Chapter 37: I'll Take You On, Too
In Xijing, there were few people whom Yun Ketian would address in such a manner. Thus, Duan Zhiguo concluded in his heart that Lu Ming was no ordinary figure. As for Chen Bing, it was clear he held no particular status; Yun Ketian was only addressing him this way out of respect for Lu Ming. This, however, further revealed Lu Ming’s remarkable identity.
Originally, Duan Zhiguo had only asked casually, but upon hearing Yun Ketian’s introduction, he became more cautious. He extended his hand towards Lu Ming and said, “Hello, I am Duan Zhiguo.”
Lu Ming reached out and shook his hand lightly. Then Duan Zhiguo shook hands with Chen Bing, who tapped his left hand gently.
Seeing Chen Bing’s condition, Duan Zhiguo frowned and asked, “Ketian, has your friend encountered some trouble?”
Even now, Yun Ketian was unaware of the situation and looked to Lu Ming.
Lu Ming spoke softly, “My brother’s family faced some misfortune. He came to file a complaint but was intercepted by a group who tried to forcibly take him away.”
Duan Zhiguo’s expression darkened. “Appealing is every citizen’s right. What authority do they have to intercept him and restrict his freedom? They truly act without any regard for the law. I’ll return and thoroughly investigate this Black Panther Company.”
Lu Ming nodded. “Thank you.”
After a brief exchange, Duan Zhiguo departed. He had originally intended only to speak briefly with Yun Ketian, but Yun Ketian’s introduction, combined with his years of political experience, made it clear that Lu Ming was no ordinary man. He performed a small favor, leaving himself a future advantage.
Once Duan Zhiguo had left, Lu Ming clapped Yun Ketian’s shoulder and laughed. “You second-generation types are indeed different—your words have weight.”
Yun Ketian pulled a face. “Lu, please, don’t tease me.”
Lu Ming laughed heartily. “Alright, enough joking. You should head back; I still have things to take care of.”
“What are you headed out for, Lu?” Yun Ketian asked hurriedly.
Lu Ming helped Chen Bing up, walking towards the exit as he spoke. “My brother risked his life for money, only to be cheated out of it. His elderly father was killed in a forced demolition, and now he has nowhere to turn. I must seek justice for him.”
Yun Ketian replied, “Lu, should I have my father intervene?”
“No need. I’ll take revenge for my brother in my own way,” Lu Ming said, his face resolute.
Lu Ming knew that if Yun Shengguo stepped in, the matter would be resolved swiftly. But this time, he wanted to handle it himself—to help his brother recover the money he’d lost and ensure the developer and swindler responsible for Chen Bing’s father’s death paid dearly. No one could bully Lu Ming’s brother.
“Then let me join you, Lu. I’m idle anyway,” Yun Ketian volunteered, eager to help since his father’s intervention was not needed.
“Don’t you have anything serious to do?” Lu Ming eyed Yun Ketian.
Yun Ketian grinned. “I hold a nominal position in the community. Whether I go or not doesn’t matter—I’m free every day.”
Lu Ming thought for a moment and agreed. Having a second-generation figure along could make many things easier.
The three returned to the grocery shop. Yun Ketian insisted on driving, leaving his Audi SUV behind and instead taking Lu Ming’s old car, heading toward Baofeng City.
Three hours later, they reached Lingbao County on the outskirts of Baofeng, and in a rented house in a corner of the county town, they met Chen Bing’s mother.
Chen Bing’s mother was over seventy and had endured the tragedies of her son’s disability and her husband’s violent death. She looked frail and nearly lifeless.
Upon seeing her son, the elderly woman trembled as she hugged Chen Bing, silently weeping. Chen Bing, too, was filled with tears. Witnessing this, Lu Ming’s eyes reddened.
Ultimately, it was because he had launched the Dragon Campaign that Chen Bing ended up like this. He felt responsible and determined to see it through.
“Chen Bing, don’t cry. Let’s find a hotel to settle your mother first, then handle your affairs.”
Chen Bing nodded, offering no objection.
Lu Ming and Yun Ketian helped Chen Bing’s mother into the car and found a hotel called Heavenly Paradise in the county town, which Chen Bing said was the best available.
Once Chen Bing’s mother was settled, Lu Ming, Yun Ketian, and Chen Bing gathered in the room next door to discuss their plan.
Lu Ming’s initial idea was to confront the developer directly and cripple him, so he’d regret it for life. But Chen Bing explained that it wasn’t the developer who acted directly; the demolition was handled by a local thug known as Wang Six, or “Sixth Master,” who had commanded the bulldozer that killed his father. The developer had yet to appear, and Chen Bing didn’t know his identity.
Yun Ketian suggested exerting pressure from above to force the developer to show himself. He mentioned knowing the secretary of Baofeng City and offered to have him come and assist with the matter.
Lu Ming considered the suggestion and found it sound. For those who valued money over human life, the best punishment was to bankrupt them, leaving them no chance to recover.
Seeing Lu Ming adopt his suggestion, Yun Ketian immediately pulled out his phone to call his father. He was acquainted with Baofeng’s secretary, who visited his home several times a year, always bearing gifts—so they were rather familiar. However, Yun Ketian didn’t have the secretary’s number, so he called his father instead.
Yun Shengguo answered, and upon learning his son was with Lu Ming and helping him, he requested their address and said he would personally call Baofeng’s secretary. Yun Ketian hung up, knowing his father’s call carried far more weight than his own.
With the plan set, it was already noon, and the three prepared to eat. They checked on Chen Bing’s mother, who was sleeping peacefully. Not wanting to disturb her, they decided to let her rest and would bring her food later.
The three left for the restaurant on the fifth floor, ordered a few dishes in the hall, and began their meal.
After a short wait, a waitress began serving their food. As she arrived, Chen Bing said, “Xiujian.”
The girl addressed as Xiujian set down the dishes and said, “Chen Bing, are you feeling any better lately?”
Chen Bing nodded. “I’m much better, thank you.”
Learning she knew Chen Bing, Lu Ming and Yun Ketian greeted her. Through Chen Bing’s introduction, they learned that Li Xiujian was his childhood friend and classmate, from the same village. After Chen Bing’s accident, she often comforted and counseled him, helping him pull through.
After hearing the story, Lu Ming stood and said, “Thank you. If not for you, I might never have seen my brother again.”
Li Xiujian smiled. “We grew up together and went to school together. It’s only right. No need to thank me. Please sit, I’ll bring your dishes.”
Soon, she finished serving and said, “Enjoy your meal.”
Lu Ming was about to invite Li Xiujian to join them when a group entered the restaurant, carrying sticks and searching the room before heading straight for their table.
The leader was a bald, heavyset man, with a thick gold chain around his neck, striding over with a swagger.
“Chen Bing, you damn dare to appeal? Looks like you haven’t had enough of a beating,” the fat man said arrogantly, shooting a fierce glance at Lu Ming and Yun Ketian.
Other diners, seeing the scene, abandoned their meals and fled.
Lu Ming looked to Chen Bing, who said, “This is Wang Six’s man, Wang Zhongjun.”
Lu Ming nodded in understanding.
As soon as Chen Bing appeared, someone had come for him. Clearly, they had planted spies near Chen Bing’s mother, targeting him as a “nail householder.”
At that moment, Li Xiujian hurried forward. “Sir, this is a restaurant. You’re frightening the guests.”
“Get out of the way.”
Wang Zhongjun shoved Li Xiujian to the ground.
Li Xiujian, recognizing Wang Zhongjun as a notorious thug sent to trouble Chen Bing, attempted to stall for time, hoping to give Chen Bing a chance to escape. Unfortunately, as a mere waitress, she was disregarded.
Lu Ming stood slowly, went over to help Li Xiujian up, and had her sit beside him. “Don’t be afraid, everything will be fine.”
Li Xiujian, eyes brimming with tears, whispered to Lu Ming, “They have numbers. Don’t be reckless.”
Lu Ming smiled. “Trust me, it’ll be alright.”
He then walked steadily toward Wang Zhongjun.
“Quite something, picking on a woman,” Lu Ming said, his face cold.
Wang Zhongjun snorted and said, “Don’t try to act tough with me. I advise you to stay out of this, or you’ll get beaten up too.”