Chapter Forty-Six: Help Me Contact the Bai Family

Bai Yu forced the words through clenched teeth: "You really don't know when to quit."

Zhao Fan remained calm, the tension between him and Bai Yu thickening the air. Even alone, Zhao Fan's presence was not dwarfed by Bai Yu and his gang.

"Die!" Bai Yu suddenly raised his baseball bat and swung it at Zhao Fan's head. The wind howled—a blow like this would cripple Zhao Fan, if not kill him.

But Zhao Fan was no fool; he would never stand still and let Bai Yu strike him. With a swift sidestep, Zhao Fan dodged the attack, then aimed a kick at Bai Yu's knee. When it came to fighting, Zhao Fan was far more experienced than Bai Yu.

With a thud and a bang, Bai Yu fell to his knees, and before he could lift his head, Zhao Fan pinned him down. Using Bai Yu as leverage, Zhao Fan seized the baseball bat and swung it at the group Bai Yu had brought.

It was unclear where Bai Yu had found these people, but Zhao Fan's swing sent them scrambling backward; their intent to avoid him was unmistakable.

Zhao Fan's lips twitched—Bai Yu was unreliable, and so were his recruits. It made no difference; their ineptitude ensured Zhao Fan's safety.

Taking advantage of the cleared path, Zhao Fan dashed out at incredible speed. The baseball bat was his best weapon, and no one dared to block his way.

By the time Bai Yu realized what had happened, Zhao Fan had vanished, and he flew into a rage. "Useless, all of you! So many people and none could stop Zhao Fan. Go after him, now!"

Hearing the commotion behind him, Zhao Fan curled his lip. With efficiency like this, Bai Yu must have rounded up a bunch of misfits. Clearly, these people had nothing to do with the Bai family; Zhao Fan couldn't imagine the Bai family keeping such fools around.

The chase spilled onto the streets, drawing the attention of passersby—curious, disgusted, and everything in between.

Ahead lay an intersection, empty of cars. Zhao Fan gritted his teeth and chose to stop. Both sides came to a standstill as Bai Yu caught up from behind.

"Run, go on, keep running," Bai Yu wiped his mouth, his gaze dark and brooding as he stared at Zhao Fan. The past few days had been rough; everyone was pressing him about the bet with Zhao Fan, and the Bai family's reputation had suffered.

Zhao Fan smiled slightly. "I'm not running anymore, Bai Yu. Is your family so afraid of losing? All this over a piece of land—aren't you worried it will make the Bai family a laughingstock?"

Bai Yu spat on the ground. "Before the Bai family becomes a joke, you'll—"

"Zhao Fan, Bai Yu, what are you doing here?"

A sudden voice interrupted Bai Yu. Both men turned to see Yang Yuxing and several other girls standing at the opposite corner, faces filled with bewilderment.

The atmosphere froze instantly.

Zhao Fan couldn't help but laugh. Yang Yuxing had arrived at just the right moment.

"Miss Yang, the young master of the Bai family is here to discuss our bet," Zhao Fan said.

"Oh? Is the Bai family finally going to honor the wager?" Yang Yuxing crossed the street, looking curiously at Bai Yu. She was intrigued by the bet between Zhao Fan and the Bai family, which the Bai family had delayed for so long—was this truly the moment they would honor it?

Her gaze flickered, thoughtful.

Bai Yu braced himself. "Yes, that's right. I was just about to invite him to the Bai family's home."

"That's wonderful," Yang Yuxing smiled, praising him. "The Bai family truly has integrity."

Bai Yu's lips twitched. Integrity? No, the Bai family had no intention of being honest. How could they simply hand over land bought for fifty million? Impossible. But such thoughts couldn't be voiced in front of Yang Yuxing, so his smile grew more bitter.

"Well, my family is waiting. Yuxing, I'll take him—"

Before Bai Yu could finish, Zhao Fan quickly interjected, "Sorry, young master Bai, I have things to do today and can't go with you. Since it's mine anyway, why not prepare a transfer contract? I'll sign it directly and save us both the trouble. What do you think, Miss Yang?"

Yang Yuxing nodded. "That's a good idea—efficient and time-saving."

The girls with Yang Yuxing echoed their approval.

"Yes, as long as the terms of the bet are fulfilled."

"It really is a good plan."

Bai Yu suppressed his anger. "You're all right, I'll go back and discuss it with my family."

Watching Bai Yu and his group leave, Zhao Fan cleared his throat. "So, Miss Yang—"

"The Bai family won't let this go," Yang Yuxing cut him off. "It's going to be very difficult for you to get that land."

Zhao Fan was taken aback; Yang Yuxing was unusually blunt.

"Oh, are you surprised? There's no one here loyal to the Bai family, so you don't have to worry," said the girl in the pink dress beside Yang Yuxing, her eyes curved in a sweet, clear smile.

Zhao Fan only needed a glance to know she was straightforward, with the innocence unique to the young.

With attention from all around, Zhao Fan smiled. "I'm not worried. There are too many people here; we should talk elsewhere."

The girls, realizing the situation, hurriedly nudged each other to leave.

Zhao Fan spoke at the right moment. "Just a bit further and we'll reach Feiteng Supermarket."

"Let's go! Hurry!"

Zhao Fan deliberately hung back, watching the group ahead and considering his escape. At that moment, Yang Yuxing slowed her pace to match his. "Are you troubled by the Bai family?"

Zhao Fan coughed. "Yes."

There was no need to deny it.

"Honestly, you can't compare to the Bai family right now," Yang Yuxing turned, fixing Zhao Fan with a steady gaze. "You'll lose."

Zhao Fan's eyes narrowed. "Miss Yang, you're that certain?"

"Zhao Fan, you have no backing. The auction price of the Song porcelain Wind Listening Vase has put you under everyone's scrutiny."

Zhao Fan's heart jolted, his gaze locking with Yang Yuxing. Words rose to his lips but failed him—he had been careless.

He was at a pivotal stage; with some skill, he could carve out a place for himself. But as a lone wolf, he was no match for the great families.

The auction price of one hundred and fifty million was a powerful temptation for anyone daring enough. If the Bai family decided to act—

"I'll give up the land," Zhao Fan said decisively.

Yang Yuxing sighed. "I know you're unwilling. But you have to understand, you can't take on the Bai family alone—not yet."

Zhao Fan smiled. "I know."

His expression was calm and peaceful.

No one saw, as Zhao Fan lowered his gaze, his teeth nearly grinding to pieces.

After accompanying Yang Yuxing and her friends around the supermarket, Zhao Fan excused himself, saying he had business at home, and headed to Yangcheng Xiaxing.

Mu Tianrong happened to be there. Seeing Zhao Fan arrive unexpectedly, he was surprised. "Mr. Zhao, what brings you here now?"

"I need a favor."

"A favor? Mr. Zhao, we are friends; just ask. No need for formality."

"I want to meet Bai Yongyuan, head of the Bai family."

Mu Tianrong's eyes flickered. "Mr. Zhao, that's—"

"I know you can arrange it."

"I can, but may I ask, why do you want to meet Bai Yongyuan?"

Zhao Fan's lips curled in sarcasm. "With such a big commotion in Yangcheng, Director Mu, you must know something?"

Mu Tianrong coughed. "I do know what you mean, but your intentions aren't clear to me."

"I want the Bai family's land," Zhao Fan pronounced each word carefully. He had considered giving up, but it left him unwilling. Yang Yuxing's warning had merit, but Zhao Fan didn't want to heed it.

The auction of the Song porcelain Wind Listening Vase had brought him a sizeable fortune. He couldn't match the Bai family's foundation, but if it came to a fight, Zhao Fan had nothing to lose—who would win was still uncertain.

Mu Tianrong was no fool; as director of Xiaxing, he quickly understood Zhao Fan's intent and inhaled sharply.

"Mr. Zhao, are you sure? If you oppose them, it's not something that will end easily."

Zhao Fan nodded. "I know. I'm prepared."

Mu Tianrong glanced around, then made up his mind. "If you've decided, I'll help. The day after tomorrow—I'll have an answer for you by then at the latest."

"Thank you."

Leaving Xiaxing, Zhao Fan glanced at the sun overhead and laughed quietly. With public opinion on his side, he was eager to see how the Bai family would make their move.

Yang Family.

Yang Yuxing returned home, set down her bag, and spotted her father.

"Dad? Why are you home at this hour?" She was both surprised and puzzled.

Yang Tiancheng replied quietly, "Your Uncle Bai is coming."

Bai...

Yang Yuxing pressed her lips together, her expression dimming. "Dad, are you going to discuss me and Bai Yu?"

The Bai family had always sought an alliance with the Yang family.

"Yes, and no."

"What do you mean?"

"It doesn't concern you. Go to your room."

Yang Yuxing clenched her fists. "Dad, I don't like Bai Yu, can't you—"

"Yuxing, mind your status. Go to your room."

Yang Yuxing opened her mouth but closed it silently, her steps slow as she left.

Not long after, Bai Yongyuan arrived.

"Sorry to trouble you again."

Despite his words, Bai Yongyuan showed no sign of apology.

Yang Tiancheng smiled. "What are you saying? We'll be family soon; no need for formalities. Please sit. What's your plan for the land?"

"Honestly, I'm at a loss."

"Not even a clue?"

Yang Tiancheng frowned imperceptibly. Bai Yongyuan was clearly lying. The auction had been days ago; the Bai family must have taken steps.

Bai Yongyuan sighed. "Believe it or not, the bet was made at the Yang family banquet, proposed jointly by my son and me, with so many prominent people watching. What can I do?"

Yang Tiancheng considered and agreed. He clenched his fist, coughed into it twice.

"If there's no other way, just give it up. Better to keep the Bai family's integrity than damage its reputation."

Bai Yongyuan gazed at Yang Tiancheng with a half-smile. "Honestly, if this were your family, what would you do?"

"But it's not my family, is it, Mr. Bai?" Yang Tiancheng's smile was insincere.

"Heh, that's true."

After a few exchanges, Bai Yongyuan broached the topic of betrothal.

"My son and your daughter have spent some time together. Their relationship is so good—shouldn't we as parents avoid holding them back?"

Previously, Yang Tiancheng would have been delighted to agree, but the issue of the land made him hesitate.

A family that provokes, loses, and refuses to honor its word—is it suitable for his daughter?

Yang Tiancheng was pragmatic, but when it came to family, he was more cautious.

Bai Yongyuan narrowed his eyes. Yang Tiancheng's attitude was clear. Once Zhao Fan was dealt with, he would reconsider the alliance.

After a while, Yang Tiancheng sighed. "It's not that I don't want the Bai family as in-laws, but marriage concerns the children. They should decide. Let's let them spend more time together; there's no rush."

"Heh..."

Bai Yongyuan chuckled, stood and leaned on his knees.

"You're right. Feelings between children need time. I just remembered there's something at my company, so I won't overstay."

"I'll see you out, Mr. Bai."

At the door, Bai Yongyuan suddenly turned. "I've heard your daughter is quite close to Zhao Fan."

"As you said—it's just rumor. Who knows what's true?"

"Indeed. Zhao Fan is nothing but a reckless, greedy vagrant. Miss Yang should keep her distance from such people."

"Certainly."

...

"Achoo!" Zhao Fan suddenly sneezed, looked around, and touched his nose, puzzled. Why the sudden sneeze? Someone must be talking about him behind his back.

"Brother, what's wrong?"

"Nothing."

Zhao Fan composed himself, stacking a few payment slips.

"Yun'er is stable. We'll run a check on Yang Qingqing. If all is well, arrange the surgery soon."

"She's already gone for the tests," Zhao Haitian's eyes flickered with uncertainty. "Brother, when do you think is the best time for the divorce?"

Zhao Fan lifted his gaze slightly. "Big brother, that's not a question for me."

Zhao Haitian should choose his own timing for the divorce with Yang Qingqing; asking Zhao Fan was pointless.

Zhao Haitian nervously rubbed his hands. "I know, but... I can't help feeling uneasy."

"Uneasy? Why?"

"I—I..."

Zhao Haitian stammered but couldn't get a word out.

Seeing this, Zhao Fan paused his work. "Big brother, whatever it is, just say it. If I can help, I will."

Zhao Haitian lowered his head. "I'm a little afraid of her."

Afraid?

Zhao Fan was stunned, then understood. "You mean Yang Qingqing?"

"Yes. Doesn't it sound pathetic?"

Zhao Haitian was defeated; no one would believe a grown man was afraid of his wife.

After a moment, Zhao Fan sighed. "What's there to be ashamed of? If you're afraid of your wife, it's because you respect and love her."

If Zhao Haitian really wanted to act, he could easily deal with Yang Qingqing.

"Don't overthink it. If you want to divorce, do it. Fight for custody; Mom, Dad, and I will help raise the child."

"Thanks, brother."

"Zhao Fan!"

A shrill cry rang out.