Chapter Twenty-Six: Hideous Faces

Perhaps it was Ye Yuer’s heartfelt words that so deeply shocked Zhao Yuan—his eyes widened, a trace of incredulity flickering in their depths. To say such things was proof of true kindness, and yet, in Zhao Yuan’s eyes, Ye Yuer had never been that sort of person. But now, Ye Yuer’s impassioned speech moved Zhao Yuan to his core, and the impression of her in his memory was thoroughly overturned.

The woman wiped away her tears, struggling to support her frail body as she drew closer to Ye Yuer. Her voice, thick with gratitude, trembled as she said, “Thank you, truly, thank you…”

Zhao Ling’er gently steadied the woman, who was about to collapse against Ye Yuer, and led her into the house. Then, one by one, the others took their leave.

“This is outrageous! Never have I seen such shameless bullying!” The wealthy elder, having returned home, could not refrain from a few grumblings. Only moments ago he had fled in panic from Ye Mansion at the first hint of intimidation, but now, with support behind him, even the smallest of mice finds courage. His complaints rose up into the air, soon caught by the ears of the steward.

“Young master, who caused the injury on your back? Tell me, and I will avenge you.” The steward glanced at his mechanical watch and spoke amiably, “But first, young master, please compose yourself. There’s no rush.”

Hearing the steward’s words, the young master’s lips curled into a faint smile. He collected himself, ready to pour out his grievances.

“I was merely walking down the street when I happened upon a beautiful maiden. Naturally, upon meeting such a beauty, I tried to exchange a few words. But no sooner had I opened my mouth than someone struck me.” His tone was flat, betraying no hint of his true feelings.

The steward blinked, quietly listening to the young master’s tale. He knew his master well; to call it ‘just a chat’ was being generous.

“Is that not infuriating? I bore no grudge against those passersby, yet they laid hands on me the moment we met—utterly outrageous!” The young master crossed his legs, a dry stalk of grass between his lips, muttering indistinctly.

“Then what does young master intend? Shall we go and reason with these people? At the very least, they owe you an explanation.” The steward adjusted his spectacles, suggesting this slowly.

“Bah! If those people were reasonable, would I be this angry? They ought to be damned! I went to demand an explanation, only to be driven out!” The young master pouted, his face full of disdain.

Perhaps it was his exceptional talent for embellishment, but at times like this, the young master’s storytelling skills shone brilliantly.

“I understand. I will see to it that you receive a proper explanation. By the way, is your wound serious?” The steward rose, asking lightly.

“Come see for yourself—the wound is already to the bone. Fortunately, the physician of our household treated me, or else I’d have collapsed long ago.” The young master spoke in a rapid torrent, his anger palpable.

His wound truly penetrated to the bone. After the strain of the journey, there was risk of infection too. Though the physician had treated him, great care was still needed. The scars were frightening to behold—marks that bit deep into the marrow, the blood mostly cleaned but traces still staining the fabric.

“Who would dare such insolence, to harm our young master for no reason?” The steward was furious, veins bulging at his temples.

“Who else but those of Ye Mansion, especially that pair of Zhao siblings? Not only are they ill-mannered—brutes, the both of them—they even threatened to come here and torment me…”

Unable to bear it any longer, the steward decided to bring a few men to seek out some violent specialists near Bin City. A household as wealthy and influential as theirs naturally had connections with such infamous organizations.

Officially known as ‘violent specialists,’ they were more accurately professional killers—willing to do anything to eliminate a target, leaving no trace, so long as the price and reward were right.

Such groups were strictly forbidden, yet there would always be those willing to break the law for power and profit. Though styled as an alliance, their members were scattered, ensuring both the group’s safety and the ease of assassinations across different regions, preventing any leaks from too large a gathering.

The steward was now seeking contact with the infamous Mad Dragon Gang of Bin City. No one had ever seen the gang leader’s true face, though many despised these criminals enough to organize hunts for their members.

The Mad Dragon Gang was not secretive in its operations—on the contrary, their brazen style made the world take notice, showcasing their might to all. This recklessness led to high mortality among their ranks, but they remained arrogant and overbearing: strong in body, but lacking in cunning.

The steward, with two or three attendants, dressed in ordinary clothes, entered a deserted alleyway. Most believed it abandoned, not knowing that behind a pile of discarded cardboard boxes lay another world.

Beyond the cluttered stacks of old boxes stood a small house, home to three of the Mad Dragon Gang’s most formidable members. The steward ordered his attendants to wait outside and entered alone. Once inside, he muttered a few code words, then, dispensing with all formalities, got straight to the point.

“Who are you?”

“A man from Ye Mansion.”

“Payment?”

“Fifty per person.”

At his words, the steward drew from his sleeve a heavy bag of silver, loosened the cord, and tossed it forcefully into the shadowy room before turning to leave.

From inside, laughter rang out—hearty and wild. “Ha ha ha! Brothers, tonight we’ve got ourselves a big job!”

One man, with a deep scar across his forehead and a figure as imposing as a mountain, exuded menace. Another, with shifty eyes and a sly demeanor, was smaller in build but plainly a glib-tongued rogue.

The steward muttered with disdain, “Heh, old friends of Ye Mansion. This time, you’ll get what you deserve.”

As for the young master, he was finally satisfied, hiding in a dark corner with a secret smirk. When the steward returned, he put on a pitiful face, though in truth he was already relishing the coming spectacle.