Chapter 311: A Rescue Mission from the Future
Fang Xiaocao sat on the sofa, holding a cup of milk tea in her hands. With a tablet in her lap, she scrolled through a soap opera while absentmindedly tapping her little feet. She leaned against No Stealing Robes’ warm, soft, fur-covered belly, basking in the comfort of the moment.
This was what life should be like.
Beside her, Hummingbird, dressed in a maid outfit, was busy cleaning up the mess No Stealing Robes had made.
Meanwhile, Tom was assembling a bomb in the corner.
It had been two days since they had left the ancient tomb, yet gunshots could still be heard occasionally from the mountains nearby.
Fortunately, their villa was located in a remote suburban area, close to the mountains. There were no other residences around, or else the police would have already been alerted.
On the day they left the tomb, Taotie had taken Wan Xiaozhou back to the Blacklist headquarters for treatment.
With Capricorn dead, no one in the Blacklist was aware of Wan Xiaozhou’s true identity. Taotie had arranged for her to take on the role of a secretary, successfully embedding her as the second undercover agent from their group inside the Blacklist.
Just then, Fang Xiaocao’s phone rang.
【Ribbit ribbit ribbit!】
She picked up her phone and glanced at the screen.
It was a message from Hot Noodles, who had been missing for several days.
Seeing the red notification dot on Hot Noodles’ profile picture, Fang Xiaocao’s heart sank with an ominous feeling.
Frowning slightly, she tapped on the chat.
Hot Noodles: Something has happened!
Hot Noodles: Get to the abandoned steel factory in the southern part of the city before 2 PM. You might be able to save Qian Xia’s life.
Reading the message, Fang Xiaocao’s expression turned serious.
Qian Xia…
He was the personal bodyguard of Ye Lingchen, the heir of the Ye family in the capital. He was also Fang Xiaocao’s throwing knife instructor.
The skills Qian Xia had taught her had saved her life countless times.
She owed him for his guidance.
If she could save him, she would. Not only would it clear this debt, but it would also be an opportunity to build goodwill with the Ye family—an undeniable advantage.
Of course, that was if the mission wasn’t too dangerous.
If the risk was too high, she wouldn’t take the gamble—not for Qian Xia, and certainly not for Tom or Hummingbird.
Unless…
Unless Ye Lingchen himself was there.
Saving Qian Xia and saving Ye Lingchen were two entirely different things.
Saving Qian Xia would only earn her a favor from the Ye family.
Saving Ye Lingchen, however, would mean the Ye family owed her a debt. And at a crucial moment, that favor could turn the tide in her favor.
With that thought, Fang Xiaocao sent a message.
Fang Xiaocao: Is Ye Lingchen there too?
She didn’t even bother asking how Qian Xia had ended up in Tang City or what kind of danger he was in.
She only cared about one thing—whether Ye Lingchen was involved.
______
A Future Timeline
Hot Noodles saw Fang Xiaocao’s reply and smiled with satisfaction.
The past version of herself had finally grown up.
She was no longer the naive little girl she used to be.
Hot Noodles had initially worried that Fang Xiaocao would still have that same naive mindset and refuse to save Ye Lingchen. That was why she had framed the situation as Qian Xia being in danger, hoping that Fang Xiaocao would take action and unknowingly accept a favor from the powerful Ye family.
But now, it seemed she had worried for nothing.
Her past self had matured quickly.
She was proud.
Hot Noodles replied with a smile.
________
Present Timeline
Hot Noodles: You’ve grown a lot. I’m proud of you!
Fang Xiaocao rolled her eyes and typed a reply.
Fang Xiaocao: Are you just patting yourself on the back? My growth is your growth, isn’t it?
Fang Xiaocao: Now, tell me—is Ye Lingchen there or not?
Hot Noodles: Of course he is! Get moving! This favor from the Ye family is too valuable to pass up—I’ll need it for something important!
Seeing the response, Fang Xiaocao’s lips curled into a smirk.
Fang Xiaocao: As you wish!
Fang Xiaocao: I’m on it!
After sending the message, she turned to Tom.
“Tom, get the combat gear ready. We’re heading out to rescue someone—it’s going to be a tough fight, so make sure we’re well-equipped. The battle will take place at the abandoned steel factory.”
Fang Xiaocao knew that anyone daring to target Ye Lingchen, the heir of the powerful Ye family, wouldn’t be ordinary.
They were either top-tier assassins or a powerful underground force.
Rescuing Ye Lingchen wouldn’t be any easier than their battle inside the ancient tomb.
Tom looked up, puzzled.
“A rescue?”
“Who are we rescuing?”
“Did Taotie get exposed?”
His first thought was that Taotie had been discovered.
Fang Xiaocao shook her head. “No, it’s someone else. But notify Taotie as well. Tell him to be at the abandoned steel factory by 2 PM.”
Tom was still curious about who they were rescuing, but since Fang Xiaocao wasn’t in the mood to explain, he didn’t press the issue. Instead, he quietly began preparing their gear.
“Hummingbird, go change your outfit,” Fang Xiaocao added, eyeing her maid costume.
“Yes, Your Highness!”
Hummingbird responded playfully before putting down her cleaning tools and heading upstairs to change.
Fang Xiaocao nudged No Stealing Robes aside, making the lazy bear roll away. Then, stretching her arms, she grabbed her phone and headed upstairs to get ready.
While walking, she messaged Hot Noodles again.
Fang Xiaocao: Who exactly is bold enough to target Ye Lingchen?
Fang Xiaocao: Do you have any intel? Send it over so I can prepare.
Hot Noodles: None!
Hot Noodles: No information at all. All I know is that at this time, Ye Lingchen will be in danger at the steel factory. Even in my timeline, the Ye family never found out who was behind it.
Fang Xiaocao paused mid-step, her expression turning grave.
This was even more serious than she had imagined.
A force so elusive that even the Ye family couldn’t track them down…
Who were they?
The mystery of the enemy’s identity intrigued her.
But instead of fear, she felt a surge of excitement.
A slight thrill of anticipation.
She had grown to love the adrenaline rush of dancing on the edge of danger.
Arriving at her wardrobe, she selected a combat suit that Taotie had gifted her.
By the time she returned to the living room, Tom and Hummingbird were already fully geared up, waiting.
Hummingbird picked up a high-tech bulletproof vest and helped Fang Xiaocao put it on. Then, she handed her an outer jacket to conceal it.
No need to attract unwanted attention from the police on the way.
