Chapter 40: The Bully’s Desire Unleashed

Li Chao watched Yu Xin’s anxious expression and felt a wave of warmth rising in his heart. He gently patted the back of her hand, signaling her not to worry.

“Yu Xin, don’t be afraid. I can handle these trivial matters,” Li Chao reassured her, his gaze full of confidence.

He then turned to face Li Mazi, the corners of his lips curling into a mocking smile. “Li Mazi, you really don’t learn your lesson, do you? Xie Long? Hmph, what difference does it make if he comes? Do you really think he’ll back you up?”

Li Mazi saw that Li Chao was completely unafraid, and he grew uneasy, though he forced himself to sound tough. “Don’t get cocky! Brother Long is a real player in the underworld. He has plenty of men. You better watch yourself!”

Li Chao sneered dismissively. “Xie Long? I taught him a lesson just yesterday—he wouldn’t dare come looking for trouble with me now.”

Hearing this, Li Mazi’s face turned deathly pale. He hadn’t expected Li Chao to have such a connection with Xie Long; it was completely outside his calculations.

He thought to himself, “Who exactly is this Li Chao? How does he dare provoke even Xie Long? Does he have a powerful backer? No, I need to get out of here fast—I can’t get tangled up with him any longer.”

As these thoughts raced through his mind, he forced a smile and said, “Li Chao, I was wrong this time—I shouldn’t have offended you. You’re generous; please don’t hold this against me.”

Li Chao looked at Li Mazi with even greater contempt. “What a bully—picks on the weak and fears the strong. The moment he heard about my connection to Xie Long, he changed his attitude completely.” But he was glad for it; it saved him the trouble of further confrontation.

He said coldly, “Since you know you were wrong, then get lost. Don’t let me see you again.”

Li Mazi, as if granted amnesty, nodded repeatedly. “Yes, yes, I’ll leave right away.” And with that, he slunk off with his tail between his legs.

Seeing Li Mazi’s retreating figure, Yu Xin finally let out a breath of relief. “Thank goodness Li Chao knew how to handle him. If not, who knows what would have happened. But how does Li Chao know Xie Long? He’s never mentioned it before.”

She turned to Li Chao, curiosity in her eyes. “Chao, how do you know Xie Long? Why does he listen to you?”

Li Chao smiled. “It’s nothing, really. I helped him out with a little thing once and he’s remembered my favor ever since. But people like him aren’t worth getting close to—just a thug who bullies others.”

Yu Xin nodded. “You’re right. But still, you should be careful and avoid unnecessary trouble.”

Li Chao was warmed by her concern. “Don’t worry, Yu Xin. I know my limits.”

He was too lazy to waste more words on Li Mazi and simply waved his hand. “Go call Xie Long here. I’ll wait for him right here. If he dares to come, I’ll give him another lesson he won’t soon forget!”

Seeing Li Chao’s firm stance, Li Mazi realized he had hit an immovable wall. His face turned ugly and he thought, “How did this kid get so tough? Maybe he really does have a powerful backer. I’d better leave before I get myself into any more trouble.” With that, he hurriedly pulled his men away.

Watching Li Chao’s calm composure, Yu Xin’s worries began to dissipate. She walked over to Chen Shan and said softly, “Chao, do you really want to go against Xie Long? He’s not someone to cross lightly.”

Li Chao smiled, patting her on the shoulder. “Yu Xin, you don’t need to worry. I know what I’m doing. I won’t let him hurt us. I’ve spent these years training hard, all to protect myself and those around me. I won’t let anyone bully us.”

Yu Xin was deeply moved by the conviction in his eyes. She knew that Li Chao was someone who took responsibility, someone willing to do whatever it took to protect their safety.

She nodded, tears glistening in her eyes. “Chao, you’ve really grown up.”

Li Chao only smiled, saying nothing more. He knew that his strength was the result of years of effort and discipline.

Everything he had done was to protect himself and the people he cared about from harm. He silently resolved that no matter what difficulties lay ahead, he would stand guard over his family and friends.

Hearing Yu Xin’s praise, his heart warmed, but he was acutely aware of his responsibilities—not just for himself, but for relatives like Chunlian.

He gazed at Yu Xin with gentleness and determination. “Yu Xin, as long as I’m here, you have nothing to fear,” he said softly, his voice full of warmth and confidence.

Once Li Mazi and his group left, the courtyard fell into silence.

Li Chao knew that while they had temporarily shaken off trouble, someone like Xie Long would not let matters rest so easily. He had to be fully prepared to face whatever might come.

“What should we do next?” Yu Xin asked worriedly.

Li Chao pondered for a moment, then said, “Let’s go back inside. I’ll find a way to deal with this. In the meantime, you should be careful too—try not to go out alone, to avoid unnecessary trouble.”

Yu Xin nodded. Though still uneasy, Li Chao’s calm and resolute demeanor reassured her. She knew that with him there, they could weather this storm.

Back inside, Li Chao began to strategize. He knew that to be free of Xie Long’s harassment, he would have to find his weakness and strike decisively. At the same time, he needed to strengthen himself for any challenge.

“Yu Xin, I’ve made up my mind—we can’t just sit and wait.” Li Chao said.

Yu Xin looked at him in surprise. “Chao, what are you thinking?”

Li Chao looked at her with gratitude. He knew Yu Xin had always supported and believed in him.

Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he declared, “Yu Xin, I know Xie Long is tough, but I can’t let him keep bullying us. I want to protect you and this family.”

Yu Xin saw the resolve in his eyes and, though worried, said, “Chao, I know you’re brave, but Xie Long is dangerous. Be careful.”

Li Chao gently took her hand in his. “Don’t worry, Yu Xin. I’ll be careful. I’m not the same person I was. I have the confidence to handle him.”

Though a trace of anxiety lingered in his heart—after all, Xie Long was ruthless—he couldn’t let Yu Xin or the villagers suffer any longer. He had to stand up for them.

Clenching his fists, he steeled himself for what was to come.

In the days that followed, Li Chao trained harder, his strength growing steadily. He also kept a close eye on Xie Long, biding his time for the perfect opportunity.

The night at the village clinic was still, with only the moonlight and a gentle breeze. Suddenly, the screech of brakes shattered the peace, thundering through the darkness like a tiger leaping down the mountain.

Two vehicles—a sedan and a van—roared up like wild horses, dust swirling behind them as they skidded to a halt before the clinic.

The lights inside flickered at the commotion. Li Mazi and his men, startled like sparrows, dashed outside.

Panic flashed in their eyes before being overtaken by awe.

Li Mazi hurried to the car, bowing and scraping, his hands reverently holding the car door as if welcoming a king.

The door opened slowly, and a figure emerged—a burly, bald giant with a conspicuous scar running across his face like a winding river, testament to his turbulent past.

This was the infamous Xie Long of Shiyuan County, a name that struck fear far and wide.

His forehead was bound in gauze, his right hand swathed in bandages; these wounds stood out starkly in the night, but he seemed utterly unbothered, sweeping his gaze coldly over the villagers.

His eyes were as sharp as blades, making it impossible to meet his gaze.

All the villagers who had been whispering among themselves fell instantly silent, afraid to attract this harbinger of trouble.

Xie Long thought to himself, “These villagers are as timid as mice. One look from me and they’re mute. But that Chen Shan dared injure my men—I’ll make him pay.”

A cruel glint flashed in his eyes.

Behind him, the van’s doors opened. A group of thugs in black T-shirts, steel pipes in hand, poured out—eyes vicious, intent murderous, like a pack of hungry wolves ready to pounce.

The villagers shrank back in terror, not daring to be caught up in the fray.

In moments, a crowd had gathered outside the clinic, drawn by the spectacle. Even those who had been working stopped to watch, speculating about the newcomers’ intentions.

Li Mazi, meanwhile, lit a cigarette for Xie Long with trembling hands, fawning as if greeting a long-lost relative. “Brother Long, don’t worry—the voluptuous beauty I mentioned is right here in this clinic.”

Xie Long blew out smoke, surveying the shabby clinic with disdain. “What a dump!” he spat, glaring at Li Mazi. “If that so-called busty beauty isn’t here, you’re dead!”

Xie Long had been recuperating at home, loath to go out, but Li Mazi’s tales of alluring village women had roused his interest, and he came in person to see for himself. For someone like him, such trivial matters were beneath his notice—but the promise of beauty was enough to change his mind.

He mused, “Li Mazi had better not be lying, or he’ll regret it. But if there really is a stunning woman, the trip won’t be wasted.”

With these thoughts, he strode into the clinic.

Li Mazi, eager to please, pointed to Yu Xin, who was peeking nervously from the courtyard. “Brother Long, I guarantee you’ll be satisfied!”

Although Yu Xin was dressed simply, her figure was striking—slender yet curvaceous, her chest drawing every eye.

To Xie Long, she was the very image of a movie star—flawless.

He nodded with satisfaction, cigarette dangling from his lips, as he swaggered toward the clinic with his cronies, leering.

Yu Xin, unused to such scenes, was so frightened her legs nearly gave way, and she hurriedly retreated into the house.

Xie Long cackled, “Girl! What are you afraid of? Brother Long doesn’t bite!”

Yu Xin’s voice trembled. “What do you want?”

Xie Long stopped before her, his gaze openly covetous, gloating inwardly. “This woman is a rare find—I’ve struck gold.” He grinned lasciviously. “Don’t be scared, girl. Come with me, and you’ll live in comfort.”

Terror gripped Yu Xin. She had no idea what they intended, and though she wanted to run, her feet were rooted to the spot. All she could do was silently pray they wouldn’t harm her.

Seeing her silence, Xie Long grew more pleased with himself. He reached out to touch her face, but she recoiled in fear.

He frowned. “Don’t dodge, girl. Let me have a feel.”

Tears welled in Yu Xin’s eyes as she pleaded, “Please, let me go—I’m just an ordinary woman.”

But Xie Long was unmoved. “Cut the crap! Just come with us.” His laughter echoed through the night, a chilling prelude to the horror about to unfold.