Chapter 008: The Woman's Background
Chapter 008: The Woman’s Background
After the beautiful woman ran out, her heart was filled with worry. That perverse young man from earlier was truly terrifying; even her subordinates were no match for him. And the fact that he had dared call her “sister-in-law” only added to her anger.
Her subordinates soon caught up, apologizing with unusual politeness, “Miss, we failed you tonight. Please punish us as you see fit.” None of them dared meet her gaze. Everyone knew what a formidable character their young miss was.
“It’s not your fault tonight,” she said, smiling. “Blame that boy for being so skilled. In the future, be extremely cautious if you encounter him again.” These men were seasoned veterans who had followed her father across the country.
“Yes, we’ll follow your instructions, Miss.” Suddenly, the beautiful woman’s phone rang in her pocket. She glanced at the screen and her brows furrowed. With no choice, she answered, “Hello, Dad? What’s wrong?”
“Where are you now, Wei’er?” came a voice from the other end—calm but full of authority, making Huang Wei pause. She was well aware of her father’s abilities, so she answered honestly, “We’re at Ye Jianming’s house.”
“Ye Jianming?” The voice was surprised. “Ye Jianming—the one who runs a small freight company?” He knew Ye Jianming’s good reputation in the county, though he wasn’t sure how his daughter had become involved with him. His daughter had always been spoiled.
“I think so. Do you know him?” the woman asked cautiously. Her father affirmed it, then told her to return home so she could explain everything properly. She’d suffered enough tonight; it was time for her father to intervene. When her father stepped in, no one in the county could stand against him.
As the car sped along the highway, her mind wandered. That scoundrel dared call her “sister-in-law”—did she really seem so old? Her youthful beauty was famous in the county; many wealthy young ladies sought her beauty secrets. Hmph! It must be jealousy, nothing more. Her face finally broke into a smile. The brother driving was also delighted—when the young miss was happy, their days were easier.
Ten minutes later, the car rolled into a villa district. The beautiful woman slid her shapely legs out of the car and asked the housekeeper, “Is my father upstairs?”
“Yes, Miss,” the housekeeper replied, barely catching a glimpse before the woman hurried up. She pushed open the door to her father’s study and found him waiting for her in a leather chair.
Before her stood Huang Tianba—the lord of Justice Gate, a man who dominated You County and influenced Qing Province, respected in both legal and illegal circles. He was just over fifty, with a rugged, dark face and sharp features. His deep black eyes gleamed with a piercing gaze, thick brows boldly framing his stern expression. The beautiful woman hesitated for a moment, then called softly, “Father.”
“You still remember to come home?” Huang Tianba rose slowly, looking at his daughter. Tonight, she had mobilized several elite subordinates without his knowledge. Only after some investigation did he discover she’d gone to Ye Jianming’s house with them. He quickly called to find out more. Ye Jianming was known for his honesty, and Huang Tianba had some business dealings with him as well.
“Father, I was just having some fun,” she replied, employing her deadliest weapon: acting spoiled. Her coquettish manner was especially effective now, more charming than ever.
“Fun? Tell me the real reason. Why did you bring people to Ye Jianming’s house, and even bring experts with you? You weren’t just playing around.” The middle-aged man looked at her sternly. His daughter was grown, yet still restless. But no matter what, he had to protect her.
“It’s like this: the boy at Ye Jianming’s house… he called me ‘sister-in-law’,” she said, aggrieved.
“I know Ye Jianming has a son—hasn’t he gone off to join the army? He’s barely twenty, you’re nearly thirty. It’s natural for him to call you ‘sister-in-law’.” Huang Tianba smiled. He’d met that shy boy once, a bashful young man. He wondered how he was now.
“I don’t care!” she protested, anxious. “And he pressed a knife to my neck. If I hadn’t run fast enough, I might not be here to see you now—boo hoo!” She began to cry. The boy’s martial skill was remarkable; not only had her men failed to subdue him, he’d bested them all.
“What, he held a knife to your neck?” Huang Tianba grew tense. His precious daughter—how could anyone threaten her so? He checked her over and saw she was unharmed. It was a matter of skill, then. Pretending anger, he said, “I know Ye Jianming—he’s honest, and his son is too. Don’t take things too far. I’ve already checked; you were simply outmatched.”
Seeing her father angry, Huang Wei dared not push further. She knew she’d been a bit much tonight, so she cried. Her father couldn’t bear her tears; as always, he softened immediately, comforting her, “All right, all right, don’t cry, my precious girl. You know I can’t stand to see you cry. I’ll make sure you get your revenge.”
A woman’s mood is like June weather—quick to change. Hearing her father promise retribution, Huang Wei broke into a smile, saying with glee, “Yes, punish that boy severely! I can’t let this insult go.” If Ye Feng could see her now, he’d feel a chill down his spine. The ancients said: beware both women and petty men.
Huang Tianba was surprised by his daughter’s reaction. Was that boy from the Ye family really so formidable, to shake her confidence like this? She’d always been able to handle herself in You County. “Daughter, tell me—how do you want to punish that boy? Your father will make it happen.”
“He’s supposed to be a tough guy, right? I want him to be my personal bodyguard. Then I can toy with him as much as I like.” Her pretty face was full of pride, as if Ye Feng was already kneeling at her feet, begging for mercy.
“That shouldn’t be a problem. Wait, didn’t he join the army? He must have returned home by now. I wonder if he has a job yet,” Huang Tianba mused.
“He does,” Huang Wei replied, having investigated him thoroughly today. “He’s working at Biyun Hotel.”
“Oh, that boy… Not bad. Here’s what I’ll do: I’ll buy Jinxing Grand Hotel outright. You’ll manage it, and he’ll be under your authority. How about that? I’m sure President Wen will grant me this favor.”
“Perfect! Let’s do it!” Huang Wei beamed with delight—a smile her father hadn’t seen in a long time. Well, it seemed his daughter had finally met her match. Perhaps it was for the best, if she could find happiness at last.