"Heh, Old Seven, I'm here this time because there's something I want to clear up with you. Why don't we go upstairs to chat?" said Fathead Snake, looking at Ghost Qi and sneering coldly.
Ghost Qi waved his hand dismissively, "No need for that. Whatever you want to talk about can be done right here. The guests upstairs are all full, and this place is just fine!"
Upon hearing Ghost Qi's words, which clearly showed no respect, Fathead Snake's expression darkened as he spoke coldly, "Fine, if that's how it is, let's make things clear right here. Our two houses usually keep to our own sides of the river, but my brothers were just beaten up here, and I expect an explanation!"
"Oh, it's about that incident, heh, I've looked into it. They were lucky. If I had been here, the outcome wouldn't have been the same!" Ghost Qi continued with a smile that didn't reach his eyes.
"You're not going to give an explanation for this incident?" Fathead Snake glared at Ghost Qi, seemingly a bit angry.
"What kind of explanation do you want?" Ghost Qi asked, spreading his hands.
"An apology!"
"Apology? Heh, impossible!" Ghost Qi laughed coldly, dismissing the idea outright.
Of course, the so-called apology wasn't just about the two words; it was about a question of social status!
If Ghost Qi apologized to Fathead Snake this time, it would mean he's acknowledging his inferiority!
It would show he was weaker than Fathead Snake and tell everyone that Ghost Qi was afraid of him!
"So, what you mean is, you won't give me, Fathead Snake, face?" Fathead Snake's tone was somewhat gloomy.
"Fathead Snake, don't overestimate yourself. Do you think you have face in my eyes?" Ghost Qi's face also darkened, and their tones were somewhat confrontational.
The atmosphere in the entire hall suddenly became as tense as a drawn bow, with people from both sides gathering around, looking as though any dispute could lead to a bloody confrontation!
"Heh, Ghost Qi, impressive. For the sake of a dame, you're willing to break relations with me, huh? How about it? Is she that good? How about this, let me have her for one night, and afterward, we can continue to be good brothers!" said Fathead Snake, leering at Mei.
Mei, who had been standing by without saying a word, frowned slightly when she heard Fathead Snake's words; her fair face filled with anger, "Fathead Snake, I hope you watch your words!"
Fathead Snake looked at Mei and smiled, "Did I say something wrong? Old Seven is so protective of you; you must have a special relationship with him, right? Hahaha!"
"Slap!"
As Fathead Snake burst into laughter, a figure suddenly flashed out from the crowd and landed a heavy slap on Fathead Snake's face!
Fathead Snake's laughter came to an abrupt halt!
"Who the hell are you?" stammered Fathead Snake, glaring at Ye Long.
"You sure don't know how to speak. That's way too cheeky. How does it feel?" Ye Long stood in front of Fathead Snake with a grin.
Fathead Snake dared to insult Mei, clearly asking for a beating, because according to Ye Long's observational skills and experience, Mei was still a maiden; she hadn't been with anyone.
"Damn it, where did this damn bastard come from, daring to strike me? Chop him up!" Fathead Snake shouted angrily at Ye Long, calling his men to action.
The row of burly men behind him, already itching for a fight, rushed toward Ye Long immediately upon hearing Fathead Snake's order!
"Huh? Is this all you've got? Not nearly enough for a good time!" Ye Long spread his hands, took a large stride forward, and moved like a jaguar, charging into the crowd.
A series of chaotic screams followed.
Mei, watching from behind, raised her eyebrows in surprise as Ye Long appeared out of nowhere. What surprised her more was how skilled Ye Long was!
In the midst of the crowd, Ye Long moved continuously like a phantom, sharp and ferocious. These tough guys couldn't even land a hit on Ye Long, let alone see his position clearly!
"Ah Mei, is this guy one of your people?" Ghost Qi asked.
Mei shook her head, "No, I just met him today. He's the one who drove off the men that Fathead Snake sent to cause trouble earlier!"
Ghost Qi nodded, "Hmm, the kid's got good moves!"
Of course, Ye Long was already holding back his strength. If he really wanted to deal with these tough guys, it would take only a second or two! He held back because he was afraid of scaring them off with too terrifying a show of power; besides, one should always keep a third of their strength hidden!
One minute later, the group of thugs brought by Fathead Snake lay on the ground without any strength to fight back, clutching their thighs and arms, howling like ghosts and wolves!
Fathead Snake was stunned for a moment, then looked up at Ye Long in surprise. Is this guy even human? He's that powerful?
"You...who are you? Have the guts to state your name?" Fathead Snake asked warily.
Ye Long cracked a smile, "Bro doesn't have a fancy title. My name is Ye Long, got it?"
"Ye Long?"
Fathead Snake muttered to himself, his brain spinning quickly!
There were many skilled fighters in Ninghai City, but he had never heard of someone named Ye Long who, with his bare hands, could take down thirty or forty men in a minute. How powerful must he be?
"If you've remembered, then it's time for us to get started, huh!" Ye Long had no intention of letting Fathead Snake off the hook.
Now that he considered himself Mei's bodyguard, Ye Long would definitely not let anyone targeting her get away with it, especially since Mei was so beautiful.
"You...what are you going to do..."
Fathead Snake looked at Ye Long in terror. Before he could finish, Ye Long charged at Fathead Snake like a swift jaguar!
With such speed, Fathead Snake, despite being skilled from his younger days of brawling, had no chance of resisting the oncoming Ye Long!
"Boom!"
Ye Long, with the momentum of a raging river, threw a punch straight at Fathead Snake's chest!
A powerful force struck Fathead Snake's chest, and with a painful cry, he was sent flying!
Ye Long stepped forward and placed a foot on the chest of Fathead Snake, who was lying on the ground, "Heh heh, feels good, doesn't it?"
"Brother, I have no grudge against you, why are you targeting me, Fathead Snake?" Fathead Snake gasped for air as he spoke to Ye Long.
"Heh heh, I may have no grudge against you, but you're fat and ugly, and I don't like the look of you. I just want to beat you up. Got a problem with that?" Ye Long said arrogantly.
The surrounding people, hearing Ye Long's explanation, couldn't help but feel dumbfounded. You throw punches just because you don't like the look of someone?
Moreover, he was beating up Fathead Snake, a man with considerable influence in Ninghai City. Wasn't this a bit too bold?
Not only were the bystanders dumbfounded, but Fathead Snake himself was too!
Being beaten up without rhyme or reason by someone who disliked him was indeed humiliating and frustrating, especially since he was a boss himself!
"Brother, since we've come to blows, let's say no fight means no acquaintance. You've got good skills; why not work for me? I'm the head of the most powerful organization in Ninghai City. Follow me, and you won't lack money or beautiful women!" Fathead Snake said, looking at Ye Long.
It had to be said that Fathead Snake had an eye for talent. With Ye Long's skills, if he could be recruited under his command, taking down Ghost Qi's influence would be a piece of cake!
Ye Long laughed. This ugly, portly guy was delusional!
If it were a beauty, Ye Long might have considered it!
But as for this eyesore, even if he kowtowed a hundred times, Ye Long wouldn't agree!
Moreover, Ye Long believed that this guy's attempt to recruit him was a downgrade to his own status, simply asking for a beating!
"Brother, what do you say? From now on, Ninghai City will be ours!" Fathead Snake said, throwing a tempting bait to Ye Long.
"Damn it, you actually want me to be under you, fed up with living, huh?" Ye Long, very displeased, kicked Fathead Snake's chest.
Fathead Snake grunted, his face turning extremely ugly, "Don't take what I'm giving you for granted. In Ninghai City, how many people wish they could become brothers with me, Fathead Snake, and have no chance. Don't think just because you can fight, I have no way of dealing with you!"
Upon hearing this, Ye Long grinned, "Hey, you're still acting tough. Tell me, should I cripple one of your arms or one of your legs?"
"You wouldn't dare!" Fathead Snake's forehead broke out in a cold sweat, but he tried to sound calm.