Cheng Ran approached Liang Jiankong with a seemingly friendly smile, as if they were old friends reuniting. “What a rare encounter! How about a drink?” he suggested.

“Thanks, but I’m not in the mood for drinking,” Liang Jiankong replied casually. He took a bite of his grilled squid and effortlessly tossed the empty bottle into a nearby trash can.

Ah Bao and a few others couldn’t resist taking a few menacing steps forward. This gang of troublemakers, always carrying concealed weapons, especially that pesky Cheng, who never seemed to stop making trouble. They had been itching to catch them and give them a good scare. Unfortunately, this was a busy street, so they couldn’t resort to violence, or else…

Cheng Ran approached with an unforced smile. “Why the distance? I heard you narrowly escaped death again. How careless of you! Did you get hurt?” he asked.

Liang Jiankong chose to ignore Cheng Ran’s clear attempt to provoke. “Where did you hear that? You must have gotten your information mixed up,” he replied.

“Really? I also heard that you wrecked a Maybach while fleeing for your life,” Cheng Ran persisted.

“I had already given it away. Are you offering me one?” Liang Jiankong responded dryly.

“No problem at all,” Cheng Ran said generously, spreading his hands.

“Well, thanks in advance then,” Liang Jiankong replied indifferently.

“I thought I saw a woman here just now, but she disappeared. Your girlfriend?” Cheng Ran swiftly changed the subject, deliberately looking around as he finished speaking.

“It’s so dark. Can you even see anything?” Liang Jiankong chuckled softly.

“Haha, it’s just curiosity. Even our eternal Buddha now has women around,” Cheng Ran remarked, scanning the surroundings on purpose.

“I’m nowhere near as skilled with women as you,” Liang Jiankong chuckled.

Cheng Ran frowned disapprovingly. “Don’t say that. If only you would join us more often, or else…”

Before he could finish his sentence, his phone rang. He turned away to answer the call and, after a brief conversation, turned back to Liang Jiankong. “The boss needs me. Next time, bring a lady along. Let’s call it a night for now.”

Cheng Ran took the lead, while Liang Jiankong remained still, twirling his phone in his hand. Ah Bao hesitated to speak, sensing that something was amiss despite appearing unaffected on the surface.

Shortly after, Ah Bao received a call, and from the caller ID, he knew the situation had taken a bad turn. After ending the call, he promptly reported to Liang Jiankong, “Exactly as Lord Liang foresaw, the restaurant has been set on fire.”

“What about the person?” Liang Jiankong asked.

“He’s waiting for us in a safe place,” Ah Bao replied.

“And the belongings?”

“They’ve been taken care of.”

“The Nepal incident doesn’t seem like his style. Who hired those mercenaries for the ambush?” Liang Jiankong pondered.

“Japanese, but he’s involved as well,” Ah Bao stated.

Cheng Ran was merely using them as pawns.

“Boss, do you think Cheng Ran will target Doctor Xu?” Ah bao regretted asking the question as soon as it left his lips, realizing that he had crossed the line.

After a momentary pause, Liang Jiankong finally spoke, “Keep an eye on things.”

Liang Jiankong fell silent, and Ah Bao dared not ask any further. However, he couldn’t understand his boss’s intentions towards Doctor Xu.

Cheng Ran’s name was inextricably linked with Liang Jiankong’s, almost like a bundled package deal. While he didn’t instill fear through his name alone, he certainly commanded a certain level of respect.

The old Master Cheng was aging and unable to keep up with the demands of this ruthless world. In this circle, it was a harsh reality that once you stepped down from your pedestal, someone would step on your bones to take your place. 

Ten years ago, when Cheng Ran was still a young and emerging force, he began assisting in the management of the family business. These past two years marked his true succession of his father’s legacy. He was clever and ruthless enough. When he first took over, a group of elders raised objections and attempted to oust his ambitious upstart. Yet, within half a year, those who could no longer keep pace met their natural ends or succumbed to senility. The remaining few retired quietly, choosing to live out their days in the comfort of their homes.

Cheng Ran was known to say, “It’s the modern society now; we don’t need to resort to old-fashioned violence. Let’s play it smart, shall we?” That’s what he preached, but everyone within their circle knew who was the most ruthless killer among them.

In contrast to Cheng Ran’s brazenness, Liang Jiankong appeared considerably more refined. Most individuals were taken aback by his striking handsomeness and elegance upon their first encounter with him. Especially since Liang Jiankong had intentionally maintained a low profile in recent years, the surprise of discovering his presence was even more profound. However, this was only the surface. If one had to choose between Cheng Ran and Liang Jiankong as enemies, most would unhesitatingly choose the former. Jokingly, they’d take on a barking wolfhound, but when it came to Liang Jiankong, they wouldn’t even sense the moment their necks would snap.

Upon ascending to power, Cheng Ran acted decisively. The Cheng family’s most potent weapon was poison, and their pharmaceutical company served as their best cover.

Cheng Ran’s ambitions, however, knew no limits. He expanded his influence into the arms trade, which struck a raw nerve within the Li family. Moreover, in recent years, Cheng Ran had relentlessly fixated on Liang Jiankong, pushing his obsession to a fever pitch. The cycle of bloodshed and turmoil showed no signs of abating.

Once, when Liang Jiankong was in the United States, Cheng Ran tried to poison him, nearly killing him. Fortunately, Liang Jiankong survived. This event infuriated the Li family.

Li Tong, the head of the Li family who rarely spoke, called for an emergency meeting late at night. In a fit of rage, he ordered the destruction of several key drug production sites of the Cheng family in the Golden Triangle within three days. He also issued a kill order to assassinate Cheng Ran’s younger brother. To this day, Cheng Ran’s brother remains in a vegetative state. Old Master Cheng had a heart attack from anger and nearly died. Cheng Ran, who dared to oppose the Li family and target Liang Jiankong, wouldn’t escape Li Tong’s wrath.

However, the feud between Liang Jiankong and Cheng Ran didn’t start recently. It was said to have originated from the “Qingshan Inferno” incident that shook the underworld eight years ago. 

Many people still didn’t fully understand what happened that night, and various rumours continued to circulate. But one thing was clear—the enmity between the two families ran deep. When they met, they greeted each other like friends, but behind closed doors, they’d betray each other without hesitation.

Since the start of the year, Cheng Ran had openly brought these matters to the forefront. “I killed your right-hand man. I’m disrupting your arms trade. What are you going to do?”

The response was clear: “You killed my trusted subordinate, then I will exterminate your loved ones. You want to disrupt my arms trade, then I will make sure there’s no poison left for you to sell.”

Their destinies were intertwined, driven by an unyielding determination with no limits.

Back in Z City, Xu Qingyan received an invitation from Cao Jin for dinner. It seemed this heroic figure had cracked a major case and was on cloud nine.

With no urgent matters to attend to, she accepted the invitation.

They met at a high-end Japanese restaurant. The choice of such a fancy venue clearly reflected Officer Cao’s jubilation, akin to a sunny day in a liberated zone.

When Xu Qingyan arrived, Cao Jin was already seated, with a table full of dishes ordered.

Upon seeing her, Cao Jin greeted her, saying, “Finally. If you’d been any later, I might have dug into the food already.”

Xu Qingyan smiled and shook her head, “Captain Cao, you have quite the appetite.”

Cao Jin handed her the menu, saying, “That’s nothing. Take a look and order whatever you like.”

It had been over a month since Xu Qingyan had last seen him, and every time she met with this person, his face would inevitably bear signs of injury. This time, his face seemed fine, but his left hand had bruises.

“What happened to your hand?” she asked.

Cao Jin sniffed and downed his glass of wine in one gulp, feeling a moment of relief, before saying, “It’s nothing, just a minor incident. It’ll be fine in a couple of days.”

“Drinking is harmful, and you’re still injured.”

“I know, Dr. Xu. Let’s eat quickly.”

Cao Jin turned up the heat on the hotpot, and soon the broth started bubbling. Xu Qingyan didn’t hold back and ate heartily.

Cao Jin poured himself another glass of sake and refilled Xu Qingyan’s tea. He said, “In a few days, the news will be out.”

“What news?”

“Hehe.”

Captain Cao seemed to be delighted.

“We’ve caught this,” Cao Jin lowered his voice and raised his middle finger at Xu Qingyan.

Xu Qingyan: “……”

Cao Jin expression changed as he realized his blunder, “Oops, that’s not what I meant. I meant we’ve caught their third-in-command! Haha! We’ve severed one of their arms; let them be as arrogant as they want and continue their drug trafficking.”

Cao Jin handled many confidential tasks, and he wouldn’t reveal too many details about them. Xu Qingyan had picked up from the news that their joint task force was dealing with a major international drug trafficking case. While she didn’t have all the details, capturing the third-in-command indicated that they were either gravely injured or dead.

Cao Jin laughed with excitement, “They’re still being interrogated. We may not completely wipe them out this time, but they’re in for some serious suffering. It’s quite an accomplishment. You have to admire us; it’s not an easy job, you know? We’ve been undercover for years, and now we’ve caught a big fish.”

Xu Qingyan knew the challenges and risks that came with Cao Jin’s line of work. It required unwavering dedication to keep going.

Cao Jin muttered to himself, “Lately, the gangs are getting restless. I think both sides will engage in a full-blown war. Perfect timing. Let’s take advantage of the situation.”

Xu Qingyan’s brow twitched involuntarily.

In the past, Cao Jin occasionally mentioned his work tasks, but she would dismiss them without much thought. But now as she listened, it sent shockwaves through her heart and made her pulse race.

They devoured twelve slices of salmon, two plates of cod fish, three plates of foie gras sushi, four plates of jumbo prawns, and a whole pot of hot pot. Despite the feast, Cao Jin still felt unsatisfied, while Xu Qingyan was already feeling a bit overstuffed.

Setting down her chopsticks, Xu Qingyan said, “I need to use the restroom.”

This Japanese restaurant was not particularly spacious, but its decoration was simple yet elegant. What made it stand out was its authenticity, with a strong Japanese influence. All its chefs and assistants were Japanese, and they imported their ingredients directly from Japan to maintain the utmost authenticity in their cuisine. According to Cao Jin, he had reserved this spot a month in advance. Xu Qingyan silently thought it would be best not to tell Ling Qiao about this place; otherwise, this foodie might end up monopolizing Cao Jin’s reservations.

The restaurant had two floors, with a long line forming outside the women’s restroom, but no one waiting outside the men’s. As the women’s restroom door remained closed, a man emerged from the men’s restroom. Xu Qingyan’s gaze swept across, and she suddenly froze, momentarily forgetting to breathe.

The person seemed oblivious to her presence as he washed his hands at the sink. When he turned around, their eyes met, and he smiled, “Have we met somewhere before?”

With a hint of embarrassment, Xu Qingyan replied, “At the hospital.”

After pondering for a moment, the man’s face lit up with recognition, “Dr. Xu.”

Xu Qingyan looked at him, her thoughts trailing for a moment, but a smile eventually graced her face. “What a coincidence. The medicine you prescribed for me last time worked wonders. Thank you.”

Cheng Ran was dressed in a simple T-shirt with a casual suit jacket over it. His naturally rosy lips and white teeth gave him an elegant and refined appearance, resembling a fresh college graduate.

Cheng Ran, noticeably more at ease than Xu Qingyan, was quick to initiate a conversation. “I’ve been struggling with my skincare routine. How many days a week do you have consultations? I’d like to book an appointment with you.”

Xu Qingyan paused, considering her response. “For skincare, you might find it more suitable to consult a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner.”

Cheng Ran seized the moment. “I don’t have much patience for the old-school methods of traditional Chinese medicine. I’m looking for advice on everyday skincare routines.”

Seeing no issue with this request, Xu Qingyan replied, “I have regular consultations from Monday to Wednesday, primarily for general patients.”

Cheng Ran frowned slightly. “Those days are not ideal for me. How about this?” He took out a business card from his pocket. “Shall we exchange contact details?”

Xu Qingyan hesitated. She was not a particularly sociable person. When it came to patients, she preferred maintaining a professional doctor-patient relationship. Having too much personal interaction outside of the clinic was something she had never considered before. This situation felt entirely new to her.

However, as Xu Qingyan met those phoenix-like eyes once more, her heart fluttered, feeling as if someone had given it a gentle squeeze, causing her to instinctively nod.

She reluctantly agreed to share her contact number with Cheng Ran, who efficiently added it to his phone. As they prepared to part ways, he shook his phone in her direction, offering a casual “I’ll be in touch. Goodbye.”

Cheng Ran headed upstairs, leaving Xu Qingyan deep in thought about the business card she held. It read: CEO of Borui Biotech Co., Ltd., Cheng Ran — an impressive title for someone his age.

In this world, there existed two individuals whose resemblance was uncanny. Had Cheng Ran been aware of her existence, she might have been convinced he was the same person she had in mind.

Upon returning to her seat, Xu Qingyan found Cao Jin happily savoring another round of food, leaning back in his chair, and relishing each bite.

She discreetly stashed the business card away, wondering if Cao Jin had noticed Cheng Ran near the restroom entrance. She had contemplated sharing her encounter with Cheng Ran but quickly decided against it. After all, he was merely someone who bore a striking resemblance to another person.

After satiating his hunger and quenching his thirst, Cao Jin wrapped up their conversation and turned his attention to a different matter. 

“It’s been a while since you went home. You should find some time to visit.”

Xu Qingyan lifted her teacup, took a sip, and gently placed it back without saying a word.

Cao Jin knew that Xu Qingyan was much more stubborn than she appeared. But Shen Yuanchu was his closest brother, wasn’t he feeling any sorrow?

Life was about moving forward, not getting stuck in one place.

“Are you done eating? Let’s go.”

Noticing Xu Qingyan’s obvious detachment, Cao Jin helplessly ran his hand through his hair and had no choice but to give up.

Captain Cao, the respected police officer who usually had his way with everyone, found himself powerless in front of Xu Qingyan.

The pair walked towards the entrance, with Xu Qingyan leading the way and Cao Jin following behind. Meanwhile, on the second floor, Cheng Ran happened to be descending the stairs. He abruptly stopped and signaled the person behind him to do the same.

Wu Ju asked curiously, “What’s wrong?”

Cheng Ran remained silent as Wu Ju followed his gaze and spotted Xu Qingyan walking out the door.

Cheng Ran’s eyes lingered on Xu Qingyan for a moment, and he also noticed Cao Jin. Then, he wore a mysterious smile and commented, “Nothing, let’s go.”