Chapter Thirty-Eight: The Women Have Arrived

Early the next morning, Qin Yang swiftly packed his things and picked up Liu Molan. Yet, throughout the drive, Qin Yang felt rather uneasy. Not only did Liu Molan sit in the passenger seat, she also handed him a nutritious breakfast, leaving Qin Yang both flattered and nervous. He drove cautiously, stealing glances at Liu Molan, who had delicately applied makeup—her demeanor no longer icy and composed as before.

“Sun Qi asked me to thank you,” Liu Molan said. “Most of the information you provided has been verified, and she’s already taken some action.” Sun Qi had been busy on both fronts lately: investigating the elusive jewel thief gang and tracking down the mysterious figure who tried to kill Liu Molan. After learning through special channels that Liu Molan had a million-dollar bounty on her head, she was so startled that she arranged round-the-clock protection. Only after Qin Yang finally agreed to stop shirking his duties did Sun Qi relax a little, though she dared not ease her vigilance.

Liu Molan, unaware of all this, still felt lingering fear over the events of that day, but was gradually emerging from the shadow. If she knew her true situation, she certainly wouldn’t be so at ease.

“Oh? She’s capable of thanking someone? Why doesn’t she come herself?” Qin Yang joked. “Of course, a bonus would be even better—much more practical than a few words.”

“She’s worried you might be targeted for revenge,” Liu Molan replied softly. “But she’s secretly applied for a reward for you as well. It should arrive soon, and when it does, don’t be stingy.”

“I’ll treat you to dinner.”

The two arrived at the mall. But as Liu Molan stepped out of the car, her entire aura shifted, reverting to her familiar coldness. Qin Yang was caught off guard, perplexed by the sudden change. What was going on with her? As he parked the car, he noticed a figure lurking in the corner, reminding him of Guo Jingtao’s antics a few days prior. With a sneer, he grabbed a stick and strode forward.

“Wait, wait—it’s me.” A familiar voice called out, and Wang Zhibing emerged, dressed almost like a half-beggar, cautiously approaching.

Qin Yang couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re a billionaire, for heaven’s sake. Why are you sneaking around like this? Lucky it’s me—if a security guard saw you, you’d be beaten before I could recognize you.”

Wang Zhibing pulled a long face, glancing around nervously. He complained, “My dear young master, please stop joking. Isn’t this all your fault?”

“My fault? Don’t slander me. When have I ever caused you such trouble?” Qin Yang’s eyes narrowed in displeasure.

Wang Zhibing nearly cried. “It’s all because you stood up the old man last time. I thought nothing would come of it, and the old man never mentioned it. But who could have guessed he’d bypass me and directly acquire Yang Jewelry Company, appointing your rumored sweetheart Liu Yan to take full charge. Now, I have to follow her orders completely.”

“So?” Qin Yang raised an eyebrow, sensing trouble.

Wang Zhibing sighed. “Who knew Liu Yan would turn out to be a proper little princess? In front of dozens of influential people, you stood her up, and she’s held onto that grudge. As soon as she took office, she dug up old scores. Remember the ten thousand I gave you on your first day? She found out and reported it to the old man. He was furious and stripped me of my authority. All the things we used to hide from him, she’s uncovered. Now the old man’s even more enraged. I’m truly penniless now. She sent me here supposedly to assess Tianfeng Mall’s performance and decide whether to rent shops—but everyone knows she’s here to show you up.”

Qin Yang’s eyes grew colder as he listened.

The palpable chill made Wang Zhibing swallow hard and step back, unable to meet Qin Yang’s gaze.

“Are all these decisions approved by the old man?” Qin Yang asked icily.

Wang Zhibing nodded helplessly. “He’s agreed. Even the lady of the house doesn’t object anymore. She used to say a few words, but now…”

“He’s ruthless, isn’t he? All for a newcomer, he lets you fall so far. Is he not afraid others will lose heart?” Qin Yang’s face betrayed nothing, leaving Wang Zhibing unsure of his thoughts. Wang could only muster the courage to say, “Ultimately, it’s my own fault for not handling things well.”

“Stop spouting nonsense,” Qin Yang waved him off. “Who exactly is Liu Yan?”

“She’s from the capital. Rumor has it her suitors could fill half a tour bus. Many young nobles from the capital have heard about all this and are flocking to Haitian, supposedly to stand up for Liu Yan and win her favor.”

“Is that so?” Qin Yang’s smile was ambiguous. “Did Liu Yan bring them here?”

“Probably,” Wang Zhibing’s expression turned grave. “None of them are easy to deal with—their families are all powerful. Please don’t take them lightly.”

Qin Yang narrowed his eyes. “How’s your health recently?”

“Not bad.” Wang Zhibing was puzzled by the abrupt shift but answered honestly.

“Not bad isn’t good enough. Go back and submit your resignation to the old man—say your health isn’t up to it. No need to suffer under that woman’s hand. Or say you’re not in the mood and want to travel the world. Listen, don’t cry poverty to me. If you’re truly penniless, I’d sooner believe pigs can fly. If the old man won’t keep you, walk away with dignity. If he does, refuse with equal dignity and cut off all ties to Hailong Group. Don’t worry—when you finish your travels, I guarantee you’ll return to Hailong Group. Do you dare?”

Wang Zhibing’s face flickered with uncertainty. This was clearly choosing sides against Liu Yan—and even the old man. If Qin Yang lost, Liu Yan’s cunning would let her rule half of Hailong Group, and Wang would truly retire. But if Qin Yang won… remembering his own wealth was more than enough for several lifetimes, Wang gritted his teeth. “I’ll do it!”

“Good!” Qin Yang clapped. “When you hand in your resignation, tell the old man: the group from the capital brought by Liu Yan—if they dare come after me, I’ll cripple them one by one. If the Qin family suffers any consequences, don’t blame anyone but Qin Yang.”

“Qin Yang? Qin Yang?”

Suddenly, Liu Molan’s voice called from the doorway. Wang Zhibing hurriedly hid, while Qin Yang put on a new face and walked out. Liu Molan asked, “What were you doing? Why so long? And your phone was off?”

Qin Yang smiled. “Saw a few rats while parking the car. Was chasing them off—annoying creatures. Didn’t want them gnawing at the tires.”

“It’s not winter now, though. Shouldn’t rats be hibernating?”

“…..”