Something Happened

Seeing Wu Yuqing pouting with a look of displeasure, Lin Fei felt a bit embarrassed.

He had been so engrossed in practicing his punches that he had kept the father and daughter from eating, leaving them hungry while they accompanied him.

"I'm sorry, I lost track of time."

Wu Yuqing wasn't truly angry; she had eaten quite a few desserts, so she wasn't actually very hungry.

She was just getting bored of watching the martial arts practice.

Watching her own father practice every day, and now watching Lin Fei, she found it incredibly dull.

"This is the first time I've seen someone so obsessed with practicing punches. You're drenched in sweat—what's so great about it?"

"Go wash up quickly, or don't bother eating with us."

Wu Zhen called over a servant to take Lin Fei to a guest room to bathe.

Lin Fei took a shower and felt refreshed and invigorated.

Although he had expended a great deal of physical energy, his body felt as if it had received a massage; it was quite comfortable.

The servant had prepared a new set of clothes for him—a suit.

After Lin Fei put it on, he looked much more spirited and even possessed a touch of gentlemanly charm.

When he arrived at the dining room, Wu Yuqing's eyes changed the moment she saw him.

"I really couldn't tell, but you look quite handsome in a suit!"

Wu Zhen looked Lin Fei over a few times and nodded repeatedly.

"Hmm, you're wearing one of my old suits. The style is a bit mature, but it fits you well. You have a bit of the handsome and dashing air I had in my youth."

Lin Fei smiled and scratched his head, feeling a bit shy from the praise.

"Uncle Wu, where are my clothes?"

"Thrown out!"

Wu Yuqing interjected quickly.

"Those clothes of yours were soaked in sweat, dirty, and smelly. I was afraid they'd ruin our washing machine, so I had someone toss them."

Wu Zhen shook his head helplessly and explained, "Lin Fei, don't listen to this girl's nonsense. Your clothes were taken to be washed by the servants, but they won't be dry for a while, so just wear this for now."

"Hurry up and take your seat; let's eat!"

Lin Fei didn't stand on ceremony and sat to the right of Wu Zhen, facing Wu Yuqing across the table.

"I didn't feel it while practicing, but now I'm really quite hungry."

"Hahaha, eat as much as you like, there's plenty!"

Wu Zhen was very fond of Lin Fei now, feeling that Lin Fei's temperament suited his own.

The key was that the way Lin Fei practiced his punches truly won his heart.

The meals at the Wu household were prepared by a specially hired chef.

The food was exquisite in color, aroma, and taste. It was the first time Lin Fei had eaten such a sumptuous and delicious meal, and he finished everything clean, still wanting more.

Wu Yuqing didn't eat much; after she finished, she just kept watching Lin Fei eat.

"Lin Fei, is our food good?"

"Mm, it's delicious."

"Delicious is one thing, but you can't come over to our house to freeload every day."

Lin Fei knew Wu Yuqing was joking and didn't take it to heart.

"Uncle Wu, I've really disturbed you today. I'll be heading back now."

"Mm, if you want to practice your punches again, come find me anytime. Our home welcomes you."

Upon returning to his newly moved-into residence, Lin Fei checked in on the work progress with Xu Youle and Zheng Qian.

Xu Youle had already found a warehouse and negotiated the contract; he just needed Lin Fei to go sign it and make the payment.

Zheng Qian had finished moving as well, and she had covered the moving expenses.

Lin Fei transferred the money to Zheng Qian, then arranged a time to see the warehouse before heading toward Nanli City.

On the way back, Lin Fei made a special trip to the supermarket to buy some cold drinks and ice cream for Peach Blossom.

"Peach Blossom, I'm back!"

As soon as Lin Fei entered the courtyard, he shouted out.

Soon, the housekeeper came running over in a panic.

"Master, it's bad!"

"What happened?"

"Madam Peach Blossom has not returned home for many days, and we cannot find her anywhere."

Lin Fei's expression shifted, and the cold drinks and ice cream he was holding dropped to the ground.

"What do you mean she hasn't been home for many days? What exactly is going on?"

The housekeeper trembled and knelt on the ground.

"Master, five days ago, people from a gambling house came to collect a debt. They claimed Xinghua's father owed them money and demanded she pay up to redeem him, or they would chop off his hand."

"Xinghua didn't have the money to pay, so she begged Madam Peach Blossom to accompany her to save him. Out of sisterly affection, Madam Peach Blossom took Xinghua and two guards and left."

"But they haven't returned to this day. I arranged for servants and maids to go out and search, but they couldn't find the Madam or the others. I fear..."

Lin Fei's face turned incredibly grim, a faint, ominous premonition stirring in his heart.

Five days!

If they were safe, they would have returned long ago.

"Which gambling house did they go to?"

"I am not sure. The Madam was in such a rush when she left that she didn't leave any word."

At this moment, a servant lowered his head and said, "I think I heard it mentioned—something called the Xinglong Gambling House."

Lin Fei turned and walked straight outside.

The housekeeper hurriedly called out, "What are you all standing there for? Hurry and follow the Master to find them!"

"No need. You all stay here; I will go alone!"

Lin Fei did not bring any servants or maids; he left the house by himself.

A large group would only make them a bigger target.

If he failed to find Peach Blossom and the others, and his own people ended up being watched instead, there was no telling what kind of trouble might arise.

The most urgent task was to find this gambling house and get clear information on the whereabouts of Peach Blossom and her group.

Nanli City was too vast; relying on himself alone, he certainly wouldn't be able to find them in a short time.

The only person Lin Fei could think of who might be able to help was one person.

Li Ruxue!

She was a local of Nanli City, a member of the Li Family, and the Pavilion Master of the Thousand Gold Pavilion; her access to information was far superior to his own.

Lin Fei ran all the way to the Thousand Gold Pavilion, not even bothering to wear his Wish-Fulfilling Mask as he barged inside.

"Stop!"

Two servants blocked his path.

"This is the Thousand Gold Pavilion, not a place for you to barge into. If you disturb the guests, be careful—you won't be able to handle the consequences."

"I need to see Li Ruxue. Go report it quickly; tell her Lin Fei has an urgent matter and requests an audience!"

Lin Fei was burning with anxiety, but he forced himself to be patient and wait for them to report.

After a short while, the maid Xunmei appeared.

"Lin Fei, long time no see. Are you here to discuss the goods trade for next year?"

"Xunmei, I am not here for business. I have an extremely urgent matter and need your young lady's help."

Xunmei looked at Lin Fei's anxious expression, hesitated for a moment, and then led him into the building.

"Our young lady is currently meeting with guests. Even if you are in a rush, you must wait a while. I will go tell her."

"I appreciate the trouble!"

Lin Fei was here to ask for a favor; even though he was burning with impatience, he had no choice but to endure.

After sitting in the guest room for over half an hour, Li Ruxue finally appeared.

"What urgent matter do you have to see me about?"

"Miss Ruxue, my family member has gone missing. They said she went to a place called the Xinglong Gambling House. Do you know where this Xinglong Gambling House is, or who is backing it?"

Lin Fei looked at Li Ruxue with a solemn expression, his eyes filled with urgency.

"Please help me, Miss. If I can find my family, I will surely reward you handsomely!"

"What are your family members' names?"

"Peach Blossom, and a maid named Xinghua."

Li Ruxue did not waste any words and turned to look at Xunmei.

"Go and ask!"

Xunmei turned and left. After waiting for another half an hour, she returned.

"Young Lady, according to reports from the Li Family's informants, there is a Xinglong Gambling House on Yulan Street in the South City, and it seems to be backed by the Blood Wolf Gang."

"As for the family members Lin Fei mentioned, there is no news for the time being."

Lin Fei's heart sank. Could it be that something had truly happened to Peach Blossom?