「The Zhao Residence.」

Zhao Xiaoya's close friend, Chen Yuman, who had been incredibly rude to Chen Yang when they first met, was tidying up the messy house while constantly comforting Zhao Xiaoya.

"You were right, that guy is no good. It's a blessing your engagement got canceled. Who knows what would've happened if you had ended up with someone like him."

Chen Yuman criticized him indignantly, then smiled. "Xiaoya, Zheng Yifu is a very capable man. Just tell him what's going on, and he'll definitely be able to sort it out for you."

The Zheng Yifu she mentioned was standing by the coffee table, holding a cigarette in one hand and playing with a Butterfly Knife in the other. His wrist and fingers moved nimbly, spinning the Butterfly Knife between them in a series of graceful, captivating movements.

After Chen Yang had left, Zhao Xiaoya had immediately called Chen Yuman, only intending to ask for her company. She had never expected her friend to bring help. While touched, Zhao Xiaoya also felt embarrassed. Now that Chen Yang had stepped in, her grandfather would surely be fine, so they naturally wouldn't need Zheng Yifu's help anymore.

Zheng Yifu, who had sharp, chiseled features and a cold expression, remained silent, patiently waiting for Zhao Xiaoya to speak. He had already learned the gist of the situation from Chen Yuman. It was a tough problem, but he had his ways. As long as the price was right, there was nothing he couldn't handle.

"Miss Zhao, my time is very valuable," Zheng Yifu said, growing impatient. "If you keep delaying, your grandfather's safety aside, I'm going to have to charge extra."

Zhao Xiaoya took a deep breath and said apologetically, "Mr. Zheng, I'm very sorry to have made you come all this way, but someone has already gone to rescue my grandfather. We won't need to trouble you anymore."

SHICK!

The rapidly spinning Butterfly Knife in Zheng Yifu's hand came to an abrupt halt. He put the cigarette in his mouth and stared at Zhao Xiaoya with narrowed eyes. "Are you telling me to get lost?"

Zhao Xiaoya was stunned but quickly explained, "No, it's not like that. The situation is about to be resolved, so there's no need to trouble you any further. But I'll still pay you for your time."

She was polite and proper, not letting him come for nothing. It was the decent thing to do.

However, Zheng Yifu raised his hand and slapped Zhao Xiaoya across the face. The Butterfly Knife danced in his hand again. "You think you can dismiss me with a single sentence? What do you take me, Zheng Yifu, for?"

"A dog to be called and sent away on a whim?"

He then pointed at Chen Yuman. "Before I came, she told me to name my price. I'm not asking for much. Ten million will do! Pay up."

Stunned by the slap, Zhao Xiaoya held her burning cheek, staring at Zheng Yifu in utter confusion.

Chen Yuman was also scared stiff. She hurried over. "Mr. Zheng, we don't need your help, and Xiaoya said she would pay you for your time. How can you..."

THUMP!

Before she could finish, Zheng Yifu grabbed a handful of her long hair, pulled her close, and sniffed. He chuckled darkly. "You don't have to give me the ten million. How about you two keep me company for a few days instead?"

Suddenly, a shiver ran down Chen Yuman's spine. As she trembled, her delicate face filled with panic, and her eyes brimmed with tears.

What kind of person is this?

"You... Let go of Yuman!" Zhao Xiaoya cried out in fright.

He hadn't done anything, yet he was making such an obscene demand. How was he any different from a robber?

It was one thing to demand ten million, but now this... This was just going too far!

Zheng Yifu's intention had been money all along. But the moment he saw it was just two young women at home, he had decided he wanted both the money and the girls. He had planned to take his time, but now that the mask was off, there was no need for courtesy.

SWISH!

The Butterfly Knife shot from Zheng Yifu's hand and embedded itself in the table next to Zhao Xiaoya, its blade quivering violently.

"You dare to play me? Neither of you is getting away today!"

Zheng Yifu held onto Chen Yuman with one hand and pointed at Zhao Xiaoya with the other. "You, go get the money!"

"Okay, I'll get it! Just don't hurt Yuman."

Trembling with fear, Zhao Xiaoya didn't dare delay. She ran upstairs, took all the cash from the safe, and hurried back down.

She threw a bag of money at Zheng Yifu's feet, panting, "There's three million here. Now let go of Yuman."

"What's this, a handout for a beggar?" Zheng Yifu cackled. "Then again, having you two pay off the rest isn't out of the question."

"You..." Zhao Xiaoya stumbled backward, her face pale with fright.

CREAK.

The courtyard gate was pushed open.

Zhao Dejiang walked in, waving goodbye to someone behind him.

His eyes landed on the scene in the villa's main hall, and his brow furrowed instantly. Chen Yang pushed the car door open and got out.

Yang Hu followed, baring his teeth in a cold sneer. "More troublemakers?"

Only then did Zhao Dejiang turn around, his expression changing drastically.

"Who are you?"

Seeing the new arrivals, Zheng Yifu showed no restraint. Instead, he dashed forward, seized Zhao Xiaoya with his other hand, and started dragging both girls toward the door.

"They owe me money, and now I'm taking them to repay the debt. What, old man, you got a problem with that?" Zheng Yifu sneered, his voice dripping with arrogance.

But when he saw Chen Yang dressed in his martial attire, his heart skipped a beat. His eyes widened in disbelief.

This towering, majestic figure... He had to be the person Zhao Xiaoya said had gone to rescue Zhao Dejiang. In that case, what I'm doing right now...

Zheng Yifu's mind exploded with chaos. His thoughts were in disarray, and he instinctively loosened his grip on the two girls.

"Sob..."

Tears streamed down Zhao Xiaoya's face as she ran to Zhao Dejiang. She pointed a trembling finger at Zheng Yifu. "That man... he's a robber!"

Zheng Yifu no longer dared to stay. He tried to flee by vaulting the fence.

Yang Hu blocked his path and brought a fist down on his head. Zheng Yifu didn't even have the strength to fight back as he collapsed to his knees.

His eyes bulged with terror. I'm in deep trouble!

As Zhao Xiaoya finished explaining what had happened, Zhao Dejiang's fingers trembled violently, his gaze turning ice-cold.

Chen Yang narrowed his eyes, staring at Zheng Yifu. "I'd love to know, what gave you the audacity to commit such a despicable act in broad daylight?"

Zheng Yifu shook like a leaf, repeatedly kowtowing and begging for mercy.

Chen Yang turned and walked away with his hands behind his back. His voice drifted back faintly, "Investigate his background. Settle it all."

Settle... it all? Zheng Yifu thought in horror. He's going to wipe out my entire operation?

"Yes!" Yang Hu affirmed.

Zhao Xiaoya watched Chen Yang's retreating figure, her heart filled with a storm of conflicting emotions. There were so many things she wanted to say, but she couldn't find the words to begin.

...

Li Si clutched his coat collar with his chin, his hands alternating between his pockets and rubbing together as he paced back and forth restlessly.

Though his face was already red from the cold, he was full of anticipation. His clear, lovely eyes remained fixed on the end of the road.

No matter the whipping winds or the biting cold.

I'll wait for you.

...

*PS: I have received all your requests for updates, and I'm doing my best to write more!*

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