CHAPTER 654: EPISODE 347: CONFRONTATION

The torrential rain poured down nonstop from the sky, so dense that it created a sheet of mist across the yard that enveloped everyone within. From a distance, all that could be seen was a blurry shadow, and the sound of voices was drowned out by the rain, gradually becoming indistinguishable.

As Meng Yuhuai stepped out from the porch into the yard, his clothes became thoroughly soaked almost instantly, yet he didn’t appear disheveled in the least.

He stood tall and large, with his hands clasped behind his back, his blue-gray garment clinging wet to his body, showcasing his wasp waist and apelike back even more, his posture straight and towering. His expression remained unchanged from beginning to end, his eyes fixed intently on Dong Deyou across from him. A chill emanated from him, spreading bit by bit, just like his demeanor, calm and unhurried, yet with an unyielding force that surged toward Dong Deyou.

Each trade has its own special rules, perhaps unwritten, but upheld for thousands of years without fail, inviolable by anyone. Those who work in the escort industry have always subscribed to simple rules of conduct, typically bonding over martial arts on ordinary days and inclined to resolve problems with their fists when issues arise.

In the region of Tang’an Prefecture, ever since the escort agencies had been established, using martial force to settle disputes had become a common occurrence. It was said that in the early years, the agencies fought over territories, often resulting in bloody, life-or-death struggles. The victor would take over all the business on that turf, while the defeated had no choice but to leave, tails between their legs.

This rule may be a bit bloody, yet it has been passed down and retained to this day. It may rarely be of use now, but it remains an undeniable presence.

Now, Meng Yuhuai intended to settle matters this way, evidently planning to take over the entire escort trade in Tang’an Prefecture for Lianshun Escort Agency, not leaving a single drop of soup for Shenglong Escort Agency.

Standing next to Han Hu, a young man ran over to get a Flower Disc Stick and quickly handed it to Meng Yuhuai. Hua Xiaomai was hiding in the cottage, her gaze fixed unblinkingly on the tall figure in the yard, her heart trembling slightly.

"Sister-in-law, are you scared?"

Li Yingchun, however, remained calm as ever, treating Hua Xiaomai like an old acquaintance and nudged her shoulder with his elbow.

Talking nonsense, how could she not be scared?

Hua Xiaomai turned her head and glared at him.

Meng Yuhuai was her husband; of course, she believed in his abilities, but... what did it mean to be outnumbered and outmatched? When the man brazenly announced, "You can all come at me together," even if he won in the end, he was bound to take a few hits!

It really was... if something went wrong, wouldn’t his family be the ones most worried? He was a father and not young anymore, but still so reckless!

"Don’t worry,"

Li Yingchun seemed to produce two peaches from nowhere and, after rubbing them on his clothes, handed one to her, "Although today’s events took place at Lianshun Escort Agency, they cannot be hidden. If Dong Deyou really has the nerve to let those brawny men attack all at once, it would be bullying by numbers. Once other agencies hear of this, Shenglong Escort Agency will be a laughing stock! Those guys behind him may look strong but are clumsy, most likely just for show. I bet in the end, it will still be Lv Bin stepping forward to deal with it."

He bit a large chunk out of the peach with a crunch, and mumbled in summary, "Lv Bin can’t beat Yuhuai, you just watch, sister-in-law."

Hua Xiaomai, having gained an unwanted commentator for free, was somewhat annoyed by his chatter, but his words provided some comfort nonetheless. Without responding, she raised her eyes once more to the center of the yard.

Indeed, Dong Deyou and Lv Bin seemed to exchange a few low words, and then the latter, frowning heavily, stepped forward from the crowd and took several strides to stand in front of Meng Yuhuai.

Meng Yuhuai slightly lifted his chin, "You’re quite familiar with Lianshun Escort Agency, so I won’t need to accommodate you. Go yourself to the weapon rack and choose whatever you like; with the rain pouring like this, there’s no need for further delay."

Lv Bin instinctively glanced toward the porch to the left, fell silent for a moment, and when he spoke again, his tone carried a hint of pleading,

"Is it necessary to come to this? Indeed, the whole affair is Shenglong Escort Agency’s fault. We admit it, but why escalate to such a tense standoff? Goodwill begets good business; if you don’t leave us a way out today, what if troubles arise in the future... Our boss is willing to make amends with money; you name your price..."

"Why speak such foolishness? We people of the escort agencies never use money to resolve conflicts—how is it that after a year or two in the provincial city, even this you’ve forgotten?"