Chapter 108: External Forces in the Underworld

“Take your time; I haven’t even expressed my gratitude yet.”

To be honest, Xiao Ye was somewhat curious about the “conditions that cannot be refused” that Elder Liu had mentioned.

Elder Liu had a longstanding relationship with the Xiao family, and if he were to reveal the inside story from back then, it would undoubtedly save a lot of trouble.

“If I’m not mistaken, you should be in your twenties this year, right?” Elder Liu suddenly asked, and Xiao Ye nodded.

“Xiao Xia is a few years younger than you; the ages are actually quite compatible. Xiao Ye, how about marrying Xiao Xia?”

Xiao Ye’s eyes widened in surprise; he hadn’t expected Elder Liu to say something like that.

Although things hadn’t gone as smoothly as anticipated, for Elder Liu to say that Liu Xia was suitable for him—how had he come to that conclusion?

“Grandpa, what are you saying? I’m not marrying him!” Liu Xia blushed deeply and said angrily.

“What? Reluctant? I’m about to retire, and when you two marry, I want you to take over my position,” Elder Liu said firmly, clearly set on making Xiao Ye his grandson-in-law.

“That’s not what I mean. It’s just unfortunate—I got married a few years ago, truly unfortunate,” Xiao Ye put down his cup and said seriously.

“In that case, the Liu family just isn’t fortunate enough,” Elder Liu sighed, sitting up with a look of regret.

“The conditions aren’t important. It’s because of fate that I’m helping Elder Liu with this favor, resolving a long-standing worry for the Liu family.”

“Haha, young man, if you ever need anything, the entire Liu family will risk fire and water for you without hesitation!” Elder Liu laughed heartily, patting Xiao Ye on the shoulder.

“You’re too kind, Elder Liu. I’ll take my leave now. Please see me out,” Xiao Ye stood up, turned away from Elder Liu, and, accompanied by Xue Gui, left the villa directly.

Outside, members of the Red Dragon were waiting. After exchanging a few words, those men escorted them away.

Just as they stepped out, a black Land Rover pulled up at the entrance. A man stepped out.

Xiao Ye looked closely and was surprised to find it was Li Hai, Qin Xue’er’s cousin.

Li Hai appeared flustered; the car hadn’t even stopped properly before he jumped out, almost stumbling.

Xiao Ye paid him no mind and continued walking.

The other party didn’t greet him either, clearly indicating they didn’t remember him.

“But why is he here so late?” Xiao Ye wondered. He was somewhat surprised that the Li family had ties to Elder Liu.

Without dwelling on it, Xiao Ye hailed a cab and returned to the villa.

It was already past ten at night, yet Qin Xue’er was still anxiously staring at her phone, restless.

“Still not asleep this late?” Xiao Ye opened the villa door and asked with curiosity.

“How’s everything?” he inquired.

“You already know what happened before. Later, when he woke up, he wanted me to visit him, and it’s been like this ever since, talking a bit,” Qin Xue’er replied.

Xiao Ye recounted the evening’s events with Elder Liu, though he concealed matters involving the Xiao family and Elder Liu’s treatment.

Qin Xue’er nodded but her expression was grim, filled with worry.

“What’s wrong?” Xiao Ye sensed something was troubling her and asked.

She sighed, then stood and the two of them stepped outside the villa.

“The Li family has hit some trouble recently; they need a large sum of money. I’m wondering if we should help,” Qin Xue’er said uneasily.

Xiao Ye understood her feelings—after all, it was her maternal family.

Just like the Xiao family was where Qin Xue’er grew up, it was only natural she felt a pang of compassion.

The Li family had recently suffered investment failures, compounded by the meddling of Old Madam Li in family affairs. Life there must be tough.

With internal strife and external threats, the Li family was on the brink of bankruptcy.

“I won’t help.” Despite knowing the Li family’s plight, Xiao Ye said resolutely.

Qin Xue’er seemed to have expected this response.

This isn’t something we can handle. Besides, we just bought a house; we really can’t spare such a sum.

Xiao Ye’s words were true; suddenly producing that much money would surely arouse suspicion.

Qin Xue’er sighed, fully understanding her family’s nature—they had brought this on themselves.

“But seeing them like this now, I truly feel a little heartbroken.”

“I understand. Even if we wanted to help, we simply don’t have the means,” Xiao Ye said softly, pulling Qin Xue’er into his embrace.

Unable to hold back her tears any longer, Qin Xue’er began to sob quietly, and Xiao Ye gently patted her back.

About five minutes later, the crying ceased, and Xiao Ye spoke again.

“What do you plan to do next?”

“Take it one step at a time. Right now, all my heart and soul are focused on us. I have no time to worry about anything else.”

“It’s so good to have you to share the burden,” Qin Xue’er took a deep breath and continued.

It was late by then. Xiao Ye stayed by her side, softly coaxing her to sleep.

Watching Qin Xue’er finally drift off, Xiao Ye’s phone suddenly rang—it was Rat calling.

“Chen Shao, something’s come up recently. It’s not easy to explain over the phone. If possible, I’ll give you an address so you don’t have to come to the port,” Rat’s voice was low, sounding as if he feared being overheard.

“Got it. I’m on my way now.”

About twenty minutes later, Xiao Ye arrived at the address Rat had given. Rat had been waiting for a long time.

“What’s going on? Why the urgency?” Xiao Ye lied casually to avoid arousing suspicion.

Rat glanced around before pulling Xiao Ye into a narrow alley.

“Xiao Shao, a lot has happened recently. I honestly don’t know if I should wade into this mess,” Rat said hesitantly, clearly troubled.

“Tell me. Whatever it is, I’ve got your back.”

“Lately, the underworld of Jianghai City has been in turmoil. Many say that weapons sold to them by external forces were seized by one person.”

“They don’t know, but I do. I’m afraid they’ll trace it back to me.”

“So, Xiao Shao, can I ask to quit?”

His words made sense, but one sentence from Rat caught Xiao Ye’s attention.

“You said the underworld is in chaos? Could it be that the underworld depends on these things to survive?”

Rat’s face darkened; it seemed Xiao Ye had hit the nail on the head.

“No matter what, the underworld can never see the light of day. They can only conduct these secretive dealings. Now that you’ve disrupted their plans, it’s like cutting off their financial lifeline. And with external forces involved, I... I really can’t handle this!”

Rat’s voice trembled with fear as he spoke.

The entire underworld was like a thick fog; even someone like Rat, who had been immersed in it for years, was frightened.

“Tell me, what exactly are you afraid of? Who are these external forces?” Xiao Ye asked seriously, each word deliberate.