Yama Reborn

Early in the morning, Brother Lei was woken up by a phone call.

He rubbed his face with one hand and picked up the phone with the other. Taking a look at the caller ID, Brother Lei was instantly wide awake.

"Chen Nuo, it's so early, what's going on?"

On the other end of the phone, Chen Nuo's voice seemed a bit hesitant, "Um, sorry for disturbing your sleep so early, Brother Lei?"

"No problem!" Brother Lei said cheerfully, "You must have something important to ask for this early, just tell me!"

After a few seconds of silence...

"I need your help to get some women's clothing."

"...Huh?"

"Not new ones, but old ones, and the style shouldn't be too dated; something nice-looking. Yes, I need outerwear, no underwear. In terms of size... probably around 165cm. Also, I need shoes, size 36 or 37, for ladies—things like leather shoes, high heels, athletic shoes, a few pairs of each. All should be used, not new!"

Brother Lei was stunned.

What the heck?

Working with Chen Nuo, life is getting more and more interesting.

Last time, he gave me a KPI for hitting people according to their medical expenses.

Today, he's having me gather women's outfits...

Without daring to ask more questions, Brother Lei suppressed his curiosity, "Women's clothes and shoes, no underwear. Younger, nicer-looking styles, for someone around 165 cm, shoe size 36 or 37... and they must be used, not new. Got it! I'll sort it out and bring them to you as soon as possible."

"Alright..."

The call ended.

Brother Lei clenched the phone, his mind full of questions.

165?

That girl, Sun Keke... she doesn't seem to be 165, does she?

「」

The call had been made downstairs.

Chen Nuo hung up, let out a sigh of relief, and then hurried upstairs.

When he reached his own door, he glanced at the door across the hall with caution and a bit of guilt...

He quickly took out his keys, opened his front door, and went inside.

In the room, Lu Xixi was already brushing her teeth in the bathroom.

Chen Nuo called out, "I brought back breakfast—youtiao, soymilk, and rice porridge."

Lu Xixi poked her head out, flashing Chen Nuo a sweet smile, her mouth still full of toothpaste foam.

That night, the two of them had quietly slept on the sofa together... When morning came, Lu Xixi looked at her husband, and the feeling of closeness she felt towards him had grown substantially.

After Lu Xixi finished washing up, they sat at the dining table together for the first time in their lives and started eating.

"Husband... about yesterday..."

"Hmm," Chen Nuo thought for a moment, "What do you want to say?"

"I'm sorry, did I cause you trouble?"

It's not a matter of whether it's troublesome or not, Chen Nuo thought. It's just that if things keep going on like this, my heart won't be able to take it.

"Yesterday was so strange. That auntie knocked on the door looking for her husband; turned out she had the wrong door. Then I thought she looked weird, maybe she wasn't in her right mind," Lu Xixi frowned and said, "I was worried... so I followed her."

"I understand. You saw her and thought of yourself, so you felt compassion," Chen Nuo replied with understanding.

"Yes." A shadow crossed Lu Xixi's brow, and she sighed softly, "I don't know when my memory will come back, so I felt she was very pitiful."

Chen Nuo went silent.

"And then I encountered those bad guys, and then..."

Lu Xixi quickly recapped the events of the previous day, while Chen Nuo pretended to listen as he ate breakfast, occasionally interjecting with a deliberate question.

"Husband, why didn't you open the door at the end to meet that auntie and child?"

"Husband, did that auntie's husband come later? Why did you hide with me?"

Right, good questions!

Excellent questions!

Every single one is a deadly trap!

Luckily, after an entire night, Chen Yanluo had prepared his answers well.

After pondering for a bit, Chen Nuo sighed and looked at Lu Xixi, "Actually, I was just about to talk to you about this."

"Okay, Husband, tell me!" Lu Xixi immediately sat up straight, as if preparing for a lesson.

"Neither of us is ordinary," Chen Nuo spoke gravely. "But in this world, the more skills you hide, the more cautious you need to be. Keep a low profile to stay alive; be cautious and avoid being headstrong. Do you understand?"

"I don't understand."

"Ah..." Chen Nuo purposefully let out a sigh. "Although we possess martial arts skills, we... weren't without enemies in the jianghu. Now, we're living incognito, enjoying peaceful days here, which is good. So, we should always be cautious.

If we're too high-profile, I'm afraid it would bring back the blood and conflict of the jianghu. If someone with ulterior motives notices us, and the news spreads, it could lead to those from our past with grudges coming to our door, and that would be troublesome."

Lu Xixi listened, her eyes darting around, "So yesterday, you wore a helmet and didn't even show your face because you were afraid of being found?"

"Yeah," Chen Nuo nodded, looking at Lu Xixi with a tender expression. "You were the one who said it. You were tired of those jianghu grudges, tired of those thrilling encounters, tired of the storms of the jianghu... and then we decided to return to the life of ordinary people, living our days here incognito as commoners."

"Ah? I said that?" Lu Xixi's eyes widened as she looked at Chen Nuo.

"Right, you said it."

Lu Xixi was confused.

I said that?

Although she had lost her memory, Lu Xixi couldn't help but find it all a bit strange.

She herself was tired of those jianghu matters? Tired of those heart-stopping moments?

Tired?

But why did she feel so excited and fascinated just thinking about it now?

Why did the thought of it make her feel so eager to stir up trouble?

Fine then!

I've lost my memory, so what you say goes.

「」

After breakfast, Chen Nuo took Lu Xixi out with him.

He didn't feel at ease leaving Lu Xixi at home by herself.

There were too many things at home that didn't add up; if he left Lu Xixi alone and she started rummaging through everything, she'd find too many inconsistencies.

Using the excuse of taking Lu Xixi out shopping, he took her to the supermarket for a while, then bought her a couple of items of clothing. Finally, they stopped in front of a beauty salon that was running a promotion.

"Hey, look, Wife, they're having a promotional event here! Wow, if you get a card for one thousand, you get an extra two hundred!"

"Huh?"

Before she could react, Lu Xixi was pulled into the beauty salon by Chen Nuo.

In another moment of distraction, Chen Nuo was already chatting animatedly with the young woman behind the counter.

In yet another moment of distraction, Chen Nuo had already paid and gotten the card!

"?? Husband??"

Chen Nuo looked at Lu Xixi and said softly, "I've noticed you've been looking more and more haggard lately, and your complexion isn't that great. Come on, a woman always needs to take care of herself."

The enthusiastic young woman at the side started introducing all sorts of services: skin hydration and softening, pore tightening, skincare maintenance, aromatherapy massage...

Lu Xixi listened, completely bewildered. Before she knew it, she was led into a private room and was lying on a beauty massage table.

Then two beauticians, wearing masks, entered and took out a bunch of bottles and jars.

At the door, Chen Nuo waved to Lu Xixi, "Wife, you enjoy your beauty treatment here; I'm going to the market to pick up some groceries."

"Ah?" Instinctively feeling a bit uneasy, Lu Xixi started to get up.

Chen Nuo hurried over and gently pressed her back down.

"Don't worry, I'm just going to get some groceries. Your beauty treatment will take quite a while. I'll get the groceries, then come back to pick you up, and we'll go home together to make lunch."

"But..."

"Just stay here. Don't go running off... I've already paid. If anything comes up, give me a call. Do you remember my number?"

"I remember..."

"Good that you remember. I'm off to buy groceries then. What would you like for lunch? Braised pork or sweet and sour ribs?"

"...Ribs," Lu Xixi swallowed reflexively.

"Alright, sweet and sour ribs it is. I'll buy a fish to make soup and stir-fry some broccoli, and that should be about it."

"Oh..."

As Chen Nuo waved and left, the two beauticians, who spoke very courteously and respectfully, approached with their assortment of jars and bottles...

Lu Xixi, still in a daze, lay back down, motionless...

Huh? Why do I have this feeling... like I've been played?

「」

Leaving the beauty salon, Chen Nuo immediately hailed a taxi and rushed to the school!

Why? To pick up Chen Xiaoye, of course!

Last night, in the middle of the night, Chen Nuo had managed to send Old Jiang a text message, saying there was an issue at his shop; a new batch of cars was arriving at midnight, and he couldn't leave. He had arranged with Old Jiang to pick up Chen Xiaoye this morning.

Arriving at the school, he got out of the car and headed straight for the faculty dormitory building.

He knocked on the door of Room 304. Old Jiang opened it, revealing himself standing there with a stern face.

"Master," Chen Nuo quickly bowed.

"Come in," Old Jiang sighed and stepped aside to let him in.

Chen Xiaoye was already washed and dressed. Song Qiaoyun was combing her hair, her small backpack ready.

"Bro!" Xiao Yezi turned her head to call out to Chen Nuo. Song Qiaoyun quickly straightened her head, "Wait until I'm done with your hair, then you can call him."

"Oh~" Xiao Yezi obediently sat straight.

Old Jiang asked Chen Nuo to sit down. After thinking for a moment, he sighed, "Alright, stop being so timid. I'm not blaming you. I know it's not easy for you, taking care of a child on your own while also working to earn money. I understand that you were busy and couldn't come to pick up Ye Zi last night. Don't worry about me being angry."

Chen Nuo offered an apologetic smile.

Old Jiang nodded and sighed, "It hasn't been easy for you..."

Yeah, it really hasn't! These past few days have been incredibly tough!

Old Jiang gave Chen Nuo a knowing look, and they moved to the kitchen. Gently closing the door, Old Jiang asked, "What's the deal with Xiao Yezi's father?"

Chen Nuo's face suddenly changed, and he said indignantly, "Master, speaking of him, I really can't contain my anger..."

With that, Chen Nuo briefly recounted Gu Kang's situation to Old Jiang.

Listening to the story, Old Jiang's expression turned ugly, "Such an inhuman bastard?"

"Exactly!" Chen Nuo said angrily, then patted his chest. "Yesterday when he went to pick up Ye Zi, his intentions were definitely not good; he wanted to snatch the child back... Luckily you took Ye Zi away... Oh, by the way, Master, how did you end up going to the kindergarten to pick up Ye Zi yesterday?"

"...It wasn't me who picked her up, it was your Mistress," Old Jiang clicked his tongue. "Yesterday, well... your Mistress had another episode, and coincidentally I wasn't home. She was confused and somehow made her way to the kindergarten to pick up Ye Zi. Then, she ran into that Gu Kang you mentioned."

"What happened then?" Chen Nuo feigned ignorance.

What happened then? Old Jiang frowned.

What happened after that... Old Jiang wasn't too clear himself either.

After bringing Song Qiaoyun and Xiao Yezi back last night... Song Qiaoyun gradually became lucid after taking her medicine, but she couldn't remember exactly what had happened that day.

As for Xiao Yezi, a five-year-old child couldn't explain it clearly either.

In Xiao Yezi's understanding, she was entirely unaware that she had nearly been kidnapped by her own father yesterday. She also didn't know what her father had intended to do.

The child simply thought that her father and Godmother Song Qiaoyun had come to pick her up from school, then taken her out to eat. They had also planned to invite her brother, but he never showed up. Then, halfway through the meal, for some reason, Godfather Old Jiang appeared and took her and her godmother away...

That's how the child comprehended it.

Song Qiaoyun knew a little more, but it was limited to this: in the morning, she noticed that Old Jiang's Myna bird had returned. Worried that something had happened to Old Jiang, she fed the bird. After it had eaten its fill, she released it and followed it to find Old Jiang.

Song Qiaoyun remembered finding a house, but when the door opened, it was an unfamiliar young woman, very beautiful, but she had the wrong place; Old Jiang wasn't there...

Her memory of what happened next was hazy...

Old Jiang, an old hand in the jianghu, had nevertheless figured out a key point: that woman.

According to Chen Xiaoye's description, there was a very pretty older sister who went to eat with them, and she had come with her godmother.

Clearly, that must have been the woman Song Qiaoyun encountered at the wrong house.

Song Qiaoyun's memory of the period during her episode was chaotic, but she roughly remembered that the attractive woman, out of kindness, had noticed something was wrong with her condition and had followed her.

But what happened afterward was unclear.

This matter... seems really odd... Old Jiang furrowed his brow.

A woman who appeared so incongruously!

To say she was kind-hearted... but her appearance still felt too coincidental.

Moreover... at the Wind Shelter Hall, Old Jiang had seen three bloodied and injured people lying on the ground in the yard!

Then Xiao Yezi provided another clue: the pretty older sister was later taken away.

Taken away by someone wearing a motorcycle helmet and a leather jacket.

Hearing this, Old Jiang's sharp instincts immediately told him: that person in the motorcycle helmet was definitely suspicious!

Wearing a helmet...

Could it be... to avoid showing their face and being recognized!

Then Xiao Yezi mentioned hearing the beautiful older sister calling the helmet-wearer "Husband."

Calling him 'Husband'?

So they're a couple?

Old Jiang became even more puzzled.

「」

"Master? Master?" Chen Nuo called out twice when he saw Old Jiang zoning out.

"Ah!" Old Jiang snapped back to reality and looked at Chen Nuo. "As for what happened after, I'm not too clear myself. I phoned your Mistress, and then I went to bring them both back. As for Xiao Yezi's father you mentioned, I didn't see him."

Chen Nuo wore a look of surprise.

Old Jiang thought for a moment. Those three bloodied people... He shouldn't tell Chen Nuo about such things. He's just a high school kid, practically still a child.

Don't want to scare him.

Old Jiang waved his hand dismissively. "This matter is a bit complicated, but one thing I am certain of is that Gu Kang's attempt to take Xiao Yezi definitely wasn't well-intentioned! If it wasn't for your Aunt Song fortuitously running into them, I'm afraid Xiao Yezi would have been taken away."

Chen Nuo also assumed a thoughtful expression. "That Gu Kang is indeed not a good person. Xiao Yezi absolutely cannot be handed over to him."

"You said that he came knocking on your door before to extort a few thousand yuan from you?"

"Mm-hm."

Old Jiang thought it over and made a decision.

"In that case, for the next few days, Xiao Yezi won't go home with you. Let her stay with me for now! You're still a high school student, and that Gu Kang sounds like a gangster. I'm worried that if he comes looking for you, wanting the child, you, as a young kid, might not be able to handle him.

Ye Zi can stay with my family for the time being. Your Mistress is fond of her and treats her like her own daughter, so you don't need to worry.

She won't stay in the kindergarten boarding for now. I have a flexible schedule after school, so on days when I don't have classes, I'll clock out early and go with your Mistress to pick Ye Zi up and bring her home.

Let's do it this way for now. After a few days, if there are no issues, you can take Ye Zi back.

If Gu Kang gives you any trouble, just tell me, your master!"

Chen Nuo was startled.

This isn't...

This isn't...

Isn't this... Old Jiang handing me a pillow just when I was feeling sleepy?

And...

Old Jiang truly is a good man!

Chen Nuo was genuinely touched. Regardless of whether it actually helped him, this concern was real!

Comrade Fu Sheng, this 'Heart-Stealer' promises to never deceive you again!

After their chat, Chen Nuo intended to take Ye Zi to kindergarten, but Old Jiang stopped him.

"Don't you go! Go take care of your own business! Go to class if you have to, work if you need to! I'm free this morning, so your Mistress and I will take Ye Zi to kindergarten. You don't need to worry about it."

Chen Nuo thought it over and agreed.

His schedule really was a bit tight this morning.

「」

Leaving Old Jiang's house, Chen Nuo headed straight for school.

Squatting at the school's entrance, Chen Nuo phoned Zhang Linsheng, asking him to come to the school gate to meet him.

Before long, Zhang Linsheng arrived at the school gate and saw Chen Nuo squatting by the guardroom, yawning while chatting idly with Old Qin.

"What do you need me for? Why not talk inside the school?"

Chen Nuo looked at Zhang Linsheng, sizing him up.

Ah!

Starting today... Brother Haonan, I'm afraid you're about to become famous.

"Skip your morning classes. I have something for you to do."

"Ah? What's up?" Zhang Linsheng asked. He had no objections to skipping class, merely curious about what Chen Nuo wanted with him.

"I'm taking you to make a grand appearance!"

"What?"

"I'm taking you to strut your stuff!"

「」

In front of Zhang Linsheng, Chen Nuo took out Wang Laohu's phone and sent a message to Li Qingshan.

Then he pulled Zhang Linsheng away from the school gate. The two arrived at a teahouse just off the street.

It was quiet in the morning, with not much business. Upon entering, Chen Nuo requested a private room, then proceeded inside with Zhang Linsheng.

They randomly ordered some tea and drinks, then asked the server to close the door.

"Brother Haonan, let's have a chat," Chen Nuo said as he poured himself a cup of tea and then one for Zhang Linsheng, smiling naturally. "It's about time we had a proper talk."

Zhang Linsheng's heart skipped a beat; he watched Chen Nuo, somewhat uncertain.

Chen Nuo, smiling, pushed the teacup towards Zhang Linsheng and then said softly,

"Brother Haonan, actually... you've regained your memory, haven't you?"

"...!!!" Zhang Linsheng's eyes widened as he nervously looked at Chen Nuo.

Silence!

In the room, both young men were silent for a long time.

Zhang Linsheng felt his throat dry. "You... you noticed?"

"Of course, I noticed."

"How long have you known?"

"For quite a few days now," Chen Nuo said with a chuckle.

Zhang Linsheng swallowed, then heaved a dejected sigh. "So... are you planning to erase my memory again?"

Brother Haonan looked around the quiet private room.

Secluded, no one around.

A perfect place to make a move, isn't it?

Chen Nuo kept silent, just squinting his eyes and smiling as he watched Zhang Linsheng.

Zhang Linsheng had a mournful look on his face. "That... erasing memory, wouldn't it turn me into an idiot? I've seen movies and read novels that say doing it too much can damage the brain."

Chen Nuo still remained silent.

Zhang Linsheng became anxious, "You! You're not thinking of silencing me, are you? Big Bro! I haven't offended you lately! Whatever you asked me to do, I did it. You told me to learn boxing with Old Jiang, and I diligently learned! I, I, I... I'm still your senior brother!"

"Second senior brother," Chen Nuo clarified with a grin.

"Second senior brother is still a senior brother," Zhang Linsheng said with a woeful expression. "You can't commit fratricide!"

Chen Nuo chuckled, grabbing a pistachio, cracking it open, and tossing it into his mouth, chewing as he smiled.

"Well," Chen Nuo patted Zhang Linsheng on the shoulder, his tone filled with emotion.

"I intended to interact with you as an ordinary person, but all I got was caution and mistrust. No more pretense. I'm an elusive hermit; I lay my cards on the table~"

Zhang Linsheng stared in stunned silence.

「Twenty minutes later.」

Zhang Linsheng stared at Chen Nuo with wide eyes.

Chen Nuo smiled and patted his shoulder, "…Did you understand everything I just said?"

"Uh, I kind of did..."

"You really did?"

"I really did."

"Then tell me, what did I ask you to do?"

"So, basically, I'll be the one to put on the impressive act for what you do, right?"

Chen Nuo was stunned.

Huh? Not bad, your comprehension is pretty good!

Although the wording is a bit off, the meaning is more or less there.

Zhang Linsheng felt uneasy, "So, Chen Nuo, about this 'putting on an act' for you, is there any danger? I met Li Qingshan that day; the man is really formidable! I'm a little scared."

"Don't worry. Once you see him later, he'll be more scared than you," Chen Nuo laughed.

「」

At a quarter to ten in the morning.

A BMW 7 Series stopped in front of the teahouse. Actually, the BMW 7 Series hadn't officially entered Huaxia yet; official imports would start in 2004. However, smuggled cars had already appeared... As for why Li Qingshan had this car, it's best not to go into detail.

Lao Qi got out of the car, took a wheelchair from the trunk, and then two young men got out, helped Li Qingshan out, and seated him in the wheelchair.

Li Qingshan looked up at the name of the teahouse.

"This is the place. Lao Qi, come in with me. Everyone else wait outside," he said.

Lao Qi nodded and pushed Li Qingshan, seated in the wheelchair, into the teahouse.

At the entrance, Lao Qi asked a waiter, who then led the two men to the door of a private room.

Lao Qi was about to push the door open, but Li Qingshan shook his head.

Hall Master Li, sitting in the wheelchair, straightened his clothes, then took a breath and said softly, "Knock first."

Lao Qi understood, stepped forward, and courteously knocked on the door three times.

A voice came from inside.

"Come in."

Lao Qi opened the door, and Li Qingshan, sitting in the wheelchair, saw into the room.

On the sofa, Zhang Linsheng was sitting right in the middle, his expression calm. Beside him on another sofa sat another unfamiliar young man.

Li Qingshan's heart stirred...

This young man must be that child's brother!

He had bet correctly! Brother Haonan really did know this person!

Li Qingshan held onto the wheelchair and let Lao Qi push him inside.

Sitting in the wheelchair, Li Qingshan exhaled and looked at Zhang Linsheng in the center, his tone very polite with a hint of faint apprehension, "Mr. Haonan... it's been a long time."

Zhang Linsheng's expression was indifferent. He merely lifted his eyelids. Actually, he was panicking inside, but he remembered Chen Nuo's instructions to show no expression.

He pointed to the table in front of him, "Sit."

Li Qingshan nodded with a smile. Lao Qi, behind him, quietly exited the room, closed the private room door, and stood outside.

「」

Li Qingshan sat in the wheelchair, looking at the two young men in front of him... mainly at Zhang Linsheng.

Although he had seen him before, looking at Zhang Linsheng again, Li Qingshan couldn't help but sigh with emotion.

So incredibly young...

Who could have imagined that he, who had navigated the jianghu for half his life and weathered all sorts of storms, would fall at the hands of this youth...

But he had no complaints. The youth before him possessed methods as terrifyingly potent as those of spirits and gods!

This was a young dragon, still hidden!

Zhang Linsheng looked at Li Qingshan, then pointed to his side, "This is my classmate, named Chen Nuo..."

Li Qingshan was just about to nod when he heard Zhang Linsheng continue, "…and also my junior brother."

The old man's heart lurched!

Damn it!

Initially intending just to nod, he hurriedly raised his hands to clasp them in a salute.

He felt even more relieved! Thank goodness he'd thought things through regarding Gu Kang and had made his preparations!

Otherwise... they weren't just classmates, they were martial brothers!

That explained everything!

No wonder 'his wife' and the child's godmother were friends!

And no wonder this Brother Haonan would get involved in Gu Kang's affairs!

Li Qingshan wiped the sweat from his forehead.

After taking a couple of deep breaths—after all, he was an old hand in the jianghu—Li Qingshan managed to calm himself down.

With a respectful gesture, Hall Master Li spoke in a grave tone, "I didn't sleep a wink last night. The matter you entrusted me with has been properly handled."

Zhang Linsheng remained impassive, "Oh? Let's hear it then."

Li Qingshan cleared his throat, stealing a glance at Chen Nuo, only to find the young man sitting there with a look of flippant displeasure directed at him.

Li Qingshan quickly made an assessment... This junior brother was a young lad who wore his emotions on his sleeve—easy to deal with.

Li Qingshan squeezed out a reluctant smile. "First of all, I must admit fault. I failed to manage my subordinates strictly, and that bastard Wang Laohu offended your sister-in-law. Although I was unaware, as he is under my command, I must first apologize to you here.

Fortunately, your sister-in-law was unharmed..."

"Unharmed? And you think it's settled just like that?!" Chen Nuo suddenly glared, slamming his hand on the table and shouting loudly.

My word, Li Qingshan was certainly startled. Even Zhang Linsheng's eyelids twitched twice, his knees feeling somewhat weak.

"Of course, of course, it can't be settled just like that!" Li Qingshan hurriedly began to clarify, mentally labeling Chen Nuo as someone impulsive.

Hmm, this one isn't much of a threat, nor does he have much depth. His feelings are written all over his face; he'll be easy to handle.

Not like this Brother Haonan, Zhang Linsheng, who keeps his emotions hidden, making it impossible to guess his thoughts.

"Certainly, we can't just let it go! He offended your sister-in-law, and even if you're willing to look past it, I can't be so tactless!" Li Qingshan gestured dismissively. "Hence, I came today to give you a proper resolution!"

Seeing that Chen Nuo was about to say something else, Zhang Linsheng gestured with his hand and said indifferently, "Junior brother, no rush. Let him finish first."

Chen Nuo looked like he was holding back his anger and huffed as he sat back down.

"Yes, yes, let me finish first, then both of you can decide if my resolution is satisfactory," Li Qingshan hurriedly said.

He paused, then pondered for a moment. "Apart from Wang Laohu's issue... there is also someone named Gu Kang who offended this young brother Chen Nuo, right?"

"Hmph!" Chen Nuo rolled his eyes.

"So, this old man has thought about it. Yesterday's incidents, though they seemed like two, were actually one. The root of the problem originated with the sister of young brother Chen Nuo. Hence..."

At this point, Li Qingshan cautiously presented his bargaining chip.

"Wang Laohu and Gu Kang are still injured at the moment, with several fractures. Though their lives are not in danger, they are bound to suffer. Besides... once the two recover, I'll make arrangements to have them locked up."

"Locked up? Going to prison?" Chen Nuo again feigned the naivety of a young man. "For how long?"

Li Qingshan looked at Zhang Linsheng. Seeing that Zhang Linsheng gave no response, he quickly added, "How long they'll stay... will depend on you two gentlemen. Until you give the word, they'll remain locked up! What do you think, is this resolution satisfactory?"

Zhang Linsheng said nothing, just looked at Chen Nuo.

Chen Nuo glared and shouted, "You think you can just lock them up? Do you own the prison?"

"I wouldn't dare say that, I wouldn't dare!" Li Qingshan hastened to wave his hands while wiping sweat. "Indeed, it's not easy, but this old man always has ways of getting them in.

I'll have them voluntarily take the blame for something and turn themselves in.

If they're unwilling...

It's not difficult either!

Get them drunk, put them in a car, then stage an accident on the road with the car, and plant some contraband in the vehicle... Getting a sentence of two or three years wouldn't be a problem.

If you want them to stay longer... that can also be arranged. I could have someone under me commit a minor offense to get inside and then stir up trouble with them—adding crimes on top of crimes, extending their sentences, that's doable too."

Seeing that Chen Nuo was about to inquire further, Li Qingshan gestured with his hand, "Young Brother Chen Nuo, rest assured. I, Li Qingshan, after all these years in the jianghu, can still manage this much."

Chen Nuo ceased speaking, now looking at Zhang Linsheng.

Zhang Linsheng nodded slightly, took out a pack of cigarettes, and lit one.

Chen Nuo promptly turned to Li Qingshan, "Old man! My senior brother means this resolution is barely acceptable."

Li Qingshan breathed a sigh of relief.

Li Qingshan didn't beat around the bush or say much more. Although he had many pleas he wanted to make, he understood it wasn't the right time to voice them, so he was straightforward.

After muttering a few conciliatory words, he asked to take his leave.

When Lao Qi opened the door, Li Qingshan acted as if he had suddenly remembered something and slapped his head.

"This old brain of mine, ah, it's definitely because I'm getting older." He signaled Lao Qi with a look, and Lao Qi promptly brought a small leather bag inside and placed it on the table.

"Just a little token of appreciation! I had previously offended your sister-in-law and have no other way to show my remorse, so consider this as money for your sister-in-law to buy a couple of new dresses and makeup sets, to soothe her nerves."

Zhang Linsheng was taken aback, but Chen Nuo quickly gave him a look, and Zhang Linsheng remained silent.

Seeing no comment or reaction from Zhang Linsheng, Li Qingshan felt somewhat disappointed but dared not show it on his face, and bid farewell.

However, before leaving, Zhang Linsheng stood up to see him to the private room's door and even reached out to shake Li Qingshan's hand.

Li Qingshan was somewhat flattered. He shook hands with Zhang Linsheng, then with Chen Nuo, before allowing Lao Qi to push his wheelchair out.

After the two left, Zhang Linsheng closed the door to the private room and finally heaved a long sigh of relief!

Brother Haonan couldn't keep up his facade anymore. Feeling his legs go weak, he quickly sat down on the sofa and drained his teacup in one gulp.

"So nervous?" Chen Nuo laughed.

"What do you think?" Zhang Linsheng wiped off his sweat. "That was Li Qingshan! A big shot with a lot of clout in Jinling City!"

While speaking, Zhang Linsheng glanced at the leather bag on the table. "What's in this?"

Chen Nuo shrugged, "Open it up and see for yourself."

Zhang Linsheng hesitated for a moment, then went to open the bag and was stunned.

Inside were stacks of bright red banknotes.

"Holy shit! That's so much money?!"

Chen Nuo smiled, "Help me count it, see how much there is."

Zhang Linsheng's hands were a bit shaky, but he still started counting, one bill at a time.

A moment later, Zhang Linsheng, who had counted twice, looked up. "Eighty-eight thousand, eight hundred."

"Hmm, that's a pretty auspicious number," Chen Nuo said indifferently, continuing to grab a handful of pistachios and eating them.

Zhang Linsheng was somewhat puzzled. "Why do I feel... on second thought, it's not that much... For a big shot like him, offending you and then giving you just eighty-eight thousand, eight hundred? I thought it would at least be several hundred thousand or even a million."

"Hahaha!" Chen Nuo laughed, looked at Zhang Linsheng, and shook his head,

"You don't understand.

For offending me, having Wang Laohu and Gu Kang go to prison was already his way of making amends. That incident is as good as settled.

This money is actually a matter of personal favor, a gesture of goodwill, to close the distance in our relationship. It's a small sum, not for big matters, just to show a bit of sincerity.

Otherwise, think about it. If he now easily handed out hundreds of thousands or millions, what would he have to give if he really needed me to do something for him later? One must climb the staircase step by step.

Li Qingshan is an old hand in these matters; he's very methodical in his dealings."

In fact, over 80,000 yuan in 2001 was really quite a lot. Even in Jinling City, an economically developed area in the Yangtze River Delta, an average white-collar worker's monthly salary was only around 1,000 yuan.

Over 80,000 yuan was equivalent to several years' salary.

After finishing, Chen Nuo glanced at the time on his phone and stood up. "I need to head back. I still have to rush back to buy groceries and cook."

Saying this, Chen Nuo started to leave.

"Hey! You forgot your money!" Zhang Linsheng hurried to stop him.

Chen Nuo turned back and patted Brother Haonan's shoulder. "Acting always deserves a fee, brother. Take it, and don't spend it recklessly."

Having said that, Chen Nuo strode away, walking briskly.

Zhang Linsheng stood there stunned, looking at the piles of cash in the bag on the table…

His heart was pounding wildly!

This was all for him??

Over eighty thousand!!!

He had never seen so much money in his entire life!

Nor had he ever received so much money!

In his excitement, he forgot to ask Chen Nuo the question that had been bothering him all this time.

What Brother Haonan actually wanted to ask Chen Nuo was:

Where did you get a wife from??

What about Sun Keke??

「」

Chen Nuo left the teahouse, hailed a taxi to go home, and made a phone call on the way.

When he arrived at the entrance of his residential complex, he saw Brother Lei already standing there, with two cardboard boxes at his feet.

"You're back? It's all taken care of! Everything you asked for is right here!"

Sweat beaded on Brother Lei's shining bald head.

He had been run ragged early that morning.

The boxes were filled with clothes and shoes for young women.

These items were what Brother Lei had managed to scramble together in the early morning when he couldn't think of any other solution.

He had suddenly remembered his girlfriend was 165 cm tall and wore size 36.5 shoes.

Brother Lei rushed straight to his girlfriend's house and simply plundered her wardrobe!

His girlfriend was so angry that they had a huge fight, but Brother Lei didn't mince words. With no time to explain, he immediately threw down 10,000 yuan in cash to appease her first, then packed two boxes full of various clothes, shoes, and other things. Finally, with a slap to his forehead, he also took a set of cosmetics and a set of skincare products.

That's why they say people like Brother Lei are destined to strike it rich.

Chen Nuo hadn't even thought of makeup and skincare products, but Brother Lei had filled in the gaps for him.

Chen Nuo checked the items, sighed, stood up, and patted Brother Lei's shoulder. "You've worked hard. You've helped me a lot with this!"

Brother Lei also breathed a sigh of relief. As long as this young master was satisfied, all was well.

Then Brother Lei was eager to take his leave... His girlfriend was waiting for him at home, and he needed to console her properly.

Chen Nuo stopped him, however.

"In a few days, go look for Li Qingshan."

"Ah?"

"Yes, just go. Say... Brother Haonan sent you."

"Ah? Brother Haonan?" Brother Lei was a bit confused.

"Right, remember that. Don't mention my name from now on. Just refer to Brother Haonan."

Brother Lei instantly 'understood'... or thought he did.

So, from now on, this young master's jianghu nickname would be Brother Haonan!

"Then... what am I supposed to do when I find Li Qingshan? What do I say?"

"You just say... Brother Haonan sent you to collect the medical fees."

「」

Li Qingshan sat in the car. It had driven two streets away before the old man couldn't help but sigh deeply.

In the car, the driver and a henchman in the passenger seat didn't dare to utter a word.

Old Seven sat next to Li Qingshan and, seeing his boss's displeased face, whispered, "That esteemed person... didn't yield?"

Li Qingshan shook his head, "Couldn't find the chance to speak up; it wasn't the right moment."

Old Seven fell silent for a moment, then consoled his boss, "But he did take the money, after all. The gesture was made, and he'll surely have some gratitude. In the future... it'll be easier when it's brought up again."

Li Qingshan nodded, "What you said makes sense, but... I'm anxious."

After giving it some thought, Old Seven said, "That Brother Haonan actually has a junior brother... which means they have a sect! Boss... should we check it out?"

"Have you gone mad?" Li Qingshan glared at Old Seven, "Foolish!"

After a pause, Li Qingshan shook his head and said, "A sect that can train such a little poisonous dragon... How formidable must the seniors be? Is a sect like that something we can just reach out and probe into?!"

Just at that moment, the car suddenly came to a screeching halt!

Li Qingshan and Old Seven, sitting unprepared in the back seat, lurched forward!

Old Seven's face changed color, and he cursed at the driver, "What kind of driving is that! Are you blind?!"

The driver, feeling wronged, turned around, "Lao Qi, a car ran the red light; I almost hit it..."

"You..."

Before Old Seven could continue scolding, he heard Li Qingshan suddenly bellow, "Shut up!! Everyone shut up! Shut up!!"

The old man's eyes were wide open as he gripped his thighs tightly!

During the emergency brake just now, as his body lurched forward—it's a conditioned reflex; in a natural state of stress, when the body lunges, the toes clench and the calves tense up...

"My... My legs... My legs... I think I can feel them!"

Li Qingshan's excited voice was a bit hoarse as he lifted his head and roared with a ferocious expression, "Pull over to the side! Quick!!!"

The BMW swerved to the curb, disregarding any no-parking signs, and came to a stop at the roadside.

Old Seven was the first one out of the car, sprinting over to open the door, ready to help Li Qingshan.

"Don't touch me! No one touch me!!" Li Qingshan waved them off.

The old man, face flushed with excitement, mustered his strength and lifted his left leg!

His foot touched the ground, and with another effort, his right foot followed!

Li Qingshan stood ramrod straight on the curb, suddenly finding the morning sun exceptionally dazzling!

He took a deep breath, walked a couple of steps, then turned back and walked a few more, before bending his knees.

WOW! Nearly sixty years old, the old man leaped three feet high!

"HAHAHA! My legs are healed! I can walk and jump again! HAHAHAHAHA!!"

Li Qingshan laughed and shouted in elation.

The joy almost brought tears to the old man's eyes!

He kept hopping and jumping around on the roadside like a child for two or three minutes.

Passersby looked over as if they were watching a lunatic, but Li Qingshan didn't care in the slightest.

Finally, when he stopped, the old man was panting from exhaustion and pulled Old Seven over.

"Call home! Prepare good wine and dishes! I'm going back, and I want to drink my fill! HAHAHAHA!!"

He paused, then grabbed Old Seven, who was about to dial, again.

Fire in his eyes, Hall Master Li ground his teeth and said, "Send someone! Bring all those girls in my room to me!! Damn it, I've been celibate for months! Tonight, I will conquer all under heaven with a single staff!!"

Seeing Li Qingshan's wild look, Old Seven didn't dare say anything and simply went off to make arrangements on his phone.

Li Qingshan continued to frolic on the spot for a while, then something occurred to him.

He remembered the handshake with Brother Haonan when they parted earlier today...

Suddenly, Li Qingshan's expression changed.

He was still happy, still excited.

But amid the joy and thrill, a deep-rooted fear and apprehension also surged in his heart!!

This...

Truly, these were godlike methods!