Chapter 26: The Past of Hu Zifeng

Wei Liang had privately investigated Hu Zifeng’s family background. He was from a rural area, and at present, he was only a bodyguard at the side of the Green Gang’s leader. The Green Gang had always maintained friendly relations with Pujiang Group. Because of this, Wei Liang had one of Hu Zifeng’s childhood friends kidnapped, threatening and bribing her to be with him. Yet, the woman remained steadfast and refused to give in. As a typical spoiled scion, enraged by her defiance, Wei Liang forced himself upon her. Tragically, she was still a virgin.

Hu Zifeng had been with her for years but had never laid a hand on her, wanting to save the best for last. The woman loved him deeply as well, or she wouldn’t have rather chosen death than accept Wei Liang. But sometimes, death isn’t such an easy thing. At least, when she tried, she did not succeed. After the incident, Hu Zifeng learned of what had happened and rushed desperately to her home. Unfortunately, people in the countryside are often conservative, and the woman, feeling disgraced and unable to face him, leapt from the tenth floor. When Hu Zifeng arrived, he caught only the edge of her clothing, and in the end, could only watch as her soul departed before his eyes, leaving them forever separated by life and death.

To Wei Liang, this was a trivial matter, but to Hu Zifeng, Wei Liang was the murderer who had caused the death of the woman he had not yet married. Hu Zifeng made several attempts on Wei Liang’s life, but each time he was stopped by the Green Gang’s boss, Du Chong. Coupled with Pujiang Group’s influence in T City, Du Chong was unwilling to fall out with Pujiang Group over his bodyguard, so he agreed to Wei Liang’s request and found an excuse to lock Hu Zifeng up.

Wei Liang had just come to see Hu Zifeng, hoping he would act as if nothing had happened, but Hu Zifeng ignored him completely. Wei Liang originally wanted Du Chong to kill Hu Zifeng to eliminate future trouble, but Du Chong, recognizing Hu Zifeng’s skills, was reluctant to waste such talent and instead found a pretext to have him imprisoned.

In Du Chong’s view, women are everywhere these days; he hoped that after some time, Hu Zifeng would come to his senses. Then Du Chong could find an excuse to get him out, and thus Hu Zifeng would be even more loyal to him. Du Chong’s calculations were flawless, but unfortunately, Hu Zifeng was a man of unyielding resolve—his sole purpose now was to kill Wei Liang.

Of course, Zhao Ying knew nothing of what Wei Liang had done. She still harbored some feelings for him. After all, a man adept at pretending, pulling off a few tricks, can easily win a woman’s heart, and Wei Liang, with his looks reminiscent of a pop star, made it even easier. That’s why Zhao Ying had agreed to be his girlfriend, and why, upon learning of his dalliances with other women, she went to the bar and drank herself into oblivion. Wei Liang was her first love; even though nothing had really happened between them, it was still a relationship.

Hu Zifeng’s story made Lin Fan think of a woman as well. “Is she still alive?” Lin Fan couldn’t help but ask himself in his heart…

Meanwhile, Zhao Ying had been searching for the chief of police—Yan Dong’s brother-in-law, Li Kun. In her view, Lin Fan hadn’t caused any real harm to Wei Liang; a fine should suffice to get him released. But Li Kun seemed to be avoiding her.

What Zhao Ying didn’t know was that Yan Dong had already spoken to his brother-in-law, telling him he was pursuing Zhao Ying, and now his rival in love had landed in trouble, so he wanted Li Kun to leave the matter to him. When Li Kun heard that his brother-in-law and Zhao Ying might become a couple—and considering he knew Zhao Ying’s father’s position—if they got together, he might also benefit, and his future would be bright. So, without hesitation, Li Kun agreed to Yan Dong’s request.

After much effort, Zhao Ying finally found Li Kun. As she entered, Li Kun was on the phone, nodding repeatedly, his forehead beaded with sweat.

Zhao Ying was surprised to see Li Kun in such a state. What kind of call could leave him like this? When he finally hung up, Zhao Ying began, “Chief Li, I want to talk to you about Lin Fan’s case—it’s just a simple fight…”

Before she could finish, Li Kun interrupted, “Who?”

“Lin Fan.”

“Release him, let him out at once,” Li Kun said hurriedly, waving his hand. Then he glanced at Zhao Ying, frowning. Just moments ago, Zhao Ying’s father had personally called, instructing him to handle Lin Fan’s case with care and not to shoot himself in the foot—in other words, to release Lin Fan. At first, Li Kun thought Zhao Ying had asked her father to make the call, since he knew from Yan Dong that Lin Fan and Zhao Ying were acquainted. But judging by Zhao Ying’s reaction, she clearly knew nothing about it, which meant Lin Fan had someone else supporting him from behind the scenes.

At this realization, Li Kun cursed Yan Dong thoroughly in his heart. Not even knowing who he was dealing with, he’d carelessly had him arrested. If it had only involved Zhao Ying, it might have been manageable, but clearly, it was much more complicated. That kid was just trouble, a fool. All Li Kun could do now was silently hope that Lin Fan would vent all his anger on Yan Dong and not involve him.

Though Zhao Ying didn’t know why Li Kun released Lin Fan the moment he heard his name, she quickly realized she’d achieved her goal and left without further thought.

In the cell, Lin Fan had heard Hu Zifeng’s story. He hadn’t expected the Green Gang’s leader, Du Chong, to be so timid, abandoning a loyal bodyguard at such a crucial moment. It seemed the Green Gang was falling into decline. If he wanted to help Hu Zifeng take revenge, the Green Gang would certainly be an obstacle. At this thought, a cold glint flashed in Lin Fan’s eyes.

“Lin Fan, you’re out!” someone shouted from outside the cell.

Moments later, the door opened, and someone came in to tell Lin Fan he was free to go. Since the chief had spoken, Yan Dong’s words meant nothing.

Lin Fan hadn’t expected to be released so suddenly—it was likely his sister had arranged it. In any case, he couldn’t have stayed there forever; there was still much to do outside. And as far as Lin Fan was concerned, he hadn’t wasted his time in jail—at least he’d met Hu Zifeng. Because of a certain tattoo, and seeing Hu Zifeng’s impressive skills and deep loyalty, Lin Fan recognized him as a rare talent. People like him were becoming ever scarcer, and Lin Fan liked the idea of having such a man as a brother.

At the door, Lin Fan said, “Wait for me a few days.” The message was clear: give me a few days, and when you’re out, everything will be settled.

Hu Zifeng understood, though he said nothing. He simply nodded, heavy and resolute. Since he had agreed to follow Lin Fan, he would trust him. Besides, this young man, even younger than himself, had an air of command about him that inspired unquestioning trust…