After leaving the shop, Fang Li prepared to head straight back to Jie Long.
However, as if someone had calculated his exact location and timing, a car suddenly pulled up in front of him, blocking his path.
"Hmm?"
Just as he was about to open a space window to start a video call with Sylvie, Fang Li looked up.
A sleek, jet-black stretch limousine had come to a halt before him. Its tinted windows were completely opaque, preventing any view of the interior.
Almost the moment Fang Li raised his head, the door swung open.
Inside, a surprisingly spacious cabin came into view. The interior wasn't just fitted with standard seating— it featured plush leather sofas and a heavy wooden table, resembling more of a private lounge than a vehicle.
And within it, someone was already waiting.
"Hmph, right on time, huh?"
Accompanied by an impatient voice, Fang Li laid eyes on the occupant.
A young man clad in Rewolf Black Institute's uniform sat inside with his legs crossed. His red hair, coupled with his stocky build, made him stand out even more. But what was most striking was the simmering rage in his gaze, locked firmly onto Fang Li.
Fang Li's eyes flickered briefly at the sight. After a meaningful glance at the other party, he let out a subtle smile and casually stepped forward. Under Dirk's scrutinizing gaze, he entered the vehicle and took a seat across from him.
His composed actions caused Dirk's furious stare to waver slightly before the redhead scoffed.
"I don't recall inviting you in."
His tone carried an unmistakable edge, laced with deliberate provocation, as if itching for a fight.
For someone young and impulsive, such a tone would've been enough to push them into doing something reckless. But for those adept at manipulation, skilled at exploiting human nature, and versed in psychological warfare, it was nothing less than a weapon— a weapon meant to goad an opponent into losing their cool.
Unfortunately for Dirk, while Fang Li was young, he was far from hot-headed. If anything, he was the exact opposite— composed, calculating, and unshaken.
So instead of reacting, Fang Li merely responded in a measured voice.
"The infamous 'Tyrant' goes out of his way to meet me in the dead of night, and you expect me to wait for an invitation? That would be far too discourteous, don't you think?"
His tone was eerily calm, a stark contrast to Dirk's pointed aggression.
And yet, despite its tranquility, Fang Li's words had a sharper bite than any provocation.
The difference was clear— Dirk wielded his voice like a weapon, aiming to throw Fang Li off balance. But Fang Li? He was simply speaking his mind.
Between the two, who was truly in control? The answer was obvious.
"Tch."
Dirk let out an annoyed scoff but didn't press the issue.
The next moment, the limousine's door swung shut, and the car smoothly pulled away, disappearing into the night.
Outside, the cityscape blurred past the tinted windows, retreating into the distance. From the outside, the vehicle remained impenetrable, but from within, the view was perfectly clear.
Fang Li and Dirk sat across from each other, their gazes meeting without a shred of warmth.
The silence between them was thick with tension.
In the end, it was Dirk who spoke first.
"What exactly are you playing at?"
Arms crossed, he leaned back into his seat, his tone as arrogant as ever.
"First, you and that Queenvail songstress decide to loiter around my turf during the Phoenix Festa. Then, you have Orphelia tailing you for three weeks straight. Don't expect me to believe this is all just a coincidence."
His words were blunt, his tone harsh. But his sharp gaze never wavered from Fang Li.
It was clear just how much this matter weighed on him.
Faced with Dirk's attitude, Fang Li merely kept his smile and responded with an almost casual tone:
"You're right. I'm just here to have some fun."
His bluntness was enough to provoke anyone.
"Tch…"
Dirk clicked his tongue in irritation.
The sound carried an unmistakable sense of displeasure and disbelief. It was clear that Fang Li's response had thoroughly gotten under his skin. Then again, Dirk was never the type to trust anyone easily.
Despite his aggressive demeanor, Fang Li knew better than most that Dirk wasn't as hot-headed as he seemed. Beneath that short temper was a calculating mind, always analyzing, always probing for weaknesses. Right now, he was likely testing the waters, searching for any tells in Fang Li's reactions.
Unfortunately for Dirk, he had chosen the wrong opponent.
No matter the situation, Fang Li's composure never wavered.
As a result, the usual tactics Dirk relied on— techniques that had worked on countless others— were utterly useless here.
Fang Li glanced at Dirk before speaking with pointed nonchalance.
"There's an old saying— sometimes, the cleverest people outsmart themselves. Those who think too highly of their own wit tend to overcomplicate things, always chasing after some grand hidden truth. But in the end, only the petty see malice in every shadow."
As he spoke, Fang Li met Dirk's gaze directly, his smile as indifferent as ever.
"To someone who thrives on schemes, every action looks like a conspiracy."
The meaning behind his words was obvious— there was no need for further explanation.
Dirk's eyes narrowed, his expression darkening. His sharp gaze locked onto Fang Li, as if trying to pry open his thoughts.
His aura turned oppressive, the kind that would make most people shrink back in fear.
Yet, for all his menace, Dirk was, at his core, just an ordinary human— not even a Genestellar.
If Fang Li truly wished to eliminate him here and now, there would be nothing Dirk could do to resist.
Of course, Dirk knew this better than anyone, which was why he had taken precautions.
Even now, Fang Li could vaguely sense unusual activity in the vicinity.
There were likely Cats hidden nearby, silently watching over Dirk from the shadows.
Or perhaps Dirk had other contingency measures in place.
Not that it mattered to Fang Li.
There was only one thing he wanted to make clear.
"Are you afraid I might have set a trap for you?"
His words cut through the tension like a blade.
"Even with our non-aggression pact, you're still that paranoid?"
For a brief instant, something flickered in Dirk's eyes.
Then, his expression turned ice-cold, his gaze sharpening into something truly dangerous.
"You know about my situation, don't you?"
(End of Chapter)
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