Chapter 82: Don’t Worry, Xie Jianxun’s Forgeries Were Top-Notch… Part 2

Like a novice scammer who’d never deceived before but was forced onto the stage.

He’d thought he’d quickly uncover the dirt, but now it turned out the guy might be a high-level client with encrypted info?!

Could he really be a true big shot…

He frowned at once and called his company boss—his dad—detailing the whole matter carefully.

After a moment’s silence on the line, they both agreed: a scammer.

But everything else exposed didn’t seem fake.

If someone could hack the Main Brain-controlled Star Net bank to fake a balance—that level of skill, and they’d stoop to conning a mere company heir?!

Finally, a sigh came from the other end. “Can’t tell yet. Keep an eye on him, don’t let him slip away. You know the family’s tight on funds right now—establishing a foothold in Silver Watchtower isn’t easy.”

He hinted obliquely, and Emory nodded knowingly. He was aware the family had spent a fortune greasing palms to break into high society.

Even approaching Miss Nevi had been at his dad’s behest.

He’d used some shady tactics to worm his way into Miss Nevi’s circle, all betting on sealing that marriage to rocket the family company skyward.

“And that cousin of his—you must dig out his real identity. Don’t slack off.”

Emory laughed, quite pleased with his own cunning. “Don’t worry, Dad. I know what to do.”

“Good son… Once this busy stretch is over, we’ll all go on a family trip. Didn’t you say the last trip back to the countryside was great?”

Emory gazed at the scenery flashing by outside the car window and licked his lips.

He alluded meaningfully, “Yeah, nice mountains, nice water, nice people. I’ll go again sometime soon.”

Closing the Light Brain comm, Emory hummed lightly and pondered Xie Jianxun’s intentions.

He’d completely forgotten that he’d been the one to approach first.

Could it be some faction new to Silver Watchtower looking to plant roots, lacking a proper entry point, and thus choosing… him?

In that case, he needed to up the hospitality a notch.

With that thought, Emory instructed the driver, “Turn around—head to Four Seasons Avenue. I’m hosting a banquet for two new friends.”

In the hotel, Xie Jianxun invited Xun Jia to stay with him.

Faced with Xun Jia’s frantic head-shaking refusal, Xie Jianxun innocently said, “I just think staying in different places changes how you look.”

Xun Jia looked up and surveyed the surroundings.

No need for more questions; one glance at the luxurious decor showed just how high-end the hotel suite Xie Jianxun had booked was.

And him, coming from a rural planet—where had he ever stayed in a place this lavish?

Xun Jia hesitated before murmuring, “I think where I’m at is fine. It’s a bit small and dirty, but I can eat and sleep there…”

As he spoke, under Xie Jianxun’s gaze, Xun Jia sheepishly shut his mouth.

Xie Jianxun said nothing, just took his arm and pulled him to the full-length mirror in the brightly lit living room edged with gold filigree.

Xun Jia looked ahead and saw himself dressed neatly casual, a smile on his lips, the opulent surroundings as backdrop—everything harmonious, like he was right at home.

Come to think of it, his family back on the rural planet wasn’t poor.

It was just that in this totally unfamiliar place, penniless, in that cramped, dim rental—his outgoing cheer had been gradually worn away.

His new friend stood behind him, peeking over.

Xun Jia blushed a little, embarrassed, and pushed at him. “Hey, look at your own reflection. I don’t wanna.”

Xie Jianxun grinned broadly. “See? The effect is great. I have to say, if you keep under bright lights like this, you’ll naturally start carrying yourself like a big shot.”

Xun Jia looked at the mirror, and the reflection stared back at him. Finally, the corners of his lips curved upward, revealing a genuine smile from the heart.

Though he had agreed with Xie Jianxun’s idea, he still pretended to complain, “We’re not going to share a bed, are we? I don’t sleep with others—I wake up the moment they move.”

Xie Jianxun slung an arm around his shoulders and said seriously, “I specially cleared out a sofa for you. Surprised?”

Xun Jia: “…”

Xie Jianxun burst out laughing. He walked to the other side of the living room and pulled open another door. “Just kidding, sir. No need to glare at me like that. This is a suite—there’s a guest room too.”

“Plus, it’s a family suite. The room card includes double self-service dining. Shall we eat together tonight?”

Xun Jia took a deep breath, his voice barely above a mosquito’s hum. “…You’re being too good to me.”

Xie Jianxun hadn’t quite caught what he said, as he was busy checking out the guest room. After all, it had been empty since he’d been staying alone.

“What?” He turned back.

Xun Jia met his gaze squarely. The boy, who always said whatever was on his mind, suddenly stuttered, “I can’t think of a reason why you’re so good to me… We’ve only known each other a few days.”

Xie Jianxun thought for a moment, then said lightly, “You’re very much like me.”

Xun Jia stared at him, not understanding.

Xie Jianxun continued, “The courage it took for you to pilot a secondary reconnaissance ship into space alone—it’s just like my first time leaving home.”

“Our journeys are both lonely ones. Having one more person to keep you company on the road is the greatest happiness. Just think of me as a travel companion seeing you through this stretch.”

Xun Jia turned his face away, as if muttering something under his breath. He slowly paced into the bathroom.

From outside came Xie Jianxun’s voice calling to him, “Dinner together tonight?”

The faucet turned on, water splashing loudly, and Xun Jia’s voice hid behind the rush. “Call me when you go!”

Damn it, he thought. His eyes stung again.

That evening, Xie Jianxun received a message from Emory, asking if he and his cousin had time tomorrow night and if they could grace him with their presence for dinner—as a local’s hospitality to his guests.

Xie Jianxun forwarded the message to Xun Jia right away. Soon, there came a soft knock at the door to the master bedroom.

Xun Jia pushed the door open and came in, tense as he asked, “What do we say?”

A formal dinner might mean Emory was officially acknowledging their identities, treating them as big shots from the distant East Territory.

Xie Jianxun had been sprawled on the bed but now sat up, pondering. “I think you’re ready to make your entrance.”

With all the groundwork he’d laid, Emory must be brimming with curiosity about the “cousin” by now.

At this moment, if Xun Jia stepped out and subtly hinted at his status, Emory wouldn’t be able to resist biting.

Xun Jia humbly sought advice. “Can I go with the outfit from earlier today?”

Xie Jianxun replied, “Of course… Oh!” As if struck by an idea, he tapped out a Light Brain call to Seles.

In the end, all three gathered in the suite.

Seles had somehow gotten hold of a black suit. He slipped it on, added a pair of sunglasses to obscure his face, and instantly exuded an air of authority.

Xie Jianxun hadn’t been too corrupted by web dramas, but Xun Jia nearly choked at the sight.

Xun Jia exclaimed, “Too, too, too… professional!”

It was just like something out of a Star Net drama—exactly the same!

Seles had a tall frame, honed by years of fitness into well-defined muscles that were full but not overly bulky. A bit more bulk, and he’d look like a gym coach; a bit less, like an insurance salesman.

In this state, he perfectly embodied the suit’s style.

The sunglasses were the key—they transformed his aura completely.

The young man said in a deep voice, “From now on, I’m the bodyguard for you two young masters. I just follow behind and act. No lines to Emory, sir.”

Xun Jia was a bit nervous. This was his first time stepping into the spotlight as the lead.

He chimed in, “I’ll list out the key lines… and rehearse them clearly before dinner.”

Xie Jianxun looked at them, unusually puzzled.

He asked, “Just one bodyguard for two young masters?”

His final assessment: “A bit low-rent, but no big deal.”

Seles: “…”

Xun Jia: “…”

Seles immediately pulled out his Light Brain. “I’ll call my brother’s bodyguard over right now.”

Xun Jia grabbed his hand earnestly. “We’ve had enough of the comedy routine—just for us.”

After a chaotic scramble, everyone settled into their roles.

Xie Jianxun gave the summary. “From this moment, Seles, you’re Xun Jia’s bodyguard, mainly responsible for his protection. I am Xun Jia’s cousin, in charge of muddying the waters and diverting attention.”

“And you, Xun Jia—you’re a prince from a foreign realm.”

Xun Jia nodded solemnly.

Xie Jianxun added, “If things really go south and we get exposed, just copy me. Do whatever I do.”

Xun Jia turned back with a smile to Seles. “Don’t worry—Jianxun’s impersonation is spot-on. The way he imitates Your Highness must be just like the real thing!”

Xie Jianxun: “…”

Who could argue with that?