Chapter 56: The Beast and the Beauty

Liu Molan felt somewhat dazed by how smoothly the contract had gone through. Even at the moment of signing, she was still in a trance, but seeing the explicit terms laid out on the contract, she knew it was not a sham. After Guo Yang left, she asked with some excitement, "Qin Yang, do you think this is real?"

"Of course," Qin Yang replied, standing at the hotel entrance. He noticed several unfamiliar faces around, but a few he recognized from the club last night. He realized that Boss Cao’s men were already in place, which put his mind at ease. He couldn’t stay with Liu Molan around the clock; he needed to uncover what tricks Yang Feng was playing. Although that scoundrel had indirectly helped him become the master of Hell, a debt is a debt. If that man wanted to harm him, he would never let it go—especially after meeting people like Huang Zequn. By now, many in Jianghai City must have known this second-generation heir was still alive.

Liu Molan didn’t mind Qin Yang’s coarse words. After several encounters, she had become more comfortable with his presence and no longer tried to restrict his freedom around her. Settling comfortably on the sofa, she said, “We wrapped this up a few days ahead of schedule, and the bidding is ready too. Once everything is settled, let’s leave this place.”

Qin Yang’s attention was caught by Huang Zequn, who emerged from a room with a woman in his arms. With a thought, he said, “I have something to take care of. You stay in the hotel room and don’t go anywhere. If you need food, call room service, but do not set foot outside the hotel.”

“What are you going to do?” Liu Molan asked, startled.

Qin Yang waved his hand. “Just some private business. Be good and stay put. If I don’t return tonight, I’ll call you. Don’t worry, you’re absolutely safe here.”

“Take care,” Liu Molan nodded, reminding him.

With a snap of his fingers, Qin Yang closed the hotel room door and hurried to the elevator. Meanwhile, Huang Zequn, still entangled with the woman, shuddered when he saw Qin Yang enter and didn’t know what to say. But seeing Qin Yang make no other move, he relaxed a little. At the hotel entrance, he slapped the woman’s backside, telling her to leave, then cautiously approached Qin Yang and said quietly, “Young Master Qin, what can I do for you?”

“There’s something I need to ask you about.” Qin Yang patted his shoulder. “Let’s find a quiet place to talk.”

“Alright.” Huang Zequn drove Qin Yang to a teahouse. There weren’t many patrons that morning, so they found a private room. Huang Zequn carefully poured tea and asked, “What does Master Qin want to know?”

“Half a month ago, I was racing on the mountain road,” Qin Yang tapped the table. “You know about this, right?”

Huang Zequn’s face went pale. Who didn’t know it was that race that led to Qin Yang’s car crash, making outsiders believe he was dead? Before anyone could celebrate, the man had returned alive, apparently unharmed. After thinking for a moment, he said, “I know about it. That race is what led to your…”

“Don’t mention that. Did you know someone tampered with my car?” Qin Yang asked with a smile.

“What?” Huang Zequn was genuinely shocked, not faking it. “How could that be? Who would dare meddle with your car?”

“Yang Feng.” Qin Yang shifted his posture and made no secret of it. “But I don’t think he would dare act alone. There must be others, so I came to ask you.”

A cold sweat broke out on Huang Zequn’s brow. “Young Master Qin, you don’t suspect me, do you?”

“Relax, I know you well enough. You may have a foul mouth, but you’re too lazy for such schemes,” Qin Yang reassured him. “Tell me, after my car crashed, who inspected it?”

“The police did,” Huang Zequn said, relieved, sharing what he knew. “The police report found nothing suspicious. They said the crash was due to excessive speed and loss of control. Old Master Qin sent people to take you away. Everyone believed you were dead—the car was totaled, and survival seemed impossible.”

“The police?” Qin Yang frowned. “Specifically who?”

“I don’t know. You know me—I don’t bother with those details.” Huang Zequn glanced at Qin Yang, saw no change in his expression, and went on, “But would Yang Feng really dare? He’s cunning, but he knows his limits.”

“Never mind, I’ll ask him myself.” Qin Yang rolled his eyes. “Who have you told about my return?”

“Nobody,” Huang Zequn quickly replied. “You returned without a word. I wouldn’t dare mess up your plans. If you held it against me, I’d suffer for nothing. My two other buddies know not to talk either. But as for Yang Xiao—I’m not sure. He’s Yang Feng’s cousin—if he tells Yang Feng, then…”

“So what if he does?” Qin Yang sipped his tea. “I want to play with him anyway. What are you staring at?” Qin Yang looked up to see Huang Zequn gaping at the door, looking like a lecherous fool, practically drooling. Qin Yang followed his gaze and drew a sharp breath.

Through the half-open door, Qin Yang saw a stunning beauty—a perfect blend of classic elegance and sensuality. Her every gesture radiated the grace of a noblewoman, yet she exuded a fresh, youthful aura. Her delicate face, shyly parted lips, and alluring figure mesmerized every man around. Yet, what made her even more striking was the ugly man at her side.

How ugly? Like a clump of swollen tea leaves slashed with a knife, the puffiness around his eyes left them nearly slit shut, making one wonder if he could even see. Beauty-and-the-beast pairings were not uncommon, but few had ever embodied these roles so vividly. In Qin Yang’s memory, there was no other pair quite like them.

“Hey, isn’t this a bit much?” Qin Yang asked, exasperated, seeing Huang Zequn’s eyes nearly glued to the woman.

Huang Zequn swallowed hard. “In the half-month you disappeared, beauties from every family have dared to come out, and I’ve seen quite a few. But one like this—never. Aside from Qi Mengwei, I can’t think of anyone as devastatingly beautiful. I didn’t expect to see another today. To be honest, your woman yesterday was a knockout, but still a few points behind this one. Damn, she’s stunning. That face, that figure—I’d give up a year of my life for a kiss.”

“Hmm?” Qin Yang suddenly tensed, tossing his teacup. It shattered ten centimeters from Huang Zequn’s face, spraying tea on him and scattering porcelain shards at his feet. A small, trembling knife landed on the table. Huang Zequn was dumbfounded, not even bothering to wipe the tea from his face when he saw the knife.

“It was just a comment—no need for violence,” Qin Yang said. “Old Huang may be a lecher, but he’s not that desperate. With your looks, even a real homosexual would steer clear. So don’t be so arrogant about your appeal. Old Huang’s tastes are perfectly normal. And as for you, acting like you’re some prize—how embarrassing.”

“What a foul mouth,” the ugly man remarked, his tiny eyes nearly lost in the swelling.

“You calling me a dog?” Huang Zequn asked, annoyed.

“He called you foul-mouthed,” Qin Yang interjected. “This ugly fellow’s wit takes its time. I admit I can be sharp-tongued, but only with those who deserve it. Huang Zequn talks too much, but he doesn’t deserve a knife to the throat. So I don’t mind saying what I think.”

“Damn, you freak, you dare lay hands on me?” Huang Zequn banged the table and stood up, shouting.

“Let’s go,” the woman said first, her voice as melodious as a lotus blooming.

The ugly man grunted and followed her out. As she walked by, a floral fragrance wafted over; Qin Yang took a deep breath. “That scent… it’s so familiar.”

“What are you doing?” Qin Yang asked as he saw Huang Zequn get up in a rage.

“Damn it, I’ve never been humiliated like this,” Huang Zequn cursed. “That guy’s got nerve.”

“You can’t beat him,” Qin Yang rolled his eyes. “If you wanted to get close to the beauty, just say so—no need for excuses. I bet you’d be thrown out before you even reached her door. Sit down and behave.”

Huang Zequn gave an awkward laugh and sat down. “I was just taken aback—she’s so beautiful. Don’t pretend you’re immune. Back in the day, when you saw Qi Mengwei, you pulled every trick in the book. Way more shameless than me. By the way, when are you going to see her? I hear Yang Feng still pesters her, won’t give up.”

“I’ll go, of course,” Qin Yang stretched. “What’s she up to these days?”

“After you disappeared, Yang Feng bankrolled a flower shop for her, and she accepted. She’s beautiful, so business is good. Yang Feng is rather overbearing—few dare bother her. I also heard they’re close to getting engaged,” Huang Zequn said, giving Qin Yang a mischievous look. “Back then, you made Yang Feng look so bad in front of her. But now…”

“Engaged?” Qin Yang sneered. “Yang Feng really doesn’t know the meaning of shame.”

“He’s a petty man who got lucky. Honestly, anyone would be jealous if Qi Mengwei ended up with you or Yang Feng. One’s a villain, the other’s devious. But if I had to choose, you’re still the more reliable one.” Huang Zequn was now much less nervous around Qin Yang, realizing as long as he didn’t cross any lines, there was no need for formalities—honesty was better.

Qin Yang tapped the table. “Never mind him. Help me find out who in the police inspected my car. Someone tampered with it—there’s no way they shouldn’t have found something. Someone is covering it up.”

“Alright,” Huang Zequn nodded. “But let me be clear—I’m not gifted in this area. It might take a while, so don’t expect too much from me.”