Xia Feng and his group had returned to Chengdu. The journey was not far, merely over a hundred kilometers, and they were back quickly.
Upon hearing Xia Lin call out "ge," Zhou Gangyi straightened up instantly, an unfeigned respect and pride radiating from him.
Hu Hong, unaware of who Xia Lin's brother was, felt nothing in particular. However, Qu Mingwei knew that a true super-figure was about to make an appearance. He prayed they wouldn't be held accountable, as no one would emerge unscathed.
"You're back. Where have you been?" Xia Feng asked on the phone after returning to the hotel and not finding Xia Lin.
"At a club outside. I wanted to hang out with Jing Ru, but some unpleasantness occurred," Xia Lin replied.
"I'll come over to take a look," Xia Feng said.
"It's not a big deal, you don't need to come," Xia Lin hastily declined. Her brother's arrival would only escalate things, turning minor issues into major ones.
"It's nothing. I'll just come to see you and bring everyone out for a meal. We haven't eaten anything since returning," Xia Feng stated.
"Alright then, Yalong Bay Club." Xia Lin provided Xia Feng with the location before they ended their call after a few more words.
Everyone present had clearly heard Xia Lin. More people were arriving.
Qu Mingwei, now privy to the situation, began to sweat. He felt at a loss for words. Recalling Zheng Ming's earlier words, his legs grew weak, a sense of helplessness washing over him. Xia Lin's brother was someone who sat on equal footing with Elder Huang. This was beyond his comprehension.
Hu Hong, seeing that more guests were arriving, wisely refrained from speaking further. After all, this was his son's elder. From his perspective, elders were generally more approachable.
As Hu Hong pondered, Qu Mingwei kept signaling him. Seeing Qu Hong's glance, Hu Hong turned and walked out of the club. Hu Hong followed him out shortly after.
"Old Qu, is something wrong?" Hu Hong asked quizzically after they were outside the club.
"Secretary Hu, something big has happened," Qu Mingwei said, his face etched with distress.
"What is it?" Hu Hong asked, puzzled. Weren't things already a catastrophe?
"Your son and my son were beaten by Elder Zhou's grandson, and we had to apologize to them." Xia Lin's brother is coming," Qu Mingwei dropped a bombshell that left Hu Hong bewildered.
"And then?" Hu Hong inquired.
"Her brother is her true backer. Otherwise, why would Elder Zhou's grandson willingly act as her driver? I mentioned Long Aotian to you a couple of days ago. He's coming this time because of her brother. Long Aotian himself kneels before her brother. My old classmate, Zheng Ming, told me her brother is on par with Elder Huang." Qu Mingwei decided to hide nothing from Hu Hong any longer, spilling everything out. After all, they had to continue working together in Sichuan Province, and he was Hu Hong's superior. More importantly, both of them were in the same predicament today.
Hu Hong was dumbfounded. His eyes widened in disbelief, his mouth agape, unable to utter a word. Someone on par with Elder Huang? If anyone else had said this, Hu Hong would have dismissed them as insane. But with Qu Mingwei saying it directly to him, he had no choice but to believe. Qu Mingwei had no reason to scare him, especially given their shared circumstances.
"This... what is this situation?" Hu Hong began to panic. If Qu Mingwei hadn't said anything, he might have remained calm, but now he was utterly flustered. His son, Hu Liangzhe, had truly stirred up a hornet's nest. His judgment was impeccable in finding the right trouble.
"Shall I call my old classmate and get his opinion?" Qu Mingwei, unsure of how to proceed, remembered Zheng Ming.
"Hurry and call," Hu Hong urged. Hu Hong knew very well who Qu Mingwei's classmate was. Although both were leaders in their respective areas, Zheng Ming's position was significantly higher. Shanghai was different; its Party Secretary was already considered to have one foot in Beijing.
"Okay." Without further ado, Qu Mingwei took out his phone and called Zheng Ming.
Zheng Ming had been keeping abreast of the situation. Seeing Qu Mingwei's call, he answered immediately, "How is it?"
"Lin'er's brother is coming, but he hasn't arrived yet. What should we do?" Qu Mingwei asked, distressed. Even Zheng Ming, in Shanghai, felt a chill upon hearing this. "Good heavens. Xia Feng is coming. This is truly a spectacular way to court disaster."
Zheng Ming remained silent for a moment before instructing Qu Mingwei, "Immediately adopt an attitude of admitting fault. Remember when Feng Lao's grandson was severely beaten for speaking disrespectfully to Lin'er? That's how it was resolved. You should emulate Feng Lao." "Liu Liwei himself was beaten half to death. You want to appease them?" "Dream on. Liu Liwei is Feng Lao's own grandson. What else do you have to consider?"
Qu Mingwei was stunned. This was another major revelation! Feng Lao's grandson was beaten half to death? "I'm asking you for advice, not to scare me!" Qu Mingwei felt like crying. The matter wasn't resolved, and he was already terrified. Feng Lao's grandson was beaten; he dared not compare himself to Feng Lao.
"I know what to do," Qu Mingwei said, forcing himself to respond.
"Be thorough," Zheng Ming said before hanging up.
Qu Mingwei: ...
"What did he say?" Hu Hong immediately asked after Qu Mingwei ended the call.
"Before Xia Lin's brother arrives, let's beat them," Qu Mingwei said helplessly.
"Beat them? Be clearer," Hu Hong said, utterly confused. Seeing Hu Hong's lack of understanding, Qu Mingwei recounted Zheng Ming's words.
"Let's go. Beat them to death," Hu Hong said without hesitation, turning to re-enter the club. "You damn brat, who do you think you are? Feng Lao's grandson was beaten half to death. Today, you won't get away with it."
Hu Hong and Qu Mingwei stormed back into the club. Hu Hong immediately instructed his secretary to fetch Hu Liangzhe from the private room, while Qu Mingwei beckoned Peng Gui. Peng Gui hurried over, calling out, "Vice Governor Qu."
"Go ask the waiter to find something sturdy for hitting," Qu Mingwei instructed Peng Gui, looking at him.
"Huh?" Peng Gui was bewildered.
"What are you standing around for? Hurry up! Find some clubs or sticks, anything that won't kill them. I'll cripple this bastard myself today." Qu Mingwei yelled at Peng Gui, his gaze inadvertently falling on Qu Jun. Qu Jun seemed to sense something, and a bad premonition crept into his heart.
Peng Gui now understood. This was serious business. However, he had to follow his leader's command. Peng Gui was efficient and quickly had the club staff bring out two wooden sticks. Hu Hong and Qu Mingwei each took a stick from Peng Gui, hefting them. They were sturdy enough. Just then, Hu Liangzhe and the others were brought out. Hu Liangzhe saw the wooden sticks in his father's hand and the furious look in his eyes, and he panicked.
"We also found a baseball bat here. Do you still want it?" A waiter asked, holding a baseball bat. Peng Gui's eyes darted around, lost in thought. Suddenly, he shouted, "Bring it here! I can use it."