Rapid Collapse (GL) - Chapter 60

“Ning, I used to be a paparazzi, and the things I did weren’t exactly honorable… But this time, you saved me. I also feel very sorry for Miss Shen and you. I want to be a just paparazzi! Your business is my business—leave it to me!” A-Tian turned his head to look at her, still grinning foolishly.

“I know…” Han Ning looked at the road ahead and reminded him, “But as a driver, can you please focus on the road? We’re on the highway…”

“Oh, right, right…” A-Tian quickly snapped back to attention and focused on driving.

They made several stops along the way, but by sunset, they finally got off the highway and headed toward the Jiuhua Mountain Scenic Area.

After a while, the GPS navigation ended, and they got out of the car. The long drive had left them with sore backs and aching legs. A-Tian looked at his phone, then scanned the surroundings. “Ning, it’s over there.”

He pointed at a white round tower about three hundred meters behind Han Ning. “My master always stays there.”

“In the tower? What, is your master Bai Suzhen?” Han Ning raised an eyebrow.

“Ning, you love to joke…” A-Tian chuckled, parked the car, and they both walked toward the tower.

The temperature in Chizhou, where Jiuhua Mountain was located, was slightly higher than in Lingchao City. Han Ning actually started sweating on her back. She took off her jacket and draped it over her arm as she followed A-Tian into the white round tower.

The sun had set, and dusk had fallen.

The towering mountains looked a little eerie at night. Birds occasionally flew by and perched on branches, watching Han Ning and A-Tian as they moved forward.

Han Ning thought the white round tower was built on flat ground, but as soon as she opened the door, she saw a massive platform. Looking up from there, she saw a spiral staircase that was both tall and narrow. The steps were so small that they couldn’t even fit a full foot. People had to stand sideways to climb up, making it extremely difficult.

Panting heavily, Han Ning wiped the sweat from her forehead, looked up at the top of the tower, and said to A-Tian, “A-Tian… Your master must be Bai Suzhen. He must have magic and just flies up there…”

“I… think so… too…” A-Tian was also gasping for breath.

After resting for a while, they finally climbed the last twenty steps. They both clung to a pillar and collapsed onto the ground, breathing in the fresh air. It took them a while before they could stand up again.

When Han Ning finally stood up, she felt as if she were standing on top of the world. The surrounding mountains were only slightly taller than she was. By now, mist had begun to rise, making the distant landscape look ethereal, like an immortal’s domain. Below, the homestays and farmhouses emitted scattered lights, creating a surprisingly warm and cozy scene.

Han Ning secretly thought to herself, Someday, I must bring Shen Xi here to experience the beauty of nature and the warmth of life! More importantly, she wanted Shen Xi to climb this white round tower too…

Thinking of this, she smirked mischievously.

Behind her, A-Tian called out, “Ning, hurry up! We’re almost there…”

“For crying out loud! Where does your master actually live?” Han Ning was frustrated—Han Ning was angry.

A-Tian, looking miserable, pointed to a long path behind them. “Not far… just twenty more minutes…”

Han Ning: “…Can I swear?”

A whole day had passed without any news from Han Ning…

Shen Xi sat in the living room, staring out the window in a daze. Nie Lan stayed close to her at all times, clinging to her, which made Shen Xi feel irritated for no reason. Right now, Nie Lan was by the pool, talking on the phone, giving Shen Xi a rare moment of peace.

She glanced at Nie Lan pacing by the pool, carefully observing her expression, even trying to read her lips.

The house was well soundproofed. Even though Nie Lan was less than ten meters away, separated only by a glass wall, Shen Xi couldn’t hear a thing.

But Nie Lan’s expression… looked unusually serious…

Shen Xi became curious. What could have made her look so tense?

“Dr. Bai, I understand. Thank you… I’ll try to spend more time with the old man.” Nie Lan said before hanging up the phone.

Shen Xi thought she would come inside, so she calmly withdrew her gaze. But Nie Lan remained outside. She stubbed out her cigarette and made another call.

“Hello, Mom? Have you heard? It seems like Dad doesn’t have much time left…” Nie Lan was calling You Xi.

Shen Xi read her lips and caught the words Mom, Dad, and doesn’t have much time left. She rolled her eyes. Could it be that Nie He is dying?

But that didn’t seem right. Shen Xi had seen photos of Nie He before—despite his age, he still looked energetic and full of life. He didn’t seem like someone on the verge of death…

Then she suddenly remembered—when she first arrived, Nie Lan had left, apologizing that she had to stay at the hospital to take care of her father, whose condition was serious…

So that’s what happened…

Meanwhile, You Xi was applying a face mask and said indifferently, “I’ve known for a while… He’s lived long enough. It’s about time he died.” She removed the mask and massaged her still-firm face. “All I care about now is how much inheritance we’ll get.”

“That woman won’t come back, right? She’s also the old man’s daughter. What if he has a change of heart before he dies and gives her a share?” Nie Lan sat down, frowning.

“If she dares to come back and fight me for it, I’ll kill her!” You Xi rolled her eyes angrily. “I’ve spent my whole life putting up with him, serving him, and suffering the humiliation of never being acknowledged by the Nie family. Even though I was properly married to him, they treated me like a mistress! Now this woman wants to come back and fight for the inheritance? Dream on!”

“Mom, should we… take action first?” Nie Lan made up her mind and smiled. “I’ll handle this.”

You Xi smiled. “That’s my good daughter~”

After hanging up, You Xi lay in bed, glancing at the handsome man beside her. She thought happily, Once Nie Lan deals with that woman, and the money is in my account, I’ll leave with my true love!

Nie Lan hung up and walked back inside with a light step. She looked toward the living room, but Shen Xi was gone. Shen Xi had locked herself in the bedroom and was re-reading the file A-Tian had given her.

A knock came at the door. “Baby? Are you in there?” Nie Lan tried the handle, but it wouldn’t budge.

“Why did you lock the door? Are you still mad at me?” Nie Lan chuckled helplessly.

“I’m just tired. I want to sleep for a while!” Shen Xi answered, eyes fixed on her phone, quickly scanning the information.

“Alright, alright. Rest well. I’ll take you out later.” Nie Lan turned and left.

Shen Xi stared at the small phone screen, which contained shocking information.

The document detailed Nie He’s past, including his private life. Shen Xi had not read this part before.

It showed that Nie He had a daughter with his ex-wife named Nie Yan, who was about three years older than Nie Lan. But there was very little information about her. It seemed that after marrying You Xi, Nie He completely abandoned Nie Yan and focused on his new family.

Nie Yan’s life had been rough.

“That old man… he really is heartless,” Shen Xi muttered.