Chapter 14: Begging the Ancestors for Salvation
Even though Qiao Ruyi didn’t say it outright, Zhou Bie could already guess most of what was going on with Uncle Ge’s family.
Xing Lin had gone out and hadn’t returned for most of the day.
Zhou Bie made a call to the stables, where Old Feng answered. After Zhou Bie hung up, his expression darkened.
Qiao Ruyi sat by the window, reading an ancient book about the history of Guyang City, occasionally sipping her coffee.
Compared to Zhou Bie’s anxious heart, she appeared relaxed and leisurely, contentedly enjoying her reading time. The yellow sandstorm outside formed her backdrop; she was like a glowing presence, naturally blending with the scenery.
Qiao Ruyi had changed back into the cheongsam she wore earlier.
Her previous work outfit had been torn at the waist during the fight, revealing a strip of smooth, pale skin with every movement, making her slender waist appear even more enchanting.
It was Xing Lin who reminded her, asking, “Miss Qiao, aren’t you going to change your clothes?”
Qiao Ruyi didn’t think much of Xing Lin’s kindness; sure enough, he added in a calm tone, “This bloodied look of yours would scare the little ones in my shop.”
The “little ones” referred to Zhou Bie.
Usually, Zhou Bie tolerated being called that, but hearing it in front of Qiao Ruyi made him flush with embarrassment. Besides, he had been through plenty and wasn’t afraid of blood.
Besides, he hadn’t seen any blood on Qiao Ruyi.
Once she appeared in her cheongsam again, she was utterly captivating, delicate and gentle like water. Anyone who hadn’t witnessed her ruthless side firsthand would never believe she could be so fierce.
She sat quietly reading but loved the shop’s pastries, carefully examining each one she held. The sparkle in her eyes revealed genuine appreciation.
Before leaving, Xing Lin told Zhou Bie that they had made plenty of pastries, so if Miss Qiao wanted any, he could bring them at any time.
When the pastries were nearly finished, Zhou Bie brought another small plate. Qiao Ruyi looked up from her book, noticing his troubled expression and asked curiously what was wrong.
Zhou Bie said, “Xing Lin went to the stables. Old Feng saw him training and selecting horses. Ruyi, be honest—does he intend to go into Guyang City?”
Only then did Qiao Ruyi understand why Xing Lin was raising horses, but even so, was a whole stable necessary just to enter Guyang City? Did he go there often?
She put down her pastry, brushed some crumbs from her pale fingers, and elegantly wiped them with a tissue. “Yes, he does.”
Zhou Bie’s heart sank completely.
“To look for Uncle Ge and them?”
Qiao Ruyi nodded.
Zhou Bie’s face darkened again and asked, “What about you?”
“I’m going in too.”
Zhou Bie cut straight to the point, “Because of what happened last night, Xing Lin can only bring you into Guyang City?”
Qiao Ruyi’s eyes curved slightly, charming and coy. “You’re wrong. Xing Lin and I are cooperating. He helps me find the murals, and I help him find Uncle Ge.”
—
Zhou Bie’s anger was directed at Shen Que.
Though it was their first meeting.
“Are you Xing Lin’s friend or enemy?” Zhou Bie ignored Shen Que’s injuries, grabbed him by the collar, and stared coldly. “If you hadn’t meddled, he wouldn’t be trapped! Can you even get into Guyang City at this hour? Bringing a woman along—if anything happens inside, that’s two lives lost.”
Shen Que was occupying Zhou Bie’s room.
The secondary bedroom upstairs.
Since Zhou Bie was taken in by Xing Lin, he had been sleeping in the secondary bedroom.
The study was where Qiao Ruyi was staying now. Even if Xing Lin wasn’t there, no one dared bring Shen Que into his room, so Zhou Bie made the sacrifice.
A large bed, and he had spent the night fending off Shen Que.
Shen Que was injured, so Zhou Bie considered himself a good Samaritan. But he just couldn’t stand Shen Que from the first moment.
Such a tall man, accompanied by seven bodyguards, yet beaten like a dog by Qiao Ruyi. If it weren’t for Xing Lin’s involvement, Zhou Bie wouldn’t care who beat him—just a bit of entertainment. But the problem was that Shen Que was a troublemaker, inviting conflict with his own cleverness, which infuriated Zhou Bie.
After a night, Shen Que’s face was even more swollen, bruises visible everywhere. Already weak, Zhou Bie’s sudden harsh grip nearly choked him out.
Yet Shen Que clearly heard Zhou Bie’s rebuke despite the pain and was stunned. “What? He’s taking Qiao Ruyi into Guyang City? He’s crazy!”
“You’re blaming others now?” Zhou Bie tightened his grip, eyes cold as winter frost, exuding an unnatural chill for his age. “I warn you, if anything happens to Xing Lin, I won’t let you off.”
—
Xing Lin still hadn’t returned, but others arrived at the café.
The Fishman You, who had narrowly escaped Qiao Ruyi’s grasp last night, came in with A Long and A Hu. Their demeanor was fierce, vastly different from the pleading posture they had last night.
Zhou Bie sized them up as no good, stepping forward to block Fishman You. “What do you want?”
Fishman You raised his head arrogantly. “Looking for her. Kid, step aside if you know what’s good for you.”
Zhou Bie smiled mockingly. “What if I don’t?”
Fishman You paused, then suddenly shouted at Qiao Ruyi’s back, “You little girl! Come out here!”
Zhou Bie frowned, about to warn them when Qiao Ruyi stood and walked over. “What’s this? Someone to back you up?”
Her voice was calm but carried a faint hint of amused disdain. Fishman You had come boldly, confident in himself, but at the sight of Qiao Ruyi, his barely gathered courage began to falter.
He cleared his throat, took a deep breath, and shouted loudly again, “Yes! Today you’ll see! My ancestor’s people are waiting outside. You think you’re tough? Dare to face me?”
Qiao Ruyi smiled. “Ancestor’s people? How exactly did they describe me?”
Fishman You looked wild. “She just wants to see who dares threaten me! Little girl, I’m one of the ancestor’s people. If you mess with me, you’re messing with the ancestor. Be smart, apologize to me, and I might speak a good word for you.”
Zhou Bie stood beside Qiao Ruyi, utterly confused. “Ancestor? Even a god of the year?”
“You’re out of line!” Fishman You pointed at Zhou Bie. “Young man, think before you speak, or you won’t even know how you died!”
Zhou Bie smirked and muttered a curse under his breath.
Qiao Ruyi glanced sideways and gently scolded, “How can you swear like that?”
Zhou Bie was about to say it was the other guy’s fault when Qiao Ruyi added lightly, “Too politely, though.”
Zhou Bie was momentarily surprised, then laughed.
Fishman You wasn’t annoyed, but sneered coldly. “Arrogant! Let’s see how long you can keep this up! A Long—”
“Let’s go,” Qiao Ruyi said calmly, turning to leave.
Fishman You was stunned and let out a sound.
Qiao Ruyi stopped and looked back at him. “Weren’t you someone wanting to see me? Lead the way.”
Zhou Bie worriedly stepped forward, “I’ll go with you.”
Qiao Ruyi stopped him, “You stay here. There’s still a half-paralyzed person in the shop.”
—
About 500 meters from the café, a black business van was parked, its massive frame barely visible against the drifting northwestern sandstorm, casting a formidable shadow.
Fishman You marched ahead proudly, leading the way. Qiao Ruyi walked in the middle, with A Long and A Hu behind—a quite intimidating formation.
When the door opened, Fishman You saluted inside respectfully, then shouted at Qiao Ruyi, “Get in the car!”
Qiao Ruyi obeyed, lowering her figure slightly to step in.
Fishman You followed; A Long took the driver’s seat, and A Hu the passenger seat.
The van was a seven-seater, arranged with second-row airline seats and a third-row sofa bed, complete with starry ceiling lights, ambient lighting, TV, sound system, and business tables—a fully equipped setup.
A woman sat inside, her hair half-tied in a wolf’s tail, wearing a black suit jacket over a subtly patterned white shirt. A metallic necklace adorned her fair neck. Her features were a mix of softness and sharpness, with wild eyebrows adding a touch of boldness.
Her sharp business attire, paired with frameless glasses, gave her a fierce, commanding presence.
Qiao Ruyi sat across from her, not even glancing at the woman, instead examining the car’s interior. “This setup must have cost a fortune.”
The woman regarded her. “Not bad. With your skills, you can afford it.”
Qiao Ruyi smiled silently and continued inspecting the van.
Fishman You was dumbfounded.
What was going on?
But he couldn’t back down and blurted out, “You little girl don’t know your place! She’s the closest to the ancestor. Are you blind?”
The woman tilted her head to glance at Fishman You.
He began to complain, “It’s this girl here. Last night she tied up the three of us and disrespected the ancestor. I say she deserves a lesson!”
The woman raised an eyebrow. “What kind of lesson?”
Fishman You snorted. “Tie her up, hang her for three days and nights, see if she’s still arrogant!”
The woman nodded, looking at Qiao Ruyi. “That’s not a bad idea.”
Qiao Ruyi replied, “Do as you please.”
“Miss Jiang, look at her—this brat’s attitude last night! If we don’t teach her a lesson, I’ll never feel right!” Fishman You’s face was a mess of frustration, almost wanting to bang his head against the wall.
The woman laughed. “Teach her a lesson? You? You think you can beat her?”
—
Fishman You was utterly defeated.
“Fishman You.” The woman called lazily. “How many times have I told you? You’re supposed to invite her on the best terms.”
Fishman You was stunned. After a long pause, “Yes…but…”
He thought Miss Jiang was being sarcastic. After all, the one who humiliated them was the same girl they were supposed to “invite” with kindness. If she hadn’t been kidnapped, that would have been lucky.
“Looks like the information was clear, but the execution was flawed,” Qiao Ruyi said with a meaningful smile.
Fishman You’s face completely lost face. He shouted at Qiao Ruyi, “Who gave you the right to talk? When I see the ancestor, I’ll have your tongue cut out, you ungrateful—”
The woman kicked him aside.
Fishman You swallowed the rest of his words and stared in disbelief at the woman. “Miss Jiang…”
“You blind thing, sitting right in front of you is the ancestor. Who do you think you’re yelling at?” she said coldly.
Fishman You froze.
After a long moment, he first muttered “Ah,” then “What?” He looked between the woman and Qiao Ruyi repeatedly.
A Long and A Hu were equally shocked, staring at Qiao Ruyi as if she were a ghost.
Fishman You finally found his voice but only halfway, pointing at Qiao Ruyi, “You… you’re saying she’s… the ancestor?”
His voice sharpened at the end.
The woman kicked again. “Dare to speak to the ancestor like that? Don’t expect to keep your fingers.”
Fishman You had no thought for anything else, overwhelmed by questions, shock, and then deep fear.
Qiao Ruyi amused herself watching his fear, enjoying it but speaking with a hint of care, “Don’t worry, I won’t cut your tongue or break your fingers.”
Then she looked at the woman and sighed helplessly, “Tao Jiang, you’ve ruined my reputation.”
Tao Jiang was indifferent. “You didn’t have much of a reputation anyway.”
Qiao Ruyi was speechless. Fine.
“You want to use my name to swagger around, that’s fine, but at least pick a nicer title than ‘ancestor.’ You really have a wild imagination,” Qiao Ruyi protested with a frown.
“Sounds like I’m trying to take advantage of you, but it’s really for your own good,” Tao Jiang smiled. “You want to find murals; having more people means more strength.”
“More strength?” Qiao Ruyi’s gaze flicked to Fishman You, chuckling twice.
Those laughs weren’t very hurtful but deeply insulting.
Normally, Fishman You would have exploded. Men, after all, could lose their heads or bleed, but not their face. But the shock he’d just received left him frozen.
Qiao Ruyi teased him, “Fishman You.”
He shivered and looked at her.
She smiled faintly, “Say a few words.”
Fishman You stared at Qiao Ruyi nervously. Her face wasn’t as cold or aggressive as Tao Jiang’s, yet she was someone no one dared provoke.
At this moment, Fishman You wished he could gouge out his own eyes. She was so skilled, able to take down seven bodyguards alone—how could she be an ordinary person?
Thinking that, Fishman You’s knees buckled, and he fell to the ground. “Ancestor, spare me! I really didn’t know you were the ancestor… I guess ignorance is bliss.”
Qiao Ruyi clicked her tongue and looked at Tao Jiang. “You packaged me as the ‘devil on earth,’ right? What did I do to make him so afraid?”
“He’s not afraid of you,” Tao Jiang said with a smile. “He’s afraid of losing you as a protector. Without you, it’ll be hard for him to turn things around. Your mural copies are worth a fortune—enough to secure his future.”
“You’re not a fish, so what comeback are you hoping for?” Qiao Ruyi said.
Fishman You looked miserable. “I lost a lot on art exhibitions. You’re famous and talented in this field. If your copies could be shown at my event, I could definitely make a comeback, so I tried to cater to your tastes…”
Qiao Ruyi studied him, her eyes flickering.
Fishman You felt awkward under her gaze, heart pounding wildly.
Suddenly, Qiao Ruyi asked, “You used to do some shady business, right?”
Running art exhibitions was daring enough.
Fishman You blushed in patches. “Ancestor has good eyes…” He hurriedly explained, “But I never did anything illegal, just a little borderline. I made some money and wanted to do something legit, but who knew…”
He slammed his head on the ground. “Please, ancestor, save me!”