Chapter 20: The Idol, Admired by All Women

The transformation in Xie Long left everyone present utterly astonished.

Moments before, he had been brash and domineering, the very picture of arrogance. But after answering that mysterious phone call, it was as though some spell had been cast upon him—his entire demeanor had changed. Submissive and respectful now, he seemed a different man entirely.

“Is that really Xie Long?” Liu Dan’s eyes widened, her face etched with disbelief. She simply couldn’t fathom what kind of call could bring about such a dramatic change in Xie Long.

Compared to the others, Li Chao appeared remarkably composed. He stood quietly to the side, his gaze deep and tranquil, as if everything was unfolding just as he had expected. A faint, almost imperceptible smile played at the corner of his lips.

Truth be told, he had already guessed at the heart of the matter, though he’d kept his suspicions to himself. Inwardly, he marveled at the elderly man he had inadvertently saved—clearly no ordinary soul. Otherwise, how could Xie Long be so shaken?

Li Chao waved his hand dismissively, his tone calm and even. “Xie Long, since you realize your mistake, let’s put this matter behind us. As for the money, you’d better keep it yourself.”

On hearing this, Xie Long frantically shook his head, terror etched on his face as he stammered, “Brother, you must accept this money! If you don’t, I won’t sleep a wink tonight!” His body trembled, as though he might collapse at any moment.

Li Chao couldn’t help but smile wryly at Xie Long’s trembling, anxious display. He understood perfectly—if he didn’t accept the money tonight, Xie Long would likely be plagued with unease, unable to eat or rest.

At this moment, all of Xie Long’s former arrogance and swagger had vanished without a trace. He had learned a profound lesson: in this vast world, there are some people as distant and unapproachable as towering mountains, far beyond the reach of men like himself.

Li Chao was, without question, one of those people.

From that moment, Xie Long resolved to be cautious in all things, vowing never again to court disaster for himself.

Upon learning that the young man before him was connected to Ye Wuji, Xie Long’s fear reached its zenith. The very name Ye Wuji had once made the entire city tremble, and now it was tied to this seemingly ordinary youth.

He knew, without a doubt, that he had run headlong into an immovable wall. If he could not earn this young man’s forgiveness, his fate would surely be grim.

Xie Long’s voice was hoarse and low, but the resolve in it was unmistakable. “Brother Chen, you must accept this card. I’m not a man of great wealth, but I do know the rules of the world. Take this as a token of my sincerity.”

Li Chao gazed at Xie Long’s resolute face, a wave of hesitation rising within him. Finally, with a soft sigh, he slipped the bank card into his pocket.

Xie Long continued, “Forgive the intrusion, brother. Please, enjoy yourself. All expenses tonight are on me!”

“Just in time,” thought Li Chao, expression unchanged. “Funds are tight these days—this is a timely blessing.”

Noticing Li Chao’s reaction, Xie Long relaxed slightly, then hurried out of the private room with his lackeys, as if fearing Li Chao might change his mind.

The room’s once jovial atmosphere had grown awkward. Liu Dan, Xiang Xue, and Xin Ping, who had been enjoying themselves, were left bewildered by the sudden turn of events.

Liu Dan exchanged a glance with Li Chao, both their eyes betraying a hint of embarrassment. After a few polite words, they gathered their things and left in haste.

Meanwhile, Xiang Xue and Xin Ping hid themselves away in a quiet corner, whispering in hushed tones.

Xin Ping, patting her chest in amazement, exclaimed, “Goodness, that man was incredible! To take on so many by himself—unbelievable!”

Xiang Xue nodded in agreement, but a fleeting glint of disdain flashed through her eyes. She leaned closer and cautioned, “Xin Ping, don’t be fooled by his heroic appearance. Men like that, for all their strength, are often ruthless and cold-hearted—not the sort we can easily afford to cross.”

Xin Ping forced an awkward smile at Xiang Xue’s warning but took little heed of her words. To her, men like Li Chao were true heroes, deserving both admiration and respect.

In this tangled world, people are forever caught in trivial pursuits, chasing after elusive dreams. Yet amid the clamor, Xin Ping found herself intrigued by Li Chao’s true identity.

Xie Long, once the tyrant of Shiyuan County, had always been arrogant and unyielding. Even with his arm wrenched from its socket, he remained fierce and defiant. Yet a single mysterious phone call had drained all color from his face, as if he’d seen a ghost, and all his bravado vanished.

It was clear this all centered on the unremarkable village doctor—Li Chao. What kind of power could he possibly wield, to make such a formidable man tremble?

Xin Ping began to reassess her opinion of Li Chao. At first, she had dismissed him as a mere country doctor, but now she realized there was more to him than met the eye.

She had been entirely mistaken.

A wave of emotion surged in her heart. Perhaps Li Chao was indeed worth getting to know. In today’s world, after all, connections and relationships often mattered more than anything else.

She silently considered whether she ought to ask Liu Dan for Li Chao’s contact information.

After all, a man of Li Chao’s potential was a rarity. Whether this counted as poaching from Liu Dan never crossed her mind. In a world driven by self-interest, who still cared for old-fashioned moral codes?

Night had fallen. Silver moonlight spilled across the land, and stars sparkled above.

Li Chao and Liu Dan walked side by side out of the White Swan KTV. They found a spacious, cool spot to sit. Li Chao gently patted Liu Dan’s shoulder, wordlessly telling her not to be too anxious.

“Dan-jie, were you frightened just now?” His voice was soft and caring, clear as a mountain spring, soothing Liu Dan’s startled heart.

Liu Dan had tried to appear strong, hiding her fear, but at his gentle question her facade crumbled. She threw herself into Li Chao’s arms and burst into tears, unrestrained.

Her tears fell like broken pearls, soaking through Li Chao’s shirt. Her softness pressed against him, and even through the fabric he could feel the tremor of emotion. The sensation made his heart race, and a strange tenderness welled up inside him.

He stroked her back, his movements gentle and rhythmic, as if comforting a frightened child. Each touch carried warmth and reassurance, an attempt to ease her distress.

Her sobs echoed in the quiet night like a mournful melody, voicing her deepest fears and anxieties. Tears slid down her cheeks, glistening in the moonlight.

Li Chao simply listened, holding her close, his solid chest a fortress of safety. He felt her trembling and vulnerability, and his heart filled with compassion.

In the stillness of the night, they leaned on each other, sharing unspoken pain and confusion. Li Chao’s presence offered Liu Dan solace, a reminder that she was not alone. And her tears touched the softest corners of his heart, stirring within him the desire to protect and care for her.

In that moment, an unspoken understanding blossomed between them—a quiet resonance of spirit that needed no words.