Chapter 184: Director Yang's Assistance

Inside the luxurious villa, Chen Ying glared at the middle‑aged man before her, her beautiful eyes blazing with fierce anger.

"Since you abandoned my mother and me back then, why now do you have to feign concern and try to control me?"

Her voice was sharp, each word like a keen blade, striking the other mercilessly.

"What you're doing only makes me feel disgusted!"

Chen Ying clenched her lips, her body trembling slightly, suppressing the surging emotions within.

"If my mother were still alive, she would surely scold you for being hypocritical!"

Chen Ying's eyes reddened, tears swirling in her sockets, yet none fell.

She stubbornly lifted her head, refusing to let the other see her vulnerable side.

"No matter what, you cannot leave this place."

Chen Tian's expression was icy, his tone indisputable, like an immovable mountain.

His gaze was deep, revealing no emotional fluctuation, like a soulless machine.

"Why?"

Chen Ying stared intently at Chen Tian, her eyes full of confusion and anger.

"This is for your own good."

Chen Tian's voice was low, his tone carrying an undeniable authority.

"For my good?"

Chen Ying sneered, her eyes brimming with sarcasm.

"Do you think I would believe that?"

Her voice trembled, tinged with a sob, her heart full of grievance and resentment.

"Whether you believe it or not is irrelevant; what matters is that you must obey me."

Chen Tian's tone remained icy, his gaze devoid of any warmth.

Chen Ying looked at the man before her, both familiar and strange, a strong sense of helplessness rising within her.

She knew Chen Tian's power was immense, and she could not possibly resist.

"Is that Zhao Wuji powerful?"

Chen Ying suddenly spoke, her voice low, with a hint of probing.

Her gaze was complex, as if seeking answers from Chen Tian.

"Zhao Wuji?"

Chen Tian's mouth twitched upward, revealing a disdainful sneer.

"He is nothing more than an ant."

His tone was contemptuous, as if Zhao Wuji was utterly insignificant to him.

"But the people behind him, you'd better not provoke them."

Chen Tian's gaze hardened, his tone carrying a warning.

"Who are they?"

Chen Ying pressed further, her eyes full of curiosity and doubt.

"You don't need to know."

Chen Tian's voice was indifferent, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

"Can you step in and help Jiangnan?"

Chen Ying's gaze held a plea, her voice full of expectation.

"Help him?"

Chen Tian sneered, a hint of mockery in his eyes.

"Do you think I would help a stranger?"

His voice was icy, his tone bearing an unquestionable resolve.

"He saved me."

Chen Ying argued, her voice tinged with unwillingness.

"So what?"

Chen Tian retorted, his tone still cold.

"You…"

Chen Ying was at a loss for words, a strong disappointment welling up inside her.

She stared at Chen Tian, her gaze filled with alienation and distance.

"Remember, you are my daughter, Chen Tian; your destiny can only be controlled by me."

Chen Tian's voice was deep, his tone bearing a hint of domineering.

"From today onward, you may go nowhere; stay here and obey me!"

His gaze was sharp, like a keen blade piercing Chen Ying's heart.

Chen Ying's body shivered, feeling a wave of cold envelop her.

She knew Chen Tian kept his word, leaving her no room to resist.

"Why… why are you treating me like this?"

Chen Ying's voice trembled, tinged with sobbing, her heart full of grievance and confusion.

"Because this is your fate."

Chen Tian's voice was indifferent, his eyes lacking any warmth.

He turned and prepared to leave.

"Wait!"

Chen Ying suddenly spoke, her voice carrying a hint of resolve.

"Tell me, Jiangnan—what exactly is he?"

Her gaze was steady, her heart full of curiosity and worry.

Chen Tian's steps halted, yet he did not look back.

"A very troublesome fellow."

His voice was low, his tone tinged with a trace of complex emotion.

"Troublesome?"

Chen Ying murmured to herself, a flicker of doubt flashing in her eyes.

"Remember my words—keep your distance from him."

Chen Tian's voice was icy, his tone bearing a hint of warning.

"Otherwise, you'll regret it."

After speaking, he left without turning his head, leaving Chen Ying standing there dumbfounded.

Chen Ying watched Chen Tian's departing silhouette, her eyes complex, a strong unease welling up inside her.

Jiangnan, what exactly are you?

Why does even Chen Tian treat you with such apprehension?

Chen Ying's heart was full of doubt; she vaguely sensed that Jiangnan concealed a massive secret.

She must uncover the truth quickly, or the consequences would be unimaginable.

Chen Ying's gaze was firm; she silently vowed to get to the bottom of this.

No matter the price, she would spare no effort!

Night fell, the city lights glittered, and a black sedan sped along the Highway.

Inside the car, Jiangnan closed his eyes to rest, repeatedly replaying Chen Tian's words in his mind.

Someone intends to harm him?

Who could it be?

Shadow?

A slight curl rose at his mouth, revealing a hint of a playful smile.

I was just worried I couldn't find any trace of you.

Since you came knocking on my door, don't blame me for being blunt!

Killer intent surged in Jiangnan's eyes, his aura turning icy.

He dislikes being passive, and hates waiting even more.

Since the Shadow has already shown its tracks, there's no need for me to stay hidden.

Only, this organization is too mysterious, like a ghost—coming without a shadow, disappearing without a trace; trying to find them is like searching for a needle in the ocean.

Jiangnan's brows twitched slightly, a weighty glint passing through his eyes.

He needs a breakthrough, a way to completely dig out the Shadow.

Suddenly, Jiangnan's eyes brightened; he recalled someone who might help him.

He picked up his phone and dialed a number.

"Hello, Yang Ju, it's Jiangnan."

On the other end, the voice of Yang Zhenhua, director of the Jinghai City Public Security Bureau, came through, tinged with fatigue.

"Jiangnan? It's so late—what's the matter?"

"Yang Ju, I want to inquire about something."

Jiangnan's voice was low, his tone serious.

"How much do you know about the Shadow?"

A moment of silence on the line, then Yang Zhenhua's voice grew solemn.

"Jiangnan, why... why are you investigating this organization?"

"Some personal grudges need to be settled."

Jiangnan did not conceal anything, his tone candid.

"This organization is very dangerous."

Yang Zhenhua's voice was low, his tone bearing a hint of warning.

"I know."

Jiangnan replied, his tone calm.

"You... really decided to confront them?"

Yang Zhenhua's voice was complex, tinged with worry.

"Yes."

Jiangnan answered, his tone firm, without any hesitation.

Silence returned on the line for a long while, then Yang Zhenhua's voice came again.

"Alright, since you've decided, I won't try to dissuade you any longer."

"I have some intelligence on the Shadow, but I can't guarantee its accuracy."

"Thanks."

Jiangnan's eyes brightened, a surge of hope rising within him.

"They have a base in Jinghai City, located at..."

Yang Zhenhua spoke slowly, telling Jiangnan the Shadow organization's hideout in Jinghai City.

"…But, Jiangnan, I must remind you, the Shadow organization is extremely dangerous; you must act carefully."

Yang Zhenhua reminded again, his tone full of worry.