see what he was up to, drank the water from her paper cup and tossed it in a random direction. Tang Ze’s right hand flicked out, and a throwing knife instantly pierced the cup, splitting it in two.
Xi Meng was stunned. She hadn’t even seen him move. In this age of knife-wielding thugs, his skill with a throwing knife was as good as a gun.
“Impressive, brother.”
She even clapped and patted his leg. Tang Ze looked shy. Xi Meng felt she had him completely under her thumb.
Suddenly, she changed the subject. “Brother, what did you think of that girl earlier? Did you like her?”
“Ah, I… I have a girlfriend.”
Tang Ze’s reaction was flawless. Even a detail-oriented woman like Xi Meng didn’t suspect anything.
Xi Meng clicked her tongue. “My dear brother, even the most fragrant flower at home can’t compare to the unique scent of a wild one. Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me.”
Seeing his hesitation, Xi Meng thought to herself, Men will be men.
“I swear, sister, I won’t tell.”
“I believe you, but…”
“But what?”
“I don’t like that girl.”
Xi Meng was taken aback, then chuckled. “Then which one do you like, brother? I’ll help you talk to her.”
Tang Ze looked shy, lowering his head and mumbling as if embarrassed.
Xi Meng was surprised. Why did he exclude me? A young man like him must have some feelings for me, that’s normal.
“You shouldn’t have such thoughts.”
She said, feigning seriousness.
Tang Ze didn’t speak, just looked downcast, avoiding her gaze.
This boy is difficult, setting his sights on me.
He suddenly looked up at her, and she was taken aback. His eyes looked so sad.
“Do you look down on me, sister?”
Xi Meng: “…”
She hadn’t expected him to say that.
“I know I’m an orphan, no one looks up to me. I’ve always had the lowest jobs, not glamorous like you. We’re from two different worlds. I was being presumptuous.”
With that, he stood up to leave, his eyes even red-rimmed. Not giving Tang Ze an Oscar would be a crime.
Xi Meng stared at his retreating back, dumbfounded. How could such a powerful man be so insecure?
“Brother, what are you doing? I never said I looked down on you.”
She quickly stood up and grabbed his arm. He was her only weapon now. If he left, her men wouldn’t be so obedient, and killing Huo Wannian would be impossible. It would ruin all her plans.
Tang Ze acted like a sulking child, stubborn and wronged.
“Alright, I was wrong. Let’s sit down and talk, okay?”
After some persuasion, she managed to get him to sit down. She was exasperated. Why had she even started this? Now this little brother was obsessed with her. It was both frustrating and amusing.
“Brother, if you help me kill that man, I’ll go all out for you.”
She dangled a huge carrot, confident that any man would readily agree.
However, Tang Ze said seriously, “No.”
“Why not?”
She was surprised. He was so decisive.
“My previous bosses all made similar promises, though not about killing someone, and none of them kept their word.”
What kind of heartless bosses had he worked for, to make a young man so wary?
Looking at his expression, Xi Meng felt helpless. She chuckled lightly. “You can tell me what you want.”
Tang Ze hesitated, then glanced at her suggestively.
Xi Meng understood. He had the desire, but not the courage. That made things easier.
“As long as you agree to my request, I won’t let you down after it’s done.”
Ha, more empty promises. Tang Ze was shocked.
“I knew you still looked down on me. I understand. I’ll leave now.”
As he stood up, Xi Meng became anxious. If she didn’t give him something, he wouldn’t agree.
“Stop!”
She snapped. A smirk appeared on Tang Ze’s face. Who was playing whom now?
She stood in front of him, staring at him intently, but he looked away.
This was both frustrating and amusing to her.
