Chapter 490: Knocking on the Door

Chen Ling paused briefly, seemingly organizing his words. But realizing time was short, he spoke directly:"We are here to protect you."

"Protect me?"Su Zhiwei, who was preparing tea, suddenly paused, her gaze filled with confusion.

"Many things have happened, involving the exploration team and others... In short, someone is hunting down members of the exploration team," Chen Ling said, his expression extremely serious. "And you, Dr. Su, the person coming to kill you is already on their way... You must leave with us immediately."

Yang Xiao turned to look at Chen Ling, his expression somewhat peculiar. He hadn't expected Chen Ling to be so direct, offering no explanation and immediately demanding they leave. When convincing Yang Xiao himself, Chen Ling had at least explained the past and future, and Yang Xiao had even witnessed the electromagnetic storm firsthand... However, Yang Xiao could understand. With Nie Yu potentially arriving at any moment, there was no time for detailed explanations. The problem was, would anyone believe them if they just said it like that? They'd probably be seen as lunatics.

Yang Xiao opened his mouth, about to add some explanation. He thought that as Su Zhiwei's colleague, his words might be more convincing... But before he could speak, Su Zhiwei's brows furrowed tightly."I understand."

After pouring the hot tea into their respective cups, Su Zhiwei watched as the tea aroma mingled with steam rose gracefully. She then looked up at the wall clock. "I need five minutes to pack. Is that enough time?"

Yang Xiao: ?Not only Yang Xiao, but Chen Ling also hadn't expected Su Zhiwei to agree so readily. He had even prepared to forcibly take her if he couldn't convince her within ten minutes. They never imagined that Su Zhiwei would choose to trust them after less than two seconds of thought, even taking the time to pour them tea.

"You..." Chen Ling was stunned for a moment. "Aren't you going to ask what happened?"

"Didn't you say the person coming to kill me is already on their way?" Su Zhiwei stood up, her tied-back hair fluttering with the sheer curtains. The vibrant spring garden behind her intertwined with the rational glimmer in her eyes as she spoke calmly: "Since time is urgent, other matters can be discussed on the way... Besides, I've personally witnessed Director Chen's power in Shennongjia, and I also trust Dr. Yang Xiao. I believe you wouldn't harm me."

Chen Ling looked into Su Zhiwei's eyes, and after a long moment, a feeling of admiration rose within him. He had to admit, Su Zhiwei truly possessed both high intelligence and emotional intelligence. Such judgment and courage were not common.

"Five minutes is enough," Chen Ling nodded. "We'll wait for you here.""Alright, then please have some tea first."

Without any hesitation, Su Zhiwei walked straight upstairs, calling for the elderly housekeeper to help her pack. After she left, only Chen Ling and Yang Xiao remained by the tea table. Yang Xiao looked at the steaming tea cups and couldn't help but remark: "I've met many scholars in the scientific community, but someone like Dr. Su... is truly rare."

"Fortunately, she's on our side." Chen Ling watched Su Zhiwei ascend the stairs, then slowly averted his gaze. "But I'm very curious... With Dr. Su's intelligence and the mysterious 'String Theory,' what kind of Sovereign will she become in the future... and which Sovereign will she be?"

Four minutes and thirty seconds later, Su Zhiwei descended the stairs, carrying a hiking backpack. She had changed into a white outdoor jacket and athletic pants, her high ponytail tied back. With the professional hiking backpack, she looked ready for a long journey.

Yang Xiao asked, puzzled, "Is that all you're taking?""Aren't we fleeing for our lives? It's better to be as light as possible; carrying a suitcase would be too troublesome." Su Zhiwei pointed at Yang Xiao. "Dr. Yang, you didn't bring anything either, did you?"

Yang Xiao: ...It wasn't that Yang Xiao didn't want to bring anything; Chen Ling hadn't given him the chance. He had been taken directly from Shennongjia, with nothing on him but his phone.

Once Su Zhiwei had finished packing, she turned off the water and electricity, gave the elderly woman some money, and told her to return to her hometown to rest until she contacted her again. Just as everything was ready and they were about to leave, a knock suddenly echoed from the door.

Thump, thump, thump—

At this critical moment, the sudden knocking instantly put Chen Ling and Yang Xiao on high alert! Su Zhiwei froze for a moment, seemingly about to open the door, but Chen Ling reached out to stop her. He simultaneously gave Yang Xiao a look, who immediately understood, pulling Su Zhiwei further into the house. Although Chen Ling didn't think Nie Yu could escape the Public Security Bureau and track them to Gusu so quickly, it was always best to be cautious at a time like this.

Thump, thump, thump—The knocking sounded again.Chen Ling glanced around, then casually grabbed a boning knife from the kitchen. He weighed it in his hand, finding its length and weight suitable, then hid it in his sleeve and walked straight to the door.

He had already given his handgun to Nie Yu on the plane, leaving him without any defensive weapons. If a fight were to break out, a convenient weapon would be more appropriate... The only short weapons he could find here were kitchen knives and boning knives. However, compared to a kitchen knife, Chen Ling found the boning knife more appealing. It was similar to a dagger or a combat knife and felt easier to handle.

He stood behind the door, hands gripping the handle. After taking a deep breath... he suddenly pulled it open with force!Whoosh—!!Under Chen Ling's strength, the heavy door was instantly yanked open. The rushing air compressed into a gale, making Chen Ling's brown overcoat billow.

The next moment, a flash of cold light darted through the air. The sharp tip of the boning knife sliced through the air instantly, aiming directly for the brow of a figure."Holy crap?!"A startled cry came from the doorway. A young man in a black jacket reeled back in fright, landing on his backside."You, you, you... Who the hell are you?!"

Hearing the voice, Su Zhiwei, still inside, paused, then immediately walked out, with Yang Xiao close behind her. Behind the open door, a young man, eighteen or nineteen years old, sat stunned on the ground, covered in dust. Beside his hand was a square gift box, tied with a pink ribbon, looking extremely delicate. Chen Ling, clad in a brown overcoat and holding the boning knife, stared coldly at the young man on the ground, his eyes narrowed slightly. The temperature at the doorway seemed to drop instantly.

"Yao Qing?" Su Zhiwei asked, surprised to see the young man.Yao Qing looked at Su Zhiwei, then at the indifferent Chen Ling standing beside her. His pale face was etched with a sense of being utterly "broken.""Sister Zhiwei, you never said you were dating someone!"