Chapter 28: Losing Patience

Long Yue Zhi did not stay at the place Hong Qifu provided.

Instead, he chose the best hotel in Nan Town and booked the entire place.

Even though it was the best in Nan Town, it couldn’t compare to the hotels in the city, let alone those owned by the Long family.

The largest and most “luxurious” room in the hotel was where Long Yue Zhi stayed—a suite with two bedrooms and a living room.

“Fourth Master, why did you insist on coming here? I really don’t understand,” Yu Er frowned as he helped Long Yue Zhi take his medicine.

This town was small and run-down, not even in the city center. It took a long drive to get here. Fourth Master’s health had never been great, and though Miss Ling’s medicine had helped over the years, he still hadn’t fully recovered. He was already uncomfortable—why go through all this extra trouble?

Long Yue Zhi lay back in a lounge chair, closing his eyes as he thought over what the person who sent him here had said.

But he still didn’t understand.

“I don’t know. She told me to come, so I came. But there is business to do here. That Hong Qifu, though, needs to be investigated properly. We need to see if he’s clean. This place is close to Beijing—if there’s a problem, we can handle it quickly. Even if it’s just to do the Song family a favor. If the deal doesn’t work out, we’ll just find someone else.”

Yu Er nodded. “I’ll have Xiao Jie find someone to look into it.”

“No, Xiao Jie’s people have been here for years. Some of them might be recognized, which would make things inconvenient. Have Chen Gang handle it instead.”

“Understood.”

The next morning, Hong Qifu came early to visit but was turned away.

Yu Er told him that Fourth Master wasn’t feeling well, that he hadn’t slept well the night before, and wouldn’t be seeing anyone today.

Long Yue Zhi’s health problems weren’t a secret. Over the years, people familiar with the Long family had heard about it. Although the rumors varied about what kind of “illness” he had, the one thing everyone agreed on was that Long Yue Zhi wasn’t in good health.

Hong Qifu wasn’t worried. Since Long Yue Zhi had already come all this way, he didn’t think the deal would fall through.

The next day, Hong Qifu came again, bringing expensive gifts like ginseng and deer antlers.

But he was turned away again.

Yu Er gave the same reason—Fourth Master wasn’t feeling well and wouldn’t see anyone today.

As for the gifts? “Take them back. The Long family doesn’t need them.”

After being rejected for two days in a row, Hong Qifu started to feel uneasy.

He called the managers of his businesses, asking if anyone suspicious had been asking questions.

On the third day, Hong Qifu couldn’t hold back any longer. He came again, his patience running out.

“Mr. Yu, what exactly is wrong with Mr. Long? Should I find a doctor for him? I know some skilled ones—should I bring one over?”

Yu Er glanced at him. “What are you trying to say? Are you cursing our Fourth Master?”

“No, no! That’s not what I meant! I’m just concerned!”

Yu Er paused, then leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. “Mr. Hong, why are you in such a rush? Fourth Master came all this way—do you really think he would trick you? Or is there something shady in your business that you’re afraid will be exposed?”

Hong Qifu quickly shook his head, his plump face wobbling like a bobblehead. “No, no, not at all! Haha… Mr. Yu, rest assured. I want to do business with Fourth Master. I understand the Long family’s rules!”

Yu Er straightened up and let out a snort. “You’d better.”

Hong Qifu knew he wouldn’t get to see Long Yue Zhi today either. He left, feeling a little embarrassed.

The way Yu Er had looked at him before he left made him uneasy.

But more importantly, Yu Er’s words had struck a nerve.

He needed to warn his men—every move they made in the coming days had to be handled with extreme caution. If necessary, they should stop all operations for now. The Long family must not find any evidence of wrongdoing.

If they did, not only would this deal fall apart, but the Long family would also make him suffer.

Long Yue Zhi stood on the balcony, eating a donkey meat flatbread while basking in the sun.

Watching Hong Qifu leave in a hurry, he smirked.

“What did you say to him? He left awfully fast.”

Yu Er had just returned when he heard the question. He quickly walked over. “Fourth Master.”

“I asked you, what did you say to Boss Hong? He practically ran off.”

“Nothing much. Just gave him a little warning.”

“Oh? Any news from Chen Gang?”

“He should be back soon. Fourth Master, I have a feeling that Hong Qifu isn’t exactly clean.”

“Oh? Why do you think that?”

“People who are guilty tend to interrupt conversations before they’re finished. They also avoid eye contact when speaking. Hong Qifu’s eyes were darting all over the place—greasy, slick, and full of deceit. He doesn’t look like an honest man.”

Long Yue Zhi patted Yu Er on the shoulder, pleased. He grinned, showing a set of bright white teeth.

“Er Zi, all these years of training you weren’t in vain. You’re finally picking up on things.”

Yu Er scratched his head, catching sight of Chen Zhi making a funny face at him from the side. He suddenly felt a little embarrassed. “I just learned by watching you, Fourth Master.”

Long Yue Zhi took his last bite of flatbread and wiped his mouth.

“Alright. Let’s wait for Chen Gang to return before deciding our next move. But you know, I actually like this little town. That donkey meat flatbread was delicious. Tonight, I want to eat at that street stall again.”

“Got it. I’ll make arrangements to reserve the place.”

Long Yue Zhi sighed. “No need to book the whole place. We’ll eat our meal without disturbing the common folk.”

“Understood!” Yu Er agreed.

That afternoon, Chen Gang returned around 3 p.m.

He only said two sentences to Long Yue Zhi, and Long Yue Zhi’s expression immediately darkened.

The previous night at “Great World” Karaoke Lounge:

“Listen up—you all better be on your best behavior. Keep your mouths shut unless spoken to. Answer only what you’re asked. If anyone dares to say the wrong thing, I’ll rip out your tongues!”

“And if anyone disobeys and spills something they shouldn’t, not only will you go hungry tonight, but you’ll also get beaten!”

A man barked orders in a hushed tone, leading a group of ten young women toward a private room.

Among them was Liu Chun, who had been missing for over a week.

She had been lured in by a classmate who claimed that a restaurant was hiring temporary cleaners.

She never expected to be deceived.

She finally understood—this place wasn’t hiring temporary workers for cleaning. It was a front for a flesh trade.

But it wasn’t the kind of flesh trade one would traditionally imagine.

For the first two days after arriving, they weren’t given any food or water. Liu Chun wanted to escape but was slapped twice by the leader.

After two days without food or water, she had no strength left. The blows made her see stars. The other girls, seeing her get beaten, were too terrified to move.

All they could do was sob quietly.

The guards at the door worked in shifts, ensuring there was always someone watching. Escape? Impossible.

On the third day, they were finally given food and water—but with conditions. Whoever obeyed orders and went to entertain guests could eat, drink, bathe, and change clothes. Those who refused had to continue starving and thirsting.

Liu Chun thought for ten minutes. Without food and water, she had no way to escape.

Survival came first.

Her purity was insignificant compared to staying alive.

Thinking about how worried her parents must be at that moment, Liu Chun silently encouraged herself—she had to endure.

So, she chose to eat the meal and drink the water.

For now, she would comply.

Their movements were strictly restricted. The place seemed to be a basement—no sunlight, no sight of the outside world. The only exit was a staircase guarded by four security men and a locked iron door.

Liu Chun had only been forced to meet a client once. But to her surprise, the man only had dinner with her, asked a few questions, and left.

After that, no new clients came.

Today was the second time.

Before entering the private room, the leader reminded them again, “Keep your heads down. Answer whatever you’re asked. Don’t speak out of turn, understand?”

Ten girls nodded with their heads lowered. Then, the door to the private room opened.

The leader’s demeanor changed instantly. His face lit up with a wide, ingratiating smile, his tone warm and welcoming.

“Oh, Boss Liang, we’ve been eagerly waiting for you! It’s been such a long time! Your visit brings such honor to my humble establishment!”

Liu Chun kept her head down, afraid to steal a glance. From the corner of her eye, she saw a man sitting on the sofa, sipping tea. He wore brown leather shoes and black trousers, with a black bag placed beside him.

His voice was deep and steady.

“Ah Lan, you’ve got some skills, huh? So many fresh goods?”

“Ah, just a little something! Have a look, Boss. If you like any, take your pick. They’re all young—only fifteen or sixteen! I heard you prefer them young.”

“Smart.”

The man, referred to as Boss Liang, stood up and slowly inspected the ten girls.

In the end, he chose Liu Chun’s classmate, Wu Xiaoni.

Wu Xiaoni had a baby face and a soft, childlike voice. As soon as Boss Liang heard her speak, he decided to keep her.

Ah Lan could tell there was a deal to be made.

“This one stays. Take the rest away.”

“Of course, Boss. Enjoy yourself.”

The moment Wu Xiaoni realized she was being left behind, cold sweat formed on her forehead. She immediately burst into tears.

Liu Chun panicked. She didn’t want Wu Xiaoni to stay, but just as she was about to speak or move, she was yanked out of the room.

Ah Lan clamped a hand over her mouth, his eyes cold and wide with fury. He cursed under his breath and pointed toward the four guards at the door.

“If you dare mess things up for me, I’ll have them take turns on you first—then on Wu Xiaoni.”

Liu Chun’s eyes turned red with rage, but she didn’t dare say another word. She was forcibly dragged back to the dark room.

Just as the door closed behind her, a security guard’s urgent voice called out.

“Brother Lan, there’s a call from the boss.”