68. Visiting to Apologize (About to Be Released—Please Add to Your Collection and Recommend)

It was naturally Wu Tian, the eldest, who spoke. As soon as his words fell, he entered the room with Qin Qiong and Huang Luan. They hadn’t intended to come in at first, since this was a family matter, but when they heard Ai Zhongtang shouting, they sensed something was wrong and hurried in.

“Who are you? How dare you call out Ai Zhongtang’s name!” Ai Zhongtang was furious—the newcomers were three young men barely out of adolescence.

“You’re not worthy to know who my elder brother is. My name is Huang Luan. If you’ve got the guts, come and find me for trouble. As for my brother and his wife, you old man, stay out of their affairs.” Huang Luan retorted sharply, giving Ai Zhongtang no respect whatsoever.

“You!” Ai Zhongtang's anger reached another level, yet the name Huang Luan sounded familiar. Wasn’t the heir of the southeastern Huang family called Huang Luan? For the sake of his family, Ai Zhongtang suppressed his rage. “Are you from the Huang family?”

“So what if I am? Take your people and leave. With my brother here, nothing will happen.” Huang Luan showed Ai Zhongtang no courtesy at all. The Ai family was indeed prominent in Haifeng City, but compared to the Huang family, it paled in comparison. Huang Luan’s bluntness was already a generous concession.

“Fine!” Ai Zhongtang glanced at Ai Mi, lying in the hospital bed. Seeing that she refused to look at him, he realized his attempt to minimize the incident had hurt her deeply. Turning away, he led his people out, though after leaving, he still called the Bai family, for they too were not to be offended.

Once everyone had left, the three men exited as well, leaving Ye Feng and Ai Mi alone in the room.

Ye Feng noticed Ai Mi’s cheeks flushed red, realizing it was surely due to the words “brother’s wife” uttered by the third brother. Feeling somewhat awkward, he said, “Um… Ai Mi, you should rest for a while. I’ll step out. If you need anything, call me—I’ll be just outside.”

With that, Ye Feng hurriedly closed the door behind him. Watching Ye Feng’s retreat, Ai Mi couldn’t help but smile.

Outside, Ye Feng told his three brothers to go home and rest, saying he’d stay and watch over things. However, none of them wanted to leave.

Night quickly passed. As the four brothers slumped on lounge chairs in various states of exhaustion, Huai Huai woke Ye Feng—someone from the Bai family had arrived.

Three people walked down the corridor.

Ye Feng recognized the man in the lead—it was Captain Wang, whom he’d met yesterday at the Hive. Behind him was Bai Shaofeng, the master of the Bai family, whom Ye Feng had previously glimpsed through a window.

Trailing them was Bai Weiqi, his face dark and sullen. Unexpectedly, he’d been released. He carried a large bouquet of flowers and a fruit basket.

Seeing Bai Weiqi, Ye Feng’s brows lifted slightly.

As the three approached, Ye Feng made no move to greet them, instead regarding them coldly.

“This must be Ye Feng, I presume? We’re here to visit Ai Mi,” Bai Shaofeng said courteously.

“Then come in,” Ye Feng replied icily, opening the door to Ai Mi’s room. Inside, Ai Mi was sitting upright against her pillow.

Witnessing Ye Feng’s indifference, Bai Shaofeng’s eyes flashed with anger. As the head of the Bai family, he had lowered himself to speak humbly, and yet the young man remained aloof and unmoved—an insolent boy who knew nothing of the world. Nevertheless, Bai Shaofeng remembered his purpose today and knew it was not the time for anger. Smiling, he nodded and chuckled, “No need for formalities... Is Ai Mi alright? We’re here to check on her and see if she needs anything…”

He handed over the flowers, glanced at Ye Feng, then took out two red envelopes and placed them in Ai Mi’s hands, his face full of smiles. “Ai Mi, you had a fright yesterday. I’m here to apologize. Please rest and recover. If you need anything, just let us know…”

Ai Mi looked surprised, gazing at the flowers and then at the red envelopes, quickly turning to Ye Feng… From her father’s tone, she gathered the Bai family was stronger than her own, which was why her father wanted to make peace. Yet now the Bai family had come in person to apologize and offer gifts—utterly unimaginable.

Ye Feng offered a cold, amused smile. As Ai Mi looked to him, he nodded, indicating she could accept them. After all, there was no reason not to—these were ill-gotten gains, and Bai Weiqi’s family business was surely not legitimate.

Bai Shaofeng was delighted, sensing a chance to resolve the matter. If he handled things properly, the incident could be settled peacefully. Joyfully, he took a seat.

As the head of the Bai family, Bai Shaofeng’s personal visit, accompanied by his son, was a rare gesture—even the mayor’s son would not merit such treatment. Bai Shaofeng had set aside his pride because he believed his reputation would suffice; this wasn’t worth making a fuss over. As an elder, he could exert some authority, offer a few benefits, and Ye Feng would surely comply. Xu Wen simply wasn’t influential enough.

Yet, the Bai family’s prestige seemed ineffective this time. Ye Feng, who had been so calm, suddenly said coldly, “For the master of the Bai family to personally apologize to us—we hardly deserve such honor!”

Ye Feng’s words, laden with sarcasm, instantly soured Bai Shaofeng’s expression. Still, his patience was extraordinary; he did not erupt but instead maintained a smile. “Ye Feng, there’s no need to be so distant,” he replied, signaling Bai Weiqi with a glance.

Given Bai Shaofeng’s cue, Bai Weiqi had no choice but to comply. He stiffly said to Ai Mi, “Sorry.”

Ai Mi looked at Bai Weiqi, remembering how, because of him, she had nearly…

The thought stirred anger and fear within her, and she instinctively tightened her grip on Ye Feng’s hand.

Feeling the pressure, Ye Feng’s brows twitched slightly.

Bai Weiqi had no desire to apologize. His status was far above theirs—how could he be expected to humble himself before them? It was outrageous! Noticing Ai Mi and Ye Feng’s hands clasped together, Bai Weiqi shot Ye Feng a jealous glare. He had already apologized; what more could Ye Feng do? With a disdainful snort and a roll of his eyes, he retreated.

Bai Weiqi dared not be too reckless. He had experienced Ye Feng’s strength firsthand; alone, he was no match. But now, shielded by his father, he felt less afraid, though he wouldn’t seek revenge for yesterday, he could certainly show Ye Feng no courtesy today. To him, his father’s presence was mainly to go through the motions, giving both sides some face so everyone could step back gracefully.

His father was the master of the Bai family—even the mayor of Haifeng City had to show him respect. The others were mere nobodies; surely they would yield. Today, they would have to accept the gesture and wouldn’t dare make trouble.

(End of excerpt)