Chapter 35: Black Panther (Four Chapters Delivered, Welcome to Subscribe)

Chen Bing struggled to rein in his emotions, then began to confide in Lu Ming.

After the team was disbanded, he returned to his hometown in Baofeng City, Northwest Province, carrying the burden of his disability. Although he was now disabled, the generous compensation he received ensured he would never want for food or clothing for the rest of his life. In fact, the sum was more than enough for his whole family; when it came to matters like these, Lu Ming had never let his brothers down.

Upon his return home, he chatted with a childhood friend. This friend, upon learning about the money, persuaded him to invest in his company, promising boundless prospects. Chen Bing, frank and generous by nature, didn’t think much of it; they’d grown up together, bare-bottomed as children. The prospect of making money while helping a friend seemed ideal, so he invested his entire six million yuan compensation.

But only days after his investment, the friend vanished without a trace. Anxious, Chen Bing searched everywhere, eventually discovering that his friend was deeply in debt and had absconded with his money.

Now, panic set in. Severely disabled, Chen Bing had no means of making a living—unless he resorted to begging. But his iron will and pride would never allow him to do something so undignified.

He continued searching for his friend, but it was as if the man had evaporated from the earth, leaving no clue behind. In his desolation, Chen Bing even contemplated ending his own life, so as not to burden his parents. Fortunately, a female classmate persistently counseled him, preventing him from taking that path.

Not long after, his town was slated for demolition and relocation. Amid his despair, this brought a glimmer of hope; if the compensation was substantial, it would be enough for him and his parents to get by.

But the developer, by some means, calculated the compensation to be only a few tens of thousands—barely enough to scrape by. Naturally, Chen Bing and his family refused to accept it, and soon faced a forced demolition. His parents, already elderly, had pinned their hopes on the compensation, especially after seeing their son crippled and the money he’d earned with his life stolen; the demolition was their last lifeline.

But the compensation was simply unacceptable—not even sufficient for Chen Bing alone, let alone the whole family. During the forced demolition, his father tried to block the excavator, only to be mercilessly run over and killed.

The developer paid out two hundred thousand, and that was the end of it.

Disabled, Chen Bing now had to care for his grief-stricken mother while petitioning everywhere for help, but the developer’s background was clearly formidable. He had nowhere to appeal; the two hundred thousand was soon gone. With no other recourse, he traveled to Xijing City to petition the authorities.

Unexpectedly, upon arrival, he was intercepted by people from Black Panther Security Company, who tried to forcefully take him away. It was then he encountered his old comrade, Lu Ming.

Hearing all this, Lu Ming clenched his fists tightly, his eyes brimming with tears.

“Chen Bing, I’m sorry. It’s my fault. If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t be disabled, nor in this predicament.”

Chen Bing smiled through his tears.

“Boss, what are you saying? As mercenaries, we’ve always had this awareness. If you survive, you’re lucky. Besides, you gave me enough compensation. There’s no need for guilt—it’s my own foolishness, getting swindled.”

Lu Ming wiped his tears, slapped Chen Bing’s shoulder, and said,

“Don’t worry. As your leader, I’ll make sure you get justice. Your childhood friend and that developer—they won’t escape.”

Hearing that his boss would stand up for him, Chen Bing’s tears flowed again. “Boss, thank you.”

Lu Ming smiled. “We’re brothers through life and death—no need for thanks.”

At that moment, the waiter brought their breakfast. Lu Ming said, “Let’s eat first. I’ll take care of everything else.”

“Alright,” Chen Bing replied. He knew well his leader’s capabilities; with his promise, confidence returned to him, and his old boldness resurfaced. The two hungrily devoured their breakfast.

Watching Chen Bing, ravenous as though he hadn’t eaten for days, Lu Ming smiled as he ate, but his heart bled. Chen Bing had been injured during the Dragon Campaign—his disability was, in a way, Lu Ming’s responsibility. Now, after all these misfortunes, Lu Ming swore to punish the developer and the treacherous friend.

Just then, Lu Ming’s phone rang. Seeing the caller ID, it was Yun Ketian. He answered.

“Lu, where are you? Why is the general store empty?”

“What the hell do you want so early?” Lu Ming grumbled.

Yun Ketian chuckled. “Nothing really. Someone sent me some fresh fruit, so I thought I’d bring it over for you to try.”

“I’m eating out.”

“Lu, I was so intent on bringing you fruit that I haven’t eaten myself. Can you spare me a bite?” Yun Ketian said cheekily.

Lu Ming thought for a moment. “I’m at Harmony Breakfast on the street. Come over.”

After hanging up, Lu Ming and Chen Bing continued eating.

Soon Yun Ketian entered, carrying a bag of fruit.

“Lu, look—these are kiwifruits flown in from New Zealand. Give them a try.”

He placed the bag of fruit, resembling kiwifruit, on the table and stood there smiling.

Lu Ming glanced at him and said, “If you haven’t eaten, sit down.”

“Great, thanks, Lu. Who’s this?” Yun Ketian sat down and looked at Chen Bing across from Lu Ming.

Although Chen Bing looked disabled and almost like a beggar, anyone dining with Lu Ming could be someone extraordinary. Yun Ketian dared not put on airs.

Lu Ming replied, “This is my friend, a good brother—Chen Bing.” As the premier young master of the Northwest, Yun Ketian deserved a brief introduction from Lu Ming.

“Hello, Brother Chen. I’m Yun Ketian. Please take care of me in the future,” Yun Ketian greeted Chen Bing politely.

Chen Bing nodded in response. Having fallen so far and severely disabled, he saw Yun Ketian’s elegant attire and, already introverted, felt a bit inferior and didn’t say much.

After the greetings, Yun Ketian unceremoniously grabbed a bun and stuffed it into his mouth.

Watching Yun Ketian eat so freely, Lu Ming smiled and shook his head.

In fact, Yun Ketian had been advised by his uncle.

Yun Jianye had told him that when dealing with someone like Lu Ming, leave behind all the political games and tricks—be genuine, and things would go much better.

Yun Ketian heeded his uncle’s advice, and his parents had also instructed him to build a good relationship with Lu Ming.

Once they recognized Lu Ming’s influence, Yun Shengguo and his wife encouraged Yun Ketian to befriend him. Such a powerful connection would be a great support for Yun Ketian in the future, and a valuable resource for Yun Shengguo.

Taking his uncle’s advice, Yun Ketian relaxed and behaved naturally around Lu Ming.

After a while, the three finished eating. Yun Ketian rushed to pay the bill, but noticed Lu Ming didn’t leave.

“Lu, is there something else?” Yun Ketian asked curiously.

Lu Ming replied in a deep voice, “Someone just bullied my friend here. I’m waiting for him.”

When Yun Ketian heard this, he immediately said, “Lu, anyone who bullies your friend bullies me. We’ll wait together.”

He looked ready to stand shoulder to shoulder.

Lu Ming glanced at Yun Ketian. “What are you up to, looking for trouble?”

Yun Ketian responded righteously,

“Lu, you saved my father’s life. Such a great favor is impossible to repay. If I can do anything for you, it’s the least I can do to show my gratitude.”

Seeing Yun Ketian’s earnestness, Lu Ming nodded slowly.

Yun Ketian’s status was second to none in the Northwest. Since he was willing to wade into this mess, Lu Ming let him.

As they spoke, two commercial vehicles sped up outside, with "Black Panther Security" emblazoned on the sides. More than a dozen burly security guards stepped out, escorting a man in a short-sleeved shirt. He had a buzz cut and wore sunglasses. Surrounded by the guards, he entered the breakfast shop and found Lu Ming.

The group approached aggressively, encircling the three, causing the other diners to hurriedly flee.

The buzz-cut man pointed at Lu Ming. “You the one who injured my men?”

Lu Ming replied lazily, “Yes.”

“Bold brat! You dare to hit my Black Panther men? Come with me. I’ll show you what real trouble is,” the man threatened.

At that moment, Yun Ketian suddenly stood up. “Let me give you some advice: apologize to Lu and see if he’ll forgive you. Don’t dig your own grave.”

Black Panther removed his sunglasses, looked Yun Ketian up and down, then sneered, “Who the hell are you to talk to me?”