Patrol Chief Qian suddenly raised his head, his face stricken with alarm.
"Who was it? Who could have done this?"
As a veteran of the Patrol Bureau and a Tendon Changing expert, he had plenty of experience. After examining the bloodstains on the ground and sensing the qi and blood of those nearby, he immediately turned his gaze to Yang Ning.
Yang Ning lifted his head. He did not look at the gang leader, but instead turned his deep gaze toward Qin Yurong.
Quick-witted, the Qin Family Miss picked up the conversation.
"My lord, I am Qin Yurong."
Qian Zhong, who had been preparing to capture Yang Ning and deal with the Blood Ape Gang, froze for a moment, then said, "The Qin Family of the Inner City?"
As mentioned before, Patrol Bureau officers could deal with a few "biting stray dogs," but they were helpless against truly powerful figures.
The Qin Family was clearly one of them.
"Indeed. I ask that you judge the matter fairly, Patrol Chief.
"The Blood Ape Gang's Wang Teng gathered his men to surround the restaurant, intending to harm me, but...
"Fortunately, a guest of the Qin Family came to my aid and killed him here in the restaurant.
"You can report back to your superiors. My elder brother is acquainted with Patrol Commander Gong of the Outer City Patrol Bureau."
The Patrol Bureau chief had recognized at a glance that the one who killed the Blood Ape Gang leader's son was none other than Yang Ning.
By the rules, he should have arrested him and taken him in. But now, a noble young lady of the Qin Family had spoken up, so the matter could not be pursued any further.
The little chief of the Patrol Bureau and his men hurriedly inspected the scene and recorded a few statements.
Naturally, the account they settled on was "justifiable self-defense, with the villains forcing their way in and attacking."
The Blood Ape Gang's surviving men had scattered like birds and beasts before the soldiers arrived, leaving behind only Wang Teng's corpse and a scene of utter disarray.
"Of course, of course. Since you know Patrol Commander Gong, none of this should be a problem.
"It's all my fault for arriving too late. I didn't know a noble young lady of the Qin Family was here, and failed to protect you! As for Wang Teng's body..."
"Someone from my family will take care of it."
"Very well, very well. Since everything is settled, I'll take my leave."
The little chief clearly had no wish to delve into the feud between the Qin Family, a fierce dragon from beyond the river, and the Blood Ape Gang, a local snake.
He accepted the bag of "tea money" Qin Yurong discreetly handed him, then called his men together and left.
For the moment, the dust had settled.
Qin Yurong took a deep breath, suppressing the lingering fear in her heart, and quickly regained the composure and efficiency of a well-bred young lady.
First, she quietly instructed a lightly wounded guard to hurry to Jinghua Pavilion on East Second Street and inform her elder brother.
Then she ordered the others to tidy up the scene, at the very least erasing the signs of her earlier disheveled state.
She was the eldest young lady of the Qin Family. No matter the circumstances, she had to maintain her poise and bearing.
As she considered how best to handle what came next, she saw the Yang Family party quietly making their way toward the restaurant's entrance, swept along with the other diners, who were still shaken and eager to flee.
"Young Master Yang, please wait!"
Qin Yurong hurried forward and stopped in front of Yang Ning.
Yang Ning halted, shielding his family behind him as he looked at her calmly.
Meeting his gaze, Qin Yurong quickly gathered her thoughts. Her speech came a little fast, but remained clear.
"Young Master Yang, you bravely came to our aid and saved us from danger. Qin Yurong and the Qin Family will never forget this kindness.
"However, by killing Wang Teng of the Blood Ape Gang in front of everyone today, you have made a mortal enemy of the gang.
"Wang Teng was the gang leader's only son, and his father was fiercely protective and vengeful. There's no way this matter will end peacefully."
She paused. Seeing that Yang Ning's expression remained unchanged, she continued sincerely:
"Perhaps your martial arts are formidable, and you don't fear retaliation.
"But your family is here too. The Blood Ape Gang has always resorted to any means necessary. They're ruthless and vicious, and their attacks are impossible to guard against.
"Since you saved my life, how could I stand by and let your family be put in danger again because of me?"
She pointed toward the area outside, where the Qin Family guards had temporarily blocked off the space, and spoke quickly:
"I've already sent for our carriages. They'll be here shortly. For everyone's safety, would you and your family be willing to come with me and leave this place in our carriage?
"I'd like to arrange temporary lodging for you at a residence owned by the Qin Family. It is well guarded, and petty troublemakers would never get near it.
"That would help you avoid a possible, frenzied counterattack from the Blood Ape Gang, and give us time to consider how best to handle things.
"Please don't refuse. I'm doing this for the safety of everyone in your household, young and old."
At her words, Yang Ning fell silent. His gaze swept over his elder brother and sister-in-law, whose faces were lined with worry, and Xiao Hua, who was frightened but clinging tightly to his neck.
Qin Yurong was telling the truth.
The Blood Ape Gang's revenge—especially any aimed at his family—was his greatest vulnerability right now.
The Qin Family was a powerful clan with deep resources. The temporary shelter they offered would undoubtedly be far safer than his own humble old house on East Third Street.
With that in mind, he no longer hesitated. He gave Qin Yurong a slight nod.
"Miss Qin, you've thought this through carefully. Please accept my thanks.
"Since that's the case, I'll trouble you."
Seeing him agree, Qin Yurong's eyes brightened, and she hurriedly said, "You're too kind, Young Master Yang. I'm the one who should be thanking you.
"Please wait a moment. The carriages will be here soon."
Before long, the orderly clatter of hooves and carriage wheels approached from a distance.
Three carriages, beautifully decorated yet elegant, drew up in front of Chunhua Restaurant, accompanied by several mounted guards.
The carriages were made of dark nanmu wood. Qin Family lanterns hung from the four corners of each carriage, and the horses drawing them were exceptionally fine, clearly not the sort used by ordinary wealthy households.
Qin Yurong personally escorted Yang An, Liu Ying, and Xiao Hua into the broadest carriage in the middle. She offered them a few words of comfort, then told the driver and guards to look after them carefully.
Once Yang Ning had seen his family settled, he started toward the last carriage.
But Qin Yurong suddenly called out. Her voice was a little lower than before, with a hint of unease that was difficult to detect.
"Young Master Yang..."
Yang Ning turned back.
A faint blush rose to Qin Yurong's cheeks, though the darkness and lamplight kept it from showing clearly.
She steadied herself, looked up at Yang Ning, and tried to make her voice sound casual.
"There are still a few details about tonight and the arrangements afterward that I'd like to discuss with you privately.
"I wonder...
"Would you be willing to ride with me?"
She pointed to the carriage at the front, which looked a little more refined than the others.
Yang Ning considered it briefly.
A private discussion?
He nodded. "All right."
As Yang Ning walked toward the first carriage, He Xiang, who had been following Qin Yurong like a shadow, her face pale and her spirit broken, instinctively started to climb aboard as well, ready to fulfill her duties as Qin Yurong's personal maid.
"Xiang'er."
Qin Yurong paused, but did not turn around. Her voice was even, yet carried an unmistakable distance.
"Go and attend to the carriage at the back.
"Young Master Yang and I have important matters to discuss."
He Xiang shuddered, her raised foot frozen in midair. She watched Qin Yurong and Yang Ning climb into the carriage one after the other, then saw the curtain fall over the doorway, cutting off her view.
The last trace of color drained from her face. Her lips moved, but in the end, she did not dare say anything.
She simply bowed her head and turned away in silence
Then she walked unsteadily toward the last carriage, her shadow stretching gray and lonely beneath the lanterns.
The carriage's interior was not large, but it was exceptionally comfortable.
Soft brocade cushions, a small table that gave off a faint sandalwood scent, and an elegant silver lamp fixed in the corner cast a gentle glow.
The air was filled with the delicate fragrance of a young woman, the same scent that clung to Qin Yurong.
Yang Ning leaned back on one side, watching the street rush past through the gently swaying gauze curtains.
The carriage was silent, save for their breathing and the rumble of its wheels outside.
After a long while, Qin Yurong seemed to have finally sorted through her tangled thoughts and was the first to break the silence.
She looked up at the young man sitting straight across from her. The lamplight lent his profile a somewhat stern cast. Her cheeks felt warm, and her voice was much gentler than usual.
"Young Master Yang, you truly are young and promising, with extraordinary talent.
"Judging by the force of your punches, your technique is fierce and unmatched. May I ask how old you are?"
Her words carried genuine admiration and a trace of curiosity.
Yang Ning turned to face her and shook his head.
"Miss Qin, you're too kind.
"There are no shortcuts on the path of martial arts. I've simply worked harder than others and, by good fortune, achieved a little."
He paused, then answered frankly.
"I've just turned twenty."
"Twenty! At the peak of Body Tempering! Two years younger than my elder brother!"
Qin Yurong's beautiful eyes widened, their brilliance flashing as she could no longer conceal her amazement.
She had been born into a great clan and was naturally well informed.
A twenty-year-old at the Body Tempering realm was a talent worthy of special cultivation, even among the major powers and martial families of the Inner City!
She had never imagined that such a figure could emerge here, on East Street in the Outer City!
The intention to recruit him, born of gratitude and the circumstances, had already begun to take shape in her heart.
Now, she regarded him with even greater esteem, and... with a faint, inexplicable flutter.
Her gaze settled on Yang Ning's face. Though it was roughened by the wind and frost of life, his features were well defined, and his brow held a natural air of resolve and steadiness.
Her heart beat a little faster, and the warmth that had just faded from her face threatened to return.
She was still a little lost in thought when Yang Ning spoke again, drawing her back from her brief reverie.
"May I ask you something, Miss Qin?"
Yang Ning looked directly at her.
"What you said earlier about hiring me as a guest of the Qin Family—was that merely a temporary expedient, or did you mean it?"
Qin Yurong started, then realized her earlier invitation had been somewhat abrupt and vague.
She immediately composed herself and replied earnestly:
"Forgive me, Young Master Yang. The situation was urgent, and my words were indeed rushed.
"But my offer to hire you as a guest of the Qin Family was no idle remark."
She leaned forward slightly, her tone sincere.
"You saved my life, and you helped the Qin Family out of tonight's predicament.
"By any measure, the position of guest is the least we can offer!
"I'd like to appoint you as a guest for two reasons. First, I sincerely wish to repay you and provide you with a relatively secure place to rely on, along with resources that may help you advance further in martial arts.
"Second, the Qin Family is eager to recruit a young talent like you.
"If you don't object and are willing to accept the position, we can settle the matter at once.
"The Qin Family will treat you with all due respect. Whether it's a stipend, resources, or martial arts techniques, we won't refuse anything you need that lies within our means."
She looked at Yang Ning, her gaze clear and unwavering.
"I have no way to repay the kindness of you saving my life except by offering this small gesture. I hope you...
"Will not refuse."
Yang Ning fell silent for a moment. The carriage grew quiet once more, with only the wheels rumbling onward.
He needed this protection, at least for now—for his family's sake.
The position of guest offered him relative freedom and was indeed a good choice.
"Since that's the case," Yang Ning said slowly, his voice steady, "I'll thank you for your generosity, Miss Qin. I accept the position."
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