Chapter Thirty-Two: He’s the Head of Security Again?

Ye Wushang was stunned. The periphery was secure, but among these guests, there was an undercover agent planted by Wang Dahai. This person was lying in wait, ready to poison An Lan and abduct her. That was all the information they had—nothing more, not even the gender or appearance of the suspect.

"Is something wrong?" An Lan couldn’t help but ask when she saw Ye Wushang's grave expression.

"Nothing for now," he replied, taking a deep breath and shaking his head. "Lanlan, don't worry. I'll do everything I can to protect your safety."

He decided, for now, to keep the matter of the undercover agent to himself. He didn’t want to create unnecessary panic or complications.

An Lan didn’t think much of it. She nodded, saying, "I trust your abilities. As long as you’re here, no matter what they try, they won’t succeed. When the auction is over, I’d like to get to know your sister better. Time’s almost up anyway—why don’t I treat you both to a meal? Is that all right?"

She found herself more and more appreciative of Ye Wushang. Not only was he handsome and competent, but his calm and composed manner made him a natural harbor in a storm. With him around, even if the sky were to fall, there was nothing to fear.

She intended to use this opportunity to get closer to him, but he shook his head. "It’s fine just to be introduced. There’s no need for a meal. My sister has only just recovered from illness; she can only eat something light. I'll make her some porridge later."

"And besides, we agreed—after I’ve finished being your bodyguard today, we’re even. I hope—"

"I know, I know," An Lan interrupted, her expression soured. "You don’t want me to look for you again."

She hadn’t expected him to refuse her so bluntly. Was it because he’d been hurt too deeply by his ex-wife, or did he truly have no interest in her? It didn’t make sense. She had the looks, the figure, and she was the eldest Miss of the An family—how could he not be interested?

Either way, she’d set her sights on him. She believed that affection could be cultivated over time. Perhaps he didn’t care now, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t in the future.

"Lanlan, don’t take it the wrong way. I just—"

"You don’t need to explain," she said, forcing a smile and waving her hand. "Go ahead and do what you need to. Have the security team cooperate with you. I’ll go get myself ready. That’s all."

You can’t eat hot tofu in a hurry, she reminded herself. She’d slow her pace, take her time getting to know Ye Wushang. He had a sister, didn’t he? Perhaps approaching her would be a good entry point.

…

After inspecting the upper floor and finding nothing amiss, Ye Wushang came downstairs. As he checked the tables and chairs set for the guests, he noticed the nearby decorations could easily conceal hidden weapons. To prevent any incidents, he decided to move and rearrange them. Just then, with a loud bang, the main hall door was kicked open!

"You’ve got guts, sneaking in here to steal!" Sun Chuanzhi stormed in, grabbing Ye Wushang by the collar.

The other bidders, including Zhao Xiu'e and Lan Ruoxue and her mother, followed right behind.

Ye Wushang blinked, puzzled. "What are you talking about? Who's stealing?"

"Cut the act, you good-for-nothing!" Zhao Xiu'e rushed over, pointing at the decorations in his hands. "If you didn’t steal these, then what are they? Caught red-handed and still trying to argue?"

"Who’d have thought? Not only are you useless, but your hands aren’t clean either—stealing right here of all places… Ye Wushang!" Lan Ruoxue snapped, her face full of disappointment. "I never imagined you’d stoop so low, and with your sister too? I thought you were acting suspicious earlier, but maybe it was just a misunderstanding. Now, with all that in your hands, what are you pretending for? I’m truly disappointed in you!"

Ye Wushang’s face darkened. So they thought he was a thief—and that he’d brought his sister to steal as well. Sun Chuanzhi was one thing, but even Lan Ruoxue believed it. In her eyes, was he really so contemptible?

"I didn’t steal anything," Ye Wushang said, staring coldly at Sun Chuanzhi. "Let go of me, or don’t blame me for what comes next."

"You’ve got some nerve, threatening me after being caught red-handed?" Sun Chuanzhi sneered. "I won’t let go—just try to do something…"

Before he could finish, Ye Wushang kicked him squarely in the groin.

Sun Chuanzhi screamed, clutching himself and hopping around, his face turning ashen. "You dare kick me, you piece of trash?"

He stumbled and fell. Zhao Xiu'e rushed to help him, while the other bidders, seeing the scene, quickly understood and began to point and jeer at Ye Wushang.

"This guy’s got guts, trying to steal from the An family."

"And in broad daylight, no less—he really doesn’t care about the An family at all."

"Getting caught and still attacking someone—does he think he’s above the law?"

Ye Wushang’s face remained expressionless. "I’ll say it again—I did not steal anything. I was only checking these decorations for safety hazards, nothing more."

He began to move the items again. But Sun Chuanzhi, having recovered somewhat, jumped up and pointed at him, shouting abuse. "Checking? Do you think we’re idiots? Who do you think you are, messing around here? Everyone here is a bidder for the An family auction—what does that make you?"

He knew Ye Wushang had some skill, but he only dared to curse from a safe distance.

The commotion soon drew the attention of the security team outside. The bald-headed guard and his men rushed in.

Sun Chuanzhi, seeing them, was overjoyed. He grabbed the bald man’s arm. "You’re just in time! Quick, arrest this man—he came to the An family to steal and then assaulted me! Quick—"

He looked up and realized who it was—the same man from the club before. He was dumbfounded. "You again? Last time—"

With no warning, the bald man kicked him again in the groin.

This time, Sun Chuanzhi thought he might never recover. He collapsed, rolling on the floor in agony, tears streaming down his face.

"Mr. Ye, my apologies for being late and letting you be startled," the bald man said. Since the incident at the club, he’d come to admire Ye Wushang immensely. This young man was not only skilled in medicine and martial arts but also had keen insight. If not for his timely discovery of the poison in the food that day, the consequences would have been disastrous. As the security personnel, they would have been held responsible.

"Tell them who I am," Ye Wushang said coldly.

The bald man nodded and, without hesitation, announced to the room, "Listen up, everyone. Mr. Ye is the chief of security for this auction. He suspected these items were unsafe and was checking them. If anyone dares to accuse Mr. Ye of theft again, don’t blame me for what happens next!"

The room was stunned.

Everyone stared in disbelief at the bald man, then looked at Ye Wushang with new eyes.

"He’s the head of security for the auction?"

"I would never have guessed. I almost thought he was a petty thief myself."

"This is the An family’s private auction. What makes him qualified to be in charge of security? What’s his relationship with the An family?"

"That was close—I almost tried to intervene. If I had, I’d be in trouble too."

The bidders exchanged uneasy glances, their previous insults dying in their throats as they lowered their heads in silence.

Sun Chuanzhi, meanwhile, was utterly dumbfounded, staring at Ye Wushang in disbelief. "How could this be? He’s just a useless nobody—how does he keep ending up as head of security? Is a little martial skill really enough for all this?"

Zhao Xiu'e frowned, muttering, "This guy is disgusting. If he’s in charge of security, just say so—why act so sneaky? No wonder people misunderstand."

Lan Ruoxue remained silent, her expression as calm as ever, but inside, a storm of emotion raged. She’d misunderstood him again. He wasn’t a thief—he was, as at the club, head of security for the An family event. Twice now he’d held the same role. What exactly was his relationship with the An family? Was it that woman she’d seen before? If so, that woman must have a close connection to the An family, or she wouldn’t have introduced Ye Wushang.

Realization flooded her, and her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Remembering her earlier accusations and scolding, she was filled with shame and guilt.

"Throw him out," Ye Wushang said coldly, giving Sun Chuanzhi a dismissive glance. "As head of security, I suspect he’s up to no good. For safety’s sake, he’s barred from entering."

…