Chapter 106: The Ex-Boyfriend

Yang Jiekai introduced Zhang Hua to Long Xiaoman. Although Zhang Hua was a mere scholar with no physical strength, his mind was exceptionally sharp—he was a genius at management.

Yang Jiekai aspired to expand his influence. Continuing Long Xiaoman’s old ways of methodically collecting protection fees, fighting for others, or petty theft wouldn’t achieve anything substantial. He knew a sweeping reform was necessary.

When Long Xiaoman first saw Zhang Hua’s frail scholar appearance, she was immediately displeased and raised an eyebrow, asking, "How many fights can you handle?"

"I don’t fight," Zhang Hua answered honestly.

Long Xiaoman scoffed coldly. "If you can’t fight, what good are you? Go do whatever you’re supposed to do and don’t bother me."

She then turned to Yang Jiekai with an eye roll and said, "If you’re going to send me someone, at least send someone decent. What’s with a weak scholar? Do you think this is a school?"

Yang Jiekai understood her feelings. He scratched his nose and then pointed at three men—Old Stick and two others. "What about these three?"

"Are you serious?"

Long Xiaoman froze for a moment. Seeing the silent Old Stick yawning beside her was like spotting a treasure. She had witnessed the big smoker’s skills firsthand. The man with peach blossom eyes was ruthless in combat, and the lecherous-looking fellow might have had a weaker reach but fought dirty with sneaky low blows. These three were actually skilled fighters.

Yang Jiekai looked at Long Xiaoman’s expression and smiled, pointing at Zhang Hua. "But among these men, his role is the greatest—one man who is worth a hundred."

"Just him?" Long Xiaoman looked down on Zhang Hua’s frail appearance, puzzled by Yang Jiekai’s words. "How can he be worth a hundred?"

At that moment, Zhang Hua, who had been silently standing by, finally spoke. "I can transform your team into an organized, elite force in the shortest time possible. Moreover, I will help you leave behind the life of small gains and complacency forever."

Long Xiaoman was utterly confused, not understanding a word. She was about to speak when Yang Jiekai interrupted with a smile, "Don’t worry, the person I recommend won’t let you down. From now on, Zhang Hua will be the strategist of the Long Hall. You’ll have to listen to him on all matters, big or small."

Long Xiaoman gave Yang Jiekai a disdainful look. "Why should I listen? Then what am I for, the big sister?"

Yang Jiekai laughed heartily. "Back in the Three Kingdoms, Liu Bei listened to Zhuge Liang on everything. It’s the same logic here. I don’t understand the underworld of Huaxia well, but I know the brain is the most important. This is my decision."

"Fine, fine! Don’t give me your fancy words—I don’t get it."

Long Xiaoman was exasperated by Yang Jiekai’s highbrow talk. She hated all that literary stuff—Three Kingdoms, Zhuge Liang—it gave her headaches. But she trusted Yang Jiekai. "You decide then. I’ve already accepted you as my man, so I’ll just follow your lead."

"Uh… well…"

This time, Yang Jiekai was the one feeling stressed. Long Xiaoman was straightforward—she said whatever was on her mind, utterly lacking subtlety. Sometimes she’d drop a bombshell that would leave him stunned.

Yang Jiekai handed over Old Stick and the others to Long Xiaoman, merging his private detective agency into the Long Hall, while he kept himself at a distance. This was a deliberate choice.

His reason was simple: laziness.

Fighting day and night was troublesome, and Yang Jiekai never intended to get involved in the underworld.

Zhang Hua truly was a management genius.

Just one week later, Long Xiaoman called Zhang Hua, full of praise. The Long Hall had previously been a ragtag group of brawlers with big muscles but small brains—fighters who loved to brawl but hated thinking.

With Zhang Hua’s arrival, it was like installing a brain into the organization. From the phone call, Zhang Hua had organized the Long Hall meticulously within a week, managing it like a company. Even Long Xiaoman was stunned by some of the things he said during meetings.

In just one week, several new game arcades and simple casinos had sprung up in the East Suburb. Although the Long Hall couldn’t yet be described as making a fortune daily, it was far better than before. Now they had real businesses, and income was no longer a worry.

Wang Sankui was also sincerely convinced. Though no longer the boss, Zhang Hua allowed him to remain the local big shot, and he received even more money daily than before.

With the East Suburb situation settled, Yang Jiekai returned to his leisurely life.

He watched TV, strolled the streets, occasionally went for walks, slept early and rose early. Life was wonderfully carefree.

One day, Yang Jiekai woke up at noon. After brushing his teeth and getting dressed, ready to go out, he saw Han Wei, who had been abroad, had suddenly returned.

"Hey, the big-legged sister-in-law is back! What a rare guest!"

Yang Jiekai always joked about Han Wei as the "big-legged sister-in-law," a metaphor because Han Wei loved wearing tight, hip-hugging pants that showed off her long, flawless legs.

Han Wei’s personality was somewhat like Long Xiaoman’s—boisterous and lively. Whenever she was home, there was always a commotion, making the atmosphere lively.

But this time, faced with Yang Jiekai’s teasing, Han Wei only gave a weak "hmm" and then sat tiredly on the sofa, her eyes devoid of any sparkle.

Yang Jiekai hurried over, asking, "What’s wrong, big-legged sister-in-law? You look so down."

"None of your business. Go away," Han Wei replied without looking at him, her voice faint, then closed her eyes to rest.

"What’s going on? Broken heart? What a strange girl."

Being ignored, Yang Jiekai shrugged helplessly and prepared to go out again.

Just then, the phone rang—it was Han Ning calling.

"Dear wife, why the sudden call? Missing me?" Yang Jiekai teased as he answered.

Normally, Han Ning would scold him, but this time was different. Her voice was unusually gentle. "Husband, I’m at Mocha Restaurant with friends. Want to come join us for dinner?"

Yang Jiekai was stunned, doubting his ears.

The sun must have risen from the west. Did she just call me… husband?

Her tone was so tender, it sounded like they were deeply in love.

Before he could respond, Han Ning continued softly, "Come quickly. We’ll wait for you before starting to eat."

She hung up without giving Yang Jiekai a chance to refuse.

Yang Jiekai stood there dumbfounded for minutes, then pinched himself hard to prove he wasn’t dreaming.

"Big-legged sister-in-law, has your sister run into some trouble lately?"

Yang Jiekai turned to ask Han Wei.

Han Wei replied faintly, "Nothing much. Just heard that her ex-boyfriend might be back."

Yang Jiekai was stunned and cursed under his breath, then dashed out the door like the wind.

Driving at breakneck speed, his mind raced. Ex-boyfriend? How had he never heard of this? Even Wang Ma said Han Ning never dated anyone before. So where did this ex come from?

No matter. Ex or not, he was the official fiancé now—no one was stealing his woman!

Yang Jiekai also realized why Han Ning sounded strange on the phone—she was probably being pestered by that guy and needed him as a shield.

Arriving at the restaurant, Yang Jiekai saw Han Ning smiling brightly, standing next to a man who looked like a pretty boy, dressed neatly.

Though Han Ning smiled, Yang Jiekai immediately sensed it was forced. Without hesitation, he pulled Han Ning into his arms and said to the pretty boy, "What do you think you’re doing? She’s my wife!"

Han Ning, surprised by Yang Jiekai’s move, quickly pulled away and linked her arm with his, smiling at the man. "Let me introduce you—this is my husband, Yang Jiekai."

Then she added, "This is my college classmate, Li Bin."

"Li Bing?" Yang Jiekai frowned. "What kind of lame name is that? Sounds like a losing soldier—very unlucky."

Li Bin didn’t get angry at Yang Jiekai’s provocation but smiled politely. "I’m Li Bin, skilled both in literature and martial arts. Mr. Yang, pleased to meet you."

Yang Jiekai ignored Li Bin, patted his stomach, and said, "Wife, I’m hungry. You told me to come eat; let’s go."

He glanced sideways at Li Bin. "Well, Li Bin, my wife and I are going to eat now. If there’s nothing else, you can get on with your business."

Li Bin paused, then smiled at Han Ning. "Okay, I won’t disturb you two. Enjoy your meal. I have some matters to attend to—excuse me."

He then turned and left.

"Hey…"

Han Ning was about to call him back but was pulled inside by Yang Jiekai, who said as they walked, "Wife, how was my bodyguard act just now?"

Seeing Li Bin drive away, Han Ning quickly pulled her hand free and glared at Yang Jiekai. "How could you be so rude just now!"

Yang Jiekai was carefree. "For a small-time player like that, where’s the need for politeness? I was being kind not to beat him up. How dare he try to steal my woman—he must be crazy."

"Yang Jiekai!"

Han Ning suddenly shouted, glaring at him and speaking deliberately, "Do you know how inappropriate you were just now?"

"What’s inappropriate about it?"

There were many people in the restaurant. Seeing Han Ning so fierce in front of everyone, Yang Jiekai was also annoyed. "You asked me to be your shield, didn’t you? So what, I hurt your lover’s feelings? We agreed not to interfere with each other’s private lives. You go find Li Bin, or just kick me out and be with him!"