Chapter 29: An Xiaomeng's Illness
"Brat, you've got a sharp eye to actually recognize that I'm a sorcerer!"
"Once I kill you, I'll use both of these young girls' bodies to cultivate Gu worms. Splendid!" Suola stared at the An sisters, smiling sinisterly, a bizarre, piercing gleam flashing within his turbid eyes.
"Splendid your grandfather!"
Chu He let out a disdainful, cold snort and flicked his wrist upward!
Swish!
A silver flash shot out like lightning, and the next second, with a dull *thud*, everyone looked over in the direction of the sound and was instantly struck dumb with astonishment!
A dining fork was buried deep into Suola's throat, fresh blood gushing down along the metal prongs.
Suola stared wide-eyed at Chu He. With the very last shred of his strength before death, he squeezed a few words out from between his teeth:
"Grand... Grandmaster..."
Plop!
With that, Suola collapsed headfirst to the ground, checking out permanently.
"Th-This is impossible!"
Liao Lei couldn't believe everything happening right before his eyes. Suola was a retained expert the Liao Family had paid a fortune to invite from Southeast Asia. Not only was his strength peerless, but his methods were brutal. Yet he had been killed by Chu He in a single move?
"Who's next?"
Chu He coldly swept his gaze over Liao Lei and the men he had brought, but not a single person dared to stir.
Are you kidding?
Someone who killed with a single strike—who would dare provoke such a ruthless character?
"Since no one is speaking, hand over your shares!" Chu He looked calmly at Xu Ni and Liao Lei.
"Chu He, do you intend to make an enemy of the entire Jiangzhou?" Liao Lei gritted his teeth.
"Cut the crap. You can choose to keep your shares and hand over your life instead!"
"..."
Hearing this, Liao Lei felt ready to burst with rage. The punk in front of him was bullying them too aggressively, yet he was utterly powerless to do anything about it.
"Mr. Chu, my Xu Family is willing to hand over the shares!"
At that moment, Xu Ni pulled a pre-prepared equity transfer agreement from her person, handed it to Chu He, and said, "As long as you sign your name on this, the shares are yours!"
"Just the contract?"
Chu He was somewhat disappointed. His actual target was the person behind the Xu Family; he hadn't expected the other party not to take the bait!
Xu Ni misunderstood Chu He's intent, assuming he was still unsatisfied, and said through clenched teeth:
"Fine, my Xu Family will fork over another twenty million. That should do it, right?"
"Go home and tell Xu Yinshui that his remaining days are numbered. He'd better get his final arrangements sorted out!"
"You..."
At those words, Xu Ni stamped her foot and stormed out in a huff, completely unable to care about Liao Lei anymore.
Meanwhile, Liao Lei still wanted to put up a cornered beast's fight. He gritted his teeth and said to Chu He:
"Chu He, you injured my son and killed my retained expert, and now you even want my assets? This is simply too oppressive! My Liao Family isn't some pushover either!"
"Is that so? Then what do you want?" Chu He asked with complete indifference.
"To tell you the truth, Lord Hu of Tingyuxuan also holds shares. If you've got the guts, make him hand his shares over to you, then!" Liao Lei blustered.
"That Tiger fellow?"
Chu He curled his lip in disdain and sneered, "I was just about to look for him anyway. Do you think he'll make it through tonight?"
"You'll pay the price for your arrogance!"
Hearing this, Liao Lei rolled his eyes in exasperation. Chang Hu had thousands of subordinates under him, and every single one of them was a desperate desperado—unlike the bunch of good-for-nothings he had brought along...
"Cut the chatter. This plot of land originally belonged to my Chu Family! I don't care what kind of crooked methods you used back then to get your hands on it, transfer the equity to me right now, or else you can go keep that Thai guy company!" Chu He said coldly.
"Chu, y-you remember this, we're not finished!"
Liao Lei glanced at Suola's corpse and ultimately conceded. He immediately instructed his men to print out the equity transfer contract, signed it, and stormed out of Tingyuxuan nursing a belly full of rage.
Once everyone had left, An Chuxia worriedly said:
"Chu He, let's just go!"
"Xiaomeng, are you full?" Chu He asked, smiling as he looked at An Xiaomeng.
"I'm full!"
"Good!"
Chu He nodded, stood up, and led the two sisters out of the private dining room. The moment their backs vanished, a human figure darted into the room like a phantom, heaved Suola's corpse over its shoulder, and vanished just as quickly...
Back in the car, An Xiaomeng finally couldn't hold it in any longer. She looked at Chu He with a curious expression and asked:
"Brother Chu He, you're so rich—you didn't rob all of it, did you?"
"Of course not!"
Chu He was torn between laughter and tears, while a question simultaneously arose in his mind.
When the bloody tragedy happened back then, the An Family had also been one of the parties involved, yet An Xiaomeng acted as though she was completely oblivious to it all. What on earth was going on?
Before long, Chu He dropped the two sisters off back at the shantytown.
"Dad! Mom!"
As soon as she got home, An Xiaomeng threw herself straight into her mother Zhou Xiuying's arms like a swallow returning to its nest. Even though the girl was already in her final year of high school, she was still quite clingy!
Zhou Xiuying affectionately stroked An Xiaomeng's head, and couldn't help starting slightly when she saw Chu He following behind her.
"Why are you here again?"
The moment An Wenjing saw Chu He, his brows immediately furrowed.
"Dad, Brother Chu He brought me back. We even went to Tingyuxuan to eat, and he's the boss of Tingyuxuan now!" An Xiaomeng said with a cheeky grin.
"What?"
Hearing this, An Wenjing and his wife were both dumbfounded. Zhou Xiuying looked at Chu He with a suspicious expression and asked:
"Little Chu, is what our second girl said true?"
"Yeah, that plot of land originally belonged to my maternal grandmother and my mother; I just happened to take it back today!" Chu He said with complete calm, omitting any mention of what had transpired in between.
"The major shareholders of Tingyuxuan are the Liao Family and the Xu Family. How did you manage to take it back?"
An Wenjing knew all too well the nature of these major families—how could they possibly spit out meat they had already swallowed? There had to be some unknown secret hidden behind this.
"Uncle An, you'll naturally understand in the future!"
Chu He didn't want to frighten An Wenjing, so he changed the subject and said, "I'm heading out first. Once I find the medicinal herbs, I'll come back and treat your leg!"
"Wow, Brother Chu He, you're so amazing! You even know medicine?" An Xiaomeng looked at Chu He with an expression of pure adoration.
"No need!"
Who would have thought that An Wenjing wouldn't appreciate it at all? He pulled a long face and said in a deep voice:
"Chu He, you need to leave Jiangzhou immediately. As for my leg, don't trouble yourself over it!"
"..."
Chu He had no wish to argue with An Wenjing. Hearing him speak like that, he simply smiled and turned to leave the An Family home.
Zhou Xiuying felt terribly guilty and hurriedly came out to see Chu He off.
"Little Chu, don't hold it against your uncle. Actually, he still cares a lot about you, it's just that... he isn't very good at expressing it!" Fearing that Chu He might misunderstand, Zhou Xiuying hurried to make excuses for her husband.
"I won't hold it against Uncle An, but there's something I'm quite curious about!" Chu He said.
"What is it?"
"Xiaomeng must have been in middle school when the incident happened back then. How come I get the feeling she is completely clueless about all of it?"
"Shh!"
Hearing Chu He ask this, Zhou Xiuying was startled and hurriedly gestured for him to keep his voice down.
"Auntie, is there something that happened that I don't know about?" Chu He could tell now that there was definitely more to An Xiaomeng's situation.
"Sigh, things have reached this point, so I won't hide it from you anymore."
Zhou Xiuying sighed, a look of profound sorrow on her face. "Actually, Xiaomeng ended up like this because of her older brother's death..."
Chapter 30: Spades K
"What?"
Hearing this, Chu He frowned. It wasn't until Zhou Xiuying finished recounting the story that everything suddenly clicked for him.
It turned out that An Jie's death had dealt a devastating blow to An Xiaomeng. She had locked herself in her room, weeping tears of blood day after day. Three days later, when An Xiaomeng emerged from that room, it was as though she had total amnesia—she had completely forgotten that her older brother was dead!
"Auntie, have you taken Xiaomeng to the hospital?" Chu He asked.
"No!"
Zhou Xiuying shook her head, a heart-wrenching expression on her face. "It's better that she forgot, lest the poor girl get upset every time she thinks of her brother!"
"..."
Hearing these words, Chu He felt as though his heart were being squeezed by a knife, because An Xiaomeng's current state was almost entirely his fault.
As for An Xiaomeng, she was most likely suffering from temporary memory suppression. With Chu He's medical prowess, he could naturally cure her, but if he did that, wouldn't An Xiaomeng simply be plunged right back into those painful memories?
"Little Chu, take Auntie's advice and leave Jiangzhou as soon as you can—before that giant hand reaches over here!" Zhou Xiuying said to Chu He in an almost pleading tone.
There was something she hadn't quite had the heart to say aloud: she didn't want her son to have died in vain, either...
"Auntie, you don't need to worry!"
Chu He gave a faint smile and said, "People change. I've said that all the grievances you've suffered over the years, I will reclaim with interest!"
"Sigh!"
Zhou Xiuying simply assumed Chu He was trying to comfort her and let out a deep sigh, thinking to herself that he was still just a youth who knew nothing of how truly sinister human hearts could be.
After chatting for a few more moments, Chu He took his leave and departed, as he had much more important matters to attend to.
Evening was falling.
When Chu He returned home, the dining table was already laden with a spread of fragrant dishes.
"Master, you're back!"
Leng Muxue happened to be walking out of the kitchen, wearing a cartoon cooking apron, holding a spatula with her hair pinned up. She looked very much like a domestic housewife, bearing no resemblance whatsoever to a corporate chairwoman.
"Sorry to trouble you, but you should still call me Mr. Chu!"
"At home, you are my master. I am at your beck and call at all times—tell me to do whatever you wish!" Leng Muxue smiled demurely, her charming eyes swimming with romantic invitation.
"Have it your way, then!"
Chu He was torn between laughter and tears. Although Leng Muxue always harbored designs on getting him into bed, he had to admit that the woman was quite dutiful and a fantastic cook. Whichever man ended up marrying her in the future would certainly be blessed.
Before long, the dishes were served.
Chu He had barely taken a few bites when his phone rang. He answered it without even glancing at the screen, and a low, familiar voice came through the earpiece:
"Young Master Chu, someone has posted a hit on the dark web to assassinate you!"
"Can you trace who it is?" Chu He asked coldly upon hearing this.
"Can't trace them!"
"However, the Skull Syndicate has accepted the contract. I reckon they've already arrived in Jiangzhou and are getting ready to move against you!"
"The Skull Syndicate?"
"Yes. This organization has operated in the African battlefields for years. Their leader goes by the moniker Viper, and he's a fairly well-known international mercenary commander!" the person on the other end explained.
"Old Hei, you're much better at dealing with assassins than I am. Handle this for me," Chu He said indifferently.
"Understood!"
After hanging up, Chu He's expression turned gloomy. It seemed someone was growing impatient to make a move on him?
The man he had called Old Hei went by the alias Spades K, and ranked at the very top of the "Four Evils" of Longshan.
In the past, he had been a top-tier assassin globally, taking down countless heavyweight figures. Whenever major global factions heard the name "Spades K," chills would run down their spines!
"Master, what happened?"
Seeing Chu He's complexion turn ashen, Leng Muxue asked suspiciously.
"Nothing. Some nobody sent a few low-level thugs to try and assassinate me—a bunch of brainless fools asking for death," Chu He said dismissively.
"Preposterous!"
Hearing Chu He's explanation, Leng Muxue's pretty face instantly frosted over, and her voice turned icy. "Master, please tell me who is trying to target you. I will not let them off!"
"Mere ants aren't worth mentioning. However, there is indeed one thing you can help me inquire about!" Chu He thought for a moment and said.
"What is it?"
"Keep an eye out for me and see if there are any Ice Toads within the borders of Huaxia."
"Ice Toads?"
"That's right! Ice Toads are items of extreme yin. If you can help me find one, you'll have rendered a massive service."
"Alright, I'll send people out to inquire about it tomorrow!"
Leng Muxue nodded, looking half-comprehending. She had certainly heard of Golden Toads, but as for Ice Toads... this was genuinely her first time hearing of them.
"By the way, how is Chuxia performing at the company?" Chu He asked casually.
"Ms. An is extremely clever. She picks things up instantly and is meticulous in her work. Though she's still slightly inexperienced, she undoubtedly has a boundless future ahead of her!" Leng Muxue evaluated objectively.
"Good. Take good care of her from now on."
"Yes, Master!"
After finishing his meal, Chu He changed into a set of beige casual wear and left the villa by himself.
Jiangzhou at night was bustling with activity. The streets were ablaze with dazzling, colorful lights, and the endless stream of people at the night market carried rolling waves of peddlers shouting their wares:
"Lamb skewers! Fresh Inner Mongolian lamb skewers!"
"Total clearance blowout! The boss ran off with his sister-in-law, selling at a bloody loss!"
"..."
Chu He arrived at the bustling commercial district by the river and finally stopped outside the entrance of a KTV named "Jiangnan Hui."
Anyone local to Jiangzhou knew that Jiangnan Hui was the absolute ceiling of local entertainment venues. Not only was the interior decor extravagantly luxurious, but the consumption prices were also frighteningly steep.
Although night had fallen, Jiangnan Hui was unusually quiet today, unlike its usual bustling revelry. The pretty greeting hostesses at the entrance had also been replaced by fierce-looking men dressed in black. Anyone with a discerning eye could tell at a glance that a major event was about to go down tonight!
Chu He glanced up at Jiangnan Hui's ornate signboard and strode directly inside.
"Halt!"
Before he even crossed the threshold, Chu He was intercepted by two black-clad thugs. One of the men, who had a tattooed flower sleeve, looked at Chu He coldly and said in a deep voice:
"We're not open for business today. Come back another day!"
"Whether you're open for business or not is none of my damn business. Get out of my way!" Chu He flicked a glance at the man and said.
"Brat, you've got some nerve!"
The tattooed man's accomplice grew furious at the words. Without another word, he raised his hand and lashed a palm strike straight toward Chu He's face.
Bang!
With a dull thud, the tattooed man's accomplice let out a miserable shriek, his body flying backward like a cannonball. He shattered the glass door behind him and crashed heavily to the ground, knocked out cold on the spot!
"Bastard! You've got a death wish, daring to cause trouble here!"
Seeing this, the tattooed man flew into a rage, quickly whipping a dagger from his waist and lunging forward to stab straight at Chu He's chest.
"Courting death!"
A cold glint flashed in Chu He's eyes. With lightning speed, he reached out, grabbed the tattooed man's wrist holding the blade, and gave it a gentle twist!
Crack!
The sound of snapping bone echoed out, immediately followed by the tattooed man letting out a blood-curdling howl of agonizing pain!
"Where is Chang Hu?"
Chu He gripped the tattooed man's wrist and asked coldly.
"Lord Hu... y-you're Chu He?"
The tattooed man stared wide-eyed at Chu He, completely ignoring the beads of sweat the size of soybeans popping out on his forehead.
No wonder Lord Hu had been on high alert and even stationed gunmen inside the KTV—this punk surnamed Chu really did possess extraordinary martial prowess!
"Stop flapping your gums and take me to Chang Hu!"
"Lord Hu is waiting for you in the main hall! Brat, everyone who goes against Lord Hu in Jiangzhou only meets one end—death, and you'll be no exception!" the tattooed man said through gritted teeth.
"Noisy!"
With that, Chu He released the tattooed man's wrist and delivered a backhanded slap straight across his face!
Slap!
The tattooed man felt his vision go dark, followed immediately by a plop as he collapsed to the floor and lost consciousness completely...
Chapter 31: Chang Hu
Chu He glanced sideways at the unconscious tattooed man and strode into the KTV's main hall.
The hall was dimly lit, but Chu He's vision was sharp enough to see clearly that the perimeter was packed with people—easily numbering several hundred.
Right in the center of the hall, a warm spotlight shone down from above onto a leather sofa. Seated upon it was a middle-aged man clad in a Tang suit. He possessed a robust physique and a full face of coarse, bristly facial hair. His left hand pinched a smoking cigar, his right wrist was coiled with a string of sandalwood prayer beads, and a white jade Guanyin pendant hung from his chest.
Even so, none of that could conceal the heavy aura of violence radiating from the man!
"Brat, you're finally here!"
Chang Hu's sharp gaze locked onto Chu He, ferocious as a wild beast sighting its prey.
"You're Chang Hu?"
Chu He glanced at the man. The gunmen who had murdered his parents back then had been this man's subordinates; thinking of this, the killing intent in Chu He's heart grew all the more dense.
"Impudent! How dare you speak to Lord Hu in that tone? You're tired of living!"
A bulky thug standing behind Chang Hu flew into a furious rage, pointing a finger at Chu He and cursing.
"A pack of ants. What can you possibly do to me?"
Chu He swept his gaze across the surroundings and curled his lip in disdain.
Clap, clap, clap!
A round of applause echoed through the room. The person clapping was none other than Chang Hu. He had been provoked into a laugh by Chu He's arrogant remarks, and he gritted out:
"Surname Chu, you certainly have guts!"
"You're the very first person in Jiangzhou who dared to lay a hand on my Chang Hu's son and cousin. If I'm not mistaken, Old Jin fell at your hands too, didn't he?"
"Old Jin?"
Chu He turned it over in his mind before remembering: there had indeed been a man in a long gown who tried to assassinate him earlier, only to be flattened by Yegui with a single palm strike.
"Brat, even if you died ten times over, it wouldn't be enough to vent the hatred in my heart!" Chang Hu suddenly opened his eyes wide with fury, the muscles on his face twitching violently.
"Cut the crap. Who was it that ordered you to kill my parents back then?!" Chu He demanded sternly.
"Fine, I'll let you die knowing the truth!"
Chang Hu was fit to burst with rage. In all his years traversing the underworld, no one had ever dared to act this arrogant in front of him; running into Chu He today was a first.
"Who was it?"
"It was your father right here! Hack him to pieces!"
Chang Hu roared. Several hundred thugs in the hall simultaneously brandished their weapons, howling as they swarmed toward Chu He like a tidal wave.
"Courting death!"
Chu He let out a cold snort and charged into the thick of the mob like a fierce tiger descending the mountain. Within moments, miserable shrieks began echoing through the space!
In less than half a minute, nearly half of the thugs were floored. Some had their arms snapped, others had their leg bones shattered, and they lay scattered across the ground wailing in agony...
Not a single one of the remaining thugs dared to step forward anymore—after all, they were human beings too, and they feared death just as much.
Seeing this, Chang Hu's face turned ashen. He hadn't expected Chu He to be this formidable; no wonder Old Jin had perished at his hands.
"Hmph, you certainly have a few tricks up your sleeve!" Chang Hu grated his teeth.
"Did you really think a bunch of worthless trash like these could protect you?" Chu He looked coldly at Chang Hu, a wave of killing intent instantly locking onto him.
"Kill him!"
Hearing this, Chang Hu felt a surge of shock and rage, and roared toward the darkened corners of the hall.
Bang, bang, bang!
A series of deafening gunshots rang out by everyone's ears as tongues of fire spat from the corners of the hall!
Gunmen!
Chu He maintained a calm expression and reached out to grab into the empty air!
Seeing this, Chang Hu let out a smug, triumphant laugh, mockingly jeering:
"Brat, you're trying to catch bullets out of thin air? Have you lost your mind from fright?"
"Hahahaha! I've heard of snatching swords with bare hands, but I've never heard of catching bullets bare-handed!"
"Daring to challenge Lord Hu—that's what you get!"
"..."
The other underlings chimed in with jeers as well, as none of them believed Chu He could catch a bullet. This wasn't the movies!