Chapter Thirty-Six: Causing a Scene

Qin Yang had almost forgotten how much effort it had taken to persuade Han Dongxue to reluctantly agree to stay, granting him a chance for probationary observation. What relieved him was that he had managed to convince Han Dongxue before Gao Xiaolan returned. Gao Xiaolan found their expressions rather odd but couldn’t make sense of it; she simply assumed Han Dongxue looked unwell due to a cold and promptly prepared hot water and the newly bought medicine for her.

In recognition of Qin Yang’s heroic deeds, Liu Molan granted him a few days off. During these days, Qin Yang devoted himself to learning from Han Mufeng, and gained considerable insight into Xingyi and Bagua boxing. With his innate strength, he only lacked proper technique for using his power efficiently. After Hell took up residence in his mind, his thoughts became exceedingly clear, making Han Mufeng’s instruction much easier. Han Dongxue was utterly astonished to see the once-lost family skills reappear in Qin Yang and began to believe, if only a little more, that he truly could converse with her ancestors. Of course, she would never admit it aloud, but she did stand aside, observing and learning intently.

Han Mufeng had always hoped his granddaughter would develop strong self-defense skills, and Qin Yang was the only person capable of serving as a bridge between them. Thus, he held nothing back, teaching wholeheartedly. Beyond his own mastery of martial arts, Han Mufeng, in moments of leisure, passed on his military knowledge and all sorts of combat techniques to Qin Yang. He had been a chief military instructor at Huangpu and had once studied systematically in Germany, teaching the oldest special forces theories. Although somewhat outdated now, this provided Qin Yang with a solid foundation.

Qin Yang hadn’t forgotten the list of last wishes the butler had drawn up. As a result, people often saw a certain third-rate rascal in Haitian City performing acts that left onlookers amazed. Qin Yang’s name quickly spread among many families. Of course, Cao Long’s machinations had not ceased either. Forced to accept Qin Yang’s terms, Cao Long could only direct his frustrations at the unfortunate Long Qiu Hu.

Eight o’clock in the evening.

On the rooftop, Qin Yang practiced a set of combative techniques, his movements fierce and imposing, thunderous in their intensity. Meanwhile, Han Dongxue repeatedly honed the martial arts she had learned on the other side of the rooftop.

Buzz—

Wiping sweat from his brow, Qin Yang picked up his phone and answered. Cao Long’s report came through: “Mr. Qin, everything is ready. If you have time, you can come and watch.”

“Alright.” Qin Yang wouldn’t pass up the chance to watch a good show. After informing Han Dongxue and Gao Xiaolan, he threw on a jacket and hurried to the Golden Den. By now, Cao Long was already prepared in his office, having readied cigarettes and liquor, awaiting Qin Yang’s arrival. After all, this was the man who held his secrets; Cao Long dared not let his guard down. Who knew what this fiend might do if displeased? Cao Long thought Qin Yang was the most difficult person he’d ever dealt with—utterly impervious and shameless.

He could only grumble in his heart. When he saw Qin Yang, he hurried to greet him. “Mr. Qin, please have a seat.”

Once Qin Yang was seated, Cao Long said, “Recently, through online and traditional media, we’ve pushed Long Qiu Hu to the center of public attention. Now, his every move is being watched by a huge number of internet users. The dirt I’ve collected on him has successfully sparked public outrage, even implicating his father, Long Hao. I’ve heard the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection is now investigating, but Long Hao has some influence in the capital, so today’s incident was suppressed.”

“How is Long Qiu Hu now?” Qin Yang asked curiously. He’d been too busy lately fulfilling the wishes of Hell’s spirits and training with Han Mufeng to keep up with the details.

Cao Long replied, “He’s in hiding. I hear he doesn’t even dare go out, afraid someone will kill him.”

“Hah. And what’s your final blow?” Qin Yang asked.

Cao Long gave a sinister smile. “In our line of work, if you rely solely on someone else’s power, sooner or later you’ll be eaten alive. If I didn’t know how to turn the tables, I’d have been dead years ago. Long Qiu Hu, as one of the most notorious second-generation heirs in Haitian City, has always been a focus for us. He’s left behind too much damning evidence. If I release the real video of his sexual assault, Mr. Qin, you can imagine his fate.”

As he spoke, Cao Long glanced cautiously at Qin Yang, but seeing Qin Yang’s unruffled expression, he couldn’t help but feel a pang of pity for Long Qiu Hu. Serves you right for dragging me into this and provoking such a demon. Who knows how he found out about my own skeletons? Better him than me.

“Then go ahead and release it,” Qin Yang said, taking a sip of whiskey. “What are you waiting for?”

“Our online operatives are in position,” Cao Long nodded, made a call, and opened a computer on his desk. “This will show our progress.”

Before he could finish, Qin Yang interrupted, “I have no interest in watching this. My only goal is to see Long Qiu Hu ruined—and that includes Yu Wei. I’m waiting for results, not interested in the process.”

Cao Long quickly nodded. “Waiting can be tedious, Mr. Qin. Would you like me to arrange something for you?”

But just then, a commotion erupted outside. Qin Yang grinned. “Seems someone’s stirring up trouble.”

“What’s going on out there?” Cao Long frowned, shouting loudly.

A lackey rushed in, panicked. “Boss, it’s bad—Ji Lie Hu is here!”

“What?” Cao Long was stunned, his whole body trembling as he looked at Qin Yang, his expression uncertain.

Qin Yang shrugged. “I haven’t said anything yet.”

“How many of them?” Cao Long asked grimly.

“Three!” the lackey stammered. “More than a dozen of our men have already been hurt.”

Hearing this, Cao Long shivered and cursed loudly, “Call the police, quick!”

“Huh?” The lackey was dumbstruck. After all these years in the business, since when did they ever call the police? Wasn’t that asking for trouble? Seeing his stunned look, Cao Long cursed again, “Useless! We’re a law-abiding, tax-paying entertainment venue. Those damn cops don’t take our money for nothing—call the police, now!”

“Forget it,” Qin Yang said, frowning. “I have a bit of a connection with Ji Lie Hu. I believe, out of respect for me, he won’t cause too much of a scene.”

That was exactly what Cao Long wanted to hear. He quickly nodded his thanks. “Sorry to trouble you, Mr. Qin.”

Extinguishing his cigarette, Qin Yang rolled his neck and stepped out of the office—only to be greeted by a fist the size of a sandbag flying at him. He couldn’t help but curse, “Damn it, I hate sneak attacks the most!”