After a misunderstanding was cleared up, He Yin and Fan Feng said their goodbyes and left, also scolding the onlookers at the door who were still reluctant to disperse.
Next, it was time for Li Chonglou and Ning Lang to catch up.
Lin Weiwei, being sensible, brought them tea and then closed the door, temporarily suspending business while she herself stayed out of the way.
"You rascal, coming to Yong'an without telling me, what's your intention?" Ning Lang asked sternly after downing a cup of tea.
Li Chonglou knew he wouldn't be truly angry, and with Ning Lang, he could speak his mind as he could with Xu Lie.
He explained, "Someone is targeting my family, and I came to find that person's whereabouts."
"But I need something, and I can only get it from Sister Yun's business partner."
"However, it's a bit difficult."
Promising to cure Shi Jianming's illness was a temporary measure. He wasn't an immortal, how could he cure terminal illnesses like leukemia or cancer?
If he had Qingyan Shi, it would be manageable, but that item was rare.
It was hard enough to find one in the West Sea, let alone in Yong'an City, which was landlocked.
So he was taking a gamble, betting that Shi Jianming truly believed him, valued his life, and would bring the item to trade with him.
Once he saw the item, Shi Jianming would be at his mercy.
The local power in Yong'an was Ning Lang!
Li Chonglou was never a good person. His kindness was reserved only for his family and friends; to his enemies, he was utterly wicked.
As for Shi Jianming, after he obtained the Bichen Pearl, he would find a way to compensate him.
The reason he told Ning Lang was to enlist his help.
After all, his true qi had not recovered, making him no different from an ordinary person. Although he wasn't afraid of a merchant like Shi Jianming, whose body was depleted by wine, women, wealth, and the pursuit of fame, he wouldn't gain much advantage either.
There was no need for that.
After listening to Li Chonglou's detailed account, Ning Lang's eyes flashed with a cold light. "This Tian Shan actually dared to threaten you with your wife, he's asking for death!"
"If I were him, I would never do such a foolish thing."
He implied that he knew Li Chonglou's breaking point, and Tian Shan deliberately poked it. Wasn't that courting death?
"He knows the consequences but still does it, all to provoke me. Then I'll let him see what a common man's rage is like!" Li Chonglou showed no outward anger, but a killing intent that even Ning Lang found chilling emanated from him.
He was suppressing his anger and not revealing it.
Such a state of mind, Ning Lang admitted, was far beyond his reach.
Li Chonglou, at such a young age, possessed such composure—it was terrifying.
Fortunately, they were friends.
If they were enemies...
Ning Lang thought of the deaths of Old Ghost and Li Hanlong, and his scalp tingled.
He then changed the subject, asking with concern, "How is the matter with your father progressing?"
"Half done, half left undone. I know if he's alive, but not his whereabouts," Li Chonglou replied truthfully.
Ever since he left the Kunling Tomb, he had felt like he was being watched, a prickling sensation on his back.
This premonition had no basis, yet it was undeniable.
"From your words, he's still alive. As long as he's alive, that's better than anything," Ning Lang, being a smart man, guessed the situation.
The two spoke without reservation, saying whatever came to mind. Although they hadn't known each other for long, they felt as comfortable as old friends of decades.
This was the nature of men; if they shared the same interests and could understand each other, they were confidants.
How difficult it was to find a true confidant in life!
"Do you need my help?" Ning Lang offered.
"Of course, but it's not for my father, it's for Shi Jianming. Once he returns to Yong'an, help me keep an eye on him," Li Chonglou said without politeness.
The two exchanged a knowing smile, their understanding complete.
After finishing their tea, they called Lin Weiwei and expressed their great appreciation for her diligent work at the shop.
They also gave her a bonus, which made Lin Weiwei's eyes sparkle with excitement.
Seeing them off.
"Chonglou, your ability to manage subordinates is not simple," Ning Lang teased meaningfully as they got into the car.
"Don't bring me into it. How are things developing between you and Jin Jing?" Li Chonglou saw through Ning Lang's attempt to imply he had won Lin Weiwei's heart and changed the subject.
"I'm a bit afraid of marriage..." Ning Lang replied after a few seconds of hesitation, his face slightly flushed.
"The dignified underground emperor of Yong'an, a character who can stop children from crying at night, is afraid of marriage? Hahaha, if this gets out, you'll be laughed to death." Li Chonglou couldn't help but burst into laughter.
Recently, Li Chonglou had been preoccupied with his father's affairs.
Upon his return, Lu Yunxu had been injured and hospitalized, and now Jiang Yuxin was under threat.
How could he be happy?
It was only now that Ning Lang had truly made him laugh.
Zheng Rui, who was driving, tried hard to suppress his laughter, his face turning purple.
Li Chonglou could laugh, but he couldn't, or he would inevitably be beaten.
Unfortunately, his movements were too stiff, and Ning Lang noticed. He immediately put on a stern face and demanded, "Zheng Rui, why are you holding back so hard? Am I that funny?"
"Boss, you're not... *snicker* not funny!" Zheng Rui couldn't hold back any longer, his body trembling.
He was immediately slapped on the head by Ning Lang, who glared at him and said, "We'll settle this when we get back."
The three first returned to Ning Lang's residence. Jin Jing, wearing an apron, was actually cooking.
Upon seeing Li Chonglou, her pretty face lit up with joy. "Big Brother Li, you've come at the perfect time. Taste my cooking today."
Her expression and tone were extremely natural.
Li Chonglou greeted her with a smile, thinking that this woman was truly not simple, moving into Ning Lang's mansion in such a short time and shedding her past circles and life.
It was impossible without cunning and strategy.
But Ning Lang was no ordinary person. If Jin Jing only had ulterior motives and no true feelings, he wouldn't have accepted her.
Kindness and strategy never conflicted.
During this meal, both Ning Lang and Li Chonglou broke their usual rules and drank a few glasses of white wine. After Li Chonglou declined the offer to stay the night, they talked about Shen Ye, and then Zheng Rui drove Li Chonglou back to Han Palace.
"Master Lou, you rest. I'll be going back now," Zheng Rui said after Li Chonglou got out of the car and left on his own.
Li Chonglou, who wasn't a strong drinker, had a flushed face but was still clear-headed.
He casually enjoyed the gentle breeze and walked towards the hotel's main building.
Rumble rumble rumble!
After walking less than ten steps, a Maserati roared to life and sped towards him, moving at an extremely fast pace with no intention of stopping or yielding.
Li Chonglou's eyesight was sharp. He had noticed the car early on, and the slight intoxication instantly vanished.
He managed to dodge it by retreating several dozen steps before it could hit him.
Then he shouted, "Can't you drive slower?"
Screech!
As if the car owner had heard his words, they slammed on the accelerator and braked, the tires leaving two thick black marks on the ground.
Immediately after, a young man with a arrogant expression and fierce eyes emerged from the car.
His hair was dyed in various colors, and his clothes were all high-end custom-made, exuding extreme luxury.
Especially the Patek Philippe golden minute repeater wristwatch on his hand, which proclaimed his status and position.
It was known that with Patek Philippe, a world-leading luxury watch brand, simply having money could only buy entry-level models. This limited edition golden minute repeater was a definite top-tier item.
With a price tag of nearly three million US dollars, it was beyond the reach of ordinary people.
Anyone who owned one was undoubtedly from the upper echelons of society.
"Are you telling me what to do?" As soon as the youth got out of the car, he looked down at Li Chonglou with extreme disdain, sneering, "Do you want to die? I can fulfill that wish for you."
"If I hit and kill you, at best I'll pay a million or so, which is less than my monthly allowance."
"Your life is worth less than one of my tires, you bumpkin!"
His tone was incredibly arrogant, showing utter disregard for human life in his eyes.
He was condescending, like an emperor.
If an ordinary person stood before him, they would either fly into a rage or be terrified out of their wits.
Unfortunately, he was facing Li Chonglou, not an ordinary person.
Li Chonglou's expression remained unchanged as he calmly stared at the youth and replied, "On what grounds do you think you have the right to decide whether another person lives or dies?"
"Because you have money and power?"
His reminder was not an insult, but a warning to the driver to drive safely.
However, the youth clearly felt his pride was hurt and got out to threaten him.
Li Chonglou recalled catching a glimpse of a beautiful woman in the passenger seat, which offered a good explanation.
Many men, in front of women, become agitated and arrogant.
Indeed, as soon as he finished speaking, the passenger door opened, and a tall, curvaceous woman stepped out.
She was wearing a dark red tight-fitting mini-skirt and a low-cut V-neck top, making her extremely sexy.
Her makeup was exquisite, and she was not unattractive. Furthermore, she exuded a noble aura that ordinary people lacked.
"Zhang Jie, let's go. Why bother talking nonsense with a commoner?" the woman called out lightly.
Upon hearing this, the youth's expression turned even more sinister. Without looking back, he replied, "Wait for me in the car. This loser almost disfigured you, I have to teach him a lesson so he doesn't forget!"
He had gotten out specifically to teach Li Chonglou a lesson, and he couldn't show weakness in front of the woman.
The woman seemed to know his character and frowned slightly, saying nothing further. She glanced at Li Chonglou, a flicker of pity in her eyes, and returned to the car.
The youth, called Zhang Jie, grinned menacingly, grabbed Li Chonglou by the collar, and sneered, "I do have the power and authority to control your life and death. You bumpkin, you scared my friend, so come on, kowtow to me three times respectfully, and I'll let you go."
A cold glint flashed in Li Chonglou's eyes. "Let go."
The name Zhang Jie reminded him of someone. This person was an acquaintance in his previous life, but not yet recognized in this one.
The Zhang surname was not one of the eight great families, but their influence and power surpassed that of the eight great families.
This person was likely that person's son.
He hadn't expected him to come to Yong'an.
And to be threatening him.
"You won't kneel? Many people wish they had the chance to kneel to me. Kneeling to me is your honor," Zhang Jie's eyes flared with ferocity.
Saying this, he was about to forcefully push Li Chonglou down.
Slap!
As soon as he finished speaking, Li Chonglou flicked his wrist and slapped Zhang Jie hard across the face.
Because he had no true qi, the slap, though seemingly fierce, was not heavy. However, it still turned Zhang Jie's face red and made his head turn sideways.
Zhang Jie's eyes blazed with anger, and a sharp glint flashed. "Bastard, you dare to hit me?"
He couldn't believe that a bumpkin would dare to hit him.
And he did it in front of her, which was utterly outrageous.
Immediately, killing intent surged in his heart, vowing to make Li Chonglou wish he were dead.