At the same time, in a shadowy corner not far away, Shen Mu watched Shen Hong's retreating figure, a sinister curve lifting the corners of his mouth.
"Shen Hong, tonight, we'll settle all of this once and for all."
Only after Shen Hong disappeared at the end of the alley did Shen Mu emerge from the shadows and head toward Shen Hong's home.
"Knock, knock, knock!"
Shen Mu rapped on the door.
"Honestly, he probably forgot to bring the silver."
Li Ling, who was clearing the dishes in the sitting room, heard the knocking. She quickly wiped her greasy hands and muttered in annoyance as she hurried into the courtyard.
Creak—
The courtyard gate swung open. As soon as Li Ling saw who was standing outside, her expression changed dramatically, and she froze in place.
"You little bastard, you..."
"Second Aunt, long time no see. I hope you've been well."
Shen Mu smiled harmlessly, the corners of his mouth lifting to reveal a row of white teeth.
Only then did Li Ling finally react. Almost instinctively, she tried to shut the gate again.
But in the next instant, Shen Mu reached out and clamped a hand around her neck, lifting her off the ground.
"Cough, cough, cough..."
A fierce sense of suffocation overwhelmed Li Ling. She coughed repeatedly, struggling with all her might to pry Shen Mu's hand loose.
"Second Aunt, your nephew has come all this way to pay you a visit. Wouldn't it go against the rules of hospitality not to invite me in for a seat?"
Shen Mu's right hand held her fast like an iron vise as he smiled at his leisure.
"You... you little bastard, what are you trying to do?"
Li Ling's face had already turned a deep purplish red. Her voice was hoarse