Chapter 45: Less Than a Minute

Zhou Hu’s heart skipped a beat in fright. He quickly said, “Uncle Qin, I really can’t accept this. I don’t have the ability to lead your son in work…”

Qin Feiyang was even more bewildered. “Dad, aren’t you—”

“Shut up!”

Qin Yongfeng’s face darkened, his presence suddenly imposing.

“If I don’t take you in hand now, you’ll stay mired in the mud of a pampered wastrel for your whole life!”

“You’re always causing trouble here and stirring things up there, but the moment you’re asked to do something real, you shrink away?”

“Remember this well—my son, Qin Yongfeng’s son, will either be a dragon or a tiger, but never a lazy donkey who only eats and loafs!”

“If you never amount to anything in your life, don’t even think about inheriting the Qin family’s estate from me!”

“Get out and reflect on yourself!”

Qin Feiyang’s face flushed with alternating shades of red and white. This was the first time his father had blown up at him in front of an outsider. He didn’t dare utter a word in protest and could only grit his teeth and walk out of the villa.

Seeing this, Zhou Hu realized that Qin Yongfeng wasn’t joking. He bowed deeply, then hurried after Qin Feiyang.

The two had barely left when another guest arrived at the Qin family villa.

It was none other than Zhang Tianfeng, who had been publicly humiliated by Ye Fei at the Royal KTV bar not long ago.

“Uncle Qin, it’s been a while!”

“Tianfeng, what brings you here?” Qin Yongfeng was visibly surprised to see him.

“Forgive me for dropping by unannounced,” Zhang Tianfeng said respectfully, bowing slightly. “I’d planned to visit you earlier, but you probably heard about the incident a few days ago.”

“Yes, I heard,” Qin Yongfeng replied with narrowed eyes and a smile. “How’s your grandfather these days?”

“He’s well, very well,” Zhang Tianfeng replied. “The old man keeps saying he wants to play chess with you whenever you’re free. This time, I came to Hangzhou to bring his regards and inquire after your health.”

“You’re too polite.” Qin Yongfeng laughed heartily. “If I’m not mistaken, nephew, you’re here about your father’s birthday in half a month?”

“Uncle Qin, you’re truly perceptive.” Zhang Tianfeng grinned. “I’ve long heard that you love antiques and know quite a bit about feng shui. Coincidentally, there’s a private antique appraisal event in Hangzhou in two days. You know my eye isn’t keen—if you’re free, could you accompany me and help me pick out some suitable antiques for my father?”

“When I present them to him, I’ll be sure to sing your praises in front of the other uncles.”

“Excellent.”

Qin Yongfeng agreed without a second thought.

Though the Qin family was at its zenith in Hangzhou and commanded unquestioned authority, compared to the Zhang family of Beijing behind Zhang Tianfeng, they were little more than small fry.

Qin Yongfeng’s current standing was inseparable from his ties to the Zhang family. To exaggerate a little, the Qin family was practically a subordinate propped up by the Zhangs to establish their footing in Hangzhou.

Now that Zhang Tianfeng had come in person to ask for help, even if Qin Yongfeng was reluctant, he had no choice but to put aside his pride and oblige him.

“Thank you, Uncle Qin.” Zhang Tianfeng nodded in satisfaction, then took out a valuable painting and handed it to Qin Yongfeng, smiling. “I didn’t come empty-handed. This painting, which I bought overseas for about thirty million, is my gift to you.”

“Oh?” Qin Yongfeng examined the painting and couldn’t help but exclaim, “An old work by Master Qi! Excellent, excellent! You’ve been most thoughtful, nephew!”

“As long as you like it, Uncle Qin,” Zhang Tianfeng said with a squinting smile. “There’s one more thing I hope you can help me with.”

“Oh? Go ahead.”

“It’s like this…” Zhang Tianfeng’s face darkened as he recounted what had happened at the bar.

“Oh? That fellow is such a fighter? He took down all of Baldie’s men?” Qin Yongfeng was slightly surprised but quickly waved it off. “Don’t worry, nephew. With the Qin family’s status in Hangzhou, this is just a minor matter. Tell me, how do you want me to handle it?”

“Uncle Qin, you know how the Zhang family does things.” Zhang Tianfeng’s eyes glinted with a sinister smile. “If I want something, I must get it—no matter what it takes. Anyone who stands in my way ends up dead.”

“And not just dead—a miserable death!”

Qin Yongfeng chuckled at this, turning his face to the side. “A’Gui, did you hear what Young Master Zhang said? You spent years abroad—this is the first job I’m giving you since your return. However you do it, do it cleanly. If Young Master Zhang is even slightly dissatisfied, you needn’t bother keeping your life.”

“Yes,” A’Gui replied, expressionless.

Just as he was about to leave, Zhang Tianfeng stopped him and handed over a photo. “Wait, this is the guy. Take it so you don’t make a mistake—I don’t want unnecessary trouble.”

No sooner had A’Gui taken the photo than his face changed drastically, cold sweat beading on his forehead.

“What is it? You know him?”

Both Zhang Tianfeng and Qin Yongfeng paused in surprise.

A’Gui spoke in a low, hoarse voice, “It’s him… He crippled my hand!”

“What!?” Zhang Tianfeng’s face went black.

Qin Yongfeng frowned. “This guy must have quite the background. A’Gui, tell me honestly—how long did it take him to cripple your hand?”

“One minute.”

“Less, actually.”

Recalling that night, A’Gui’s whole body tensed.

The atmosphere was silent for two seconds.

Clearly, both men found it hard to believe.

“Uncle Qin, you have to take care of this for me.” Zhang Tianfeng’s face was grim, his eyes full of hatred. “If that guy isn’t killed, I won’t sleep easy!”

“No matter.” Qin Yongfeng narrowed his eyes, speaking coolly. “If he’s such a good fighter, then let’s change our approach.”

“Change our approach?” Zhang Tianfeng didn’t quite understand.

“No matter how strong someone is—” Qin Yongfeng’s lips curled into a sinister smile, “—everyone has a weakness.”

“You mean…”

A glimmer of madness and desire flickered in Zhang Tianfeng’s eyes.

…

Hangzhou, outskirts.

Tulip Orphanage.

Ye Fei and Zhou Danzhuang arrived at the orphanage entrance by taxi, only to find the place cordoned off by construction crews. The roar of bulldozers could be heard nearby, and on the wall by the gate, the word “Demolish” had been painted in large, bold strokes.