Chapter 82 – Why Is This God of Slaughter Here?

Chapter 82 - Why Is This God of Slaughter Here?

Shen Qing mulled over her plan to buy rice while leaving the company. She could not only deliver the money to Brother Biao through a reliable person but also make a significant profit in Hong Kong with the rice she acquired from Southeast Asia.

As she reached the entrance, the familiar roar of a motorcycle echoed from behind.

It was Brother Yao; Shen Qing could recognize his sound anywhere. Smiling, she turned around and indeed saw Jian Yao riding his motorcycle approaching. Waving at him with a grin, Shen Qing said, "Hi!"

Jian Yao parked his dark red bike in front of Shen Qing. Facing her cheerful smile, he casually replied, "Where are you off to?"

"I'm about to head back," Shen Qing said, always happy to see Jian Yao. "I thought I saw you passing by on your bike just now in the shop. Are you out for a ride? Why don't you go somewhere farther?"

"I'm too lazy to travel far," Jian Yao said with a slight lift of his gaze. His high nose bridge and refined jawline formed an attractive curve. An hour ago, he had seen Shen Qing walking towards the funeral parlor from the second floor. Since then, he had been riding around the real estate agency's vicinity, waiting for her to come out.

Shen Qing laughed again. "Too lazy to run around? So you were wandering near the company?"

Noticing Shen Qing's curious gaze fixed on him, Jian Yao turned his face away, feeling a bit uneasy. "I'll send you back."

"Sure."

With a bright smile, Shen Qing climbed onto the motorcycle and rested her hands on Jian Yao's shoulders, causing a slight movement in his Adam's apple. After she was securely seated, he rode off, taking her back.

As Shen Qing entered the courtyard, Jian Yao suddenly asked, "Are you still going to the auction tomorrow night?"

"Yes," Shen Qing nodded. "I'll go right after school."

"I'll go with you," Jian Yao said before riding away.

Standing at the entrance of the courtyard, Shen Qing watched Jian Yao's figure disappear from sight before turning to enter the house.

Shen Yimin was still lying on the sofa in the same position, his eyes fixated on Shen Qing. "I heard the motorcycle just now. Are you still with that rider?"

"I'm telling you, now that you have your own company and can take care of yourself, you don't need to be involved with people like him," Shen Yimin persisted, despite Shen Qing's growing impatience. "He's not good enough for you, and besides, a woman shouldn't marry a man from a humble background. He'll eventually drain you dry, and all the money you earn will just benefit someone else."

"Are you talking about yourself?" Shen Qing scoffed, causing Shen Yimin to explode. "Are you going to bring up the incident with the two gold bars and how it led to your mother's death again? I already know I was wrong, why can't you just let it go?"

"You took a life," Shen Qing said coolly. "Knowing your mistake is useless if you don't make amends."

"Are you trying to push me to my death?" Shen Yimin raged. "I'm doing this for your own good. As a man, I understand what men desire the most."

"Even if you argue with me, I still have to tell you that all men have wandering hearts; there's no such thing as a completely faithful one," Shen Qing said. "I'm doing this for your benefit. You should marry someone like Second Young Master Gu, become a wealthy wife."

"Can't even the medicine shut your mouth?" Shen Qing huffed. If Shen Yimin truly understood men, he would know that someone like Gu Shaoqian, who easily strays, is even less dependable.

Shen Yimin's supposed concern was merely a ploy to use her marriage to Gu Shaoqian for his own gain.

Perhaps there was a hint of fatherly love, but it paled in comparison to his self-interest.

Shen Qing knew all too well the kind of father Shen Yimin was. Seeing that he was relentless, she said, "Instead of worrying about me, why not think about Shen Hainan? Isn't she your precious daughter? She's hospitalized, yet you haven't visited her?"

"I don't want to hear her name, it's annoying," Shen Yimin closed his eyes impatiently, revealing that Shen Qing knew how to handle him.

Smiling at Shen Yimin's guilt-ridden expression, Shen Qing turned and walked towards the room.

Shen Yimin abruptly opened one eye to sneak a glance at Shen Qing. Upon seeing her enter the room, he couldn't resist remarking, "If you had listened to me, I would have left my inheritance to you."

Shen Qing replied, "I don't need it." It was better to rely on herself and create her own success than to be at someone else's mercy.

Shen Yimin was left speechless once again, for he knew that Shen Qing had never relied on him in the past, and now that she had successfully started her own business, she had even less intention to do so.

"I should have accepted your uncle's offer to adopt his son back then," Shen Yimin deliberately spoke loudly enough for Shen Qing to hear. "That way, I would have had a son to take care of me in my old age."

Shen Yimin hoped to stir a sense of insecurity in Shen Qing by bringing up the topic of having a son to inherit his assets. However, Shen Qing was completely indifferent to his ploy.

Yet, the uncle Shen Yimin referred to had treated Shen Qing as his own daughter ever since Shen Yimin and Yu Feifei fled to Hong Kong.

Her uncle was a rare student of the working, peasant, and soldier university in the 1950s, handsome and possessing an air of elegance.

Later, when he worked as an official in the city, although he didn't return home often, he made sure to send Shen Qing provisions and new clothes every month back in their hometown.

But that bliss was short-lived. Uncle was later sent down to a farm and humiliated with a shaved head, a symbol of disgrace. Unable to endure the ordeal, he took his own life on the farm.

Her never-before-met aunt, upon her uncle's relegation, severed ties with him, taking her son along.

She even turned the tables, assisting those people in defaming her uncle, all because he had been betrayed by the ones closest to him, which led his heart to feel as if it were dead, devoid of any desire to live.

When her grandparents passed away on the farm, their utmost concerns, besides her safety, were for her cousin who had been taken away by her aunt.

If her cousin were still alive, he would be nineteen years old this year.

Shen Qing couldn't recall her cousin's appearance anymore, but she still remembered that he would write to her every month when they were young, and he even promised to bring her back to the city to study when she was older.

In her memories, her cousin was a gentle and cheerful little boy.

With Shen Yimin's words, past memories flooded into Shen Qing's mind like a dam bursting open.

She suddenly recalled how, before her uncle passed away, he stroked her head and apologized to her, saying that the Shen family owed her an apology for not providing her with a good life.

Perhaps it was due to the lingering emotions of the original owner, but as Shen Qing reminisced about these events, her eyes began to sting with tears.

Lying on the sofa, Shen Qing dozed off without realizing it. In her daze, she dreamed about the woman who had pushed her into the sea. Just as Shen Qing in her dream was about to see the woman's face clearly, the Filipina maid woke her up.

"Miss, wake up. There's a Mr. You Zuyin on the phone for you," the maid whispered softly.

Just as Shen Qing had woken up, she answered You Zuyin's call in a daze.

"Young Miss Shen, will you be attending the auction tomorrow?" You Zuyin asked with a smile. "If you plan to come, I'll send a car to pick you and Brother Yao up."

Those who usually attended auctions were either wealthy or influential, and they would arrive in luxury cars. You Zuyin was worried that it was Shen Qing's first time at such an event, and she might be looked down upon. Thus, he wanted to send an employee to personally escort her.

"I've also prepared a gown for you," You Zuyin said. He had climbed from the bottom rung to become the manager of the auction house, and both his social skills and efficiency were exceptional.

"Thank you," Shen Qing said. "How much is the gown? I'll pay you back."

"You're too polite, Miss Shen. Given that Brother Yao saved my life, and you're his good friend, taking care of you is something I should do," You Zuyin replied. Despite being in his twenties, he had no qualms addressing the eighteen-year-old Jian Yao as 'Brother.' In fact, he did so willingly and respectfully.

Before hanging up, You Zuyin added, "Oh, by the way, Miss Shen, if you ever encounter that Young Master Ge who approached you in Victoria again, ignore him. He's a womanizer and not someone decent."

You Zuyin warned Shen Qing about Ge Zhihua without mentioning how the latter had nearly pushed him off the building in Victoria just to get information about Shen Qing.

This proved that You Zuyin was a reliable and trustworthy person.

However, Shen Qing sensed the hidden meaning behind his words. "Did he cause trouble for you?"

You Zuyin was amazed by Shen Qing's intelligence, realizing he couldn't hide anything from her.

He thus told her the truth and comforted her, "Don't worry either. The person behind me is Mr. Gu. Ge Zhihua wouldn't dare to do anything to me. If Miss Shen encounters any trouble in the future, you can ask me to handle it..."

"Mr. You, I'll take care of this matter," Shen Qing said calmly, not showing any panic.

If she were still the old her, she might have been afraid of a playboy like Ge Zhihua. But times had changed. Not only was Shen Qing wealthy now, but she also had the ability to protect herself.

However, Shen Qing would remember the favor You Zuyin did for her by keeping her identity a secret, and she would repay him in the future.

Little did You Zuyin know that his act of loyalty would one day save his life when he encountered difficulties, and it would also bring about a significant transformation in his life.

At that moment, he still felt sympathy for Shen Qing, thinking that Ge Zhihua was truly despicable for wanting to take advantage of someone just because of their looks.

Miss Shen claimed she could solve it on her own, probably to avoid worrying him. She was such a beautiful and kind-hearted girl.

The next day, after school, Shen Qing and Jian Yao walked out of the campus together, only to see You Zuyin's Mercedes parked at the entrance.

The employee sent by You Zuyin respectfully invited the two of them into the car.

The auction was scheduled to commence at eight in the evening. The staff received Shen Qing and Jian Yao, escorting them first to the designer for their styling session.

It was the first time the two had seen each other in formal attire, and they were both captivated by the other's appearance.

"Woah, Brother Yao, you look incredibly dashing in that suit," Shen Qing exclaimed. He appeared even more refined than Gu Shaoqian, and increasingly resembled the charismatic Boss Detchai they had met in Thailand.

Noticing Shen Qing's appreciative gaze, Jian Yao's fair complexion flushed slightly. "You're the most beautiful one here."

With his dark eyes fixed intently on Shen Qing's face, not blinking once, the usually indifferent Jian Yao was now filled with amazement.

Shen Qing only learned later that the gown she was wearing was the most expensive one in Hong Kong, a luxury far beyond You Zuyin's financial means. Under Jian Yao's captivated gaze, her heart beat a little faster.

At eight o'clock in the evening, Shen Qing linked arms with Jian Yao and entered the auction on the eleventh floor of Victoria.

As they walked in, Su Qilan, adorned in her finest, was by Gu Shaoqian's side, weaving through the crowd that sought to please him, basking in the glory and attention that came with being his companion.

But soon, she noticed that everyone's eyes were drawn to a stunning sight, even Gu Shaoqian's. A foreboding feeling rose within Su Qilan, and lifting her gaze, she indeed saw Shen Qing standing where all eyes were now fixed.

A light blue mermaid gown paired with her curly tresses left an indelible impression, but it was her strikingly beautiful face that captivated everyone's attention, making it impossible for anyone to tear their eyes away.

This radiant beauty surpassed anything Su Qilan could achieve, no matter how she adorned herself.

Gu Shaoqian immediately recognized the evening gown Shen Qing was wearing as the one he had intended to purchase for Su Qilan, only to be informed by the designer that a secretive tycoon had already reserved it.

The rest of the guests, intrigued, fixated on Shen Qing and Jian Yao. Their exceptional charisma outshone the crowd. Had they seen Jian Yao and Shen Qing beforehand, those who praised Gu Shaoqian and Su Qilan as a perfect match might have been speechless.

Though they were unfamiliar with Shen Qing and Jian Yao, the elite upbringing of the onlookers allowed them to discern at first glance that Shen Qing's dress and jewelry were not of ordinary quality.

Thus, they speculated about the origins of these two young aristocrats and why they hadn't encountered them in Hong Kong before. Could they be overseas Chinese returning home?

Their minds raced, searching through recent news of Hong Kong's high society for any relatives who had returned from abroad...

As Su Qilan observed the captivating Shen Qing drawing everyone's attention, she instinctively glanced at Gu Shaoqian beside her.

Seeing his gaze fixed on Shen Qing, his eyes revealing an admiration he had never shown her, Su Qilan's face paled. She grabbed Gu Shaoqian's arm, "Shaoqian, I suddenly feel dizzy. I need some fresh air."

Gu Shaoqian looked down, noticing Su Qilan's ashen complexion. "I'll have someone accompany you outside."

If it were in the past, Gu Shaoqian would accompany Su Qilan personally if he knew she was unwell. But now, he couldn't care less about her discomfort.

Su Qilan bit her lower lip softly. "I'm unfamiliar here, and I'm afraid we might get separated later." She held onto Gu Shaoqian's arm tightly and looked up at him. "Could you please come with me outside for some fresh air?"

Gu Shaoqian furrowed his brows. He glanced over at Shen Qing, who had already walked away with Jian Yao without even sparing them a glance.

Feeling uneasy, Gu Shaoqian suddenly found the air stuffy too. "Let's go then, we'll get some fresh air."

Su Qilan noticed that Gu Shaoqian had chosen a spot not far from Shen Qing when they went out to catch a breather. Her face turned ashen instantly.

"You haven't been to school for a few days, so you probably don't know that Shen Qing gave up her chance to study abroad for Jian Yao," said Su Qilan softly. "How could she stoop so low..."

"Qi Lan," Gu Shaoqian pulled his hand out of Su Qilan's arms and spoke coldly, "It's basic etiquette for a lady not to speak ill of others behind their backs."

Su Qilan's face turned pale. Gu Shaoqian scolded her for Shen Qing?

Seeing his back as he strode away, Su Qilan instinctively followed. "Shaoqian, I'm sorry. I just wanted to tell you about Shen Qing because I saw how concerned you were."

"Qi Lan, there's no need to explain," Gu Shaoqian replied. "Instead of focusing on others, you should think more about improving yourself..."

Su Qilan's face flushed with embarrassment, attempting to refute, but she realized that Gu Shaoqian wasn't even looking at her...

"Miss Shen, if you see something you like during the auction, just raise your bidding paddle," explained the staff member, assigned by You Zuyin to assist Shen Qing and Jian Yao. "A single raise represents 10,000 Hong Kong dollars. Of course, you can also directly bid with a higher amount..."

When You Zuyin finished his tasks and returned, he was surprised to see that Shen Qing was not wearing the gown he had prepared for her. Upon noticing that Jian Yao's attire was also not from his selection, he began to speculate.

Yet, being an astute individual, he held his tongue and instead accompanied them with a warm smile.

As the auction began, Shen Qing noticed Brother Dragon and her unfortunate disciple Zhong Ziguang in attendance. Brother Dragon arrived with an entourage of over a dozen burly men in black suits, his loyal followers. Even Zhong Ziguang was dressed in a black suit, standing proudly beside Brother Dragon.

Brother Dragon exuded a ruthless gangster vibe, causing You Zuyin to feel intimidated. "Why is this killing god here?"

Indeed, Brother Dragon had come to disrupt the event, specifically when the Xu family's ancestral land was up for auction. He instructed his dozen minions to surround the auction stage and warned that anyone who dared to bid would be carried out horizontally...