C14 There Was No Need to Trouble Himself

The call turned out to be from Lyi Tianzhao. I stepped aside and answered the phone with caution.

"Mr. Lyi, what can I do for you?"

"Are you at the Nightclub right now?" Lyi Tianzhao inquired.

"Yes, there's someone here who—"

Before I could finish, Lyi Tianzhao interrupted, "Is the person you're having trouble with wearing a suit, about six feet tall, with a mole under his left eye?"

I turned stiffly to take another look at Tang Ye, who stood encircled yet composed in the crowd. He matched Mr. Lyi's description to a tee.

"Enough looking. Hand him the phone," Lyi Tianzhao commanded, as though he had witnessed my every move.

With a sweaty brow, I approached Tang Ye, offering my phone with a hint of regret. "Mr. Tang, Mr. Lyi would like to speak with you."

My men stood agape as if they'd seen a ghost, the previous merriment vanished, all eyes fixed on Tang Ye. The silence in the bar was library-like, where even the sound of swallowing seemed like a jarring noise.

Lyi Tianzhao spoke to Tang Ye with an easy familiarity, his voice weighing heavily on everyone, especially those who had stirred up trouble, their legs shaking and struggling to stand.

"Kuzi is fair. If his men step out of line, just let him know," Lyi Tianzhao said with a smile. "Do you need someone at your side, Mr. Tang? I could send a bodyguard to handle the small stuff, prevent any mix-ups."

"No need. I prefer not to rely on others' men," Tang Ye responded coolly.

"Fair enough. This oversight was mine. I'll host a gathering soon and invite everyone to make it up to you, Mr. Tang."

"We'll see. I have other matters to attend to today," Tang Ye replied before hanging up and handing back the phone.

Taking the phone, I apologized, "I'm sorry! My man was out of line, causing this commotion and startling both Mr. Tang and the lady. As their leader, I'm truly ashamed."

Tutu cautiously peered out from behind Tang Ye, eyeing Big G, the strong man with a buzz cut who was a notorious big brother in the area. Despite his reputation, he seemed to be quite intimidated by Tang Ye.

Tang Ye cast a nonchalant glance at the troublemakers and stated coolly, "You were unaware of today's incident. It's good that things have been clarified."

Big G quickly signaled his subordinates to bring the offenders before Tang Ye and inquired, "Mr. Tang, how do you think we should handle these rule-breakers?"

The culprits were unable to stand, their limbs limp as they were propped up by their brothers, half-kneeling a meter away from Tang Ye. They sobbed pitifully, the viscous mix of snot and tears unashamedly dripping into their mouths, as they tremulously pleaded, "Big Brother, we realize our mistake. Please spare us."

Tang Ye regarded them impassively and decreed, "Follow your own rules."

"No, please no!"

"Big Brother, we've been loyal to you for so many years."

By now, the bar's other patrons had been ushered out by the owner, who, along with the staff, stood at a cautious distance, warily watching the unfolding scene.

Amidst the unrest, Big G's men positioned the offenders in the center of the room, where they knelt in an orderly row before Tang Ye.

Clutching Tang Ye, Tutu whispered fearfully, "Big Brother Tang, what's going to happen to them?"

"They have their own code, just like we did back in the orphanage. When you do wrong, you face the consequences," Tang Ye explained softly, patting Tutu's head.

"How will they be punished?" Tutu asked, but upon noticing Big G's gaze, she quickly ducked out of sight.

Big G attempted a reassuring smile, though it hardly seemed effective.

"Don't worry, little sister. It'll all be over soon," Big G said, accepting a dagger passed to him by one of his men.

Tang Ye pulled Tutu in close, shielding her from the view of the men on their knees. As Big G advanced towards the center with the dagger, Tang Ye bent down and instructed Tutu, "Cover your ears, and don't uncover them until I say so."

Tutu obediently covered her ears as Big G approached the first man, then turned to look in Tang Ye's direction with a questioning expression. Tang Ye gave a slight nod, and Big G commanded his men to pin the others to the ground. He then half-knelt beside the first man, brandishing a sharp blade that he drove through the man's thigh until it hit the floor.

The piercing screams were reminiscent of a pig being slaughtered. Despite Tutu covering her ears, the sound startled her, causing her body to shudder.

Big G withdrew the blade and delivered two more swift cuts, each one eliciting screams that grew increasingly intense. The same punishment was meted out to the next few men, their cries echoing as blood pooled on the floor.

After the ordeal, Big G nonchalantly grabbed a towel to wipe the blood from his body. The men behind him were carried away. Once he was clean, Big G returned to Tang Ye and apologized again, "I'm truly sorry for the fright this has caused both of you. Mr. Lyi mentioned he'd like to invite Mr. Tang to a banquet. Please give it some thought. I'll make a formal apology to Mr. Tang in Mr. Lyi's presence at that time."

"I'll consider it," Tang Ye replied. "I've been delayed here long enough; it's time for me to leave."

"Do you need me to arrange transportation for you, Mr. Tang?" Big G asked anxiously.

"No, thank you. I can manage on my own."

"Then I won't keep you any longer, Mr. Tang. I look forward to seeing you at the banquet."

Exiting the bar, Tang Ye found the valet had already prepared his car and parked it at the entrance. The valet quickly offered the keys, saying, "Mr. Tang, your car is ready."

Inside the car, Tutu sat quietly, stealing glances at Tang Ye's chiseled profile. She whispered, "Brother Tang Ye, have you been well these past few years?"

Tang Ye nodded, "I've had some fortunate opportunities. I'm doing quite well."

"I always knew you'd make something of yourself, Tang. I could tell even back in the orphanage. And now, you really are impressive."

Tutu's words seemed to carry a signal, transporting them back to the rundown orphanage. The memory flashed by, and Tang Ye's throat tightened as if he had swallowed strong liquor. After a couple of coughs to clear his throat, he spoke softly, "Everything will get better."

The Bentley came to a halt at the corner of a run-down suburban street. Tutu got out of the car and stood at the intersection, twisting her hands nervously as she spoke to Tang Ye. "Thank you so much for today, Mr. Tang. I really didn't know what I would have done without your help. Once Liang is feeling better, I promise to bring him to visit you. It's getting late, and I know you're busy, so this is where we'll say goodbye."