144

her!" Jiang Chengfeng narrowed his eyes abruptly, glaring menacingly at Rong Ling. For Rong Ling's distrust, for Rong Ling using such methods on that girl!Rong Ling let out a cold laugh. "She's my wo...Chapter Name: 144

To succeed, you must definitely work hard!

The old chief wasn't short on people who could fight and kill. A child barely six years old wouldn't have much killing power, so he started practicing throwing knives. Then, building on what he learned in kindergarten and flipping through elementary school textbooks, he began to teach himself.

One day, he casually flicked his wrist and instantly killed a rat ten meters away with a flying knife. This impressive move immediately caught the attention of the old squad leader, who subsequently transferred him to his side and began to cultivate him. Of course, in order to show this skill to the old squad leader, he spent some time figuring out the old squad leader's approximate daily routine and route.

There aren't that many coincidences in this world, are there!

After following the old group leader, he did not disappoint the promise he made at the beginning. He practiced diligently every day, and by the time he was ten years old, he could fight a grown man. If he used his flying knives, he could silently kill someone!

Back then, the old captain rose quickly through the ranks and became a vice-captain. He was highly regarded by his superiors. During an internal power struggle within the group, he played a crucial role in taking down the then-leader. Naturally, the vice-captain took over as the new leader of the Silver Wolf Gang, and he became the most trusted subordinate of the new vice-captain.

However, the old leader was far-sighted. Gradually, he felt that if they continued down the old path of fighting and violence, the Silver Wolf Gang would sooner or later be destroyed. So, he arranged for some people to study and further their education. Xiao Yi had already shown great promise at the time, excelling in both martial arts and academics. He was naturally a top priority, and the old leader sent him abroad to further his growth while also keeping a low profile!

By then, the old leader had come to treat Xiao Yi as his own son. Xiao Yi lived in the old leader's house and naturally came into contact with the old leader's daughter, Ku Xia. A young girl in love, coupled with Xiao Yi's handsome appearance, meant that Ku Xia naturally fell for him. It seemed only natural that these young people, full of youthful energy, would end up together.

However, while Xiao Yi was studying abroad, Ku Xia also fell for a handsome guy at university and started an affair. University life is full of variety, with many handsome guys around. Ku Xia was beautiful, wild, and had that kind of family background. Her wild side attracted countless suitors, including those who showered her with sweet words. She was also a carefree person, happy to be wooed by men and would get involved with them easily.

She had no guilt because she believed there was no commitment between her and Xiao Yi!

Besides, when it comes to love and relationships, unmarried men and single women are not bound by any set rules!

When Xiao Yi went abroad, she didn't come back for many years. In her memory, Xiao Yi was still that boy who, despite his sharp gaze, was ultimately innocent and youthful. Even his figure carried the awkwardness of adolescence. Where could he compare to those men in college who had just begun to mature, or those fully grown men in society!

Xiao Yi didn't return to the country, but that didn't mean he was unaware of what was happening domestically. Otherwise, he would have truly wasted his old squad leader's expectations. He naturally had his own channels to learn about Ku Xia's affairs. When Ku Xia was changing her third man, he called her.

"Let's break up!"

That's all I have to say!

A strange number. At first, Ku Xia was stunned and almost scolded the caller insane. But thinking about it, only that one man could say this so confidently. In an instant, she was dumbfounded, but finally said "okay." She even thought at the time, "Wasn't this breakup a little too late"

After Xiao Yi returned home, she realized that the young man from years ago had grown even more handsome, cooler, and more masculine. She regretted her past actions and subtly expressed affection, but Xiao Yi remained aloof and unresponsive.Ku Xia pursued Xiao Yi relentlessly for a year, trying every trick in the book, but ultimately failed to win his heart. Defeated, she, the esteemed eldest daughter of the Silver Wolf Group, couldn't bear to be labeled as "able to get him, but unwilling to let go," so she ended her pursuit. However, all of Xiao Yi's women, more or less, received a warning from her.

Out of reach is always best, perhaps

The more something is out of reach, the more it tantalizes and captivates our hearts. It becomes something we can't let go of!

After that, Xiao Yi's half-sister, Xiao Qiqi, appeared. This girl had a poor memory and her academic performance was abysmal. She had no hope of getting into university. Xiao's mother couldn't bear the thought of her going to those third-rate schools and becoming a delinquent, wasting her precious time, so she turned to Xiao Yi. Xiao Yi didn't hesitate and got Xiao Qiqi admitted to a second-tier school where she studied library management. In the future, she could network and become a librarian, responsible for using computers to lend and return books. It wouldn't require much brainpower, just a stable job with a steady income for life!

Xiao Qiqi has always known she had a brother, but she never expected him to be so amazing. After meeting him, she was astonished and realized his identity was extraordinary. She immediately latched onto Xiao Yi like glue, not even returning home. This girl's neural structure is probably different from ordinary people; she doesn't care about her parents, but only cares about Xiao Yi. She probably has a bit of the "big sister" complex from the underworld, always thinking that with her charm, she can attract countless younger brothers. After hitting a wall with her brother and being unable to exert herself in revenge, she came up with a plan and started clinging to Ku Xia, intending to learn from him and strive to one day be called "Sister Qi" by everyone. Ku Xia thought about it being Xiao Yi's sister, so he accepted her.

Thus, the complex relationship we have today came to be!

Although Xiao Yi only briefly mentioned his past, girls are always sensitive. Lin Meng could naturally imagine the hardships Xiao Yi had gone through to get to where he was today all by himself. The effort he put in must have been unimaginable for ordinary people!

As expected, not everyone can handle the transition from an ordinary citizen to a successful person!

She sighed lightly, wanting to say something comforting to Xiao Yi, but for a moment, she couldn't find the words. It felt like anything she said would come across as insincere. After thinking for a while, she simply smiled and sighed again.

Well, all that is in the past!

Xiao Yi also smiled, a gentle light flashing in his cold eyes. He had never wanted this woman's sympathy! Saying these things was simply to allow her to understand him better and face him with a more equal mindset.

Lin Meng suddenly remembered the warning contained in Rong Ling's choice, and also recalled what Jiang Po Lang had revealed before. As a result, her brow furrowed slightly, and she felt a hint of unease in her heart.

"Xiao Yi, some of the things you've done, aren't they a little dirty!"

Xiao Yi let out a wry smile. "I thought you already knew. Haven't you always thought I was a hooligan"

"Well, she chuckled and felt a little silly for asking that—it was like saying nothing at all. So she changed the subject: 'I mean, are the things you've been doing putting you in danger of going to jail!'"

This remark is serious!

Xiao Yi couldn't laugh anymore. His eyes suddenly became sharp, his thin lips pursed slightly, and he asked alertly, "Why do you ask that! Did someone tell you something!"

His mind raced, quickly flashing through the scorching summer, Rong Ling, and then the Jiang brothers!

Since Lin Meng chose to follow him, then she, too, became a grasshopper on the same rope. There are some things that can now be said more straightforwardly.

"I heard some things before, but I'm not quite sure what you did. However, I was warned that your situation is dangerous and that if you're not careful, you could get into big trouble!"

Xiao Yi stiffened slightly, feigning indifference as he asked her, "Didn't that person tell you to leave me and stay away from danger!"

His eyes, however, were piercingly fixed on Lin Meng, meticulous and thorough, afraid to miss even the slightest detail!

Lin Meng smiled faintly, naturally meeting Xiao Yi's gaze that seemed like an X-ray could completely penetrate a person. She quipped, "Of course there have been such sayings. But if I had taken them to heart, would I still be sitting here today!"

Her smile was so genuine, not a hint of pretense, yet it softened Xiao Yi's heart. He understood that this girl was different! A guess swept across his mind, filling him with a touch of euphoria. He held it back, afraid to voice it, fearing it would only be an empty joy. So he smiled thinly, melting the coldness, and called out to her like he was coaxing a child.

"Little Meng'er, come here!"

Lin Meng glanced at him, but remained unmoved. This man might look like a weak patient lying in bed now, but she wasn't sure how much of that was real. She didn't want to be foolish and send herself into his clutches.

"Such a dangerous thing, it's best to stop sooner rather than later! Living on the edge of a knife may be exciting, but this kind of thrill can shorten your lifespan. You better think twice about it!"

Xiao Yi was amused by her words. He hadn't expected her to say something like that. So sharp, almost piercingly accurate, it wasn't something he thought she could come up with. So, he chuckled.

Lin Meng stared wide-eyed. "When I'm being serious with you, don't treat it like it doesn't matter."

He stopped laughing and said seriously.

"Rest assured, I've already made plans, and they're already underway. When the time comes, you won't get hurt."

He realized that only she, who truly cared for him, could offer such heartfelt advice.

Lin Meng, hearing him say this, thought of the sweltering summer they had experienced before, smiled, and said nothing more.

Xiao Yi saw her like this, and he felt a little embarrassed himself. He pursed his lips, thought for a moment, and said: "From now on, you just follow me. I'll teach you some practical things. These are much more useful than the stuff in textbooks."

Lin Meng thought for a moment and nodded in agreement. Knowledge, once it entered her mind, became hers. The things in the textbooks could be read and learned by herself. But things outside of the textbook, if there was no one to lead her, she was afraid that even if she wanted to learn, she wouldn't be able to. She was eager to learn more, but she wasn't afraid of a heavy workload at all. There was just one thing she had to make clear.

"Remember to always carry me with you. My little life is precious now, and I wouldn't want it to end just like that, carelessly. If you can't keep me close, then just leave me here and make sure this place is protected well – like an impenetrable fortress."

"Haha..."

Xiao Yi burst into laughter, a laugh that was incredibly joyful and unrestrained.

He knew this girl was playful, but she always pretended to be calm and composed in front of him. It was rare for her to express her true self so openly. He immediately replied happily.

"Alright, I hear you. Don't worry, I'll make sure to keep you safe and sound. Not even a mosquito will be able to bite you."

She giggled a few times, let out a dry laugh, then raised her alluring eyes and said with a hint of sarcasm, “It’s autumn now, the mosquitoes are gone. You don’t need to protect me; no mosquitoes will come bite me. You really didn't have to put in any effort to protect me from mosquitoes…”

He burst into laughter again.

She was so cute lying on the sofa, but he couldn't figure out how to coax her over. He really couldn't help himself, so he threw off his thin blanket and ran over, pulling her into his arms. He held her face in his hands and pressed a hard kiss to her forehead.

He hesitated to kiss her casually, only because Lin Meng had solemnly told him.

Only when you respect me can I respect you! I need time to get over this, you have to give me time. Some things, aren't something that just because you impose them on me, I will get used to!

He's not a fool, he understands her meaning.

One shouldn't be too casual about kissing her, but it's already become a habit to use her as a pillow at night. That's something he can't change. He's trying his best to restrain himself and not appear too forward. But it'll only last for half a year, or maybe even less than that!

After Xiao Yi had lain in bed for several days and enjoyed a few days of ease, he began to work. What he meant by teaching Lin Meng was to bring her along when he did things and have her participate in some of the Silver Wolf Group's affairs.

The Silver Wolf Group was, by itself, a large criminal organization. The former leader of the Silver Wolf Group had ambitious plans to transform it, but he lacked the power to do so. After his death, he passed the torch, or rather, the task of transforming the group, which in essence meant "whitening" it, to Xiao Yi.

Although Xiao Yi is the leader of the Silver Wolf Group, what's most difficult for him is—his foundation is not deep!

Such large-scale triad organizations, in their initial stages of growth and development, inevitably arise from the convergence of various individuals who band together to operate as a unit. This collective effort ultimately leads to their expansion and prominence.However, internal conflicts within these organizations are an ever-present reality. Members are often bloodthirsty and capable individuals who have risen through the ranks, far from ordinary citizens. In the past, with the presence of the former leader, respect for his character naturally quelled any dissent and ensured that members remained obedient and compliant.

Xiao Yi is also a capable man. He started working with the old gang leader when he was so young, and he is deeply respected by the members of the Yinlang Gang. However, even the old gang leader couldn't formally start whitening before his death. When Xiao Yi, who had only been the leader of the Yinlang Gang for two years, took over as the leader, those elders who regarded themselves as having made major contributions to the development of the Yinlang Gang naturally refused.

Whitening, to put it plainly, means putting a stop to some illegal businesses and disbanding most of the gangsters, thugs, and enforcers under their command. This would affect the interests of most people because the underworld makes money through these illegal operations and relies on the unlawful methods of their subordinates.

Whitening, it's simply equivalent to shutting out the means of making a living. The elders within the Silver Wolf group definitely wouldn't agree to this.

During the years he spent abroad, Xiao Yi hadn't neglected the Silver Wolf Group, but being in a foreign land made it difficult for him to recruit and train his own people effectively. Even if he had managed to cultivate them, integrating them into high positions wouldn't have been straightforward. After returning to China, he tried to establish his control, but those confidants he placed were just like him – their foundation was shallow. People like Xu Ming, Long Yin, and Qi Kaijian, while talented, couldn't easily move the old-timers within such a hierarchical organization.

But young people are bold and daring. In recent years, the country's crackdown on illegal activities has been strengthening. Xiao Yi knows very well that whitewashing is urgent. So he had already started to rectify many entertainment venues, stopping internal drug trafficking and the supply of counterfeit alcohol. As for the aspects involving pornography, he has also made relatively clear disciplinary regulations.

Tobacco, alcohol, yellow (referring to illegal substances), and drugs are industries that are highly profitable. Xiao Yi's actions have upset several veteran members within the group, who have repeatedly protested to him. Xiao Yi used a gradual approach, like boiling a frog in water, instead of immediately eliminating them, giving the veterans some time to adjust.

At the same time, he also transferred some assets, investing in real estate, electronics, information technology, and pharmaceuticals. To prevent the several old members within the group from getting too out of control, he also gave them some red envelopes, making them shareholders. This way, he slightly suppressed their influence.

Lin Meng has benefited greatly from following Xiao Yi these days, running around east and west. She looks a little thinner, but she drinks carefully-prepared nourishing soup every day. Although she's lost some weight, her frame is very sturdy.

Xiao Yi playfully suggested teaching her some self-defense moves one day, to help her protect herself from wolves. She readily agreed and learned them. Of course, this happened after the cast on her hand was removed. Fortunately, she hadn't cut too deep that day. Even though she had some unpleasant experiences afterward, she received meticulous care from Xiao Yi upon returning home. Her diet was rich in supplements, so her wrist healed exceptionally well, leaving only some rehabilitation work to be done. However, it was impossible for this hand to fully recover to its previous level. She would have to be more careful when handling heavy objects in the future, but other aspects were largely unaffected.

All in all, he's a normal person!

She followed Xiao Yi in and out, and many members of the group also knew about this kind of person. To her, they were polite on the surface, but behind their backs, there were probably all kinds of attitudes. Lin Meng chose to remain indifferent to it all. She had to admit that following Xiao Yi, she had indeed learned a lot. What she was more grateful for was that Xiao Yi placed her on an equal footing and almost didn't hide anything from her. He shared some darker and more dangerous businesses with her. This man, if he didn't trust her, would definitely keep such confidential matters very secret. Perhaps, he wanted to use this method to bind himself and her together, becoming a pair of tied ants, sharing both prosperity and ruin. At least, he had clearly presented his world before her and sincerely brought her into his circle.

This, however, is something that Rong Ling cannot match.

Although she was so close to Rong Ling, she was unfamiliar with his business, his friends, and that mysterious family!

He kept her out of his world, she couldn't enter it openly!

This is actually a matter of personal mindset!

So one day, she randomly typed in Rong Ling on her computer. On the webpage, he looked indifferent, yet intimately embraced a fiery female model. Although her heart ached, she didn't cry. She took a closer look, then closed the webpage. All that remained was a sigh. She was just an ordinary girl without wealth or status. Being overly dramatic, melancholic, pretending to be sick, or acting like a little rich girl were all too extravagant for her. It was better to try and forget him and live each day to the fullest!

Forever and ever, this phrase, although beautiful, has already allowed her, at such a young age, to grasp the concept of distance.

Xiao Yi doted on her, to the point that almost everyone who knew Xiao Yi also knew her and revered her. This reverence, of course, stemmed from Xiao Yi; they naturally recognized her as Xiao Yi's woman and naturally believed that Xiao Yi would go to great lengths for her beauty.

But being pampered like that, she felt grateful and touched. However, she wasn't naive enough to get intoxicated by it. She always—kept a clear head, always reminding herself that there might be a day when she was thrown away!

She knew exactly what she was like and what she was worth. Besides her beauty and decent personality, there wasn't much about her that could compare to those elite ladies in society. They were more knowledgeable, capable, and perhaps even more confident. She didn't know how long this adoration and attention brought by her beauty would last!

So, one day Xiao Yi's emotions erupted, and she didn't find it too surprising.

That day was supposed to be a happy one. Xiao Yi invited several of his good friends to the villa for a barbecue. Everyone pitched in and had a fun time with the self-service barbecue, which was quite flavorful. Xu Ming brought a young girlfriend along. Although she looked young, her personality was lively. When she pulled Lin Meng into the kitchen, she spoke in an ambiguous yet envious tone, saying, “Xiao Yi gave specific instructions, you see. He told all his brothers, whether they have girlfriends or not, to bring a girl over as company to keep Lin Meng company. And he specifically emphasized that we shouldn’t find those heavily made-up mature women. We must find someone who is pretty, well-behaved, and knows how to be considerate, so that everyone gets along well.”

This subtle implication, both within and outside of the words, is actually hinting at Xiao Yi's care and cherishing of Lin Meng.

Lin Meng chuckled softly, her heart fluttering with a warmth she couldn't help but feel touched by.

Yet unbeknownst to them, a silent current of darkness was already surging toward their group. Xiao Yi and the others were barbecuing outside, the flicker of their forks reflecting a blurred image in their eyes, which alerted these men who usually walked the shadows.

Someone is outside!

Someone is watching them!

They were being watched!

A few men continued to grill and chat boisterously, as if nothing was amiss. Xu Ming took the opportunity to quietly find a trusted subordinate while pretending to use the restroom. He instructed his subordinate in a hushed tone to secretly approach the surveillance person, warning him not to alert them.

After that, he went back to the yard with a calm face, as if nothing had happened. He continued grilling as before.

In fact, several men's hearts tightened, lifted high.

The flash of light that just passed over the fork, it must have been a surveillance camera!

This is Xiao Yi's lair, the den of the esteemed Silver Wolf Gang boss. Besides the numerous electronic surveillance devices, there are many highly skilled bodyguards patrolling and lurking around. Who is so bold as to dare pluck hairs from a tiger's nose!

A few people initially thought the person was an unreliable old timer sent by someone within their group. But after secretly tracking them down, they surprisingly discovered a connection to Jiang Yichen. Xiao Yi immediately thought of Jiang Po Lang and the times he had visited this villa!

Well-planned!

The word immediately popped into his head!

Thinking about how long Jiang Yichen had been watching him, and how he repeatedly allowed Jiang Po Lang to come to this villa, he wondered how much Jiang Po Lang knew about him. He also couldn't help but think about how much Lin Meng had revealed to Jiang Po Lang. His heart felt uneasy.

Jiang Yichen knows exactly who he is. That person is now the deputy director of the provincial Public Security Bureau, considered to be one of the youngest and most promising in his generation. His abilities are unquestionable. He, Jiang Yichen, wouldn't even bother with things that lacked value. Rumors within the industry made it clear that Jiang Yichen was a formidable force – an absolute beast. Any case he focused on became like prey caught in the sights of a predator. That prey would be relentlessly hunted until Jiang Yichen had gotten his share of bloody flesh. He wouldn't stop until then!

Now is the time to strike at the black forces. Xiao Yi has always been wary of the Municipal Public Security Bureau, even eliminating Liang Su for this reason. But he never expected that he would be targeted by Jiang Yancheng. That man is cunning and shrewd, no good guy, having him target you is like being aimed at with an arrow, how dangerous, how frightening!

There's no one in this world who knows the nature of the Silver Wolf Gang better than Xiao Yi. If Jiang Yichen had more information, the Silver Wolf Gang would probably be wiped out by him!

He frequented this villa, always alert, yet he failed to notice he was being watched. It speaks volumes about Jiang Yancheng's skill! Had it not been for the barbecue today, inviting his brothers over, he would have remained oblivious amidst these wolf-like men with their numerous security systems. Otherwise, he would have kept falling deeper into the enemy's trap until the situation spiraled out of control!

He thought about it a little deeper, and then his back couldn't help but start to sweat.

Besides, he has always been discreet. How did Jiang Yichen know about him!

He had traveled abroad before, and after returning, he kept a low profile. When he ascended to the position of leader of the Silver Wolf Group, for the sake of his future whitewashing plan, he even instructed his subordinates not to reveal his identity. Only a small number of trusted insiders within the group knew who he truly was. Those below them only had a vague idea that he held a certain position within the Silver Wolf Group, but they were unaware that he was the leader!

How did Jiang Yancheng know about this!

Moreover, this villa was indeed as Lin Meng said, a fortress with guards patrolling 24/7. To prevent another summer incident where Lin Meng could be kidnapped without anyone noticing, he had even secretly placed several people in hidden locations. Yet, despite all this, none of his men detected that the villa was under surveillance.

The information reported by the subordinate who was tracking and monitoring indicated that the individual was being observed using a long-range telescope and carried high-end remote photography equipment. While the system couldn't capture sound, there were also lip readers in the police force. Based on the captured video footage, it would be highly likely to decipher what they were saying! Furthermore, the person responsible for the covert surveillance was incredibly skilled. According to the subordinate's report, it was very likely someone recruited from a specialized elite unit. This wasn't something an ordinary policeman could do. The individual carefully monitored their surroundings for any signs of being followed as they retreated. If not for the fact that Xu Ming had sent out a subordinate who was also highly skilled in tracking and counter-surveillance, it might have been exposed.

Such talent is not someone you can just transfer around!

That Jiang Yichen must have put a lot of money into this!

Thus, it is even more predictable how much Jiang Yancheng cares about this matter!

Jiang Yichen must have something on him for someone to target him like this!

Xiao Yi is furious!

This is simply a case of internal and external troubles!

Thinking of Jiang Yichen, one naturally thinks of that Jiang Po浪. He almost instantly became Xiao Yi's thorn in the side and a pain in the flesh! He even suspected that it was Jiang Po浪 who leaked the information about this place, allowing Jiang Yichen to find them. After all, the boy showed up soon after Lin Meng left the hospital.

He has always been elusive and constantly on guard, even driving here with precautions against being followed. Few people know about this place. It's just a coincidence that Jiang Polang comes here from time to time, and Jiang Yichen is watching him! These two are father and son. It's impossible for Xiao Yi to believe that there's no conspiracy between them! That kid can't stand it anymore!

Had it not been for Lin Meng's request, he would have absolutely never allowed this scheming young man to come. Had it not been for the fact that the boy's father was a powerful deputy director of the Public Security Bureau, he could have made him vanish without a trace long ago. Indeed, this momentary concession has allowed the boy to stir up trouble!

Aren't all the people from the Jiang family a bunch of wastrels!

That's awful!

He approached Lin Meng, his face nearly grim, and ordered him without any politeness.

“You must immediately sever ties with Jiang PoLang. From now on, you are not allowed to contact him, and he is not permitted to come to this place!”

An order is an order, it's not a suggestion!ugh her, hitting her with such intensity. This look reminded her of the first time she saw Rong Ling. Back then, when she smiled and turned back, she met the same kind of probing gaze. She felt as tho...