Chapter Seventeen: Finally Living Together

Chapter Seventeen: Finally Living Together

“Young man, don’t be so oblivious to the situation!” The middle-aged man narrowed his eyes and glanced at Guoguo, his already small, triangular eyes shrinking into slits, making him look even more sinister. He was only forty, yet had been insulted as an old geezer; naturally, he was displeased.

A chill ran through Guoguo’s heart as she quickly hid behind Xu Yun.

“So what?” Xu Yun lightly patted Guoguo, giving her an immediate sense of security.

If things came to blows today, even a fight to the death would likely cause no trouble. If Qin Wan’er learned that this half-grown man was the mastermind behind her abduction, she might even blame him for not beating him hard enough.

Suppressing his inner turmoil, the middle-aged man said, “Xu Yun, I, Wang Shunxi, may not be the overlord of Hedong, but I’m still someone who can shake things up in Wenhui District. If you’re willing to join me, I’ll guarantee your meteoric rise! A true man’s ambitions should be far-reaching—do you really want to spend your days cooped up in this little restaurant?”

“What’s wrong with that? I think it’s great.” Xu Yun crossed his legs. “I eat and drink well here. Don’t waste your breath on me; I’m a law-abiding citizen, not part of any underworld. If you don’t leave, I really will make a move.”

Wang Shunxi remained stubborn, unwilling to give up. “Brother, if you join me, you’ll feast every day! Whatever kind of woman you desire, I’ll provide! Brother, I’ve already given you enough face.”

“Face?” Xu Yun shook his head, bouncing his leg up and down. “How much is it per pound?”

Wang Shunxi snorted coldly and stood, bracing himself against the table. He’d lost all patience with Xu Yun. “Xu Yun, I’ll give you a few days to think over my proposal! Otherwise, we’ll just see how it goes!”

“I’m not beating you today because I’m in a good mood—next time you won’t be so lucky.” Xu Yun snorted and hurled a single word at Wang Shunxi: “Leave.”

Wang Shunxi, notorious gangster though he was, managed to swallow his anger. He knew Xu Yun was a talent; if Four Wolves could recruit such a fierce warrior, not only could they topple Blade Axe Society and Heroic Society to become Wenhui District’s top gang, but taking all of Hedong City would be within reach!

Even the Four Wolves’ boss left in embarrassment. Guoguo secretly rejoiced; she and her mother had surely latched onto a powerful supporter!

Of course, Wang Shunxi didn’t leave so easily. After driving out for only a few minutes, both front tires suddenly burst with a loud bang!

The car spun out of control, crashing into several other vehicles. The driver broke out in a cold sweat, thinking someone had fired a gun! Wang Shunxi ducked his head, convinced his enemies had come for him.

On the sidewalk, Qiu Yan lifted her sharp, cold face and snorted, tossing away the two remaining pebbles in her hand before slipping away from the scene.

...

Due to the Four Wolves’ declaration of war, Ruan Qingshuang and Guoguo both sensed imminent danger.

Xu Yun, however, was unconcerned. The Four Wolves’ provocation was suicide; even just the injured Fox Sovereign, Qiu Yan, could make them suffer.

“Xu Yun, could you stay at the restaurant from now on?” Ruan Qingshuang finally spoke up, her reason being that having him around would provide protection, and she knew she couldn’t protect Guoguo by herself.

Xu Yun’s eyes lit up. Though the Four Wolves were a ragtag bunch, they’d given him a perfect excuse to move into the Herbal Cuisine Pavilion. “Sure, I’ll move in tomorrow. I’m worried the Four Wolves might cause you trouble.”

“Why wait for tomorrow? Stay tonight,” Guoguo pulled Xu Yun aside, whispering, “Mom usually wears very little after her evening bath.”

“Guoguo! Stop talking nonsense!” Ruan Qingshuang’s cheeks flushed instantly!

Guoguo waved her little hand, unconcerned. “I’m just telling the truth, that’s all.”

Ruan Qingshuang was helpless before Guoguo.

The scene from yesterday, when Ruan Qingshuang’s clothes slipped, flashed through Xu Yun’s mind, filling him with delight, though he insisted, “Guoguo, I’m only staying here to protect you both… um, do you believe me?”

“Hehe, Dad, you’re not telling me the truth?” Guoguo’s eyes twinkled mischievously. “I’d sooner believe a sow could climb a tree…”

Xu Yun was instantly petrified!

Ruan Qingshuang was speechless and went upstairs to prepare a room near the stairs for Xu Yun, with an east-facing window.

It didn’t matter where Xu Yun slept; as long as he had a place to meditate and practice his breathing exercises, he was content.

Xu Yun said his goodbyes and hurried home to gather his daily necessities—not that he had much, his only possession being a backpack full of treasures.

In less than an hour, Xu Yun returned, and by then Ruan Qingshuang had already made up the bed. The room was ready for him to move in straight away!

“Mom, Guoguo’s sleepy,” Guoguo yawned.

“Once I finish helping Uncle Xu Yun get settled, I’ll go to bed with you, okay?” Ruan Qingshuang smiled, stroking Guoguo’s head.

Guoguo wasn’t impressed. “Hmm… you’re just moving in together, and you can’t wait to do grown-up things?”

Damn! Is she really only seven years old!? Xu Yun nearly spat blood!

Ruan Qingshuang’s mouth twitched; she was utterly defeated by this little rascal!

“I’ll go to bed with you right now,” Ruan Qingshuang said, smiling wryly to Xu Yun. “The rest is yours to sort out…”

“Of course…” Xu Yun had no choice but to tidy up himself. If he didn’t, he’d gain nothing and be accused by Guoguo of improper conduct—what a grievance that would be!

After finishing everything, Xu Yun took a quick shower and then quietly practiced the breathing exercises his master had assigned.

...

Wang Shunxi returned to his residence from the Herbal Cuisine Pavilion to find the house dark. He cursed inwardly: That woman was probably out making trouble again!

Just as he reached the door, Wang Shunxi’s eyes widened in fury—someone had kicked it open! He was an old gangster, after all; his heart sank, but he strode into the room. “Who’s there?”

“Hahaha, how have you been lately, old brother?” A rough male voice laughed.

Wang Shunxi shivered all over at the sound, following it to see a burly, shirtless man on the sofa, a shocking scar across his face. Beside him, Wang Shunxi’s kept woman was nearly lifeless from torment…

This… how could this demon be here!?

“Old brother, don’t you remember me? I thought of you as soon as I arrived in Hedong.” The man’s eyes gleamed coldly. “Hahaha, your taste is getting better and better; this girl was simply delightful.”

“Wildcat… Brother Wildcat… What brings you to Hedong…” Wang Shunxi was a big shot in Hedong; who was he ever afraid of? Yet in front of this man, he stammered, seeing his woman reduced to a limp wreck and not daring to utter a word of protest!

Because Wang Shunxi knew full well—even ten or a hundred of him were nothing but ants to the underground world’s experts. They could crush him effortlessly!

“Because I knew you were here, old brother.” The burly man’s eyes flashed. “Wherever you are, there are always fun women around, hahaha!”

Wildcat—a renowned figure in the underworld! Such men usually operated in Beijing, Suzhou, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and other major cities. Why would he suddenly appear in Hedong?!

“Brother Wildcat, you’re really joking, haha… If there’s anything you need, just let me know!” Wang Shunxi was emperor of Four Wolves, but before Wildcat he was nothing. He knew, despite Wildcat calling him 'old brother,' if he ever offended him, his fate would be death.

Wildcat patted the nearly unconscious woman beside him. “Your little sweetheart has already helped me, hehehe. I just want to ask you a few questions.”

Wang Shunxi breathed a sigh of relief; if a woman could satisfy this guy, it wasn’t too much trouble. “Ask, ask, I’ll tell you everything I know!”

“Old brother, you’re the local kingpin. Have you noticed any single women with children recently?” Wildcat asked, pulling two photos from his shirt pocket and tossing them on the table.

Wang Shunxi respectfully picked up the photos. The first was of a woman, cold and stunningly beautiful, unforgettable to anyone who’d seen her.

He shook his head and picked up the second photo. Seeing the innocent, sweet smile of the little girl, Wang Shunxi’s eyes lit up—wasn’t this the brat from the Herbal Cuisine Pavilion who’d called him an old geezer?

“Looks like you’ve seen the people in these photos,” Wildcat keenly noticed the change in Wang Shunxi’s gaze, smiling inwardly.

“Yes, I’ve seen the little girl—she’s at the Herbal Cuisine Pavilion on Donglin Street, Yihe Plaza!” Wang Shunxi nodded eagerly, hoping his information would put Wildcat in a good mood.

“Are you sure?” Wildcat’s eyes flashed coldly. “It’s really this little girl?”

Wang Shunxi was emphatic. “I’m sure! Absolutely sure!”

Wildcat stood, sneering as he put on his jacket, and spoke bluntly to Wang Shunxi. “Old brother, thanks for your woman. If you ever get another beauty like her, let me know, hahaha. Our tastes are so alike—that’s why I call you old brother! Hahaha!”

“Hahaha, sure, hahaha, definitely!” Wang Shunxi could only smile obsequiously.

Wildcat ignored Wang Shunxi’s servile flattery and strode away, not even glancing at the woman on the sofa, who was on the verge of shock.

Now, he had only one thought in mind: the severely wounded Fox Sovereign was nearly dead—this was his chance! If he could kill Fox Sovereign and take the little princess of the Feng Qiansui family, his status in front of the boss would rise dramatically!

Wildcat would never let such an opportunity slip by! If he was careful enough, even taking down Fox Sovereign Qiu Yan was not impossible!