Chapter Twenty-Eight: Deliberate Provocation

Master Yuan was momentarily stunned upon seeing these people, unsure of what to do; his face turned pale, and even his lips had taken on a purplish hue. He simply couldn’t believe that these people were from the Ye family, and at that moment, he was at a loss for words.

Just then, Wild Dragon and his group arrived. Witnessing the scene, Wild Dragon’s lips curled into a faint, inscrutable smile, his gaze full of intrigue as he pointed at Yuan and asked, “What are you sneaking around here for? What exactly are you doing?” Wild Dragon’s tone was light, curious, and somewhat amused.

Yuan froze at Wild Dragon’s question, unsure how to answer. After a brief hesitation, he forced a smile—one that was hard to read—pretending to be calm as he replied, “Wasn’t someone coming soon? I’m just tidying up a bit.” He tried to soften his tightly knit brow, his eyes smiling as he looked at Wild Dragon.

Wild Dragon frowned slightly at his words, then glanced at the people behind him. The two men kept their expressions cold and impassive as they addressed Yuan, showing no courtesy. “I warn you, don’t try to play any tricks here. We’ve noticed all your little details. If you want to keep your life, you’d better start talking,” one of them said angrily.

At this point, Zhao Yuan was in a complete mess. He could hardly believe he’d encountered these three. His mind was already in turmoil, yet he kept his composure. He knew that if he tried to confront them now, he would be at a disadvantage. Smiling, he said, “It’s nothing, really, just as I’ve said. Gentlemen, please don’t read too much into it.” Zhao Yuan bowed his head with a smile.

Wild Dragon frowned at his words, but then his face broke into a happy smile, giving Zhao Yuan a meaningful look before preparing to turn and leave. Suddenly, something caught his attention, and he shifted his gaze back to Zhao Yuan.

Zhao Yuan was uncertain what Wild Dragon intended to do; his body trembled slightly, his face still bearing a smile, but he pretended nothing had happened, continuing with his own business.

He wandered about the entrance, seemingly searching for something. Wild Dragon’s mind was busy with other calculations, thinking there was nothing amiss, wondering what to do next. But seeing Wild Dragon ready to leave, the two men followed suit, preparing to depart as well.

Seeing this, Zhao Yuan couldn’t help but sigh. At this critical moment, Wild Dragon suddenly remembered something very important: if he left empty-handed, it would be a blow to his dignity. He decided to linger, circling around Yuan for a while. Approaching Yuan, he grinned and said, “I just want to ask, where has Zhao Yuan gone in all this? Shouldn’t he come out and clarify things?” Wild Dragon spoke with displeasure.

Zhao Yuan had thought Wild Dragon would let things go, but to his surprise, Wild Dragon brought the matter up again. After a pause, Zhao Yuan smiled and said, “Honestly, I don’t know the origins of all this. Asking me won’t do any good.” Yuan chuckled as he looked at Wild Dragon and his group.

Wild Dragon considered this and found the answer reasonable, then frowned. But from Zhao Yuan’s person, he noticed something crucial—a mark unique to Zhao Yuan. He couldn’t help but ask, “Why do you have Zhao Yuan’s exclusive mark on you?” Wild Dragon enunciated each word.

Zhao Yuan glanced at his own hand, stunned that despite all his efforts to conceal the mark, today it was discovered by Wild Dragon and his companions. He smiled and hid the mark, saying, “It’s just an ordinary thing, nothing special.”

Though Zhao Yuan spoke casually, Wild Dragon and his men were no fools; they saw at once that Yuan was indeed Zhao Yuan in disguise. Wild Dragon dropped the pretense, strode forward in anger, and said, “So, this is who you are, Zhao Yuan. Why are you so cowardly?” Wild Dragon clenched his fist as he approached, his expression suggesting he intended to teach Zhao Yuan a lesson.

Faced with this, Zhao Yuan was at a loss. He’d been plotting his next move, but now, with everything exposed, he hadn’t expected to be discovered so quickly. Wild Dragon laughed and said, “You really are something. Don’t you know I’m good friends with Man and the others? What benefit could this possibly bring you?” Wild Dragon asked, bewildered.

At this critical moment, Yuan stepped forward, seeing the loud quarrel among them, feeling embarrassed. He bent over, lowered his head, and said, “This matter concerns me. Please, calm yourselves. Don’t shout.” Yuan scratched his head, his manner apologetic.

Seeing this, Wild Dragon was even more uncertain what to do, turning his gaze to Zhao Yuan. Zhao Yuan, however, smiled at Wild Dragon, his lips curling into a mysterious smile. “What is it you want to do?” he asked, his tone full of hidden meaning.

Wild Dragon was completely infuriated by the situation, unsure what he was even doing anymore, his gaze oscillating between Zhao Yuan and Yuan. “What exactly are you two playing at?” Wild Dragon asked, unable to contain his anger.

Yuan exchanged a knowing glance with Zhao Yuan, prepared to explain, but Zhao Yuan stopped him.

At this pivotal moment, Wild Dragon realized he’d been played. Furious, he shouted to the two men behind him, “I calculated everything, but never expected to be outsmarted today. Brothers, get him!” Wild Dragon said angrily.

The two men, upon hearing Wild Dragon’s command, quickly stepped forward and pinned Zhao Yuan down. Zhao Yuan offered no resistance, but Yuan was at a loss and began shouting loudly. Zhao Yuan frowned at his behavior, while Wild Dragon laughed out loud at the scene.