Cao Chunmei and Qian Rong watched the scene unfold, their throats so dry it felt like they might catch fire.
In their eyes, the Green Wolf Gang members were untouchable demons.
But now, over a hundred of them had been taken down by Ye Qiu single-handedly, and even the gang’s boss was getting slapped around by him.
How could this bastard be so strong?
Beyond fear, Cao Chunmei and Qian Rong were now steeped in regret.
If they’d known Ye Qiu was this capable, they’d have begged for his help from the start. Then they wouldn’t have been kicked out of the family. Their guts were green with remorse.
Too bad there’s no medicine for regret.
“Cousin’s badass!”
Qian Duoduo rubbed his hands together excitedly, itching to jump in and slap Sun Wu a few times himself, just like Ye Qiu.
Old Master Qian gazed at Ye Qiu with deep, thoughtful eyes, thinking to himself that his grandson’s skills were downright freakish.
Qian Weidong, meanwhile, looked grim.
“Enemies should be reconciled, not provoked. Ye Qiu’s actions aren’t wise!”
“He’s beaten the Green Wolf Gang’s men and publicly humiliated Sun Wu. How can this end well?”
“Don’t forget, the Green Wolf Gang has thousands of members.”
Qian Jinglan said calmly, “Second Brother, no need to worry. No matter how many the Green Wolf Gang has, can they outnumber Dragon Gate?”
“Jinglan, what do you mean?” Qian Weidong was puzzled. “What does this have to do with Dragon Gate?”
Qian Jinglan smiled, “Qiu’er is Dragon Gate’s Black Tortoise Envoy.”
What?
Qian Weidong’s eyes nearly popped out of his head.
Ye Qiu, one of Dragon Gate’s four envoys? How was that possible?
Old Master Qian asked sternly, “Jinglan, is this true?”
Qian Jinglan gave a firm nod, “Absolutely.”
“Ridiculous!” Old Master Qian growled under his breath. “Being a doctor who saves lives isn’t good enough? Why does he have to meddle in the underworld?”
“Dragon Gate may have a decent reputation, but it’s still just an underground force.”
“Tell Ye Qiu to quit Dragon Gate when this is over.”
Qian Jinglan replied, “Father, I’m afraid Qiu’er won’t agree.”
“He dares refuse? I’ll break his legs!” Old Master Qian snapped. “He’s read the classics—his duty should be self-cultivation, governing the state, and bringing peace to the world.”
“The underworld is a crooked path, not the righteous way.”
“There’s a line from a movie: ‘What goes around comes around.’ If he keeps mixing with Dragon Gate, he’ll end up with a death sentence.”
“Besides, though Dragon Gate operates with some rules, they’ve done plenty of shady things. The authorities haven’t cracked down yet because the time isn’t right.”
“When the time comes and the order’s given, no matter how big Dragon Gate is, it’ll crumble in an instant.”
“When the nest falls, no egg survives. Do you understand that, Jinglan?”
Qian Jinglan nodded, “I understand your reasoning, Father, and I know it’s for Qiu’er’s good. But knowing him, he’ll never leave Dragon Gate.”
“Qiu’er values loyalty and gratitude. Cao Yuan has done him a great favor.”
“Plus, Ye Qiu needs Dragon Gate.”
Old Master Qian grew angrier at her resistance, “He’s a doctor, not short on money. What does he need Dragon Gate for?”
“Revenge!”
Qian Jinglan didn’t hold back.
“Revenge?” Old Master Qian paused, and Qian Weidong and the others perked up with curiosity.
“Who’s Ye Qiu got a grudge against? What kind of enemy requires Dragon Gate’s power?” Old Master Qian said, “If he quits Dragon Gate, I’ll help him settle his score.”
“Some of my former students hold high positions now.”
“The head of the Zhang family in the capital was my student too.”
“I can call on them to help Ye Qiu get his revenge.”
“With so many backing him, how could that not match Dragon Gate?”
Qian Jinglan felt a pang of gratitude.
In the past, her father wouldn’t have touched such matters, but now he was offering to help Ye Qiu with revenge. He’d changed a lot over the years.
Still, his students’ influence wasn’t enough.
Because Ye Qiu sought vengeance for Ye Wushuang, facing numerous and unimaginably powerful foes.
Qian Jinglan steadied herself and said, “Father, on behalf of Qiu’er, thank you. Your heart means a lot to us.”
“You’re at this age—enjoy your retirement in peace!”
“As for revenge, let Qiu’er handle it himself!”
Old Master Qian bristled, “What, you don’t believe what I just said?”
Qian Jinglan smiled, “Of course I believe you. It’s just that Qiu’er’s enemies are beyond what you can imagine. You’d best stay out of it.”
Old Master Qian caught the undertone—Jinglan thought his students’ power fell short.
He was stunned.
He’d long suspected Ye Qiu carried a colossal secret, and now it seemed confirmed.
What kind of enemy could outmatch the clout of his students?
Unless…
A sudden thought struck him. He snorted and asked, “Is Ye Qiu’s grudge tied to his real father?”
“Yes,” Qian Jinglan admitted.
“Who’s his father?” Old Master Qian pressed.
Qian Jinglan fell silent.
“Fine, I won’t push. You wouldn’t tell me back then, so why would you now?”
Old Master Qian sighed.
Over twenty years ago, he’d asked the same question. When Qian Jinglan refused to answer, he’d expelled her from the family in a fit of rage.
Qian Jinglan said, “Father, I’ll explain it to you someday. For now, let Qiu’er handle his own affairs. You’ve seen he’s got a sense of measure—he won’t go off the rails.”
“Jinglan, that may be, but if Ye Qiu breaks the law, I won’t go easy on him,” Old Master Qian warned.
Qian Jinglan replied solemnly, “Father, rest assured, I’ll keep an eye on him.”
Old Master Qian relented and turned his gaze to Ye Qiu.
After landing dozens of slaps on Sun Wu, Ye Qiu finally stopped.
By now, half of Sun Wu’s face was swollen, resembling a pig’s head.
Sun Wu grinned at Ye Qiu, “Had your fill? If you’re satisfied, let’s talk terms. Join me, and…”
“Who said I’m satisfied?” Ye Qiu cut in. “I just needed a breather. Now I’m good to keep going.”
Sun Wu’s mouth twitched, “Are you messing with me?”
Ye Qiu smirked, “Not messing with you—I’m playing with a monkey.”
Damn it, calling me a monkey, you son of a—
Ye Qiu raised his hand again, ready to slap Sun Wu, when a sharp shout rang out nearby:
“Stop!”
