"Sister Ya Fei, has there been any word from the Imperial Capital?"
Xia Kong leaned back against his chair, his tone casual and languid. "Is Lei Meng planning to come to Wutan City himself, or-"
He left the rest unsaid, but his meaning was already clear. In truth, he had never given Lei Meng much thought at all.
Ya Fei set down her teacup, its base meeting the tabletop with a crisp clink. Compared with Xia Kong's easy composure, her expression was far more grave, a faint vertical crease forming between her brows.
"Yes, our informants in the Imperial Capital have sent word. Lei Meng originally intended to bring the Enforcement Team here to arrest me, but Grand Elder Mittel Tengshan opposed him. Grand Elder Teng Shan has already forcibly confined him."
Xia Kong raised his brows slightly.
"But I know something of Lei Meng's temperament. He certainly won't let this rest. Since he can't come openly, he'll send trusted aides in secret. With Carl's death as a warning, whoever he sends this time will only be stronger."
As Ya Fei spoke, her fingers unconsciously tightened around her cuff, as though she were trying to suppress the unease churning within her.
Xia Kong reached out and gently drew over the hand clutching her sleeve, enclosing it in his warm, dry palm. His touch was gentle, yet firmly enveloped her fingertips, slowly stroking them as though he could pass some of his confidence to her.
"Set your mind at ease, Sister Ya Fei. We've already worked through the worst-case scenario. If whoever comes is stronger than we can handle, we can simply pull out and leave. With Little Blue, our second-rank Blue Eagle, we're already in an unbeatable position."
Ya Fei slowly nodded, though the smile at her lips remained somewhat