Li Ziqing was stunned. She never imagined that this scruffy old man, who had extorted money and acted foolishly, would be the renowned Xi Yuan.
Southern Madman, Northern God of War, Eastern Hero, Western Yuan!
This was a figure on par with Xiao Zhan, the God of War of the Northern Territory, ranking among the top four on the Heavenly Rankings, an ultimate master!
However, judging by his actions today, calling him a "Great Fool" was hardly an exaggeration.
Thinking that her words had been somewhat disrespectful, Li Ziqing apologized, "I'm sorry, Senior Lu. This young lady didn't know it was you, and I was rude. I hope you can forgive me. As for my words, you should..."
"Don't worry, girl, I won't take it to heart."
Before Li Ziqing could finish, Lu Datou waved his hand, appearing magnanimous.
"No, no, Senior, you misunderstand. I mean, you should take my words to heart! You shouldn't try to reform people anymore, or you'll be tricked again!"
Li Ziqing said sincerely.
Lu Datou was taken aback for a moment. Knowing his identity, almost no one in this world dared to speak to him like this, let alone a delicate young girl.
However, after a moment, he burst into laughter.
It was precisely because no one dared to speak to him this way that Li Ziqing's frankness delighted him.
"Good, good, girl, I've noted your words. I'll be more careful in the future and won't believe everyone's words!"
Even so, he would still be fooled next time.
He was like someone who wouldn't get tired of eating fish even if he ate a hundred of them; otherwise, how would he have earned the elegant moniker of "Great Fool"?
Next, Lu Datou's gaze fell on Chen Xiao. "Young man, may I ask your esteemed name?"
"My surname is Chen, and my given name is Xiao."
After stating his name, Chen Xiao introduced Li Ziqing, "This is my girlfriend, Li Ziqing."
"My dear young friends, this old man has done something foolish again today. But rest assured, I will return the ninety thousand yuan to you both in due time."
Lu Datou said with conviction.
"There's no need, Senior Lu. I've long heard of your great name. Meeting you today, you are indeed extraordinary. Let the ninety thousand yuan be my treat for you to have a drink."
Among the Four Heavenly Kings, Chen Xiao had already made enemies, directly or indirectly, with two of them. However, this "Great Fool" was quite to his liking.
Although he seemed a bit eccentric, he was at least straightforward.
"If you say so, then I won't be polite. But if you two encounter any trouble in the future, just mention my name, Lu Datou. I, this 'Great Fool,' still have some influence."
As he spoke, Lu Datou stretched and yawned. "My young friends, I haven't slept all night. I need to go back and catch up on sleep. Farewell!"
With that, Lu Datou cupped his fists at the two and departed with ease.
Watching Lu Datou's retreating figure, Li Ziqing couldn't help but sigh, "I never imagined that the dignified Xi Yuan would be such a person."
"Heh, alright, aren't you hungry? Let's go eat."
Chen Xiao said with a smile.
He cast one last glance at Lu Datou, a premonition suddenly arising in his heart that they would meet again before long.
And for some reason, the moment Chen Xiao saw Lu Datou, he felt an innate sense of closeness.
After eating, the two continued their journey, with Li Ziqing now taking the wheel.
"Chen Xiao, I'll take you to my home first. That's where I grew up. You can rest first, and then I'll take you to my grandfather's place tonight."
Whether he rested or not was of little consequence to Chen Xiao, but he was quite looking forward to seeing where Li Ziqing had lived as a child.
As for Li Ziqing's parents, she had never mentioned them.
Even this time, she still didn't.
Chen Xiao guessed that Li Ziqing's parents were likely no longer alive, so he didn't ask further.
The car, driven by Li Ziqing, turned onto a quiet road.
The architecture began to change, and Chen Xiao sensed an ancient aura.
Rows of old-fashioned Western-style houses, with red tiled roofs and white walls, pointed gables, and oval windows.
Vines climbed the houses, and the fences were filled with large patches of lush green plants.
The car stopped, and Li Ziqing said cheerfully, "We're home! Get out!"
Chen Xiao stepped out of the car. Before him stood a four-story old Western-style house, its walls mottled with the traces of time.
It made him feel as if he had stepped into a television drama depicting olden times. His mind even conjured images of a young Li Ziqing, adorable in a white Western dress.
The door was open, and the yard was neat, with no weeds. Li Ziqing said with relief, "No one usually lives here, but my aunt occasionally comes to clean for me. Perhaps she knows I'm back and is inside now!"
Then, with a hint of sadness, she added, "In this home, my aunt is the only one who has been good to me, so Chen Xiao, you must treat her well too..."
Chen Xiao smiled and said, "Don't worry, your aunt is my aunt. Of course, I'll treat her well."
The two approached the door. Li Ziqing didn't ring the doorbell but used her key to open it, wanting to surprise her aunt.
However, the key wouldn't go in no matter how long she pushed it.
"Changed the lock? Why didn't you tell me?"
Li Ziqing frowned slightly and rang the doorbell.
"Auntie, I'm back! Hurry and open the door for me!"
Li Ziqing shouted.
After a moment, the door opened, and a young woman in a bathrobe came out.
The woman's eyes were half-closed, and her yawn couldn't hide the look of disdain on her face. "Who are you? What are you shouting for? Who's your aunt?"
It was clear that this young woman was definitely not Li Ziqing's aunt; their ages didn't match.
Seeing the woman, Li Ziqing's brow furrowed. "Asking who I am? I want to ask you, who are you? Why are you in my house?"
The woman immediately curled her lips and sneered, "Your house? You've got the wrong door. This is clearly my house. When did it become yours?"
"I've got the wrong door? I've lived here for nearly ten years, and I'd get the door wrong? I ask you, what exactly are you? Who allowed you to live here?"
Li Ziqing became furious. Although she didn't live in this house often, it didn't mean just anyone could move in.
Especially a woman she didn't recognize at all.
"You're a lunatic!"
The woman in the bathrobe rolled her eyes. "I'm warning you, go back where you came from. If you dare to pester me further, I'll call the police and report you for trespassing!"
Li Ziqing was so angry she almost laughed. This woman was utterly shameless, not only occupying the house but also threatening to report the owner for trespassing!
Who gave her the audacity?