Chapter 144
Chapter 144 - Fear of Being Tidied up
Elina, who had come nearby to assess the situation, had a sudden realization when she overheard the conversation between Huangfu Shao and the others.
Of course! How could I have forgotten about that woman? Now that everyone has witnessed it, and Shang Minjie despises that brat Shang Xiaojie the most, I'll shift the blame onto her and let the two of them confront each other. Wouldn't that be perfect?
Why did I overlook something so obvious?
Elina smacked her forehead in self-chastisement. Gradually, a sly expression crossed her face as if she had devised a cunning plan.
Shang Xiaojie and Shang Minjie, this time, you can sort it out yourselves! Ideally, both parties should face some consequences.
“Who's there?”
Just as Elina was quietly pleased with her scheme, Huangfu Shao's stern voice rang out.
Elina jumped in surprise. I was hidden quite well! How did he discover me?
“Come out! No need for sneaking around.”
Nong Mobai also chimed in, as if he had sensed someone observing them.
“Could it be an enemy coming to find us? Didn't we hear about the recent chaos in the underworld?”
Huangfu Qiao quickly took shelter behind Huangfu Shao, fearful of an impending threat.
“Don't be alarmed; it's me.”
Elina put on a smile as she raised her hands and stood up. Although she appeared friendly, her reluctance was evident. She was likely contemplating her next move, pondering how to deceive them.
“Why is it you? What were you eavesdropping on?” Nong Mobai furrowed his brow, clearly not fond of Elina.
“Ah, it's Assistant Sister!” Huangfu Qiao sighed with relief. “You scared me.”
Huangfu Shao shared Nong Mobai's displeasure at Elina's sudden appearance.
“Don't be upset, please. I have no ill intentions. I came here to check on Xiaojie's condition. Coincidentally, you were all here for a discussion, so I didn't want to disturb you, hence my attempt to remain hidden.”
Elina skillfully portrayed herself as someone who couldn't reveal the truth, making her story seem plausible. She was undeniably skilled at acting.
“Why not just step forward? Nobody would have criticized you. Hiding and eavesdropping seems suspicious,” Nong Mobai persisted in questioning Elina.
Yet, much of Nong Mobai's annoyance stemmed from his perception of Elina as pretentious. Although he lacked concrete evidence, he always felt Elina was insincere.
“I truly didn't. It was a mere coincidence.”
Elina continued to explain, deliberately adopting a flustered and innocent demeanor.
However, deep down, she couldn't help but think, “Damn this guy, he always causes trouble for me. Did I steal his man or something?”
She felt irritated, but she couldn't express her anger directly at Nong Mobai, as it would tarnish her image.
“She genuinely stumbled upon your gathering and had no intention of eavesdropping,” Liu Tie interjected, appearing from the corridor. He smiled at Wu Jundao and greeted Huangfu Shao with ease, leaving no room for suspicion.
“Brother Xiao Yi.”
Seeing Xiao Yi, Huangfu Qiao's joy was palpable, almost causing him to leap with excitement. If not for Huangfu Shao's stern gaze, warning him with his eyes, he might have revealed too much.
Huangfu Qiao chuckled awkwardly, “I was just about to come over!”
“What's the matter? Do you still want to approach?” The hint of danger in Huangfu Shao's voice was unmistakable.
Huangfu Qiao wisely remained silent, obediently closing his mouth. Huangfu Shao was particularly possessive, and if he continued explaining, he would undoubtedly face consequences from Huangfu Shao later on.