Chapter Eighty - The Turmoil of Buying a Car (Part Two)

My Rebirth Legend, No Pop-up

“Qitong? You…” Her sudden intimacy caught me off guard, leaving me completely flustered and unable to respond. At that moment, her cheeks flushed red, and with a stubborn grip on her skirt, she muttered, “What’s the matter? Is borrowing your arm such a big deal? I just wanted to experience what it feels like…”

“Hm? Experience? What kind of feeling?” Her words left me bewildered. What was so special about linking arms? But as I thought about it, I began to understand. Su Xin had once told me that Chu Qitong had been pampered by her family since childhood, a proud heiress with a beautiful face but few suitors. Her father and grandfather’s powerful backgrounds kept most men at bay, and she herself disdained those who only admired her looks. She said that meeting men like that made her want to vomit. From Su Xin’s words, I realized that this young lady by my side was likely just curious—she’d never experienced what it was like to link arms with a man.

Though I worried she might fall for me, knowing the reason made her seem somewhat pitiful, so I let her hold my arm without saying another word.

As Qitong clung to my arm, I could feel her shy expression and the warmth of her palm. I couldn’t help but sigh—so even this little enchantress wasn’t immune to the charms of the mundane world.

“Xiao Qiang… Do you think love is truly beautiful?” We crossed a deserted street, standing on the main road waiting for an empty taxi to take us home, when she suddenly asked this question.

“Love? Of course, it’s the most beautiful thing in the world.” Speaking of love, I couldn’t help but picture Su Xin’s radiant smile and her blissful look, though I had no idea why this girl would ask such a question.

Seeing my face brimming with happiness, Qitong pouted in dissatisfaction. “Alright, I know you and Su Xin are in love. Don’t make that face, or people will think you’re lovesick.”

“Oh? Is that so? Hahaha…” I laughed at her remark, noticing that passersby were drawn to the beautiful Qitong beside me. I lowered my head toward her, “You’re mistaken. I’m not lovesick—the men around us are. Just look.”

Following my gaze, she saw that many men were indeed staring at her. Her cheeks reddened as she grumbled, “Stop joking. Hurry and hail a taxi. I just called my father—he wants you to come to our house for dinner tonight to thank you for saving me.” She shot me a glance, “Honestly, you didn’t save me—it was your fault I ended up in trouble.”

I could only smile wryly, not bothering to argue. She liked to win with words, and a gentleman doesn’t quarrel with a lady. Still, being invited by Chu Zhengsheng was a great opportunity. I’d already included him in my plan to destroy Xia Fugui, and I wanted to meet this business tycoon, see if we could cooperate, or even persuade him to work for me. I nodded, “Since your father invited me, of course I’ll go.”

“Father? Who’s your father? Don’t flatter yourself—it’s not as if you’re going to my…” Before she finished, her face turned red, and she bit her lip, glaring at me. “Anyway, don’t misunderstand. My dad is just returning a favor; he doesn’t like owing people.”

She said no more, but at that moment I noticed something unusual—a gang of thugs appeared on the street ahead.

“Hey! Are you even listening?” Qitong, seeing me lost in thought, pinched my arm in annoyance, but I kept staring forward, my face growing colder. She looked at me in surprise, “Xiao Qiang? What’s wrong?”

“We seem to have trouble.” After a moment, I finally spoke, for I saw several black cars heading our way, and some thugs on either side were clearing out the pedestrians! Who could muster such a show of force? I stared intently at the approaching vans and the black Honda in the lead.

Qitong also noticed the changing scene and the convoy, frowning, “These people look like gangsters. How did you get involved with them?”

“Hmph, I don’t have that kind of power. They’re looking for trouble. If I’m right, someone deliberately sent them.” How could I provoke a gang for no reason? In the whole city, the only person with a grudge against me was that scoundrel Xia Jianren. I was furious—once or twice was forgivable, but this was the third time they’d come after me. Did they really think I was a pushover? I was no longer the weak Xiao Qiang I used to be. With the help of the Ziyang Divine Skill, my meridians were fully opened, and my mind was filled with martial arts techniques. These thugs who only knew how to fight couldn’t possibly defeat me—it was a joke! Still, with Qitong beside me, I was cautious. I whispered to her, “They’re here for me. Stay back so you don’t get hurt.” Then I quickly pulled out my phone to call Li Dabiao, telling him to bring reinforcements.

“Hmph, they wouldn’t dare touch me. Don’t be afraid, Xiao Qiang—I’ll talk to their boss. My father has connections on both sides of the law. In this city, who would dare disrespect my father or grandfather?” Qitong was full of righteous indignation, but I was already fed up. How could I let a woman handle this? I grabbed her as she tried to step forward, but she shook off my hand and ignored my advice. Furious, I barked, “Get back here!”

My shout made her freeze, surprised as she looked at me—perhaps she’d never seen me so stern. I glared coldly and said, “Do you think I need a woman’s protection? Get behind me! Now!”

My words brought mist to Qitong’s eyes, and she looked so pitiful and wronged. After standing still for a moment, she obediently nodded, clutching her skirt as she moved behind me, murmuring softly, “Just… be careful, don’t… don’t get hurt.”

“I know. Watch out for yourself.” My tone softened. I strode forward, and just then the cars pulled up in front of me. The doors flew open, and a crowd of gangsters wielding clubs poured out, along with a middle-aged man from the black Honda.

This man knew martial arts! I sensed it as soon as he stepped out—not only from his muscular build, but from his steady stance. He was definitely a master, and almost certainly the leader of the gang.

“Looks like things are really getting serious today. Well, it’s a good chance to test the power of my Ziyang Divine Skill.” Facing the fierce stares of nearly twenty gangsters, I felt no fear—only excitement! All my previous fights were small scuffles; today was the real deal. Too bad for them that they ran into me just as I’d obtained a supreme internal skill. I’ll use them to practice today!