Those Classmates who Suddenly Disappeared
Chapter 1226: This Is a Misunderstanding

Chapter 1226: Chapter 1226: This Is a Misunderstanding

After watching the video, everyone felt uneasy, worrying about An Jie’s situation, and no one spoke. The silence was heart-wrenching, as if no one held much hope. Gu Fan broke the silence, "Before, we thought it was very likely that Jie had fallen into the hands of Organization X, so our actions were all aimed at Organization X. Now, it seems that Jie is very likely in the hands of some unknown entity, which means we must make corresponding adjustments to our actions." Su Hui shook her head, looking pessimistic, "But the problem is that none of us know Jie’s predicament, we can only take it one step at a time." "Yes, I agree with Sister Su’s view, for now, we should proceed according to the original plan," Lin Xi stated, and everyone else felt that responding to the unknown with the familiar was the best choice. After much contemplation, Gu Fan also agreed to continue moving forward with the original plan. At this time, Irina approached, which set everyone on alert. Irina immediately sensed something was off and asked, "What are you guys sneaking around and discussing behind my back?" Lu Yi explained, "Nothing, we were just getting together and providing encouragement and warmth to each other through hugs and kisses. If you’re willing, I’m the first to welcome you to join our supportive and friendly atmosphere." After saying that, Lu Yi actually opened his arms towards Irina and even puckered his lips. Everyone looked at Lu Yi with peculiar gazes, privately thinking, "Could you not come up with a better, less heartless lie?" Irina couldn’t possibly believe such a tall tale and scorned them, "Your way of heart-to-heart talking is quite special. I really can’t adapt to that, so I’ll pass on joining." "Are you sure you don’t want to consider it? Everyone says my embrace is broad and majestic, and there’s a special sense of security in my arms," Lu Yi persisted, stepping forward, while Irina swiftly stepped back with a rejecting expression. Irina had intended to probe into what Gu Fan and the others were doing, but Lu Yi’s somewhat jerkish behavior kept disturbing Irina’s mood, prompting her to give up and walk away sulkily. Seeing that Irina was no longer inquiring, everyone couldn’t help but admire Lu Yi’s method of dealing with the situation. Although not ideal, it worked. "Alright, let’s hurry back. Irina is already suspicious of us, so let’s just be careful," Gu Fan’s concern cast a shadow on everyone’s hearts. To this point, both the Flame Mercenary Corps and the Hunter’s Guild maintained a united front, but with mutual distrust and caution, who knew when faces would turn. When Gu Fan and the others returned to camp, both Lightning and the Flame Mercenary Corps didn’t pay them any heed, busying themselves with their weapons and equipment, while the Hunter’s Guild paid attention surreptitiously. Irina glanced at Gu Fan, then at Su Hui, and when her gaze fell on Lu Yi, for some reason, she felt sad and quickly averted her eyes. "This woman?" Irina’s gaze settled on Lin Xi, watching her affectionately hold Gu Fan’s hand, both talking and laughing. Irina had felt a sense of déjà vu when she first saw Lin Xi, but at that time, they were being pursued by Lord Xiong and Xue Wang, so Irina didn’t think much of it. After escaping the trap, everyone went their separate ways without Irina paying further attention to Lin Xi. Now, after several days with Gu Fan, Lin Xi, and the others, Irina grew more convinced that she had seen Lin Xi somewhere before. Irina kept telling herself that this feeling wouldn’t lie to her, trying to remember where she had seen her before. "Wait, was it that portrait?" Irina finally remembered that a long time ago, a hunter showed her a portrait, saying that the woman in it was someone he was committed to protecting. "That’s right, it’s what Gu Fan mentioned..." Irina recalled Gu Fan having said that he wasn’t very familiar with the hunter, but the hunter had helped him because the woman the hunter was protecting had more than an ordinary relationship with Gu Fan. Now, it was obvious to anyone that Gu Fan and Lin Xi were a couple, so Irina was certain of one thing—Lin Xi was the woman in the portrait, the one the hunter was supposed to protect. Irina immediately walked over, quickening her pace with an unfriendly look in her eyes. Seeing Irina’s approach, Gu Fan and Lin Xi felt things were bad. Could it be that the face-off was about to happen so soon? To their surprise, Irina started with an accusation, "What exactly is your relationship with the hunter?" "Ah!" Lin Xi didn’t expect such a question, and it rendered her speechless. Irina grew annoyed, "Do you realize the hunter has been quietly searching for you, inquiring about your whereabouts, and here you are with another man—do you think that’s fair to him?" "I..." Lin Xi felt bewildered, while Gu Fan quickly clarified, "I explained this to you before, that the hunter’s role is one of protection, not adoration. Lin Xi has no romantic relationship with the hunter; what’s it to you?" "I..." Irina stammered, clearly embarrassed, but finally forced an explanation, "The hunter and I are friends who have faced life and death together. I was just concerned, wanting to get things clear out of sentiment." "Really?" Lin Xi seemed skeptical. Irina nodded, "Of course it’s true. So the earlier was just a misunderstanding; let’s not take it to heart." After that, Irina took another look at Lin Xi, her curiosity piqued, "What’s so special about you that the hunter seeks and protects you?" The members of the Hunter’s Guild also knew about that hunter, but it was the first time they heard that he had someone he always protected, and that person was Lin Xi, who was currently adventuring with them—how coincidental. Lin Xi explained, "Actually, there’s nothing much to it. Jian Shen and my ancestor have a past connection, and each generation of Jian Shen’s heirs must protect our lineage’s inheritance; it’s as simple as that." "Is that so?" Irina was half-convinced but seemed somewhat relieved and assured. As soon as Irina left, Lu Yi ran over excitedly, shouting, "I found out, just as I suspected—this Irina used to be lovers with the hunter; she mistook you, Lin Xi, for a love rival." "No wonder!" Gu Fan, Lin Xi, and Su Hui had an epiphany, then each of them eyed Irina’s retreating figure with knowing looks. Lu Yi’s words reached Irina, leaving her feeling both shamed and angry. Irina glared fiercely at the members of the Hunter’s Guild, wondering which fool had let the secret slip. The members of the Hunter’s Guild shrank back, having merely whispered amongst themselves—who would have known that Lu Yi was eavesdropping nearby, and that the secret would be overheard by