My Mysterious Darling Wife (GL) - Chapter 9

The elevator paused for a few seconds before resuming its descent. Chi Nian’s hand remained tightly gripped, Zhang Yuning could feel her fingernails digging into her flesh, a faint pain suggesting genuine fear.

Zhang Yuning pulled out her phone and immediately called maintenance to report the elevator’s malfunction.

Noticing Chi Nian’s grave expression, she reassured her, Don’t worry, it’s probably just a snag in the traction cable, not a major breakdown.

Mm.

Chi Nian released her grip, resuming her usual posture. Her expression remained largely unchanged that momentary vulnerability had been the most significant emotional display she’d shown in the past two days.

The elevator smoothly reached the second basement level, where Zhang Yuning realized it was a private parking garage. Only three luxury cars were parked inside, and the elevator was reserved exclusively for Chi Nian’s use—a perk for the top-floor VIP suite, somewhat incongruous with the building’s overall status.

The luxury cars were red, yellow, and gray. Chi Nian asked, Which one do you want to drive?

Are they all yours?

Mm.

Zhang Yuning raised an eyebrow, but wasn’t surprised. Three sports cars were hardly excessive for someone of Chi Nian’s status.

Before Zhang Yuning could make her choice, Chi Nian walked directly to the gray car. Get in, she said. The smart electric car recognized Chi Nian’s voice and automatically opened the door.

Where are we going? Zhang Yuning asked, clearly intending to drive. Though she usually rode motorcycles, her driving skills were top-notch. She had once nearly joined a racing club but abandoned the idea, finding the training too tedious and restrictive.

To Linton Manor to meet someone.

As they settled into the car, the autopilot activated. Zhang Yuning, well-versed in technology, quickly grasped the controls. She deactivated the autopilot, preferring to drive herself—only by keeping control in her own hands did she feel truly safe.

Linton Manor was a resort club on a neighboring island, rumored to have an exceptionally high entry threshold. The admission ticket was the car’s price tag. Their multi-million-dollar luxury vehicle would grant them seamless access.

Wasn’t Chi Nian afraid of exposing her location and being further framed by Chi Jing? Zhang Yuning wondered. Who could be worth such a risk right now? Could it be someone from last night’s list?

Though these questions swirled in her mind, Zhang Yuning kept them to herself. The answers would reveal themselves upon arrival.

Zhang Yuning had driven sports cars countless times and loved motorcycles and horseback riding. She instinctively sped up whenever she got behind the wheel. But fearing Chi Nian might be uncomfortable, she drove cautiously, keeping her speed low even in the city’s heavy traffic.

Once they left the city, Chi Nian was looking down at her phone. Zhang Yuning glanced over and asked, Shouldn’t we prepare something?

For what?

Anti-surveillance equipment. I always carry it with me.

What’s the point?

Zhang Yuning frowned at her briefly before refocusing on the road. Miss Chi, if this person harbors ill intentions and wants to harm you, what will you do? Preventing such a scenario is part of my duty.

Chi Nian’s gaze shifted, and Zhang Yuning could feel her eyes fixed on her. Busy driving, Zhang Yuning didn’t respond. After a moment of silence, Chi Nian said, Don’t call me Miss Chi.

Then what should I call you?

Anything but that. Chi Nian lowered her head again, her words concise and devoid of unnecessary chatter. Sometimes it was hard to grasp her meaning perhaps she simply disliked the term Miss.

Zhang Yuning replied, Understood, Boss. As she spoke, she sensed Chi Nian’s gaze lift slightly, but the woman ultimately remained silent.

The two women rode in silence. Chi Nian occasionally closed her eyes, whether from fatigue or deep thought. Zhang Yuning still felt uneasy about meeting outsiders and handed her phone to Chi Nian, saying, This phone has anti-surveillance features. There’s a tiny camera hidden in the charging port. Take it with you and place it on the table, facing the person you’re meeting.

Are you worried about me? Chi Nian asked.

You’re the boss, and I’m your bodyguard. Isn’t this what I’m supposed to do?

Zhang Yuning couldn’t see Chi Nian’s expression, but she heard her murmur, You’re right. The voice was so soft she almost didn’t catch it. Clutching the phone, she said nothing more.

After about forty minutes, the car reached the first gate of Linton Manor. Two young men in suits, seeing the car’s license plate, rushed to operate the gate, opening the barrier. As the car passed, they bowed ninety degrees, as if wishing they could sink into the dust. Zhang Yuning shook her head helplessly at the sight.

In Glazed Island, wealth determined one’s social standing. Money was power, and the poor were treated as lesser beings.

The Manor boasted three villas, each five stories tall. Wealthy patrons typically reserved an entire floor. Surveillance cameras were omnipresent, and giant dogs patrolled the grounds. Butler-style service ensured impeccable cleanliness, rivaling even the Third Miss’s Butterfly Manor.

VIP guests enjoyed private driveways, eliminating the possibility of encountering other vehicles and guaranteeing privacy and prestige. Following the signs, Zhang Yuning drove to her designated parking space.

For some reason, entering this place triggered Zhang Yuning’s instincts, putting her on high alert. As the car came to a stop, Chi Nian unbuckled her seatbelt.

Don’t get out yet, Zhang Yuning said.

What’s wrong? Feeling unsafe? Chi Nian remained still, obediently.

I’ll check first. Zhang Yuning exited the car and circled it, scanning the surroundings, especially high vantage points. Security guards patrolled their assigned zones, each armed with a stun baton and leashing a dog, maintaining a respectful distance to avoid alarming the VIP guests.

At that moment, a junior member of the staff hurried over, seemingly to escort the guests inside. Zhang Yuning walked to the passenger door, pulled the handle, and said, Come on out, Boss.

Hearing the word boss, Chi Nian glanced at Zhang Yuning. You can call me that outside.

What about other times?

Don’t call me that at home.

Zhang Yuning’s lips moved, but she said nothing. She didn’t understand why Chi Nian cared about the title. They weren’t particularly close what else could she call her?

Miss Chi, welcome, the junior greeted with a standardized bow, making it hard to believe this was the modern era. Despite his height, he remained hunched over, afraid of towering over the esteemed guest.

Before Chi Nian could speak, Zhang Yuning stepped forward. Lead the way, she said, keeping anyone from approaching Chi Nian closer than a meter—a distance that would allow her to react to any sudden threat.

Yes, yes, this way, please.

Zhang Yuning turned to Chi Nian, gesturing with a flick of her arm for her to step forward. She would walk slightly behind, ensuring the protector remained within visual range.

But Chi Nian grasped her wrist. Zhang Yuning looked back, their eyes meeting. Chi Nian’s eyes always held a multitude of emotions, ever-shifting yet ultimately settling into a quiet indifference.

Walk beside me.

But…

Let’s go. Chi Nian gave her no chance to protest, shifting her arm into a linked position. Zhang Yuning reluctantly bent her elbow to accommodate Chi Nian’s grip.

Chi Nian strode forward calmly, her gaze softening as she lowered Zhang Yuning’s arm. You don’t need to hold it up like that.

Oh. Zhang Yuning complied, though the gesture felt almost instinctive. She couldn’t understand why Chi Nian didn’t appreciate it this linked arm felt awkward and unnatural.

Maybe it’s hard to walk steadily in heels and a dress, she thought. Anyone would be flustered seeing someone dressed like this. That junior just now practically had stars in his eyes before quickly lowering his head, too intimidated to meet the gaze of such a high-ranking person.

The person Chi Nian was meeting was on the second floor, in a suite-like private room with expansive windows. As they entered, a man seated on the plush sofa rose immediately at the sound of their arrival. He straightened his tie and stood with a polite smile.

He appeared to be in his thirties, dressed in a crisp white suit and wearing round-rimmed glasses that gave him a refined, slightly old-fashioned air. He seemed to have been eagerly anticipating Chi Nian’s arrival, barely suppressing his excitement.

Miss Chi, it’s been too long, he said, extending his hand. Zhang Yuning stepped forward protectively, blocking his approach.

Chi Nian patted her arm. Xiao Zhang, wait by the door, she murmured.

She’s dismissing me?

A female bodyguard? The man looked at Zhang Yuning, sizing her up with surprise. Just one person? Is that enough?

She’s all I need. Please, have a seat. Chi Nian didn’t shake his hand but smiled warmly.

At times like this, Zhang Yuning should have remained silent, simply following her boss’s instructions. But she couldn’t suppress her annoyance. Call me if you need anything, or use the phone. She wanted to subtly remind Chi Nian that the phone could be monitored and counter-surveilled. The distance from the door to their seats was considerable, and any time Chi Nian was out of her sight, there would be security risks.

Mm, I know.

Zhang Yuning noticed the private room had no other doors, the windows were sealed, and there were no servers. Prepared meals were already laid out on the table. As she reached the door, she pulled out her specialized surveillance tablet.

The room was equipped with four hidden cameras. Hacking into camera systems was second nature to Zhang Yuning she could access every angle effortlessly. Within five minutes, she had pulled up all the feeds, capturing Chi Nian in near-360° coverage. These were pinhole cameras, concealed for surveillance—whether pre-planned or standard practice, she couldn’t tell.

She saw Chi Nian place her phone down and face the man. Five simultaneous feeds displayed on the tablet. Zhang Yuning, handling the situation with practiced ease, began focusing on the man, simultaneously searching for his information.

The man was a scientist from the Chi Shang Group, 35 years old, and the youngest core member of the entire research and development department. He had led numerous impressive scientific research projects, and rumor had it that he specialized in astrophysics, with a touch of quantum mechanics thrown in for good measure. His achievements in the scientific field were remarkable.

Although the camera framed both of them, Zhang Yuning found herself unconsciously drawn to Chi Nian. Chi Nian and the man were engaged in lively conversation, talking more than usual and smiling generously. She stirred her coffee but didn’t take a single sip.

To avoid detection, Zhang Yuning muted the tablet, but she could still glean some information from their lip movements. After some casual banter, they began discussing the Chi Family’s recent projects. Chi Nian’s attitude seemed excessively warm—was it really necessary to be so enthusiastic with this man? She was acting completely unlike her usual self.

Zhang Yuning felt a pang of annoyance. After recording the entire meeting, she closed the tablet.

What was the point of this meeting? She couldn’t understand. The man wasn’t a high-ranking executive his elevated status came from being a scientist. But the Chi Family had so many technical experts—why single him out? Just because he was handsome?

The meeting was brief, lasting only half an hour. Chi Nian walked over with a smile and said, Let’s go.

The man remained standing, nodding slightly. Miss Chi, take care.

Goodbye, Chi Nian said, her smile unwavering, her demeanor completely different from the coldness she displayed at home.

Zhang Yuning silently opened the door for her. Chi Nian calmly walked out, and the two remained silent until they were seated in the car.

Where to? Back home?

To your place.

Huh? My place? Zhang Yuning asked, surprised.

Didn’t you want to go back there? I’ll go with you.

Zhang Yuning did want to return, but not with Chi Nian. How would she meet the Third Miss like this? Besides, her place had no privacy or security beyond the entrance surveillance.

No need. I’m not in a rush to go back.

I want to see it. Is that not allowed? Chi Nian’s tone was insistent but mild, showing no change in expression. She always spoke like this when they were alone, but she had been completely different with that man earlier. This preferential treatment threw Zhang Yuning off balance.

Perhaps it was about status. Chi Nian valued those who were useful to her. But Zhang Yuning still couldn’t understand why she wanted to go to her place.

Really, is it not allowed? Chi Nian asked again, noticing her silence.

It’s allowed.

Zhang Yuning couldn’t resist her and had to give in. She realized she was always compromising for Chi Nian, breaking her own principles, and letting down her defenses.