Chapter 48: Profiting from the Flames

After completing the bail procedures, Hu Zhinan handed Shang Yucheng a cigarette. “President Shang, you’re in high spirits—just strolling through the police station for fun?” The words were polite, but his voice was cold.

Recently, Shang Yucheng had made life hell for Hu Zhinan: demotions and exclusion were just the beginning. This young man’s methods were nothing like those of someone riding the coattails of ancestral privilege. His approach to Hu Zhinan had been brutal—like kicking a dog when it’s down. That plot of land in the southern part of the city had been Hu Zhinan’s proof of loyalty upon entering Qingcheng; Shang Yucheng took it from him with no hesitation. Not a shred of mercy, as if he didn’t fear shortening his own life.

Shang Yucheng received the cigarette without changing expression. Hu Zhinan lit it for him, and he accepted it like a master, “I’m nothing compared to your ambitions. Out for half a year and already preparing to return in glory.”

A flash of venom crossed Hu Zhinan’s gaze. His mind naturally drifted to Fang Jiabao from earlier.

Gong Xueyuan had previously told him about the affair between that little vixen and Shang Yucheng, but he hadn’t believed it at first. Shang Yucheng’s status meant he could have any woman; why would he bother with someone as wild as Fang Jiabao? Yet today’s test revealed that Shang Yucheng seemed genuinely interested in her.

He couldn’t fathom what charm she possessed—first He Xiaoqiu, then Shang Yucheng, both men coveted by Gong Xueyuan. If her allure wasn’t apparent on the surface, then it must be hidden “within.” By rights, it should soon be his turn.

Hu Zhinan, addicted to pleasure, felt a real stir of interest.

Just then, the man in the baseball cap was released.

Hu Zhinan patted his shoulder, “You did well today—go home and rest. I’ll have great use for you yet.” Turning maliciously toward Shang Yucheng, he grinned, “President Shang, doesn’t this brother resemble me?”

Shang Yucheng looked at him in silence, the cold and commanding force between his brows nearly overflowing.

“President Shang, you managed to keep an eye on me today, but tomorrow that might not be the case. Next time, your man might only be following someone who looks like me. If I do something, you won’t be able to stop it…” Hu Zhinan spoke slowly. “You snatched my land—I can’t beat you, so I admit defeat. But I’m good at snatching women. Imagine, being boot brothers with the illustrious Shang Yucheng; losing a plot of land isn’t so regrettable after all.”

He spoke of the future—not Gong Xueyuan, whom he’d already claimed, but Liang Jinshang.

Women, among men, are the most direct and most devastating threat.

A more impulsive man might have settled things with his fists right here outside the station. Yet Shang Yucheng simply stubbed out his cigarette underfoot, and said coolly, “Before you try on my boots, make sure your feet are big enough… Touch what you shouldn’t, and you might lose not just your feet, but your legs.”

His handcrafted leather shoes crushed the stub, his voice icy as he added, “All three legs.”

…

Liang Jinshang saw Chao Jingyu and realized with a jolt that she’d meant to bring supper to Liang Xizhou tonight, but had been delayed until now.

Chao Jingyu seemed to read her mind. Before she could ask, he said, “I had an attendant bring food to Liang Xizhou.”

But after today’s ordeal, Liang Jinshang couldn’t rest until she saw Liang Xizhou safe with her own eyes. She asked to return to the hospital with Chao Jingyu, who was on duty.

Chao Jingyu had rushed over after a call, so he hadn’t brought his car. Just then, Shang Yucheng and Hu Zhinan emerged together and approached.

From afar, Chao Jingyu frowned at the sight of Hu Zhinan. He asked Shang Yucheng, “What are you doing mixed up with that scoundrel?”

Then he asked if Shang Yucheng could give them a ride to the hospital.

“I’ve snatched several deals from him lately, so I had my men keep a close watch. When they said he’d come to the station, I worried he might get desperate—so I came to check,” Shang Yucheng explained, sitting up front with Chao Jingyu.

No one found it odd that Shang Yucheng would trouble Hu Zhinan. But for him to personally show up over a minor move by Hu Zhinan—both brothers knew of his connection to Liang Jinshang—made it hard not to suspect he’d come tonight for her sake.

Still, not even the youngest, Chao Xinghe, would expose that layer of truth.

Chao Xinghe sat in the back with Liang Jinshang, chatting, “Sis, you haven’t spoken to me all night—are you mad because I pretended to be your boyfriend?”

Liang Jinshang hadn’t just ignored him—she’d been silent since stepping into Shang Yucheng’s car.

“Why would I be angry? I should thank you for saving me.” She forced herself to rally. “By the way, how did you happen to be there?”

Like a hero descending from the heavens, and so much like the person she yearned for.

“I went to find my brother, and tried out my new bike,” Chao Xinghe sighed regretfully. “Bro, does this mean you’ll never let me ride a motorcycle again?”

Chao Jingyu glanced at him in the rearview mirror. “Good to see you’ve realized that.”

When Chao Xinghe fell quiet, the atmosphere in the car became almost too silent.

After a moment, he tried again, fishing for conversation in his innocent way, “By the way, Sis… Who’s He Xiaoqiu—the one you called out for while crying? He’s not your real boyfriend, is he? Haha!”

Just then, a Mercedes in front slammed its brakes. Shang Yucheng honked sharply, urging it aside.

Liang Jinshang jolted, then replied softly, “No… Just a friend. I haven’t seen him in years.”

The loneliness in her voice filled the entire car.

Only a fool would believe he was just a friend.

Chao Jingyu coughed lightly and turned in his seat. “You’re never usually so chatty. You’re giving me a headache—can’t you quiet down for a while?”

Liang Jinshang knew he was helping her out.

She also knew that Chao Xinghe’s innocence was an act; his every word had a clear motive.

He made an effort to seem like a naïve boy.

There was still some distance to go. It wouldn’t do to let the silence drag on, so she asked Chao Jingyu about Liang Xizhou’s treatment.

“I meant to talk to you about that,” Chao Jingyu said. “Liang Xizhou has spinal neuron damage—those cells can’t regenerate. Lately, we’ve tried stimulating them externally with electrode patches. The results… aren’t promising.”

Eight years paralyzed; to stand again bordered on fantasy from a medical standpoint.

Liang Jinshang spent half an hour alone in Liang Xizhou’s hospital room, then stumbled out, lost in spirit.

Just as she stepped into the dim corridor, she nearly collided with a tall figure.

Startled, she gasped and retreated three steps in a row.

He sneered softly, mocking her, “Already scared out of your wits?”

Her heart and body couldn’t withstand any more torment; she tried to skirt around Shang Yucheng and leave.

But Shang Yucheng grabbed her, his tone languid, “I’ve guaranteed the cripple’s life.”

Liang Jinshang looked up suddenly, struggling to control the surge of emotion in her chest. She pressed her voice low, gritting out, “Can you stop showing up after every disaster to profit from others’ misfortunes?! Not every problem comes with a second chance—you understand that?!”