Chapter 2: Age Is a Secret!

“Handsome!”
“I’m really handsome!”
“I’m just too handsome!”
Having left Dragon Soul and arrived in Tianhai, He Tian changed into fresh clothes at his hotel and gazed at himself in the mirror. He was utterly satisfied with what he saw—more than satisfied!
Indeed, in his casual wear, He Tian had shed the hardened aura his military uniform lent him, but gained instead the air of a charming, wealthy, and attractive young man.
He Tian had been trained and guided by the Dragon Head from childhood, receiving generous stipends and benefits. Over more than a decade, his savings had grown considerable, making him genuinely wealthy.
As for his looks and bearing—those spoke for themselves. One glance in the mirror was proof enough.
“It’s about time,” he murmured after a final moment of self-admiration, checking his watch before leaving the room.
In the hotel lobby, He Tian met his contact: a very ordinary-looking old man dressed in a traditional Chinese tunic suit.
“Uncle Hu! We meet again,” He Tian said, taking a seat. He knew this man—formerly a member of the Dragon Group, they’d once worked together on a mission. Over two years ago, the old man had left the group and now served as the Wang family’s steward, which was precisely why He Tian was here.
“He Tian, I’ve already received my instructions. I’ll arrange for you to meet the two young ladies. Let’s talk as we walk,” Old Hu suggested. He didn’t ask about He Tian’s current status—having left the Dragon Group himself, he wouldn’t pry into what he didn’t need to know.
He’d been the Dragon Fang’s old subordinate, and though he should have retired, he’d volunteered to protect the Dragon Fang’s daughters. In truth, he’d always wanted to uncover who was behind Dragon Fang’s murder, but after over two years, he’d discovered nothing.
“Uncle Hu, you’re not going to tell them outright that I’m their bodyguard, are you?” He Tian asked.
This was a long-term assignment with no set end date, and He Tian had already read the files on the two targets. He had no desire to be tied to them solely as a bodyguard.
“Of course not! Your identity is my distant nephew,” Old Hu replied with a smile.
“Nephew? At our ages? Isn’t that a bit of a stretch?” He Tian asked, glancing with interest at the cityscape beyond the car window.
“It’s just a matter of generational title,” Old Hu shrugged, unbothered.
“All right then… Tell me, have you found anything?” He Tian wanted to find the mastermind as well. Though Dragon Fang had already died before he joined the Dragon Group, the Dragon Head had told him that Dragon Fang was once part of Dragon Soul, so it was a matter He Tian took seriously.
“No discoveries so far, but all the information suggests that Dragon Fang’s identity was indeed leaked,” Old Hu replied.
“It wasn’t leaked intentionally?” He Tian asked quietly, tapping the car window.
“That, I’m not sure about,” Old Hu shook his head.
He Tian smiled, saying no more. Whether it was intentional or accidental didn’t matter as much now. The main thing was to find the mastermind and ensure the Wang sisters’ safety—that would be enough.
“Your duty is to stay close to the younger miss. I’ll take care of the elder one,” Old Hu said, as the car sped along, giving He Tian a briefing.
“Sometimes, the elder miss will need you to accompany her as well. She doesn’t like to be surrounded by a crowd, and it’s not appropriate for an old man like me to follow her everywhere. I’ll need you to pay close attention.”
“The younger miss is a bit lively—you’ll have to bear with her.”
…
Green Source Villa District was a truly upscale neighborhood.
Though not the most exclusive in Tianhai, everyone living here was a giant in the business world.
The Wang family lived here.
Old Hu drove into a two-story villa.
It was a lavish house, with over three hundred square meters of enclosed grounds—a garden, a swimming pool, and a sizable garage.
“There are five bodyguards and three servants here, all personally chosen by me—safe and reliable,” Old Hu said before getting out of the car.
“Where will I be staying? My goodness!” He Tian was already captivated by the villa. He’d seen more luxurious homes, but only in passing—now he was to live here, and that was entirely different.
Being a bodyguard was merely a part of the assignment; for He Tian, this was the beginning of a new chapter—one in which he could enjoy true freedom.
The Dragon Head wouldn’t even care if He Tian ran for President of the United States—such was the freedom He Tian now enjoyed as a member of Dragon Soul.
He could hardly wait to experience the pleasures of this high-end villa.
“You’ll be staying on the second floor,” Old Hu said. “Both the elder and younger misses are on the second floor as well.”
“Uncle Hu, is that safe?” He Tian asked seriously.
“Safe?” Old Hu looked puzzled.
“They’re not going to do anything to me, are they?” He Tian blinked mischievously.
“You…” Old Hu was momentarily speechless.
“I’m joking, don’t take it seriously. Even if they did, I wouldn’t hold it against them. If I suffer a little, so be it—misfortune can be a blessing,” He Tian said magnanimously.
“Not a womanizer, I hope,” Old Hu muttered as he watched He Tian’s retreating figure.
“Uncle Hu, you’re back! Did you bring him?”
As they entered the villa, a girl of about seventeen or eighteen came running up, chattering excitedly before fixing her gaze on He Tian, looking him up and down.
“Here he is—this is He Tian! Second Miss, you’ll be classmates now; he’s also a freshman at Tianhai University, just like you,” Old Hu said kindly.
He Tian mused, “Uncle Hu? That’s quite the generational gap—calling him Grandpa Hu would make more sense. But now I understand my supposed relationship as Uncle Hu’s nephew; it’s to keep the family structure straight.”
“Well, well—a handsome guy! Hello, He Tian, right? I’m Wang Xinrou, pleased to meet you!” Lively and bold, Wang Xinrou held out her hand.
“Hello, I’m glad to meet you, too. Sorry to intrude,” He Tian replied with a slight smile. With his looks and charm, his smile was magnetic.
“He Tian, hello! I’m Wang Xinmeng. Since you’re Uncle Hu’s relative, that makes us family. There’s no such thing as an intrusion. My little sister is quite mischievous; now that she has company, perhaps you can help keep her in check, which would put my mind at ease,” said Wang Xinmeng, gracious and poised. Unlike her lively sister, Xinmeng’s demeanor was mature and composed—hard to believe she was only twenty-three.
“Miss Wang, hello,” He Tian said with a smile, shaking her hand.
“Big sister, what are you talking about? I don’t need anyone watching over me!” Xinrou protested as she sat beside Xinmeng.
“Please, take a seat,” Xinmeng said, ignoring her sister and keeping her thoughtful gaze on He Tian.
“It seems you have many questions, Miss Wang,” He Tian said with a smile, sitting down.
“I’ve met many outstanding young people in business, but few quite as impressive as you,” Xinmeng replied, neither hiding her suspicions nor her experience.
“It’s clear why you’ve achieved so much at such a young age, Miss Wang,” He Tian answered, sidestepping her statement.
“Uncle Hu has put a great deal of thought into this. In the future, I’ll rely on you to keep an eye on my sister,” Xinmeng said, meaningfully glancing at Old Hu.
Old Hu gestured to He Tian.
He Tian smiled to himself—interesting! This Wang Xinmeng was truly remarkable. She’d deduced so much from his calm demeanor alone, knowing almost nothing else. It was impressive.
He wondered just how much she actually knew.
“I’ll be staying on the second floor?” He chose to be direct with such a sharp woman.
“Yes. Aunt Qiu, you may serve dinner,” Xinmeng nodded slightly.
“Sis, what are you talking about? I don’t understand a thing!” Xinrou tilted her head, puzzled.
“Don’t ask,” Xinmeng replied sternly.
“Oh, I know! He Tian, handsome guy, do you know martial arts? My sister’s business is huge—she worries about everything. Are you my bodyguard?” Xinrou clearly wasn’t slow-witted.
“Do I look like a bodyguard?” He Tian laughed.
“Not at all!” Xinrou said, scrutinizing him.
“Then I’m not a bodyguard,” He Tian replied seriously.
“As if! Just because you don’t look it doesn’t mean you’re not. Uncle Hu doesn’t look like a master, but he’s got real skills. So, are you good at martial arts?” Xinrou’s curiosity was clear.
“Is that so important?” He Tian asked.
“Of course—it’s extremely important!” Xinrou nodded earnestly.
“Then let’s just say I am,” He Tian shrugged, giving no direct answer.
“Yay! Then you can help me teach someone a lesson!” Xinrou showed no reservation with He Tian.
“Little sister!” Xinmeng rapped the table.
“I’ll tell you privately! Hmph…” Xinrou stuck out her tongue and made a face.
“He Tian, don’t let her drag you into trouble,” Xinmeng said.
“Sis, you call everything I do trouble!” Xinrou retorted.
“And what else would you call it? You’re supposed to study, not go around picking fights. You’re the one who always ends up at a disadvantage,” Xinmeng scolded.
“I don’t need you to manage me!” Xinrou muttered, lowering her head in frustration.
He Tian smiled quietly and ate his meal. He’d already begun to gauge Xinmeng’s style and Xinrou’s temperament.
“He Tian, from now on we’re family—don’t call me Miss Wang. Just call me Xinmeng. And please, keep an eye on my sister. Uncle Hu, please take me back to the company. I have matters to handle today,” Xinmeng said, eating a little before leaving with Old Hu.
“Mature, steady, sharp-eyed, meticulous, but slightly domineering from being in charge so long—enjoys arranging things for others,” He Tian concluded instantly in his mind.
He could accept that. Environment shapes people; none of this was a problem for He Tian. He understood.
In fact, if he wasn’t mistaken, Xinmeng was clever enough to have guessed a great deal already.
“Finally, she’s gone! Always bossing me around—it’s so annoying!” Xinrou beamed, looking much more relaxed.
“What’s wrong with her managing you?” He Tian could understand how Xinrou felt—at her age, she was bound to rebel against authority.
“It’s not good at all! Not one bit! He Tian… Oh, calling you by name seems too formal. My sister says we’re family now, though I don’t quite get it. But we should be friendlier. How old are you?” Xinrou moved to sit beside him, asking with easy familiarity.
“A boy’s age is a secret,” He Tian replied, turning to grin at her.