When Qi Xiu Yuan was detained by a bunch of gangsters and dragged inside a room, there was a strange guy standing in front of a French-style window. Evident from the phone held tightly against his ear, it was likely that he was in the middle of discussing an important matter.
With just one look at him, it was unmistakable, this person was not virtuous.
Qi Xiu Yuan secretly evaluated the guy. Even though his tall and slender build was wrapped nicely by a western style suit, it was nevertheless impossible to conceal the dark and sinister aura that clouded his figure from head to toe. Even though he was indoors, a pair of sunglasses still methodically arranged on his ears, covering his eyes. But even then, the contours of his strong, fearless and intrepid face was still rather obvious.
However, contrary to the dark aura that loomed clandestinely above him, his voice was very pleasant to hear. It was deep yet low, smooth, steady and if truth be told, it was charming, even rather alluring to the senses. It is a pityââ
âThen chop off one of his arm and legâŚâŚdo it quicklyâŚâŚno, I have other matter to attend to today. Let Shou Zi come tomorrow instead.â
Seconds later, he turned his face around, and it was only then did Qi Xiu Yuan caught sight of a long scar on the other side of his face. This scarâŚ.it started close to the side of his forehead, almost kissed the corner of his eye and ran down under his ear.
âQi Laoshi*1, youâre here.â
The man immediately faced him and took rather large strides toward him while simultaneously reprimanding his underlings.
âIs this how you take care of things? Why havenât you loosened your grips? Didnât I tell you guys to kindly invite Qi Laoshi over?!â
The strength from those hands that held tightly on to his left and right arms quickly disappeared all at once. Internally, Qi Xiu Yuan was sneering angrily at the person approaching him.
This gang leaderâs attitude is remarkably similar to Hatoyama*2Â from the Legend of the Red Lantern*4Â who captured Li Yu He*3, then pretended to be extremely benevolence and friendly toward her.
Just as Qi Xiu Yuan let his mind wander off and delve bit deeper in these thoughts, the man had already stopped right in front of him. He extended his right hand toward him: âHello Qi Laoshi, Iâm Xiao Yangâs brother, Xiao Li.â
âI can guess.â
Qi Xiu Yuan ignored his hand that was still reaching out to him. âMr. Li, youâve invited me here for what purpose?â
Unexpectedly, the man in front him seemed a bit embarrassed and let out a little cough, followed by a supposedly long sigh when he heard the word âinvitedâ in such a serious and willful tone of voice. And to Qi Xiu Yuanâs surprise, he started to explain himself.
âQi Loashi, Iâm really sorry. Itâs true that I wanted to invite you over, but my men misunderstood my intentions. Please forgive me.â
Qi Xiu Yuan grunted indicating to Xiao Li the answer to his own statement, who in turn could not help but to lightly chuckled for a bit into the silent room. He regained his composure and pulled his right hand that had been suspended in midair, back to his side.
He then continued to say, âYesterday, Susu called and said â-â
âPlease address her with her surname as well,â interrupted Qi Xiu Yuan.
âYesterday, Ms. Qi Susu called me. She wanted to break up with Xiao Yang. And the reason being that you donât want her to have any relation with a dangerous gang memberâs younger brother,â it seemed, there was a touch of resentment in his voice, âGu Yang is my only close relative. I donât want him to be unhappy because of me. Qi Laoshi, weâre both someoneâs older brother, please understand my position. Sit down and have a chat with me. What do you think?â
Qi Xiu Yuan silently looked him up and down for a moment before coldly saying, âWhat if I donât agree?â
Xiao Li was slightly taken aback.
Qi Xiu Yuan laughed rather grimly, almost sneering at the person in front of him.
âMr. Xiao, the phone call just now, was it meant for me to hear? Thatâs impressive. If I donât agree to this, were you going to chop off one of my arm and leg as well huh?â
âQi, Qi Laoshi, youâve misunderstood,â there was a sudden realization in Xiao Li tone, âThat was only a mere coincidence. I donât have any other meaning behind it. Please donât think too much about it.â
The corner of Qi Xiu Yuanâs lip curled as he continued to be fastidious about every words conjured from the other person lips.
âMr. Xiao, donât you think its really impolite to talk to someone while wearing sunglasses?â
Xiao Li appeared hesitant for a while, then he reached over his own face to remove his sunglasses.
âLi Ge*5,â called out one of his underling, as if to prevent him from removing the sunglasses.
Xiao Li waved his hand, indicating to them that it doesnât matter. He removed his sunglasses while explaining, âQi Laoshi, two days ago my eyes suffered from a little injury. So it would slightly tear up when the sun hits it. Iâm not, in any way, intentionally trying to disrespect you.â
Indeed, his right eyes was bloodshot, a layer of blood was wisp beautifully on it. An array of bruises scattered along the outer rim of his eyes and was met at the corner with that terrible scar. It would genuinely make anyone tremble with fear with just one glance of it.
However, the expression in his eyes were clear, piercing and sharp as sincerity and honesty crowded to the brim within it.
Even more so, if one were to disregard that scar, this person was unexpectedly quite handsome.
Qi Xiu Yuan adjusted his vision.
âQi Laoshi, I donât any formal education, knowledge or accomplishments, if I did something wrong, please pardon me. Today, I only want to have a proper discussion with you about Xiao Yang and SuâŚâŚQi Susuâs matter. TheyâŚâŚâ
âOkay,â Qi Xiu Yuan once again interrupted him, but this time, his tone had already ease quite a bit, âWhere are we going to talk? You donât want to stand here and talk to me, do you?â\n