Chapter 013: Luo Qiming

The white-haired thug was dragged into the back door of the barbershop by the wire around his neck.

He fired a few shots blindly behind him, but they hit nothing except a half-bag of sesame seeds hanging from the ceiling, which spilled all over his face.

With both hands braced against the doorframe, the white-haired thug tried to free himself, but the harder he struggled, the tighter the wire around his neck became. His face turned bright red, and he struggled to breathe. Desperately, he let go with one hand to try and loosen the wire, but as soon as he did, he was pulled to the ground.

His gun was taken.

It was that woman!

Cheng Yaojin pressed both feet against the white-haired thug’s shoulders, looping the wire around his neck once more.

Liang Kefeng held the thug’s gun, aiming it directly at his heart. “You tell me, who’s going to live longer—you, or that kid you shot outside?”

Cheng Yaojin loosened his grip slightly, allowing the thug to finally catch his breath, which led to a fit of violent coughing.

“Guess? Guess what? Guess your life!” The white-haired thug was tough. Knowing begging wouldn’t help, he stubbornly refused to back down.

Liang Kefeng viciously stomped on his stomach. Something inside probably ruptured, and the thug was in so much pain he couldn’t even make a sound!

“That spot you’re hurting? It’s the same spot where the innocent kid outside was shot by this gun. How does it feel? Does it hurt?!”

Covered in sweat, lips bitten and bleeding, the white-haired thug’s face was completely drained of color. He had never suffered such torment, let alone such utter humiliation. When he finally managed to speak, he gave a cold, defiant laugh. “Go ahead and kill me. My big brother and second brother will avenge me!”

“You’re tougher than I expected! At least you know begging won’t work. You treat other people’s lives like they’re nothing, so don’t blame others for treating yours the same. I’ll be waiting for your brothers to come find me for revenge!” Liang Kefeng checked the magazine, confirming there were still bullets inside.

Meanwhile, the barbershop owner peeked nervously from behind the door, his voice trembling as he carefully pleaded, “Sister, please don’t kill anyone in my shop. If you mess up the place, I’ll have bad luck for years.”

The owner was amusing, but his request wasn’t unreasonable.

Liang Kefeng agreed, “I won’t dirty your shop.”

She then turned to the white-haired thug and said, “I’ll give you a chance. Let’s see if you can run faster than my bullets.”

At the same time, she gestured to Cheng Yaojin. “Let him go.”

Cheng Yaojin slowly released the wire completely.

The white-haired thug lay on the ground, struggling for a long time but unable to stand. His stomach injury was too severe—running was out of the question.

Not Winning.

Even if he ran outside, that woman would shoot him dead.

But he refused to accept it! He didn’t want to die so pathetically!

The white-haired thug groped around, trying to stand up. Just as he was about to rise, he suddenly pulled out a sharp knife from who knows where and swiftly lunged it at Liang Kefeng!

Liang Kefeng quickly sidestepped, while Cheng Yaojin kicked the white-haired thug, sending him sprawling out the door and crashing onto the street, quite literally falling flat!

The crowd watching from the street hurriedly stepped back several yards.

Everyone held their breath in anticipation, but no one from inside followed.

The white-haired thug lay on the street for a while before he struggled to get up, attempting to walk step by step outside. After a few steps, realizing no one was following, he suddenly felt a glimmer of hope to survive.

Ignoring the intense pain, he sprinted outside, but just as he reached the entrance of a dried fish shop, he heard a loud bang—a gunshot—

The white-haired thug fell to his knees!

The fish shop’s owner and a concerned neighbor, who were just about to hop on a motorcycle to take a child to the hospital, turned around and saw the thug kneeling at their doorstep.

People around them were stunned.

The retribution came quickly! It was immensely satisfying!

Bang!

Another shot rang out! Blood sprayed, splattering against the price board outside the dried fish shop like a beautiful flower.

The white-haired thug collapsed onto the street.

In the distance, sirens wailed as police cars arrived.

The crowd of onlookers grew larger, quickly blocking the street completely.

—

Liang Kefeng put away the white-haired thug’s handgun and glanced at the barber shop owner. “If someone comes asking, do you know what to say?”

The barber instantly understood and nodded vigorously. “I didn’t see anything, I didn’t see anything at all.”

Satisfied, Liang Kefeng nodded back. She took out two hundred yuan from her wallet and handed it to the owner. “Sorry for breaking some of your things; this is compensation.”

“No, no, no!” the owner hurriedly refused.

Liang Kefeng placed the money on a nearby dresser, tightened her coat, and walked toward the other end of the barber shop. Cheng Yaojin quickly followed her.

They avoided the crowd and returned to Liang’s Mahjong House, climbing to the third floor where lunch prepared by Sister Lian awaited them.

Liang Kefeng asked Cheng Yaojin, “Have you eaten lunch yet?”

Cheng Yaojin shook his head, looking a bit embarrassed. “Not yet.”

He looked around and asked, “Is this your home, Miss Liang?”

Liang Kefeng didn’t answer directly. “Is your hand okay?”

Cheng Yaojin’s palm was cut and bleeding from the wire. He waved it off. “I’m used to it; it’s nothing.”

Still, Liang Kefeng found a first aid kit. “Disinfect it and wrap it with some gauze.”

Cheng Yaojin treated his own wound.

Liang Kefeng tapped the bowl of food on the table with her hand; the dishes were still warm. “Let’s eat together.”

She washed her hands in the kitchen and filled two bowls with rice. Cheng Yaojin hadn’t eaten anything since last night, so he quickly devoured two bowls.

Their earlier plans were definitely off the table now, and Cheng Yaojin had effectively become a genuine “traitor.” It wouldn’t be resolved just by taking a beating.

Liang Kefeng asked him about his next plans. “If you want to go to Nanyang, I can give you some money.”

After all, Cheng Yaojin had become a part of the gang because he saved her; she felt responsible.

Cheng Yaojin shrugged it off, “I’m fine. I’m not used to Nanyang; I plan to hide in the Sifang City for a while.”

Liang Kefeng was also planning to go to the Sifang City to find Wu Biyun, especially with Uncle Tian coming after her for revenge. Unless she stayed indoors, it was only a matter of time before his men found her.

She couldn’t avoid going out; she had tasks to complete.

So, the Sifang City seemed like a good place to go.

She asked, “Is it safe to hide in the Sifang City?”

Cheng Yaojin took a big bite of his braised pork. “The Sifang City is a lawless area that the government doesn’t manage. It used to belong to an official office during the Qing dynasty and isn’t under British jurisdiction. So, when the Hong Kong government comes, they can’t do anything; even the Grandfather doesn’t acknowledge them. Survival there depends on your own strength. However, getting in is tricky; no guns or knives are allowed.”

That was completely unexpected for Liang Kefeng. In a chaotic place like the Sifang City, it seemed impossible for there to be no guns or knives. She asked, “Is it monopolized?”

“Exactly! Once you’re in, you can only buy weapons from the Shuanglong Hall; otherwise, you’d have to sneak into the black market and pay a high price. I lived there for a while when I was a kid, so I know the situation well.”

With that in mind, Cheng Yaojin seemed to be a decent helper. Liang Kefeng put down her chopsticks. “My original plan was to go to the Sifang City too. How about this: I’ll pay you to help me find two people. You set the price for your wages.”

Cheng Yaojin didn’t expect to find another job so quickly. To him, Liang Kefeng was decisive, sharp, and kind-hearted, with a generous spirit; finding a boss like that was rare.

He smiled earnestly. “The salary doesn’t matter; as long as there’s food, I’m good. I eat a lot, so don’t mind it, Miss Liang.”

—

After lunch, the temperature rose.

After coming out of the hotpot restaurant, Qin Qiming got into the car amidst a crowd of people.

Inside the car, Qin Qiming took out a cigarette, and Gu Ding lit it for him while quietly reporting the morning’s gunfight on Fengwei Street.

Qin Qiming seemed a bit distracted. “Where did Uncle Tian get that photo of that woman?”

Gu Ding replied uncertainly, “I heard from the guys below that Uncle Tian showed the photo to Fenchang and Guizai for identification. She’s a really beautiful woman, definitely not some female nightshade. After that, Uncle Tian sent Chao Pi to ambush Guizai’s place. Before they could set up properly, that female nightshade showed up at Guizai’s door. There were so many people, yet they couldn’t catch her. As a result, Chao Pi got shot in the thigh, and his brother was shot in the head on the street. This woman is not simple.”

Killing Babi, injuring Chao Pi, and taking down the white-haired thug…

Suddenly, Qin Qiming perked up. Could this woman be…

He asked, “Do you have that woman’s photo?”

Gu Ding shook his head. “No, but…”

Qin Qiming turned to him, waiting for him to continue.

“I heard them describe her, and she resembles that woman—the one who was in the taxi outside the Hongsha Bay grocery store and dropped her money, claiming she had smuggled in…”

Sure enough!

Qin Qiming said coldly, “Order them: if anyone encounters that woman again, they’re not to fire a shot, and definitely not to harm her in any way.”

Gu Ding was confused. “Why?”

After exhaling a puff of smoke, Qin Qiming replied casually, “Because we can’t afford to provoke her.”

Gu Ding was even more puzzled. Killing two of Uncle Tian’s men would be a tough challenge. “The people from Uncle Tian’s side won’t listen to our orders.”

“Then let Uncle Tian provoke her; we’ll just protect ourselves.”

This didn’t sound like his brother’s style, but Gu Ding didn’t dare ask more questions and simply nodded in agreement.

After a moment of reflection, Qin Qiming instructed, “In the next few days, send someone to keep an eye on the entrance of the Sifang City. If you find any sign of that female nightshade, report immediately.”

“Understood. How does Brother Ming know she’ll go to the Sifang City?”

“It’s the most dangerous place, yet also the safest.”

—

After sending off the last group of New Year’s visitors, Liang Dalong sat on the living room sofa, closing his eyes to rest.

Sister Lin brought Wu Biyun in. She had changed into new clothes and was currently being assigned to assist Lin.

Wu Biyun smiled sweetly and asked, “Lord Long, did you call for me?”

Liang Dalong nodded kindly. “How’s it going? Are you getting used to it?”

“Everyone is very nice to me; I’m getting used to it.”

“Is my brother here yet?”  

“Not yet. Brother Cong said he’ll be here soon. Sister Lin has already arranged for my brother to help in the green house. Thank you, Lord Long, for giving us such a nice place to stay,” Wu Biyun said. Not only was she articulate, but she also spoke appropriately, making an effort to flatter Liang Dalong: “We will definitely work hard to repay Lord Long in the future.”  

Liang Dalong was used to flattery and was completely immune to such praise and gratitude. “I want to ask you, what hobbies does Kefeng have? What is she good at?”  

What is Liang Kefeng good at? Wu Biyun was stumped by this question. In her eyes, Liang Kefeng wasn’t particularly smart; besides being honest and kind, she couldn’t think of any other strengths.  

Liang Dalong noticed Wu Biyun’s dilemma and asked, “Can she speak English?”  

Wu Biyun shook her head: “No, we never learned English.”  

Given their environment in the mainland, it was even less likely that they would know about chess, calligraphy, painting, or music. Liang Dalong changed direction: “How about sports? Is she good at popular sports like basketball, table tennis, or badminton?”  

Wu Biyun didn’t dare to say that Liang Kefeng wasn’t good at any of them. What if the old man was protective?  

She forced a smile: “Kefeng is beautiful; she is the prettiest girl in our school! She looks even better than in the photos.”  

What kind of special talent is that?  

But Liang Dalong accepted it very happily, and he felt a bit proud: “She’s beautiful because she looks like her grandmother!”  

Dingling! Dingling!  

The phone rang, and Liang Dalong waved Wu Biyun away before picking up the phone.  

It was the richest man in Hong Kong, Old Luo Fumiao. He had called once earlier, but Liang Dalong was busy, so he didn’t answer.  

Liang Dalong was not only a benefactor but also a close friend of Old Luo. They could speak frankly without any pretenses and even exchange a few playful old-fashioned jokes.  

“Old Luo, how have you been lately? When can you be discharged from the hospital? I’ll come pick you up.”  

Luo Fumiao wasn’t in good health; he spent New Year’s Eve in the hospital.  

“I’m feeling a bit better today. I was really afraid it was just a fleeting moment of improvement, so I hurried to call you.” Luo Fumiao sounded quite strong, “I heard from your family’s servant in the study of Yaqian that they found a photo of your granddaughter. I’ve been wanting to ask about it, but then I got sick and was hospitalized, so I haven’t had the chance.”  

Liang Dalong sighed and said half-jokingly, “I do have a granddaughter. When she was born, Jin Diaotong said her fate was too delicate and that she couldn’t live with her relatives until she turned twenty, so she’s been living abroad and hasn’t come back.”  

Last year, when the Liang family had trouble, Luo Fumiao thought the Liang family was going to die out, and hearing this news genuinely made him happy for his old friend: “Ah, Lord Long, this is the best news I’ve heard for the New Year! You’ve kept it so secretive; I never heard you mention it before. You shouldn’t hide things from me!”  

“It’s not that I meant to hide it. How could I ignore Jin Diaotong’s words?” At this point, Liang Dalong took the opportunity to say, “Back in the day, when our two families planned a marriage alliance, my daughter Yawen didn’t behave and ran away from the marriage. We agreed to let the next generation continue our fates. What do you think about this, Old Luo?”  

“What’s your granddaughter’s name? How old is she?”  

“Her name is Liang Kefeng; she’s already twenty and can come back soon.”  

Liang Dalong had given Zheng Fuying ten days to find Liang Kefeng, and he was confident about it.  

In Hong Kong, if he couldn’t find someone he wanted in ten days, then he had truly wasted his life.  

Luo Fumiao laughed, “I have four grandsons, as you know, none of whom are married. You can choose whichever you like!”  

“My granddaughter can speak six languages and is skilled in everything from music to painting to calligraphy. She’s also good at volleyball and tennis. Most importantly, she’s beautiful—prettier than any beauty pageant winner! She looks a lot like my wife did when she was young, and also like her aunt Yawen—prettier than Yawen, and her temperament is better too.” Liang Dalong was bragging without a script. He believed that after finding his granddaughter, with a few months of intensive training, she would definitely become a refined young lady.  

The two old friends began to boast to each other. Luo Fumiao didn’t hold back either: “My eldest grandson, Qi Zheng, is the most suitable—he graduated from a prestigious school, is six feet tall, has a stable personality, and manages overseas operations for the company alongside his father. His performance improved by thirty percent last year, and the Governor praised him for being young and promising; as for Qi Tai and Qi Guang, they’re polite and well-educated, capable of standing on their own in society; but the youngest grandson, Qi Ming, is rebellious and hasn’t settled down yet, so let’s exclude him!”  

“I like any of your four grandsons, but to be honest, the second and third aren’t legitimate, so I won’t consider them. It’s just Qi Zheng and Qi Ming. Who would you be willing to let into the Liang family?”  

“Huh?”  

Luo Fumiao had never thought about letting his grandson marry into another family. No one in Hong Kong would dare to propose such a thing to him except Liang Dalong.  

But he couldn’t refuse Liang Dalong, not just because of his background but also because he was his savior.  

Luo Fumiao was quite quick-witted and quickly turned the situation around. “Your granddaughter is still under twenty, right? Qi Zheng is a bit older than her. Qi Tai and Qi Guang are illegitimate, and you wouldn’t accept them. Qi Ming is different; he’s twenty-two this year, almost the same age as your granddaughter. The key is that Qi Ming is handsome—handsomer than Brando! They would make a perfect match!”  

Liang Dalong: “……”  

Fortunately, he was someone who valued appearance and didn’t care if his future grandson-in-law had any real ability. As long as he came from a prestigious family, had decent character, and could have children, that would be fine.  

“Qi Ming is indeed handsome! He’s still studying at university in the U.S., right? When they graduate and come back to Hong Kong, let’s arrange for them to meet.”  

Luo Fumiao: “They definitely need to meet, but as for the marriage proposal, I still need to discuss it with my family. I’m afraid they might have some opinions.”  

Liang Dalong didn’t genuinely want the young master from the Luo family to marry into his family; he was just bargaining, using this as a negotiation tactic.  

“Not marrying in is fine; let’s not bother with marriage. Once the two kids are married, they can live on both sides, and regardless of whether the first child is a boy or a girl, they must take the Liang surname. That’s my only requirement.”  

Upon hearing that he wouldn’t really have to let his grandson marry in, Luo Fumiao was instantly delighted. “Alright, no marriage, it’s settled! Once I’m discharged, let’s have tea together to finalize things and arrange for them to meet as soon as possible.”  

“Good. Wishing you a speedy recovery.”  

After hanging up, Liang Dalong stood up and was about to head upstairs when he saw Zheng Fuying rushing in.  

Normally, Liang Dalong wouldn’t stop to ask him what was wrong, but today, he paused and looked at him.  

Zheng Fuying approached and whispered, “I just asked Wu Biyun’s brother, Wu Zhicai. The statements from these siblings don’t match up.”