By the time he was done, Qiao Qing’s eyes had fogged up.

  All those noises around them suddenly felt far away.

  Qiao Qing’s reaction surprised Quan Zexi.

  He wondered, could it be that he really had gotten married before and had a daughter?

  That didn’t make any sense. He’s never been attracted to women and had no plans to start a family.

  He’s even wondered if he had anatomic issues or mental issues.

  Inside the coffee shop, Qiao Qing’s reaction made Jun Yexuan and Qi Yusen’s hearts hurt. They silently cursed at Quan Zexi.

  After some time, even Ruan Ming and his followers noticed that something was wrong. They exchanged glances.

  Finally, Qiao Qing moved. She marched her way slowly towards Quan Zexi.

  She raised her head and asked, “Can you take off your mask?”


  The shake in the girl’s voice pained Quan Zexi.

  He almost did what she had asked. However, as his hand reached the mask, he paused, “Friend, I don’t easily show my face to people.”


  Qi Yusen and Jun Yexuan exchanged glances and tightened their fists.

  Qiao Qing smiled, “Then what do I have to do to be able to look at your face?”


  Quan Zexi said, “Why don’t we chat in private?”


  Qiao Qing was about to agree when Ruan Ming’s hasty voice shouted, “God of Gun!”


  Qiao Qing paused and turned around, “My plan to overcome the royal family hasn’t changed. You have nothing to worry about.”


  She then looked over at Quan Zexi, “Where are we going?”


  Quan Zexi, “Follow me.”


  He then pointed at Ruan Ming and his followers, “You aren’t allowed to follow me.”


  He then led Qiao Qing into the coffee shop.

  After those two disappeared, Luo Huai’an anxiously walked up to Ruan Ming, “Master, you are going to let the God of Gun chat with Quan Zexi?! What if he betrays us and our agreement?!”


  Ruan Ming shook his head, “Even if he doesn’t comply with our agreement, he will remain okay with us overtaking Emperor Yin. Our goal is to get rid of Yin Lei. If I can achieve that, I don’t care about the rest.”


  Luo Huai’an, “How are you so sure he’ll do what he promised?! Look at what happened! It’s obvious that there is something fishy going on between those two! Quan Zexi is the Duke of this country – he works for the Emperor! How is it possible that the Duke will just stand around and watch the Emperor get taken down?”


  Ruan Ming shrugged, “Then what do you think I should do? The God of Gun wants to chat with him… what right do I have to stop that?”


  Luo Huai’an thought about it and whispered, “Why not just go all out? Let’s finish Quan Zexi here. Once the Quan family is gone, it’ll be easier to deal with the royal family.”


  “Your brain must’ve digressed now.” Ruan Ming said, “You already believe the God of Gun and Quan Zexi have a relationship. Do you think the God of Gun would let us touch him now? Also, how are you so sure Quan Zexi didn’t set up backup armies all around this place?”


  Luo Huai’an was silent.

  “Just you wait.” Ruan Ming said, “I believe him. It doesn’t matter who really rules the Country of Summer, I’m good as long as Emperor Yin is gone.”


  …


  On the other side, after Qiao Qing followed Quan Zexi into the coffee shop, she saw Jun Yexuan and the others.

  She froze at first but quickly figured out what was going on.

  Without the capacity to deal with those three, she looked over to Quan Zexi first and asked, “Now, can you take off your mask?”


  Quan Zexi slowly raised his hand……