NOVEL NEXT Chapter 296: Did You Ask Me?
"Who I am isn't important. What's important is that I'm a rather warm-hearted person, and I'm about to teach you what real kung fu is. You can't get by in this world with just a few superficial tricks."
As soon as he finished speaking, Xia Liang's style changed completely, abandoning his previous tactic of only dodging.
He lunged forward into a bow stance, swinging his arm as his left foot took a large step.
BANG!
A powerful, heavy fist landed squarely on Little Four Eyes, knocking him back three steps. If he hadn't managed to raise his arms to block at the last second, the punch likely would have caused serious internal injuries. And that was with Xia Liang holding back.
Before the man could react, Xia Liang struck again. His right fist shot downwards, forcing his opponent to raise his arms in defense. However, the move was as powerful as Mount Tai crashing down. When the splitting fist smashed into Little Four Eyes's arms, its momentum didn't falter, driving him down to one knee as a crippling pain shot through his limbs.
On the second floor, the smile on Guo Qianzhong's face froze as he watched the fight. He knew the man below was one of his gang's better fighters, the one who always kept watch over the Rolling Stone Bar. He never imagined he would be bested by a mere rideshare driver.
"Young Master Guo, there's a situation." Zhang San's expression was strange as he hung up the phone.
"What damned situation? The only situation is right here!"
"No, Young Master Guo. We just got word that Ah Li and nine of his affiliated underlings have been found dead, along with a Samsung manager."
Guo Qianzhong was stunned. The family was vast, with more underlings than he could count; it was impossible to remember every single one. But Ah Li was different. To have his own banner meant he was a minor hall master, a status far above the rest.
"Eleven dead? How did they die?"
Zhang San whispered, "The preliminary conclusion is a car accident. But there are rumors from a driver who passed by. He's been bragging to people that Ah Li and his men were actually beaten to death *after* the crash, then thrown back into the car before it was set on fire."
Guo Qianzhong's face turned livid. The death of a hall master was no small matter. If he had been murdered, the Guo Family would have to launch a full investigation and demand justice. But for now, the most pressing matter was taking down Xia Liang.
BANG! BANG! BANG!—
It was one thing after another.
Just as Xia Liang was dominating his opponent, the onlookers were enjoying the show, and Guo Qianzhong was fuming, a violent pounding came from the front door.
"Who has a death wish, daring to smash my door!" Guo Qianzhong's expression grew stormy. His pride had been repeatedly wounded; it was no surprise his mood was so foul.
Just as he was about to send someone to drive them off, a deafening rattle echoed from the rolling shutter door as it was forced open from the outside.
"Brother Guo, what in the world are you doing? Closing up a nightclub in the middle of the night? Are you allergic to money or trying to sell the place? Get out here! Fei Ling and I brought a VIP to see you."
A man in a suit walked in, followed by several other men who radiated an imposing aura. When they took in the scene inside the bar, a cigarette dropped from the lips of a bald man standing beside the one who spoke.
"Volodya! Is this a multiplayer game?"
Xia Liang recognized one of the newcomers. It was Li Weixu, the man he'd raced to the airport with. The other man, the one with the choppy hair, was a stranger.
Guo Qianzhong had no choice but to stand up when he saw the visitors. Li Weixu was from one of the four major families of Qingyun City. They had a decent relationship and had never clashed before.
"You guys head to the private room," Guo Qianzhong said. "Once I've sorted this mess out, I'll come and apologize. I'll even drink three cups as a penalty."
High society was all about face. If he couldn't even handle a simple rideshare driver in his own nightclub, how could he ever show his face in Qingyun City again?
"Brother Xia?" Li Weixu recognized Xia Liang instantly. He strode over with a laugh and clapped him on the shoulder. "Thanks for your help last time. I gave you my contact info, but I never heard from you. I was starting to think you'd left town for other jobs."
Xia Liang smiled. "A common person like me has to hustle to make a living, unlike you guys who have it so easy."
"Brother Xia, you're still such a kidder," Li Weixu grinned.
Ordinary people might not know, but Li Weixu did. He'd been curious back then—how could a rideshare driver be so skilled at racing? And what's more, Li Weixu hadn't had to handle any of the fallout from that incident; Xia Liang had dealt with it all by himself. Afterward, he had pulled out all the stops to investigate. Eventually, he'd uncovered some discreet information. The Yun Family and the Lu Family! That was all he needed to know. Among the four major families, the Yun and Lu Families were special. Most people would rather suffer a small grievance than provoke either of them. First, there was the connection to the Yun Family. Then, Xia Liang saved Old Master Lu and was subsequently treated as an honored guest by Lu Chuang. After that, Li Weixu's perception of him changed completely. He was no longer just a skilled rideshare driver.
What's going on? Guo Qianzhong's mind couldn't keep up. He knew Li Weixu's personality all too well. Despite his cheerful exterior, he would never be this courteous unless the person had some special value or a unique status.
"Brother Guo, looks like the flood just washed over the Dragon King's temple," Li Weixu said. He grabbed a beer from the bar and, with a sharp CLANG, smashed its neck on the marble countertop. "This man is my friend. Unless we're talking about a blood feud over a murdered father or a stolen wife, just let it go for my sake. Here, I'll drink first to apologize on his behalf."
GLUG, GLUG, GLUG...
The onlookers felt a chill run down their spines. Opening a bottle like that was just wild. Weren't they afraid of swallowing shards of glass? But anyone who frequented the Rolling Stone Bar knew more than the average person. They knew the owner's background was formidable, so anyone who could call him 'brother' was definitely not to be trifled with.
"Refreshing! Your booze is still the best," Li Weixu said after downing the bottle. He then began the introductions. "This one here, you've probably heard of him but never met. He's from the Shangjing Feng Family. Feng Pojun."
Guo Qianzhong was internally debating whether to give him face. But when he heard the name 'Feng Pojun,' he shuddered, his astonished gaze falling upon the scholarly young man standing behind Li Weixu.