As he passed the Audi, he remarked mockingly, "A third-hand Audi. Time for an upgrade."
"No way, is that really what Supervisor Bai drives? A third-hand Audi?" the employees whispered, stunned.
"You...!" Supervisor Bai, burning with rage, unleashed a torrent of abuse.
"So what if it's third-hand? It’s still better than your electric scooter. Just you wait, I’ll get my hands on Jiang Yurou yet!" he roared inwardly, oblivious to the fact that a sickle of death was already hanging over his head.
***
**Chapter 13: Countdown – Two Days Remaining!**
On the road, Jiang Yurou asked curiously, "What did you say to Supervisor Bai? You scared him half to death."
"Give me a kiss, and I'll tell you," Chen Bufan teased.
"You! Not in front of the child, have some decorum," Jiang Yurou blushed.
Just then, the electric scooter came to a sudden halt.
"What's wrong?" Jiang Yurou asked anxiously.
Chen Bufan’s gaze was fixed ahead. Two middle-aged men stood side-by-side, blocking their path.
The two radiated a powerful aura; their sunken temples made them look like blades forged of steel. They were clearly seasoned martial artists.
"Yurou, take Sisi and head back first," Chen Bufan said, before stepping off the scooter.
"Who are they?" Jiang Yurou asked, her voice filled with worry.
"Don't worry. Just take Sisi home, I'll be back shortly," Chen Bufan said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
"But..." Jiang Yurou hesitated.
"I promise you, I’ll be fine," Chen Bufan assured her.
"Alright then..." Jiang Yurou had no choice but to take Sisi and leave.
Chen Bufan gestured, and members of the Demon God Temple lurking in the shadows immediately followed to provide full protection.
One of the middle-aged men started to move, but was stopped by the other. "Forget them. Deal with this punk first."
Both men fixed their eyes on Chen Bufan, their expressions filled with cold, murderous intent.
"Chen Bufan, we’ve come to send you to your grave!"
"Did Han Lie send you?" Chen Bufan asked.
"What does a dead man need to know so much for? Die!" Both men roared and lunged at Chen Bufan simultaneously.
*Boom!* One thrust his palm forward with such savage force that the air exploded with a sonic crack. The other followed with a sweeping kick, whistling through the air like a swinging iron staff. These were no amateurs; they were genuine martial arts experts.
"You’ve certainly spent a fortune to kill me, but your strength is pathetic!" Chen Bufan shouted. Instead of retreating, he suddenly waved his hand, colliding forcefully with the incoming palm.
*CRACK!*
A domineering force surged outward, shattering the man’s meridians like a meat grinder. Amidst the sickening sound of breaking bone, all five of the man’s fingers were pulverized.
The attacker let out a piercing, pig-like scream, his face contorted in agony. His entire arm was twisted into an unrecognizable mess—it was completely ruined.
*BOOM!*
Chen Bufan struck again, catching the other man’s leg mid-sweep and squeezing his fingers with sudden, violent force.
*Snap!* The leg bone, sturdy as it was, gave a sharp crack and broke instantly.
Chen Bufan brought his other hand down like a scimitar.
*THUD!*
A dull impact echoed, and the leg was completely mangled, blood spraying everywhere.
In a single move, both men had been crippled. Compared to Chen Bufan, they weren't even worth mentioning.
"From what I know, Han Lie isn't powerful enough to command people of your caliber. I'll give you a chance: tell me who you are," Chen Bufan said coldly.
"Who do you think you are to interrogate us?" the middle-aged man spat out.
"You want to talk to me about credentials?" Chen Bufan chuckled, then moved with the speed of lightning.
By the time he pulled back, both men had collapsed to the ground, their necks snapped.
"Who... who are you?"
"You don't have the right to know!" With those words, the last breath left the man’s body, and he died on the spot—a pathetic fool to the end.
"Canglong, deliver these two to Han Lie. Tell them they have only two days left, so they’d better think carefully. Also, find out exactly who these two were!" Chen Bufan commanded.
"Understood!" Canglong replied from the shadows before falling silent again.
***
When Chen Bufan returned home, he found Jiang Yurou frantically packing.
"Bufan, you’re back!" Jiang Yurou cried out. Her heart, which had been hanging by a thread, finally settled. She was just about to go looking for him.
"I told you I was fine," Chen Bufan smiled. "Yurou, what are you doing?"
"Packing! You need to pack your things, too!" she hurried.
"What for?"
"I found out at work today that Han Youwei’s entire family has been wiped out. After they left the Jiang family yesterday, he and his son were both killed. The whole city is in an uproar..."
"That’s just what they deserved. What does that have to do with us?" Chen Bufan replied calmly. He wasn't ready to tell her the truth yet; he didn't want to frighten her.
"Even if it has nothing to do with us, the Han family’s second-in-command is going to be furious. They’ll look for someone to take their anger out on. Tell me the truth—were those two men blocking the road sent by the Han family?" Jiang Yurou stared intently at him.
It seemed Yurou wasn't quite as naive as he thought! A smile tugged at the corner of Chen Bufan’s mouth.
"Chen Bufan! Are you listening to me? What time do you think it is, and you’re still smiling?" Jiang Yurou was genuinely annoyed, her big eyes widening, looking unexpectedly adorable.
"Don't worry, it’s nothing. If they were looking for real trouble, would I have been able to come home?"
"Don't try to sweet-talk me. Tell me, were they from the Han family?" she pouted.
Chen Bufan sighed, defeated. "Yes, they were from the Han family. They wanted to ask me a few questions, then they left."
"They really are targeting us! We have to leave Liyang immediately; it’s too dangerous here!" Jiang Yurou said urgently.
"We’re perfectly fine. Don't overthink it," Chen Bufan comforted her.
"Bufan, you don't know the Han family. Han Youwei had a brother named Han Lie. He’s the 'Underground Emperor' of Liyang with massive influence. His brother’s entire family is dead; he won't let this slide. Especially since we’ve already made the Han family lose face—if they don't reclaim it, how will they ever stand tall in Liyang again?"
Jiang Yurou’s analysis was logical, but unfortunately, she had no idea that her man was an existence infinitely more powerful than the Han family. He had no need to worry.
"Yurou, you can always choose to trust me. I promise, absolutely nothing will happen," Chen Bufan said.
"I’m just worried about Sisi..."
"Leave everything to me. I will protect you both. Remember what I said." Chen Bufan picked up Sisi and kissed Jiang Yurou on the forehead.
"Alright, I’ll listen to you. But you have to promise me that from now on, whatever you do, don't be so reckless," she said.
"Deal," Chen Bufan nodded.
***
On the outskirts of Liyang, inside a private estate, Han Lie was sharing tea with a man in his fifties. The man wore a black Zhongshan suit and had a frightening scar near his eye.
"Master Ao, I truly owe you for this. I’ll substitute tea for wine—a toast to you!" Han Lie drained his cup, showing great respect to the man before him.
People called Han Lie the "Underground Emperor," but they didn't know that the true overlord of Liyang was this man—Xing Ao, the Head of Kirin Hall. With five hundred 'Blade' warriors under his command, he could obscure the sky with a single hand. In front of him, Han Lie was nothing more than a small fry.
"No need for such formality. As a member of Kirin Hall, it’s only right that I help you with some trouble. But I’m curious—how has a mere young man turned your Han family into such a mess?" Xing Ao asked.
"The kid is a total loser, no ability whatsoever. He must have someone powerful helping him, or he just got insanely lucky. I’ve checked, though—no big shots have come to Liyang recently," Han Lie said, feeling frustrated.
"A powerful helper?" Xing Ao sneered. "In front of my Kirin Hall, no matter who he is, he’s nothing but a pile of dog crap. The two men I sent are elite experts of the Kirin Hall. They should have finished him off by now. Just wait for the good news."
"Thank you again, Master Ao!" Han Lie said excitedly.
"Don't just kill him. Bring him back alive. I want to humiliate that loser bit by bit," Han Feiyun said viciously from behind Han Lie.
Just then, Han Lie’s phone rang.
"The good news is here!" He pressed the answer button, excited.
"Second Master, the two Kirin Hall elites have been killed! Their bodies were just delivered to the house. There’s a note that says: the Han family only has two days left!"
***
**Chapter 14: The Kirin Hall!**
*Boom!* Hearing this, Han Lie’s phone clattered to the floor.
At the same time, *crack*—the teacup in Xing Ao’s hand shattered instantly!
Both top experts had been killed!
"How is this possible!" Xing Ao couldn't believe it. "Han Lie, verify this for me immediately!"
Han Lie was just as shocked. He quickly contacted his men and opened a video call. There, lying at the entrance of the Han estate, were the two corpses—the very elites of the Kirin Hall!
His man displayed the note as well. The handwriting was fierce, radiating unparalleled murderous intent!
"They really are dead!" Han Lie gasped, his hands and feet trembling.
What now? What to do? There were only two days left!
He was supposed to be the "Underground Emperor" in the eyes of outsiders, but being this terrified was a rare sight indeed.
"Damn it! This brat dared to kill my Kirin Hall experts. It seems he wants me to pay him a personal visit!" Xing Ao roared, his eyes dark and gloomy.
"To deal with a loser like Chen Bufan, there’s no need for you to trouble yourself, Master Ao," Han Feiyun said suddenly.
"Oh?" Xing Ao turned his head to stare at her.
"Feiyun, what do you have in mind?" Han Lie asked.
"Since Chen Bufan cares so much about his wife and daughter, why not target them? Forcing him to come to the Han family and kneel in confession is much more entertaining than just killing him, don't you think?" Han Feiyun said maliciously, a sinister smile playing on her bright red lips.
"That’s a good plan!" Xing Ao nodded.
"Chen Bufan is always with his family. It might be hard to get to them," Han Lie worried.
"We can do it like this..." After Han Feiyun explained her plan, her eyes flashed with intense venom.
"Chen Bufan, four years ago you were a dog before me. Today, four years later, I will turn you into a dog again and make you crawl before me!"
***
During dinner that night, Jiang Yurou was still in low spirits.
"Still worried?" Chen Bufan asked.
Jiang Yurou shook her head.
"Is there something troubling you? You can tell me."
"It’s just work. Even if I told you, you couldn't help," she sighed.
"How do you know unless you tell me?" Chen Bufan smiled. If he wanted to, he could buy the entire Yunlu Company without breaking a sweat.
"The housing market isn't good this year. Our company’s new project, Yunlu Academy, has been on the market for a month, and we've only sold eighty of the one thousand standard units, and only two or three of the fifty luxury villas. The worst part is, I haven't closed a single sale. There are only a few days left in the month; if I don't hit my performance target, I might be unemployed."
Jiang Yurou was extremely anxious. There were so many expenses, and Bufan wasn't working. With another mouth to feed, if she lost her job, the financial pressure would be immense.
Chen Bufan had thought it was something major. "If you’re unemployed, you’re unemployed. I’ll support you."
"You don't even have a job yourself. Are you going to support me with nothing but talk?" She chuckled bitterly, though her heart felt a little warmer.
"Then what should we do? Let me handle it. It’s a small matter anyway," Chen Bufan said.
"Oh, right, you reminded me! Even if I can't close a sale, just bringing in a few visitors counts. Bufan, I’ve decided—tomorrow you come to our sales office and pretend to be a homebuyer. Two hundred a day, plus a meal. That way, I can hit my performance target!" Jiang Yurou said cheerfully.
"..." Chen Bufan was speechless. Two hundred a day—I’ve been sold for that? He couldn't help but smile.
"Never mind, it’s probably better if you don't go," she suddenly deflated.
"Afraid that guy surnamed Bai will give me trouble?" Chen Bufan saw right through her.
Jiang Yurou nodded silently.
"Don't worry, he won't dare," Chen Bufan said confidently. "It’s settled."
***
Late at night, after Yurou and Sisi had fallen asleep, Chen Bufan stepped outside. Under the dim glow of a street lamp, a figure appeared: it was Canglong.
"Palace Master, the identities of those two have been verified."
"Speak."
"They were from the Kirin Hall, the strongest local faction. They possess an independent battalion known as the 'Five Hundred Blades.' Where the blades point, they are invincible."
"The Hall Master, Xing Ao, is a legendary figure who spent over a dozen years carving his way through the underworld to take his position. Han Lie is one of the deputy hall masters."
Canglong reported in detail.
"Kirin Hall? 'Invincible'? Quite an arrogant claim!" Chen Bufan scoffed.
"How does the Kirin Hall have martial artists in its ranks? Are there other forces behind them?"
"Reporting to the Palace Master, that is still under investigation."
"Find out and let me know," Chen Bufan ordered.
"Understood." Canglong acknowledged, then faded back into the darkness.
"Two days left. I hope more big fish take the bait. No matter who they are or what power they represent, anyone who dares to provoke me will face nothing but death!"
In the moonlight, Chen Bufan stood as straight as a sword, radiating an unrivaled sharpness.
***
The next morning, just as Jiang Yurou arrived at work, Chen Bufan followed her in with Sisi.
If anyone knew that the peerless Demon God, who commanded global awe and was invincible in the world, was pretending to be a homebuyer for two hundred a day and a free meal, their jaws would hit the floor.
It was simply too absurd!
As soon as Chen Bufan entered the lobby, he was recognized by some of the staff.
"Isn't that Jiang Yurou’s husband? What’s he doing here?"
Jiang Yurou handled the visit herself, walking him around and professionally introducing the properties. She felt like a thief, given the colleagues whispering around her. She knew, of course, that Chen Bufan wasn't really buying; he was just there to act as a visitor.
Supervisor Bai passed through the lobby, caught sight of Chen Bufan, and seemed to get a shot of adrenaline.
"What is this guy doing here? Who let him in?"
His shouting drew everyone’s attention.
"I brought him to look at the houses. Is there a problem?" Jiang Yurou asked, shielding Chen Bufan behind her.
"A guy who rides a broken electric scooter coming here to look at houses that cost twenty thousand per square meter?" Supervisor Bai yelled.
"Hahaha!" A burst of mocking laughter erupted around them. Everyone knew Chen Bufan was a penniless loser. If he had money, his wife and child wouldn't be living in that rental.
"Whoever they are, if they’re here to look at houses, they’re potential customers. Supervisor Bai, don't go too far," Jiang Yurou said coldly.
"Potential customers are people who can actually close a deal! People with the ability to buy! Tell me, does this man beside you meet that requirement? You shouldn't have brought him here; you should have turned left and gone to the restaurant next door. They’re looking for a dishwasher, and he fits their recruitment criteria perfectly!"
Another roar of laughter filled the lobby. Clients in expensive clothes and real estate consultants all watched to see Chen Bufan make a fool of himself.
"Jiang Yurou, don't think I don't know you haven't closed a single deal this month. Dragging a family member in to pretend to be a buyer has a terrible impact on the company. I am officially announcing that you have failed your performance review! Don't bother coming to work tomorrow!"
***
**Chapter 15: Buying a Villa!**
Fired?
It was like a bolt of lightning from a clear blue sky. Jiang Yurou stood frozen.
The company had always allowed this behavior; they even encouraged employees to bring in visitors to create a sense of high demand. Why was it a problem now?
"I don't accept this!" Jiang Yurou fought to suppress her anger.
"You don't accept it? Go ahead and complain! You’ve been fired anyway. Take your 'big baby' and get out of here!" Supervisor Bai said arrogantly.
"Fine! I quit! Pay my wages right now, and I’ll leave immediately," Jiang Yurou snapped. She had hit her limit—she didn't want to work for a superior like him anyway.
"You’ve caused negative publicity for the company. I should be making you pay damages, and you still want wages? Security! Throw them out!" Supervisor Bai shouted.
A few security guards quickly approached, ready to shove them.
"Wait," Chen Bufan said suddenly.
"What now, you idiot?" Supervisor Bai looked at him with his nose in the air.
Chen Bufan stared at Supervisor Bai, his murderous intent slowly rising.
"What are you doing? This is a company! If you try to cause trouble here, I’ll have you arrested!" Supervisor Bai said, suddenly feeling afraid.
"Bufan, don't be impulsive," Jiang Yurou grabbed his arm, looking at him pleadingly. "You promised me last night."
*Whew...* Chen Bufan took a deep breath, forcing the murderous urge down. Otherwise, Supervisor Bai would already be dead, and the entire sales office would be a ruin.
"I want to buy a house," Chen Bufan said.
"What? He wants to buy a house?"
Everyone was stunned. They thought he was going to start a fight, but he came out with that?
Then came the frantic mockery.
"Has he gone crazy trying to save face? Just leave if you have any dignity left! You think you can buy a house with just your face?"
"Exactly! No self-awareness, just embarrassing yourself. How did Jiang Yurou end up with a husband like this? Dragging her down with him."
...
"Hahaha! You’re going to buy a house?" Supervisor Bai laughed hysterically. "It’s twenty thousand a square meter. Come on, 'Boss' Chen, tell me—which one do you want?"
Chen Bufan looked at the model, shook his head, and said plainly, "No."
"Hah!" The crowd couldn't contain themselves. He said he wanted to buy, was shown the options, then shook his head? He was slapping his own face.
"I knew you couldn't afford it, you bum! Security, get them out of here!" Supervisor Bai barked.
"I want to buy a villa, not a standard apartment," Chen Bufan said, and led Jiang Yurou directly to the villa model.
"Yurou, which one do you like?"
"Bufan, stop messing around. Let’s go," Jiang Yurou’s face was beet red.
"I’m not messing around. Pick one," Chen Bufan said earnestly.
"Everyone, come and watch how this guy 'buys' a villa!" Supervisor Bai shouted.