Chapter Forty-Four: My Dear Wife, What Is It?

The older man glanced at Chen Yang, his face flushed from drinking heavily. He stared at Chen Yang for two seconds, then shook off his hand and cursed, “I’ll do whatever I damn well please. Get out of my way.”

“I said, he’s my classmate.” Chen Yang tightened his grip on the man’s wrist. The older man’s brow furrowed instantly, clearly feeling the pain.

At that moment, Ye Xiaorou looked at Chen Yang in surprise, obviously not expecting him to appear so suddenly.

Chen Yang didn’t want Ye Xiaorou to remain in such a place any longer, so he turned to Lu Baiming and said, “Old Lu, take Ye Xiaorou outside first.”

Lu Baiming nodded hurriedly. “Alright, got it.” He quickly walked up to Ye Xiaorou and spoke softly, “Ye Xiaorou, come with me. Brother Yang is here just for you. With him around, there’s nothing to fear.”

Ye Xiaorou, moved and feeling aggrieved, cast Chen Yang a deep look and followed Lu Baiming, ready to leave.

But the older man wouldn’t allow it. He glared at Ye Xiaorou and threatened, “Damn it, I paid for this. Try leaving, just try leaving and see what happens.”

Ye Xiaorou hesitated, looking at Chen Yang, uncertain what to do.

Chen Yang sensed her conflicted gaze and looked at her, smiling. “This is my territory. When I tell you to leave, you leave.”

Dominance.

Pure, undeniable dominance.

Chen Yang’s attitude emboldened Ye Xiaorou, and she stopped overthinking, following behind Lu Baiming toward the door.

But as Ye Xiaorou and Lu Baiming reached the private room’s entrance, three of the older man’s friends stood up, blocking their way.

Lu Baiming’s brows tightened, his expression complicated.

The older man looked coldly at Ye Xiaorou, threatening, “If you dare take one step out of this room tonight, I’ll—”

Bang!

Before he finished his sentence, Chen Yang punched him in the stomach, silencing him instantly.

Bang!

Chen Yang landed another punch, making the older man cough up blood.

Lu Baiming and Ye Xiaorou were both stunned by the scene.

Ye Xiaorou had never imagined Chen Yang, so gentle and refined back at school, could have such a fierce side.

Of course, she knew deep down that Chen Yang was doing all this for her.

She felt deeply touched.

After spitting some blood, the older man’s three friends surrounded Chen Yang, threatening to call the KTV owner and deal with him.

As they bickered, suddenly the door was pushed open with a bang. Wu Guangde entered with seven or eight subordinates, his expression authoritative.

The older man seemed to recognize Wu Guangde, and immediately shouted, “Old Wu, where’d this bastard come from, causing trouble here? Not giving me face, and worse, ruining your reputation, Wu Guangde!”

Wu Guangde glanced coldly at him, ignoring his outburst.

He walked straight behind Chen Yang, bowed his head, and said, “Brother Chen, you’re here at my place—why didn’t you let me know in advance?”

Brother Chen?

The older man was stunned.

His three friends were equally dumbfounded.

Chen Yang glanced at Wu Guangde, then at the older man, and said coolly, “Throw these people out. Tell them never to appear before me again.”

Wu Guangde immediately turned to his men. “Did you all hear Brother Chen?”

His eight subordinates sprang into action, working in pairs to toss the group of older men out.

As they were thrown out, confusion gnawed at them. Chen Yang was so young—why would Wu Guangde obey him?

They’d been in Linhai City’s underworld for over ten years and were well-acquainted with the city’s powerful figures.

But none of them had ever heard of Chen Yang.

After his men threw out the group, Wu Guangde, curious, asked Chen Yang what had happened.

Chen Yang gave a brief explanation.

Wu Guangde bowed deeply, face filled with apology. “Brother Chen, I truly didn’t know Miss Ye was your classmate. If I’d known, I would never have—”

Chen Yang glanced at him, said nothing more, then turned to Lu Baiming. “Old Lu, let’s go.”

Wu Guangde continued apologizing behind them. “Brother Chen, please don’t take it to heart.”

Chen Yang replied calmly, “One cannot be blamed for not knowing.”

With that, he left with Lu Baiming and Ye Xiaorou.

Soon, outside the Jinsheng KTV, Chen Yang looked at Ye Xiaorou, her face heavy with makeup, and sighed helplessly, “Even if you’re desperate for money, you shouldn’t be doing this.”

“Exactly,” Lu Baiming added. “This kind of money is never easy, and for a girl, it’s dangerous.”

Ye Xiaorou’s face was full of distress. “My father owes over two million yuan in debt. He’s been hiding in the highlands, penniless, with no way to repay it. Only I can help him, what else can I do?”

Lu Baiming frowned. “Your situation is understandable. Don’t worry, Brother Yang came especially for you—he’ll help you. And he’s got the means now.”

Ye Xiaorou looked up, a little ashamed, casting a glance at Chen Yang, her heart a tumult of emotions.

She thought of their school days—back then, Chen Yang’s family was far poorer than hers. Who would have thought, just seven years later, their fortunes would be so drastically reversed?

“Tomorrow, go to Lijing Hotel and report to Chairman Gu Tong,” Chen Yang said sincerely to Ye Xiaorou.

He’d thought of this on his way over. Ye Xiaorou had good looks and bearing—if he arranged for her to work as a hotel receptionist, earning seven or eight thousand a month, she’d live comfortably, certainly better than drinking with guests at the KTV.

Ye Xiaorou was puzzled. “Why do you want me to report to the chairman at Lijing Hotel?”

She felt Chen Yang’s words were a bit grandiose, as if the Lijing Hotel belonged to his family.

Lu Baiming, hearing this, could only smile helplessly. “Ye Xiaorou, you don’t know yet, do you? Brother Yang is the real boss behind Lijing Hotel now. He’s got more power than the chairman. If he wants you to go, what do you think he means?”

“Chen Yang, you’re now the owner of Lijing Hotel…?” Ye Xiaorou’s eyes widened.

She could never have imagined that the poor boy with decent grades from their class would one day buy the Lijing Hotel.

“Alright, keep it low-key. Anyway, don’t do this anymore. This opportunity only comes once—it’s up to you to seize it,” Chen Yang said, looking at Ye Xiaorou.

Ye Xiaorou’s expression was complicated. “So many incredible things happened today.”

“Come on, you should thank Brother Yang. He’s genuinely helping you,” Lu Baiming reminded her.

Ye Xiaorou, eyes full of gratitude, said, “Chen Yang, Lu Baiming, have you eaten yet? If not, let me treat you to dinner.”

“No need, we already ate before coming,” Lu Baiming replied with a gentle smile.

Ye Xiaorou looked disappointed. “Oh, I see. Never mind then.”

“Don’t be too formal. We’re classmates, no need for distance. I just hope you live well—you're still young, you understand what I mean, right?” Chen Yang asked.

Ye Xiaorou nodded, her expression complex. “Thank you, thank you.”

“Remember, tomorrow report to President Gu. I’ll make all the arrangements. Go home early. I’ll also tell President Wu to make sure you get every bit of your salary,” Chen Yang said seriously.

Ye Xiaorou nodded again, her feelings a mix of complexity and gratitude.

Chen Yang gave her a gentle smile, then patted Lu Baiming’s shoulder. “Old Lu, let’s go.”

Lu Baiming laughed. “Alright.”

As he prepared to leave with Chen Yang, he turned to remind Ye Xiaorou, “Xiaorou, take care of yourself.”

Ye Xiaorou nodded, her expression still conflicted.

Chen Yang parted ways with Lu Baiming and walked home.

Partly, he wanted the walk as exercise, partly to organize his thoughts about today’s work, checking for any overlooked details.

As for Ye Xiaorou, he’d given her all the help he could. Whether she seized the opportunity or not, he couldn’t say.

Chen Yang had the means to pay off Ye Xiaorou’s father’s two-million-plus debt, but he felt no obligation to do so.

After all, her father had caused all this, and some burdens must be borne by those responsible.

He wasn’t anyone’s savior.

Unknowingly, Chen Yang arrived home. Inside, Qin Muxue and Han Qin sat on the sofa watching TV.

Earlier that evening, Chen Yang had called Qin Muxue, telling her he’d be dining out with colleagues.

She hadn’t thought much of it.

So, they must have assumed he’d just been having dinner with friends.

As Chen Yang entered the villa, Qin Muxue looked up at him. “You’re back.”

“Yes, you’re still up?” Chen Yang smiled at her.

“Mm, come here.” Qin Muxue suddenly winked at him, her face bright with a rare cheerfulness.

Chen Yang was momentarily stunned. That expression was rarely seen on her face.

It seemed almost like Qin Muxue was trying to please him.

No, that couldn’t be right!

In their five years of marriage, Qin Muxue had always held the upper hand.

Had things shifted now?

Chen Yang was curious, sensing Qin Muxue had something to discuss with him, and her mysterious, cheerful expression made him smile unconsciously. “Wife, what’s the matter?”