The Double

The government soldiers drew their swords in unison, and Ye Mingyu’s men did the same, confronting each other and frightening the innkeeper into hiding under the table.

In the midst of this tense standoff, the beauty chuckled lightly. Jiang Li walked forward, extending a finger, and ever so gently nudged aside the sword tip the government officer had pointed at Ye Mingyu.

Her delicate, onion-shaped fingers were soft yet white, resting on the cold, hard sword tip that shone with a silver light. Rather than seeming fragile, they exuded an elegant chill. However, her smile was as warm as the sword tip was not. She wasn’t the least bit afraid of the soldiers and said lightly with a laugh, "Uncle, stop joking around. Officer, we’re not looking for the criminal Xue Huaiyuan," she emphasized the word "criminal" quite heavily before continuing, "What we’re seeking is your superior."

"Our superior?" The leader of the government soldiers furrowed his brow, "What do you mean?"

"It’s quite simple," Jiang Li said, "I have no idea where your superior is, nor how to invite him here. Even less do I know how to let him know of our arrival. I heard that if I just mention the Xue Family’s matter here, your superior would appear. So, I mentioned it, and indeed, like magic, you showed up."

While her smile was adorable, the sarcasm in her words choked the soldiers, their faces turning red and then white. Yet, they could not refute Jiang Li’s words; to refute would be to admit guilt, causing them much frustration.

"Enough with the nonsense!" The head soldier was becoming infuriated, "Why are you looking for our superior? What’s your scheme?"

"Actually, had I not come looking for your superior, he certainly would have come to invite me upon knowing I was in Tongxiang," Jiang Li said nonchalantly, "However, we’re pressed for time on this trip, so we urgently need to meet him."