The Master Descends the Mountain: My Destined CEO

Only after Li Ming's explanation did Xiao Ye understand.

It turned out the secret code worked by slightly darkening the font of certain characters.

When you string all the darkened characters together, it forms their message.

No wonder Xiao Ye hadn't noticed; the font was only marginally darker.

It was impossible to distinguish with the naked eye, but the difference was obvious when viewed on a computer.

Xiao Ye nodded. "Alright, I get it. You can go now."

"Wait, Mr. Xiao, I have one more thing to say..."

Li Ming hesitated. After all, the couple from eighteen years ago had been benefactors to him and his wife.

He didn't want to betray them.

But Xiao Ye had genuinely saved them.

If it weren't for Xiao Ye, their lives would have been miserable. Their only option would have been to run.

They would have had nothing, and finding a place to live or a job would have been a huge struggle.

"Mr. Xiao, back when I first started working for that couple, I followed them once."

Back then, things like phones and express delivery weren't as advanced.

But they couldn't write letters, as that was the easiest way to get exposed.

So back then, they still met in person occasionally.

Li Ming, being cautious, had secretly followed them once. He wanted to know who he was working for—whether they were good or bad.

In the end, he tracked them to an address.

But in all these years, he never dared to go there.

He was just a timid, ordinary person. After almost being discovered that one time, he never dared to do it again.

He was also worried that if they discovered what he'd done, they would kill him and his wife to silence them.

"This is the address of the place I tracked them to. But I haven't gone back to check in all these years. They might have moved away long ago."

The slip of paper in Xiao Ye's hand had already yellowed with age.

He glanced at the address on it and nodded. "Alright, you can go now."

Li Ming and his wife thanked him profusely, took the money, and left.

'Judging by their appearance, they seem like honest people, so the money wasn't a waste.'

Xiao Ye took the slip of paper and immediately had his subordinates investigate.

He wouldn't take Lin Chuyue there until the investigation was complete; it could be dangerous.

It wasn't until evening that his subordinate finally sent back news.

"Patriarch, we found it. The address is for a nearby village. Almost everyone who lived there has moved out."

"But we heard it's within the planned area for a new development zone, so many people have moved back, hoping to get a share of the demolition compensation."

Xiao Ye told him to continue the investigation. Afterward, he, Lin Chuyue, and Mu Xiang found a buffet restaurant.

By the time they finished eating and came out, it was already 10 PM.

The temperature had dropped suddenly, and it was very cold.

Lin Chuyue was wearing a white down jacket, which enveloped her small face, now flushed red from the cold.

Xiao Ye reached out to warm her ears, but she shied away. "I'm not that cold. Let's just hurry back."

He gave a wry smile. "Alright."

As they were walking, Xiao Ye and Mu Xiang paused at the same time.

Lin Chuyue, seeing them fall behind, asked curiously, "What's wrong?"

Xiao Ye quickly caught up. "It's nothing."

He glanced behind them nonchalantly, his eyes as cold as a blade.

When they returned to their suite, a subordinate appeared in the living room.

"Patriarch, someone attempted to attack you just now, but I've already taken care of them."

"They confessed. They were sent by that Local Bully. We've confirmed it was him."

Xiao Ye nodded. "You don't need to get involved. Just beat them back every time they try."

"Next time, remember to take one of their arms."

"If they dare to come a third time, then take their legs, too."

"Yes, sir!"

'If that still doesn't teach them a lesson, their next trip will be to the bottom of the river.'

「In a pool hall.」

The Local Bully was enjoying a game of pool with his lackeys.

The air inside was thick with smoke and stifling.

Nearly every man had a few tattoos, and the women were all scantily clad blondes.

The Local Bully had had his fill of playing and was getting ready to take his men to a new spot.

Just then, a lackey ran over in a hurry. "Boss, bad news!"

"What's wrong?"

"The men we sent out all got beaten up!"

The lackey quickly had others bring out the two "experts" he had sent.

The two of them were bruised and swollen. To make matters worse, one had a dislocated arm, while the other was limping heavily.

The Local Bully's face instantly darkened. "You're my best fighters. How did you get beaten this badly?"

"Boss, that kid you had us deal with is no joke!"

"We were just following them when his people spotted us. And those two are definitely professionally trained fighters!"

"When they made their move, we didn't even have a chance to fight back."

"I... I think they're actual, professional bodyguards!"

'Not street thugs like us. Their technique was just too clean and efficient.'

'Without professional training, there's no way they could be that skilled.'

The Local Bully said nothing. He knew his underling wouldn't dare lie to him, which meant it had to be true.

'Looks like that kid is no ordinary person. He can casually pull out a million and has bodyguards in tow.'

'But so what?'

'This is my turf! Here, even a dragon has to lie low!'

With that thought, the Local Bully took out his phone and dialed a number. "Hey, Uncle, it's me."

"I've run into a tough customer and wanted to ask you to come help out."

"Take care of him, and there's a million in it for you!"

After the Local Bully gave the address.

Before long, someone arrived.

And he brought a whole crew with him.

The Local Bully beamed as he looked at the sharply dressed, middle-aged man before him. "Uncle, you made it."

This uncle was no ordinary person. He was the previous Local Bully.

If it weren't for his help, he would have never gotten his current position.

Now, his uncle had washed his hands of the underworld, transforming himself into a successful businessman.

He now owned several companies, and his business had even expanded into the neighboring city of Jiangcheng.

'If he helps, there's no way that kid is getting away!'

The man gave him a cold look. "You can't even handle something this small. I spent my own money to find you a real expert this time. Let's go. We'll head over there directly."

"Don't forget the million we agreed on!"

"Don't worry, Uncle, I won't forget!"

Led by the Local Bully, they quickly arrived at the hotel.

The front desk clerk didn't dare provoke them and immediately called Xiao Ye. "Hello, sir, there are some people downstairs looking for you..."

"Kid, it's me!" the Local Bully snatched the phone. "You'd better get down here right now, or don't blame me for forcing my way up!"