478: Chapter 478: Liu Dingyang’s Probe 478: Chapter 478: Liu Dingyang’s Probe “Tangyu,” Liu Dingyang said, looking at Tangyu with a wicked smile on his lips.
Tangyu looked at Liu Dingyang, “What is it, something the matter?”
“Nothing, just saw an acquaintance and wanted to come over and say hello,” Liu Dingyang replied.
The corners of Tangyu’s mouth lifted slightly as he chuckled, “I don’t seem to be acquainted with you.”
Tangyu’s words suddenly tightened the atmosphere.
Behind Liu Dingyang, He Ming also furrowed his brows, looking at Tangyu with a touch of anger in his eyes.
How many people in Donglin City would dare to speak to the infamous Liu Dingyang like this?
Zhang Xiaoxi looked at Tangyu with admiration in his eyes; such a man truly had some charisma.
However, Liu Dingyang’s face did not reveal any anger, but he smiled instead, “Well, we’re not strangers either, right?
I was hoping to ask for a cup of water, do you mind if I sit down?”
Tangyu squinted at Liu Dingyang, this guy’s sudden attentiveness definitely indicated he was up to no good, assuredly with some ulterior motive.
Tangyu did not believe this guy could harbor any good intentions towards him.
If not enemies, at least their relationship was not a pleasant one.
Liu Dingyang’s unusual behavior today certainly made Tangyu vigilant; he wanted to see what this guy was really up to.
“You shouldn’t be asking me that question.
There are two ladies here; you should ask their opinion.
I’m just an escort today,” Tangyu deflected with a bit of Tai Chi.
He Ming snorted lightly, showing a hint of displeasure on his face, though he didn’t make it too obvious.
Liu Dingyang’s lips curled up as he turned to Zhang Xiaoxi and said, “These two must be the young misses of the Zhang Family, if I’m not mistaken.
They should be Miss Zhang Xiaodong and Miss Zhang Xiaoxi, right?
I heard that Miss Zhang Xiaodong had a hidden illness in her early years and hadn’t left the house for many years.
Today her complexion looks very good, it seems she is fortunate to have recovered, which is truly a joyful event.
I wonder if it would be convenient for the two misses to allow me to sit here and ask for a cup of water on my way?”
“Please sit, there’s no need for such politeness, Liu Shao,” Zhang Xiaoxi said, maintaining the demeanor of a lady from a reputable family in the presence of others.
Tangyu looked at Liu Dingyang, “It seems you’re quite well-informed, aren’t you?”
“I wouldn’t say well-informed, I just heard about it a moment ago,” Liu Dingyang said.
“You just heard about it and hurried over here, it seems like you’re quite concerned about this matter,” Tangyu observed, looking at Liu Dingyang.
He had his suspicions about Liu Dingyang’s intentions.
If the Flame Demon Scorpion King inside Zhang Xiaodong was released by someone from the Yin Medical Sect, then Liu Dingyang’s intent was obvious: to confirm the situation.
Of course, Tangyu was still not able to be completely certain of this.
After all, the Flame Demon Scorpion King within Zhang Xiaodong had been implanted over ten years ago, and whether the Yin Medical Sect existed back then was questionable.
For the Yin Medical Sect to set a trap for so long seemed a bit unlikely, which puzzled Tangyu.
Besides the Yin Medical Sect, who else would spend so much time setting up this scheme?
And the person behind it must have stayed in Donglin City all this time.
The facts from over ten years ago are too distant to investigate now, giving Tangyu little to work with, leaving him to make deductions and assumptions.
Liu Dingyang showing up at this time also naturally aroused Tangyu’s suspicions.
“Hmph, I’ve been here all day, so where did that comment come from, Tang Shao?” Liu Dingyang questioned.
Tangyu’s brow raised slightly.
If Liu Dingyang had been here all day, then the situation might not be as Tangyu had thought.
With Liu Dingyang’s status, he wasn’t the type to lie.
However, Tangyu was sure Liu Dingyang’s purpose was far from simple, which was worth contemplating.
“Miss Zhang Xiaodong, we actually knew each other when we were children, played together a few times, and even went to the same primary school, though I’m not sure if you still remember,” Liu Dingyang’s gaze settled on Zhang Xiaodong.
Zhang Xiaodong looked at Liu Dingyang and after a moment’s thought, nodded, “Yes, I kind of remember now, there is a little impression.
But after more than ten years, I really might not have remembered if you hadn’t mentioned it.
Thank you for your concern.”
“Now you seem to be completely recovered, right?” Liu Dingyang asked.
Zhang Xiaodong nodded, “Yes, completely cured.”
“Miss Zhang Xiaodong is fortunate indeed, after all these years of suffering.
Tang Shao, I’ve long heard of your exceptional medical skills, and seeing them today, they certainly live up to the reputation.
It seems today Donglin City gains another Divine Doctor Tang,” Liu Dingyang commented.
Though Liu Dingyang expressed his admiration, Tangyu did not feel comfortable hearing it, as he knew Liu Dingyang was not being sincere.
However, Tangyu vaguely felt that there was a hidden meaning in Liu Dingyang’s words.
“It seems Liu Shao’s reach is truly heaven-spanning.
How do you know the illness was cured?
Could it be that we have Liu Shao’s eyes among us?” Tangyu challenged Liu Dingyang.
Zhang Xiaodong and Zhang Xiaoxi also watched Liu Dingyang with knit brows, and if things were as Tangyu suggested, then Liu Dingyang evidently wasn’t harboring good intentions, naturally putting the Zhang sisters on guard.
“Tangyu, you seem to hold me in too high regard; I wouldn’t engage in such things.
It’s not exactly a secret anyway, with you three strolling around so conspicuously.
Anyone with a bit of interest would know what’s going on,” said Liu Dingyang.
Tangyu had initially thought Liu Dingyang came looking for Zhang Xiaodong, but now he was certain that Liu Dingyang’s visit targeted him.
Tangyu wanted to clarify matters, but with Xiaodong and Xiaoxi present, it wasn’t appropriate for him to speak too plainly.
“Alright, you guys carry on chatting.
I won’t intrude any further.
The tea you ordered is quite good, thanks.
Oh, and Tangyu, there’s a personal matter I’d like to discuss with you alone.
Would it be possible for you to spare a minute?” Liu Dingyang stood up and said.
The main event had finally arrived.
A slight smile curved Tangyu’s lips as he stood up, this time not refusing: “Sure.”
Liu Dingyang gestured for Tangyu to please follow, and they both moved to the edge of the deck, leaning against the railing, gazing out at the sea.
“Actually, I think we don’t necessarily have to be enemies; perhaps we could be friends,” Liu Dingyang said with a sly smile while looking at Tangyu.
Tangyu shook his head and said, “Even if we’re not enemies, we can’t possibly be friends.
I’m just not from the same world as you, so we can’t walk together.
Besides, I don’t like making friends with men, hmm, I don’t have that sort of preference, so please have some self-respect.”
Liu Dingyang, struck by Tangyu’s shocking words, just pursed his lips and then smiled: “I don’t appreciate your sense of humour.
You’ve beaten me twice before, but do you think you can keep winning against me?
You haven’t yet reached my limit, so I haven’t really made a move against you.
Tangyu, you are indeed a notable figure, but I don’t want to be your enemy.”
“Empty words sound good to everyone.
I don’t want the trouble of dealing with you.
Don’t bother me, and I won’t seek you out.
However, the things you’ve done for others have seriously provoked me, so we are enemies.
Bring whatever tricks you have, I’m ready.
But you’d best be careful not to fall into my hands, or you’ll really regret it.
There’s nothing left to say between us, “If our beliefs do not coincide, we cannot work together,” Tangyu said.
Liu Dingyang gave a cold laugh, his sinister air intensifying as he looked at Tangyu: “So you’re saying you really want to go against me?”
Looking at Liu Dingyang, Tangyu shook his finger and said, “I think you’ve got it wrong.
It’s not that I want to go against you; it’s you who insists on opposing me.
It’s you who keeps bringing me trouble.
I actually wonder, why do you persist in doing this?
If you come at me, don’t blame me for being inhospitable.
As the saying goes, ‘Heaven sees the deeds we do.’ Just don’t end up a pitiable pawn who gets discarded once used.”
Liu Dingyang’s expression suddenly turned colder, clearly catching Tangyu’s implication that he was just a pawn.
Though Liu Dingyang was indeed working for someone else, he never considered himself a pawn, always believing he was part of something greater.
“There’s no point in talking if we’re not on the same page.
Since that’s the case, let’s wait and see.
The previous events were just small appetizers; the main course will be waiting for you later.
I do hope the next time I see you, you’ll still be able to jest so freely,” Liu Dingyang said.
Tangyu curled his lip in a cold smile: “I just hope that I’ll still be able to see you next time.”
The sarcasm in Tangyu’s words made Liu Dingyang’s face darken as he gave a frosty laugh: “Hmph, your verbal skills are indeed superior to your physical abilities, but don’t get too arrogant.
Don’t think you’re untouchable just because you’re in the spotlight.
To me, you’re nothing.”
Tangyu curled his lip; he had never flaunted those things or presumed to use them as a halo around himself.
“Think what you will.
A minute has passed; you can go now.
I don’t have time to waste on you, please leave,” Tangyu shrugged and said.
Liu Dingyang’s threats had never concerned Tangyu.
Let the storm come more fiercely if it must.
The wilder they are, the wilder I will be, the more they push, the harder I push back—this had always been Tangyu’s belief.
“Oh, one last thing.
According to my investigation, you must be the disciple of the Ghost Doctor who disappeared over thirty years ago.
For more than thirty years, no one knew the whereabouts of the Ghost Doctor, yet I hadn’t expected his disciple to emerge now.
No wonder you possess such decent medical skills.
That said, this isn’t your pass to arrogance.
In Donglin City, it’s best if you keep a low profile.
That’s all I have to say, take care of yourself,” Liu Dingyang said, then turned and left.
Tangyu’s brows furrowed slightly; Liu Dingyang actually knew he was the Ghost Doctor’s disciple and was aware of some past events involving his master.
It seemed that he was somewhat informed about the Traditional Chinese Medicine community in Huaxia Country.
Watching Liu Dingyang retreat, a slight smile played on Tangyu’s lips: “So he wanted to test if I am the Ghost Doctor’s disciple, going through such a roundabout way just for this.
Hmph, if he wanted to know, why didn’t he just ask directly?
So what if he knows I am the Ghost Doctor’s disciple?
So what if he knows my intentions?
I had no intention of hiding in the shadows anyway.
If the Yin Medical Sect wants to come, let them come.
It’s not bad for me to have things out in the open.
Liu Dingyang is clearly working for the Yin Medical Sect.
The reach of the Yin Medical Sect should not be underestimated; they have managed to make even a notorious young lord willingly run errands and submit to their bidding.”
Besides Liu Dingyang, who else is under the control of the Yin Medical Sect?
This question began to take shape in Tangyu’s mind.
Given the tactics of the Yin Medical Sect, it was unlikely that Liu Dingyang was the only one under their influence.
There must be others among the young masters of Donglin City controlled by them as well.
A thought flashed through Tangyu’s mind—could someone from the Five Young Masters of Donglin be among those working for the Yin Medical Sect?