Power and Wealth

Chapter 2003

Side Hall.

In the corridor.

A crowd of several dozen people had gathered, all watching the commotion.

There were only a few actual participants in the conflict: Xu Zhuang and three to five young men. Fang Shuiling and the others had also come over after being informed by the club manager.

“Yo, Sister Ling,” said Chen family’s Sixth Son.

Another young man beside him chimed in, “Sister Ling, you’re here too?”

A third youth added, “This is your friend? That can’t be.”

They weren’t blind—Xu Zhuang’s outfit was plain, even a bit unkempt. He didn’t exude any notable aura or refinement. At a glance, you could tell he wasn’t someone of status. So, even though they heard he came with Fang Shuiling, they assumed their relationship couldn’t be close.

Chen family’s Sixth Son tugged at his stained shirt. “Look at this, Sister Ling. He did this.”

Fang Shuiling replied indifferently, “So he dirtied your shirt. I’ll compensate you.”

“It’s not about the shirt—it’s about my dignity,” muttered Sixth Son. “Forget it, Sister Ling. I don’t need your money. This doesn’t concern you.”

Fang Shuiling looked him in the eye. “I brought him. You’re not going to give me face?”

Chen family’s Sixth Son said, “It’s not that I don’t want to give you face. I’ve had bad luck lately, and now someone dumps tea on me? No way I’m letting that slide.” After a pause, he added, “Sister Ling, our families go way back. Please, do me a favor—don’t get involved.”

The club owner and his top staff stayed silent. They had no way to interfere. Both Fang Shuiling and Chen family’s Sixth Son were people they couldn’t afford to offend.

Seeing that even her status couldn’t resolve the issue, Fang Shuiling’s face darkened. She had known this “Sixth Son” since childhood. The Chen family and the Fang family had always had good relations. His claim of being from a “family of old friends” wasn’t an exaggeration at all—it was the truth. The Chen family, like the Fang family, was one of the few true power families in the Republic. Though they didn’t rival the Xie family’s current splendor or the Fang family patriarch’s influence, the Chen family had close ties to the General Secretary and held significant sway in key ministries. In terms of status, they were on par with the Fang family.

Fang Shuiling knew precisely what kind of person Sixth Son was—a spoiled troublemaker who often bullied others by relying on his family background. Arrogant, prideful, and completely fearless. His record included attacking teachers, beating up school administrators, and brawling with children of Beijing’s elite. He was anything but a calm character. So once she realized Xu Zhuang had run into him, Fang Shuiling frowned. This guy was serious trouble.

“Take him away,” Sixth Son ordered coldly.

Xu Zhuang realized the other party was someone essential and anxiously said, “Miss Fang…”

Fang Shuiling immediately stepped in front of him. “I’d like to see who dares.”

One of the boys with Sixth Son said, “Sister Ling, he offended Sixth Brother. We can’t let this go. Please don’t interfere.”

Fang Shuiling shot him a sharp look. “Xiao Dong, who gave you the right to speak here?”

The boy shrank back and fell silent. If Sixth Son and Fang Shuiling were equals in background, then he was far below them—he wouldn’t dare cross Fang Shuiling. ℞₳𐌽ỖΒΕ𝙎

Zhang Dongfang was growing increasingly anxious. Old Xu had come with him, after all—he couldn’t just stand by and watch him get hurt. And these kids acted without restraint. The fact that they didn’t even respect Fang Shuiling meant their background was just as strong as hers. Otherwise, who would dare act out in front of the Premier’s granddaughter?

What now?

This isn’t good.

Old Xu was no longer young. If they beat him up, it’d be a disaster for his dignity and his health.

“Sister Ling,” Sixth Son said, “you’re turning on us over someone unrelated? That’s disappointing.”

Fang Shuiling replied, “I’ll repeat it. He’s my friend.”

Sixth Son’s tone hardened. “So you’re set on stopping us?”

Fang Shuiling sneered. “I’m just one woman. So many of you strong men—I couldn’t stop you even if I wanted to. If you want to take him, go ahead. If you won’t give me face, that’s fine. But listen carefully—I’m giving a fair warning. These people are colleagues of my Brother Dong. They’re here in Beijing on his assignment. If you want to take him, think it over carefully.”

“Brother Dong?”

“Which Brother Dong?”

“Who’s Brother Dong?”

The boys froze for a moment.

Zhang Dongfang and Xu Zhuang were stunned too. Secretary Dong? Why is she bringing up Secretary Dong now?

Fang Shuiling looked at the group and said calmly, “The only person I call Brother Dong—you know who that is.”

Chen family’s Sixth Son was the first to react. His face suddenly changed. “Dong Xuebing?”

Fang Shuiling pulled out her phone. “If you still want to take him, that’s your call. But I’m telling my Brother Dong. You all know what kind of temper he has. If anything happens later, don’t say I didn’t warn you. I won’t lift a finger then.” She meant business. She even stepped aside, exposing Xu Zhuang, and said to Zhang Dongfang, “Don’t stop them. Step aside. Let them take him if they want.”

Zhang Dongfang was speechless.

Xu Zhuang stood there nervously.

But now, the group on Sixth Son’s side suddenly froze. None of them made a move. They looked at each other, wide-eyed, but silent.

God of Plague Dong Xuebing.

These were his people.

They were immediately torn.

Chen family’s Sixth Son’s expression darkened. He had never met Dong Xuebing—didn’t even know what he looked like. But that name? Everyone knew it. It rang like thunder in their ears. They had heard about him countless times from their elders.

“Sixth Brother…”

“Sixth Brother, should we…”

The boys waited for instructions.

Chen family’s Sixth Son turned red, then pale, and finally took a deep breath and said, “Forget it for today. I’ll give Brother Dong some face.”

Zhang Dongfang blinked.

“But Sixth Brother—” one boy protested.

Sixth Son waved him off. “Let’s go. Back.”

And with that, he turned and led his people away, tail between their legs, as they left the club.

Fang Shuiling snorted at their retreating backs. She’d expected it—none of them had the guts to go up against her Brother Dong.