Years turn into wind

The night was as dark as water, and Ling Xiaotian's residence was brightly lit. In his study, Ling Xiaotian listened to Shen Zhaoning's report on the latest intelligence while tapping the table thoughtfully. His face wore a rare hint of fatigue, but his eyes remained sharp.

"Master, the false intelligence we released has already shown some signs of movement. Several suspicious individuals have disappeared tonight. They may have gone to make a contact." Shen Zhaoning said in a low voice.

Ling Xiaotian nodded: "Keep watching closely and make sure to find their boss. Especially their movements outside the city, we can't afford to lose any of them."

Shen Zhaoning clasped his fists, accepted the order, and left quickly.

Late at night, Cheng Yuwei was still in the study, under the light of her study, sorting out the analytical data she had recorded during the day. She heard the door open softly and looked up to see Ling Xiaotian walking in, carrying a small bowl.

"What is this?" She put down her pen and couldn't help asking curiously.

"Osmanthus glutinous rice balls, specially made for you." Ling Xiaotian's face was filled with rare tenderness as he placed the bowl in front of her. "You've been busy all day, try some."

Cheng Yuwei's eyes moved slightly, and she looked down at the crystal clear glutinous rice balls in the bowl and said softly, "When did you learn to make this?"

"I've been secretly learning this recently to please you." Ling Xiaotian pulled a chair over and sat across from her, his tone relaxed. "Try it and see if it suits your taste."

Cheng Yuwei picked up a glutinous rice ball with a spoon and took a bite. The sweet and sticky taste melted in her mouth. She couldn't help but nod: "Not bad, much better than I expected."

Hearing this, Ling Xiaotian curled his lips and smiled, "Then shouldn't you praise my husband?"

Cheng Yuwei's ears felt hot from his sudden affectionate address, and she whispered, "Don't be silly."

"What's with that?" Ling Xiaotian leaned closer, pretending to be wronged. "Weiwei, I've almost become a half-cook for you. Don't you deserve a little reward?"

Cheng Yuwei glared at him helplessly, but still reached out and gently stroked his hair, saying with a hint of doting: "Okay, I'll reward you with a pat on the head, is that okay?"

Ling Xiaotian was stunned for a moment, then his smile became even more flamboyant: "No, this reward is too perfunctory, I want more."

As he spoke, he suddenly held Cheng Yuwei's hand and whispered, "Weiwei, when will you truly accept me?"

Cheng Yuwei was slightly startled. Looking into his deep eyes, she felt a little flustered. She pulled her hand back and feigned composure, saying, "Don't let your imagination run wild. Our top priority right now is to resolve the threat posed by Wei Tianheng."

Ling Xiaotian didn't press the issue any further, but sighed softly, "I know you still need time, and I can wait, but remember, no matter what happens, I will protect you."

Cheng Yuwei listened to his serious words, feeling complicated, touched but also helpless.

Conspiracy outside the city

Meanwhile, in an abandoned temple outside the city, the remnants of Wei Tianheng were gathering to plot a new conspiracy. A thin, middle-aged man stood in the middle, whispering assignments to everyone.

"Ling Xiaotian's defenses are getting tighter and tighter. We can't wait any longer," the man said with a sharp look. "In a few days, a batch of arms will pass through the north of the city. We must intercept them."

Another burly man frowned and asked, "But Ling Xiaotian's army is defending so tightly, how can we succeed?"

The man sneered, "That's why we need an insider. The master in the city has already given us enough help. As long as we follow the plan, everything will be safe."

In the darkness, a deep voice slowly said, "Very good. No matter how strong Ling Xiaotian is, he can't stop us from joining forces inside and outside. Remember, this operation must be a one-shot success."

Impending crisis

The next morning, Cheng Yuwei had just woken up when she was called to the study by Shen Zhaoning who had rushed over.

"Master, we found clues of several suspicious people meeting last night. They seemed to be planning to hijack a batch of arms." Shen Zhaoning handed the latest intelligence to Ling Xiaotian.

Ling Xiaotian took a quick glance and sneered, "You can't help it? Very good, it's time to close the net."

Cheng Yuwei stood aside and couldn't help asking, "Is this batch of arms very important?"

"These are supplies for the soldiers on the front line. If they are intercepted, the consequences will be unimaginable." Ling Xiaotian said in a deep voice.

Cheng Yuwei frowned. "If they have an insider, their plan would be very thorough. Is there any way to counter it?"

Ling Xiaotian looked at her with a deep gaze: "Don't worry, I have already made all the arrangements. However, this time it may be a little dangerous, so it's best if you don't leave the mansion."

Cheng Yuwei looked at his expression and knew the seriousness of the situation, but she didn't want to stand idly by: "I can help you analyze the intelligence and find clues of the accomplice."

Seeing her insistence, Ling Xiaotian sighed, "Okay, then you will be responsible for assisting Shen Zhaoning in identifying the traitor. I will personally lead my men to set up an ambush in the north of the city."

The two exchanged glances, each understanding the key to the success or failure of this operation, and were secretly worried about each other.

A storm is coming, but can they weather it safely?