Chapter 1429 - 1429: All for Dodging Debts

"Do you know why I'm looking for you?"

This was Hua Ling's first question after seeing Xiao Feng.

Xiao Feng remained unfazed, thinking for a moment before he understood.

The issue with the fake watch has been exposed, and the "dream of a wealthy woman" for the person in front of him has shattered...

But on the surface, he naturally had to act as if nothing was the matter and he didn't understand.

Xiao Feng tilted his head, rubbed his chin in thought, and replied, "Maybe... you miss me?"

"Pfft!" Hua Ling said irritably, "Miss you? Want to beat you up, that's what!"

"Did I offend you somewhere?" Xiao Feng continued to pretend ignorance.

Hua Ling erupted in anger, "Still playing dumb?

I really didn't expect it, I truly didn't expect it... No wait, I should've expected it.

How could you be so generous as to give me everything?"

Xiao Feng furrowed his brow slightly, "I don't understand what you're saying."

"Don't understand?" Hua Ling laughed angrily, "Then let's not talk and just fight first. I've had it today and I'm going all in with you!"

With that, she rolled up her sleeves, ready to start the fight.

Xiao Feng raised a hand to stop her, "Even if we're going to fight, you need to give a reason. Meeting up and saying strange things, then fight—what's that supposed to mean?"

"Once I beat you until you're searching the floor for your teeth, you'll naturally understand." Hua Ling said angrily.

Knowing it was impossible to easily fool her this time, Xiao Feng shot a glance over at Lao Ha.

Lao Ha nodded in understanding, quietly left the villa, and closed the door behind him.

Xiao Feng tried hard to adjust his expression, emotions, tone, and gaze.

Time to pull out the big guns!

"Ling!"

"Don't try that!" Hua Ling waved her small hand dismissively, "No matter how you call me today, I won't fall for it!"

Xiao Feng pinched his brow, worried, "Maybe you've been under too much pressure lately. If beating me up can release some of that pressure,

then... I'm willing!"

After saying that, he closed his eyes, looking completely resigned.

Hua Ling jumped up, "Can you stop playing dumb? The fake watch—you dare say it's not you?

I was touched for a long time, thinking you were sincere, but it turned out it was all just an act!"

"What fake watch?" Xiao Feng said expressionlessly, "You tested the goods at the time—they were all genuine..."

"You still dare deny!" Hua Ling stepped forward, "Anyway, you need to give me what I'm owed today, or I'll refuse to leave.

I'll quit being this team leader, do whatever you want!"

After saying that, she crossed her arms, sat on the sofa, and turned her face away arrogantly.

Xiao Feng sighed inwardly, realizing this matter would eventually get exposed, something he was already prepared for.

But what he didn't expect was it would happen sooner than anticipated.

Thinking about Hua Ling's character, quitting like this wasn't beyond her.

So, it seemed unavoidable that he'd have to pay up...

With that thought in mind, Xiao Feng sat next to Hua Ling and smiled, "To be honest, I wanted to use this method to give you a significant lesson."

"Thanks!" Hua Ling replied insincerely and angrily, "Before this, I always trusted you, but after this, I finally understand.

Except for Master, there's no one else in this world I can trust."

"..." Xiao Feng.

The underlying message of this was... she might not behave rationally anymore?

Realizing the warning signs, Xiao Feng adjusted his expression to serious, held Hua Ling's shoulders, and turned her toward him.

However, in her rage, Hua Ling refused to cooperate, eyebrows furrowed, dissatisfied in tone, "Stop trying to fool me with words. I don't want much.

Those watches start at a million, plus the antiques, totaling over fifty million in value.

I just want one million—surely that's not too much?"

"Wait, listen to me first..."

"I'm not listening. You transfer the money, I walk away, and we go on not knowing each other—simple as that."

Xiao Feng paused at her words and then smirked self-deprecatingly, "You're willing to sever ties with me over just this bit of money?"

His tone and expression were akin to being betrayed.

To say it's "heartbreaking to hear, tear-jerking to listen" might be an exaggeration, but it certainly had an impact.

Hua Ling, seemingly unmoved, couldn't help sneaking a glance at Xiao Feng.

She opened her mouth, wanting to say something.

But thinking about the watch missing a minute hand that dismantled with a tap, her heart hardened.

After a pause, Xiao Feng took out his phone, "Send me your account number, and I'll borrow the money now. As soon as I gather a million, I'll transfer it to you."

"Don't portray yourself as so poor, okay?" Hua Ling scoffed, "Do you really expect me to believe you need to borrow even a million?"

Xiao Feng smiled wryly, "Two days ago, I wouldn't have believed it either, but now... believe it or not, it's true."

Hua Ling observed him carefully, seeing that Xiao Feng didn't seem to be lying, and suddenly grew curious, "What do you mean? Was your money cheated away?"

Unbeknownst to her, this series of questions led right into Xiao Feng's trap...

Xiao Feng maintained his demeanor, stood up, and gestured, "Come with me."

Curious and puzzled, Hua Ling followed him, gradually entering the basement.

As she descended the stairs, the scene before her astonished Hua Ling!

On the long table were strangely designed hedgehog suits.

And those long rod-shaped items looked oddly familiar.

"This is..."

"Bulletproof vests made from Rupert's Tear," Xiao Feng squatted down slowly, looking troubled, "These things have drained all my savings.

I'm now in debt both internally and externally.

If you don't believe me, I can call Wang Lubo right now."

Hua Ling still had difficulty believing, "These drained all your savings and left you heavily in debt?"

"Hard to believe, right?" Xiao Feng smiled bitterly, "Honestly, I didn't dare believe it either, but facts showed that doing research burns money.

Initially, I made up my mind to pour money into achieving this result.

But in the end, I overestimated my financial strength and underestimated the costliness of research.

Each failure costs two million, averaging failure two to three times per hour..."

Xiao Feng began to lament extensively, his tone even acquiring a sobbing edge toward the end.

Hua Ling's expression suddenly turned complex and indescribable, looking at Xiao Feng sitting on the stairs, face covered with his hands, deeply pained.

Her heart softened unconsciously, she stepped forward tentatively, put her small hand on Xiao Feng's head, and said gently, "Don't be upset anymore; if it's such a big deal, I won't take the money, alright?"

Xiao Feng almost burst into laughter but held back, knowing this was the crucial moment; if he laughed now, all efforts would be in vain.