CH 66

Since Si Di has paid such a hefty price, how could Xiao Zhenyun not make the most of it and push the Hedgehog’s value to the limit?

Before the other could spew more irritating words, Xiao Zhenyun willingly handed over his meticulously crafted abduction plan, a product of countless brain cells and three sleepless nights. With a courteous demeanor, he said, “It’s my first time doing this, I’m lacking experience. Could you please help me make some modifications?”

The Hedgehog, in an unusually good mood, took it, glanced a couple of times, and immediately wore an expression one could hardly bear to look at. “What is this? Sprinkle some rice on paper, and even chickens would peck better than you.” 1This phrase is a figurative insult. It suggests that the drawing is so poor/lacking in skill that even random pecking by chickens on paper (presumably resulting in random marks) would produce something better than the drawing in question.

Xiao Zhenyun: “…”

Normally, given Si Di’s concern for Xiao Zhenyun, he would undoubtedly protect him fiercely, but he had just been labeled with the unjust title of a ‘cuckold enthusiast.’ Nonchalantly pouring himself a glass of ice water, finding a place to sit, he casually indulged in a terminal game, distancing himself from the situation.

Of course, Xiao Zhenyun was not one to swallow his pride easily. Fortunately, while the Hedgehog’s mouth was venomous, his professional competence was solid. After criticizing Xiao Zhenyun’s shoddy work, he took out two terminals from his pocket, attached them to his right wrist, connected to the left wrist terminal, crossed his legs and sat down, immersing himself in intensive work in front of the five floating screens.

An hour later, the Hedgehog handed Xiao Zhenyun a completely revised action plan, accompanied by a hotel floor plan he somehow procured. The graphics and formatting were far more comfortable to look at than Xiao Zhenyun’s version, highlighting the vast difference in professionalism between someone certified by Si Di and a novice like Xiao Zhenyun.

With subtle adjustments to the action time and location, as Xiao Zhenyun pointed to the room number, ready to question and open his mouth. The Hedgehog immediately let out a light hum and added with a hint of arrogance, “Don’t ask why, no need for explanations. Just follow what I’ve written, and you’ll be fine.” 

“…” Xiao Zhenyun’s teeth were a bit sore. He didn’t want to ask why, and frankly, he didn’t care to know. After all, he didn’t need to learn such skills. In his own estimation, kidnapping was probably a one-time gig for him.

The Hedgehog reveled in his act, smirking triumphantly at Si Di. The latter, realizing for the first time just how well this guy could act, continued to play his game in silence.

Suddenly, the sound of a lighter flicking echoed in his ears. The Hedgehog turned around to see Xiao Zhenyun pushing open the window with one hand, the forearm pressing against the wheelchair’s armrest. His body leaned slightly, lips holding a cigarette, and with a skillful motion, he lit it.

His gaze didn’t linger on the smoke but casually scrutinized the plan provided by the Hedgehog. With a gentle twist of his slender fingers, the lighter disappeared into his pocket. A red glow appeared at the tip of the cigarette as Xiao Zhenyun, expressionless, exhaled a puff of white smoke and turned the page amidst the swirling smoke.

The Hedgehog clicked his tongue and leaned toward Si Di, adopting a subtle tone. “Your guide… quite interesting. He looks like a high-end health expert, speaks all prim and proper. I even started suspecting if he has goji tea running in his veins… but turns out, he smokes.”

Not only that, he’ll curse you out like crazy in his mind… Si Di smiled knowingly but remained silent.

The Hedgehog glanced at him and suddenly lowered his voice. “Black Wolf, you don’t seem like the type to share a guide willingly. Is this guy, who supposedly has a 90% compatibility with you, really trustworthy? You didn’t get scammed in some back-alley deal, did you?”

He didn’t get too close; with the hearing of an S-level sentinel, even if he went outside the room, Si Di could hear his words crystal clear.

Si Di gave him a disdainful look. “Am I that foolish to be duped in compatibility ratings?”

“How about letting me help you with some staged drama?” The Hedgehog gestured toward Xiao Zhenyun with his chin. “Lock him up, teach him a lesson for half a month, and he’ll behave. Spoiled by having an older brother, he’d think twice before wanting the younger brother.”

“Preferences,” Si Di crossed his legs, leaning against the back of the sofa. “Don’t bother.”

“True, considering your 90% compatibility.” The Hedgehog chuckled. “Your kinks must be equally twisted.”

“…”

Xiao Zhenyun finished his cigarette. When he looked up again, he saw two sentinels leap directly from the second-floor balcony to the backyard, engaging in a full-on brawl.

A bunch of energetically violent creatures, he thought.

Although Si Qiaorong insisted repeatedly at the drinking table that the union of his two sons should be celebrated extravagantly, preferably with invitations sent beyond the universe, he eventually decided on a ceremony that was just relatively grand. After all, Xiao Zhenyun’s affiliation with the Special Operations Association, coupled with the political background, would draw criticism if it were too lavish, regardless of whether the funds were earned legitimately. Moreover, the legal aspect of the uncle-nephew relationship with Si Di, seen as a non-issue among special individuals, was prime gossip material for ordinary folks.

The day before the union ceremony, all four newlyweds, their relatives, and the staff gathered to rehearse for the next day’s event and familiarize themselves with the venue.

The Hedgehog took on the role of the ‘bought-off waiter’ from the original work, having taken up the position three days prior. Now, disguised and adeptly maneuvering between the dining tables and the kitchen, he effortlessly served, having subtly changed his hairstyle, skin color, and posture, transforming his demeanor entirely. Courteous and tame, there was no trace of his true domineering nature.

Si Di noticed that halfway through, Xiao Zhenyun suddenly halted, his gaze fixed for an extended period. Following his line of sight, Si Di saw the Hedgehog being harassed by a drunk customer, nodding and bowing apologetically like a grandson, enduring relentless insults.

“Will the Hedgehog assassinate that customer once he leaves?” Xiao Zhenyun asked.

Si Di: “…”

While Si Chu and Ye Feiran meticulously polished the ceremony details, Xiao Zhenyun and Si Di quickly went through the kidnapping plan for the next day.

The plan provided by the Hedgehog indeed took into account many details that Xiao Zhenyun wouldn’t have considered, making the entire operation cleaner and less prone to mistakes.

The car Xiao Zhenyun arranged was also rejected by the Hedgehog, stating that with this model, you’d get caught within 200 meters of leaving, and changing twenty license plates wouldn’t help.

Then he listened to the Hedgehog rationalize for five minutes, explaining in detail the peculiarities of the brand, model, and color of the car—when it was discontinued, the total number in the city, and so on.

Honestly, Xiao Zhenyun hadn’t thought about it; he genuinely believed it was just an ordinary black car convenient for a quick getaway.

Now, in the hotel’s underground parking lot, the Hedgehog’s newly arranged car was parked, a Volkswagen with an utterly forgettable face.

Professional—very professional.

The next day.

Right after finishing lunch, Xiao Zhenyun was dragged to the hotel’s preparation room to have his makeup and hairstyle done, then donned a pristine guide’s suit. The cameraman was particularly fond of his face, giving him the most screen time, and even the stag appeared frequently in the shots.

Tian Lu, influenced by his master’s mood, behaved far less lively than usual. It proudly raised its two sharp and extended horns, quietly standing guard by its master’s side.

However, in the eyes of those unaware of the situation, Xiao Zhenyun’s spiritual form appeared as composed and dignified as it should be. They didn’t notice anything amiss, but Si Chu, sensing the unusual atmosphere, deliberately passed by Xiao Zhenyun and handed him a piece of fruit candy.

“Little uncle, having something sweet will calm your nerves.” The little dog wagged its tail, unusually obedient.

Xiao Zhenyun glanced at him, beckoning with his finger. The little dog immediately leaned in, and Xiao Zhenyun whispered in a breathy tone, “After the ceremony, take a trip with me.”

Si Chu looked at him with confusion, then suddenly realized something. He whispered back, “Little uncle, you’re not preparing another surprise for my brother and asking for my help, are you?”

Xiao Zhenyun, having exhausted his prepared excuses,  “…”

Si Chu seemed reluctant. “Little uncle, it’s not that I’m complaining, but every time I get involved in the ‘sweet romance’ between you and my brother, I’m the one who ends up hurt in the end. Little uncle, can’t you find someone else to help you?”

Why did the derailment point in his plot twist come so unexpectedly and strangely? Xiao Zhenyun, quick on his feet, grabbed Si Chu’s dog ears before he could leave, pretending to be angry. “What’s this? Got me and don’t cherish it anymore? Don’t listen to your little uncle’s words?”

Si Chu, probably feeling wounded from the continuous surprises of receiving gifts, a rose garden, and a forced interruption of the union, was unwilling to yield. After rescuing his ears, he hastily retreated to the door. “Little uncle, find someone else… like Xiao Jiali. I think he’s quite free and would be happy to help you. Sorry, sorry, little uncle, I’m leaving now!”

“????”

Xiao Zhenyun truly didn’t expect to fail at this step, dumbfoundedly reporting the progress to the kidnapper group.

Reliable Si Di replied: Don’t worry, I have plan B.

Professional Hedgehog replied: If plan B doesn’t work, I still have plan C.

Xiao Zhenyun, lying flat, replied: ok.

Sitting next to Xiao Zhenyun, dressed in a small suit and waiting to go on stage to hold flowers, Xiao Nian, “…”

Since the addition of Si Di as an ally, he felt almost too relaxed. Xiao Nian covered his constantly twitching eyelids and couldn’t help but advise, “Be careful. I just feel… not quite right.”

“When have any of my plot twists been right?”

Xiao Nian thought for a moment. “True.”

Si Di’s so-called plan B was actually very simple, quite similar to plan A. The only difference was that, after the ceremony, instead of Xiao Zhenyun leading Si Chu, Si Di would take Si Chu to a place where he could witness the entire process of Xiao Zhenyun being tied up. Then, using the excuse of needing to use the restroom, Si Di would slip away. All that was left was to wait for Si Chu to notice the situation, chase after them, and the rest would follow naturally, following the original text.

As expected, after narrowly escaping Xiao Zhenyun’s clutches, Si Chu’s vigilance significantly decreased, and he obediently followed Si Di when called.

“Wait here for a moment; I need to use the restroom.” Si Di ruffled Si Chu’s hair, then swiftly opened the innermost window in the bathroom, silently climbed out, scaled to the next floor from the outside wall, changed his clothes, shed the conspicuous suit, put on the hotel staff uniform, subtly adjusted his appearance, and took the staff-exclusive elevator to the top floor. He knocked on the door of the control room and greeted the security personnel inside.

“Your coffee is here.”

Hello, everyone ヾ(＾∇＾). I hope you enjoyed the story! If you’re feeling generous, please buy me a coffee, share/comment on my translated works! Check out the link below for early chapters.  (๑>ᴗ