Immediately, Luo Yang asked Zhu Li for the car keys. But at this moment, he encountered a little problem. If he wanted to go to Xu Huimin's house, he needed to bring Hong Jiaxin with him.
General Hong Zhong had entrusted his treasured daughter to him, which was a tremendous responsibility, and he did not dare to take it lightly. Only by keeping Hong Jiaxin by his side every minute and second could he protect her to the greatest extent.
If he brought Hong Jiaxin, then he must also take An Yuying. Otherwise, An Yuying would get jealous, and he would have to spend effort to coax her.
He had no choice but to take both ladies with him. Zhu Chen and the ladies stayed at the seafood restaurant for a late-night snack.
Hong Jiaxin, fully aware that An Yuying saw Luo Yang as her other half, occupied the passenger seat with the fastest speed due to a playful heart and a competitive spirit as they got into the car. Pretending as if nothing were amiss, she sneakily watched An Yuying's expression.
As a result, An Yuying was a step slower, unable to occupy the passenger seat, and slightly pouted her red lips, having to sit in the back seat with Xu Huimin.
Luo Yang watched the two nemeses silently struggle for attention, not knowing what to say, and helplessly smiled while glancing at Hong Jiaxin, who was also slightly tilting her rounded chin in his direction.
Her challenging gaze was filled with a teasing smile, as if to say, "What's wrong, I just like to go against you."
Ever since he accepted General Hong Zhong's request, Luo Yang had truly experienced the hardships of being a bodyguard.
Protecting someone is not hard, yet not easy. Take the present situation, for instance; he just needed to be by Hong Jiaxin's side, but when danger would appear was completely unpredictable. The presence of danger and responsibility, before the mission was complete, were certainly tests of one's psychological endurance.
When the issues with Mu Tan would be thoroughly resolved remained unknown until General Hong Zhong returned.
Having lived for over a decade, Luo Yang was facing a task of such significant responsibility for the first time. Observing the unharmed Hong Jiaxin, he still felt relieved. At least up until now, his work was up to par.
After Luo Yang left with the three beauties, Chen Jie said with a sly smile, "Lili, did you see that? He has two already. If you want to... hehe, then you can only be the third. Would you be willing to do that?"
Zhu Li elegantly blew out a ring of smoke and said indifferently, "Get lost, it's just you running your mouth."
...
...
Driving the Audi along Coastal Avenue and into Donghu Avenue, after traveling for more than ten minutes and taking two turns, they arrived at the North City New District, a newly developed residential area with surrounding buildings still under construction and houses that were brand new.
North City was developing rapidly; a few years ago, it was still a village, but in just a few short years, it had transformed into an area filled with high-rises and commercial housing everywhere. The residents of this area were mostly people who had moved up from the townships.
With Xu Huimin's guidance, they soon arrived at Nanyuan Garden Community. The houses in this community were duplexes, unaffordable for ordinary people.
Her home was on the 5th floor of Building A, which they reached by elevator.
Upon meeting Father Xu and Mother Xu, it was clear that Xu Huimin resembled her mother. Her father was a large man, also about 1.8 meters tall, with a slightly dark complexion, and only through conversation was it revealed that her father was the deputy director of the County Sports Bureau.
Luo Yang first took Mother Xu's pulse, then performed acupuncture on her. Half an hour later, he completed an acupuncture session.
After tidying up the Silver Needles, Luo Yang said, "Buy a fresh lemon every day, either squeeze the juice or soak it in water, and drink a cup in the morning, noon, and afternoon. We'll see the effect in half a month. After about a month of treatment, Mother Xu's diabetes should show significant improvement."
Xu Huimin expressed her gratitude, "Thank you, Director Luo. I don't know how much to give you, how much do you usually charge?"
She was also worried that Luo Yang would quote an exorbitant price. However, she heard Luo Yang generously say, "We're all family here, no need for payment. Until Mother Xu's illness is cured."
The Xu Family was immensely grateful for Luo Yang's words. Father Xu kept offering Luo Yang cigarettes and tea, which made Luo Yang feel rather uncomfortable.
Just as he was about to take his leave, he suddenly remembered the matter of opening a martial arts school and took the opportunity to inquire with Xu Yeqian.
"Director Xu, I'm thinking of opening a martial arts school. Do I need any certificates?" Luo Yang asked.
"Yes. You need to go through the County Sports Bureau. If you want to open a martial arts school, it's best to establish a good relationship with the people from the Martial Arts Association first. Otherwise, once you open, not only will social ruffians cause trouble, but martial artists will also come with the intention of challenging you to a bout."
As he spoke, Xu Yeqian suddenly changed the subject, "How are your martial arts skills?"
Luo Yang smiled and replied, "So-so."
Hearing this, Xu Yeqian thought Luo Yang was only average in martial arts and advised him, "Mr. Luo, let me be frank. If your martial arts are not strong, it's probably not a good idea to open a martial arts school. There will be many people coming to challenge you."
Luo Yang earnestly said, "Director Xu, my goal is to make friends through martial arts. Can you help me with the certificates? How much would it cost?"
Just moments ago, Luo Yang had treated Mother Xu without asking for any money, so Father Xu felt compelled not to refuse his request.
"No money is necessary. If you're set on opening a martial arts school, I can help you with the certificates. Have you really thought this through? If someone comes to make trouble, it can be quite a hassle. Are you prepared for that?" Xu Yeqian asked again.
"I am. I think I can handle it," Luo Yang confidently said.
Ever since he had learned Shadow Fist, he hadn't encountered a worthy opponent. Being invincible was lonesome. All he wanted was to find a real challenger, to pursue a hard-earned victory. Just like chess, there is no joy for a master to win against a novice; the true pleasure comes from a master winning against another master.
Martial arts were the same. Luo Yang now considered himself a master in the martial world and was seeking a defeat. Opening a martial arts school was intended for this purpose.
"Fine. In a few days, I'll get the certificates ready for you. Are you planning to open just a martial arts school, or a fitness center as well? The latter is slightly more complicated and requires you to register a company first," said Xu Yeqian.
"I'm only opening a martial arts school to make friends through martial arts. Director Xu, please tell me about how much it would cost, and I will bring the money tomorrow," Luo Yang said.
"You're a friend worth having. I feel honored to have made a friend like you. The certificate will require only a little money, which I will cover," Xu Yeqian seriously said.
Luo Yang insisted on paying multiple times but seeing that Xu Yeqian was getting a bit irritated, he had to let it go.
After sitting with the Xu Family for a while, Luo Yang, accompanied by An Hong and two other ladies, finally left. Xu Huimin escorted them down to the lobby.
Upon parting, Xu Huimin said, "Director Luo, your news should make the headlines tomorrow. I'll make sure to work on that."
Luo Yang joyfully said, "Miss Xu, you will become a distinguished veteran of my company. Once the company grows and we go public, I will award you shares as compensation."
Hearing this promise, Xu Huimin was so excited she felt itchy all over and exclaimed, "Director Luo. I will do my best to help the company succeed! Just call me Little Xu."
In fact, Luo Yang was younger than her. He laughed and said, "I'll call you Sister Xu. You can just call me Cowboy."
After saying goodbye to Xu Huimin, Luo Yang drove An Hong and the two ladies back home.
On the way there, An Yuying had wanted to sit in the front passenger seat but didn't get to; on the way back, Hong Jiaxin got there first. The two women continued their secret rivalry endlessly.
Hong Jiaxin was just having fun teasing An Yuying and wasn't truly trying to compete for a boyfriend. But in An Yuying's eyes, this was Hong Jiaxin trying to steal Luo Yang. She held back her irritation, planning to discuss it with Luo Yang once they were back in the village.