Nine Cheng took the initiative to make contact, and his adoptive father, Jiuxiao, also found out where he had gone. Five years ago, after a certain incident where his adoptive father slapped him, he ran back to China in anger.

His emotions fluctuated, and as soon as he set foot in the mainland, his superpowers emerged. Soon after, he was targeted by the personnel from Department Three. He didn't want to go to Night Phoenix City, and there was nowhere else for him to go. He left in a hurry, with little money left on him.

Eventually, he was naturally recruited into Department Three.

Bounty hunters investigated what had happened to Hu Li. They asked in the morning, and by the afternoon, the young boy understood everything.

It turned out that on Christmas Eve, Hu Li's mother suddenly arrived in the coastal city. According to the investigation, this lady had come not only to visit her son but primarily to see Hua Yan.

From certain people, she had heard that her son had been captivated by an ordinary, divorced woman. Initially, the company's address was set in the coastal city, where the situation surrounding Hu and his mother was very strange, but compared to other cities, the coastal city had the potential to develop. They didn't suspect anything at the time.

Several months ago, Hu Li suddenly used his power inappropriately, which greatly displeased his father and other family members. At that time, they only knew that it was for a woman, and they still didn't know that her name was Hua Yan.

This time, Hu Li's mother held privileges given by the family, so Hu Li was apprehensive and did not contact Hua Yan to protect her.

Nine Cheng stood on the rooftop of the Department Three superpowers' housing, looking at the spreading brilliant sunset and the setting sun falling slowly. His mind was filled with thoughts of Hua Yan, Hu Li, and the Hu family.

His adoptive father did not want him to be at odds with the Hu family, but he also left a sentence: if the Hu family provoked him, he didn't need to be afraid or avoid them. This made Nine Cheng laugh. Even after five years, his adoptive father still protected him like a calf.

Hua Yan was sulking at home. The phones of Hu Li and his friends were still switched off. When Lao Yang returned from Department Three, he saw Da Pang sitting at the door, occasionally looking back at the house. When he saw Lao Yang return, he pointed inside, as if asking him to look at something.

Lao Yang glanced inside. The once lively Hua Yan now looked troubled. "Xiao Yan, what's wrong with you?"

"Lao Yang, you're back. I'm fine. Da Pang has already prepared dinner. Let's eat."

Hua Yan didn't want to talk, and Lao Yang didn't plan to ask again for the time being. During dinner, Lao Yang became even more certain that something was bothering Hua Yan.

Hua Yan had a habit: when she was in a bad mood, she ate twice as much, but eating more didn't make her gain weight.

Just as Hua Yan returned to her bedroom, Lao Yang followed in, worried, and asked, "Girl, did you have a quarrel with that Hu Li?"

Hua Yan moved her mouth a few times and finally said, "It's not a quarrel. It's just that he's been turning off his phone. Even the people around him have their phones off and can't be found."

"Oh? What did he say on Christmas Eve?" Lao Yang didn't immediately respond, but a few seconds later, "That means he has something important and can't contact you. That Hu Li is so smart; nothing serious will happen. You should relax and wait a few days."

At this moment, Hua Yan also felt that this was the only way. After all, Hu Li wouldn't get into anything serious.

After a week passed, there was still no news from Hu Li. Hua Yan couldn't sit still anymore. After saying goodbye to Lao Yang, she went to the coastal city. After getting off the plane, instead of going directly to Hu Li's villa, she went to Feise Jia Nian.

The receptionist she hadn't seen in a long time didn't recognize her. She said she was looking for their director, and the person looked down on her and refused to make a phone call. There was no way, so Hua Yan called the secretary herself, and only then did the secretary come down to meet her.

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The receptionist referred to the secretary as the chairman, and Hua Yan was stunned. Apparently, the secretary had taken over the company from Mr. Gao Ruching after the company had emerged from difficulties, claiming that "fine jade must be cut and polished."

"Congratulations," Hua Yan said to the secretary.

"Yeah, I've been waiting to hear that from you for a while... Why do I feel like you're not in a good mood today?" They were already inside the secretary's office as he spoke.

The office they were in was the same one previously used by Gao Ruching, minus the secretary's desk.

"I've encountered some issues, but let's talk about you. You've been promoted to chairman. Why haven't you redecorated the office?" The secretary's gaze wandered across the desk, and Hua Yan guessed what he meant.

"Are you trying to say that keeping these old things around gives you peace of mind?"

The secretary didn't argue. Instead, he smiled and said, "You know me best. When the old man suddenly handed over everything to me, I guess I didn't feel quite settled inside."

"You're trying to be strong and not tell him about your worries."

"Why did you come to see me? What's the matter?"

"Is the cooperation with the Myanmar mine still ongoing?"

The secretary looked surprised and asked, "Same as before! Why do you ask? You're not the boss of that mine..."

"You know I only have a small share there."

"Did something happen between you and Hu Li?"

After explaining the situation to the secretary, he frowned and then said, "I'll have someone look into it for you. For now, stay with me."

"Okay."

Hua Yan stayed at the secretary's villa, waiting for news.

"Any updates on the investigation?"

"We found out that a woman came to the coastal city a couple of days ago looking for Hu Li. After that, their whereabouts are unknown."

"A woman?"

"She might be an important client or someone from his family. You don't need to go to his villa for now; he hasn't returned there for several days. My people found out that the staff at the villa don't know where their master has gone."

Seeing Hua Yan pouting, the secretary continued, "Don't be upset. Hu Li's background seems unusual; some things may seem inexplicable but have their reasons. Since he asked you to wait for his return, just wait and see."

"That I'm heading back to the capital tomorrow." Waiting for such things, after all, was what Hua Yan hated the most.

In Ke Shaoyang's villa, an elegant and dignified woman sat on the sofa, facing the obedient Ke Shaoyang.

"How did the investigation I asked you to do go?" The woman's tone was soft yet carried an undertone of fierceness.

"My brother stationed at the airport reported that a woman who looks very much like Hua Yan arrived here today."

"Where is she now? Why the delay? What's so hard to say?"

"It's still unclear at the moment; my men are still searching."

"What do you mean you don't know?" The woman's gaze sharpened like a steel knife as she stared at Ke Shaoyang.

Ke Shaoyang shrunk his neck, reluctantly saying, "Auntie, my people were evaded after following her for a few turns."

"Unexpected. After not returning for several years, the people here have become more cunning. It seems I need to change my view of her." Suddenly, the woman's eyes turned sharper as she looked at Ke Shaoyang and said, "I haven't mentioned you yet. I already knew that boy was involved with this woman and you helped him hide it from me."

Under the woman's glare, Ke Shaoyang felt a bit scared and a bit wronged as he said, "Cousin warned me with his temper, how could I say anything?"

Hearing this, the woman felt proud, knowing her nephew was afraid of Hu Li's threats and thus didn't dare to inform her.

"Give me her information."

The woman examined the information several times and finally felt confident. That night, she had Ke Shaoyang's men keep an eye on Secretary General.

At the airport, while talking to Secretary General, Hua Yan saw a woman approaching her. Her eyes were completely black, devoid of any emotion. She appeared to be a formidable woman.

"Can I talk to you?" The woman looked at Hua Yan, and after a few seconds, there was a hint of admiration in her eyes, but it was soon replaced by other emotions.

"Who are you?" Secretary General watched the woman warily.

The woman glanced at him, then stared at Hua Yan, waiting for her response.

"Why?"

"Hu Li."

Hua Yan looked at the woman again and said, "Let's talk in the nearby café." This woman bore some resemblance to Hu Li, which made Hua Yan think of a possible connection. Hence, she decided to follow her and find out more. Avoiding the issue wouldn't solve it.

As things unfolded, Secretary General also realized the woman's identity, so he stayed close to Hua Yan without intervening.

They each ordered a coffee, but the woman pushed hers aside in distaste. "What conditions do you need to meet to leave Hu Li?"

"Who are you?" Hua Yan played dumb, finding this tactic rather old-fashioned. However, she wanted to confirm the woman's identity before proceeding.

"I'm his mother."

"If you can make your son come and tell me that himself, I'll consider."

"Don't feed me that nonsense. Then you guarantee your life."

Hua Yan chuckled and stood up. "I need to catch a flight, so I won't keep you."

"Young lady, it's better to be wise. My son Hu Li is not someone you can possess. Be careful not to be played and remain ignorant. Don't end up a fool."

The woman's words struck Hua Yan, making her wonder if the woman knew something she didn't about Hu Li, if Hu Li was hiding something from her.

Seeing Hua Yan's expression change, the woman smirked, thinking, "You're still too naive."

Back in the capital again, Hua Yan still felt someone following her. After circling the hospital a few times, she managed to lose them. When she returned home, she collapsed on the bed, feeling drained.

Calling Hu Li again yielded no response, sending her anxiety spiraling. She went downstairs to drink water and noticed a newspaper on the coffee table. She absentmindedly glanced at it and suddenly froze.

The news was too shocking, leaving Hua Yan speechless and motionless.