Chapter 8: The Legend of Ba Ye

  "No wonder, no wonder!" Wu Qingyuan grabbed the wine cup on the table and drank the remaining half cup of white wine in one gulp. He slammed the empty cup on the table with a "bang" and exclaimed excitedly, "Younger brother, you're investigating your parents' cause of death, aren't you?"

  Chu Nan became somewhat agitated upon hearing Wu Qingyuan's words: "Big Brother Wu, you know that there are suspicions surrounding my father's death?"

  Wu Qingyuan sneered a few times and said, "I'm not clear about the cause of your father's death, but as for your mother's death, it must be suspicious."

  With a snap, Chu Nan's chopsticks broke into two pieces. Wu Qingyuan slightly furrowed his brow and said, "Younger brother, don't get angry for now, after all, there is no evidence at present."

  Chu Nan hummed in agreement, his face darkening as he said, "Older brother, if you know anything, just tell me everything. I can handle it."

  "Alright then." Wu Qingyuan sighed and said, "At that time, your father was almost the most powerful person in Jiangwan City, with the Tianyun Group under his control being extremely prosperous. Even Forbes made an exception to include your father's name on their list of famous people, and within ten years, your father would definitely enter the top ten of the Forbes list. In Jiangwan City, there was only one person whose reputation could be compared to your father's, and that was Fang Baye, the emperor of Jiangwan City's underworld!"

  "Your father is the leader of the White Way, and Eighth Master is the leader of the Black Way. Eighth Master once wanted to extend his hand into the business world, but the relationships between the Zheng family, Wu family, and your family are not ordinary. This force cannot be shaken at all. So, the conflict between your father and Eighth Master is also very deep. These were all things I investigated after the incident at your house."

  Chu Nan frowned and said: "Your meaning is that it was the one called Eighth Master who did it, not Zheng Guangran?"

  "I don't dare to be certain." Wu Qingyuan said, "I only know that at the time your mother was on her way home by car, a truck suddenly rushed past quickly on the side of the road, and that's what happened. But when the police came later to catch the owner of the vehicle, the person was already gone. At that time, I had mobilized all the forces in Jiangwan City, but still couldn't find the owner of the vehicle. In the whole of Jiangwan City, there are only a few people who have such means, so it's definitely not an accident!"

  "After that, I noticed that Zheng Guangran tried to take over the Tianyun Group immediately after your father's death, but failed due to the appearance of the Wu family. The Tianyun Group was eventually fragmented, and some of its resources were taken away by the Wu family. At the time, I even suspected that Wu Changqing had set a trap, until later when I found out that Zheng Guangran had contact with Eighth Master, and then I shifted my suspicion to Zheng Guangran."

  Chu Nan said coldly: "Eighth Master wants to expand his power towards the White Way, so my father became a thorn in the flesh, and then colluded with Zheng Guangran!"

  Wu Qingyuan sighed and said, "I also thought so, but after all, the matter has passed for too long, it has become a headless case, and in the end, it can only be dealt with as an ordinary traffic accident."

  Chu Nan's eyes were icy cold as he asked, "What is this Eighth Master's background? How does he compare to Hua Linglong?"

  "Do you still know Huā Línglóng? Well, this is not surprising, Huā Línglóng is now almost unknown in Jiangwan City. Wu Qīngyuán thought for a moment and said, "Huā Línglóng is a new person who has just risen to power in the underground world, and at the beginning of her rise, she eliminated two small gangs that did not submit to her, with extremely ruthless means. The entire Jiangwan City underground world almost everyone heard her name and was terrified, while Bāyé (Eight Master) has rarely appeared in public for nearly two years, as if his fame had been stolen by Huā Línglóng, and his position is slowly being replaced by Huā Línglóng. However, who knows that Bāyé is actually the most terrifying one."

  "What did you mean by that?"

  Wu Qingyuan sneered, "Fifteen years ago, a Knife Brother appeared in Jiangwan City. It's said that his two hands could tear people in half, with boundless strength, and he was also very chivalrous, having a group of loyal subordinates. His prestige was unmatched for a time, even surpassing today's Hua Linglong. At the time, he provoked Eighth Master several times, but Eighth Master didn't respond at all, as if he had become a turtle hiding in his shell. Just when everyone thought Jiangwan City was going to change hands, Knife Brother was betrayed by his woman and his important brothers were all killed overnight. This force rose quickly, but fell even faster."

  "Eight years ago, a black dog emerged in Jiangwan City. This person was not as good at solo battles as Knife Brother back in the day, but he was ruthless and cruel, causing the entire underground forces of Jiangwan City to be on edge. This time, Eighth Master endured even more thoroughly, staying hidden for half a year without making a move, only to secretly instigate two factions to join hands and wipe out the black dog faction. Meanwhile, Eighth Master took advantage of the situation and absorbed both factions. The sky of Jiangwan City's underground forces still belongs to Eighth Master!"

  "Now a flower Linglong, a female hero, has emerged. However, Eighth Master is an old fox who won't make a move until he's sure of the timing. Once he's sure of the timing, Flower Linglong won't be his match!"

  Chu Nan's eyes were serious as he said, "This Eighth Young Master indeed doesn't seem ordinary!"

  Wu Qingyuan nodded and said: "So, if your parents' affairs back then were really related to Eighth Master, this vendetta won't be easy to settle."

  "A father's and mother's grudge must be avenged!"

  "Ah, I expected you'd say that, just like your father back then. But neither the Zheng family nor the Eighth Master are people to be trifled with. In fact, I'd advise you that it's better to offend ten Zheng families than to offend one Eighth Master. If you encounter any difficulties in the future, don't hesitate to come find me, and I'll do my best to help."

  "Brother, I've taken note of your promise. No matter if I'll be looking for your help in the future or not, I'd like to thank you first today."

  "Haha, you little stinker! What's with the thanks? Come on, let's have a drink!"

  The two people clinked their cups together again, and Chu Nan's heart grew even heavier. The Zheng family's influence in Jiangwan City was already considerable, not to mention the addition of the mysterious and powerful Eighth Master. If it were just himself, he could have simply killed everyone and run away, but now he had Xiao Ling'er to consider as well.

  Chu Nan silently drank a cup of wine. After dinner, Chu Nan noticed that Wu Qingyuan was also somewhat tired, so he pulled Zero Luo Xi to bid farewell to the Wu family's large courtyard. As soon as they walked out of the Wu family's large courtyard, Zero Luo Xi said beside him: "Brother Chu, I think you're in a bad mood."

  Chu Nan burst out laughing and said, "Who said that?"

  "I'm telling you." Ling Luo Creek said with a serious face, "Brother Chu, someone like Eighth Master who can stand firm in Jiangwan City for decades is not someone you can handle alone. He must have many clever strategists and ruthless experts by his side. You absolutely cannot act impulsively."

  "Don't worry." Chu Nan patted Zero Luo Xi's head, smiling and saying, "I won't be impulsive. My father was able to become the leader of Jiangwan City's White Way back then, and it wasn't achieved through impulsiveness either. A person needs not only courage but also strategy."

  Zero let out a sigh of relief and smiled with his head tilted: "Big bad egg, I feel like tomorrow I won't be suitable to go out with you."

  "Why?"

  Ling Xi smiled slyly like a little fox: "I'll follow you, won't it be awkward when you meet Hua Linglong?"

  Chu Nan was taken aback, and sighed with a bitter smile: "You're really a clever little girl, nothing can be hidden from you. Since this Hua Linglong is the archenemy of Eighth Master, I must see him."

  "Be careful not to be charmed by her, or your soul will be hooked away."

  "Don't worry... that little demon can't take my soul away. Who doesn't know I like little loli, especially one like you? Loli, the weirdo is coming to catch you!"

  "Hehe... You're annoying, you chase me, chase me, can't catch up with me."

  "If you have what it takes, don't run away!"

  Ling Luo and Chu Nan had just returned home, Wu Pei who was sitting in the living room watching TV said: "Brother Chu, you're back? Oh, this skirt on Luo is really beautiful."

  Wu Bei saw the skirt on Ling Luo Xi's body and forced a smile: "Chu big brother, did you buy it?"

  "Whatever, just pick one."

  "It really looks good, especially on Luo Xi. By the way, Brother Chu, let's talk about something serious. The Zheng family has invited you to go over tomorrow night, are you going or not?"

  Chu Nan raised an eyebrow: "The Zheng family invited me? What did they invite me to do?"

  "This... isn't very clear, but it seems they didn't just invite you, almost all of Jiangwan City's socialites were invited, saying it was an ordinary dinner party."

  Chu Nan sneered and said: "I don't seem to be within the social elite's scope."

  "So I also feel strange." Wu Pei said with some worry, "Otherwise, let's not go, tomorrow night I have an important contract to sign, can't make it, you go alone, I'm worried."

  "Hey, how can you get a tiger without entering its lair?" Chu Nan sneered, "Moreover, I really want to know what tricks they have up their sleeves, so just agree on my behalf. I'll attend the banquet in style tomorrow night..."

  "Alright then, otherwise I'll push away the contract and accompany you..."

  Chu Nan smiled and said: "Bei Bei, do you think I, a grown man, still need the protection of a woman?"

  Wu Pei let out a giggle and said: "Chu big brother, in terms of age, I think I'm still two or three years older than you..."

  "Hey... men don't distinguish between old and young, otherwise, how could you call me Chu Big Brother? How's Uncle Wu?"

  "Oh, right, my dad also said to come over tonight and have a chat with you. He says he has something to talk to you about. I was thinking if it's too late then forget it, but since you're not back too late either, just go ahead and have a chat with my dad."

  "That's good." Chu Nan looked at Ling Luo Xi and said, "Luo Xi, you go back to your room and rest well first, I'll go take a look at Uncle Wu."

  "Alright, I'll keep Beibei company and watch TV with her, you go ahead."

  "Alright." Chu Nan responded with a single word and headed upstairs.

  Ling Luo sat down beside Wu Pei and smiled: "Pei Jie, you also like watching idol dramas?"

  "It's okay." Wu Pei smiled, "Just killing time out of boredom."

  "Then you say... what is it like to like someone?" Zero Creek said in a low voice, "Baobao sister, do you know?"

  "Liking someone... might be like how you and Chu Da-ge are, right?" Wu Bei's eyelids fluttered, and she slightly lowered her head, with the image of Chu Nan gradually emerging in her mind. What does it feel like to like someone? As for me and Chu Nan now, is it just a little bit of fondness or have I already fallen for him?