Chapter 130: There Are Always Stronger People Out There
As soon as the words came out, the relatives who had been smiling happily had their expressions stiffen slightly.
During Chinese New Year, who comes and asks right away how much someone earns a month? It’s such a buzzkill.
Jiang Shuangshuang was young and spoke first: “Aunt, Brother Ye hasn’t graduated yet. Having a staffing job is already very impressive. No matter how much it pays, it’s all experience.”
“Oh, Shuangshuang, you don’t practice martial arts, so you don’t know.”
The aunt said: “Once you become a martial artist, all kinds of jobs are available. Some staffing jobs can’t compare at all to those. Look at your cousin Su Chengyu. He’s young and already a security consultant in Yunhai. He was recently promoted with a raise. Chengyu, what position is that again?”
A young man who had been looking down at his mobile phone now looked up and said, pretending to be helpless:
“Mom, it’s just a normal position adjustment. Martial artists will all get promoted once they start training. It’s just from security consultant to security supervisor, with an annual salary increase of twenty thousand, so about eight hundred thousand a year. Can’t compare to the really powerful ones.”
The young man was about twenty-five or twenty-six, with a slicked-back hairstyle, wearing an expensive coat, giving off the vibe of a social elite.
“You need to work much harder.” The aunt’s expression was full of pride.
But no one picked up on it. Li Ye just smiled, then pulled out a chair and sat down.
This ‘cousin’ of his actually had decent strength. At twenty-six, he had Seven Dragon Gate. In his gestures, his hands were powerful, and his fingers clearly showed traces of frequently gripping a weapon, either a sword or a saber.
From his physical quality and the fluctuations in his qi and blood, he was probably practicing medium-grade martial arts learned from a martial arts school.
He entered a key martial arts university, which naturally teaches general knowledge too. In every aspect, he was a qualified disinfection officer.
But someone like that wouldn’t come to be a disinfection officer; there were more suitable positions waiting outside.
“Brother Ye, ignore him.”
Jiang Shuangshuang leaned over and whispered: “He just loves to show off. It’s got nothing to do with us. He’s like this every year. I don’t know what he’s really after. So annoying.”
Li Ye just smiled without responding.
He could understand the feeling. After all, once his parents improved the family’s situation, their backs straightened too.
It just depends on character. They would show off too, but they wouldn’t compare with others.
Families like the aunt’s couldn’t wait to compare with everyone not as good as them, to seem superior.
But this kind of thing was not worthy of death.
But there was no need to pay attention to it either.
The reason they could all gather with the aunt was because they were inescapable relatives, and grandma was still alive.
In time, they would slowly lose contact.
Li Ye wasn’t the type to make a fuss over something like this; his tolerance wasn’t that narrow.
Seeing Li Ye’s calm expression, Jiang Shuangshuang admired him even more. She had always respected this cousin because Li Ye had been very independent and mature since he was young.
Su Chengyu was different. It wasn’t like they had just met him. Ten years ago, this guy already loved to act like this, clearly showing off but pretending like he didn’t want to, as if it was all his parents’ fault and he was helpless.
After breaking through Dragon Gate and becoming a martial artist, he became even more arrogant, not even looking them in the eye when talking.
Li Ye was different. He had a very calm maturity since childhood, but not like an old man or woman. It was more like a young boy’s heart housed a mature soul, yet his words and actions still had the vibrancy a young person should have.
Li Ye didn’t know Jiang Shuangshuang’s impression of him. If he did, he would only say that in his previous life he hadn’t fully matured before transmigrating, otherwise his inner self would be an old geezer, not mature.
“Brother Ye, what’s martial arts track class like?”
Jiang Shuangshuang asked curiously: “Is it really just going out every day to fight monsters, then back to school for sparring, leaping onto roofs and vaulting over walls, firing energy blasts from afar? Do you transform if you get serious?”
This made the two little ones nearby perk up their ears.
“Can you fire things like black flame evil dragon blasts?” The fourteen-year-old cousin Jiang Mingqi asked with eager anticipation.
He was a bit like Fei Zhishang, with a strong chuunibyou vibe.
The youngest was Jiang Duoduo, nine years old. The little girl was very delicate-looking. The oversized down jacket made her look like a cute little dumpling. She also looked at Li Ye expectantly.
She had that adorable vibe of not knowing anything but getting interested because of her older brother and sister, so wanting to join in.
“You think it’s like playing a game?”
Li Ye laughed: “It’s not that fantastical, but experience training is necessary. It increases your knowledge of demonic creatures, your reactions and coping methods when encountering them later. Cultivation is actually not much different from at a martial arts school.”
“Asking Li Ye is not as good as asking your cousin Chengyu.”
But as soon as he finished, the aunt, who couldn’t stay idle, interrupted like a peacock spreading its tail:
“Your cousin Chengyu has Seven Dragon Gate cultivation and knows about everything.”
Su Chengyu smiled slightly. “There’s nothing much to say. It’s just normal martial arts training. Actually, if conditions allow, going to a martial arts school is best. Experience training is for getting rewards. Combining them has the best effect.”
“Yes, listen more to your cousin Chengyu. If you have the chance to practice martial arts in the future, following what your cousin says is absolutely right.”
The aunt looked at the other aunt again. “When will you let the kids try practicing martial arts or something? Let me tell you, don’t be stingy. What if they break through Dragon Gate? Look at little Ye. Once he broke through Dragon Gate, even a high school student can find work. Breaking through more is a big deal.”
The other aunt’s smile stiffened a bit. “This… I’ll think about it when I get back.”
Hearing this, Li Ye glanced at the three nearby. Except for Jiang Duoduo who was normal, the other two looked a bit downcast.
Limited by family conditions, the kids at the other aunt’s house hadn’t practiced martial arts. Jiang Shuangshuang was sixteen, just started high school this year. She hadn’t decided between liberal arts or martial arts track yet, but had already locked in liberal arts.
Jiang Mingqi was the same. Junior high is the best time to go to a martial arts school for training methods, but conditions didn’t allow it.
This was an economic issue.
Daily life, even eating well, is not a problem in modern society, but spending big money on Martial Arts Training is quite difficult.
Besides, this is still for three, without that money to fully support them all at the Martial Arts School.
Letting Jiang Mingqi train would be unfair to the two daughters, letting the daughters train would be unfair to Jiang Mingqi.
If they really all trained, it would bankrupt the family and still not be affordable.
If Li Ye didn’t have his cheat activated, even if he stopped the losses in time back then, it would still wipe out years of savings and leave him owing 200,000 in debt.
He was just one, but to support three, following Li Ye’s path, the expenses would be three times the usual, truly unaffordable.
Ordinary families, for a child they know about, mostly just go with fate; if the Guiding Method can Break Through Dragon Gate, then they have talent; if the Guiding Method can’t, then don’t force it.
Those who can attend Preparatory actually have decent family conditions; Li Ye is the exception because it relates to his transmigration.
Who let him be extraordinary from a young age, causing his parents to think their child would surely achieve great things, gritting their teeth to support it.
Supported until the cheat came, of course it’s bitterness turning to sweetness.
But without the cheat, the result would likely be unsatisfactory, even leading to a complete downfall.
Only those with the Training Method, no matter how diligently they train without slacking, once out in society, find it hard to earn back the expenses from the Martial Arts Training period.
The aunt’s one sentence was, of course, deliberate.
Among the many relatives, his family has the best conditions; the uncle next to her, pretending to be busy on his Mobile Phone, doesn’t get along with Li Ye’s dad and the other aunt’s husband, sitting far apart and too lazy to even talk.
A long time ago, besides Li Ye, the other aunt’s family had considered it, wanting to let their child train in Martial Arts, but they were too strapped for money; they had planned to borrow some from the aunt first to let Jiang Shuangshuang try training.
The result was still refusal, the meaning very direct: you can’t afford it, and no talent either, better give up early and accept fate.
Not lending is fine, human nature, relatives are no exception. But now bringing it up again, that’s very unpleasant.
Besides the other aunt’s family looking bad, the parents’ faces were also very unpleasant.
Liu Qingxia forced a smile: “Big sister, Little Ye’s isn’t a dead-end job, it’s a proper Staffing position, with certification, I’ve seen it.”
“All the same, no difference.”
The aunt said indifferently:
“I’ve asked around for you; in our Yunhai, this is a public service post, anyone can do it, Free to ask for Demonic Creatures Information.”
“Mom, you mean those street cleaners running around?”
Just as she finished, the second child from the aunt’s family, same age as Li Ye, with a sloppy look, Su Chengzhou said:
“I’ve seen those people; Big Brother sometimes chats with them, so fawning, can’t even watch.”
He also Broke Through Dragon Gate; because the family has Resources and is willing to spend money, he didn’t even enter Preparatory, Broke Through Dragon Gate in his first year of high school, now at the Three Dragon Gates Realm.
But judging by Li Ye, it should be mainly the Foundation Establishment Technique, talent not as good as his brother.
This family, the remaining two daughters, one about the same age as Jiang Shuangshuang, one a year younger than Jiang Mingqi, both delicately featured, from a big City, with the typical arrogant look down on country folk.
Li Ye didn’t even know how this attitude was cultivated.
Su Chengzhou’s words made the parents subconsciously purse their lips, clearly holding back anger.
“Can’t say it like that; last time the Skin-Peeling Demon appeared, it was Little Ye who reminded everyone; Information Officer is also very impressive.”
The other aunt’s husband smoothed things over, changing the topic: “Right, after Little Ye graduates, which School is he planning to take the exam for? Has he checked?”
“He should be aiming for Key Martial Arts University, see which one to apply for then.” Li Haihua chimed in.
As he said this, he glanced at the aunt’s family.
At these words, the aunt’s family clearly startled.
“Key?!”
The aunt was stunned, “How is it Key? Shouldn’t it be regular Martial Arts?”
Liu Qingxia said: “I forgot to mention, Little Ye recently apprenticed to a good Master, already Four Dragon Gates, I don’t really understand it.”
“Impossible!”
The aunt blurted out, “How could you be Four Dragon Gates? That’s the same as my son back then!”
“Aunt, how is it impossible.”
Jiang Shuangshuang seized the chance, mocking: “Can’t be that only your family’s kids can train in Martial Arts, others can’t; Martial Artists don’t have the surname Su.”
“How do you talk!”
Su Chengzhou glared over, “You looking for”
The last word didn’t come out; his face inexplicably paled, and he immediately shut his mouth.
Li Ye had just withdrawn his gaze when Liu Qingxia couldn’t hold back, saying: “Big sister, Little Ye also participated in the Martial Arts Competition, very excellent!”
These words stunned everyone; Su Chengyu was the first to burst out laughing, full of disdain.
The other three kids from the aunt’s family grinned mockingly even more.
“Do you even know what participating in the Martial Arts Competition means?”
Su Chengzhou laughed, glanced at Liu Qingxia, then said to Li Ye with a playful look:
“You’re a preparatory student, right? How could a preparatory student participate in the martial arts competition? My brother didn’t even participate in the martial arts competition back then. Can you compare to my brother? All talk and no substance. You’re not worthy of the martial arts competition!”
Su Chengyu and Li Ye were the same age. Although they didn’t interact much, they still saw each other during Chinese New Year and other holidays.
From a young age, he was a slacker, while Li Ye was very steady and always well-liked, which made Su Chengyu very uncomfortable.
Clearly, his family had the best conditions, and their family was the most promising. An ordinary person like that would never make it big in a third-tier small city in his lifetime. What was so great about him?
When he broke through Dragon Gate, Li Ye was still bitterly training martial arts at the martial arts school. No matter how he mocked him back then, the other party remained unmoved, which made him even more annoyed.
Now it was great—Li Ye also had times when he bragged and lied!
As he spoke, his whole body shook, and his qi and blood surged out, fluctuating at three frequencies, the symbol of the Three Dragon Gates.
“This is the frequency of the Three Dragon Gates, Li Ye. You say you’re participating in the martial arts competition—what level Dragon Gate are you?” Su Chengzhou asked.
Just as the words were spoken, the door was pushed open, and another family walked in.
“Whatever it is, talk about it later. It’s Chinese New Year—don’t ruin the harmony.”
The uncle saw this and quickly pulled Li Ye back, signaling him not to stoop to their level.
As he spoke, everyone stood up to greet the kindly smiling old lady on the side.
That was Grandma.
“Grandma.”
Seeing Grandma look over, the younger generation all called out.
Grandma nodded kindly and took out a stack of red envelopes, giving one to Li Ye. “Little Ye, you’ve grown taller.”
“Thank you, Grandma.”
Li Ye obediently called out, and then saw Grandma treat everyone equally, giving a red envelope to each child.
The Liu family had three sons and three daughters and many children—it was a big family.
The eldest uncle’s family had three children: two daughters and one son, all adults. The youngest had also graduated from university and was now working in Yunhai.
The second uncle’s family had five: three sons and two daughters. The youngest girl was the same age as Jiang Mingqi.
The youngest uncle’s family had two: one son and one daughter. The older one was over thirty, and the younger one had just gotten married.
The married ones brought their families, so there were many people.
All together, more than thirty people, divided into three tables in the private room.
One table for the elders, one for the younger ones who could drink, and another for those who couldn’t.
But there were differences in between—like Su Chengyu sat with the elders.
“Big brother-in-law, you’re full of vigor. Sister, you look much younger too. Chengyu, you’ve gotten much more handsome.”
As soon as the uncles arrived, they started saying nice things.
This was one reason why the eldest aunt and her husband were willing to come back for Chinese New Year. Besides the elders still being alive, her several brothers were different from her two sisters—they flattered them.
Although they still looked down on them, who didn’t like hearing good words? Hearing good words often made them willing to help with small favors.
For example, the youngest son of the eldest uncle’s family—his job in Yunhai was arranged by them.
It wasn’t that these uncles were snobbish. In fact, they were good to Li Ye’s family too. When Li Ye was training martial arts and money was tight, they gave support without hesitation.
People are complex; everyone has their own wisdom for survival. It’s hard to say what’s right or wrong.
“Brother Ye, I believe you!”
After seats were assigned, Jiang Shuangshuang, sitting right next to Li Ye, glared at the three younger Su family members across from them and said:
“So what about the martial arts competition? You definitely can participate.”
“Exactly!”
Jiang Mingqi, on the side, curled his lip. “Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west—don’t bully a poor young man! Brother Ye, in my heart, you’re the most suited to be the protagonist!”
Li Ye laughed. “You two saying that means you don’t really believe me. Also, I’m not bored enough to spend thirty years crossing the river back and forth. Don’t bring up that stuff.”
Jiang Shuangshuang stuck out her tongue sheepishly. “That’s different. Brother Ye, if you say so, you must have your reasons.”
This was the filter effect.
She didn’t know what the martial arts competition was about, but subconsciously she thought it unlikely Li Ye would participate. Although she didn’t want to admit it, Su Chengyu and Su Chengzhou were indeed the strongest martial artists she knew.
If it were anyone else, she’d think they were being fake, but for Li Ye, it meant he had his reasons.
Hearing this, Li Ye chuckled and looked at the sister and brother. “Want to train martial arts?”
“Yeah! I’ve mastered the guiding method. During puberty, I guide a lot— at least three times a day, guiding until my mind is dizzy!” Jiang Mingqi said.
Li Ye: “…”
It didn’t sound like anything good.
But that was exactly how it was.
The guiding method, as a basic training method for the masses, was practiced by everyone. And adolescence was when qi and blood surged, so with proper dietary supplements, it was possible to guide multiple times.
Guide three times.
Li Ye back then was only twice a day as well.
Looking at it this way, the aptitude is still decent.
Li Ye thought for a moment and said, “If you two have nothing to do during winter break, you can come to my place. I’ll take you to train in martial arts.”
“Really? Brother Ye, you can teach?” Jiang Shuangshuang widened her eyes.
“Tch!”
Su Chengzhou, sitting across from the desk mate who heard this, made a sound, his tone full of disdain: “Cousin, do you have a problem? It’d be better to find me than him. I’m at least at the Three Dragon Gates for real. Teach? How to teach? With just his mouth?”
“What does it have to do with you!”
Jiang Shuangshuang said angrily: “I’m talking to my cousin, so why are you butting in!”
Su Chengzhou’s face fell, his palm about to slam on the table as he started to stand up.
He wasn’t going to indulge this at all—what relatives or not, give face and they’re relatives, no face and they’re nothing!
Just an ordinary person, relying on a bit of blood relation to spout off here; if not taught a lesson, he’d think who knows what!
But before his hand could slam down, that strange feeling came over him, filling his heart with panic. His body, half-risen from the chair, fell back down again, his head lowered, face turning pale.
Those who didn’t know would think he’d gone quiet after Jiang Shuangshuang said that one line.
This foul-tempered guy suddenly became so obedient?
“I can still teach a little. The martial arts I’ve learned are very varied, so there’s bound to be something suitable for you.”
Li Ye smiled and said: “Anyway, it’s free, so give it a try no matter what. You’re just idling around normally—might as well come train.”
Of course he could spend some money to support them; based on their past relationship and closeness, Li Ye was willing.
But martial arts school teaching wasn’t as good as his own.
He had integrated numerous martial arts; with a little test, he’d know which ones suited them, including training methods for those who hadn’t broken through the Dragon Gate.
As for whether they could master it
If Li Ye was willing, every peer here could break through the Dragon Gate.
Could even force it with piled-up resources.
But martial arts training is inherently grueling; like his parents, there was no need to force it. Focusing on health maintenance and dietary supplements could still lead to a healthy life.
“Brother Ye, I’ll come find you after the eighth day of the first lunar month,” Jiang Mingqi said excitedly.
How could a young person not want to train in martial arts? It’s just a matter of having the conditions.
If slightly knowledgeable, Li Ye’s words were a bit absurd—no matter how many Dragon Gates, a student couldn’t teach others martial arts; officially, it required a qualification certificate.
But on the flip side, surpassing the level of martial arts school masters, like Xu Yanwu, meant no need for that.
Or being completely clueless and blindly trusting—one dares to teach, the other dares to train.
Jiang Shuangshuang and Jiang Mingqi fell into that return-to-purity category.
After all, Li Ye really could do it.
The New Year’s Eve dinner was still sumptuous; no matter the conflicts between relatives, on the thirtieth, ties had to be mended. No matter how much they disliked each other, they had to keep up appearances.
And this time today was even livelier than usual.
First, Li Ye had broken through the Dragon Gate and repaid the debts owed to relatives, letting his parents hold their heads high.
Second, with Aunt there this gathering, even Su Chengzhou, usually the most troublesome, wasn’t stirring things up—normally, he’d slouch around picking on this one’s words or that one’s, acting like he looked down on everyone.
But this year, he was especially obedient, keeping his head down and silently eating.
It wasn’t that he’d turned over a new leaf; it was just that every time he wanted to say something, as soon as he looked up, that strange feeling enveloped him.
Just like the demonic creatures encountered during experience. No, demonic creatures during experience weren’t that powerful; even their school’s martial arts competition participants weren’t that strong.
That was Yunhai’s school, a place teeming with talents, yet even the first place didn’t have that feeling.
That absurd, heart-panicking, terrifying sensation made him deeply uncomfortable; only by keeping his head down and not speaking did it ease a little.
It wasn’t until the wine had gone three rounds and the dishes five flavors that the feeling finally eased.
Whoa!
Once it eased, Su Chengzhou couldn’t hold back anymore; he shoved back his chair and ran outside, even bumping into his dad, stumbling away.
“What’s wrong with this kid?”
His dad muttered, but didn’t take it seriously—after all, he was like this every year, and they were used to it.
Outside, Su Chengzhou first went to the bathroom, washed his face hard, and slapped his face in the mirror before suppressing that feeling.
An inexplicable evil fire rose in his heart.
“Damn it, what’s this country bumpkin so cocky about! I’m the protagonist!”
Su Chengzhou bared his teeth and cursed, shook his hand, and strode forward, but right at the door, he bumped into someone.
“Ah, sorry.”
That person was about the same age; after being bumped, he wasn’t annoyed and apologized first.
“Are you fucking blind?!”
Su Chengzhou was already in a bad mood, and when the other party apologized, he got even more worked up, pointing at him and cursing: “My clothes cost tens of thousands, can you afford to compensate if they’re ruined?!”
“Ah?”
The young man raised his eyebrows sharply upon hearing this, “It’s Chinese New Year’s Eve, I’ll give you a chance, just say sorry and it’ll be over.”
“I say your m”
……
“Let me tell you, this time, Chengyu was the impressive one.”
Inside the private room, the aunt’s husband, who had been drinking heavily, said to the uncles: “A Demon Realm appeared in neighboring Jinze City, you might not know what that is, but anyway, it’s a place with good mines.”
“Chengyu’s company got this opportunity and handled the mine transportation, this time he came to negotiate with people. I took the chance to earn a bit too, not much, but overall, there are definitely millions in profit.”
As he spoke, he paused, squinting at those around him.
Sure enough, he heard waves of admiration from around him, and only then did he smile satisfiedly:
“This time back in Ningjiang, besides Chinese New Year, it’s also to visit the Bai family, you might not know, this is something only Martial Artists would know. Chengyu, tell them what’s going on.”
“Ningjiang’s Bai family, Bai Rongzu.”
Su Chengyu smiled faintly and said: “A very powerful Second Realm Martial Artist, he has a lot of influence in Ningjiang City, practically the leader of Ningjiang’s Martial Artists. Even privately, people call him Lord Bai, this time it’s business dealings with him.”
“But as a Second Realm Martial Artist, he’s actually very amiable in private, and his son Bai Shichang is also very impressive, a real Martial Arts Competition participant.”
As he spoke, he thought of something and turned to Li Ye: “Cousin, you’ve participated in the Martial Arts Competition, have you met the Bai family’s eldest son?”
Li Ye was eating his meal while chatting with the two Jiang siblings about some little Martial Arts tricks, and suddenly hearing someone ask him, he was stunned for a moment.
“Bai family’s eldest son?”
“Nothing.”
Su Chengyu smiled faintly, “Li Ye, as a Martial Artist, you must be factual, don’t think about irrelevant things, being a Martial Artist doesn’t make you that impressive, there are always people stronger. Being an Information Officer is actually pretty good, it means you’re very knowledgeable about demonic creatures, if you have ideas later, you can come to Yunhai, our company welcomes people with good General Knowledge.”
“Did you hear that, Li Ye, your cousin wants to promote you.”
The aunt quickly said: “How much can you earn as an Information Officer, go to your cousin’s company, even if your Martial Arts realm isn’t great, you can make hundreds of thousands a year, that’s all money!”
As she spoke, she raised her head, with a smug face expecting gratitude.
This couldn’t help but make Li Ye smile,
You say this person isn’t bad, but snobbish, looks down on people, fawns on the high and tramples the low, likes to be flattered.
You say this person is bad, but still introduces jobs to relatives.
“I think my job is pretty good.” Li Ye said: “After graduation, I’ll stay here long-term.”
Upon hearing this, the aunt rolled her eyes, “You’ll never taste fine grains in your life, even as a Martial Artist you’re not ambitious. Learn from your cousin, or at least your cousin, wait until he gets to the Four Dragon Gates, he’s also a promising martial talent, by then.”
Bang!!
The private room door was suddenly kicked open.
A person was dragging the bruised and swollen Su Chengzhou, head held high, tsking, “Who the fuck is this guy’s family?!”
“Chengzhou!”
The aunt exclaimed and was about to rush over.
“Young Master Bai!”
Su Chengyu was faster than her, hurrying over, first glancing at Su Chengzhou in his hand, his eye twitching.
His entire face was swollen, mouth open, missing a few teeth.
But looking at the young man again, he suppressed his anger and smiled obsequiously: “Young Master Bai, this is my brother, is there some misunderstanding?”
Bai Shichang looked him up and down, “And who are you?”
He had been riding high lately.
No other reason, his dad had risen, and as his son, he had naturally risen too.
Ningjiang City’s local tyrants had all been united, twisted into a single force pushing into the Demon Realm, and as the de facto leader, Bai Rongzu had been promoted from Yunlu County’s Martial Artist leader to Ningjiang City’s.
He, Bai Shichang, had also evolved from Yunlu County’s young master to Ningjiang’s.
“Oh, I remember, a few days ago you and your dad came to visit.”
Bai Shichang glanced at the aunt’s husband who had stood up, put down the person in his hand, “Your brother? Your brother is impressive, hits someone and doesn’t apologize but curses instead, I thought he had some real skills.”
He poked Su Chengyu’s chest, “Causing trouble with me in Ningjiang, you think I’m a pushover?!”
“Misunderstanding, total misunderstanding.”
The aunt’s husband smiled obsequiously: “Young Master Bai, it’s Chinese New Year’s Eve, must be a misunderstanding, my boy might not be feeling well, we’ll compensate, make you absolutely satisfied.”
The aunt’s face flushed red, she hadn’t dealt with this Bai family member before, but seeing her wealthy husband and always excellent son acting like this made her lose face.
But she dared to be angry but not speak.
“Compensate what? Do I need your compensation? Fuck, who the hell are you, I.”
Bai Shichang was about to continue speaking when suddenly another person entered from the doorway.
“Shichang, what the hell are you doing? Come over and eat quickly. It’s Chinese New Year’s Eve—what are you up to?”
“You think I want to? On Chinese New Year’s Eve, I just went to take a piss and got cursed out. Damn it, what bad luck!”
Bai Shichang turned back and glanced at him, thought for a moment, looked at this large family crowded around these three tables, and saw Su Chengyu and his dad’s fawning smiles, then tsked.
“Forget it. Who asked me to change my temper a lot? On Chinese New Year’s Eve, I won’t make things hard for you. Since this sinner won’t apologize, then you all apologize.”
“The old one can be excused, no need for the young one, but everyone else, three cups of alcohol each, come over to me respectfully, give me Chinese New Year greetings and drink them down, then this matter is over!”
Bai Shichang pulled out a chair and sat down boldly, “Otherwise, if I’m not happy on Chinese New Year’s Eve, none of you will have it good either. I’ll make you spend it in the hospital!”
“Hey, aren’t you going a bit too far!”
Jiang Shuangshuang walked out with a cold face and shouted: “It was Su Chengzhou who caused trouble— what does it have to do with me!”
“Yo!”
Bai Shichang’s eyes lit up. This girl had her hair in a ponytail, youthful and vibrant. Her frosty pretty face was also quite appealing, and it immediately struck his fancy.
“You drink a few mor.”
He pointed at Jiang Shuangshuang, but the last word “cups” hadn’t left his mouth when the person next to him suddenly pulled him, making him stumble.
“Qi An, are you sick!”
He turned his head to curse, but saw Qi An’s face pale as death, trembling like a sieve.
“Beverage okay?”
At this moment, another voice sounded from the side.
“Drink you.”
Bai Shichang turned back and opened his mouth to curse, but as soon as he turned his head, his eyes nearly bulged out, and his body instantly straightened up.
His mouth was slightly open and trembling rapidly as he saw Li Ye walking over, one hand holding a cup and the other a bottle of beverage.
Li Ye looked Bai Shichang up and down, puzzled: “Bai family young master?”
Bai Shichang inexplicably shivered, shaking his head like a rattle drum, lips mumbling, but unable to utter a single word.
“Where’d you get that nickname from? I remember you were called ‘Dual Swords Hero,’ right?” Li Ye asked.
Bai Shichang finally squeezed out a smile uglier than crying, “Master Li, I don’t know.”
Li Ye glanced at him and turned to the other person, “And you, Qi family second young master?”
“No! Friends calling randomly!” Qi An stood ramrod straight.
“On Chinese New Year’s Eve, not spending it with family, what are you doing running here?”
“Report! Our elders are spending Chinese New Year together, we’re bored with nothing to do, so we set up a gathering to come eat and spend Chinese New Year together!” Qi An said loudly.
He regretted it deeply in his heart.
Their elders were discussing business, and us Ningjiang Local Tyrant juniors were originally idle. Then Bai Shichang, the idea guy, came up with a spark of inspiration: why not find a place to spend Chinese New Year together too.
Originally, with their influence, they could have chosen the best hotel in Ningjiang.
But this was a last-minute decision, and on Chinese New Year’s Eve everything was fully booked. Normally, they could force a table to be cleared.
But now Ningjiang was calm and peaceful, no one dared to act rashly, so after searching for a long time, they chose this hotel.
As a result
As a result, it would have been better to be more overbearing back then!
Li Ye saw one person stuttering and the other standing straight as wooden stakes, completely afraid to speak. He couldn’t help but tsk, glanced at Su Chengzhou lying on the ground, and said:
“Cheap mouth deserves a beating, so this matter is settled. But making my whole family toast you three cups—that’s not right, is it?”
“Master Li, I was wrong!”
Things were different now compared to before—not just for him Bai Shichang, but also Li Ye!
He’d heard it from his own dad.
Every martial artist in the entire Jinze City, big and small, not one left, had been killed clean.
He’d started collective punishment!
He previously thought Li Ye’s actions in Ningjiang were already ruthless enough, but now comparing, that was practically as gentle as a heavenly official.
He was the Bai family young master, but Li Ye in Ningjiang had fully ascended to lord status.
This was true grandpa level.
Bai Shichang’s knees went soft and he was about to kneel, but as soon as he started to go down, Li Ye’s glance made him subconsciously stand up straight.
“On Chinese New Year’s Eve not staying home with family but messing around outside with such vigorous energy—then help me out. Qi An, you’re in the reserves. Take your little friends and connect with the Information Section. Tonight, run through the whole Ningjiang City.”
“Yes!”
Qi An subconsciously put his hand to his pants leg, saluted, then grabbed Bai Shichang and ran.
The latter was pulled into motion and ran even faster than Qi An, instantly disappearing from the private room.
“You’re right.”
Li Ye only then looked at the dumbfounded Su Chengyu, “As a martial artist, you can’t be too arrogant. Su Chengzhou was too arrogant and got a lesson. There are always people better than you.”
“Li, Li Ye.”
The aunt’s husband was stunned for a long time before stammering, “Do you know the Bai family’s eldest young master?”
After saying that, he felt something was off.
This wasn’t just knowing the Bai family’s eldest young master; Bai Shichang treated him like his own father.
As for the “Brother Li” shout, he didn’t hear it clearly and thought it was calling Li Ye.
“I don’t know the Bai family’s eldest young master, but I’m somewhat familiar with Bai Shichang.”
Li Ye walked back to his table, “We’re all contestants in the martial arts competition, so it’s normal to know each other.”
“Brother Ye, damn, Brother Ye!”
When he returned to the table, Jiang Mingqi finally reacted, his face full of excitement, “That was so cool just now. That guy saw you like a mouse seeing a cat. I told you you’re the protagonist. Brother Ye, are you the Dragon King? You appear as a student on the surface, but secretly you’re the boss of a killer organization!”
He didn’t know who Bai Shichang was, but seeing the arrogant Su Chengyu’s fawning appearance, he knew the man was no simple person.
Such a formidable person was scared by Li Ye.
That made Li Ye even more extraordinary.
Li Ye was also stunned and laughed, “Don’t think nonsense. I’m just an employee of the Disinfection Bureau. They’re giving face to the Bureau Chief.”
As for who the Bureau Chief is, that’s none of your business.
The crowd sat down again in this eerie atmosphere, and after a long silence, they resumed toasting and drinking.
But the topic shifted to Li Haihua.
“Brother-in-law, the Disinfection Bureau has no future? I think it has a lot of potential!”
The younger aunt looked smug, even glancing provocatively at the elder aunt.
“No, Little Ye is just an information officer. Didn’t you hear him say it’s giving face to their Bureau Chief?” Li Haihua laughed.
Su Chengyu, listening on the side, had a face alternating between pale and red.
Others didn’t understand.
How could he not understand?
What face could the Disinfection Bureau Chief have?
Yunhai’s Disinfection Bureau Chief was like a mascot. Their company used him as an information encyclopedia. It seemed like giving face, but actually there was no face at all.
All Disinfection Bureaus in Shenzhou were just like that.
Could Ningjiang City’s Disinfection Bureau have some accident?
And even if there was an accident, a mere information officer like Li Ye couldn’t handle it.
The New Year’s Eve dinner ended in an eerie atmosphere. After eating, the group walked out of the hotel entrance, but as soon as they went out, they saw a group of people waiting at the door.
Leading them were Bai Rongzu, Qi Yuan, and Kong Jing, followed by a group of local tyrants from Ningjiang City.
Seeing the crowd come out, Bai Rongzu’s face paled first, then he gritted his teeth and went up to greet them.
After the incident with Bai Shichang, he didn’t dare conceal it and made a phone call right away.
Bai Rongzu’s previously cheerful mood sank to the bottom. He didn’t even have the heart to beat his son and rushed over to wait at the door, not daring to go in, afraid of disturbing Li Ye’s New Year’s Eve dinner.
It was very cold on New Year’s Eve. As a martial artist, although his body could withstand the cold, his heart was already swaying unsteadily in the wind.
He had repeatedly warned not to cause trouble, but he had overlooked his own unworthy son in all his calculations.
He even had the heart to strangle Bai Shichang!
If he had known earlier, he might as well have raised the placenta back then. Even if it was a retard, staying at home would be better than causing trouble.
This trouble was a matter of life and death for the whole family!
“Brother Li, it’s our failure in discipline. We’ve come specially to apologize to you!” Bai Rongzu wished he could lower his head to his chest.
Li Ye laughed, “There was a conflict between Bai Shichang and Su Chengzhou. Su Chengzhou was wrong first. Although he’s my relative, I’m just a Disinfection Bureau employee without that much face. We should judge matters on their merits.”
Su.?
Bai Rongzu was stunned and subconsciously looked at the two familiar faces in the crowd.
These two seemed to have visited him before to do business.
These were Li Ye’s relatives?
With this relationship, why would they need to be so humble?
If Li Ye were his relative, he could strut all the way to the heavens.
But the meaning of those words…
Bai Rongzu suddenly understood and said, “You’re right. We should judge on merits. We can’t blindly admit fault if others are wrong.”
“Exactly. It’s Chinese New Year, don’t just stand there. With so many of you, my relatives are scared. If there’s something, go to the Bureau to talk.” Li Ye said.
“Good, good, okay.”
Bai Rongzu breathed a sigh of relief in his heart.
Li Ye’s tone was very relaxed, and there was no intention of pursuing the matter in his words, so it was over.
Fortunately
Fortunately, it was Li Ye whom he offended.
Thinking of this, the look he gave Su Chengyu even carried a bit of pity.
Possessing a treasure mountain without knowing it
No matter what, this business could not be done with them.
“Li Ye!”
Just as he was about to lead his people away, Su Chengyu finally reacted, hurried to Li Ye’s side, and bowed as he said:
“It was our family’s fault before. My mom isn’t good at dealing with people. You’re magnanimous, please be generous and spare me this once. My dad’s business can be dropped, but my deal must go through, or I’ll be punished! Mom, Mom, say something!”
“Yes, yes!”
Aunt was startled and smiled ingratiatingly at Li Ye: “Little Ye, we’re all family, no need to make it so awkward. Aunt was wrong sometimes, forgive Aunt this once. Second Sister, Second Sister, say something. I was a bit petty, but I didn’t do anything too wrong, right? Last time you came to Yunhai for fun, it was I who hosted you.”
It was better not to mention this. Liu Qingxia had originally felt a bit reluctant, but upon hearing it, her face darkened.
Before, when they went traveling for the Skin-Peeling Demon matter, they had also been to Yunhai. The so-called hosting was just bossily telling them to go to a place, eating a meal, and then they still had to pay the bill.
“Aunt, I didn’t do anything. This matter has nothing to do with me. I’m from the Disinfection Bureau. I handle demonic creatures information, but I don’t manage any business.”
Li Ye shook his head and looked again at Su Chengyu, who was bowing his head. “However, you can even criticize your own mom like that. People like you aren’t good and will easily learn a harsh lesson. Why not make it now and learn your lesson. Dad, Mom, let’s go.”
He patted Su Chengyu’s shoulder, then ignored him and turned to leave.
Bai Rongzu, who hadn’t left yet, paused, feeling even more certain in his heart.
This business deal could not be made.
Switch to another one.
It was originally posted in the early morning, but I found this transition wasn’t suitable for a break, so I did it all in one breath. Sorry.
