Volume One, Chapter 92: Falling Cherry Blossoms

"Your sister's safety has never been negotiable," Jiang Chen said offhandedly, his words igniting a fire in Gao Shang, who had resigned himself to a quiet life.

Gao Shang shouted, "Alright, I'll go with you."

Jiang Chen returned to the house, and Gao Han dutifully went inside to prepare lunch. Jiang Chen had his own motives; he'd come at this hour for the express purpose of enjoying a midday meal.

"Brother Jiang, I don't know what you plan to do. The strength of these families is extraordinary, and if we confront them head-on, our chances aren't great," Gao Shang admitted truthfully. After all, their family had once claimed the title of top underground power, but even so, they'd been toppled. That alone spoke to the terrifying strength of the three rival families.

Jiang Chen replied nonchalantly, "It doesn't matter. I prefer direct confrontation. Whenever I meet someone tough, I enjoy seeing who's tougher."

Gao Shang drew a sharp breath. He understood just how deep the waters ran, and he'd seen Jiang Chen's sports car outside. Clearly, this was not someone wanting for money, yet he couldn't fathom his motives.

"Actually, tonight we could take a look. If possible, we strike first at one of them," Gao Shang analyzed.

Jiang Chen was unconcerned by such calculations; his strength was unrivaled in Qingcheng, and he saw no reason to avoid the strongest opponent. He needed time to consolidate, not time to conquer—his path lay elsewhere.

"Let's go for the strongest. The Black Widow, is it? I want to see what she's really like," Jiang Chen declared.

Gao Shang, seeing Jiang Chen's confidence, could only acquiesce.

Soon, Gao Han finished preparing the meal. After the three had eaten, Jiang Chen handed his car keys to Gao Han.

"Sister, in a bit, take the car over to Ning Group. The CEO will understand when he sees it."

Gao Han nodded, still a little confused.

Jiang Chen snapped his fingers, and another car emerged from the corner.

"Let's go. Time to meet this Black Widow," Jiang Chen said, motioning Gao Shang to the vehicle.

Gao Han watched them depart.

In the car, Jiang Chen asked curiously, "You're the only son in your family, right?"

Gao Shang replied, "That's right. I'm the eldest legitimate son."

Jiang Chen nodded. "Good. But why did you choose to step up this time? Besides your sister, I suspect there are other reasons."

With Gao Han absent, their conversation grew candid—things unsaid before her could now be spoken freely.

Gao Shang nodded, "You're right. I just can't accept it. That's all."

Jiang Chen understood this sentiment; many sons longed to prove themselves to their fathers. Although the family's downfall hadn't happened on Gao Shang's watch, his desire to revive their fortunes was perfectly natural.

"Discontent, eh? Ha! I like ambitious men. Those without ambition are useless to me," Jiang Chen said, slamming the accelerator and sending the sports car hurtling forward.

...

"Forget the Moon Tower bar for now—leave it aside. And Spring Return KTV, keep running it as before," Luo Ying commanded, clad in a black leather outfit that accentuated every curve.

"Alright, Sister Luo, I'll handle it now." The man took the documents and left.

Luo Ying stared at the hourglass and murmured, "In two years, I should be able to consolidate all the underground powers."

Under her direction, Qingcheng's underground scene was ripe for consolidation, though she was still biding her time. At the current pace, next year would see her move.

Bang—

Clatter—

Suddenly, the sounds of smashing and chaos erupted from the floor below, as if the place were under attack.

"Luo Ying! Get out here! Don't think hiding inside makes you safe. If you dare covet my turf, I'll make sure you regret it." A coarse voice echoed from downstairs.

Luo Ying hurried down; the building was on high alert, and weapons had appeared in many hands.

"Blindman, what are you doing? Is this a place for your nonsense?" Luo Ying said angrily.

"What am I doing? Simple. Give me back every KTV and bar you took from me. If you do that, maybe I'll let you off. Otherwise, today will be your last," Blindman growled, wielding a machete, his one good eye glaring fiercely.

Luo Ying replied coldly, "Impossible. Are you trying to break the rules? I've always merged properties according to the regulations. If you forcefully violate the rules, are you planning to overturn everything?"

Rivalry was expected, but violating the major rules was forbidden. If word of a major incident reached the higher-ups, the whole underground network would collapse.

"Don't give me that nonsense. My brothers—hundreds of them—can't feed themselves. Do you think I care about your rules? I just want money," Blindman stepped forward.

He had prepared for this confrontation, but hadn't expected Blindman to barge in so brazenly, ready to fight to the death.

Luo Ying scoffed at such behavior, but if she didn't resolve it, her business would suffer.

With a cold expression, Luo Ying asked, "So this is your demand?"

Blindman sneered, "Is it so little? Can you afford it? If not, I don’t mind slaughtering this place right now."

Blindman was absolutely confident he could wipe the place clean without anyone knowing. He’d already arranged for anyone who might interfere to be delayed. This was a rare opportunity; if negotiations failed, he'd resort to extreme measures.

Luo Ying's assistant whispered that a number of thugs outside were restless, poised to act if anything happened.

Luo Ying faced the threat to her hard-earned domain. If she gave it all back under pressure, what of the sacrifices her people had made? What of their resources?

"Well, what a lively scene—both bosses here. Saves me the trouble of looking for you," said a young man standing in the distance. He looked barely in his teens, but his mature air was impossible to hide.