Chapter 142: Distant Relatives, Borrowing the Tiger's Might

Elsewhere.

Inside the Bai Group, Li Chao was discussing the future planning of Libao Village with Liu Lele.

Li Chao and Liu Lele sat facing each other, a dense stack of documents and blueprints spread out before them. The paper was covered with intricate lines and marks, resembling a complex map.

Although Liu Lele still could not fully accept the fact that Li Chao had so many women around him, after a period of inner struggle and reflection, she had compromised quite a bit.

An expression of helpless resignation lingered on Liu Lele's face; her slightly furrowed brows and lightly pursed lips revealed her inner conflict. Yet, a trace of expectation for the future still shone deep within her eyes. On the surface, at least, she seemed almost back to her old self.

The atmosphere between them was relatively harmonious, punctuated by occasional glances that seemed to convey a thousand unspoken words.

Just then, Liu Zhenhua hurried over from a distance.

Liu Zhenhua walked in a rush, his hurried pace seeming to kick up a gust of wind. A deep worry hung on his face, cloaking it like a dark cloud.

He found a seat not far from Li Chao, looking somewhat hesitant and conflicted, as if he had something to say but dared not utter it. Sitting in the chair, Liu Zhenhua unconsciously leaned forward, as though this would bring him closer to Li Chao. His lips moved slightly as he mentally organized his words.

Li Chao glanced at him, acutely sensing Liu Zhenhua's unusual demeanor, and asked:

"President Liu, is something the matter?"

Li Chao put down the documents in his hand and turned his gaze to Liu Zhenhua, his eyes filled with inquiry and concern.

Liu Zhenhua hesitated for a moment, as if debating how to broach the subject, before slowly speaking:

"Over the past few days, I've received several reports that someone is throwing your name around, frequently showing up at high-end venues in Huaxi City, running up huge tabs, and eating and drinking for free!"

As he spoke, Liu Zhenhua cautiously observed Li Chao's expression, dreading that his words might provoke displeasure.

"I'm worried that if this continues, it will damage your reputation as the president. After pondering it for a long time, I decided I had to tell you."

Liu Zhenhua's tone was full of apprehension and care, his cautious attitude befitting an exceptionally grave matter.

Huh?

Li Chao paused, the expression on his face freezing instantly.

"Throwing my name around?"

Li Chao's brows knitted tightly into a deep frown, his expression turning puzzled as if he had heard something unbelievable.

"Are these con artists?"

A trace of vigilance flashed in Li Chao's eyes, sharp as a drawn sword.

Liu Zhenhua gave a wry smile:

"I thought they were scammers at first, too. But after sending someone to investigate carefully, I found out it really is the president's relative!"

Liu Zhenhua shook his head helplessly and sighed, his sigh laden with trouble and frustration.

"Her name is Liu Hongmei! Your second aunt!"

Liu Zhenhua fixed his gaze on Li Chao, awaiting his reaction with a mixture of anticipation and anxiety.

What the hell!

Hearing this, Li Chao was instantly left speechless.

Resentment and annoyance washed over Li Chao's face, dark and oppressive like the sky before a violent storm.

It's her again!

Can she really not stop making a mess of things?

Li Chao couldn't help but rant wildly in his heart.

On second thought, though, he had only himself to blame. Back at the Nanshan Hotel hot springs, he had simply played a mischievous prank on her, never expecting she would seize such a massive loophole.

A look of regret flickered across Li Chao's face, casting a faint shadow over his features.

He was both exasperated and amused.

Waving a hand, Li Chao said:

"Go tell everyone that Liu Hongmei is just a distant relative of mine whom I don't know well at all. Pay her no mind!"

Li Chao's tone was resolute, his expression stern enough to deter any disobedience.

"If she dares to use my name to freeload again, just throw her out directly!"

A hint of ruthlessness flashed in Li Chao's eyes, his fierce gaze laying bare the anger burning inside him.

"No need to show any mercy."

Liu Zhenhua nodded and was just about to turn and leave when his phone suddenly rang.

The ringtone pierced the air like a sharp flash of lightning, instantly shattering the peace of the room.

He hurriedly picked up the phone and answered.

Liu Zhenhua pressed the phone quickly to his ear, his expression focused as he listened to the critical information.

Upon hearing the voice on the other end, his complexion turned bizarre, looking as though a palette of paint had been upended, blending a myriad of complex emotions.

After waiting for dozens of seconds, Liu Zhenhua hung up the phone and looked at Li Chao, saying:

"President Li, the chairman of Yuehu City just called me and said... your second aunt, Liu Hongmei, has been kidnapped, and her whereabouts are unknown!"

A hint of shock and confusion laced Liu Zhenhua's tone, his voice trembling slightly, clearly stunned by the sudden news.

"Should we call the police?"

Liu Zhenhua cautiously asked for Li Chao's opinion, his eyes full of probing reservation.

Ah?

Li Chao blinked.

A trace of surprise flashed in Li Chao's eyes, the momentary astonishment causing his pupils to dilate slightly, as he clearly had not anticipated such a turn of events.

After pausing for a few seconds, he waved his hand and said:

"Call the police for what?"

Li Chao refused without hesitation, a trace of helpless resignation in his expression.

"She probably targeted someone because she was being too flashy!"

A wry smile curved the corner of Li Chao's mouth. He did not seem particularly surprised by Liu Hongmei's plight, as if he had foreseen such a day coming.

"It's fine! Just let her daughter handle it; let's stay out of it!"

Li Chao's tone was decisive, his ironclad stance making it clear he had no intention of meddling.

With that, Li Chao finally burst out laughing.

His laughter was hearty and tinged with a sense of gratification, bringing a wave of sweet relief to his heart.

To borrow a classic phrase: Heavens above, earth below, which almighty deity just vented my anger for me?

Evildoers truly get their comeuppance. That old saying was undeniably true.

Second aunt, you're on your own!

Schadenfreude and a sense of liberation filled Li Chao's laughter, as though a heavy stone had finally been lifted from his chest.

After exchanging a few more words with Liu Zhenhua and Liu Lele, Li Chao stood up to leave.

He planned to go check on Liu Dan. Graduation was tomorrow, and she might need help with something.

With Liu Dan on his mind, Li Chao hurried away, his hasty steps driven by the wind.

The two of them accompanied Li Chao to the door.

Liu Zhenhua and Liu Lele walked Chen Shan to the entrance, smiling politely while harboring a complex mix of unspoken emotions.

Upon returning inside, Liu Zhenhua closed the office door with a soft click.

He turned around, looked at Liu Lele, and asked:

"Has your emotional knot still not untied?"

Care and concern filled Liu Zhenhua's eyes, shining like warm sunlight trying to pierce the gloom in Liu Lele's heart.

Liu Lele shook her head, the movement slow and heavy:

"Though I'm trying my best, the thought of other women by his side still makes me deeply uncomfortable."

A bitter smile touched Liu Lele's face, withered and poignant like autumn-blighted petals, while her gaze carried a desolation that flickered faintly like a star in the dark.

Liu Zhenhua sighed, a long and heavy breath:

"Fair is fair, I don't want my daughter to suffer such grievance either!"

Helplessness and heartache lined Liu Zhenhua's face, deep and weathered like wrinkles carved by the passing years.

"But Li Chao is no ordinary man!"

Liu Zhenhua spoke in a solemn tone and grave expression, sounding as though he were pronouncing an unalterable fate.

"As his power grows in the future, he will only go further and stand higher, and the women around him will only increase!"

Liu Zhenhua's gaze was fraught with anxiety for the future and resignation toward reality, piercing through time to foresee endless possibilities.

"If you fight for your place now, there's still a chance! Wait any longer, and even that sliver of a chance will vanish!"

Liu Zhenhua's urgent tone was meant to persuade Liu Lele, sounding like a tolling alarm bell hoping to awaken her resolve.

"When that time comes, you'll regret it too late!"

Liu Zhenhua's stern expression served as a final warning, hoping she would consider carefully.

Liu Lele stared out the window, a trace of struggle in her expression.

Her eyes were hazy and pained, losing focus as she looked at the scenery outside, though her mind was entirely elsewhere.

The world outside was bustling and noisy, filled with crowds and roaring traffic, but none of it could penetrate her inner sanctuary.

She loved Chen Shan deeply and passionately, which was why she had chosen to give herself to Li Chao at that special moment.

Pity that Li Chao could not give his whole heart in return.

A grievance flashed in Liu Lele's eyes like a wisp of smoke curling around her heart, leaving behind a bitterness akin to the world's most potent medicine.

This was an unequal love!

Thus, Liu Lele hesitated endlessly: could she truly accept this and serve Li Chao alongside Yuxin and Liu Dan?

The question spun repeatedly in her mind like an insoluble puzzle.

A fierce internal battle raged within Liu Lele, her brows locked tightly as if bearing a crushing weight.

To this moment, she still could not offer a definitive answer!

Liu Lele sighed softly, the breath as light as a falling feather yet laden with boundless desolation. Her despondent demeanor resembled the chill of late autumn scattering the leaves from the trees.

Seeing his daughter like this, Liu Zhenhua could say no more.

He shook his head helplessly, his gesture heavy with powerlessness, before turning and walking out.

His footsteps echoed hollowly in the empty room, sounding exceptionally heavy.

...

downstairs from the Liu Group.

Li Chao raised a hand to flag down a taxi with swift and decisive movements.

He pulled open the door, planning to seek out Liu Dan.

Just as he settled inside before he could even close the door, his cell phone rang.

An unfamiliar number blinked on the screen, causing Li Chao to rub his brow.

Lately, there had been far too many unknown numbers.

Yet it was normal.

He was no longer just an ordinary village doctor; imperceptibly, he had woven a complex network of relationships, spreading his number from person to person.

For anyone with connections, acquiring his contact information did not seem difficult at all!

Perhaps he should get a private number later?

We'll talk about that later.

Answer this call first.

Li Chao took a deep breath to steel himself and pressed the answer button.

A deep voice sounded from the receiver:

"Is this Li Chao?"

The voice sounded chilling and gloomy, as if rising from the underworld.

"Your second aunt is in my hands!"

The caller's voice was cold and vicious, dripping with threats like a venomous snake baring its fangs.

Huh?

This was... a kidnapper's call?

A jolt ran through Li Chao's heart, shock registering on his face as his eyes widened and his pupils contracted.

Li Chao hesitated for a beat, then said:

"Thank you!"

Li Chao's reply caught the other party completely off guard, his tone carrying a trace of mockery toward their overestimation of themselves.

Silence fell abruptly on the other end of the line.

Clearly baffled by Li Chao's response, the kidnappers lapsed into a brief spell of quiet.

The silence was oppressive and heavy, like the stillness before a tempest.

They simply didn't know what to make of it!

Brother, your family member has been kidnapped, shouldn't you be worried according to common sense?

What kind of response is "thank you"?

The kidnapper on the other end ranted inwardly, brimming with confusion and fury.

The anger raged like a growing fire.

After tens of seconds, the caller reorganized their thoughts and spoke again:

"We can kill her at any moment!"

The kidnapper's voice grew fiercer, attempting to intimidate Li Chao as if ready to lunge through the phone.

"Get fifty million ready!"

"Come redeem your person!"

The kidnapper assumed heightened threats would force Li Chao into compliance, their tone urgent and self-righteous.

Li Chao chuckled and said:

"I won't bother coming over! It's too much trouble!"

Li Chao's tone was entirely relaxed, as casual as discussing the weather.

"Just text me the bank card number later and wire the money directly!"

Li Chao continued to tease the kidnapper, his mocking words piercing straight to the heart.

With that, he hung up the phone.

Presumably, Liu Hongmei had offended someone and gotten herself captured.

The crucial part was that the kidnappers had actually called him demanding ransom money—wasn't that a joke?

Li Chao was already being merciful by not applauding; how could he possibly step in to save her?

...

On the other end of the line.

In the suburbs of Huaxi City.

At an abandoned, half-built construction site.

This area had once been a cluster of peaceful, quiet villages.

Later, through attracting investment, a malicious out-of-town developer acquired the land with grand ambitions to build a massive commercial district. The hopeful villagers relocated, but the unscrupulous developer pocketed the funds and fled.

Ultimately, it turned into an abandoned project neglected by everyone.

Weeds grew tall, walls peeled, presenting a desolate scene.

In a corner, a woman was bound to a worn wooden chair with coarse ropes.

It was none other than Liu Hongmei.

A dirty rag stuffed in her mouth allowed only muffled whimpers to escape, while terror-stricken struggles filled her eyes with utter despair.

The look of despair resembled a bottomless black hole threatening to swallow her whole.

At that moment, she was frightened out of her wits, her face as pale as paper, trembling like a leaf in the autumn wind, with wet stains conspicuously marking her trousers.

Not far away, a group of figures in black robes gathered, each bearing a peculiar expression.

Some looked puzzled, others angry, and some helpless.

These were disciples of the Lihuo Sect.

One of the disciples clutched his phone, looking utterly bewildered as he asked:

"I'm a bit confused right now!"

His expression was filled with utter perplexity, completely failing to grasp Li Chao's reaction.

"Did I phrase it wrong?"

The disciple doubted whether his threatening method was flawed, his brow furrowed in deep self-doubt.

"Or did he not understand?"

They had intentionally feigned a grudge against Liu Hongmei, demanding Li Chao bring the ransom to lower his guard before launching a sudden ambush, which would vastly increase their chances of success.

Who could have anticipated...

Li Chao would react this way.

Text you our bank card and let us wire the money to you?

Was that normal?

Gritting his teeth, the disciple walked over to Liu Hongmei with a countenance as dark as ink, and demanded:

"Are you really related to Li Chao?"

Suspicion dripped from the disciple's gaze, piercing like arrows as he stared fixedly at her, trying to see right through her.

Liu Hongmei nodded frantically:

"I really am his second aunt!"

She bobbed her head like a pounding mortar, terrified the kidnappers wouldn't believe her.

The disciple grew even more baffled:

"Then why does he act like he couldn't care less whether you live or die?"

His brow remained tightly knotted into a deep crease.

Liu Hongmei looked on the verge of tears:

"Our relationship was never good to begin with!"

Tears swirled in her eyes, threatening to spill over at any second, while her trembling voice carried a weeping sob like wind-blown foliage.

"Why don't you use someone else as leverage? Let my daughter come save me, will you?"

Desperate to find a lifeline, Liu Hongmei grasped at straws like a drowning person.

What the hell!

The disciple was left speechless, his face turning iron-blue.

He slapped Liu Hongmei across the face and roared:

"We want Li Chao! What good is your daughter?!"

Provoked into fury, the disciple raised his heavy hand with a whistling rush of air.

Ah?

Only then did Liu Hongmei grasp the reality of the situation, bursting into loud wails:

"That heartless bastard Li Chao! It's because of him that I got caught in the first place!"

Rage and grievance filled Liu Hongmei's cries, sounding like the roar of a wounded beast.

"I barely got to enjoy any luxury, and now I'm suffering all this torment!"

"Why is my life so miserable!"

Liu Hongmei wept heart-rendingly, continuing her endless complaints, her miserable wails echoing mournfully through the empty shell of the building.

Slap!

The disciple struck Liu Hongmei across the face once more, berating her:

"Stop your howling!"

"I haven't even lost my temper yet!"

"You wasted half a day of our time!"

The disciple's expression grew increasingly ferocious, devoid of pity, wearing the menacing look of a demon from hell.

Hearing the commotion, someone approached from the distance.

It was Shi Wanli.

Realizing what had happened, Shi Wanli felt a flush of embarrassment on his aged face.

His complexion turned as dark as a gathering storm, terrifyingly grim and ugly, as if frost were forming over his features.

Damn it!

They had grabbed the wrong person.

Narrowing his eyes, he ordered:

"Since she's useless, kill her!"

"Grab someone else!"

Shi Wanli's tone was icy cold, devoid of warmth, and his eyes flashed with murderous intent that chilled the bone like winter wind.

Shi Wanli had been investigating Li Chao for quite some time, and naturally knew of others around him.

For instance, Liu Dan and Liu Lele!

Either of them could serve as leverage.

Hearing Shi Wanli's words, Liu Hongmei shook with teeth-chattering terror, her upper and lower jaws clicking together in a rapid clatter.

She cried out hurriedly:

"Don't kill me!"

Her trembling voice fluttered like harp strings caught in a gale, laden with terror.

"Let me talk to him!"

"Once he gets the call, he'll definitely come!"

Desperately seizing this final straw, Liu Hongmei's eager eyes resembled a drowning person spotting a floating plank.

The disciple glanced at Shi Wanli.

Shi Wanli twitched his brow, sharp as the edge of a sword, before waving a hand:

"Let her speak!"

After a moment of internal weighing of pros and cons, Shi Wanli decided to grant her one more chance.

"If that still doesn't work, killing her later won't be too late."

Shi Wanli's tone carried heavy threats, biting like wintry frost.

Then, recalling something else, he warned sharply:

"Don't run your mouth!"

Shi Wanli glared fiercely at Liu Hongmei, his eyes blazing.

"If he finds out our true target is him, I'll twist your head off first!"

The murderous intent radiating from Shi Wanli's eyes was palpable enough to freeze the blood.

Terrified out of her wits, Liu Hongmei pulled her neck in like a startled quail and nodded vigorously.

The disciple picked up the phone and dialed Chen Shan's number once more.

The moment the call connected,

Liu Hongmei shrieked like a maniac:

"Li Chao, you bastard!"

Her piercing, ear-splitting scream tore through the air, brimming with rage and despair.

"Hurry up and save me!"

"Otherwise... otherwise I'll have these people go to Libao Village and kidnap Yuxin, Liu Dan, and all the rest!"

Liu Hongmei hysterically threatened Li Chao, her crazed demeanor terrifying to behold.

"If I die, we all die together!"

"None of you are getting away!"

Having completely lost her sanity, she raged like a beast cornered in a desperate trap.

On the other end, Li Chao gripped his phone, his expression turning gloomy.

A dark iron hue washed over Li Chao's face, wreathed in dark clouds while fury flashed in his eyes, burning hot enough to incinerate everything in its path.

A dragon has reverse scales, and touching them means death.

To Li Chao, confidantes like Yuxin and Liu Dan were his absolute reverse scales.

Yet Liu Hongmei dared to use them as threats against him!

She was simply courting death!

A surge of intense killing intent boiled within Li Chao's heart, rolling like stormy waves that could not be calmed.