Chapter 131: Revenge Does Not Wait Until Tomorrow

Tang Long found an excuse and hurried to the county seat of Taoyuan.

Although he hadn’t known Gou Yuniang for long, she could now be considered one of his own people. It wouldn’t be right not to come and see her at least once.

Moreover, regarding Gou Yuniang’s wish to take on an apprentice, Tang Long was not merely paying lip service; he was sincere. It was not good for her to always be alone. Ideally, having someone accompany her would be best.

If she took on a young apprentice, at least there would be someone to keep her company at night, sparing her the dull loneliness of solitary evenings.

For such a "successor" to take on an apprentice, it often meant having them by one’s side day and night, guiding and nurturing them. Even so, shaping a beautiful jade into a gem of worth required no less than ten years of painstaking effort.

“Learning” was a slow craft, with no shortcuts to mastery.

Parking the carriage outside the Bao Feng Carving Factory, Tang Long got down and walked inside. Several luxury cars were parked outside—he wasn’t sure if they were there to discuss business or for some other reason.

He had set out late and only arrived at the Bao Feng Carving Factory past ten in the morning, so it wasn’t early by any means.

In the factory’s reception room, Gou Yuniang sat silently, her gaze fixed on a middle-aged woman radiating an aura of wealth and power, who had not spoken a word.

The woman’s surname was Yao—Yao Jingtian—a daughter-in-law of the Niu family and the real force managing their business affairs.

The last time trouble had arisen, ensnaring Mr. Yang, the owner of Bao Feng Carving Factory, and causing him to lose a fortune, this woman was likely behind it all.

Seated beside her was a young man with a fair complexion—Yao Jingtian’s son, Niu Aoqin. The others present were either bodyguards or attendants; the entire room was filled with them, and the cars outside clearly belonged to them.

“Yuniang, within the country, those who dare to carve and wield the knife are few besides you. Everyone else, we simply don’t trust,” Yao Jingtian said helplessly.

Gou Yuniang shook her head. “Ms. Yao flatters me. Others dare not carve, and I do not dare either. This ‘Violet Orchid’ jade is priceless. If it were damaged in carving, even if I gave my life, I couldn’t compensate for it!”

“Hmph, of course you can’t afford that. My mother entrusted you with the carving because she respects you. Don’t refuse a gift only to be forced to accept punishment later. You’re ungrateful!” Niu Aoqin snorted dismissively.

Gou Yuniang glanced at him but remained silent. This was not the first time the Niu family had come to press her to resume carving the rare glass-like violet orchid jade in her possession. However, she did not want to expend her energy on it, nor did she believe she currently possessed the skill to carve it.

“Isn’t it just money? You name your price. As long as you’re willing, the Niu family will pay whatever it costs. That should be acceptable, right?” Niu Aoqin exchanged a look with his mother and continued.

“Whoa, who’s this, tossing money around like it grows on trees? Let me see—does your family own a bank or mine gold in Africa?” Tang Long responded as he walked in from outside, clicking his teeth with a faint ‘tsk’ at the crowded room.

Gou Yuniang’s face brightened with an unhidden delight when she saw Tang Long enter; she stood up from her chair.

Yao Jingtian and Niu Aoqin also turned their heads toward Tang Long. Niu Aoqin frowned and asked, “Who are you, kid?”

“Why didn’t you call me if there was something?” Tang Long reproached Gou Yuniang.

She smiled softly and whispered, “I was worried you were busy.”

“I’ll talk to you later!” Tang Long said, then turned to the seated pair. The woman was in her forties, plump and wealthy-looking, with creamy skin—an unmistakable embodiment of a wealthy matron. Her features were not unattractive; she possessed a certain fading, twilight beauty that comes with middle age.

The young man beside her had an oily complexion and unsettled eyes, clearly lacking steadfast resolve. His slightly prominent forehead suggested a fortunate birth—probably from a wealthy or official family. However, his nose hinted at a troubled fate ahead, unlikely to end well.

Of course, these were only first impressions based on physiognomy. It is said that the face reflects the heart, but whether one’s destiny can be changed often depends not on outward appearance, but on inner transformation.

“Who am I? You’ve come onto my turf. Surely you know your host?” Tang Long smiled and sat down in the chair that had been Gou Yuniang’s.

“Your turf?” Niu Aoqin was taken aback, and Yao Jingtian frowned.

Tang Long nodded calmly. “Yes, the Bao Feng Carving Factory has been bought by me. From now on, this is my domain. If you have any business, you can deal directly with me.”

“You bought the Bao Feng Carving Factory?” Niu Aoqin’s voice showed surprise. Then he frowned. “Even if you did, it’s none of your business. We’re here mainly to talk to Gou Yuniang!”

“No way!” Tang Long chuckled with a carefree shake of his head. “Gou Yuniang is now one of mine, so whatever you want from her, she needs my approval first. This means it concerns me!”

Gou Yuniang blushed but did not contradict him. It was enough that he acknowledged she was under his protection. After all, having a man on her side was preferable to her standing alone as a woman facing these matters.

“Kid, you’re sure you want to meddle? Think carefully, or you might find yourself dead before you know it!” Niu Aoqin warned coldly.

Tang Long tilted his head, smirking. “Oh? Threats? I’m in a good mood today, don’t want to stoop to your level. Back in the day, if you’d spoken like that, I would’ve knocked out a tooth for you!”

Before Niu Aoqin could reply, Tang Long continued, “All talk and no action is just posturing. The Niu family, huh? If you’re game, draw your line and let’s see. But I’m telling you now—if you want to play, fine. But if you don’t, I get to say so!”

Gou Yuniang tugged lightly at Tang Long’s back, worried that with so many from the Niu family present, a conflict might cause him to suffer for her sake.

“No problem!” Tang Long gave her a reassuring glance.

He ignored the young man with the oily complexion and instead looked at Yao Jingtian, having figured she was the real decision-maker since entering.

“Ma’am, what’s your name?” Tang Long asked.

His words nearly made Yao Jingtian choke with anger, unable to retort. After all, she was about the same age as his son; being called ‘ma’am’ by a brash young man like him was infuriating.

Yao Jingtian frowned. “I don’t care who you are or what relationship you have with Yuniang. We’re here to ask her to carve a piece of jade for us. Whatever it costs, we’ll pay. That’s not unreasonable, is it?”

“Not unreasonable,” Tang Long nodded with a smile. “We’ve made it clear: carving your piece is exhausting and difficult. It’s hard-earned money, and we’re not keen to make it. If you want it done, find someone more skilled. It’s simple. Don’t you understand?”

“You have money, that’s your business. We just don’t want to take this kind of hard-earned money. That’s not unreasonable, right?”

His smile faded, his tone calm and serious. “Also, don’t think you’re so great just because you have some money. Your wealth is yours; it has nothing to do with us. And from now on, don’t come to Taoyuan County again…”

He was about to continue when Gou Yuniang tugged at him from behind, and he stopped, turning in surprise to look at her, unsure of her meaning.

She whispered, “I can’t carve this piece now, but in three years, I should be able to.”

Tang Long paused, puzzled. Not now, but in three years?

Gou Yuniang explained softly, “In three years, my carving skills should have advanced.”

Her words were overheard by Yao Jingtian and Niu Aoqin.

Niu Aoqin frowned. “No, it must be carved now. Three years is too long. We can’t wait!”

Tang Long gave a sly smile. “Can’t wait? Then get lost! Who said we’d carve it for you? Get out, do you know what that means? If not, I can teach you!”

“You little brat, you’re asking for death! Get two men here and cripple this punk! I’ll take responsibility if anything happens!” Niu Aoqin’s face darkened as he ordered his men to act.

“Enough!” Yao Jingtian frowned and waved them off. They hadn’t come looking for trouble, and even if they wanted to harm this young man, they couldn’t do it with mother and son both present.

“Yuniang, are you sure you can carve this violet orchid jade in three years?” Yao Jingtian asked sternly.

Gou Yuniang nodded, about to reply, but Tang Long interrupted impatiently, “What’s wrong with you two? Can’t understand plain talk? Didn’t I say I don’t want to serve you? Whether now or in three years, take your stuff and get lost. Don’t ever come back to Bao Feng Carving Factory. You’re not welcome!”

“Kid, watch your tone!” Yao Jingtian snapped, anger flaring.

“Tone?” Tang Long replied nonchalantly, “Ma’am, why should I be polite to you? I’m not making money off you, right? Even if I were, I wouldn’t feel the need to be polite. So what?”

“...”

Gou Yuniang, standing behind Tang Long, nearly laughed. Her little man was so bold—truly fearless.

“Fine. I hope you’re as eager to keep your word as you are today,” Yao Jingtian said coldly, rising and heading for the door.

Niu Aoqin stood as well, pointing at Tang Long with a threat: “You little brat, just wait!”

“Sure!” Tang Long called after them.

After they left, he quickly rose from his chair, holding a small stone in his hand. With a flick, he shot it through the window—only Gou Yuniang saw the gesture.

Still planning to cause trouble for me? When has Tang Long ever let revenge wait overnight? Don’t wait for me to come after you later—I'll handle you now!

“Ouch!”

Niu Aoqin suddenly clutched his lower back and let out a sharp cry, startling Yao Jingtian.

She turned, frowning in surprise. “What’s wrong with you?”

He was pale, sweating. “I don’t know. Suddenly, my lower back twinged.”

A sudden back spasm? How embarrassing!

Yao Jingtian took a few steps, feeling uneasy herself. She turned back to Niu Aoqin, probing, “Are you okay?”

“Mom, I think half my body’s gone numb!” Niu Aoqin was sweating profusely, unsure if from panic or pain.

Yao Jingtian’s face changed. “What are you waiting for? Help the young master to the hospital!”

They hurried away.

Gou Yuniang blinked, curious. “What did you just do?”

Despite her age, Gou Yuniang’s heart remained that of a young woman experiencing the world for the first time.

Tang Long smirked. “He wanted to cripple me, but we can’t just wait around. Best to strike first and leave him crippled!”

His technique to block the pulse wasn’t a secret art—there were a few people in the country who knew it. The key was the strength he applied, known only to himself. To undo the pulse block, only Tang Long could do it. Of course, that depended on whether the Niu family could find out who had done this to their son.

Only the one who tied the knot can untie it.