My Sexy CEO Wife

Chapter 378 - 375: Taking the Initiative to Show Goodwill

"The bandits have agreed," Ding Dalin nodded, "but..."

"But what?" Cao Buwei pressed.

"The conditions the bandits have put forth are too harsh..."

"What conditions?"

"They want one million Spirit Stones."

"How much?" Cao Buwei almost bit his own tongue: "One million Spirit Stones? They really dare to ask for that much! Is a scum like Gao Fei worth one million Spirit Stones?"

"They said it's one million Spirit Stones, not one less."

"Did you agree?"

"No! I haven't agreed," Ding Dalin hurriedly shook his head: "Without your consent, how could I dare to agree?"

"Damn it, they're clearly taking advantage of the situation by extorting us," Cao Buwei cursed, "They really think I'm an easy mark!"

"They've said that if we don't agree... they'll let the cat out of the bag, and we won't be able to handle the aftermath..."

"Threatening me!?"

"It's all my fault... I carelessly revealed my identity..." Ding Dalin said with a mournful look, "I told the bandits that this was all my own idea and had nothing to do with you, sir, but they don't believe it..."

Cao Buwei's face grew grim.

"Sir, what do you think we should do about this..."

"At this point, we have no choice but to agree," Cao Buwei said.

"Ah?"

"You'll need to make another trip and deliver the Spirit Stones to them, tell them to kill Gao Fei as soon as possible," Cao Buwei tossed a bulging Storage Bag to Ding Dalin: "Also, tell those bandits that they must keep it strictly confidential, they absolutely must not leak any information."

"We're really going to give it to them?" Ding Dalin held the Storage Bag with both hands, looking reluctant, "That's a whole million Spirit Stones."

"You can't catch the wolf if you're afraid to lose the child," Cao Buwei waved his hands dismissively, "The most important thing now is to get rid of Gao Fei. Once Gao Fei is dead, we can sleep soundly at last."

"Well... alright then, I'll go right now," Ding Dalin took the Storage Bag and left.

...

Gao Fei gave Wan Fuchang Miao Kuangfeng a suggestion, to assemble tens of thousands of troops and conduct a carpet search across the hilly prairies, from east to west, from south to north, searching every nook and cranny, so that no matter how hidden the bandits were, they could be discovered.

Miao Kuangfeng accepted Gao Fei's suggestion and personally led the tens of thousands of troops in the search for the bandits.

Gao Fei stayed by Miao Kuangfeng's side as a clerk, responsible for giving advice and tactics—essentially serving as a secretary.

As it turned out, Gao Fei's suggestion was highly effective. The tens of thousands of troops conducted a thorough carpet search of the prairies, sparing no corner and outing all the hidden bandits, who were then completely annihilated, leaving none behind.

Miao Kuangfeng was extremely ruthless with the bandits, striking down one after another, leaving rivers of blood in his wake, painting the heavens and the earth with their colors.

That afternoon.

Gao Fei rode his steed deep into the prairie, with Chen San and Liu Qing following behind.

"Gao Fei." Someone called out Gao Fei's name.

"Hmm?" Gao Fei looked back and his brows immediately furrowed, the person calling his name was actually Cao Buwei.

"Gao Fei, I'd like to have a chat with you," Cao Buwei approached with a smile on his face.

"Have a chat with me?" Gao Fei blinked, "What is there to talk about between us?" He had no fondness for Cao Buwei and would rather avoid him for a lifetime if possible.

"Gao Fei, I know you have some issues with me," Cao Buwei sighed. "To tell the truth, there's no deep-seated vendetta between us, so it's really unnecessary to continue fighting. Don't you think?"

What? The Sun rising from the west today! Gao Fei's eyes widened with shock, his face full of surprise—Cao Buwei was actually extending an olive branch?

"Gao Fei, I won't beat around the bush with you," Cao Buwei said earnestly. "I want to reconcile with you, and it would be even better if we could become friends."

"Reconcile? Friends?" Gao Fei's face twitched. "Lord Cao, am I hearing things? You want to reconcile with me? And become friends? That's not like you at all, is it?"

"Cough cough cough…" Cao Buwei coughed twice. "People can change, right? Take you, for example. You used to be a soldier under me, but now you've become Wan Fuchang's favorite. If you speak ill of me in front of Lord Wan Fuchang, I'd be in big trouble."

So that was the reason! A flash of realization crossed Gao Fei's eyes.

"As the saying goes, it's better to resolve enmity than to hold a grudge. Let's leave the past in the past. I hope… from now on, we can live in peace. Even if we can't be friends, let's not be enemies," said Cao Buwei.

"Well…" Gao Fei pondered for a moment. "To be honest, I don't wish to be enemies with Lord Cao either. Since you are sincere in reconciling, I accept. Starting today, let's wipe the slate clean between us."

"Good!" Cao Buwei smiled broadly. "Let's wipe the slate clean!"

After chatting for a few more minutes, Cao Buwei mounted his horse and departed.

"What's Cao Buwei up to with this act?" Gao Fei frowned. Though Cao Buwei seemed sincere, Gao Fei still had doubts. In plain terms, he just didn't trust Cao Buwei.

"My lord, Cao Buwei is a notorious old fox. You must be cautious in dealing with him," Chen San whispered.

"Regardless, reconciling with Cao Buwei is a good thing," said Liu Qing.

"The key question is, does Cao Buwei truly wish to reconcile with me?" Gao Fei questioned with a frown. "I always feel… something isn't quite right."

"What? Are you worried Cao Buwei is deceiving you?" Chen San asked, taken aback.

"Let's observe for a while," suggested Liu Qing. "We'll see if Cao Buwei sincerely wants to reconcile, or if he's lying and deceiving us."

"Yes, Liu Qing is right," Gao Fei nodded. "We can't trust Cao Buwei too easily. Let's wait and see."

…

Elsewhere.

Cao Buwei rode his horse, eyes squinted and mouth slightly curled into a smile. It was clear he was in a good mood.

He had been putting on an act just now, performing for Gao Fei and everyone else. His goal in doing so was to let everyone know... he and Gao Fei had made up, and they were no longer enemies. Once Gao Fei was assassinated, no one would suspect him.

It must be said, Cao Buwei thought of everything.

"My lord, there really is no need for you to go to such lengths," Ding Dalin said as he approached, speaking in a low voice. "The assassins are bandits; it has nothing to do with the lord. No one else will suspect you."

Cao Buwei shook his head: "Better safe than sorry. It's best to handle matters flawlessly."

"But this way, your reputation…"

"To completely avoid suspicion, losing a bit of face is worth it."

"…"

"When will the bandits make their move?"

"In the next few days…"

"I'm getting impatient," Cao Buwei smacked his lips. "Seeing Gao Fei's arrogant demeanor every day infuriates me." He paused then continued, "The bandits you've hired, are they capable? Can they kill Gao Fei? They won't bungle it, will they?" There was only one chance. If they failed, it would be much harder to assassinate Gao Fei again.

"Rest assured, my lord. The bandits I've chosen are strong. Killing Gao Fei will be more than feasible," Ding Dalin said confidently.

Cao Buwei nodded: "Let's hope nothing goes wrong."