Wang Qing held the phone, his face wooden with shock. He could never have imagined that the Former Chief Military Commander was actually Qin Hao's elder brother, and that he had personally come looking for him.
Aside from Wang Yun, even the young master of the Yuan Family had been wiped out. And now, he wanted Wang Qing to go see him?
So, should he go or not? Wang Qing was caught in a dilemma. There were only twenty minutes… From here to the restaurant was exactly a twenty-minute journey; the man really knew how to time things. Wang Qing hesitated, wondering whether to inform his father, the Head of the Wang Family. But on second thought, his father was busy entertaining guests from all sides. Gritting his teeth, Wang Qing ordered a subordinate to prepare the car.
「Inside the restaurant.」
Chen Yang held his rice bowl and ate earnestly. The heavens and the earth are vast, but a full belly is paramount. The meal still had to be eaten. The other diners had already retreated outside, leaving only Wang Yun kneeling on the ground, his head deeply bowed, not daring to make a reckless move.
After eating and drinking his fill, Chen Yang poured himself a cup of tea and drank it with slow deliberation. His demeanor was leisurely, like a calm lake—serene and unperturbed, displaying an effortless charm.
Steady and experienced, his depth unfathomable. This was the first impression that sprang to Wang Qing's mind upon seeing Chen Yang for the first time.
It was his first time meeting such a major figure. As he sized Chen Yang up, Wang Qing's heart pounded even more frantically. The excuses he had prepared on the way had mostly dissipated into thin air, even though he had only seen the man's profile. His own son, Wang Teng, in whom he took so much pride, was like the dirt next to the heavens in comparison.
Looking back now, he regretted the decision to have Wang Teng's first fight upon his return be against Chen Yang.
What a frog in a well, recklessly unaware of its own mortality.
Only the steam from the hot tea rose in soft spirals.
Wang Qing approached step by step, but Chen Yang, holding the teacup with both hands, didn't even bother glancing in his direction, despite the footsteps growing ever nearer. Under normal circumstances, an angry outburst from him, Wang Qing, could mean death for someone. But now, Wang Qing could only take deep breaths to steady himself.
Who is this man before me? Forget about me; even if the entire Wang Family were brought to bear, they would likely be useless.
"Wang Qing pays his respects to Chen Shuai," Wang Qing said as he stepped forward, clasping his fist in salute with a face full of reverence.
THUMP.
The teacup landed on the table with a dull sound. Only then did Chen Yang turn his head and glance at Wang Qing, who had arrived within the allotted time.
Wang Qing also got a clear look at the man's face. He appeared ordinary and unremarkable, but a subtle aura emanated from him, sending shockwaves through the mind of this high-ranking member of the Wang Family, like a monstrous wave.
HUFF. HUFF.
With just a single look, Wang Qing's thoughts began to churn violently. His eyelids twitched uncontrollably, especially when his gaze fell upon Yuan Zhentao's corpse.
The young master of the Yuan Family… killed just like that?
"You're Wang Teng's father?" Chen Yang refilled his cup and asked nonchalantly.
Wang Qing hurriedly clasped his fist again, not daring to delay. "Yes, yes."
"A couple of days ago, was it your son who said he wanted to challenge me? Why didn't he come with you?" Chen Yang inquired.
"This…" Wang Qing wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. "It's a misunderstanding."
"How is it a misunderstanding?"
Wang Qing gave a sheepish smile. "Who doesn't know that you, sir, stand at the very pinnacle, an unparalleled figure of this era? My son, though somewhat capable, would never dare to provoke you."
"But I heard he said he could give me a three-move handicap and still waste me?" Chen Yang said with a smile.
Alarm jolted Wang Qing's heart. He had made those boastful claims to elevate Wang Teng's status because he had assumed Chen Yang wouldn't have time to bother with them. Now, facing the man himself, he wouldn't dare repeat them even if he had a hundred times the nerve.
If I admit it, given this man's way of doing things, is there any way I'd get out of this alive?
"This… this is someone stirring up trouble and driving a wedge between us! I, Wang Qing, have always been strict with my family. The son I raised is naturally well-mannered and would never say anything that would damage your reputation, sir." Wang Qing took a deep breath and waved his hands repeatedly. "This is absolutely a misunderstanding. Please, sir, don't take it to heart."
TAP. TAP. TAP.
Chen Yang held his teacup in one hand while his fingers lightly drummed on the tabletop. He said nothing, simply staring at Wang Qing with a grin that didn't reach his eyes.
Wang Qing felt an overwhelming pressure, so intense he could hardly breathe.
This aura… it's terrifying!
Outside the restaurant, the onlookers stood as still as statues, their eyes fixed on the scene.
"Let's set that matter aside for now." Chen Yang pointed to the kneeling Wang Yun. "Was it you who sent him to kill my friend?"
This was undoubtedly a question he already knew the answer to. Chen Yang mainly wanted to see how Wang Qing would react.
BANG.
Wang Qing immediately dropped to his knees, his face a mask of grief. "I must have been out of my mind! Thankfully, things didn't escalate to the worst-case scenario. I beg you, sir, please forgive me."
Chen Yang smiled, revealing a set of white teeth.
This… Wang Qing's heart instantly sank to the depths. He forced himself to speak, "It's all my fault. Please, don't involve anyone else. It would only give people grounds to say that a great man such as yourself is too bloodthirsty, implicating countless others over such a trifling matter."
The implication was clear: with a status like Chen Yang's, how could he silence the endless gossip if he obsessed over such a minor issue? Once people started to condemn him, his hard-won reputation would surely be tarnished.
"You certainly have a way with words, don't you? Pushing me into a corner with just a few sentences?" Chen Yang said with a half-smile.
"I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare," Wang Qing apologized profusely.
Slick and worldly-wise as he was, Wang Qing saw that Chen Yang wasn't overly angry and decided to press his advantage. "Sir, my Wang Family is hosting a banquet today. Would you do us the honor of gracing us with your presence?"
"I will personally drink three cups as a penalty to offer you my sincerest apologies."
Having said this much, Wang Qing felt he had shown more than enough sincerity. Now it was up to the Former Chief Military Commander to show some grace.
"Heh heh." Chen Yang shook his head with a little laugh, then stood up. "Lead the way."
He had intended to go anyway, so having a guide was convenient.
"This way, please."
Wang Qing respectfully led the way, a smile plastered on his face despite his displeasure at Qin Hao tagging along.
「Wang Family.」
Seeing Wang Qing himself leading the way so deferentially immediately caught the attention of many guests.
"Who is that man? To have the distinguished Wang Qing acting so respectfully…"
"What a powerful presence!"
Many people whispered among themselves. Chen Yang paid them no mind, a faint smile playing on his lips.
It was Wang Qing, walking in front, who felt a storm of emotions. Putting aside the loss of face, if Wang Teng possessed even half of this man's supreme elegance, I would die a happy man. However, across this entire Myriad Mile Territory, there is only one such person. Peerlessly brilliant, a singular talent shining above all others. A National Scholar without equal.