Peach-Orange! – Chapter 423 – Wanting a Hug

The danger had passed.

The sniper was about to fire as agreed, but Dongfang Yang, who had been escorted by helicopter, spotted him.

Seeing Su Tao confronting the plainclothes man, Dongfang Yang immediately realized the danger lay elsewhere.

He quickly arranged for his men to arrest the sniper.

It happened that just as the sniper was about to pull the trigger, one of Dongfang Yang’s men shot the sniper in the shoulder.

With so many people coming for him, how could the sniper not notice? Already nervous and flustered, he still maintained his professionalism, checking whether Yu Hui, the plainclothes man, could take Chi Xiaocheng away.

When he saw that Yu Hui had failed, he panicked and tried to fire to complete the mission, only to be shot in the shoulder again. His aim, already shaky, went completely off.

In the end, he accidentally hit Yu Hui instead.

Friendly fire.

Si Chen had gambled correctly, but he couldn’t bring himself to feel happy about it.

His somber mood contrasted sharply with Chi Xiaocheng and Su Tao, who were relieved.

But what could he say?

If he had died, he wouldn’t even have the chance to reflect on it.

Or if either Su Tao or Chi Xiaocheng had died, the other would have gone mad, and Si Chen wouldn’t have been able to stop them.

As things stood, this really was the best outcome.

The only one who died was a minor character he’d known for less than ten minutes.

Back at the small villa Si Chen had prepared, before they could even check their luggage, Dongfang Yang walked in from outside.

Following him were two bodyguards and several security personnel from the upscale residential area.

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Dongfang Yang stepped through the door, glanced at Chi Xiaocheng and Su Tao sitting to the side, and said bluntly, “This place isn’t entirely safe either. How about considering another location? I’ve secured that building, but if they anticipated you’d come here, there’s no guarantee some people in this complex haven’t been replaced.”

A crowded place was never safe.

Dongfang Yang owned a private estate in the suburbs.

That kind of quiet, retirement-friendly place was far more secure than this mixed-bag residential area.

Si Chen gave Dongfang Yang a faint glance. “How can you be sure they haven’t looked into you? This villa was a secret purchase. Aside from us, I haven’t even told anyone else about it.

“Besides, we’re safe here now. We’ve secured the opposite building, and the security will keep an eye on this place. As long as they don’t wander around, nothing will happen.

“The real question is, why were they specifically targeting Chi Xiaocheng?”

This was something Si Chen still couldn’t understand.

When he voiced it, Su Tao, who had been restless, lowered her head and clenched her fists tightly. “Because of me….”

Her shoulders trembled slightly. “Every time Xiaocheng gets hurt or something happens to her… it’s because of me….”

Seeing the guilt on the girl’s face, Chi Xiaocheng quickly interjected, “Tao-Tao, that logic doesn’t hold up.”

Su Tao was taken aback.

Chi Xiaocheng continued, “If they couldn’t do anything to you after you inherited your father’s bloodline and turned to me instead, that would make sense. But this has been happening even before that, right?

“When Tao-Tao was still an ordinary person, if they wanted to target you, why would they come after me?”

Chi Xiaocheng spun a lie only she could fully understand, comforting her softly, “So it’s not your fault. Maybe I’m just unlucky, that’s all.”

Si Chen nodded in agreement. “Chi Xiaocheng’s reasoning is sound. Even if you have the War Hero bloodline, you wouldn’t have survived that kind of firepower. Your argument doesn’t hold up.

“And in the end, the plainclothes man’s mission target was Chi Xiaocheng alone!”

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Was it because of the mysterious forces behind Chi Xiaocheng?

But if that were the case, why hadn’t those forces intervened by now? Were they also bound by ancient contracts, like those old families?

Si Chen couldn’t figure it out, no matter how hard he tried.

Seeing everyone frowning and in low spirits, Dongfang Yang sighed. “If you ask me, instead of overthinking things, why not celebrate surviving this crisis first? You can worry about the rest later.”

He clapped his hands, drawing everyone’s attention. “Alright, alright, save the heavy thinking for tomorrow. Tonight, let’s have a meal together. This gloomy atmosphere is just awful.”

Under the circumstances, a meal sounded like a good idea.

Bright smiles could spread positive emotions, and true to his name and personality, Dongfang Yang was skilled at lightening the mood.

They had survived a life-or-death situation and were safe for now.

So why not relax a little?

Chi Xiaocheng and Su Tao exchanged glances and both let out a sigh of relief.

Seeing that his suggestion was well-received, Dongfang Yang said, “Then you two stay in the villa, settle your emotions, and get your rooms and luggage sorted.

“Si Chen, take care of your injuries and double-check the surrounding security.

“I’ll arrange for food to be prepared and delivered. I’ll also invite Brother Chi Song to join us.”

At this, Su Tao timidly raised her hand. “Um… how about buying some ingredients instead? I can handle the cooking. Since this is our first meal together, I’d like it to feel a bit more meaningful.”

Dongfang Yang and Si Chen were both surprised.

That was true. After knowing each other for so long and going through so much, this would actually be their first “family reunion” meal.

It was quite poignant.

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Dongfang Yang felt a wave of emotion but simply said, “Sure. Just let me know what ingredients you need, Su Tao, and I’ll have someone get them.”

“Okay!”

Once tasks were assigned, Dongfang Yang and Si Chen quickly left.

Watching their retreating figures, Su Tao also sighed in relief.

The two of them had helped her and Xiaocheng so much.

She never knew how to repay them.

Even if they both liked Chi Xiaocheng and their motives weren’t entirely pure, that was a separate matter.

She would keep their kindness in mind for now.

Whether or not to deal with them later was another question.

“Let’s organize the luggage first. I think Si Chen said it’s in the living room on the second floor. Then we can pick a room.”

Chi Xiaocheng smiled sweetly. “How about one with a smaller bed?”

Su Tao headed for the stairs. “Why a smaller bed?”

“Because then Tao-Tao would worry about me falling off in my sleep and hold me tighter~”

Su Tao helplessly patted Chi Xiaocheng’s head. “Even with a big bed, I’d hold you tight.”

Looking at Chi Xiaocheng’s smile, Su Tao felt warmth rise in her chest.

Yes, they had survived another life-and-death crisis. Why dwell on the negatives now?

Xiaocheng was safe, still as adorable as ever by her side.

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For now, she’d follow Dongfang Yang’s advice and enjoy the moment.

When they reached the second floor, Su Tao spotted two suitcases placed beside the sofa.

Just as she was about to walk over, she noticed Chi Xiaocheng standing frozen in place.

She asked, “Xiaocheng, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” Chi Xiaocheng exhaled. “It’s just that lately, Tao-Tao has been saying things like ‘holding me tighter’ more and more boldly.”

Su Tao was momentarily speechless. “I-I was just saying it casually….”

“Eh~ Tao-Tao, are you blushing?”

“W-Well, we should focus on unpacking. No more distractions.”

“Hahaha, Tao-Tao, you’re definitely embarrassed! You just said you’d hold me tighter! Forget the luggage for now! Come here and hug me~”

Chi Xiaocheng spread her arms and moved closer, making the girl flustered—her own arms half-raised, unsure whether to hug or not.

The guilt and anxiety that had weighed on her gradually melted away.

Sweetness and happiness bloomed on her face.

Author Note

PS: Valentine’s Day is coming~ Still single and coding this year. Wishing everyone can find their ideal partner! Also, as promised, here’s the long-awaited Chi-Tao fanart. Commissioned at my own expense—hope you like it!

[Chi Xiaocheng wanting a hug] (Artist: Ordinary Quality Hakukawa)