Chapter Thirty: Your Second Uncle’s Identity Could Scare Them to Death!

As the group conversed, the uncle and nephew finally grasped the situation. They exchanged glances, then fell into a heavy, awkward silence.

"I’m a bit puzzled," Yang Mi asked with a frown. "Why didn't you fight back? If that guy 'Dinosaur' had killed you, wouldn't that have been a huge loss?"

Liu Haizhu gritted his teeth and said nothing.

Old Wan also chimed in with a stern warning: "Zhu, we can't have this again, you hear me? If something happened to you, how could I face your uncle and aunt back home?"

Liu Haizhu kept his teeth clenched, still silent.

Yang Mi blinked, her eyes suddenly lighting up with realization. "Don't tell me—you’ve got a crush on that Luo Ying-si, don't you?"

Old Wan slapped his thigh. "Hey, now that makes sense!"

However, he quickly frowned again. "Wait, that’s not right, Zhu. I even drank at your engagement party. Wasn’t your fiancée named Xiao Dong? A lively girl, right?"

Old Wan’s expression shifted instantly to one of indignation. "No way! I’m calling your aunt! Why did you turn into such a scoundrel the moment you got to Hong Kong?"

Liu Haizhu panicked and reached out to grab his uncle’s phone, but Yang Mi’s eyes darted around, and she intercepted them. She gave Old Wan a meaningful blink, and he furrowed his brow in response.

***

Playing the role of a confidante, Yang Mi pulled Liu Haizhu aside. "Tell me the truth, do you like Luo Ying-si? I’m your superior, so don’t feel any psychological burden."

Liu Haizhu stuttered, "I, I..."

Yang Mi gave him a coquettish glare and counseled him. "Our Chinese heritage spans five thousand years. The idea that men are superior and women inferior is a rule set by our ancestors; it’s etched into our very DNA! Never mind a few decades—even hundreds or thousands of years couldn't change that. Think about it: decades ago, what man of status didn't have several wives? He wouldn't even have the nerve to walk down the street! Look at today—which successful man doesn't have a few confidantes by his side? Comrade Liu Haizhu, you must understand, the wisdom of our ancestors isn't something that changes overnight. A man should be this way, do you understand?"

Old Wan listened in a daze, and Liu Haizhu looked equally bewildered. No one had ever told him such things before.

Yang Mi looked at him with glistening eyes that grew brighter as she spoke. "Men having multiple wives is perfectly normal in Hong Kong. If you like her, go chase her! Big sister supports you. I’ve seen her photo; Ying-si is quite beautiful."

Liu Haizhu grew agitated. "Listen, don't listen to my Uncle Wan’s nonsense. I have nothing going on with Dong Zhizhi! We never did anything! The one back home was forced upon me by my second aunt. We never did anything, really, it’s not like that at all!"

Yang Mi was left stunned. The term "never did anything" carried a lot of weight. She probed, "Dong Zhizhi? ...Never did anything?"

"Exactly," Liu Haizhu affirmed. "She’s the 'fiancée' Old Wan talks about, but I never acknowledged it."

*Clap! Clap! Clap!*

Yang Mi clapped her hands and winked at him. "So, have you ever 'encouraged' each other for love?"

***

Liu Haizhu bit his lip. "No!"

*Muah!*

Yang Mi’s red lips parted, making a sound like a ripening peach. "Then... have you kissed?"

"No!" Liu Haizhu felt so aggrieved he was on the verge of tears. "We only held hands once!"

Yang Mi nodded earnestly. "Mhm, then you truly haven't done anything."

"Exactly," Liu Haizhu said, as if he had found a kindred spirit. He suddenly found Officer Yang looking much more pleasant.

Yang Mi seized the opportunity to incite him. "Then fight for love!"

"Huh?"

"Yes!"

Liu Haizhu nodded heavily.

***

Downstairs, in a café, a girl wearing headphones sat quietly, looking out the window, the corners of her mouth curled upward. She seemed to be watching something very pleasant.

***

On the rooftop:

"Wait!" Liu Haizhu waved his hand, his head seemingly clearing for a moment. He squinted at her. "Damn it, are you trying to trick me again?"

Old Wan suddenly erupted and swatted him on the head. "How the hell are you talking to your superior!"

Liu Haizhu hunched his shoulders and stayed quiet.

Old Wan spoke earnestly, "Zhu, I won't interfere with your love life, but you must handle it properly." His eyes turned sharp. "If I find out you’re messing around behind anyone's back, I’ll be the first to deal with you!"

Liu Haizhu looked at his righteous uncle and thought for a moment. "Uncle, I know what to do."

Old Wan patted his shoulder, seemingly ignoring the looks Yang Mi kept shooting him. After a moment of hesitation, he gave her a knowing nod. He steeled himself and asked, "Zhu, let me ask you something."

"Go ahead, Uncle."

"That Dinosaur guy is a nobody. He took advantage of you and almost killed you. Can you really swallow this?"

Liu Haizhu’s spirit ignited instantly. "Damn him!"

"Right! Screw him!"

Old Wan continued to stoke the flames. "And remember one thing: if I can't keep you in line, I’m bringing your second uncle and aunt here! Listen well! If you really don't like Xiao Dong, I’ll go back with you and clear things up with her family. But remember, a man must have a clear conscience and a backbone! You can't lead people on, you hear me?"

Liu Haizhu nodded heavily. His backbone had always been straight.

"Also, if you really like this Hong Kong girl, don't overthink it! Forget about 'social standing' or whatever. I’m telling you, your second uncle’s status—if it came out, it would scare them to death! And that bastard Dinosaur keeps bullying her—where’s your nerve? Why are you being such a coward now?!"

*Crack, crack!*

Liu Haizhu’s knuckles popped loudly; he looked ready to explode.

A flicker of worry crossed Old Wan’s eyes, but he patted his nephew’s shoulder and sighed. "Whatever you want to do, I’ll be right there with you."

"You?"

"Yes!"

"Haha..." Liu Haizhu grinned so wide his eyes curved, the implication clear.

*Thump!*

Old Wan punched him in the chest. "You little brat, what the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"Uncle..." Liu Haizhu couldn't hold it back and burst into laughter. "With your old bones, don't wear yourself out. Just wait for my word."

Yang Mi stepped forward with a smile. "Since you've decided, let me tell you about the Hung Lok gang."

Liu Haizhu nodded. "Fine!"

With things clarified, he felt much lighter. "Go ahead, I'm listening."

Yang Mi began, "Hung Lok has twelve branches—well, eleven now. Their leader is called Chiang Tin-sang. He has deep connections, some of which I can't tell you yet, or you'll get dragged into deep water."

Liu Haizhu said impatiently, "I’m telling you, stop being so cryptic! If you’d just told me last time, do you think I would’ve killed Sha Mang?"

Hearing this, Yang Mi’s heart sank. She choked for a moment before finding her voice.

"The person who saved you, I suspect, is the leader of Causeway Bay. He’s called 'Handsome Nam.' His leg techniques are legendary! And there’s more..."