The sky was overcast, looking as if it might rain at any moment, and this weather continued from morning until afternoon.
Such weather affected people's mood as well; Ning Fan stood by the windowsill, his expression somewhat gloomy.
"Is it because of the Fang Guild matter?"
Behind Ning Fan, a woman with a sexy figure and beautiful appearance asked.
"What did you say?" Ning Fan replied absentmindedly.
This was Chen Fengnan's estate, and the woman behind Ning Fan was naturally Ouyang Feifei, who was temporarily residing there.
Having been seen by Xu Ruolan as troubled, Ning Fan had specifically come to find Ouyang Feifei, and his concerns had a lot to do with her.
"Did I say your mood was related to the Fang Guild?" Ouyang Feifei pouted, looking dejectedly at Ning Fan, who was turned away from her.
Ning Fan's mood was poor not just because of the Fang Guild, but also because of Xu Ruolan.
In his mind, the image of Xu Ruolan looking woefully distressed lingered, and seeing her so guilt-ridden, Ning Fan was also in discomfort.
"The Fang Guild really went overboard this time, declaring war against you directly."
Ouyang Feifei's expression held a touch of scorn.
As one of the largest forces in North Africa, the actions of the Fang Guild had a lot of implications. In Ouyang Feifei's view, their brash assault on Ning Fan was sheer madness.
"Indeed, they've switched to a new leader, someone called Apollo. Do you remember him?"
Now under new leadership by someone named Apollo, the Fang Guild was an unfamiliar entity to Ning Fan, and aside from some trivial information he had heard at Ajiu's place, he knew very little about this person.
So far, Ning Fan couldn't come up with specific information about Apollo.
"I've heard some things."
"Apparently, he's a racist who has supported several warlords in North Africa, secretly backing ethnic massacres. He's someone who deserves to be in Hell."
This was pretty much the extent of Ouyang Feifei's knowledge about Apollo.
"That's all there is!"
After receiving confirmation from Ouyang Feifei, Ning Fan felt somewhat disappointed—there was still not much intelligence on their enemy.
"Forget about it. Your injuries are almost healed, right?"
"Thanks to you, I've completely recovered now."
After treatment from Ning Fan, Ouyang Feifei had no major issues anymore; coupled with this period of quiet recuperation, she had fully healed.
Ouyang Feifei was now ready to rejoin the fray at any moment.
"Since your wounds have healed, about the matter you mentioned last time, I've given it some thought. Do you want to hear it?"
Last time, it was agreed that once Ouyang Feifei had healed, they would discuss establishing a new organization.
This matter was always on Ning Fan's mind. After he had eradicated all the Fang Guild's forces in Zhonghai, Ning Fan thought that Ouyang Feifei's injury should have almost healed, so he came here for this reason.
"Of course," a smile appeared on Ouyang Feifei's flawless, pale face.
Ning Fan's expression turned serious as he slowly began while looking into Ouyang Feifei's eyes, "I hope you can help me establish an intelligence organization. Nobody beyond you and me will know about this."
Regarding the establishment of a new organization, Ning Fan did not intend to tell anyone else besides Ouyang Feifei, including Chen Fengnan and Ajiu; he planned to keep this matter confidential.
Since they were going to establish a new secret organization, it naturally had to be completely unnoticed. The fewer people who knew about it, the better.
"I want to name this organization Shadow Team. Where there is a shadow, there is the Shadow Team. It will be my shadow, omnipresent!"
"Starting with such a formidable demand and also handing over such a troublesome task to me, are you sure you're not trying to work me to death?"
"Of course, I am not asking you to achieve this exaggerated goal right from the start. It's just a target for now. Once the Shadow Team gets on the right track and grows step by step, reaching this level will not be difficult," he explained.
Ning Fan now needed an organization dedicated to gathering various kinds of intelligence for him. As for combat capability, that wasn't the first consideration; the priority was to establish the framework first.
"So, should I say it's an honor to become the first member of the Shadow Team?" Ouyang Feifei said, giving Ning Fan a knightly salute as she spoke.
"Not only the first member but also the first leader," Ning Fan added.
He wanted to entrust the management of the Shadow Team to Ouyang Feifei. As for himself, unless it was something extremely important, he did not plan to interfere with Ouyang Feifei's management.
Of course, this did not mean he would not contribute to the initial construction of the organization. In the future, Ning Fan would ensure that Ouyang Feifei's position would not be undermined.
Ouyang Feifei was a bit surprised. She paused, somewhat incredulously responding, "Are you really entrusting such an important position to me?"
Ouyang Feifei wanted to ask if Ning Fan was really that confident in her.
"Of course. If I can't trust you, then everyone in this world must be tricksters," he replied exaggeratedly, amusing Ouyang Feifei.
His unconditional trust greatly moved Ouyang Feifei. As she gazed at Ning Fan's face, a complex emotion flickered through her eyes.
Unknowingly, Ouyang Feifei's heart had been marked by one person's shadow, perhaps indelible for a lifetime...
Yet Ouyang Feifei had no regrets. Every time she recalled everything that person had done for her, her heart felt warm.
By accepting this gift from Ning Fan, she could always stay by his side, she silently thought to herself.
"So, will you accept?" Ning Fan extended his hand, his face wearing a smile that Ouyang Feifei could not look away from.
Almost without any hesitation, Ouyang Feifei reached out and grasped Ning Fan's hand.
Ning Fan's hand was warm, his palms somewhat rough, but reassuring. Holding Ning Fan's hand, Ouyang Feifei inexplicably felt at ease.
"Welcome, Ouyang Feifei."
"Thank you? What are you thanking me for? I should be the one thanking you, right!"
Ning Fan looked at Ouyang Feifei somewhat puzzled. Logically, he should be thanking Ouyang Feifei for agreeing to help him. Why had she said thanks first?
Ouyang Feifei just smiled slightly, offered no explanation, and was not in a hurry to let go of Ning Fan's hand. She wanted to hold on a little longer.