Chapter 132: A Sharp Sword Hangs Over Lust

Jiang Ciyou was sitting on the sofa, reviewing a variety show proposal, when she caught a glimpse of the phone screen. The caller ID read "Mom."

*Yibai’s mother?*

Jiang Ciyou originally had no intention of answering. However, after a moment, the phone rang again, repeating several times. She picked up Yibai’s phone, debating whether to answer it for him. *What if it’s an emergency?*

Suddenly, the bathroom door opened. Startled, Jiang Ciyou accidentally swiped across the screen. As she looked down, she realized she had connected the call. Yibai, having just stepped out of the bathroom, witnessed the scene. His expression shifted instantly. Without a word, he strode over, snatched the phone from her hand, and promptly hung up.

He hurried to the balcony and dialed a number. "Uncle, do me a favor. My mother is definitely tracking my phone. Please, within a minute, change my IP address..."

Jiang Ciyou didn't understand what Yibai was talking about, only knowing that she shouldn't have answered that call. She worried she might have caused him trouble.

A short while later, Yibai returned. Jiang Ciyou apologized, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have touched your phone."

Yibai flashed a bright smile. "It’s a small thing. I just don't like answering my mom’s calls; she’s too nagging."

"You mentioned... an uncle just now?"

"Yeah, my uncle is in Rongcheng too, but he’s busy with work and doesn't have time to bother with me. I didn't want to trouble him, but now that he knows I'm here, he's coming to the bar where I perform tonight. Sister, since he knows you've been putting me up, he wants to treat you to a meal." When Yibai mentioned his uncle, his face lit up.

"Are you very close with this uncle?"

"He’s always been my idol. I’ve looked up to him since I was a child. He graduated from a top university and works at a major firm. He’s amazing." Yibai spoke with a hint of pride. "And he’s very handsome, too."

Jiang Ciyou smiled, picturing a refined, dashing middle-aged man in her mind. "Sister, you should come to the bar tonight, too. I’ll introduce you."

Jiang Ciyou didn't hesitate. "Sure, I'll be there to support you." In her eyes, Yibai was just a sweet younger brother. Since he was drifting away from home on his own, she felt the need to look after him.

The bar where Yibai performed was called "Moon Over the Sea." It was actually a quiet lounge with a lovely atmosphere. Jiang Ciyou had occasionally gone there for a drink. More importantly, it was close to the television station, making it easy for her to walk there after work.

At 7:30 PM, Jiang Ciyou had just finished her broadcast and was preparing to head to Moon Over the Sea when she received a call from Shen Nuo.

"Youbao! I’ve officially moved to Rongcheng! Surprised? Excited?"

Jiang Ciyou was indeed surprised. Shen Nuo had mentioned moving here for a while, but had been delayed by various personal matters for over half a month.

"Where are you?"

"I'm at the airport. Come pick me up."

"Alright, wait for me."

***

Meanwhile, Yibai had just finished his set when he spotted a familiar figure in the crowd. He rushed over and stopped before the tall, slender man.

"Uncle," Yibai said, looking excited and happy.

"Master Yibai, aren't you supposed to be in Italy?" The speaker was Gao Cen. He had been tracking Shen Yibai’s whereabouts for some time, but every lead pointed to Italy. It was only two hours ago that Bo Jinxiu received a call from Yibai—a result of the accidental call to Bo Wanhua. Knowing his mother would track his location, he had asked Bo Jinxiu to intercept the trace and alter his coordinates. That minor task had been handled quickly, with Bo Jinxiu even changing the location to Burkina Faso.

"When did you come to Rongcheng? Why didn't you let me know?" Bo Jinxiu asked.

Shen Yibai scratched his head. "I’ve been here for a week. Uncle, I didn't come here for you this time."

Bo Jinxiu raised an eyebrow. "So, it’s for the girl who’s been putting you up?"

Shen Yibai’s cheeks flushed, but he didn't answer directly. "Uncle, she’s coming tonight. I’ll introduce you." He frowned slightly as he looked at Bo Jinxiu. "Uncle, just pretend to be an ordinary corporate executive. She doesn't like rich people."

Bo Jinxiu smiled. "Are you sure she doesn't know who you are? Or is this just playing hard to get?"

Shen Yibai said indignantly, "Uncle, stop being so cynical. How many people in this world actually know my true identity?"

That much was true. Shen Yibai’s identity was unique; he carried the bloodlines of both the Bo and Shen families and was the eldest grandson of the third generation for both. His status was beyond prestigious. Because of this, he was under constant scrutiny. To ensure his safety—and to forge his character—Bo Wanhua had raised him abroad as an ordinary person. He only returned for a few days during holidays or family birthdays and never appeared in the media. Aside from a few people in their inner circle, no one knew his name.

Shen Yibai continued, "Besides, Sister isn't the type of person you think she is."

"Sister? Is she older than you?"

Shen Yibai nodded. "A few years older, but... she’s very beautiful." He seemed a bit shy. "Very beautiful."

Bo Jinxiu wore an expression of frustration at his nephew's naivety. "I've told you since you were a child: beauty is a blade. Your status is special; don't be blinded by infatuation. The more beautiful a woman is, the more dangerous she becomes. Stay sharp."

Shen Yibai huffed, "Why are you even more nagging than my mom? Just be on your best behavior when she gets here. Don't scare her off."

Bo Jinxiu didn't respond. Watching Yibai, he felt a faint sense of worry. It was clear that Shen Yibai was experiencing his first love and was already deep in it.

After waiting for a while, Jiang Ciyou did not appear. Instead, Shen Yibai received a text message from her. It was brief: "Sorry, something came up. I can't make it tonight."

There was no further explanation. A look of disappointment quickly clouded Shen Yibai’s eyes.

Bo Jinxiu saw the message as well, the corner of his mouth curling up slightly. If this woman knew who Shen Yibai was, she must be a formidable person. Bo Jinxiu ordered two drinks and handed one to him.

"You’re in love. Does your mother know?"

Shen Yibai replied, "Of course she doesn't. Uncle, you must keep my secret. You cannot tell my mother." He took a sip of his Long Island Iced Tea. "Besides, Sister doesn't even know I like her yet."

"Then when do you plan on telling her?"

Shen Yibai thought for a moment. "I plan to confess to her here tomorrow. Uncle, I need your help to set up the venue."