C15 I Was Really Wrong

Just as Xiang was about to inquire about the identity of the troublemaker, Ye Qinghui presented her with a letter.

The familiar script was unmistakably Chen Laosan's.

Xiang had shared her desires countless times: she yearned for a tranquil life with Chen Laosan, free from the demands of work, basking in a world belonging to just the two of them.

Yet, time and again, she was duped by that damned Chen Laosan.

Ultimately, it seemed her wishes were irrelevant. She could do as she pleased, having kept him at bay for over a year.

Now, at this moment, Chen Laosan had sent someone.

Aware that someone was after Xiang, and despite not having seen her for over a year, Chen Laosan remained vigilant about her well-being.

The letter instructed that Ye Qinghui be detained until the issue was resolved and, if possible, be treated to a fine meal.

"Host him!"

With a wave of her hand, Xiang issued the command.

Two women emerged and escorted Ye Qinghui inside, their assistance resembling more of an abduction as they forcibly led him away.

A lavish spread of dishes appeared before him in an instant.

Ye Qinghui began to feast with gusto.

He had confirmed beforehand that there would be no charge for the meal.

The response was clear: "Enjoy your meal, and once you're done, you're free to leave. Don't worry about the bill. Wouldn't it be improper to invite someone over and not offer them a meal?"

Indeed, it would be.

With this assurance, Ye Qinghui ate with abandon, trusting in their promise.

Therefore, after finishing his meal, he had no intention of paying a single cent – that was just his way.

Ten minutes swiftly passed.

Suddenly, the entrance erupted into chaos.

This commotion was due to an impending crisis, a stark contrast to the disturbance caused by Ye Qinghui's arrival.

Shadowy figures encircled the Jade Garden.

Armed with wooden sticks, the two door guards blocked the intruders' path.

Xiang made her way to the entrance.

The man outside was known as Brother Hua.

Brother Hua had his eyes set on Xiang. If she agreed to be with him, the Jade Garden would be his. If she refused, she could go wherever she pleased, but the Jade Garden would still belong to him. Once he gained control, he planned to coerce Xiang into returning as his madam. In the end, Xiang would be his regardless.

"Brother Hua, what are you getting at?"

"Do you want to follow me?"

Brother Hua inquired.

Xiang shook her head.

"Let me give you another chance to think about your response. Do you want to follow me?"

"No!"

This time, Xiang's refusal was straightforward and unequivocal. She shook her head—wasn't that clear enough? She would tell him outright that she was unwilling. What could possibly be the issue with that?

Brother Hua reminded himself to stay calm.

In such situations, remaining composed was even more crucial.

Indeed, he shouldn't let himself be manipulated so easily.

The other party was clearly doing this deliberately!

He couldn't afford to stoop to their level.

That simply wouldn't be right!

But what was the outcome?

Xiang didn't seem to care at all.

"Take over Jade Garden for me!"

Brother Hua commanded loudly.

At that moment, Ye Qinghui stepped forward.

He emerged amidst the escalating confrontation between the two parties.

"I'm leaving. A good dog doesn't stand in the way. Move!"

Ye Qinghui addressed Brother Hua.

Had Ye Qinghui merely wanted to leave and asked nicely, Brother Hua might have considered letting him pass.

But with Ye Qinghui's defiant stance, Brother Hua's rage was ignited in an instant. His blow was meant to be so forceful it would leave his opponent coughing up blood.

This punch was intended to make you question your very existence.

The punches came rapidly, one after another. If they didn't leave you gasping for air and bleeding, it would seem impossible.

Did you think this was all just a game?

It was anything but.

Yet, as if it were all in jest, Ye Qinghui dodged each attempt with ease.

Could Ye Qinghui really be such an easy target?

The opponent seemed incredibly naive and childish.

How could he have thought he would land a hit so easily?

The frustration was palpable.

How could he reconcile with such a defeat?

The attack had to land the next time, no matter what.

Shua, shua!

The attack, fierce and unrelenting, aimed directly at Ye Qinghui.

If a leader is defeated, then no one else would follow him.

Therefore, failure was not an option!

But not permitting failure and actually failing are two separate matters.

Whether success or failure, it depends on the facts, not sheer determination. Determination alone doesn't have a decisive impact. It's a simple concept, really.

Brother Hua's expression grew solemn.

Ye Qinghui reached out with his right hand and firmly pinched Brother Hua's nose. As he held the nose in his palm, his left hand shot out in a palm strike.

Bang! Bang!

Each strike hit Brother Hua squarely in the chest. The force of the impact was truly astonishing.

"Is this really the right way to go about things?" Brother Hua asked, his voice tinged with panic. His words were a plea for mercy, a signal that he was ready to talk things through and willing to negotiate.

But what was the outcome?

Bang!

The palm strikes kept coming, relentless and forceful, as if Ye Qinghui's hands were incapable of gentleness.

Bang!

Another attack landed, infuriatingly persistent.

"You're making me very unhappy!" Brother Hua bellowed.

Ye Qinghui yanked the knife from Brother Hua's waistband and, gripping the handle tightly, pointed the blade at Brother Hua's chest. He slowly began to press the tip into his adversary's flesh, as if to end his life with his own weapon.

"What are you doing? If you want to talk, let's talk. Bullying is one thing, but resorting to violence so quickly, what does that solve?" Brother Hua was truly frightened now.

This behavior was maddening, more than just a little. It was deeply unsettling because of their relationship, and he was very unhappy about it.

The knife's tip had already pierced his skin, and there was no attempt at communication.

"I was wrong, truly wrong!" Brother Hua cried out.

​