Chapter 8: Taking the Initiative

At the same time, Wu Bei also looked up at the girl. Their eyes met briefly, and in that fleeting moment, a familiar feeling surged through Wu Bei’s heart. He was certain he had seen her somewhere before!

They locked gazes for a few seconds. The girl gave a gentle nod, then turned and walked out, followed closely by several men in suits.

“Miss Nianxia, Miss Nianxia, please listen to my explanation...” Luo Xue chased after her, spitting out words in frustration.

“You little bastard! How dare you ruin our plans? Just wait and see!” Wei glared fiercely at Wu Bei before darting out of the cafeteria after them.

Wu Bei paid no mind to the threat. After signaling Wang Shun, he slipped out through the back entrance.

On the way back, Wang Shun drove with a worried expression while Wu Bei stared thoughtfully out the window. Earlier, he had deliberately let Luo Xue take a nasty fall. With her petty and vindictive nature, she would undoubtedly retaliate. He wasn’t afraid for himself but feared the old man would suffer because of it.

Over the past year, the elder had almost completely shut himself away. Even when he smiled, it was all an act. Wu Bei was genuinely afraid the old man might collapse under the strain if Luo Xue caused any more trouble.

No, he had to find a way to keep Luo Xue quiet for a few days.

“Screech!”

Suddenly, Wang Shun pulled the car over, snapping Wu Bei out of his reverie. Wu Bei looked up, puzzled.

Wang Shun cleared his throat awkwardly, his face full of hesitation.

Wu Bei smiled and urged, “Shun, just say it straight.”

Wang Shun’s face flushed a deep purple, like a pig’s liver. After stammering for a while, he finally blurted out, “Maybe you should change jobs.”

Wu Bei was stunned.

Lowering his voice, Wang Shun said, “That Han Wei is a total lunatic. You embarrassed him so badly today, he’s definitely going to make trouble for you. Plus, Aosnow Group is a major client of our vegetable shop. The boss can’t afford to offend them.”

Though Wang Shun didn’t finish, the meaning was clear.

Wu Bei rubbed his jaw, hesitating to reply immediately.

Fearing Wu Bei wouldn’t believe him, Wang Shun sighed and added, “When I first started, I worked under Liu Ge. One day, he accidentally scratched Han Wei’s car door while delivering vegetables. On the way home, he was beaten up by eight or nine thugs and ended up in the hospital.”

Wu Bei nodded blankly.

Wang Shun handed him a cigarette and said, “Before the manager finds out, settle the bill and leave quietly. You’re not officially an employee, so they won’t be able to trace you. It’s safer that way.”

Wu Bei tucked the cigarette behind his ear, pondered for a moment, then asked, “Do you know what Han Wei’s role is at Aosnow Group?”

Wang Shun squinted and shook his head. “I think he’s Luo Xue’s bodyguard, but I’m not sure.”

Suddenly, Wu Bei clutched his lower abdomen, grimacing in pain. “I’ve got a stomachache. Don’t wait for me—just go ahead.”

Before Wang Shun could ask more, Wu Bei quickly jumped out of the car, waving goodbye.

After running about ten meters and seeing Wang Shun still hadn’t started the car, Wu Bei sighed deeply.

Though they had only known each other a few hours, Wu Bei saw that Wang Shun was kind-hearted—a decent man weighed down by life’s burdens but respectful of it nonetheless. This busy world was made up of many such people.

More than ten minutes later, Wu Bei returned to the Aosnow Group. Standing under the shade of a tree at the entrance, he stared unblinkingly at the exit of the underground parking lot.

This time, he refused to be passive or suffer losses. He wouldn’t let his father endure even the slightest humiliation. He planned to strike first, starting with that sycophant named Han Wei.

Elsewhere, the ward where Wu Shihao was hospitalized was bustling with activity. Six or seven men in their fifties or older gathered, chatting and laughing.

If Wu Bei had been there, he would have recognized them all as his father’s long-time friends. Several had even cursed at him bitterly over borrowed money. Yet why had these old men suddenly reconciled with Wu Shihao?

...

As noon approached, one private car after another left the parking lot.

Finally, a sleek black Mercedes-Benz business car slowly pulled out. Two security guards at the gate immediately straightened and saluted.

Glancing at the license plate, a cruel smile curved Wu Bei’s lips. He crushed his cigarette underfoot, then casually hailed a nearby taxi...