C18 His Assets Increased Sharply

Ye Chen narrowed his eyes, discerning the true nature of Yan De's ambition. The man's ability to swiftly cast aside his partner and his unyielding ferocity were traits not often found in the average person. Yet, Ye Chen was a man of his word, having already laid out his terms, he intended to honor them.

Accepting the bank card, Ye Chen declared, "I won't leave you crippled."

"Thank you, Master Ye!" Yan De expressed his deep gratitude.

He had entertained thoughts of revenge, but he was acutely aware that he was dealing with a martial artist, and the fear of retribution forced him to swallow the bitter pill of humiliation.

As Yan De turned to leave, Ye Chen added, "While I won't cripple you, my hand is swollen and red. How do you propose I exact my revenge?"

Yan De's face was a portrait of misery.

Clearly, Ye Chen had developed a taste for extortion, unsatisfied with a mere four million.

"Master Ye, what should I do? How much more money do you want?" Yan De was ready to pay whatever it took to appease Ye Chen.

"A man like me can handle a few injuries. But Miss Wei was frightened. Wake Lan up, and both of you kneel and apologize to her!" Ye Chen commanded.

Wei Qianning played her part perfectly, looking the epitome of distress with tears brimming in her eyes, threatening to spill over at any moment.

"Could I possibly...?" Yan De began, but Ye Chen cut him off, clearly impatient.

"Will you kneel or not? No more excuses."

Yan De was in agony. As a regional Boss, the prospect of his subjugation becoming public was unthinkable. How could he continue to grow his enterprise if no one feared him?

But facing the wrath of a martial artist like Ye Chen was something he couldn't bear.

With a heavy heart, Yan De uncapped a bottle of mineral water and splashed it onto Lan to rouse her. Clenching his jaw and stamping his foot, he knelt down.

"Master Ye, Miss Wei, I apologize for causing you distress today. It was my fault, and I hope you can forgive me," he said sincerely.

Lan, completely overwhelmed, saw Yan De's capitulation and dared not remain standing.

"Ye Chen, I apologize! Please don't be angry with someone as insignificant as me. I was disrespectful. I beg you not to break my limbs."

Lan, fully aware of her actions, slapped herself.

"Hmph, I hope you'll learn your lesson!"

Ye Chen could have easily extorted more money from Yan De, but instead, he chose to make Yan De kneel.

After all, Wei Qianning had boldly declared that anyone who offended Lan must kneel and apologize.

Regardless, he was determined to keep his word.

Ye Chen led Wei Qianning away from the neighborhood.

Throughout their walk, Wei Qianning's gaze remained fixed on Ye Chen, her sparkling eyes as if trying to see right through him.

They arrived at the entrance of a coffee shop.

Ye Chen spoke calmly, "Have you not seen enough? Let's go inside and sit down."

"Are you asking me out? We've only met twice and we're already going on a date. Isn't that a bit quick?" Wei Qianning blushed, her tone playful.

"It is a bit quick," Ye Chen agreed.

"Then we should part ways here and head home."

"Hey, why are you so unromantic?"

Wei Qianning quickly grabbed hold of Ye Chen, her need for his help making it impossible for her to let him leave so easily.

"Come on, since we're here, let's go in and sit down."

Ye Chen had no intention of leaving; he was merely teasing her.

They took their seats.

Wei Qianning spoke earnestly, "Ye Chen, thank you for saving me last time. Without you, I might not be here today."

Ye Chen shook his head. "Saving you was no trouble at all. No need for thanks."

"It's not that simple. I know my body well. Curing an innate heart disease is nearly impossible, and I've always lived with the pain of illness."

Wei Qianning continued, "I had a check-up at the hospital yesterday, and all my heart's indicators are normal. In other words, you've completely healed my condition."

Wei Qianning added, "Do you know how happy I am? Without you, I wouldn't be as happy as I am today. You've undoubtedly given me a new lease on life."

Ye Chen touched his nose, her words carrying a weight of deep emotion.

He quickly steered the conversation elsewhere. "How did you find my house?"

"You're quite well-known. A little inquiry about you, and I found out your information. You have the top academic score in the entire city."

Wei Qianning cozied up to Ye Chen, her subtle fragrance continuously teasing his hormones.

This made him, a man, turn red in the face.

No matter whether it was in his past life or this one, he was a virgin. With Wei Qianning's stunning beauty, how could he resist such allure?

"You didn't seek me out just to express your gratitude, did you? What else is on your mind?"

"You've seen right through me! You're skilled in medicine, excel academically, and you're even proficient in martial arts. You're practically a reclusive sage. I want you to be my boyfriend!"

"No! You can't just joke about things like that."

Ye Chen was hesitant to respond.

Wei Qianning was the Wei family's daughter, a typical heiress. She was gorgeous, and many were vying for her affection.

Ye Chen simply didn't have the time to fend off a multitude of romantic rivals.

"How do you know I'm joking? What if I'm serious?"

A flicker of wistfulness crossed Wei Qianning's gaze before she quickly hid it.

She spoke earnestly, "I need your help with two things. Firstly, I'd like you to treat my father. As you know, my condition is mostly inherited, and my father's health is deteriorating."

"No problem. As long as your uncle trusts me, I'm willing to treat him," Ye Chen replied with a nod.

"Hehe, I knew you were the kindest."

Wei Qianning handed Ye Chen a bank card. "This has ten million on it, a token of my appreciation for saving me. And for treating my father, you'll receive an additional sum."

"I'm aware you're not in need of money now, but this is my way of saying thanks, so please don't refuse."

Ye Chen accepted the gesture graciously, seeing no issue in earning money through his medical expertise.

"The second matter is that the day after tomorrow is my birthday. I'd like to invite you to my birthday party. Are you available?"

Hope shone in Wei Qianning's eyes, as this was a personal request.

Ye Chen had every right to decline.

She was uncertain whether someone of his caliber would accept her invitation.

Ye Chen flashed a smile. "Miss Wei, I simply can't turn down such an invitation."

"Yay!"

Wei Qianning exclaimed with joy, "From now on, just call me Qianning. 'Miss Wei' feels too formal."

They parted ways as noon approached.

Ye Chen crept back into the classroom on tiptoe. The teacher, recognizing him, remained silent.

Considering Ye Chen's status as the top student in the city, the teacher was willing to overlook minor infractions, as long as he didn't commit any serious offenses.

"Ye Chen, did you actually cut class? I'm truly surprised!" Bai Pangzi whispered.

Ye Chen had been an average student previously, but he was known to be well-behaved and had never skipped class before.

"I'm late, not cutting class," Ye Chen clarified.

"It's eleven o'clock now, and we're only half an hour away from the end of the school day. You're calling that late?"

"Is there an issue? You're unbelievable, fatty."

Bai Xiaocheng, catching the edge in Ye Chen's look, gave an embarrassed grin.

Bai Xiaocheng had once thought Ye Chen was frail and had sparred with him a bit. But after Ye Chen had given him a sound thrashing, Bai Xiaocheng didn't dare cross him again.

"Hey, bro, tomorrow's the weekend. How about you come with me to Antique City near our school?" Bai Pangzi inquired.

Ye Chen considered briefly. The antique trade was ripe with opportunities. Securing the right piece could mean striking it rich overnight. With some capital on hand, he was eager to turn it into something greater.

Ye Chen nodded decisively. "Sure, let's head out together tomorrow."