C22 I Haven't Finished Drinking My Wine yet

Mr. Peng was so intimidated by the scolding he received that he didn't dare utter a single word. The pain from his bullet-riddled legs and the injuries inflicted by Chen Guangyun made him grimace, cold air hissing through clenched teeth.

Elder Hu's attention abruptly focused on Mr. Peng's knees. Upon noticing the two punctured wounds, his pupils shrank in shock. "How did you sustain these injuries on your legs?" he demanded.

Without any attempt to conceal the truth, Mr. Peng hastily explained, "They're gunshot wounds. Before you arrived, someone took a couple of potshots at me. But by now, I reckon he's long gone."

Elder Hu's expression grew grave; he recognized that these were no ordinary bullet wounds.

Just then, his eyes caught sight of a peanut lying on the ground nearby. A peanut in itself wasn't unusual, but this one was smeared with blood—a curious anomaly. Could it be that someone had used this very peanut to shoot through Mr. Peng's knees?

Elder Hu was confident in his own ability to use a peanut as a weapon, but to penetrate hard bone with one was a formidable challenge. Such a feat could only be accomplished by someone of Martial Dao Grandmaster caliber.

Quickly, Elder Hu discovered another bloodstained peanut in a corner, instantly validating his suspicions. Indeed, there was a Martial Dao Grandmaster present in the bar, and it was this individual who had inflicted Mr. Peng's wounds.

Scanning the bar, Elder Hu observed that the patrons were predominantly young students, and he immediately ruled out the waitstaff. He was certain that a Martial Dao Grandmaster would not stoop to working as a bar waiter.

Thus, his search was limited to the clientele. Yet, considering their youthful appearance, it was highly improbable that any of them were Martial Dao Grandmasters. It appeared that the person he sought had already departed.

For Elder Hu, this was a relief; he had no desire to cross paths with a Martial Dao Grandmaster.

Chen Guangyun looked up, casting a meaningful glance at Chu Xuan, before addressing Elder Hu with a frosty tone, "Elder Hu, there's a saying that misfortune should not extend to one's family. If the Guo family is looking for trouble, direct it at me, Chen Guangyun. Despite being a prominent family in the capital, your actions are disgraceful. My life may be worthless, and in a fit of rage, I'm prepared for bloodshed. Whatever the Guo family intends, I stand ready to face it to the very end."

Chu Xuan was left speechless. This guy had suddenly toughened up. Did he really think Chu Xuan would undoubtedly come to his aid?

Earlier, in Chen Guangyun's absence, Chu Xuan had been moved to help upon seeing his daughter in such a pitiful, helpless state.

Now that Chen Guangyun had arrived, capable of defending himself, Chu Xuan felt no need to intervene any further.

After all, he wasn't Chen Guangyun's personal bodyguard. And while he valued karmic connections, he believed in moderation.

"This guy looks pretty formidable," Luo Yun remarked, eyeing Chen Guangyun's towering, bear-like stature with a deep sense of admiration.

"It appears to be that singing girl's father," Shen Xiaoyu noted.

Ye Tao expressed his longing, "If only I could study under him, learn a few tricks. I'd wipe the floor with those posers at the Taekwondo Association!"

"Forget it. He's crossed the Guo family. Would you really dare associate with him?" Hsu Qingya said with a light smile, her words tinged with a hint of mockery.

Unable to counter the jibe, Ye Tao fell silent, his mood soured.

The Guo family's influence in the capital was immense, a stark contrast to mere wealthy households. Their name commanded respect from all who knew it.

"What's the Taekwondo Association?" Chu Xuan inquired out of the blue.

"I can fill you in on that..." Hsu Qingya responded eagerly, her face brightening as she began to explain to Chu Xuan.

Down in the hall, Elder Hu glanced at Chen Guangyun and nudged Mr. Peng with his foot, speaking in measured tones, "This man's actions don't speak for the Guo family, but I can."

Chen Guangyun was puzzled. "What do you mean?"

Elder Hu let out a cold huff. "Are you aware of the severity of your attack that day? My disciple, Guo Hao, was nearly left paralyzed. Even if he recovers, his strength will be significantly diminished, and his martial arts progress will be severely hampered. In essence, you've destroyed his future. Do you really think you'll walk away from this unscathed?"

Chen Guangyun's face shifted uneasily, clouded with indecision.

Elder Hu's voice softened, "However, I can intervene on your behalf to ensure your safety. You just need to agree to one condition."

Chen Guangyun was taken aback, "What condition?"

Elder Hu remained silent for a brief moment, then suddenly raised his voice, "What are all you kids still doing here? The bar is closed. Come back tomorrow."

His voice boomed like thunder, commanding and powerful.

The students quickly realized it was time to leave. They settled their tabs and scattered.

Soon, the bar was deserted, with the manager and the staff retreating to other rooms. Chen Roujun also withdrew at Chen Guangyun's signal.

"We should head out too," Shen Xiaoyu suggested. Ye Tao, Luo Yun, Chen Xinxin, and Hsu Qingya all rose, ready to depart.

Chu Xuan, however, seemed glued to his seat, immovable.

"Chu Xuan, what's the hold-up? Let's go," Shen Xiaoyu urged, her brow furrowed.

"Xuan?" Hsu Qingya called out, puzzled.

"The night is still young, and my glass isn't empty," Chu Xuan remarked, pouring himself another drink, clearly in no rush to leave.

"Are you out of your mind?" Ye Tao blurted out in annoyance. It was clear they were being asked to clear out for a fight. Why stick around and risk getting caught up in it?

Luo Yun shook his head, "Forget him, we're leaving."

Hsu Qingya glanced at Chu Xuan, then decided to sit back down.

"Cousin!" Shen Xiaoyu's voice was tinged with urgency. "We need to get out of here now."

Hsu Qingya offered a reassuring smile, "I'll stay here with Xuan."

"Xiaoyu, we really should go," Chen Xinxin implored, looking anxiously towards Ye Tao and Luo Yun who had already descended the stairs.

"You go on ahead. I'll follow in a bit," Shen Xiaoyu insisted, gently pushing her away before rushing to Hsu Qingya's side. "Cousin, you need to hear me out..."

"Xiaoyu, I'll be fine. Please, go ahead," Hsu Qingya responded with a hint of resignation.

"If you're not leaving, neither am I," Shen Xiaoyu declared stubbornly, plopping down with a huff.

In an instant, the once bustling bar was nearly deserted, with only three patrons remaining on the second floor.

Elder Hu barked, "Didn't you all heed my words? Why haven't you left yet?"

Chen Guangyun, noticing that Chu Xuan and the two girls were the only ones left upstairs, burst into laughter. "We're guests here. We'll leave when we please. What right do you have to kick us out? Are you the owner?"

Elder Hu sized up Chu Xuan and his companions, realizing they were just ordinary folks, and wasn't particularly concerned. However, he preferred to keep his dealings private, especially since he and Chen Guangyun had an important matter to discuss. Consequently, he was intent on getting these three out, one way or another.

Mr. Peng, who had been propped up in a chair by his men, quickly caught on to Elder Hu's intent and summoned two of his lackeys.

"Get them out of here, and don't bother Elder Hu," he commanded.

"Right away, Mr. Peng," replied the previously timid thugs, who now strutted confidently towards the second floor.

In the presence of the students, they finally found their courage to throw their weight around.