Chapter Sixty-Seven: Old Man Han Pays a Visit

“I’ve gathered all the brothers,” Ji Liehu pointed at the group and said, “They’re all comrades who’ve shared life and death with me before. They know I’m out and are willing to take the risk to return—they can absolutely be trusted.”

“How’s the plan coming along?” Qin Yang asked.

Ji Liehu replied, “Relying on your intelligence and judging by Cao Xianhu’s intentions, we suspect the buyers in this deal are likely from Southeast Asia. But that doesn’t really matter—whether they’re from Southeast Asia or Colombia, they’ve got agents in Asia. I know their movements fairly well; I’ve dealt with them before. We’ll set up an ambush along their route, then pose as the sellers to make contact with Cao Xianhu, and seize the chance to nab them all in one go. As for the police, how much have you tipped them off?”

“Don’t worry. The police won’t make any premature moves and alert the enemy. Even if they move fast on the water, they’ll still need time—which will be enough for you to deal with Cao Xianhu and his men. Are your preparations ready?” Qin Yang, reassured about the timing, asked.

This time, Li Meng answered, “Don’t worry, Boss Qin. All the equipment we’re using comes from our old team—completely off the police’s radar, nothing that could get us in trouble later.”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

With intelligence, equipment, and manpower all in place, Qin Yang felt at ease about the next night’s operation. What concerned him more was the gang of jewel thieves, who would definitely make their move tomorrow night. Whether Qin Yang could avenge himself would also be decided then. That night, he didn’t go home. Instead, he stayed with Ji Liehu and the others to discuss every detail. Since Cao Long was now completely tied to Qin Yang’s cause, he joined the planning as well, offering all the information he could.

By dawn, the men finally stumbled out of the office yawning, each returning to his own room to rest and conserve energy for the night.

Just then, Cao Long received a call from Cao Xianhu.

Once he answered, Cao Xianhu simply instructed him to bring five million in cash for a meeting at seven that evening, and warned him to be discreet.

After the call, Ji Liehu clapped his hands in excitement: “That old fox is finally making a move.”

“Cao Long, does he know about us?” Qin Yang asked.

Cao Long shook his head with a bitter smile. “I doubt Cao Xianhu would ever suspect me of betraying him. He’s been keeping a low profile lately, and your plans are deeply confidential—only my most trusted men know, none of whom Cao Xianhu can reach.”

“Excellent,” Qin Yang said. “Then tonight, you’ll be our undercover. Whether Cao Xianhu lets you accompany him to the deal is still uncertain. If he refuses, just find somewhere to hide. If he agrees, remember—don’t slip up. Otherwise, Cao Xianhu will strike you down without hesitation.”

After this final confirmation, Ji Liehu and Cao Long each returned to their rooms to rest.

Liu Molan would be staying home to rest that day, which meant Qin Yang had a day off as well. However, he still needed to accompany her to the Hailong Jewelry Exhibition that evening. He filled up on street food before heading home, only to find an unexpected guest waiting: old Mr. Han, with Han Dongxue sitting across from him, her face full of anger, fists clenched as she fought to suppress her fury.

Gao Xiaolan was next door helping Xiao Mei with her homework, while Qi Mengwei was reading in Qin Yang’s room. It wasn’t her place to interfere in other people’s family matters, so after Qin Yang returned, she greeted him like a caring wife, took his coat, and hung it up. “Where were you last night?” she asked.

“Just taking care of something,” Qin Yang replied with a smile, gently easing her into a chair. “Are you settling in all right here?”

“There’s not really much to get used to,” Qi Mengwei shook her head softly. “But it’s much better than Hai Tian City. I don’t know the neighbors here, but everyone’s friendly. I spent half the night chatting with Xiaolan yesterday, and it was relaxing. By the way, about Yang Feng’s death?”

“I already told you—it was a heart attack,” Qin Yang said, kneading her shoulders. “You don’t need to worry about these things anymore. My mom called me, and Yang Feng’s mother, Qian Yafang, asked me to apologize to you for making you bear so much you shouldn’t have. You don’t need to get involved in Jiang Hai’s affairs anymore. Just start a new life here. If you want, find a new job. If you’d rather not, I’ll take care of you and make sure you live well.”

Qi Mengwei blushed, lowering her head to mumble something under her breath.

“I do want to work. Sister Tao said Xiao Mei’s kindergarten is hiring new teachers. I’d like to check it out,” she said softly.

Qin Yang chuckled. Sister Tao certainly enjoyed finding jobs for others. “That’s fine—give it a try. It’s close by, but with how pretty you are, it might be hard to keep things uneventful.”

Qi Mengwei blushed again—her greatest weapon, enough to make any man’s heart ache.

Just then, they heard a commotion in the living room. Qin Yang patted her shoulder and stepped out, only to find Han Dongxue exclaiming in displeasure, “What does my grandfather’s life or death have to do with you? The purple-gold box has always been a Han family heirloom. Why are you so intent on getting your hands on it? Can’t someone your age escape the clutches of greed?”

“Dongxue, I’ve told you—you’re a member of the Han family. Your grandfather only left with the box because he was unhappy with the rules. It’s not that I want to take the purple-gold box for myself. I just hope you’ll return to the family and let us keep it safe. You’ve seen the family genealogy—don’t you want your grandfather’s and father’s remains to rest in the ancestral hall? Can’t you consider our ancestors, and return the heirloom to the family?” the old man pleaded.

Han Dongxue sneered and shook her head. “Why should I believe you? When your people chased me down, I never saw any respect for our ancestors. If Qin Yang hadn’t saved me, I don’t know if I’d even be alive.”

“Dongxue, I—”

“Enough.” Perhaps she had picked up this habit from spending time with Qin Yang, for her tone was icy. “I don’t want to see you. Han family? Are you even worthy? Do you think I don’t know your assassins nearly killed Qin Yang for that box? Now you have the nerve to come begging for it? I, Han Dongxue, will never recognize your family.”

“Dongxue, do we mean less to you than Qin Yang?” The old man’s temper flared at the mention of Qin Yang, and he couldn’t help but demand an answer.

Han Dongxue snorted, “After my father died, only my grandfather cared for me. After he passed, you forced me to leave my home and wander to Hai Tian City. If not for Qin Yang, I’d either be dead by your people’s hands or starved in the streets. Sure, Qin Yang has his flaws, but he’s far better than you hypocrites.”

“You’re one to talk about flaws,” Qin Yang muttered inwardly, remembering her holding a grudge after their accidental encounter. She never missed a chance to give him a hard time at home.

“I truly didn’t know they would go so far,” the old man said bitterly. “I had no idea you were guarding the box yourself. Otherwise, how would they dare hurt you?”

“Stop pretending,” Han Dongxue snapped. “It’s all about the box, isn’t it? Well, even if I die, you’ll never get it!”

“Dongxue!” The old man was now genuinely upset. “Do you really take me for a petty crook?”

“Old Han, mind where you are before you start raging,” Qin Yang said coldly. “If you make me unhappy, I’ll kick you out right now. Don’t think that just because you’ve been a doctor for a few high officials, you can do whatever you like here.”

The old man’s face reddened, but knowing he wasn’t a match for Qin Yang, and that Qin Yang was immune to threats, he could only sigh helplessly.

“Dongxue, don’t get so worked up. Have a proper talk,” Qin Yang said, retreating to his room. “Call me if you need anything.”

Once Qin Yang had left, Han Dongxue sat back on the sofa, huffed, and fell silent.

The old man sighed. “Dongxue, I’ve lived most of my life and can see through almost everything, except for your grandfather leaving the family with you. I’ve searched for years, just trying to atone for our elders’ mistakes. I know you’ve suffered too much and don’t trust anyone, but I ask you—give me a chance to make things right.”

“Go on, then,” Han Dongxue said, softening a little at his sincere tone.

Meanwhile, inside, Qin Yang was sitting quietly with his eyes closed, while Qi Mengwei read her book, occasionally sneaking a satisfied glance at him.

“Master, is old Han really your descendant?” Qin Yang asked inwardly.

“He is. I met the boy before Dongxue’s grandfather left the family—he was only twenty then. Hard to believe so many years have passed,” Han Mufeng said with a sigh, then added with a chuckle, “But if you’re hoping to find out why Dongxue’s family left, forget it. Family scandals are best kept secret, and there are few left who know the truth. Let those secrets fade away; knowing them would only satisfy your curiosity and nothing more.”

“Fine, I won’t pry,” Qin Yang replied with a smile.

At that moment, there was a knock at the door, and Han Dongxue entered, her face unreadable. “Qin Yang, I won’t be home for lunch.”

Qin Yang was surprised—had she given in so quickly? Still, family matters were not his to meddle in, so he simply said, “All right, I won’t make lunch for you, then.”

“I’m leaving,” Han Dongxue announced, turning to go.

“Hey, text me in an hour to check in. If they try any tricks, I’ll go beat them up for you,” Qin Yang called after her.

“I know,” she replied.

Han Dongxue nearly burst out laughing but managed to hold it in, waved, and left with the old man.