Chapter 27: Death Threat
At this moment, Zhao Dong was startled by what Xiao Liufu said. How could he know about my affair with Xu Yafei?
Seeing the cold look in the other man's eyes, Zhao Dong subconsciously wanted to ask how he knew, but a thought suddenly popped into his mind. Could he be deliberately trying to trick me? Just an hour ago, Xu Yafei reminded me that Hong Wu is extremely suspicious and would definitely investigate me. I must keep my mouth shut!
Zhao Dong drew a sharp breath. This person might really be tricking me!
Xiao Liufu intensified the pressure of his foot on Zhao Dong's neck and said coldly, "Didn't you hear my question? Speak, or prepare to die!"
Zhao Dong gritted his teeth. "When was I ever together with Xu Yafei? What are you talking about?"
Xiao Liufu's expression turned cold. "You know Xu Yafei?"
Panic flashed through Zhao Dong's eyes, but it was fleeting as he calmly replied, "Yes, we've known each other for years. What about it?"
Xiao Liufu frowned. Zhao Dong hadn't asked a question in return, which dispelled some suspicion, but he actually knew Xu Yafei? For a moment, Xiao Liufu didn't know how to handle the situation, so he dialed Hong Wu's number.
In the villa, Hong Wu answered the phone just as Xu Yafei walked in. He didn't avoid her, instead speaking directly into the phone, "How's the investigation going?"
Xiao Liufu said respectfully, "Lord Wu, the kid's answers check out, but he says he knows Miss Xu."
Hong Wu raised an eyebrow and put the phone on speaker. "Say that again?"
"Lord Wu, this Zhao Dong says he knows Miss Xu."
Xu Yafei had just walked into the villa and sat down next to Hong Wu. Hearing those words, her expression changed instantly, and she almost jumped to her feet in shock. She quickly composed herself, furrowed her brow, and looked at Hong Wu. He smiled at her and said, "Yafei, you know that Zhao Dong from last night?"
His face wore a smile, but his eyes were as sharp as knives.
Xu Yafei sat upright, her face expressionless. But inside, a tempest surged! Hong Wu really did start investigating!
No one noticed that Xu Yafei's back was soaked with sweat. She looked at Hong Wu and said lightly, "Yes, I know him. What about it?"
Hong Wu raised an eyebrow. "Why didn't you tell me?"
Xu Yafei countered, "Why should I tell you? It's not a big deal. Besides, I don't think I need to report every friend I have to you."
Her voice held a tremor only she could detect. Any slight slip now would mean death for Zhao Dong.
Hong Wu stared into Xu Yafei's eyes, and she did not look away. Meeting his gaze, her eyes, limpid as autumn waters, were perfectly calm.
Xu Yafei suddenly scoffed. "Do you have to suspect every man who appears near me? Hong Wu, I'm really sick of living like this. It's like being in prison! You might as well just kill me!"
Seeing Xu Yafei getting angry, Hong Wu's expression softened, and he stroked her forehead with a chuckle. "Yafei, I was just joking! I'm just concerned about you!"
Xu Yafei slapped his hand away coldly. "Concerned about me? It's more like you're monitoring me!"
The underlings standing nearby all felt a surge of fear upon seeing this. In all of East Sea City, how many people dared to speak to Hong Wu like this, let alone slap his hand away? Only the woman in front of them.
Hong Wu was not annoyed and even showed a hint of apology. "Alright, I admit my mistake."
"No, you're not wrong. You should indeed investigate Zhao Dong," Xu Yafei said, looking at Hong Wu scornfully.
Hong Wu coughed. "You said you knew each other before. How did you meet?"
Xu Yafei replied directly, "I don't remember. We've been friends for years."
"And where were you this afternoon?"
"I was at a beauty salon, getting a spa treatment." Xu Yafei's expression remained calm.
Hong Wu nodded thoughtfully. Just as Xu Yafei was about to sigh in relief, he suddenly laughed. "Yafei, what's your relationship with this Zhao Dong?"
"Just an ordinary friend. We're not very close."
Hong Wu laughed heartily. "Good! In that case, you won't mind if I kill him, right?"
Xu Yafei's heart leaped to her throat, her face paling slightly.
On the other end of the phone, Zhao Dong heard every single word of the conversation. He hadn't expected Hong Wu to be so fickle and ruthless, to kill someone just like that. I haven't even offended the man! That beast! Zhao Dong felt an intense sense of indignation. This feeling of being toyed with, his life held in the palm of another's hand, was truly unbearable.
Xu Yafei's face remained as tranquil as an old well. "Kill him, then. It has nothing to do with me."
"Alright, then we'll kill him." Hong Wu chuckled, speaking into the phone, "Xiao Liufu, do it."
"Yes."
Xiao Liufu pressed down harder with his foot, ready to stomp on Zhao Dong's neck with all his force. Xu Yafei's heart trembled. Is Zhao Dong going to die, just like this?
Zhao Dong gasped for air, his eyes filled with endless fury. I'm defiant! I'm enraged! I feel wronged! Why should I be mercilessly snuffed out? Why do these people get to stand so high above, treating ordinary lives like ants?
Just as Xiao Liufu was about to bear down with all his force, Hong Wu said indifferently through the phone, "That's enough. Come back."
"Yes, Lord Wu!" Xiao Liufu instantly withdrew his foot.
Releasing Zhao Dong, he sneered, "I'll spare your dog's life. You're nothing but an ant!"
A kick landed on Zhao Dong's chest, sending him rolling twice. His bones felt as if they were shattered, and he coughed up another mouthful of blood. By the time he came to his senses, Xiao Liufu had already disappeared.
In the villa, Hong Wu looked at Xu Yafei with a broad smile. "Yafei, don't mind me. He's your friend, how could I kill him? I was just joking with you."
Xu Yafei said indifferently, "It doesn't matter, but I have no interest in such jokes. I'm tired."
With that, Xu Yafei stood up and went upstairs, returning to her room calmly under Hong Wu's gaze.
Back in her room, she gently closed the door. The moment it shut, she could no longer hold it together. She slid to the floor, her back against the door, and began sobbing silently with her hand clamped tightly over her mouth. Tears streamed down her face as her body shook violently, but despite her crying, she dared not make a single sound. She knew all too well how terrifying Hong Wu was.
Just now, if I had shown the slightest hint of something being wrong, Zhao Dong would have been instantly killed, and I would have been dealt with by Hong Wu as well.
No one knew how much fear and helplessness were hidden beneath her calm exterior just moments ago.
Downstairs, Hong Wu said calmly to a subordinate, "Did you ask?"
The subordinate replied respectfully, "I asked, Lord Wu. Miss Xu did indeed go for a spa treatment this afternoon."
Hong Wu nodded, finally relieved. Beside him, Kou Hongmin internally remarked, Sometimes, the way Hong Wu does things is truly chilling.
Kou Hongmin asked, "Lord Wu, what are you planning to do with that Zhao Dong?"
Hong Wu thought for a moment and said indifferently, "He's just an ant, so killing him is no big deal." He paused and then waved his hand. "Forget it. Let him be. It makes no difference whether we kill him or not, and I'm afraid Yafei would be unhappy if I really did it."
Kou Hongmin smiled. "Don't worry, Lord Wu. Zhao Dong can't stir up any trouble. We can kill him whenever we want. Let's spare his dog's life for now."
In another part of East Sea City, Zhao Dong was unaware that his life had just been spared. If Hong Wu had actually said the word "kill," he definitely would not have survived the night.
Zhao Dong struggled to his feet, his entire body aching as if his bones were broken. If this were the old me, that one kick from Xiao Liufu could have killed me five times over.
Spitting out a mouthful of bloody saliva, Zhao Dong wiped the corner of his mouth, a fierce light flashing in his eyes. "Damn you, Hong Wu! Sooner or later, I'll destroy all your lackeys, and I'll exterminate you, you beast!"
Clenching his fists, Zhao Dong took a deep breath to calm himself before heading toward the medicinal herb market.
He wandered around and found a few herbs. According to a recipe in the Mystic Sky Technique, these herbs could be brewed into a potent tonic that would strengthen his bones, clear his meridians, and allow Spiritual Energy to flow more smoothly.
Zhao Dong also wanted to find some other herbs. In the Mystic Sky Technique, there was an ancient formula for a "Celestial Mystic Pill," which could allow a Cultivator to swiftly advance their realm.
He was eager to find the required herbs, but after searching for a while without success, he decided to head back and try again another day.
Just as he was leaving the herbal shop, a woman walked out of the one next door.
Zhao Dong glanced over instinctively. The woman had a beautiful face, with skin as white as snow and an ethereal demeanor. Chestnut-colored, wavy hair flowed down to her slender waist. Her slightly pursed red lips were like rose petals, and her exquisite face was enough to mesmerize any man at first sight.
At that moment, the woman also looked toward Zhao Dong. Their eyes met, and both instantly exclaimed in surprise.
"Zhao Dong?!"
"President Ji?!"