My Mysterious Darling Wife (GL) - Chapter 7

Zhang Yuning sat in the dressing room for a full hour without moving. Her mind was flooded with thoughts, replaying every detail of her memories with Chi Nian, yet she couldn’t decipher the meaning behind Chi Nian’s earlier reaction.

Could the term old hand really be hurtful? she wondered. But she’s so skilled, and I’m a beginner. Chi Nian guided me through every move and interaction.

This time, Chi Nian must be truly angry.

Unsure if an hour had passed, Zhang Yuning stood up and washed and dried her hair again. After completing the routine, she began searching for Chi Nian.

The house was brightly lit, every room illuminated except for the office area, which remained dark.

Assuming Chi Nian had gone to bed, Zhang Yuning didn’t bother checking. It was still early, and she wasn’t sleepy. She decided to go to the office’s glass wall to enjoy the night view.

Sliding open the transparent door, she discovered Chi Nian standing there, gazing through the astronomical telescope.

Remembering their earlier conversation about hair dye, Zhang Yuning hesitated, about to turn back when Chi Nian’s voice called out, Come here, Xiao Zhang.

Was she not angry? Zhang Yuning had expected a tense standoff, or at least that Chi Nian would be cold and distant. Though Chi Nian showed no outward anger, the shift in her aura was palpable.

Chi Nian’s composure was unnervingly steady, allowing many things to pass through her like a breeze, leaving no trace behind.

Why are you standing in the dark? Zhang Yuning asked, approaching her. She noticed Chi Nian had changed into a black slip dress that ended at her thighs. A faint, ethereal fragrance emanated from her—the same intoxicating scent from that night. It wasn’t the sharp tang of expensive perfume, nor the clean scent of bath gel, but rather a natural, mesmerizing aura.

Up close, Zhang Yuning saw Chi Nian was peering through a telescope, its lens pointed toward the night sky.

As dusk deepened, Eight Tones Road blazed with even greater brilliance, as if all the lights of Glazed City had converged there. Every skyscraper radiated light from its illuminated rooftop signs, linear lights tracing the building’s contours, and spotlights that pierced the night like dazzling garments vying for dominance against the dark canvas.

Come look, Chi Nian said, lifting her head to meet Zhang Yuning’s gaze. Her bright eyes reflected the myriad lights, and she seemed to be in high spirits.

What are you looking at?

The moon.

Zhang Yuning gazed up at the sky. The moon was shrouded in gloomy clouds, like eyes veiled by gauze, its long-accumulated light unable to break through. She lowered her gaze to the camera lens. The moon, magnified countless times, seemed to be moving—or rather, the clouds were.

It’s not even the fifteenth yet. There’s nothing to see.

Just wait a little longer, Chi Nian said patiently, standing beside her. Zhang Yuning tilted her head to glance at Chi Nian, who was gazing into the distance. Though the moonlight was faint, it still illuminated Chi Nian’s eyes.

Zhang Yuning didn’t know what Chi Nian wanted her to wait for, so she refocused her attention on the moon through the lens. The clouds seemed to be drifting slowly, pushed by the wind, their movement barely perceptible but undeniable.

Tonight appeared to be a full moon. As the clouds shifted, the moon’s round edge gradually emerged, its radiant glow beginning to break through. At that moment, a few faint stars became visible nearby.

This telescope is excellent for moon-watching, Zhang Yuning remarked, feeling as if the moon were right before her eyes, closer than she had ever been before. Her spirits lifted, and she couldn’t help but exclaim, So the ultimate beauty here isn’t the city’s dazzling lights.

It was a pity that all this so-called prosperity, the dazzling lights, were artificial. Their superficial splendor only underscored the world’s underlying restlessness.

Zhang Yuning suspected Chi Nian had invited her here for more than just the night view.

You brought me here just to look at the moon? Zhang Yuning straightened up, turning to face Chi Nian. Her eyes were like windows, reflecting the depths of her heart. When she gazed at the moon, her gaze resembled a flame that had burned out, leaving only a dark, fathomless emptiness, as if she were trapped in an inescapable emotion.

Chi Nian lingered in her own world for a moment, then pressed her lips together, gathered her thoughts, and said, I lost my moon once.

Your moon? Zhang Yuning couldn’t grasp the meaning of those words. She glanced up at the night sky, where the clouds had parted to reveal a full moon hanging high, seemingly within reach.

The moon must be a metaphor, she thought, or perhaps she’s referring to a person.

Chi Nian didn’t answer, but her gaze shifted to Zhang Yuning. In that instant, the sorrowful expression transformed, her eyes focusing with a tender, watery affection. The memories of her past, the grief buried deep within her heart, seemed about to overflow. That look tugged at Zhang Yuning’s heart, stirring an overwhelming urge to pull her into an embrace.

But she didn’t. She could always control her actions, but she wondered if such a facade could truly be maintained.

Just as Zhang Yuning was still trying to decipher Chi Nian’s thoughts, she heard her say, Xiao Zhang, you should get to work.

Chi Nian’s emotions shifted seamlessly, as if she could switch between them at will. Zhang Yuning’s thoughts felt like they were being led by a string.

I didn’t realize I had any purpose beyond protecting you, Zhang Yuning said.

Aren’t you good with IT? Chi Nian replied.

Just a beginner, Zhang Yuning demurred.

Don’t be modest with me, and don’t try to reduce your workload. Chi Nian’s capitalist side began to show. It was clear now that bodyguard was just a formal title she hadn’t valued Zhang Yuning’s meager combat skills.

Finally, we’re getting to the real reason, Zhang Yuning thought, having anticipated this moment.

Tell me what you need me to do.

Chi Nian went to her desk to retrieve something. In the dimness, Zhang Yuning was about to use voice control to turn on the lights when Chi Nian cut her off. Don’t turn on the lights.

You can see?

The moonlight is enough. I can see, Chi Nian said, picking up two printed sheets of paper from the desk and handing them over. These are the decryption keys for several websites.

Zhang Yuning took the papers and, by the faint moonlight streaming through the window, dimly made out several long strings of code. Glancing at the websites they were meant to crack, she realized they were all highly secure data networks containing virtually every trace of a person’s existence.

Where they shopped, how much they spent, which public places they frequented each week—anything captured by surveillance, any transaction made with a smartphone, any registration using an ID card, any interaction with networked devices—it could all be found here.

In the age of the internet and big data, no one could truly escape scrutiny.

The second sheet contains the list of names and ID numbers I need you to investigate, Chi Nian said.

Are you asking me to be a hacker? Zhang Yuning asked, finally understanding. Chi Nian smiled and shook her head, pointing to the key strings. That’s what hackers do. Your job is to filter out the useful information for me.

Chi Nian was clearly trying to dig up dirt to manipulate others. Given the Chi Family’s current shareholding structure, getting someone back into the group wouldn’t be difficult for her. The key strings she had provided were beyond the capabilities of ordinary people.

It seems Miss Chi already has her own team, Zhang Yuning remarked.

On the dark web, anything is possible for the right price, Chi Nian replied.

Then you can just hire people from the dark web to do your work. Why come to me?

The dark web doesn’t have you, Chi Nian said, her gaze deep and enigmatic.

Zhang Yuning looked up, finding the remark… well, if she let her mind wander toward flirtation, it would be easy to take the bait. But wasn’t Chi Nian essentially admitting that she had chosen Zhang Yuning herself?

My abilities are limited. I hope I won’t disappoint you.

A faint smile played at the corners of Chi Nian’s lips, but she didn’t reply. Every time Zhang Yuning tried to steer the conversation toward something personal, Chi Nian fell silent.

Once the information is compiled, I’ll tell you who you need to meet. Work as late as you can tonight. If you get tired, come in and sleep. With that, Chi Nian left the work area, immediately starting a phone call.

Come in and sleep? Zhang Yuning glanced up, but Chi Nian had already turned and left, the bag still welded to her hand as if it were fused to her skin.

Though the sliding door between the work and living areas was soundproof, Zhang Yuning could still faintly hear Chi Nian speaking in foreign languages from the office. Previous reports about the Chi Family had mentioned Chi Nian’s exceptional linguistic talent, claiming she was fluent in five languages. It seemed she was finally putting her skills to use, switching between languages as she made calls to different contacts.

Chi Shangqing always left something for his daughter. If this Chi Nian were the real Chi Nian, she would surely have some resources of her own. Her ability to find hackers on the dark web proved she was a woman of courage and resourcefulness.

Zhang Yuning genuinely preferred night mode. The later it got, the clearer her mind became, especially with a strong black coffee or dark tea to sharpen her focus. The list Chi Nian had provided wasn’t long she should be able to finish it in one night.

Before starting, Zhang Yuning needed to check her own situation. She first opened the clinic’s surveillance footage to see if anyone had visited her in the past two days. Her phone never rang she only contacted others proactively, and few people ever managed to find her.

Watching the footage at four times speed, Zhang Yuning quickly scanned through it. When she spotted a woman lingering at the entrance, she paused the video to confirm her identity, then immediately picked up her phone to call.

Hello, Yuning. The Third Miss wants to see you. The voice on the other end was cold and steady, stating the purpose of the call directly. The woman under the surveillance camera was the same one who always contacted people this way.

Cheng Jin, I’m with Chi Nian, Zhang Yuning said, lowering her voice when she mentioned Chi Nian’s name.

Chi Nian, the missing heiress of the Chi Family?

Yes.

Understood. I’ll report to Third Miss immediately.

Mm.

Their conversation was brief and efficient, lasting no more than ten seconds. After hanging up, Zhang Yuning considered that she would still need to find time to meet with Third Miss Xiao Changying later.

The person on the other end of the line was Lan Chengjin, known as the Chief Steward and Third Miss’s most trusted confidant. To Xiao Changying, Zhang Yuning was more like an auxiliary member, summoned only when needed and otherwise left to her own devices.

The Chi Family had long suppressed the Xiao Corporation, and the Xiao Corporation had reciprocated by ostracizing the Chi Family. These two families had been bitter rivals for years. Under Xiao Changying’s leadership, the Xiao Group’s situation remained precarious.

Zhang Yuning returned to her work, and the sound of Chi Nian’s phone gradually faded, likely because she had gone to sleep. Lost in her work, she lost track of time. Extracting key information from the ten profiles took her several hours. By the time exhaustion finally hit, it was already dawn.

It was already two in the morning. If she didn’t sleep soon, she might collapse from exhaustion. Zhang Yuning had already pulled an all-nighter and needed to rest. She closed her laptop and walked to the living area, feeling disoriented.

Where should she sleep? When Chi Nian had said Come in and sleep, did she mean they would share a bed?

Although they had slept together before, it had been during a drunken haze. Now, in their sober state, and with their boss-subordinate relationship, it felt inappropriate. Besides, Zhang Yuning was used to sleeping alone and wouldn’t feel comfortable with someone else in her bed.

She lay down on the sofa, hugged a throw pillow, and fell asleep instantly.

Having trained in martial arts and due to her childhood experiences, Zhang Yuning was a light sleeper. She could easily wake up even in deep slumber and would immediately sense if someone approached. Not long after falling asleep, she felt something moving beside the sofa. Her eyes snapped open to find Chi Nian kneeling beside her.

What are you doing? Zhang Yuning nearly bolted upright.

Chi Nian’s gaze softened as she squatted beside the sofa. Come sleep in the bedroom.

Where? There’s only one room. Zhang Yuning hadn’t even bothered to cover herself with a blanket.

My room.