Chapter Seventy-Nine: A Deadly Threat!

"It's none of my concern." Ye Wushang was focused on the security of the venue. As for Lan Ruoxue, he only wished to brush her off with a few words. "Lanlan chose you because she values your abilities."

"Since you've reached a cooperation agreement, just do your job well."

"Haven't you always wanted to grow and strengthen your business? This is your opportunity—grasp it well..."

"Lanlan?"

Hearing this, Lan Ruoxue's delicate brows knitted together, and she mocked herself, "In three years of marriage, you've never called me so intimately."

"That's because you've never cared about me."

"There's no point in discussing this now. Let's end it here."

Ye Wushang took a deep breath and looked up, noticing Pei Huaide and his son walking onto the stage.

Below, Master Wang was orchestrating arrangements, moving swiftly. Soon, every guest at the tables had one or two attendants standing by their side.

It was a clear sign that something big was brewing; the bald man was patrolling the scene, the situation uncertain.

"You stay on stage for now. Come down later."

After all, they were once husband and wife.

Though Lan Ruoxue's words were unkind and her actions chilling, she had warned him about Lin Dong. He still didn't wish ill upon her.

"Where I go is none of your business."

"Don't forget, as the supervisor, you're only to oversee the cooperation between the two families."

"You have no right to interfere with my personal freedom..."

"Guards."

Before she could finish, Ye Wushang suddenly barked, and two security officers immediately surrounded her.

No matter how she protested, Ye Wushang ignored her and walked straight to An Lan's side.

Just then, Pei Huaide and his son arrived, and their eyes met, the venom in their gazes unmistakable.

"Heh."

"Mr. Pei, instead of savoring Master Xu's exquisite dishes downstairs, you've come up on stage—do you have some advice to offer?"

An Lan's face was radiant with good cheer.

Tonight's banquet, for her, was merely an appetizer with the announcement of the proxy list. The true highlight was presenting Xu Zifeng, letting the Pei family witness the unparalleled standards of her event.

Moreover, with his expertise in medicinal cuisine, Xu Zifeng was unmatched, ensuring the Pei family would back down and stop competing.

Pei Huaide clearly heard the implication in her words, his expression darkening, but he didn't lose his temper. He smiled faintly, "Advice is too strong; I merely wish to chat with Master Xu."

"I'm quite curious—given Master Xu's skills, not only in Jinghan but even in the provincial capital, you'd have a distinguished place."

"So why choose to settle in Jinghan, and even affiliate yourself with the An family?"

"I wonder, what has the An family offered you?"

Xu Zifeng paused, glancing at An Lan, who nodded slightly. He then replied, "It has nothing to do with benefits."

"I've worked in medicinal cuisine for over twenty years, and have reaped both fame and fortune."

"But now, I prioritize the environment and sincerity in my career."

"The sincerity shown by the An family is the greatest attraction for me..."

Pei Huaide laughed loudly, "Sincerity—well chosen words."

"Is it the size of the payment, or some privilege?"

"My Pei family is willing to offer five times, or even more."

"I formally invite you to join my team."

"If you win first place in this medicinal cuisine contest, I'm willing to..."

"Mr. Pei!"

At this, An Lan interrupted coldly, her gaze sharp. "Mr. Pei, isn't this going a bit too far?"

"To poach talent right in front of me..."

"How can this be poaching? It's just comparing options, giving Master Xu..."

"I won't consider it."

Xu Zifeng said solemnly, "The An family treats me well, and I personally am not interested in fame or fortune."

"Thank you for your offer, Mr. Pei..."

"You, Xu, don't know what's good for you!"

Before he could finish, Pei Qinghu scolded, "My father is giving you face. You'd better think carefully about the consequences of refusing him..."

"Qinghu!"

Pei Huaide glared at his son, took a deep breath, and looked at Xu Zifeng with a wicked smile. "It seems the An family's methods are quite clever."

"Not only did they win you over, they've captured your heart."

"As for me, since I can't have your loyalty or affection, I'll turn to your family."

Hm?

On hearing this, Xu Zifeng's brows furrowed.

An Lan and Ye Wushang exchanged a glance, sensing trouble.

Just then, Master Wang, having finished his arrangements, hurried toward the stage.

The two whispered together, Pei Huaide's wicked smile growing ever stronger.

Though Ye Wushang didn't know exactly what they were planning, he realized their scheme was about to unfold.

Without hesitation, he cast a glance, signaling Rabbit to go on stage!

At that moment, Rabbit was trembling with anxiety.

He wasn't afraid of the Pei family, but worried that Master Wang might cause trouble.

Now, with the situation poised for action, he had no choice.

He nodded quickly and stepped onto the stage. Before he reached it, Ye Wushang approached and whispered, "Rabbit, two things."

"First, place the talisman on Master Wang."

"Second, assess the situation—see what Pei Huaide and Master Wang are plotting, adapt, and eliminate any threat promptly."

Rabbit was stunned.

The stakes kept rising.

To be honest, he acknowledged Ye Wushang's abilities, but not everyone was as superhuman as he.

Especially now, facing the illustrious Pei family. Helping out this time, he was risking everything.

He could only hope they'd escape danger or else he'd be ruined.

"All right, I'll handle it."

Rabbit nodded, then made his way to Pei Huaide.

"Master Xu, look how happy your wife and child are," Pei Huaide said, swinging the phone Master Wang handed him.

Everyone focused on the screen.

A beautiful young woman was playing with a lively child in an amusement park.

The scene was harmonious and joyful.

Surrounding them were five or six young men in suits and dark glasses.

Their faces were stern, radiating menace—they were clearly Pei Huaide's men.

"Bastard!"

Xu Zifeng was furious, his voice low. "What are you trying to do?"

"If you have an issue, take it up with me. Why threaten my family?"

"Threaten? How harsh. I'm just looking after your wife and child," Pei Huaide laughed lightly. "After all, there are many bad people in society. One careless moment and someone could take them away."

"My men are nearby."

"Their safety depends on whether you're willing to leave the An family and join mine."

"There are two buttons here—red means your wife and child leave, green means my men leave."

"The choice is yours. You have ten seconds to decide."

At this, Ye Wushang's expression darkened.

He hadn't expected Pei Huaide to stoop so low.

Using family as leverage to force Xu Zifeng to submit!

Fortunately, he was prepared—the buttons on the screen were an opportunity.

He immediately signaled Rabbit, who understood at once and began chatting with Master Wang.

As Pei Huaide handed the phone to Master Wang for safekeeping, Rabbit, using persistent small talk, slipped the talisman into Wang's pocket.

He kept fiddling with the phone, until he pressed the green button, instructing his men to leave the amusement park, then walked away. Passing Ye Wushang, he whispered, "Rabbit, I need you for a third task."

"Find that amusement park, get Master Xu's family out and protect them as quickly as possible."

"Once it's done, come back for your reward—I promise everything I've agreed."

Rabbit sighed, exhausted. "All right, I'll go now."

"But Mr. Ye, working for you is truly overwhelming."

"I've just managed to annoy Master Wang; once he realizes what happened, he'll know it was me..."

"I understand. Go now."

With that, Rabbit left, while Ye Wushang remained composed.

"Pei Huaide, you've gone too far!"

Now, seeing Pei Huaide threaten family, An Lan was livid. She glared at Pei Huaide, scolding, "Poaching talent is one thing, but threatening Master Xu's family—aren't you afraid of being ridiculed if this gets out?!"

"Haha."

Pei Huaide laughed, unconcerned. "How am I threatening?"

"I'm only showing him where his family is. I've never hit or killed them."

"Miss An, you can eat recklessly, but you mustn't speak recklessly."

"Master Xu, your ten seconds are up—what's your answer?"

Xu Zifeng was stunned.

He owed the An family a debt, and was determined to give his best in this medicinal cuisine contest.

But his family meant everything. Now, in their hands, if he didn't comply, the consequences would be dire.

"Miss An, I'm sorry. I have no choice."

Xu Zifeng looked utterly miserable. With an apologetic glance, he turned to Pei Huaide, gritted his teeth, and nodded, "As long as you release my family, I am willing..."

"You are willing to continue serving the An family."

"Even if I never work in medicinal cuisine again, I will never work for the Pei family!"

Before he could finish, Ye Wushang suddenly stepped forward, breaking off Xu Zifeng's words!

His statement stunned everyone. An Lan instinctively grabbed him and whispered, "Wushang, don't be reckless."

"Right now, Master Xu's wife and child are still in their hands. Given the Pei family's ruthless methods, if you refuse, they could be in danger."

Ye Wushang's face was cold and proud. "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

He had just received Rabbit's message.

Using GPS, his men had located the amusement park.

They had swiftly moved them to a safe house.

No one but him knew its location—it was absolutely safe.

He had to admit, Rabbit had some real skills as the leader of the underground world.

Perhaps he hadn't done much in the open, but in the grey zones, his methods were sharp and efficient.

"They are my wife and child, not yours. It's easy for you to be brave when you have nothing at stake!"

Xu Zifeng glared at Ye Wushang, scolding, "This is my business—what right do you have to decide for me..."

"Idiot, this doesn't concern you. Get lost!"

Seeing Ye Wushang intervene, Pei Qinghu was furious. He gritted his teeth, "We still have unfinished business—you'd better behave."

"Otherwise, I'll make you regret ever being born!"

"Unfinished business?"

An Lan frowned.

Ye Wushang smiled faintly, "Nothing much. I embarrassed him once, he probably can't get over it."

"Bastard, what nonsense..."

"Qinghu."

Pei Huaide stopped his son, gazing at Ye Wushang with amusement. "Young man, I've seen your performance just now."

"Honestly, it was impressive."

"But we're discussing business now, not fighting."

"You must speak responsibly. Master Xu hasn't decided yet—what right do you have to speak for him?"

Ye Wushang's eyes were sharp and cold. "Because his wife and child are safe—is that enough?"

...