Online: I Can See Health Bars Chapter 1310 - 583: Spring (2)

Under the gang leader's command, the loyal followers suppressed their sorrow, a fiery resolve igniting within them. They responded with loud affirmations as they began to disperse and carry out their orders.

At that precise moment, Qiu Xiaoping’s gaze drifted to the side, observing Qin Er, who stood with her head bowed, trembling.

A sudden realization struck her… could this person, Qin Er, not be entirely incapable after all?

At the very least, when faced with a crisis, she displayed a remarkable level of composure and quick thinking, managing to pinpoint the crucial element immediately.

Without concern for Qin Er, who remained caught in her anxiety, Qiu Xiaoping turned her attention to Fa Hongbao and inquired, "Gang Leader Fa, Young Master Diao, why are they not present?"

Fa Hongbao appeared momentarily taken aback before shaking his head, feigning ignorance.

However, he knew that within the entire Forest Snake Gang, besides his current location, Mr. Diao likely had no other probable destination.

His absence from this scene of the crime indicated that he had likely returned home to ensure his wife's safety.

As long as Mrs. Diao remained unharmed, Mr. Diao would undoubtedly make his way here to join them soon.

...

Indeed, events unfolded much as Fa Hongbao had surmised.

Fang Yu was currently with Ding Hui.

His sudden and abrupt entrance startled Ding Hui, who was in the midst of meticulously handling the Golden Feather.

"What has occurred?"

Despite Ding Hui not possessing formidable cultivation, she sensed Fang Yu’s chest heaving with exertion and tension from his hurried arrival.

Pausing her task, she broke into a wide smile, her large eyes blinking as she looked at Fang Yu.

Her penetrating gaze caused Fang Yu, who was gradually regaining his composure, to instinctively avert his eyes.

"...Tai Xuelin is dead."

Ding Hui tilted her head slightly.

"Who?"

"Tai Xuelin, a hall master of the Forest Snake Gang, appointed by Fa Hongbao. He was the hall master tasked with ensuring your safety today."

Ding Hui seemed to recall at that moment.

Then, with a flash of insight, understanding dawned upon her, and her smile widened considerably.

Tiptoeing, with her hands clasped behind her back like an agile sprite, she approached Fang Yu.

Nearly reaching his chest, she tilted her head up to look at him.

"So… you were concerned that I might also be in danger just now?"

Her breath, fragrant like an orchid, caused Fang Yu to instinctively step back, which in turn sent Ding Hui into peals of laughter, her mirth sounding like a cascade of silver bells, causing her to bend over slightly.

He then heard Fang Yu, who remained stationary, clearly articulate two words.

"...Worried."

Silence followed.

A brief, pregnant silence.

His direct gaze and candid admission left even someone as experienced as Ding Hui momentarily flustered.

She turned away, concealing her slightly flushed expression from Fang Yu, and cleared her throat lightly before responding, "Rest assured, I am well-prepared here as well. If anyone dares to attack, they will have to overcome several formidable obstacles."

Had Fang Yu observed her closely, he might have noticed a subtle shift in her tone and demeanor, even though her back was turned to him.

However, at that moment, Fang Yu’s thoughts were solely focused on one matter.

"Ding Hui, I am genuinely concerned about your safety. The forces within Thunder City are deeply interconnected. Although we have been here for a short time, we have already managed to offend numerous parties. I often need to leave for business, so I wish to… hire someone to remain near you and ensure your protection."

Ding Hui had already regained her composure. She silently returned to her usual self, turned to face Fang Yu, and smiled warmly.

"You wish to hire someone to protect me? Who is it? Will they be reliable?"

Fang Yu chuckled.

"Reliable, trustworthy, and undoubtedly someone you will find quite intriguing."

Ding Hui’s brow furrowed slightly; there were not many individuals she considered truly interesting.

Observing Fang Yu’s confident expression, she felt an inexplicable surge of defiance.

"You speak as if you understand me perfectly!"

Ding Hui's sudden display of temper caught Fang Yu off guard.

"I, I didn't mean it that way…"

"Hehe! Nor did I mean it that way either! Look how flustered you've become! So, who do you intend to hire to protect me? For skilled individuals, the cost is usually considerable. While we have established a certain foundation now, we cannot afford to be excessively extravagant." Her mood shifted rapidly, and Ding Hui was already giggling.

"There is no need for money… perhaps?" Fang Yu admitted, feeling slightly uncertain, but he no longer concealed his intentions. He stated directly, "It is Monk Quan Heng. He has also arrived in Thunder City. I have invited him to temporarily reside at the Forest Snake Gang, and he will then be tasked with guarding you and ensuring your safety."

Oh, a monk!

Ding Hui's mood inexplicably brightened.

Upon realizing exactly which Master Quan Heng he referred to, her excitement grew palpable.

"The Ascetic Monk from Tianyuan Town!"

"Precisely!"

"That's wonderful! I was just contemplating how to find a suitable practice target. I shall start with him, execute it smoothly, and then assist you…"

Ding Hui began to murmur to herself, causing Fang Yu to feel a touch of embarrassment.

"Stop, stop! I’m letting him protect you, so don’t play any tricks and scare him away... Also, our experiments are quite dangerous, it’s best not to involve Master Quan Heng."

Fang Yu’s physical condition was excellent, not fearing any exertion, but Monk Quan Heng was merely an ordinary Believer. He might not be able to withstand Ding Hui's methods... If a situation arose where he couldn't fully protect Ding Hui, that would be problematic.

"That’s right..."

Ding Hui softly spoke, her gaze flicking towards Fang Yu from the corner of her eye.

She was curious about how a regular Believer would react to various medicinal substances.

However... she truly wished to conduct those particularly intimate experiments with him.

With this thought, Ding Hui felt a surge of happiness, almost letting out a little hum.

"By the way, Tai Xuelin isn’t with you, so where did he meet his end?" Fang Yu suddenly recalled and inquired.

Ding Hui simply shrugged: "How would I know? The Hall Masters take turns on guard duty outside; I don’t even know whose turn it is right now."

Anxiously, Fang Yu stormed directly into the building without bothering to check if anyone was posted as a guard.

Now emerging outside, he spotted a rather simple-minded individual perched on the rooftop. This person cupped their hands towards Fang Yu as their gaze landed on him.

"Greetings, Diao Keqing."

[Xiong Rudong: 4111/4111.]

"Why is it still your shift?" Fang Yu asked, a hint of confusion in his voice.

Xiong Rudong was on guard duty here last night as well, and he was still present today. Hadn’t Fa Hongwen devised the schedule? He had even allowed Fang Yu to review it for confirmation; otherwise, Fang Yu wouldn't have been so worried and rushed back here.

Xiong Rudong rubbed his head, a touch of embarrassment coloring his explanation.

"It wasn’t supposed to be my turn, but when Master Tai came to relieve me, he seemed quite troubled and asked me to cover his shift for the day, mentioning he had other pressing matters. I noticed he was clutching a note tightly, as if something serious had occurred, so I agreed."

"But when I tried to ask for more details, he just shook his head and departed."

"Regardless, it was just an extra day of guarding; I didn't think much of it and stayed until now... However, Diao, you stormed into the house so suddenly. Had I not had sharp eyesight to identify you, I might have intercepted you."

Xiong Rudong let out a chuckle, possessing a certain inexplicable and captivating charm.

Indeed... it had merely been a false alarm.

Even so, Fang Yu felt a lingering sense of unease.

"Ding Hui." Fang Yu called out towards the interior of the house.

"What?" The voice from within responded.

"Prepare yourself to accompany me to see the Gang Leader. And don't wander off until Master Quan Heng arrives."

"Understood!"

Ding Hui flashed a radiant smile, revealing her pearly white teeth.

"Wait for me a moment, I’ll just finish up what I’m doing here."

Golden Feather was in its final stages of processing, and it wouldn't take Ding Hui long to conclude. Thus, she was reluctant to stop her current task.

"Alright, I shall wait for you."

Fang Yu waited outside alongside the simple-minded Xiong Rudong.

He held a favorable impression of this fellow, though they didn’t have much common ground for conversation.

Still, the silence of staring blankly at each other was awkward, prompting him to ask a question.

"You mentioned Master Tai was holding a note when he handed over the guard duty?"

"Yes."

"Did you happen to see what was written on it?"

"No."

"...You didn’t even glance at it?"

"No."

Truly honest...

"I’m all set!" Ding Hui's voice emanated from indoors, followed by the graceful appearance of her silhouette.

"What?" Ding Hui twirled lightly under Fang Yu’s observant gaze, her skirt flaring as she blinked.

"Do I look presentable?"

Fang Yu: ...

"You changed your attire?"

"Naturally!"

The dress, in a shade of emerald green, exuded a spring-like aura, refreshingly pleasing to the eyes.

Nevertheless, the somewhat flustered Fang Yu forced himself to avert his gaze.

"Let’s go."

As he took a step forward, a delicate, cool hand suddenly reached out, clasping his larger one.

Fang Yu froze at the unexpected contact.

Ding Hui, however, chirped cheerfully.

"Let’s go."

With that, Ding Hui took the lead, her hand still entwined with his as they proceeded ahead.

Xiong Rudong watched the pair depart, scratching his head in contemplation.

Should he join them, or remain here to secure the premises?

...