Chapter 15: The City’s Most Lavish Dowry

Before Gu Congshuang could react, Liu Guoqiang stepped through the broken door.

Li Yuqin trembled, “Guoqiang, we’re neighbors. It’s a free-love era. Don’t be angry. I’ll return your dowry soon.”

“Liu Guoqiang, however much your dowry is, I’ll return it all. But if you take another step, you’ll face consequences.”

Gu Congshuang grabbed a kitchen knife, holding it defensively.

Liu Guoqiang hadn’t expected such resistance. Seeing the delicate girl with a large knife, her brows arched in defiance, he was strangely excited.

“My little darling, I’m just here to add to the dowry. Why are you so scared?” Liu Guoqiang said playfully.

“What dowry? Just tell me how much, and I’ll pay you.” She had earned over 300 yuan in the past three days, plus the 300 yuan from Gu Qinshan, enough to cover most of it.

“Who said I wanted to break up? My dear mother-in-law, just tell me how much dowry you want, and I’ll give it to you.”

Li Yuqin had no time for Liu Guoqiang. He had beaten her son badly yesterday. She hadn’t reported it because she feared his connections. They were at an impasse.

An elderly couple appeared at the top of the stairs, carrying gifts.

The man, about fifty, wore a Zhongshan suit and glasses. His hair was gray, but he looked slender and refined.

The woman was about the same age, still showing traces of former beauty and grace.

They were stunned by the scene, double-checking the house number.

The woman whispered, “Is this Gu Congshuang’s home?”

“Yes, our son gave us the right address.”

But the door was broken! A menacing man stood at the door, and a beautiful girl inside held a knife.

The couple were Ye Bei’s father, Ye Chuan, and mother, Wang Miaoxue. Ye Bei had gone to buy cigarettes and alcohol, asking them to wait downstairs.

Ye Chuan, impatient, had come up with the gifts.

They were both shocked by the scene.

“Excuse me, is this Gu Congshuang’s home? I’m Ye Bei’s father, Ye Chuan. We’re here to propose marriage.”

Ye Chuan, a veteran soldier, was straightforward.

Liu Guoqiang scanned Ye Chuan, a smile spreading across his face. He thought someone was foolish, but it was an enemy.

Gu Qingshan, hearing it was Ye Bei’s parents, was frantic. Liu Guoqiang blocked the door.

He glared at Li Yuqin, wondering how she had handled the broken engagement.

Gu Congshuang, realizing it was Ye Bei’s parents, hid the knife behind her back, smiling awkwardly.

This was mortifying. She almost wished to switch books.

“You have guests, is that inconvenient?” Ye Chuan asked loudly.

Gu Qinshan quickly smiled, “Please come in. We’re sorry for the poor reception.”

He tried to invite them in, but Liu Guoqiang blocked the way. He said, “Guoqiang, maybe another time?”

Liu Guoqiang sneered, “So you’ve climbed the ladder. Let’s settle this today. Return my dowry.”

Wang Miaoxue found this strange. Her son hadn’t mentioned Gu Congshuang being engaged.

She was displeased. Her son had already married once, and she didn’t want another marriage.

“Come in for tea first.” Gu Qinshan agreed; he couldn’t delay any longer.

Ye Bei arrived with cigarettes and alcohol, noticing Liu Guoqiang’s hostility.

“This is a family matter. Leave,” Liu Guoqiang growled.

Ye Bei looked at Gu Congshuang’s worried expression, then saw the knife behind her.

He understood the man at the door was trouble.

“Uncle and Aunt, let me bring these in.” Ye Bei tried to enter, but Liu Guoqiang blocked him.

“I said Gu Congshuang is marrying me. No one’s going in.”

Ye Bei’s eyes flashed. This was too much.

“I’m engaged to Gu Congshuang. I’m here to propose marriage. Who are you?”

“Liu Guoqiang, stop it! My mother has returned your dowry. If you bother us again, I’ll call the police,” Gu Congshuang said angrily.

Liu Guoqiang sneered, “Go ahead. I have connections. You can’t touch me.”

Ye Bei’s eyes flashed with killing intent, laughing coldly, “How much dowry do they owe you?”

“1500 yuan, plus a bicycle, radio, cigarettes, and alcohol.”

Ye Bei chuckled, “Is that all?”

He put down the gifts, pulled out a thick wad of cash, “Here’s 3000 yuan. You can leave.”

Gu Qinshan’s heart skipped a beat. That was seven or eight years’ worth of salary.

Liu Guoqiang’s face turned pale. He thought he was rich, but Ye Bei was far wealthier.

It was the city’s most lavish dowry.

“Are you insulting me? Don’t think you’re great just because you have money. I own several shops, and I have connections…”

Ye Bei grabbed Liu Guoqiang’s collar.

“Take the money and leave, before I get violent.” Ye Bei’s eyes were cold.

“No, Congshuang and I are destined…” Liu Guoqiang tried to speak.

Gu Congshuang couldn’t take it anymore and poked Liu Guoqiang’s mouth with a feather duster.

“Shut up, you thug!” Liu Guoqiang tried to punch her.

Gu Congshuang cowered behind Ye Bei.

Ye Bei used his martial arts skills. With a crack, Liu Guoqiang’s arm was twisted.

Before he could scream, Ye Bei kicked him down the stairs, scattering the money.

“One more word, and get out!”

Liu Guoqiang, his face red, was terrified. He wasn’t his usual arrogant self.

He picked up the money and ran, but Ye Chuan shouted from the stairs, “That’s my son!”

He warned Liu Guoqiang, “If you have any problems, come find me, Ye Chuan!”

Liu Guoqiang was terrified. Was that the legendary General Ye Chuan?