USWHC -Chapter 336 Tricked but Tricked Back (Part 6)

“Th—these people are…?” Zhu Jie whispered, pointing at the men in black.

Ji Yi calmly waved his hand. “They’re all employees of the Liao Trading Company.” At his gesture, the black-clad men silently withdrew.

“Lies? Employees with such combat skills? They’re fighters!” Zhu Jie snorted disdainfully through her nose. Do I look like a fool?

“I don’t know either,” Ji Yi said lightly, glancing back. “Liao Zhanggui helped me find them. Right, Liao Zhanggui?”

Liao Zhanggui had one foot already outside the door, but at Ji Yi’s call, he quickly shuffled back inside. “Yes, yes, they’re all from the trading company!”

When his gaze met Zhu Jie’s skeptical eyes, he hurriedly added, “The trading company actually employs quite a few martial artists in certain situations—like transporting goods, for example. Escorts are essential. Our company mainly handles commercial transactions, so naturally, we have many escorts to protect the premises.”

After saying this, he glanced at Zhu Jie again. Seeing her still silent, he felt awkward. Ji Yi hadn’t told him to leave, so he could only stand there rubbing his hands nervously, trying to fill the silence. “Haha, it’s an honor, really, to be able to save Madam this time!”

Yes—he had already started addressing Zhu Jie as “Madam” instead of “Miss.” Don’t think it was Liao Zhanggui being rude; he simply hadn’t intended to acknowledge her before. But now? Even if he didn’t want to, he had no choice but to admit it.

Zhu Jie found him strange—standing there, he seemed timid and shrinking, as if afraid of something. But what could he possibly fear? This was clearly his trading company, and she wasn’t his boss—so why would he be scared?

“You… came to save me?” Zhu Jie hesitated.

“Of course! Otherwise, where else would we be going? Definitely not out for a stroll!” Ji Yi rolled his eyes at her. This guy had no awareness at all—didn’t he realize everyone was worried about her?

“You insisted on going, and now look! You almost got sold into a brothel!” Ji Yi’s voice carried a hint of anger as he grabbed Zhu Jie’s hand. “Look, look—you’re bleeding!”

“Ah?” Zhu Jie finally noticed her right hand was indeed scratched and bleeding slightly. It wasn’t serious—just a minor scrape, with a few trickles of blood, probably from brushing against the wall in the alley earlier.

But hearing Ji Yi say it made it feel far more serious. His eyes were fixed on the wound, filled with some indefinable emotion, and he kept sighing.

Such a tiny injury treated as if it were catastrophic… Liao Zhanggui could hardly bear it. He quickly said, “I’ll fetch some ointment for Madam. Please wait!” and tried to excuse himself.

But Zhu Jie, seeing his overly respectful demeanor, grew even more suspicious. Just as Liao Zhanggui turned to leave, she suddenly asked, “By the way, why are you two together?”

Ji Yi and Liao Zhanggui both felt a pang of guilt at her sudden question. They exchanged a quick glance. Ji Yi forced a casual tone: “I couldn’t find you anywhere, so I asked Liao Zhanggui for help.”

Liao Zhanggui chuckled awkwardly. “We’re friends—helping each other is only natural! Besides, your soap sells so well, we’ll be collaborating long-term. How could we just stand by while you’re in danger, right, Ji Gongzi?”

“Yes, friends indeed!” Ji Yi laughed along, though it was slightly strained.

Zhu Jie immediately caught the awkwardness and deliberately said, “Liao Zhanggui, you’ve really gone to a lot of trouble!”

Liao Zhanggui hurriedly replied, “Of course! Madam’s soap is very popular—even the nobles in the capital love it. Our trading company relies on Madam for profit!”

Zhu Jie thought his praise was exaggerated. Watching Liao Zhanggui’s bright, shifty eyes constantly flick toward Ji Yi’s face, she realized—this wasn’t a look for a business partner. No, he was looking at the ‘Big Boss’ straight in the eyes!