Chapter 17: Facing the Enemy Alone
In the western outskirts of Peaceful City, a sprawling single-family villa stood secluded. A vast fish pond stretched across acres within the property, making it a prime spot for relaxation and fishing. This villa belonged to Zhou Hao’s family, a place frequently visited by his father, Zhou Wan Cheng.
Tonight, Zhou Hao had chosen this isolated location for his meeting with Chen Xue Wen. It was remote enough that no matter what transpired, no one would hear a thing.
With a grim expression, Zhou Hao stepped into the villa, flanked by his men. His voice was cold and commanding: “Once that brat arrives, make sure he never leaves.”
“Remember, no matter what happens tonight, he cannot leave this place alive. Understood?”
His eight bodyguards nodded in unison, each armed and prepared to kill.
Four of them followed Zhou Hao upstairs, while the rest stationed themselves around the villa, patrolling the lower floor and surrounding areas.
Time dragged on. After waiting for over two hours, impatience gnawed at Zhou Hao. Just as frustration threatened to boil over, a call came from the guards below—Chen Xue Wen had arrived!
Alert, Zhou Hao sprang to his feet and moved to the window.
Outside, a lone figure stepped through the thick snow, his movements steady and measured. Zhou Hao recognized him instantly—Chen Xue Wen.
A smirk tugged at Zhou Hao’s lips. He signaled one of his men, who immediately pulled out a phone to alert the other guards, ensuring all exits were covered. There would be no escape this time.
Down in the courtyard, Chen Xue Wen suddenly stopped and lifted his gaze to the second floor.
Zhou Hao’s brow furrowed. Was Chen Xue Wen considering retreating?
His guards tensed, ready to rush forward at a moment’s notice.
Then, Chen Xue Wen spoke. “Zhou Hao, get out here!”
Frowning, Zhou Hao stepped onto the balcony, forcing a friendly smile. “Old classmate, you finally made it! It’s freezing out here—come inside so we can talk.”
Chen Xue Wen’s face remained as cold as the winter air. “Where’s Li Er Yong?”
“Release him first.”
Zhou Hao chuckled. “Why so impatient? Come inside, let’s discuss the price. Once we agree, I’ll have someone drive you both home.”
Chen Xue Wen didn’t hesitate. “Release him, or I’m leaving. Try to stop me if you think you can.”
Zhou Hao clenched his jaw, eyes narrowing. He had learned from past encounters that Chen Xue Wen was slippery. If he ran now, getting him back would be a nightmare.
After a moment’s thought, Zhou Hao waved a hand. “Let him go.”
One of his men hesitated. “If we release Li Er Yong, we lose our leverage.”
Zhou Hao sneered. “What’s there to worry about? Li Er Yong is crippled—he won’t get far. Dragging him along will only slow Chen Xue Wen down.”
Understanding dawned on the bodyguard’s face, and he relayed the order. Moments later, Li Er Yong was pushed into the courtyard.
Blood stained his clothes, evidence of the torment he had endured. But his wounds didn’t matter to him. The moment he saw Chen Xue Wen, his face crumpled, and he hobbled forward on his crutch, wailing.
Snow made the ground treacherous, and Li Er Yong slipped, falling face-first. He tossed his crutch aside and crawled the rest of the way, sobbing uncontrollably as he clung to Chen Xue Wen. “Damn it, you’re alive…”
“I thought you were dead…”
Moved by his friend’s raw emotion, Chen Xue Wen rested a hand on his shoulder. “You’ve suffered, brother.”
“Now, leave. I’ll handle this.”
Li Er Yong clutched his sleeve tightly. “Screw that! You think I’d run? This isn’t just your fight—it’s ours!”
Turning, he glared at Zhou Hao. “You bastard! Come on! I’ll take you all on!”
Zhou Hao spat in contempt. “Old classmate, you got what you wanted. Now, come inside.”
Li Er Yong yanked Chen Xue Wen’s sleeve. “Don’t go in! That scumbag has men waiting inside to ambush you!”
Chen Xue Wen exhaled deeply and patted his shoulder. “I know what I’m doing.”
“Brother, you have to go.”
“I won’t!” Li Er Yong barked.
Gritting his teeth, Chen Xue Wen grabbed his friend’s wrist and hissed, “Don’t argue!”
“You have family to take care of! You have a future! Unlike me…”
“Go! Live! At least someone will be around to burn incense for me!”
Before Li Er Yong could react, Chen Xue Wen shoved him backward and turned to Zhou Hao. “Get him out of here. I’ll go inside alone.”
With a triumphant grin, Zhou Hao signaled his men. Two guards restrained Chen Xue Wen, gripping his shoulders. He didn’t resist.
Instead, he met Zhou Hao’s gaze. “Get Li Er Yong out of here.”
After a moment’s consideration, Zhou Hao nodded. His men dragged a screaming Li Er Yong outside, tossing him beyond the gates.
Pounding on the door, Li Er Yong shouted in vain. No one answered.
Surrounded by armed guards, Chen Xue Wen strode into the villa’s main hall.
The moment he crossed the threshold, Zhou Hao grinned, slamming the doors shut and locking them.
From the second floor, Zhou Wan Cheng descended the staircase, his imposing frame casting a shadow over the room.
“Dad?” Zhou Hao asked in surprise. “Why are you here?”
His father shot him a glare. “If I didn’t come, who would clean up your mess?”
“What mess?” Zhou Hao frowned.
Zhou Wan Cheng’s voice was cold. “If you’re going to kill someone, make sure there are no loose ends. Otherwise, you’re only inviting trouble.”
As he spoke, several more men entered the room—dragging Li Er Yong, Wu Li Hong, and an unconscious Zhao Dong with them.
Seeing them, Chen Xue Wen’s expression changed drastically.
So this was what Zhou Wan Cheng meant by ‘no loose ends.’
He wasn’t just planning to kill Chen Xue Wen—he was going to wipe out anyone connected to him!
This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation