Chapter 29: Collecting the Debt Once More

Amid the shocked gazes of the crowd, Zeng Xiaofan began his journey home. He could never have imagined that a single trip out would see him returning with half a million to his name. The money was more than enough to pay off Aunt Yao’s debts, and the thought filled Zeng Xiaofan with delight.

Meanwhile, Fan Bing, who had returned alone to her villa, was in a thoroughly foul mood. As she glanced into the mirror, she noticed a large handprint stamped onto the pristine white fabric at the curve of her bell-bottom trousers—evidence, unmistakably, of Zeng Xiaofan’s doing.

“That guy… And to think I thought he was the honest type…” she muttered to herself. “Turns out he’s just another lecherous scoundrel! To try and take advantage of me, he even made up a ridiculous story about something filthy. How absurd…”

Still, Fan Bing couldn’t shake a nagging doubt. “But that doesn’t make sense. If he really wanted to take advantage, surely the best time would have been that day he helped me detoxify? After all, he was… well, his lips were right there…” The memory sent a blush surging over her cheeks, and a tingling warmth coursed through her body.

“So, he must be thinking long term—casting out a long line for a big catch, is that it?” She shook her head. “Forget it. I’ve repaid what I owed him, and from now on, there’s no need for any more contact.”

Having made up her mind, Fan Bing headed to the bathroom, stripping off her clothes one by one in preparation for a bath. Soon, she stood utterly bare before the mirror. Her voluptuous figure was reflected in the glass, and even she couldn’t help but feel a rush of shyness—mixed, admittedly, with a trace of pride.

But what she didn’t know was that as she stood unveiled, a shadowy black form was creeping out from her vanity table, silently gliding toward the bathroom. It slithered across the floor, then began to climb, inch by inch, up the length of her snowy white legs…

Ever since the previous morning, when Zeng Xiaofan unwittingly inherited a legacy while in a dilapidated farmhouse with Li Bixian, his days had been a whirlwind. He’d chanced upon Fan Bing, who had been poisoned, and had to draw the toxin out from her most intimate place. On returning home, he’d run into Zhao Qinglong, who was there to collect on a debt. Then there was the confrontation with Aunt Yao, and the shadowy figure that almost, but not quite, straddled him in the darkness—leaving Zeng Xiaofan so keyed up he couldn’t sleep a wink. Instead, he’d gone frog catching with Sister Xian.

Now, having sold the frogs and finally heading home, Zeng Xiaofan hadn’t closed his eyes for nearly two days and nights. Though his cultivation of the Supreme Way had endowed his body with stamina beyond that of ordinary men, he was beginning to feel the strain.

On the bus back from the county to the town, Zeng Xiaofan finally managed to doze off for a while, leaning against the seat. Yet, unbeknownst to him, while he slept, Bai Qingyao was once again in grave danger back in the village.

Just after sunset, Zhao Qinglong arrived at Bai Qingyao’s house with a band of thugs, surrounding the property. This time, he’d brought a homemade firearm—the kind hunters once used to bring down wild boar in the mountains. Clearly, Zhao Qinglong knew he was no match for Zeng Xiaofan and had abandoned any notion of fairness, resorting instead to secret weapons.

“You lot, guard the entrance! Don’t let anyone come near!” he commanded. “You three, take the back door—don’t let that Bai woman escape! The rest of you, inside with me. Once we’re done, we’ll switch out with the men on guard.”

Zhao Qinglong was methodical in his arrangements. From the start, he’d never believed Zeng Xiaofan could pay back the debt, so he’d been preparing since the previous day. Now, as night fell, he was eager to thoroughly ravage Bai Qingyao.

Hearing the commotion outside, Xiao Changgui hurriedly dragged the freshly bathed Bai Qingyao into their room, his expression tense. “Wife! Zhao Qinglong and his men are back!” he whispered. “You need to run—use the back door! That man’s up to no good, I can feel it!”

“Run? Ha!” came a sneer from the courtyard. “You think you can run anywhere? I’ve blocked every escape route—even the back door!”

Zhao Qinglong strode into the courtyard, leering. Bai Qingyao blanched with terror. She had just stepped out of the bath, her hair still damp, wearing only a thin dress, without even a bra beneath. Her curves strained against the fabric, making Zhao Qinglong’s mouth water with anticipation.

“Zhao Qinglong! Don’t do anything reckless!” Bai Qingyao pleaded. “We’ll pay back what we owe! If you lay a hand on—”

“And what if I do?” Zhao Qinglong interrupted with a cold snort. “Let me spell it out for you. Tonight, I’m here for you, and no one can do a thing about it! If you can’t pay back the debt, then you’ll pay with your body—simple as that!”

At his signal, two of his henchmen lunged for Bai Qingyao.

“Honey, hide!” Xiao Changgui shouted, pushing Bai Qingyao into the room and locking the door, positioning himself outside as a barricade. “Brother Long! If you want to collect, take it out on me—the debt is mine, not hers!”

“It has nothing to do with my wife…”

“Shut up!” Zhao Qinglong snarled and delivered a savage kick to Xiao Changgui’s groin. “Who said you get to talk? You think it’s unrelated? From now on, every cent you owe will be paid by Bai Qingyao’s backside!”

“Heh, enough talk. I’m going to have her now!”

He kicked Xiao Changgui to the ground and strode toward Bai Qingyao’s room. Xiao Changgui writhed in pain, utterly powerless to stop Zhao Qinglong.

“It’s over… we’re done for…” Bai Qingyao was beside herself with fear, on the verge of tears. She fumbled for her phone to call the police, but although the signal was strong, every call failed to connect.

Zhao Qinglong’s laughter rang out, triumphant. “What’s wrong? Can’t get through? I brought a jammer, of course you can’t call out! Hahaha!”

The men burst out laughing, and in the next instant, Zhao Qinglong kicked the door open with a crash. He seized Bai Qingyao, dragging her out as he jeered, “Come on, Qingyao, show the boys what you’ve got—let’s see you shake it!”

Bai Qingyao was blessed with an extraordinary figure, full and enticing. Without her undergarments, the spectacle was unspeakably humiliating.

“Zhao Qinglong, you beast!” Desperate, Bai Qingyao bit down hard on the web between Zhao Qinglong’s thumb and forefinger, drawing blood. He howled in pain and threw her onto the sofa. Staring at his bleeding hand, he flew into a rage.

“You filthy whore! You should feel honored I’d lay a hand on you, and you dare bite me?!” He cursed and, with a snarl, kicked Bai Qingyao viciously between the legs.

She screamed, her body curling in agony, trembling uncontrollably from the pain.