Chapter Seventy-One: Beating He Xiao Mercilessly

"You..."

Yang Fan's words were truly difficult to respond to. If he selfishly chose Ji Wu, it would mean he didn't love her. But if he didn't choose her, then it would be like a lamb walking into a wolf's den. Right now, He Xiao found himself caught in a dilemma with no way forward or back.

Fu Gaobin handed a cigarette to Yang Fan, then gave one to Wang Cheng as well. The latter quickly thanked him. The three of them stood under the heavy snow, smoking happily, while He Xiao, his face showing obvious discomfort, was the target of Fu Gaobin's sharp tongue. Turning to Wang Cheng, Fu Gaobin said, "Xiao Cheng, looks like your eyesight used to be pretty bad. Of all the people you could've befriended, you chose a dog for a brother. Regret it now? Got bitten, didn't you?"

Fu Gaobin's words were merciless. Wang Cheng, hearing this, immediately added, "Sorry, I was blind before. From now on, I'll keep my eyes open and choose my friends wisely."

He Xiao, Ji Wu, and Liu Xing all changed expressions at their words, especially He Xiao who gave a cold snort. But it was at that moment Ji Wu spoke. She first thanked Yang Fan, then said, "Thank you for your kindness."

After speaking, she left directly. Neither He Xiao nor Liu Xing expected this, nor did anyone else. No one had imagined that Ji Wu would say such a thing. Instantly, Wang Cheng and Fu Gaobin's expressions shifted. Fu Gaobin thought Yang Fan had saved Ji Wu for her beauty, and now she didn't appreciate it, instead choosing to leave with that pretty boy? Damn it!

Wang Cheng was annoyed as well. If Ji Wu had stayed, he could have recommended her to Yang Fan, who wanted to take him as a subordinate, making He Xiao regret it for life. But Ji Wu's pride caught them by surprise.

Yang Fan, however, didn't seem angry at all. Instead, he watched Ji Wu leave with interest. After a moment, he took out a set of various third- and fourth-grade potions and called to her, "Fate brought us together. Take these. If you ever need help, I hope you'll lend me a hand."

He tossed the potions over. Ji Wu turned back, her face calm though her thoughts were unreadable, but He Xiao caught the potions immediately and threw them back toward Yang Fan, saying coldly, "Xiao Wu doesn't need your things, nor will she owe you any favors."

In truth, He Xiao was delighted that Ji Wu chose to stay with him, proving she had feelings for him. Wanting to show off, he returned Yang Fan's gift, seeing him as an enemy and a rival in love—so he would show no courtesy. At his side, Liu Xing was already infatuated by He Xiao's suave actions.

Watching the valuable potions returned, Yang Fan let out a cold laugh. In a flat tone, he said to Wang Cheng and Fu Gaobin, "Go teach him a lesson. If he dares resist, I'll make sure he loses his head."

—

They hadn't expected Yang Fan to say this, nor had they expected him to be so domineering. Wang Cheng froze for a moment, then saw Fu Gaobin walking over to He Xiao. This guy had really gone too far, and his character was despicable. If he didn't give him a beating, he'd never feel satisfied.

He Xiao, watching Fu Gaobin approach, his face changing rapidly, knew he had the strength to fight him one-on-one, but he was no match for Yang Fan. So he stood there, unsure whether to stay or flee.

Ji Wu wanted to say something, but as Fu Gaobin approached, he raised his hand and slapped He Xiao hard across the face. He Xiao glared at him, burning with fury inside, but truly didn't dare strike back with Yang Fan present.

It was like an ant facing a dragon, powerless but to be trampled. In this post-apocalyptic world, life was the most precious thing. There was no more law—only the rule of the strong. He Xiao would remember this slap forever. He swore inwardly that one day, not only would he return this slap, he would utterly destroy Yang Fan and make Fu Gaobin suffer beyond endurance.

Fu Gaobin, seeing He Xiao's displeasure, knew exactly what he was thinking. With a cold snort, he slapped him again, this time even harder. Then Wang Cheng came over and kicked He Xiao, sending him flying. Liu Xing, unable to watch any longer, shouted at Yang Fan, "How can you do this? Just because you're strong, does that give you the right to do whatever you want?"

Wang Cheng, annoyed, stomped on He Xiao's face and retorted to Liu Xing, "If he were the strong one now, and not us, we'd be the ones getting bullied. I wonder if you'd still be saying that. And by the way... you're right, if you're strong, you can do whatever you want. Boss, if this woman complains again, can I have her?"

"Go ahead, both of them are yours," Yang Fan replied without hesitation.

"Shameless!" Liu Xing cursed both Yang Fan and Wang Cheng inwardly, but didn't dare utter another word. She feared Wang Cheng would actually do something beastly.

As for Ji Wu, she stood there with a slightly pale face. He Xiao, for his part, took the beating stoically, not even making a sound.

"Stop pretending," Wang Cheng spat at He Xiao, then, as if letting off steam, kicked him twice more before finally stopping, drenched in sweat. Fu Gaobin grabbed He Xiao by the collar, his face full of disdain. "People like you don't deserve to live," he said, then shook his hand in disgust, as if beating him had dirtied himself.

He Xiao appeared unscathed on the surface, but his injuries were severe. Satisfied, Yang Fan told the others to stop, then got in the car and drove away, not sparing He Xiao a single glance.

Before leaving, Yang Fan glanced at Ji Wu, then got into the car. Wang Cheng sat in the back, Fu Gaobin drove as always...

Once the car had gone, a series of furious roars erupted.

"You're dead! You're dead! I'll tear you all to pieces, piece by piece!"

The voice was filled with rage, as if He Xiao had become a madman.

(Thanks to all my friends for your support. These last few weeks I've been feeling nauseous, weak, unable to eat, constantly wanting to vomit, dizzy in front of the computer, with stomach pain. A quick search on the internet says it's stomach cancer. But many fellow authors say I'm just scaring myself. I'm going to the hospital tomorrow to check. As for the real blow, it's a personal matter and I don't want to talk about it. I just want to finish this book properly while I'm still alive. I know some will say I'm pretending to be sick here, but I don't want to say more... Anyway, thank you!)