"What is it?" Yuchen asked, his face serious. After he thought about it some more, that person wouldn't call him after he had explicitly told not to call him yet.
After all, that person was one of the men he had worked with for a long time and was his right-hand man.
"There's someone looking for information on you," the man on the other end stated.
Yuchen's eyebrows furrowed at the unexpected news. He hadn't anticipated anyone seeking information about him so soon.
"They operated discreetly, like a pro, but we managed to pick up on their trail. Should we handle it as usual?" the man asked with his distinct British accent.
Actually, they could have just done what they normally did when someone was looking for information on Yuchen, but Yuchen clearly told them they were keeping a low profile for the time being.
"No," Yuchen replied quickly. The usual course of action his men implied involved eliminating the person in question
"Do you have any information on this individual?" Yuchen maintained a calm tone despite the gravity of the situation.
The person behind the phone seemed to be talking to someone else, as if asking for the information Yuchen had just asked before responding, "It appears to be from China."
Yuchen's expression turned serious. Had he already been discovered by Weiyang? It was much faster than expected!
"Is it the person I asked you to keep an eye on?" Yuchen asked with controlled urgency.
"No," the man replied confidently. "We've been monitoring that person closely, and he seems to be acting as usual. This seems to be someone else."
Yuchen's forehead creased as he sought confirmation, "Are you sure?"
"Yes!" answered the man confidently.
"Then what should we do? Do we have to do it as usual?" the man asked, waiting for Yuchen's decisive response.
Yuchen, lost in thought, contemplated the situation. Someone from China seeking information on him, but not Weiyang? Who could it be?
As if struck by an epiphany, a spark of realization illuminated Yuchen's mind.
Of course! It must be the woman he had encountered just a few hours ago! She was the only plausible person from China who could have initiated such an investigation so quickly.
Unbeknownst to him, a smile slowly curved on Yuchen's lips. His eyes sparkled with interest, and he found himself intrigued by the woman's swift actions. This just became more interesting than he had ever imagined.
"No! Let them find out about me," Yuchen casually remarked, his confidence unwavering. He was certain that the person seeking his information was none other than that woman.
"But you know what they can find and what they can't, right? Also don't raise any suspicion or let them realize that we are aware of their investigation," he continued, giving clear instructions to his trusted subordinate.
"I understand, Capo," the man replied, his tone respectful and attentive. "There's something else I must report," he added in a serious tone.
"What is it?" Yuchen frowned, surprised that so much had transpired in just a day since his return to China.
"We've received information that Capo Vermouth is looking for you. We don't know the reason, but… the men are getting worried," the man cautiously revealed, sensing the significance of his words.
"Spit it out," Yuchen commanded firmly, detecting the hesitation in his trusted confidante's voice.
"There's a rumor circulating that you might have left the Blackwood family. That's why Capo Vermouth is searching for you," the man finally disclosed, revealing the current situation.
A wicked smile crept onto Yuchen's face upon hearing the news.
"It seems I've been too lenient with them, and now they think they can question my loyalty to the Blackwood family," he scoffed, his voice dripping with derision
"Am I really that soft?" Yuchen asked coldly, knowing the answer already.
"No, Capo," the man replied promptly, understanding the message loud and clear.
"Well, you can tell them I got permission from the godfather to ease their nerves. I can trust you with that, right?" Yuchen asked while smiling with a meaningful tone of voice.
"Yes, Capo," the man acknowledged. He knew exactly what Yuchen meant.
"As for Vermouth, that conniving bitch is just seething with frustration because I dared to meddle in her affairs. Revenge might be on her twisted mind, but let her wallow in it. We'll be the ones laughing when she realizes she can't touch me," Yuchen declared with a hint of smug satisfaction.
"Keep a watchful eye on her, but don't engage unless absolutely necessary. She's like a snake, waiting to strike, but we know how to handle snakes, don't we?" he said with a cunning glint in his eyes.
"I understand," the man replied dutifully.
"Call me tomorrow at 6 PM your time. I have something to take care of," Yuchen stated, ending the call without waiting for a response.
After hanging up the phone, Yuchen let out a heavy sigh. He didn't expect that much had happened even though he had only been gone for a day.
His thoughts turned to the unsettling rumors circulating among his men, suggesting that he might have abandoned the Blackwood family. It irritated him to think that there were doubts about his loyalty among those he had led and fought alongside for years. How could they question his commitment after everything he had done for the family?
Well, he did not give them the reason why he was going to be gone for a while, but still how could they think him as a traitor?
Yes, Yuchen is more than a desperate handsome illegitimate child. He is actually a key member of the infamous Blackwood mafia family, known for their iron grip on London and Birmingham's underworld.
At the tender age of 28, Yuchen had earned the prestigious title of Capo, a testament to his prowess and dedication. His bond with the Godfather was more than just one of mere respect—it was a relationship built on mutual trust and admiration.
That trust had been evidenced when Yuchen sought permission to travel to China, a journey that held personal significance for him. The Godfather had granted his request without hesitation, knowing that Yuchen's loyalty to the family remained unshaken.
"But I didn't think that Vermouth would try to find me. Is that bitch up to something?" Yuchen muttered, a serious expression on his face as he pondered his underling's report.
It had been a considerable amount of time since he last crossed paths with Vermouth, and he assumed their dealings were concluded. Yet here she was, stirring the shadows once more.
Shaking his head, he dismissed any further thoughts of Vermouth. In his world, dangerous adversaries were a dime a dozen, and he refused to waste his energy on her. His mind quickly shifted to the enigmatic woman who had turned his day upside down—Elena.
A sly smile played on his lips as he recalled their encounter.
"I thought she was just a rich woman who needed a husband, but she isn't that bad. Seems like she's not as shallow as I thought," he muttered, absentmindedly stroking his chin. The woman really piqued his interest.
Yuchen couldn't deny that he was genuinely surprised when she proposed the idea of a contract marriage, barely knowing him for a few hours.
He was well aware of the allure his handsome looks held, and he expected her to be just another woman enamored by his appearance. Yet, she had proven him wrong by displaying shrewdness and the willingness to dig for information about him and it seemed that their work was good enough to make his men immediately call him.
"Looks like this marriage won't be as boring as I imagined," he mused, a spark of excitement dancing in his eyes.
Originally, he planned to just help his mother and gather information about Weiyang from the inside. But now, the prospect of being a husband intrigued him.
After all, it was just a contract marriage.
A marriage that will eventually end.