Chapter Eighteen: Zhuo Nan Is Furious, and the Consequences Are Dire

Regret, shame, and countless other emotions surged within Wang Liru’s heart. If not for these two tonight, she would have committed an unforgivable mistake—a single misstep that would haunt her for a lifetime. The two didn’t seem as frightening as they had a moment ago; they even called her “Big Boss’s Ma”—what sort of title was that? It left her puzzled.

“Big Boss’s Ma, you don’t need to worry. My brother and I won’t breathe a word of what happened tonight, and you mustn’t tell anyone you saw us either. Otherwise, things could go badly for the Big Boss,” Hu Li explained once the three of them had reached a quiet spot.

Though she no longer found them so intimidating, Wang Liru still asked cautiously, “Who is this Big Boss? And why do you call me Big Boss’s Ma?”

Hou Fei and Hu Li exchanged glances. So the Big Boss’s Ma doesn’t know that Brother Nan is now the Big Boss, they thought. Since that’s the case, it wasn’t their place to explain.

“Big Boss’s Ma, best not to concern yourself with the rest. You should hurry home,” said Hu Li, glancing around to see if any taxis were passing.

With her head full of questions, Wang Liru got into the car. As she was getting in, Hu Li handed the driver a ten for the fare. Watching her leave, the two brothers finally breathed a sigh of relief. Tonight’s events had to be reported to Brother Nan; the Big Boss’s Ma couldn’t suffer this loss for nothing.

Once home, Wang Liru’s mood had stabilized somewhat. She opened her daughter’s bedroom door and gazed at the sleeping child, a faint smile curving her lips. Yet, out of habit, her eyes drifted to the empty upper bunk, and anxiety gnawed at her once more. What would Wang Zhenguo do to Zhuo Nan? Fear welled up inside her, even as relief mingled with it—she had escaped the tiger’s jaws tonight. These days, inner turmoil accompanied Wang Liru constantly, robbing her of restful sleep.

Though she hadn’t been defiled by Wang Zhenguo, Wang Liru still felt filthy, unclean. She headed to the bathroom to shower. Stripping off her clothes, she stood naked before the mirror, examining her mature, voluptuous body. She cupped one breast, murmuring to herself, “Is it sagging?” Suddenly, a thought struck her—if not for her beauty, for this alluring body, could the night’s ordeal have been avoided? She had always been proud of her lovely face and perfect figure—what woman isn’t? But now, she resented her looks, her figure. If only she were plain, average, perhaps none of this would have happened. Though she’d escaped Wang Zhenguo this time, as long as he remained alive and deputy factory director, he’d always be a threat. A wild thought sprang unbidden—kill Wang Zhenguo!

Night is beloved by those who live outside the law. Perhaps that’s why they’re called the underworld—because they move in darkness? The question hardly matters.

Long Kun held the floppy disk delivered by Hou Fei and Hu Li. After hearing their report, his expression was grim, though inwardly he was more shaken than angry. Zhuo Nan had told him Wang Liru was only his aunt by marriage, yet now Zhuo Nan called her “Ma.” And tonight, this woman—who was not even his real mother—risked herself to save her foster son. Such virtue was remarkable. Long Kun had grown up an orphan, raised by many families, and had little real sense of kinship; in his world, brotherhood mattered most. But Wang Liru had just taught him a lesson.

“I’ll see Brother Nan first thing tomorrow. He has to know about this. You two did well tonight—when Brother Nan gets out, he’ll be sure to reward you,” Long Kun said, rising to his feet. He wished he could emulate those powerful bosses—pull out a wad of cash, toss it to these two, and swagger, “Go enjoy yourselves.”

But… Long Kun didn’t even have five hundred yuan on him, let alone spare cash for rewards.

Still, Hu Li and Hou Fei understood. After years with Kun, they hadn’t gotten rich, but life was far better than their days as petty thieves. “Brother Kun, it’s our duty to serve Brother Nan. No need for a reward.”

“Good brothers—I knew I wasn’t wrong about you.” Long Kun clapped both their shoulders, causing the two to grin through gritted teeth.

The night passed without incident. At dawn, Du Fanhao began clamoring for the police, insisting he had urgent matters and needed to see his family. The guards, after notifying the officers in charge of his case, agreed and immediately contacted his family. The police assumed Du Fanhao wanted to discuss case-related matters.

“Fanhao, that’s a hundred thousand yuan! Are you sure this person can really help you?” Du Fanhao met his girlfriend Sun Yan in Meeting Room One, and without preamble, told her to gather the money and hand it over to Zhuo Nan’s family, to get Zhuo Nan out first.

“Yan, if not for this person, I’d be dead by now. Zhang Xinhong is despicable—he actually sent someone in here to kill me,” Du Fanhao snarled through clenched teeth.

Sun Yan, along with Du Fanhao, Zhang Xinhong, and his girlfriend Wen Xia, had all been college classmates. The four started their business together. She never imagined Zhang Xinhong would turn so ruthless. Fear gripped her. “Fanhao, maybe we should just give up the company. Let him have it. I’ll beg him to spare you, and we’ll leave Deqing and start over elsewhere.”

Du Fanhao hesitated, then shook his head helplessly. “It’s too late. Zhang Xinhong wants me dead so he can have the company to himself. He’ll never let me go now.” Seeing Sun Yan about to protest, he raised his hand to cut her off. “Enough. Do as I say. Get the money together today and give it to the Zhuo family.”

While Du Fanhao met with Sun Yan, Old Wu came to notify Zhuo Nan that Long Kun had arrived and was waiting in Meeting Room Two. Zhuo Nan guessed there must be progress on the matter he’d assigned, and hurried after Old Wu. He remembered his last meeting here had been with Wang Liru.

Don’t be fooled by Old Wu’s humble status as a junior guard—he was sharp as a tack, a real survivor, as Zhuo Nan put it. Knowing Long Kun’s visit must be important, Old Wu stood guard outside, giving the two privacy.

“Brother Nan, how are you holding up in here? Old Wu told me something happened yesterday?” Long Kun asked with concern.

“Just a minor issue—a few mosquitoes, nothing more,” Zhuo Nan replied with a careless smile.

“A few mosquitoes?” Long Kun thought, Big brother, aren’t you exaggerating? I heard all about yesterday—if those four ‘Heavenly Kings’ are just mosquitoes, then I’m nothing but a fly.

“How did that matter I asked you about go?” Zhuo Nan inquired.

“That’s why I’m here. The guys found something for the computer—I don’t know what it is. Take a look.” Long Kun handed him the floppy disk.

Zhuo Nan glanced at it. A floppy disk. People still used these? In 2010, they were practically antiques. Still, the fact that they’d found one meant there might be something important on it. A floppy only holds 1.44MB—actually, just 1.38MB—so it couldn’t be anything too large, probably some sort of data.

He handed the disk back to Long Kun. “Keep it safe. I might be getting out in a few days. Once I’m out, we’ll find a computer and see what’s on it.”

“Don’t worry, Brother Nan. I’ll take good care of it,” Long Kun promised.

With business concluded, there didn’t seem to be much more to say, yet Zhuo Nan noticed Long Kun seemed hesitant, as though something was on his mind.

“Is something wrong, Long Kun? Just say it,” Zhuo Nan pressed.

Long Kun fidgeted awkwardly, unsure whether to speak. If he mentioned that the Big Boss’s Ma had been harassed, it would embarrass Brother Nan, yet if he kept quiet, he’d feel guilty. After all, she’d risked herself for Brother Nan. Such courage was extraordinary…

“Come on, Long Kun, spit it out,” Zhuo Nan urged, his instincts telling him it wasn’t good news.

Afraid of Zhuo Nan’s temper, Long Kun replied cautiously, “Brother Nan, don’t get upset when I tell you…”

“Just say it, out with it…”

“Brother Nan, come closer…” Zhuo Nan obediently leaned in. The stench of Long Kun’s breath nearly knocked him out, but he endured. Then—

“That bastard Wang Zhenguo—I’ll kill you when I get out!” Zhuo Nan roared, slamming his fist on the table so hard the corner broke clean off.

Startled by the noise, Old Wu rushed in, expecting trouble, but found Zhuo Nan’s eyes bloodshot, veins bulging, face contorted in rage—he looked ready to tear someone apart. Zhuo Nan was furious, and the consequences could be dire.

“Zhuo Nan, sit down—now!” Old Wu, not knowing exactly what had happened but recognizing Zhuo Nan’s emotional state, unhooked his rubber baton and brandished it, ready to restrain him if necessary.

Zhuo Nan, aided by his extraordinary self-control, quickly regained his composure. If he did something rash, he’d never get out.

“I’m fine, Old Wu, sorry…” he said, extending his hands for the cuffs.

Old Wu shook his head. “If you’re fine, go back.” Then he turned to bark at Long Kun, “Don’t come here unless it’s important. If anything happens to him, all three of us are finished.”

Long Kun, chastened, could only slink away. On the way back to the cells with Old Wu, Zhuo Nan spoke up. “Old Wu, can I ask a favor?”

Old Wu paused. “What is it?”

“I was too flustered just now and forgot to tell Long Kun—could you find him and have him send two men in to protect Du Fanhao?”

When Old Wu heard it was about Du Fanhao, he lowered his voice, trying to dissuade him. “Zhuo Nan, I know you’re not destined for an ordinary life, but you can’t get involved in Du Fanhao’s business. Orders from above.”

Zhuo Nan tilted his head, giving Old Wu a long look. “I appreciate your concern, but whether I get out or not depends on him. Shouldn’t I get involved?”