Chapter 24: Ruling the World Alone

Soon, Su Muqing resolutely paid the bill, and the two of them left Tenglong International. Although that so-called Hua Shao had already settled their bill earlier, Su Muqing didn’t want to owe him anything, so she insisted the waiter swipe her card again.

To Qin Xuan’s surprise, Su Muqing had a VIP card for Tenglong International as well, and it was gold—offering a twenty percent discount. It looked more prestigious than Qin Xuan’s own card. Considering her status, it made sense that she would possess such a card.

Standing at the entrance to Tenglong International, Qin Xuan intended to walk home, but Su Muqing firmly disagreed. “That won’t do! Driving is much safer than walking, and besides, it’s not that late yet.”

Qin Xuan sighed helplessly. “It’s really fine. Do you think I’d be in danger on the road?”

“Well, maybe not, but isn’t driving faster anyway?”

“A bit faster or slower doesn’t matter much. Besides, you’re a young woman—it’s better for you to head home early.”

“A young woman? Qin Xuan, you mustn’t underestimate your teacher,” Su Muqing said, lips curved into a smile. She seemed about to say more, but suddenly her phone rang.

“Sorry, I need to take this call,” she said, retrieving an elegant and stylish phone.

Qin Xuan nodded, and watched as she answered, “Hello?”

“Qingqing, where are you now?” came a voice that Qin Xuan recognized immediately as Li Shihao’s. Though it was impolite to overhear someone’s conversation, Qin Xuan’s cultivation had gifted him with keen hearing; it was only natural that he caught every word.

“I’m at Tenglong. Is something up?” Su Muqing’s tone held a hint of softness, something absent when she spoke to Qin Xuan.

“Nothing really, I’m at your house now. I missed you,” Li Shihao replied. In front of Su Muqing, the usually domineering Li Shihao could only soften, unwilling to assert himself as he might with others.

“What are you doing at my house?” Su Muqing frowned, concern flickering across her face.

They exchanged only a few words before Su Muqing ended the call, apologizing to Qin Xuan. “Qin Xuan, something’s come up—I have to go.”

“No problem, go ahead. Don’t worry about me,” Qin Xuan said, waving with a smile.

“Then, goodbye!” Su Muqing waved in return and hurried away.

“It seems Teacher Su and Li Shihao are rather close…” Qin Xuan felt a pang of frustration. As a man, it was already disheartening when a beautiful woman liked someone other than himself. But when the object of her affection was someone he disliked, it was even more aggravating.

“Oh well, it’s not really my concern…” Qin Xuan shook his head, banishing the thought, and started towards his villa.

From Tenglong International, the most bustling part of Jinling, his walk soon led him to quieter streets. When he reached the mountain road, only the occasional car passed by.

“At last, no one around. You lot can come out now—aren’t you tired of hiding?” Qin Xuan halted, speaking in a relaxed tone.

“Hmph, looks like this kid’s got some skills—he noticed we were tailing him. Brothers, surround him!” a deep, commanding voice rang out from behind.

Leopard Brother was frustrated today. Normally, having a job was a good thing, but this time his superiors had assigned him to deal with a mere youngster, which annoyed him. Who was Leopard Brother, after all? He was a high-ranking member of Jinling’s Black Wolf Gang, usually handling vicious criminals. To deal with a kid—wasn’t it overkill?

Five young thugs in riot gear burst out from the roadside and surrounded Qin Xuan. Leopard Brother stood outside the circle, sneering. “Don’t blame us for being ruthless. You’ve made trouble for the wrong people.”

He scoffed at his subordinates’ riot gear, but orders were orders, and he couldn’t protest. In his view, a kid didn’t warrant such a grand display.

“So, what do you want?” Qin Xuan asked calmly. He had sensed the tail for some time, and overheard enough whispers to know they belonged to Jinling’s Black Wolf Gang.

This time, the Black Wolf Gang was acting on the orders of a certain “Young Master Li,” who wanted to teach him a lesson. If Qin Xuan guessed correctly, that had to be Li Shihao—he knew no other Li in Jinling.

“What do we want? Since you’ve got guts, we’ll let you off with just one hand and one foot,” Leopard Brother said, a hint of admiration in his voice. Qin Xuan’s composure in the face of danger impressed him; few could remain so calm, especially someone so young.

Qin Xuan glanced around. Five young men in riot gear, each brandishing a gleaming knife. Outside the ci