Design

After sending Ye Feng home, Luo Ming didn’t linger but went straight back. For the past two days, his father had been dragging him to various gatherings. Although he didn’t want to go, his father ordered him, and he had no choice.

Ye Feng watched Luo Ming leave, didn’t stay at home, and first made a call to Wang Datong.

The call was quickly answered. “Is this Uncle Wang?” Ye Feng spoke with humility.

“Hm? Who are you?” Wang Datong sounded half awake, probably out late the night before.

“It’s Ye, Ye Feng.”

“Oh? Ye Feng…” There was a pause, likely Wang Datong searching his memory. “Ye Feng, what can I do for you?”

“Uncle Wang, I need a favor,” Ye Feng said.

“No need to be so polite, just tell me what it is.” Wang Datong didn’t expect anything serious from this orphan clinging to Luo Ming.

Ye Feng waited for this response. “Uncle Wang, I was just set up by the Shark Gang and the Northern District police. I suspect it was orchestrated by Bai Weiqi, the eldest son of the Bai family. I want to ask you to investigate them and help me get revenge.”

The more Wang Datong listened, the more uneasy he felt. The Shark Gang was the second largest in Haifeng City, with good relations with city leaders and himself. Bai Weiqi was even more untouchable—his family rivaled the Luo family in power. Though his own backing was the Luo family, there was no need to cause trouble with the Bai family over an orphan, especially since Luo Ming wasn’t the family head yet. Of the three parties, the only ones he could move against were the Northern District police; he knew their business well.

With that in mind, Wang Datong replied diplomatically, “Ye Feng, the Bai family isn’t easy to deal with. What did your Uncle Luo say?”

“I haven’t told Uncle Luo yet. Uncle Wang, can’t you handle this? It’s just a gang and a rich kid. With your influence, it should be effortless.” Ye Feng piled on the flattery, knowing it cost nothing.

“Well… Ye Feng, this needs careful consideration. Why don’t you consult your Uncle Luo first?” Wang Datong now tried to shift responsibility to Luo Kai, thinking it best not to offend Ye Feng completely since Luo Ming would eventually become the family head.

“So Uncle Wang, you’re not going to help?” Ye Feng pushed, feigning disappointment.

“It’s not that I won’t help, but it’s really difficult without any evidence. How about this—I’ll deal with those Northern District officers for you, let you vent your anger. How’s that?” Wang Datong ruthlessly threw the police under the bus.

“Alright, if that’s all we can do. Thank you, Uncle Wang.” Ye Feng’s voice sounded defeated.

“That settles it then. If there’s nothing else, I’ll hang up. I have a meeting soon.” With that, Wang Datong ended the call.

After hanging up, Ye Feng snorted coldly. This was the outcome he wanted. He needed an excuse, a reason for Wang Datong to step down. Since Wang Datong was a Luo family man, this move was setting a trap, but also giving him a chance.

…

Paradise Moment Bar was the hottest spot in Haifeng City. After five each afternoon, it was packed. Not only did second- and third-tier singers perform there, but one of the world’s top bartenders, Jia Ye, hosted as well. Most idle young men and women, professionals, people from both sides of the law, and privileged offspring flocked here for entertainment.

Huai Huai, after scanning the memories of several thugs, learned that Zhang Kunqiang, the Shark Gang’s second-in-command, frequented Paradise Moment Bar to pick up women. In truth, he simply dragged off anyone he fancied, forcibly taking them. Countless women had suffered at his hands.

So after dinner, Ye Feng came to try his luck, hoping to find this deputy leader.

He ordered a dozen beers and sat in a corner. Surrounded by the dazzling environment, Ye Feng felt out of place. He drank slowly, and several beautiful women approached him, but he sent them away.

He waited patiently. Around seven, Zhang Kunqiang arrived with a group, kicked the previous occupants out of a central booth, and settled in, clearly on the hunt for prey.

Just then, a woman appeared on stage. Ye Feng recognized her immediately—Li Yu, who in his previous life had been a famous first-tier celebrity, notorious for her sky-high fees. Now, she was probably a popular second-tier star.

Li Yu’s voice was enchanting and she was strikingly beautiful. She sang her best song, “Waiting for You to Love Me,” and Ye Feng was captivated.

But his reverie was abruptly shattered by a sleazy voice.

A shameless-looking man agilely climbed on stage and grabbed Li Yu. “Miss, you’re lucky tonight. Our Brother Zhang has taken a liking to you. Come down and have a few drinks with us.”

His vulgar words echoed through the microphone to every corner, but not a soul intervened. Ye Feng observed; this guy was brazen, paying no heed to anyone present. He thought it over—Li Yu had neither power nor influence now. No one would risk provoking the Shark Gang for her. That would be akin to courting death.

“Sir, I’m sorry. I only sing, I don’t drink with guests!” Li Yu struggled, but as a lone woman, she was no match for a thug.

Smack!

A sharp slap sounded through the speakers. Ye Feng looked up to see Li Yu on the floor, clutching her face and sobbing.

Rage surged in Ye Feng’s heart. What he despised most was abusing the vulnerable and hitting women. Zhang Kunqiang was his target, and now, with two crimes, Ye Feng couldn’t let him go.

Ye Feng immediately had Huai Huai call Xu Wen. The call connected quickly, and Ye Feng got straight to the point. “Xu Wen, bring your men to Paradise Moment Bar immediately.”

“No problem, I’ll be there in ten minutes.” Xu Wen didn’t hesitate, still upset over the morning’s events.

“Alright, I’ll hang up now. We’ll talk more when you arrive.”

After making the call, Ye Feng felt confident. If it came to a direct confrontation with Han Kun’s gang, he wasn’t afraid; he could wipe them out himself. But however strong he was alone, he needed allies—Xu Wen was his inside man in the police force. He needed Xu Wen to climb high enough to help him.

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