The Return of the God Level Assassin Chapter 1294 1294: BAI ZE AND XIA LI'S MEET-UP (IV)

"Do you really, actually want to come with me?" Xia Li inquired, glancing back at him. It seemed as if she'd posed that very question to him no fewer than ten times ever since they departed from the cafe.

From the driver's seat, Bai Ze offered a helpless smile. "Yes, Xia Li, I truly do want to join you," he replied once more.

At that moment, he was steering the car in the direction of Qianmen Street. Earlier on, when Xia Li had brought up her intention to visit there in search of certain books, he'd promptly offered not just to chauffeur her but also to accompany her into the bookstore and stay by her side. This served as an ideal opportunity to extend their time together.

Strangely, Xia Li had displayed a hesitant look when he initially proposed the idea. He hadn't dwelled on it much back then, particularly after she ultimately agreed. He'd simply assumed she might be feeling bashful. Yet now, with her repeatedly questioning whether he was certain about tagging along, he began to suspect she perhaps didn't desire his presence. That notion initially stirred a touch of sorrow in him. However, he soon recalled that Xia Li wasn't someone who would consent to anything against her true wishes. Thus, there must be some other cause for her persistent inquiries.

Bai Ze pondered what that underlying reason might be. The idea swirled in his mind for a brief moment. Then it struck him—there was a straightforward way to uncover it. Why not simply inquire of her outright?

"By the way, why do you keep asking me that?" he eventually questioned, maintaining a casual tone. He tacked on, attempting to frame it as humor, "Are you secretly wishing I wouldn't come?"

"No, no, that's not it whatsoever!" Xia Li responded hastily, shaking her head. She toyed with the strap on her bag. "It's only... the particular bookstore we're heading to, um, it's not exactly your typical bookstore."

Bai Ze blinked, his gaze fixed on the road stretching ahead. A fresh wave of intrigue blended with his bewilderment. "Alright," he responded deliberately. "How 'not normal' exactly are we discussing here?"

"Uhm," Xia Li began, her tone carrying a hint of embarrassment. "You could call it more of a niche shop rather than a standard bookstore. They offer all sorts of... merchandise. Related to a particular interest."

Bai Ze only grew more puzzled at that. He stole a quick look at her before returning his attention to the road. "I don't see any issue with that, honestly."

"It's due to the particular... interest it's geared toward," Xia Li murmured, her words scarcely above a whisper. She released a quiet sigh. "You know what? It'll probably be simpler if you just witness the spot yourself."

Though the whole exchange had amplified his curiosity by tenfold, Bai Ze merely shrugged and set it aside. He concentrated on navigating the vehicle for the remainder of the journey.

***

Bai Ze eyed the slim doorway that descended into a sharp flight of steps. Having parked his vehicle in a close-by parking area, Xia Li had guided him to this aged structure. He'd figured the bookstore lay within the building proper and had started toward the primary entrance. Yet Xia Li had softly tugged his sleeve, directing him to this distinct, recessed entryway.

He examined the slim doorway once more. The shadows engulfed the stairs after just a handful of steps, hiding their endpoint entirely. That implied no daylight penetrated to the depths below. Precisely how deep beneath the surface did this location extend? Even more crucially, what rationale would place any bookstore in such an unusual setting? Then the recollection of Xia Li's words about it being a specialty shop, rather than an ordinary one, surfaced. Could this explain her earlier reluctance to have him accompany her?

"Bai Ze, let's go," Xia Li's voice called, snapping him from his reverie. She stood poised at the summit of the shadowy staircase, gazing back at him with anticipation.

Seeing this, Bai Ze hastened his steps, positioning himself ahead of her.

"Allow me to lead the way," he stated. He had no intention of permitting her to venture into an obscure, dim area by herself.

A gentle laugh sounded from behind him. He peered over his shoulder and caught Xia Li watching him, her feline eyes brimming with evident delight. "You realize I've navigated these stairs alone numerous times before, don't you?"

Heat rushed to Bai Ze's cheeks. Nevertheless, despite her words, he faced forward again and proceeded downward ahead of her. Regardless of her past solo visits, he was present now. Therefore, he found no cause not to take the lead.

As they approached the section of the stairs where the entryway's illumination faded entirely, Bai Ze intended to pivot around. His plan was to extend his hand to Xia Li, enabling her to descend more securely through the darkness. This wasn't merely a pretext to grasp Xia Li's hand. It stemmed entirely from concern for her safety. Absolutely.

Yet prior to his chance to turn, a set of delicate hands settled softly onto his shoulders from the rear, causing him to tense in astonishment.

He worked to steady his nerves and pressed on with his steps. He truly hoped Xia Li wouldn't detect the profound impact her mere contact had on him. By concentrating on even footfalls and emptying his thoughts, he guided them smoothly to the stairwell's base.

There, at the foot of the steps, stood a solitary, substantial door. Visibility came solely from a diminutive, wavering fluorescent bulb mounted on the adjacent wall. Bai Ze furrowed his brow. Why did the entire setup evoke the atmosphere of a cheaply produced horror film?

"Proceed, Bai Ze," Xia Li urged from behind him. She delivered a gentle, supportive press to his shoulders. "Open the door."

Bai Ze advanced a couple of paces and followed her instruction. He extended his arm, shoved the weighty door ajar, and crossed the threshold. In that instant, his eyes widened in utter astonishment.