Chapter 121: Two Proud Men!

Crouched in the corner, Lu the Snail had been eavesdropping on the two men’s conversation. Upon hearing Qin Luo’s question, he was momentarily taken aback, then turned to give him a firm thumbs-up.

As far as he knew, Qin Luo was the first person ever to speak so boldly in front of the Young Master.

No wonder that woman from the Wen family looked down on even the Young Master—turns out she was attracted to this kind of unconventional man.

“But I’m pretty unconventional myself. Why won’t any of those women go out with me?” Qin Zongheng paused mid-sip of his tea. Soon enough, he drank the rest in one gulp, then gazed thoughtfully at Qin Luo.

“That’s an interesting question,” Qin Zongheng said.

“Your question’s pretty interesting too,” Qin Luo retorted.

“So, you mean there’s a chance you might show up at the banquet three days from now? Even though I forgot to send you an invitation?” Qin Zongheng asked directly.

Enemy or ally, it all hinged on this one question.

Qin Luo met Qin Zongheng’s gaze without a hint of retreat. Smiling, he said, “Three days from now? Who knows? Maybe I’ll be busy, or maybe I won’t have anything going on at all. I’m a lazy man who doesn’t like to plan too far ahead. For me, just living well each coming day is already a kind of fortune.”

“I never planned on attending any birthday banquet anyway. Just a moment ago, I was worried you might invite me—then I’d have to fret over one thing: at least I’d need to give out a red envelope that doesn’t look shabby but also doesn’t make me feel too pained.”

“But my time is mine alone to command. Not even my grandfather has the right to interfere, let alone anyone else. Whether I’m free three days from now, only I know. Maybe I’ll be busy, but I could still make some time to go?”

If this guy had just been straightforward—like saying, “I like Wen Muyue, and I plan to pursue her at the banquet. Brother, help me create an opportunity”—Qin Luo might have been in a good mood enough to agree. After all, he had already broken off his engagement with Wen Muyue and refused her deal.

But this guy, with his lofty attitude, just told him, “I think you’ll definitely be busy that day,” and sealed the matter at once. That left Qin Luo feeling quite displeased.

Why should you decide my affairs for me?

Though Qin Zongheng treated others gently and smiled with approachability, Qin Luo knew beneath that exterior lay a fierce pride.

It was precisely this pride that allowed him to face anyone so calmly. In his eyes, perhaps you weren’t even an equal, maybe not even fully human—just a chair, a cup, or something else.

His pride pricked Qin Luo’s own pride, forcing him to straighten his back.

“Well then, what if I said it was a threat?” Qin Zongheng smiled. This man was quite something.

Or perhaps that was exactly the kind of stubbornness Muyue liked?

Qin Zongheng shook his head. A woman like Muyue would think more comprehensively. She wouldn’t fall for someone just because of a tiny spark. Her scoring system said it all.

Qin Luo curled his lips. “What threat could you possibly have over me?”

“Those words would be far too despicable. But if—just if—you suddenly disappeared in Yanjing, wouldn’t many people be heartbroken?” Qin Zongheng crossed his hands on his knees, tapping lightly. This was his habitual gesture, and the tapping quickened as he thought.

“Go ahead and try,” Qin Luo said fearlessly.

Qin Zongheng shook his head. “Not out of mercy. I’m capable of doing such things. But I won’t use them against you.”

“Well, I really am different,” Qin Luo laughed.

“I don’t like you. But I won’t harm you,” Qin Zongheng smiled. “That kind of rivalry is too lowly. It only backfires.”

“I know only fools reveal their true thoughts. But I’ll still tell you this: When I walk into the church holding Muyue’s hand, I’ll need a witness. You’re the most fitting one.”

“What a coincidence. I happen not to like you either,” Qin Luo smiled. “If that day ever comes, I’ll be there to witness for you.”

“Thank you,” Qin Zongheng nodded. He reached for the teapot again but poured himself only a cup, leaving Qin Luo’s glass untouched.

The message was clear: our conversation is over. You may leave.

Lu the Snail knew he was needed once more.

He stubbed out his cigarette, then approached Qin Luo with a gesture of invitation.

Qin Luo rose from his chair and followed Lu toward the exit.

“You’ve got guts,” Lu said, grinning as he sized him up. “More than I expected.”

“I just said what I wanted and did what I had to do,” Qin Luo replied calmly.

“That’s courage too,” Lu said with a smile. “Others wouldn’t dare.”

“It’s already come to this. How much worse could it get?” Qin Luo shot back with a grin. “Would you dare?”

“I would,” Lu said. “But that’s based on my loyalty to him. Because he knows that whatever he asks, I’ll execute unconditionally. So he rewards me with freedom of speech.”

“Even if it means disappearing in Yanjing?”

“Yes.”

Qin Luo nodded. “You’re an interesting person.”

“So are you,” Lu said, slapping Qin Luo’s shoulder heartily.

Just as they stepped outside the discreet private mansion, Qin Luo saw a military vehicle parked nearby. Wang Jiujiu was pacing outside, occasionally peeking inside.

When she spotted Qin Luo emerging, her face lit up with relief, and she hurried over.

“Teacher Qin, you’re out?” Wang Jiujiu asked anxiously, scanning him for injuries. Seeing he was unharmed, she finally relaxed.

She had been worried sick just now but had restrained herself from barging in.

“What are you doing here?” Qin Luo asked in surprise. He had no idea Wang Jiujiu had seen him leave with Lu, nor that she quickly came running out of concern after recalling Lu’s identity.

“I—I saw you walk out with him and just followed to check,” Wang Jiujiu confessed. She couldn’t very well say she was just passing by.

“Your friend seemed pretty anxious. Looks like I don’t have to see you off,” Lu said with a smile.

“I’ll go back on my own,” Qin Luo said.

He looked Wang Jiujiu deeply in the eye. “Let’s go back.”

“Okay,” Wang Jiujiu nodded obediently. When she glanced at Lu, he winked at her.

She returned the gesture politely and linked arms with Qin Luo as they headed toward the military vehicle.

Gao Shen jumped out of the driver’s seat, laughing, “I finally get a day off, and this lady drags me out. If you didn’t come out, she’d make me bring people to level this place. What kind of place is this? I don’t have the guts for that!”

“Is this place famous?” Qin Luo asked.

“Yeah. Number One at Tianbo Mansion. The private club of the genius Young Master Qin Zongheng. Not just anyone can get in,” Gao Shen explained.

“Why isn’t there a sign with a name?” Qin Luo looked back at the unmarked gate, puzzled.

“What’s the use of a sign? Those who know, don’t need a sign to recognize it. Those who don’t, can’t get in even if there’s one. Supposedly, there was a nameplate before, but Qin Zongheng thought it spoiled the look and had it taken down. Now everyone just calls it by its address.” Gao Shen explained proudly, as if the place’s fame brought him honor.

Qin Luo could tell Gao Shen both admired and feared this place—and, by extension, the astonishing influence this genius Young Master wielded in Yanjing.

If even someone like Gao Shen revered him so much, others were no exception.

Was it really worth making such a formidable enemy for a woman?

“A femme fatale,” Qin Luo mused silently.

Of course, he wouldn’t say that aloud—not with Wang Jiujiu gazing at him so affectionately beside him.

“Teacher Qin, what brings you here?” Wang Jiujiu asked.

“Came to discuss some matters,” Qin Luo said vaguely. He didn’t want to drag her into his troubles—she had already helped him so much.

“Did Qin Zongheng send for you?” Wang Jiujiu asked, concerned that if Qin Luo had offended him, Qin Zongheng might retaliate.

In this circle, no one underestimated Qin Zongheng’s power and menace.

“Yes. You know him?” Qin Luo gave a bitter smile, realizing she was now involved.

“I do. Teacher Qin, why did he call you? Did you have a conflict? If so, maybe I can help mediate.” Wang Jiujiu felt she needed to understand the situation fully; otherwise, she couldn’t rest easy. Once she grasped the tension between Qin Luo and Qin Zongheng, she intended to act as a peacemaker.

In her heart, Qin Luo was fragile and needed protection. She would never allow anyone to hurt him.

“It’s nothing. I can handle it,” Qin Luo patted her head. The way she looked at him with worry was truly endearing.

“If anything happens, you must tell me,” Wang Jiujiu said firmly. Since Qin Luo was reluctant to speak, she didn’t press further.

“Alright,” Qin Luo agreed.

“What shall we do now?” Wang Jiujiu asked.

Qin Luo thought a moment. “Eat first. Then I’ll take you somewhere.”

He had planned to visit the renowned Chinese Medical Hall today to see what kind of organization it was and whether cooperation might be possible.

Wang Jiujiu brightened and turned to Gao Shen. “Gao Shen, are you hungry?”

“A bit,” Gao Shen smiled, thinking that the lady had finally remembered. He was still in bed on his day off when she called him out.

He hadn’t eaten breakfast and was now so hungry he felt his heart would stick to his back.

“Oh, if you’re hungry, hurry and go back for lunch,” Wang Jiujiu said.

—

(PS: Sorry for the late update. I was listening to everyone sing on YY. I never expected such talent among Old Liu’s readers—haha. This is the first time hosting such an event, so there may have been some imperfections. Please forgive us—we’ll do better next time. Also, thanks to the dedicated admins who organized it all. There were so many people, it got a bit chaotic. They worked really hard.)