Zhou Huaijin knew better than anyone that in the entire complex, the only person connected to Xiahou Yu, the only one who could spur him to action, was Chi Wan. 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

The sudden decision to change property management firms was likely because some mistake on their part had compromised Chi Wan’s safety.

As for who would threaten Chi Wan’s safety, Zhou Huaijin couldn’t think of anyone other than He Lingfeng.

In addition to the complaining text from Qi Jiayou, several university professors in the complex who were on good terms with Zhou Huaijin had also messaged him about the sudden change in property management, reminding him to check his home for any property loss.

That was why, before he had even left the airport, he was already urgently calling Chi Wan to confirm she was safe.

He knew Chi Wan was probably fine with Xiahou Yu around, but he wouldn’t be able to truly relax until he heard her voice with his own ears.

Hearing Chi Wan’s side of the conversation, Xiahou Yu, who was beside her, guessed it was Zhou Huaijin. "He’s back?" he asked casually.

Chi Wan hung up and nodded. "He was supposed to be gone for another two days, but apparently Professor Zhang discovered a new wild wheat variant. Since there was only one plant, they were in a hurry to determine its genotype, so they came back early."

Zhou Huaijin hadn’t been in constant contact with her during his trip, but he would still share any new discoveries or interesting things he saw in the mountains with her from time to time.

Xiahou Yu said nothing more upon hearing this and simply returned to the apartment with Chi Wan.

Staring at the marks on the door, a chill ran down her spine. Even though she knew she wasn’t truly in danger now, she couldn’t help but think... if she really were the bankrupt, helpless girl He Lingfeng had taken her for, what kind of torment would he have put her through by now? He would have been a disaster she couldn’t even shield her parents from.

She knew her own nature. The years of love and education from Chi Yuanshan and his wife had cultivated an uncompromising spirit in her. The final outcome would have undoubtedly been to take He Lingfeng down with her.

’But is an ultimate scumbag like He Lingfeng even worthy of a one-for-one trade with me? Hell is the only place fit for him and the He Family.’

She had told Li Xingye that the moment they met, his fate would be rewritten.

But wasn’t the same true for her?

Seeing Chi Wan staring blankly at the marks on the lock, Xiahou Yu could guess what she was feeling. He hesitated for a moment before placing a hand on her shoulder. "We can replace the door, if it would make you feel better."

Chi Wan snapped out of it and rejected the offer. "It wouldn’t matter how many doors I replace. The door isn’t the problem. Besides, with Lili guarding the door for me, I feel perfectly safe~"

Hearing how much Chi Wan trusted and adored Lili, Xiahou Yu’s expression softened. "It is Lili’s honor."

As they opened the door, Lili immediately rushed to greet them, nuzzling against Chi Wan like a real puppy. "Master, welcome home~ Lili missed you so much~"

Chi Wan smiled, stroking Lili. "I missed you too. Thank you for protecting our home."

Lili hopped around Chi Wan, looking overjoyed. "It’s what Lili is supposed to do~"

Xiahou Yu watched them interact with a smile on his face, then suddenly said, "Perhaps the next generation of robotic dogs could be made even more lifelike, with the texture of real fur."

Chi Wan’s eyes lit up. "That would be amazing! A smart, interactive, non-shedding puppy that can act as a little butler... I can’t even imagine how popular it would be. Most importantly... if there’s a puppy model, could you make a kitten version too?"

Seeing the sparkle in her eyes, Xiahou Yu chuckled. "I thought you preferred dogs."

"Well, that’s not quite it. I actually love both cats and dogs, but I’m allergic to cat fur..." Chi Wan said, a little disappointed. "Plus, with all the plants I keep, I was always worried a pet would destroy them, so I never dared to get one."

Hearing this, Lili seemed to get upset and gently tugged on her pant leg. "BOO HOO HOO... Master, don’t you like Lili anymore? If Master prefers kittens, Lili can meow, too~ MEOW MEOW MEOW~"

Seeing Lili’s adorable act, Chi Wan couldn’t help but laugh and scratch its chin. "Of course not. I love you very much too, Lili."

After playing with Lili for a bit, Chi Wan handed her phone to Xiahou Yu.

To her surprise, Xiahou Yu didn’t use a computer. Instead, he opened a panel on Lili’s back, connected a cable, and his slender fingers flew across a virtual keyboard, typing out long strings of characters.

Chi Wan stood behind him, watching with curiosity, but she couldn’t make heads or tails of it.

Soon, Xiahou Yu handed the rebooted phone back to her. Chi Wan unlocked the screen and saw a new, pure white app icon. Its name was simple and blunt: Filter.

It didn’t look much different from any other firewall, but Xiahou Yu explained that he had designed a counter-tracking program for it. Backed by his company’s data network, it could successfully trace an IP address even if it came from a burner number.

She had no idea how Xiahou Yu managed it, but she knew that for him to have clawed his way to the top among a sea of tech startups, it had to be due to more than just the backing of his mother’s company. It was his own formidable skills that set him apart.

Therefore, Chi Wan had no doubt about the app’s power and thanked him profusely.

But Xiahou Yu hesitated for a moment before telling her the truth. "However, since this program is designed for our internal network, it not only prevents information from being intercepted and leaked, but also includes functions like clocking in and crisis alerts. As a result, it unavoidably includes a location tracking feature. If you’re uncomfortable with that..."

Chi Wan waved her hand. "It’s fine. I’m not going anywhere illegal. If anything, the location tracking adds another layer of security. But speaking of which, does this mean I could clock in if I visited your company?"

Xiahou Yu laughed. "You can try it next time you visit."

Chi Wan said with a straight face, "So I’m like an unofficial employee now. I’ve heard from the upperclassmen in my major that it’s not easy to find a job. If things get really desperate, I’ll just apply to your company to be in charge of the plants."

She shook her phone. "See? I’ve already completed my onboarding."

Xiahou Yu went along with her joke. "If you could make the office look like your sunroom, I’d be the one getting the better end of the deal."

Chi Wan wrinkled her nose. "Wow, spoken like a true capitalist. You have a sharp eye. The orchids in my sunroom are worth a lot more than I am!"

Xiahou Yu shook his head. Just as he was about to say something, Chi Wan’s phone rang again. It was Zhou Huaijin. "Wanwan, I just got home. I’m coming up to see you now."

Chi Wan glanced at the time, speechless. "Senior, didn’t I tell you to drive carefully? You must have flown back here!"

Despite her words, she still went to call the elevator for Zhou Huaijin.