CHAPTER 454: CHAPTER 320: EATING NOODLES ON THE ROAD

Qiu Zhiheng led Lu Chunying, Ma Wu, and others off the train. They bypassed Xiaoyao Lodge and Lu Chunying’s residence, going directly to the He Family Mansion.

They had been ambushed at Black Stone Slope, with Qiu Zhiheng sustaining injuries. He should have rested for a longer period, but he received news of He Haiqin’s funeral procession that very day, so he felt compelled to bring Lu Chunying along to offer condolences. Such an occasion could not be overlooked without offending proper etiquette.

Duan Shaoxia also went there with Zhang Huaiyi. During the funeral rites, Qiu Zhiheng stood behind Lu Chunying while Duan Shaoxia constantly watched him, her eyes filled with resentment and sorrow.

Once the funeral was over, Tan Fucheng had other matters to attend to and left first.

He Yuxiu found Qiu Zhiheng, "Monkey, come have a drink with your Sister."

"Sister, where would you like to go?"

"Let’s head to Xiaoyao Lodge. We should support Ma Wu’s business."

Now that He Yuxiu was in charge of the He Family, and given her proactive gesture of goodwill, Qiu Zhiheng naturally agreed.

When they arrived at Xiaoyao Lodge, Ma Wu had arranged a private room. He Yuxiu said, "Junyang, I’d like to drink alone with Monkey."

Ma Wu got the hint and left the private room, instructing his men not to disturb the two of them.

Qiu Zhiheng poured a cup of wine for He Yuxiu, which she drank in one gulp.

He poured another, and she continued to drink.

After five cups, tears began to fall from He Yuxiu’s eyes, "Haiqin is gone, he’s gone..."

Qiu Zhiheng remained silent. He knew that at times like these, saying nothing was better—letting He Yuxiu cry freely was more effective than any words.

After her tears were shed, He Yuxiu looked at Qiu Zhiheng, "How do you think your Sister looks?"

"Beautiful," Qiu Zhiheng answered earnestly.

"At this age, I don’t think I’m much worse than those young girls, right?"

"You’re much better than them."

"Then why didn’t you fancy your Sister back then? I’m only a few years older than you, and back then, I was also a top beauty. I threw myself at you, and you still wouldn’t marry me?"

Qiu Zhiheng, holding his cup, was silent for a long while before saying, "Sister, you know I couldn’t. Our statuses are different."

"Have I ever given a damn about status? Back then, if you had just said the word, I would have followed you and taken the last name Qiu!"

Qiu Zhiheng remained silent for a long time. He Yuxiu, wiping away tears, said, "Haiqin is gone. Haisheng doesn’t feel close to me, so I don’t have anyone close left in my life. Monkey, I called you here today for one reason: Haiqin left the He Family in my care, and I know my own limits. I can’t outfight you. If it really came down to a fight, the He Family would surely be devoured by the Lu Family. If you still remember our past affection, can you work with your Sister? I will follow your lead. Will you come to the He Family and be the head steward?"

"The He Family..." Qiu Zhiheng shook his head.

He Yuxiu sighed, "I know you are with the Lu Family. Wherever you go, you’re always with the Lu Family."

"The Lu Family..." Qiu Zhiheng gave a bitter smile and remained silent.

He Yuxiu said, "It’s fine if you don’t join. Just let your Sister off the hook. I won’t compete with you for anything, and you don’t target the He Family’s interests. Is that okay with you?"

Qiu Zhiheng sighed, "Sister, I am a servant of the Lu Family. A servant is always a servant. I’m not the one who makes decisions."

He Yuxiu nodded, "I understand what you mean. You want me to look out for that girl, Lu Chunying. She’s a good kid, and I like her too. Lu Dongliang has vanished without a trace, and Duan Shaoxia has become muddled. Even though Lu Chunying isn’t her child, she bears the Lu surname. And no matter whose son Zhang Huaiyi is, his surname is Zhang. I’ll agree to this. I acknowledge Lu Chunying; she will be the head of the Lu Family."

Raising his glass, Qiu Zhiheng said, "With Sister’s word, I, Qiu Zhiheng, will never be your enemy in this life!"

"It’s settled then!"

After a few more drinks, He Yuxiu’s gaze at Qiu Zhiheng grew more and more tender. "Monkey, after all these years, how are you still so handsome?"

Qiu Zhiheng laughed, "Sister, you are still so beautiful."

He Yuxiu leaned close to Monkey Qiu’s face, hinting subtly, "How about we sleep together?"

"Sister, I’m not up for it today."

"Bullshit! What kind of Taoist Sect are you from, saying you’re not up for it? If we could turn back twenty years, would you choose me, or your wife?"

"We can’t turn back time anyway. Who can say for sure?"

He Yuxiu poked Qiu Zhiheng with her finger, "You damn kid, you just can’t say anything nice."

The two were enjoying their drinks when suddenly a commotion erupted outside.

He Yuxiu frowned, "Who is it? They’re really spoiling the mood!"

Qiu Zhiheng went out to look and saw a chaotic scene in the corridor. After asking an attendant what was happening, he learned that Ma Wu had run into trouble.

In Ma Wu’s own territory at Xiaoyao Lodge, he had run into trouble?

They both hurriedly followed the attendant to the dance floor, only to find a man in black, his face covered, pointing a Short Knife at Ma Wu’s forehead and demanding sharply, "Where is Li Qi?"

The voice was deep and muffled, a man’s, but unrecognizable.

Zuo Wugang was hesitating next to Ma Wu, torn over whether to rush forward. If the man in black thrust the knife, Ma Wu’s life would be over.

He Yuxiu didn’t hesitate. She burped from the wine, walking up with a chuckle, "Go on, stab him. If you don’t stab him today, you’re nothing but a bastard son of a turtle."

The man in black’s wrist twitched, aiming to slice a cut on Ma Wu’s face.

Qiu Zhiheng’s gaze darkened. The man in black’s heart raced, his hand unintentionally trembling.

With a casual flick of her wrist, He Yuxiu snatched the knife from the man in black’s hand.

Among the many people present, including Qiu Zhiheng, nobody saw how He Yuxiu did it.

The man in black yanked at his garment, and suddenly, hundreds of Throwing Darts flew toward the crowd.

The darts came quickly and accurately. Ma Wu couldn’t dodge, and even Zuo Wugang couldn’t avoid them.

Zuo Wugang shielded Ma Wu, ready to take the brunt of the Throwing Darts.

He Yuxiu kicked a fruit plate off the round table. The fruit plate arced through the air, blocking every single one of the hundreds of Throwing Darts.