Chapter 704: I’ll Buy You
"Alright, since it’s like this, they say you shouldn’t let fertile water flow into outsiders’ fields. You’re unmarried, and I’m single, how about I buy you for a million yuan?" Xu Xiangbei spoke with such impact that even Xu Wanqing beside him was surprised and called him a pervert taking advantage of someone else. Initially, she thought Xu Xiangbei had a kind heart, but this changed her mind, clearly he was infatuated with the other’s beauty.
Xu Xiangbei’s face bore a playful smile, and there were distinct glimmers of something else in his eyes.
"Ah?" Tang Xinyi couldn’t believe Xu Xiangbei would say such a thing, and was momentarily at a loss, unsure of what to do.
"What’s with the ’ah!’? I’m offering a million yuan to buy you, do you agree or not? Be quick." Xu Xiangbei suddenly ignored Chen Xueliang opposite him and walked right up to Tang Xinyi, staring intently at her, and casually grasping her hand. His gaze was utterly like a starving wolf eyeing a captured lamb, as if he would devour the person.
"Do you really have that much money?" Tang Xinyi’s voice was soft, trying hard to break free from Xu Xiangbei, but it felt like her whole body was weak, unable to muster any strength, so she could only look down at her little toes in her high heels, not daring to say anything. Her face was adorably red.
"Of course I have, do you agree?" Xu Xiangbei laughed, growing more fond of her shy demeanor, longing to hold Tang Xinyi and kiss her.
"Okay!" Tang Xinyi somehow gathered the courage to lift her head and meet Xu Xiangbei’s gaze, which intertwined in the air, sparking an unusual atmosphere that made Xu Xiangbei blush. At that moment, Chen Xueliang seemed to seize Xu Xiangbei’s weakness, and while Xu Xiangbei was off guard, he launched the Hidden Tiger Palm, attacking fiercely like a luxury car speeding at 120 mph or a runaway horse.
This was precisely the opportunity Xu Xiangbei was waiting for; crouching and sliding forward like on wheels, while Chen Xueliang aimed at Xu Xiangbei’s upper body, not expecting him to react so unexpectedly. His momentum stalled, forcing him to direct his palm downward, and this pause gave Xu Xiangbei a golden chance. He unleashed a sudden surge of energy like a True Dragon awakening, his fists darting towards Chen Xueliang’s lower abdomen. Unable to defend effectively, Chen Xueliang attempted to kick Xu Xiangbei, who countered by raising a foot even while lying down, meeting Chen Xueliang’s kick. Xu Xiangbei immediately switched from fists to palms to halt Chen Xueliang’s strike, using his other foot to kick him. Caught off guard, Chen Xueliang was sent flying, landing several meters away on the ground, dizzy and with dislocated organs, even a thread of blood streaking from the corner of his mouth.
This scene terrified Zhang Debiao, as Black Tiger Gang’s leader, a grandmaster-level Chen Xueliang was defeated by Xu Xiangbei. He instantly felt defeated, rushing to help Chen Xueliang up, only to be brushed off. Chen Xueliang slowly stood by himself, having suffered internal injuries, clutching his chest.
"I’ve lost fair and square, injured and no match for you now. Do as you will, be it killing or maiming!" Chen Xueliang stood ahead, expressionless, even in pain maintaining his aura. As a gang leader familiar with life-and-death situations, true gangsters are exceptionally tough, never admitting defeat. Many underworld figures wouldn’t even flinch if you chopped off their hand right before them; that’s a true gangster.
"I don’t want to trouble you further. Just compensate 100 million and apologize." Xu Xiangbei knew their influence was substantial and didn’t truly seek conflict with underworld figures. But that didn’t mean he’d yield; if they ever dared to provoke him again, he’d send them all to Western Heaven. Light and shadow coexist, black and white balance, upon rivers and under mulberry trees, half light, half shadow.
Within the underworld, there’s neither good nor evil. Often, it’s a world ruled by the strongest, like nations between themselves. However, maintaining even a mere sliver of moral fiber is critical, for we are humans, not demons. We may eat pigs, cows, sheep, for we’re mightier, within a human-ruled society, but this is necessity for sustenance. Survival of the fittest is an eternal rule, yet we must not consume humans, else become demons indeed. Xu Xiangbei simply wished to grow stronger to protect those he could; against perceived injustice he’d act, but too much inequity and darkness exists beyond his solitary efforts. His aim was merely conscience clear and to instill fairness and justice he could within this world!
"I’ll cover the money, Debiao. This matter Chen can’t help you with. Be more restrained in future, and remember every deed has its limits. I’ve said my piece, I’m leaving. And as for the gentleman here, your surname is Xu, right? I also hope Mr. Xu adopts a gracious approach, for paths cross in this world!" Finished speaking, Chen Xueliang signed a 100 million check, handing it to Xu Xiangbei, leaving with his men without hesitation, leaving Zhang Debiao alone feeling lost.
"Brother Xu, it’s like flooding the Dragon King Temple unknowingly." Zhang Debiao looked at Xu Xiangbei, his face like he’d eaten bitter gourd. But his expression soon changed to a servile smile; despite knowing a bit of martial arts, compared to a real underworld giant like Chen Xueliang, he was far inferior. Simply relying on his brother’s backing to bully others, he was virtually a wastrel, immediately submitting upon encountering real trouble or those he couldn’t cross!
"I don’t want to make things difficult, either. Just kneel and kowtow thrice to Tang Xinyi, sincerely apologize, and leave. And never repeat such, nor let me see you again, or I’ll beat you until unrecognizable!" Xu Xiangbei spoke in a mild tone, noticing Zhang Debiao’s hidden fury but not caring. Regardless of his backstage, if he dared provoke again, Xu Xiangbei would ensure his downfall, with severe bloodshed.
Zhang Debiao felt humiliated but with no choice under the circumstances. He considered himself a gentleman, bearing with flexibility, suppressing his anger, preparing to seek help from his big brother later. He promptly kowtowed thrice to Tang Xinyi, loud enough for the floor to echo, apologized and left with his two men.
Tang Xinyi clearly hadn’t expected such a development; Black Tiger Gang’s mighty leader was defeated by Xu Xiangbei, yielding to him. Zhang Debiao, possessing considerable background, knelt to apologize, left her mind briefly overwhelmed.
Xu Xiangbei casually handed the 100 million check to her.
"What are you doing, Brother Xu!" Tang Xinyi looked confused.
"Didn’t you say you’d sell yourself for 100 million? This is my payment. You shouldn’t work in such a place anymore, try to protect yourself. Be smart when unoccupied!" Xu Xiangbei laughed, truly caring for Tang Xinyi, speculating she might have financial difficulties since working here. Unlike many willingly employed here without such necessity.
"No need, you’ve not only saved me but also solved my problem, that’s already great. I plan to repay you!" Tang Xinyi replied sincerely with gratitude and admiration for Xu Xiangbei.
"Just take it; I suspect you have difficulties, hence working here." Xu Xiangbei ignored her protests, directly putting the money into her hand.
"Xu Xiangbei, don’t make baseless accusations, we’re a decent KTV. What they do is voluntary; if truly forced, one call for security and I would resolve thoroughly!" Xu Wanqing was displeased; it seemed Xu Xiangbei compared her KTV to a brothel.
"I misspoke; this was a unique case, your KTV is exceptional!" Xu Xiangbei, not wishing to offend her, hastily corrected himself, adhering to the saying: better offend a fool than a woman.
"That’s right!" Xu Wanqing pouted her sexy red lips, appearing much like a bullied wife, catching attention before realizing her loss of composure and quickly reverted to a cold demeanor.
"Tang Xinyi, right? This incident was due to our KTV. I’ll apologize and assure you such occurrences won’t happen again. You can work here, I’ll protect you; let me know if you’re wronged. Take this month off on paid leave, go home and rest well to recover from any scare!" Xu Wanqing kindly said a stream of comforting words to Tang Xinyi, surprising her.