Chapter 16 - Beat Xu Hong Violently
After Xu Hong informed his family about Nangong Ya awakening his S-level talent, their support for him grew even stronger. They encouraged him to pursue Nangong Ya, with promises that if he needed anything, they would support him. After all, he had just received another 1 million yuan in sponsorship.
Excited, Xu Hong invited a few of his companions to Baba Alien Beast Barbecue. Unfortunately, they once again ran into Yang Xie and his group. Xu Hong's mood immediately soured.
"I can't take this anymore. I'll have my family deal with this bastard when I get back today," Xu Hong fumed. He was determined that Yang Xie had to be eliminated before he could stand in his way.
"Yang Xie, are you even a man? You only hide behind Nangong Ya. If you have the guts, let's fight," Xu Hong taunted.
Feeling confident with the support of his family's elixir, Xu Hong had managed to show off his strength earlier in the afternoon. Now, his confidence was high, and he wanted to prove his superiority to Nangong Ya.
Before Yang Xie could respond, Nangong Ya looked at Xu Hong with an odd expression.
"You think I'm stupid? I have D-level talent, and you have B-level talent. If I fight you, that would be like asking for trouble. Just because my talent is poor doesn't mean I'm foolish!" Nangong Ya said.
Xu Hong persisted.
"You're not a man if you don't dare to fight. It's not like we're warriors yet, so what's the difference? Yang Xie, if you don't fight me, then you're a coward," Xu Hong goaded.
Yang Xie, already irritated, stood up in response, as if he was angered by Xu Hong's words.
"Shut up! Who's afraid of you? We're here to enjoy a barbecue, not fight."
Xu Hong's excitement only grew. He knew Yang Xie didn't have the resources to fight him, and now he was going to take advantage of the situation.
"Alright, here's the deal. I'll pay for your barbecue, but only if you agree to spar with me," Xu Hong challenged.
Yang Xie, seizing the opportunity, played along.
"Alright then, if you can order two whole roasted lambs and pay for them, then I'll believe you," Yang Xie said confidently.
Xu Hong, eager to see Yang Xie agree, didn't hesitate.
"Boss, bring me two whole roasted lambs. I'll transfer the money now." Xu Hong showed the boss his payment of 30,000 yuan.
The waiter quickly brought the lambs to the table.
"Yang Xie, now that we have a deal, you can't back out," Xu Hong smirked.
"Fine, but we're just discussing. Don't get too excited," Yang Xie replied with a hint of hesitation, pretending to be worried.
Nangong Ya, watching this unfold, said nothing but gave Yang Xie an odd look.
Xu Hong, eager to fight, quickly said, "Let's find a quiet place to spar. Afterward, we'll come back for the barbecue."
"Sure, let's go to a more secluded spot. I don't want to be embarrassed in front of a crowd," Yang Xie agreed, trying to make it seem like he was intimidated.
"Perfect, that's what I was thinking too," Xu Hong said, already planning his victory.
The two went to a quiet corner of the night market snack street.
After a few moments, Xu Hong's voice could be heard, yelling, "Yang Xie, you bastard! You dare hit me? I'll make my family punish you for this!"
But Yang Xie wasn't done yet. He delivered a few more blows.
"Don't hit me, I was wrong. Please, let me go!" Xu Hong begged, his arrogance evaporating as the beating continued.
Yang Xie's younger companions watched, too intimidated to intervene. Xu Hong's followers were too scared to help him.
"Feel free to hit me, Xu Hong. If you dare take advantage of Yaya again, I won't hesitate to make your life miserable," Yang Xie warned, leaving Xu Hong behind, still begging for mercy.
"Who's going to help me?" Xu Hong cried out, his face now bruised and swollen from the beating.
Yang Xie, calm and collected, left the scene without looking back, while Xu Hong was carried off by his companions.
Back at the barbecue restaurant, Nangong Ya, who had continued eating, wasn't the least bit concerned. She was relieved by Yang Xie's display of strength.
"Thank you for the gift, classmate Xu Hong," she said, smiling. "Yaya, make sure you eat well today."
Yang Xie returned, looking satisfied with the outcome.
"Yang Xie, you're so bad, messing with classmate Xu Hong like that," Nangong Ya said, clearly amused.
"Well, if he dares to take advantage of my future wife, he deserves to be taught a lesson," Yang Xie replied with a grin.
"Who's your wife?" Nangong Ya asked, her cheeks flushing slightly.
"Hey, anyone who hits me is my wife. You know, hitting is kissing, scolding is loving," Yang Xie teased.
"Stop saying nonsense!" Nangong Ya huffed, her face turning even redder.
Yang Xie, unable to resist, moved closer to her. "My dear wife, you're so beautiful," he said softly.
Nangong Ya, flustered, closed her eyes, clearly overwhelmed by the sudden shift in mood.
"You have some meat on the corner of your mouth. Let me clean it off for you," Yang Xie said, pulling a napkin from the table and wiping her face.
Nangong Ya froze.
"Yang Xie, you jerk, get away from me!" she exclaimed, pushing him playfully.
Yang Xie chuckled as he devoured most of the second roasted lamb, his energy needing the extra food to fuel his Shadow Soldiers.
Eventually, they left the restaurant, with Nangong Ya muttering angrily.
"Are you still not full? Hurry up and become a warrior so you can hunt monsters yourself."
"I'm full, just full of anger," Yang Xie replied, laughing as he walked ahead.
But in the darkness, a pair of eyes observed them from afar.
"Don't rush it," a voice whispered. "Wait for the right moment."
"Why, sir?"
"Nangong Ya has a bodyguard in secret. We must wait for the right opportunity and be prepared when help arrives."
"Understood, sir."
"Keep watching and report any movements immediately."
The shadowy figure continued watching, waiting for their chance to strike.