Silence.

At this moment, a deathly silence fell over the hotel entrance. Every single person was staring at Chen Yang, just watching quietly.

However, in the dim light, with the river wind blowing through his long hair, only one side of his face was visible. His features were difficult to discern.

Yet, everyone could clearly feel the aura of this man—someone who cherished his words like gold and was as aloof as the wind. He carried himself with an extraordinary, imposing grace.

"This guy is so cool, truly fascinating."

"Mature and composed. His every move is full of concentrated energy. I really want to know who he is."

After a brief silence, a buzz of conversation started, spreading slowly through the crowd on the river breeze. Capable people, after all, always attracted attention so easily.

Standing nearby, Zhao Xiaoya took in every detail. In that instant, something deep inside her was touched, as if struck by electricity. A faint blush crept up to her ears. Sometimes, falling for someone happens in a single moment. The crimson flush soon spread down to her neck, and her hands began nervously twisting the hem of her clothes.

"Sigh..."

Zhao Dejiang, standing beside her, sighed deeply. He knew all too well what his granddaughter was thinking and said straightforwardly, "Stop daydreaming. You're not worthy of him."

Zhao Xiaoya trembled, her face instantly turning ashen. It felt as if a pair of invisible hands were squeezing her heart, making it hard to breathe.

That's right... He's the Nine Gates Admiral, the Zhennan Prince. What am I compared to him? A toad lusting after a swan's flesh?

Her eyelashes quivered as her head drooped, her heart filled with an immense sense of loss.

I'm just an ugly duckling.

As Chen Yang remained silent, the deathly stillness persisted. Di An waited quietly to the side for orders, while Wang Changming lay prostrate on the ground, gasping for breath.

Wang Junze felt utterly humiliated. How much longer do I have to kneel in front of all these people? Indignation warred with a deep sense of bewilderment and fear in his heart. Just who is this man I called a fly, a bug? Even Di An is so respectful to him...

To say he had no regrets would be an absolute lie. But is there ever a chance for a do-over?

From the onlookers' chatter, Di An pieced together what had happened. They tried to make Lord Chen kneel and throw him into the Lingjin River to feed the fish? His face turned pale with fright, and he began to shiver uncontrollably. Does this suicidal fool not realize that the Ten Thousand Martial Guards are training in the wilderness of Qiyun Road's West Suburb?

To clarify his position, Di An grabbed Wang Junze's head and slammed it into the ground. "A man even I wouldn't dare offend, and you told him to kneel?"

Half an hour ago, Wang Junze had been arrogant and imposing; now, he lay like a beaten dog, a pathetic and pitiful sight. No one could have imagined he would end up like this.

Wang Changming could only watch helplessly without daring to utter a word, but Di An had no intention of ignoring him. He walked over to Wang Changming and stomped on his head several times. "You're nothing but a maggot, yet you strut around here acting like you own the place. You think Qiyun Road is your family's property?"

Finding the scene uninteresting, Chen Yang waved his hand dismissively. "Let it go."

"Yes, Lord Chen!" Di An immediately stopped and scurried over to him.

"Let's take a walk by the river."

Chen Yang turned toward the dimly lit banks of the Lingjin River. With a light wave of his right hand, he casually placed it behind his back. It was an inconspicuous little gesture.

And yet...

The wooden batons scattered on the ground suddenly began to tremble. One by one, they rose into the air, stood perfectly upright, and then plummeted downwards!

BOOM!

They slammed into the ground, burying themselves completely. The earth trembled as dust billowed into the air.

This... What kind of power is this? Is this an illusion?

The minds of everyone present reeled, their eyes wide with shock.

Lying prostrate, Wang Changming caught only a fleeting glimpse, but it was enough to make his hair stand on end. He broke out in a cold, sticky sweat.

Wang Junze looked as if he had seen a ghost. That ability... it's godlike! He had assumed the man was just relying on his noble status and a capable bodyguard. Now, he realized he was still alive only by some incredible stroke of luck.

As Chen Yang's figure began to disappear into the murky night, he was watched by countless reverent eyes.

GULP.

Di An swallowed hard and hurriedly chased after him, not daring to delay.

The river wind was biting. Di An subconsciously tightened his overcoat as he caught up, making sure to stay half a step behind Chen Yang. "Lord Chen, Li Si is doing well. It's just that she seems to have retired. I hear she's planning to become a teacher."

"I'm aware."

Di An's expression froze. He now understood that the Governor's relationship with Li Si was truly extraordinary. She must have discussed all these decisions with him beforehand, right?

"Also," Di An added, "the Li Family doesn't approve of her becoming a teacher. They want to arrange a marriage for her instead."

Chen Yang was taken aback. It was natural for men and women of age to marry, and Li Si came from a prominent family, which meant many things were beyond her control.

Sigh... Chen Yang sighed inwardly, feeling helpless.

Seeing Chen Yang remain silent, Di An's eyes darted about for a moment before he spoke carefully. "Lord Chen, I terribly underestimated you back in Lingjin City. As an apology, I'd like to host a family dinner at my home tomorrow. Will you have the time?"

Yang Hu clapped him on the shoulder with a grin. "You're pretty quick to seize an opportunity, kid!"

Di An managed a strained smile. He was, in fact, trying to get closer to Chen Yang. Once the Governor's identity is fully revealed in Qiyun Road, who would dare look down on the Di Family? Surely Lord Chen understands this?

"I have to visit the Yin Family tomorrow," Chen Yang said. "If it's on the way, I'll stop by."

Di An was taken aback for a moment, then nodded repeatedly. "The Yin and Di families are in the same district, not far from each other at all!"

"Alright, you can go now," Yang Hu said, dismissing him.

"Yes, yes!"

Watching Chen Yang walk away, Di An's expression changed. All traces of fawning flattery vanished, his perpetually bent back straightened in an instant, and a chilling coldness settled over his features.

Back at the hotel entrance, Wang Junze and Wang Changming had just gotten back to their feet with the help of their thugs. As they were about to leave, a cold voice cut in from behind. "Lord Chen is magnanimous enough to not hold a grudge. But I, Di An, cannot simply pretend nothing happened."

The Wang father and son trembled violently.

Di An slowly lit a cigarette, his eyes narrowed as he stared at Wang Changming. "Was it you who said you wanted to throw Lord Chen into the Lingjin River to feed the fish?"

Wang Changming's face paled visibly.

SNAP.

Di An snapped his fingers. An old man strode forward and knocked the father and son back to the ground.

"Throw them in."

"Yes, Young Master."

The old man grabbed one in each hand and began dragging them toward the banks of the Lingjin River.

"Furthermore," Di An continued, "everything that happened here tonight is to be kept under wraps. Not a single word gets out."

He didn't know Chen Yang's purpose for visiting Qiyun Road, but he was smart enough to know how to handle the aftermath.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.