Victor Xiang watched as the Porsche 911 drove out of sight, feeling a sudden sense of relief.
Isabella hadn't disappointed him.
"Red, protect her," Victor instructed the woman beside him.
"Yes, Master," Red quickly departed.
"Still, I need to have a proper talk with her," Victor muttered to himself.
The shadows of trees quickly receded into the morning mist as the car sped along the road, with distant mountains gradually coming into view, blending seamlessly with the horizon. From the helicopter, Leon hadn't realized the true nature of the surroundings, assuming it was just another villa district. Now, he saw that the Xiang family villa was nestled in a secluded area, built amid mountains and forests, by the water, with winding paths and secluded spots.
The Porsche raced along the only road, and Leon leaned back in the leather passenger seat, occasionally glancing at Isabella Xiang. Her profile was beautiful yet cold as she skillfully drove. Leon was still bewildered by her sudden invitation.
Whirr.
A helicopter rose from the dense forest.
Through the rearview mirror, Leon saw the helicopter pursuing them.
"What's going on?" Leon asked, confused. "Flying a helicopter into the city during the day—does the Xiang family not worry?"
Isabella Xiang cast a cold glance and pressed the accelerator, increasing the speed.
The phone rang, and Isabella answered with one hand while keeping the other on the wheel.
"Father," her tone was flat.
"Isabella, are you really going to defy your grandfather's decision for him?"
"Yes," Isabella replied without hesitation.
"Do you think this is feasible? You know very well what the Xiang's army is best at..."
"I can't understand this decision."
"I don't understand why he kissed you either. Are you two in love?"
"No."
Victor Xiang was speechless on the other end. His daughter was too straightforward, never liking to tell lies. Sometimes, a simple lie could resolve all problems. He wondered if this straightforwardness was her weakness or her strength. Knowing his daughter's character, Victor decided to be direct.
"Alright then, don't go to the airport. There's an ambush there. Take him directly to West Capital. I'll explain everything to your grandfather."
"Understood."
"Isabella, I have one last question for you. What are your feelings towards him?"
"Who?"
"The young man next to you," Victor said helplessly. "I've never seen you care about anyone before. If you like him..."
"He saved my life," Isabella cut him off, showing no interest in the topic. "The Xiang's family motto: repaying kindness twofold, Father."
"Yes," Victor softened his tone. "And don't forget the next line—repaying enmity tenfold."
After the call, Victor felt a slight sweat on his forehead. He could face thousands of troops without a change in expression and sneer at certain old monsters, but he felt tied down when facing his precious daughter.
"Master, it seems that everything is going smoothly on Miss Xiang's side," the elder said.
"Yes, but it's not enough..." Victor replied, touching his chin in thought.
...
After Isabella ended the call, the helicopter turned around and left. Leon guessed she had said something to the Xiang family but didn't ask, respecting their private matters.
Isabella remained focused on driving, as if Leon didn't exist.
Leon grew accustomed to her cold demeanor, thinking of it as the highest level of introversion.
"Leon, if my father made things difficult for you, I apologize on behalf of the Xiang family," Isabella's second attempt at conversation surprised Leon.
"No need. It wasn't that difficult," Leon said, appreciating Isabella's understanding amidst the Xiang army's apparent hostility.
"Alright," Isabella nodded as the car entered the highway.
After a while, Leon asked, "Is Cynthia dead?" He had heard from Lily Lin that Lucille had returned to France due to family matters and had transferred her school records.
"Do you want to save her?" Isabella asked.
"She's a U.S. agent. Are you asking me to commit treason?" Leon joked.
Isabella's face remained as cold as ever. "She is currently under the control of the National Security Bureau. She might be involved in a secret agent exchange with the U.S. If she doesn't have valuable information, I don't know what will happen."
"You guys are really something. I'd rather not guess," Leon yawned, exhausted. Finally, he could sleep peacefully.
Seeing Leon drift off, Isabella slowed the car and closed the convertible top.
Leon woke up to sharp voices.
"Hey, Porsche beauty! Don't be so cold. Give us your number, so we can keep in touch."
A Ferrari was driving alongside them, with a young man with a crew cut at the wheel. He was shouting provocatively, flanked by other young men and women.
"Sorry for waking you up," Isabella said in a flat tone, though Leon sensed a hint of concern.
"No problem. What are they doing?" Leon asked.
"Ignore them."
Seeing Leon sit up in the passenger seat, the crew cut youth and his companions couldn't hide their jealousy. The youth shouted, "Pretty boy, you're something else, letting your girlfriend drive while you sleep."
Isabella snorted, indifferent to their taunts.
The Ferrari youth, finding no amusement, said, "Still an ice queen, huh?"
"Hey, Hui, let's have some fun with the ice queen," a young man wearing sunglasses, with a seductive woman in his arms, patted the crew cut youth's shoulder.
"Sure, boss," Hui's eyes lit up. He floored the gas pedal, and the Ferrari sped ahead, leaving the Porsche behind.
Leon ignored the speedsters, taking a sip of water. Suddenly, he noticed the silver Ferrari ahead, reversing direction on the highway.
Even though the road wasn't crowded, the Ferrari's maneuver was clearly intentional.
"Want to play chicken?" Leon laughed.
"Jun, the beauty is coming," Hui saw the red Porsche approaching and smiled back.
The young men and women on the Ferrari laughed. Jun lit a cigarette, saying nonchalantly, "Crash into them!"
"Got it."
The Ferrari accelerated, charging towards the Porsche like a raging bull.
Both cars were now on a collision course, and the Ferrari seemed dead set on not giving way.
"Watch the ice queen's reaction," Jun rubbed his hands in excitement, certain the Porsche would swerve.
"Uh oh, Jun, the woman doesn't seem like she's going to swerve," Hui swallowed hard.
Jun was stunned. "Shit, the red Porsche is speeding up. This woman is crazy."
"Don't worry, she's just bluffing," Jun felt a cold sweat.
Leon felt the seat push against him as he enjoyed the thrill of speed. The car's speedometer exceeded 200 km/h, and Isabella remained calm and composed.
"Hold on, Leon," Isabella's calm reminder made it seem like they were driving through a pile of paper, not heading towards a potential crash.
The Ferrari occupants were in shock. The laughing youth and women went silent, terrified.
"Jun... Jun..." Hui trembled.
The women couldn't help but scream.
Jun's cigarette fell from his lips. "This woman isn't afraid of death?"
The Porsche and Ferrari were about to collide. Seeing no signs of evasion, Hui finally couldn't take it. He swerved the wheel, narrowly avoiding a collision.
As the Porsche zoomed past, the Ferrari occupants were stunned, watching the calm expressions of the Porsche's passengers as if nothing had happened.
"Damn, they're not crashing cars; they're crashing loneliness..."
"Shit, a pair of crazy maniacs."
Bang!