Chapter 172: Baikou Leaves

Over the next few days, from the first to the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, Xiao Kaitian’s home was constantly receiving visitors. These were primarily employees of Qingtang Tianxia. Since they rarely had the chance to see Xiao Kaitian under normal circumstances, and the big boss was actually at home for the New Year, they came in waves to offer their greetings.

Most of the visitors brought some small gifts. Having consulted with each other beforehand, they knew the big boss was not short of money, making expensive gifts pointless. However, they had done their research and found out that he enjoyed smoking, drinking tea, and consuming alcohol.

Consequently, red Marlboros were the most frequently received item. These weren't expensive and were common cigarettes. As for alcohol, there was a wide variety: those in higher positions brought Moutai from the 1990s, average employees brought a couple of bottles of imported red wine, and some even brought fruit wine brewed at home in the countryside.

These homemade wines were quite a novelty, and Xiao Kaitian thoroughly enjoyed looking through them. Of course, there were also those who tried to curry favor with Bai Kou in original ways. Bai Kou held a "high and mighty position" in the company; though she officially bore the title of Security Director, everyone knew she was a Grandmaster.

Ordinary security guards aside, even people like Xie Yuan would nod respectfully upon seeing her, and even Xiao Kaitian usually treated her with extra courtesy.

Moreover, since she was living at Xiao Kaitian's place, people exchanged meaningful glances, wondering if there was something more between the two of them. Fortunately, Bai Kou's tastes were simple—she liked flower tea, and various kinds of flower tea had piled up in her room.

The slightly troublesome one was Zhao Qixi. Her presence was exceptionally peculiar. While one might say she had little presence in the company, she actually participated in all core and important decisions, striking the pose of a big boss's wife, yet she sat in a wheelchair all day, wearing a mask and sunglasses so no one knew what she looked like.

After staying up all night holding a meeting to discuss the matter, the heads of several departments decided to give books. Collector's editions, rare editions, first editions, author-signed copies—they gathered all sorts, which barely managed to get them through the situation.

Xiao Kaitian was not good at entertaining guests, and neither were the others. But since they were merely subordinates dropping by to offer a nod, hand over a gift, sit for a chat, and politely leave, it wasn't too burdensome.

They remained busy like this for several days until after the fifth day of the New Year, when things finally began to quiet down.

Jiang Churan and Yang Mengqi had returned to Shangjing on the third day of the New Year, and Gu Zixi would be heading back in the next couple of days, leaving Xiao Kaitian with a sudden feeling of emptiness in the house.

That afternoon, Bai Kou paid a rare solo visit to Xiao Kaitian. Pushing open the office door and stepping inside, she locked it behind her, pulled over a chair, and sat down. "Things are getting a bit troublesome."

Xiao Kaitian’s hand paused on the pen. He pushed the documents on his desk aside. "A gathering storm sweeping through the tower—that about sums up our current situation."

People in Hantang attached great importance to the Lunar New Year, and no matter how important matters were, they would be postponed. But whatever was supposed to arrive after the New Year would inevitably come.

"My sect has summoned me back. They've been urging me for days, and I've managed to stall for time by using Xiao Qi as an excuse," Bai Kou said, unusually rubbing the bridge between her eyebrows. "Just now, my master called and told me to return immediately."

"They dropped a hint that it's likely related to the incident in Ceylon. If that's the case, once I go back this time, I'm afraid I won't be able to leave for a short while."

As expected, it was about this matter. Xiao Kaitian muttered to himself. With such a massive incident occurring, it was impossible for the Martial Arts Association let it go unpunished. Summoning Bai Kou back meant they were preparing to deal with the two of them separately.

With a sect backing her, Bai Kou might manage to evade some repercussions, but as a lone wolf, Xiao Kaitian feared these people would pin the entire blame squarely on him.

"Your sect is..."

"Tianshan Sect," Bai Kou revealed her affiliation, then explained. The Tianshan Sect was the premier sect under the Tianshan Martial Arts Bureau. In terms of influence within the martial arts world, it was unquestionably the number one sect. Yet precisely because of this, they had to put on a show of absolute fairness and justice externally.

Therefore, Bai Kou's concern was that even if her sect wished to protect her, it would require a considerable amount of effort. As for Xiao Kaitian, who had no connection to them, they wouldn't be able to spare a thought for him at all.

Xiao Kaitian understood the subtext in Bai Kou's words. He had never expected any sect in the martial arts world to kindly lend him a hand. Pulling out a cigarette, he lit it. "What do you plan to do with Xiao Qi after you leave?"

This was precisely what was giving Bai Kou a headache. She sighed, "Xiao Qi and I are as close as sisters. Although I am much older than her, I truly look at her like my younger sister."

"This situation is different. Taking her back to the sect is definitely out of the question. I originally wanted to take her to my home, but with her physical condition..." She glanced at Xiao Kaitian. He was the only person who had explicitly stated that there was hope for curing Zhao Qixi.

"Leave her with me for a while. I'll find a female employee in the company to take care of her daily routines." Xiao Kaitian also disagreed with letting his "compatriot" leave alone, especially since she was someone who could die at any moment. "I can look after her day-to-day needs, but you know..."

Bai Kou understood. Xiao Kaitian himself was in danger; staying with him would only add extra risk for Zhao Qixi. She pondered, "Xie Yuan and the others are martial artists. I estimate that once they return, they will likely be ordered to cooperate with the investigation, given that they've been with you all this time."

"So, if you're hoping to rely on people from the martial arts world for manpower on your end, there's no hope."

Xiao Kaitian acknowledged this with a nod. He fell into deep thought. The mechas couldn't be manufactured that quickly, and the first batch for mass production would only be at the Profound Realm or slightly higher. If the martial arts world was determined to make a move against him, the people they sent would unquestionably be top-tier experts.

Military might was something worth considering, but the military would not provoke a violent conflict with the martial arts world over him; the state demanded balance and stability among all factions.

This matter was indeed troublesome, yet neither of them had a solution. Bai Kou summarized, "You shouldn't be too hasty either. I estimate the martial arts world won't make a move against you in the short term, as they need time to investigate."

"Furthermore, this affair also involves martial arts forces from other countries, and it's inevitable that they will come to Hantang. When the time comes, I'll throw out the matter of the ninjas first, so they can deal with the Island nation's martial arts world before anything else."

That was a rather clever tactic. Since the ninja possessed by the Tengu had a known identity and background, rather than letting the pond remain clear, it was better to muddy the waters completely. Xiao Kaitian stubbed out his cigarette. "When do you reckon the worst-case scenario will occur?"

"It's already February now. After I go back..." She calculated the timeline. "Around May or June, if the martial arts world takes action."

"Then it's settled. Go back in peace, and I'll figure something out for Xiao Qi." Xiao Kaitian made his decision. "If you haven't returned after May, I'll come to the Tianshan Sect to find you."

Both of them were decisive individuals, and once the decision was made, they immediately began taking steps according to the plan.

Zhao Qixi had been with Bai Kou for many years. Upon learning that Bai Kou was leaving this time, she lowered her head and remained silent for a long time before finally squeezing out a single sentence: "Be careful..."

"Mm, you too." At the airport, Bai Kou crouched down, gently hugged Zhao Qixi, and left her with those parting words.