Chapter 26
C26 – Steal the Fight
Ni Huibo and his companions had taken quite a beating from Ni Zongzhao, but with Teng Feimei present, they were forced to abandon any thoughts of retaliation. As a result, Ni Huibo’s journey out was uneventful, as if the confrontation had never occurred. Yet, the gazes of several young members of the clan had noticeably changed when they looked at him—some were surprised, others fearful, clearly aware that Ni Zongzhao had been bested by him.
With a nonchalant air, Ni Huibo left the Ni family residence. However, the moment he crossed the threshold, he stopped dead in his tracks, realizing he had no idea where Lee Yayue might be.
He glanced around, and the young members from the various families met his gaze before quickly moving away. The youth who was once scorned by all had, without their noticing, become formidable, inspiring a sense of fear with his growing list of feats.
“It looks like I need to prepare a bit,” Ni Huibo mused, shaking his head. He had indeed been too hasty and overlooked these details. His cheeks flushed slightly as he recalled the recent events, the scent still seemingly lingering at the tip of his nose.
Just then, he felt something move in his hand. Ni Huibo looked down to see a child stealthily standing next to him, who had just slipped a small paper ball into his palm before darting off without a trace.
Ni Huibo’s eyebrows lifted in contemplation. He unfurled the paper ball and read the message.
“Uprai Tea House.”
The words on the paper made everything clear. Ni Huibo was far from foolish; he immediately deduced that the message was from Teng Feimei. With her skill, tracking someone’s movements was hardly a challenge.
Without hesitation, he set off briskly in a specific direction.
The Uprai Tea House was well-known in the city, particularly among the nobility. Despite its name, it was a place of refinement with steep prices, favored by the elite members of prominent families and wealthy young heirs. It was, in essence, a hub for the affluent and influential.
In that place, individuals could mingle with many others who shared similar backgrounds, making it an ideal spot for expanding one’s social circle. Consequently, it was exceedingly popular among the youth.
Ni Huibo approached the Uprai Tea House, his gaze sweeping over the opulent decor without a flicker of interest. Such places held no appeal for him; he found them less comfortable than his own modest courtyard.
Surveying the area, he promptly chose a secluded corner to settle into, quietly observing the passersby on the street.
“Miss Lee, take care. I won’t see you out.”
“Miss Lee, take care.”
Some time passed before a sudden uproar erupted at the entrance of the tea house. Ni Huibo arched an eyebrow and turned his attention to the source.
At the doorway stood a woman clad in a white robe, exuding an air of haughtiness. Several men were bowing and bidding her farewell with utmost respect.
“That will be all, you may return. I shall convey your regards to my father,” declared Lee Yayue. Her father’s stature within the Lee family ensured that the younger generation was eager to curry favor with her. Their eagerness to serve her brought her great satisfaction, a look of contentment gracing her features.
The men’s faces lit up with delight at her words. They expressed their gratitude once more before watching her carriage head in the direction of the Lee mansion.
Ni Huibo cast a glance at the men and shook his head, choosing to remain silent as he discreetly followed the carriage. He found Lee Yayue’s arrogance distasteful, but it was not his place to comment on the affairs of others. Yet, he could not overlook the incident where Lee Yayue, in a fit of displeasure, had broken someone’s leg.
Having spent most of his time secluded in his courtyard, Ni Huibo was unaccustomed to such behavior and had already resolved to reprimand her.
The carriage proceeded at a leisurely pace, with Ni Huibo trailing quietly behind. It wasn’t until they reached a deserted street that he suddenly quickened his steps and surged forward.
It was common knowledge that Lee Yayue, as the eldest daughter of the Lee family, was audacious by nature. She traveled without a guard, which conveniently simplified matters for Ni Huibo.
His speed was remarkable, and in no time, he was alongside the carriage. The coachman had no chance to react as Ni Huibo delivered a swift strike to the nape of his neck.
Silently, the driver collapsed.
Ni Huibo cast a wary glance around him, ensuring they were alone before he slowly retrieved a black coarse cloth sack from his waist, a recent purchase from the street.
He eyed the opulent carriage and entered with a stern look on his face.
“Who are you?”
In the courtyard, Teng Feimei watched Ni Huibo as he quietly watered the plants, then burst into laughter.
Holding her stomach with one hand and pointing at Ni Huibo with the other, she finally managed to say between chuckles, “I asked you to launch a surprise attack on Lee Yayue, to give her a taste of her own medicine. And you actually bagged her up in a sack and gave her a thrashing!”
Teng Feimei stepped forward, resting her hand on Ni Huibo’s shoulder, her laughter ringing out.
Since she had made that suggestion to Ni Huibo the day before, the city had been abuzz with news of Lee Yayue’s beating.
Rumor had it that the head of the Lee family was furious, offering a hefty reward for the apprehension of the assailant. Yet, the incident had occurred in a secluded alley with no witnesses.
Speculation was rampant about who could be responsible, with reactions ranging from outrage to quiet approval.
Little did anyone suspect that the perpetrator was the seemingly gentle young man standing in the courtyard.
“They say Lee Yayue is now too scared to even step outside, her face covered in bruises. Did you focus on her face?” Teng Feimei inquired, barely suppressing her mirth.
Ni Huibo stopped watering for a moment and glanced at Teng Feimei before replying gravely, “She’s a woman; it wouldn’t be right to touch her anywhere else.”
After a brief silence, Teng Feimei picked up another watering can and began to water the plants, mimicking Ni Huibo’s earlier actions.