After my repeated insistence, the electrician outside finally gave up on his request to fix our circuit.
This plunged our room into complete darkness, and with no candles available, we had no choice but to wait in the dark to prevent our phones from running out of battery.
About half an hour later, Song Laosan's phone rang, and he immediately answered the video call sent by Wei Shengnan: "Hello."
On the other side of the screen, Wei Shengnan's background was brightly lit. Seeing our pitch-black surroundings, Wei Shengnan asked curiously, "Where did you guys go? You weren't working, were you?"
"We came here to find things for you, we're not in the mood for work!"
Song Laosan used his phone to shine a light on the surroundings, then on me: "We're just waiting in the villa."
"Are you guys crazy? Why do you make the room so dark in broad daylight?"
Wei Shengnan flipped the camera and pointed it at our villa: "And you even drew the curtains and everything, what kind of trouble are you up to?"
I saw that Wei Shengnan had arrived and took Song Laosan's phone from her: "Have you contacted Qu Ruilin? When will he arrive?"
"He estimated it would be evening. For some reason, there was air traffic control over there, and his private plane's route application was not approved. He would need to transfer in another city, and by the time he got here, it would be past ten o'clock."
After answering my question, Wei Shengnan glanced at Miao Xiaoxian next to her and said, "We're already at the door. If you don't open it for us, are we going to keep talking on the phone?"
After a few days apart, Miao Xiaoxian no longer had that rustic feel from before. She was now dressed in Dior or Chanel, looking quite extravagant.
Miao Xiaoxian, who grew up in Ping'an Village, had no concept of money and could not possibly know the value of these clothes. It was obvious that Wei Shengnan had arranged them for her.
I greeted Miao Xiaoxian, then explained to Wei Shengnan, "We can't go out or meet with you right now. Things are complicated, and I'll explain later! Didn't you already book another villa? Wait there for now, and I'll contact you when we leave."
"You're being ridiculous. We're already at the door, can't you even show us any respect?"
Although Wei Shengnan was somewhat speechless, she didn't insist: "Do you need me to send you anything?"
I thought for a moment and said, "No need. If you brought bodyguards, have them stand guard outside our door. Unless someone comes on the hour, don't let anyone disturb us."
...
With Wei Shengnan's people guarding the door, we had a very peaceful afternoon.
We waited until after 6 p.m.
I didn't know Xu Le was leaving, so I didn't prepare anything. And unlike hotels, these vacation villas don't have snacks or instant noodles.
This morning, I refused the breakfast offered by the Wei family. I only ate two steamed buns on the way, and haven't eaten anything since.
Song Laosan sat down beside him and said weakly, "Xiao Duan, didn't Xu Le say that if they hadn't come back by dark, we could go out? It'll be dark in an hour now, so can we go out for dinner then?"
What I'm worried about now is something else: "Logically speaking, since we agreed to act together, Xu Le should want to set off with us. So she should just be scouting or something. But we haven't heard from her all day. This is not a good sign."
The monkey, starving, kept eating bottled water nearby: "What's there to worry about? We've already got the Huang family under our watchful eye, haven't we? Since they haven't made any moves, what problem could Xu Le possibly have?"
When the monkey reminded me, I remembered the Huang family's matter. I picked up my phone and dialed the Wei family's number, but no one answered after I dialed twice.
As I listened to the dial tone, a sense of foreboding washed over me. I called Wei Shengnan and asked, "Do you have the contact information for the people the Wei family has placed in Arxan?"
Wei Shengnan responded, "My dad handles all these coordination and scheduling matters personally. If you need to contact someone, I'll help you get in touch."
"Forget it, I'll just go find your dad."
I hung up on Wei Shengnan and quickly called Wei Xiao again: "Uncle Wei, today I asked your people to keep an eye on a group of people from out of town who came to Arxan, but I only have one person's phone number. I've tried calling several times but haven't been able to get through. Could you please contact the others?"
Okay, I'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Wei Xiao's recent work focus has been entirely on Wei Shengnan's matter. After hearing my request, he called me back in less than three minutes: "Xiao Duan, something's not right! Today, in order to keep an eye on that group of outsiders, the Wei family sent out four teams of four people each, a total of sixteen people, but all of them are unreachable by phone."
I frowned deeply: "They've all gone missing?"
"Yes, all sixteen people's phone numbers could be reached, but none of them answered."
Wei Xiao explained quickly, "I just had someone check their phone location, and they're all around the hotel we're monitoring. I've already sent people over to check the situation. Don't worry, I'll let you know as soon as I have any news."
Not long after I hung up on Wei Xiao, Wei Shengnan called: "Duan Shenxing, I understand what happened. Who exactly are you looking for this time? How could someone control sixteen members of the Wei family at the same time?"
“They are not ordinary people, but shamans from the Huang family. We are helping the Hu family this time, and there is some long-standing grudge between us.”
I paused for a moment: "I knew those people were not to be trifled with, but I never expected them to be able to do this. I originally thought I would send the Wei family members to hold them off, but I didn't expect to be outmaneuvered instead."
Wei Shengnan replied, "There aren't many members of the Wei family in Arxan. I plan to go there myself to check on the situation."
"Alright, if you step in, you might be able to deal with those people, but they've probably already left."
By this time, I had already guessed why Xu Le hadn't returned for so long, and continued, "The conflict between the Hu family and the Huang family is not irreconcilable, and there's no need for them to fight to the death. So, we can't let anyone die. If you happen to encounter them, be careful what you do. Also, bring Miao Xiaoxian with you. Her methods are unpredictable, and she can also deal with those people."
Wei Shengnan replied nonchalantly, "Don't worry about me. On the contrary, when are you finally going to leave this villa? You can't stay there forever, can you?"
Although I was impatient, I glanced at my watch and patiently replied, "I can't leave until at least dark."
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