Chapter Ninety-One: Neither Drunk Nor Sober (1.2)

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"Let’s drink first as a sign of respect." Yang Batian narrowed his eyes, staring at Chen Xin as he drained his glass completely, then shook his head and said, "Ah, I’ve had too much, really too much tonight. Chen Xin, I’m drunk tonight, so if I do anything to offend you, or say anything inappropriate, just pretend nothing happened, alright?"

Chen Xin’s heart gave a jolt. He had some inkling, yet was still confused, so he could only nod repeatedly with a forced smile.

With a meaningful glance at Long Fei, Yang Batian stood up, swaying slightly, truly seeming intoxicated. He turned to Long Fei and said, "Long Fei, I’m leaving now. I still have to keep Chunxiang company. It’s been so long since I’ve come to Tianhai, I really do miss her! Aren’t you taking this young lady with you?"

Long Fei stood as well, keeping a firm hold on Meng Ling. Smiling at Chen Xin, he said, "Thank you for your generous hospitality tonight, Chen Xin. As for this girl—since she’s given to me, I won’t refuse. From tonight, she has nothing further to do with your Heaven on Earth club. Is that too much to ask?"

Meng Ling grew anxious at these words, but dared not speak, her brows furrowed.

Yang Batian also looked at Chen Xin, smiling. "Long Fei, you underestimate Chen Xin. Just a woman—how could he possibly quarrel with you? And if they ever do anything to her in the future, wouldn’t that be breaking their word? Wouldn’t that be disrespecting me? It’s a joke, a joke. Chen Xin, don’t take it to heart; you know, I’m drunk, my words may run wild."

Even a fool would understand Yang Batian’s meaning, and Chen Xin, though a little displeased with Meng Ling, would never oppose Long Fei and Yang Batian over such a matter. He hurriedly smiled, "Rest assured, I guarantee nothing will happen to her! Since she’s been given to Long Fei, how could I take her back?"

Turning to Meng Ling, he said, "Tonight, you must take good care of Long Fei. Afterwards, you’ll naturally be rewarded. Your payment will be transferred to your account, and if you ever wish to return to Heaven on Earth, you’ll always be welcome."

Meng Ling looked at Chen Xin pitifully, but with Long Fei’s grip tight on her hand, she didn’t struggle. Not a single person tonight could afford to offend or neglect these men, so regarding Long Fei’s ‘kindness’, she could only smile bitterly in her heart, powerless to refuse or accept—the situation was neither here nor there.

Luo Hongli got up as well, though he didn’t seem to intend to leave with Yang Batian. He stood hesitantly, and Yang Batian, unsurprised by his reaction, turned to smile at him, "Luo Hongli, if you want to play, then play. Keep Chen Xin company, it’s a rare opportunity. Who knows if you’ll have another chance in the future!"

With those words, Yang Batian and Long Fei departed, Chen Xin naturally following them out, leaving Luo Hongli with two other men. Within seconds, Luo Hongli was sweating profusely, finally understanding Yang Batian’s warning. He dared not linger and hurried after them.

Luo Hongli wasn’t a fool—since childhood, he’d tagged along after Yang Batian, and if he hadn’t learned much else, he’d mastered the art of moderation. He’d always observed the balance of power in secret. In recent years, the Chen family’s strength in Tianhai had grown, and his investigations revealed that Chen Xin’s influence extended beyond Tianhai, with close ties to the Four Young Lords of Jiangsu and Zhejiang. Perhaps Chen Xin had already absorbed their territories. For him to accomplish all this unnoticed—even if the Prince in Yanjing deliberately overlooked it—it proved Chen Xin was a rising force.

Thus, Luo Hongli was conflicted, afraid of picking the wrong side. Thankfully, he still had a little time to observe. Unless forced, he could maintain neutrality. Yet this indecision displeased Yang Batian.

Yang Batian’s words earlier were a warning: if Luo Hongli chose Chen Xin’s side, he should stick to it. But Yang Batian also threatened—there might not be another chance. Why not? Because once dead, there are no more chances.

Luo Hongli forgot about the girls beside him, scrambling after them. The anger and frustration he’d shown moments ago were gone, replaced with a cheerful grin as he ran after Yang Batian, calling, "Brother Tian, why are you always ditching me? You did this when we were kids, and you still do it now. You won’t shake me off—I’ll go wherever you go, I’ve made up my mind!"

Yang Batian glanced at Luo Hongli, his gaze playful. Seeing his evasive look, Yang Batian didn’t press the matter, but laughed, "You’re really not going to play anymore?"

"No, I’ve caught so many tonight, I need to go back and interrogate them properly!" Luo Hongli quickly replied with a smile.

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Just before getting in the car, Yang Batian pulled Chen Xin aside, patting his shoulder, and suddenly stammered, "Chen... Chen Xin, I really must thank you for tonight’s hospitality. That was fine wine. Next time you come to Yanjing, I’ll treat you to drinks, yes, drinks, haha!"

Chen Xin forced a smile, feeling flattered and a bit overwhelmed. Yang Batian’s attitude tonight was unusually cordial. Chen Xin knew him well—his depth of scheming was rare even among the elite of Yanjing, and his martial prowess was unmatched. Most crucially, he’d never shown such warmth to anyone, at least not to Chen Xin’s knowledge.

So why was Yang Batian so friendly tonight? Was it genuine gratitude? Chen Xin was not so naive; it had to be a deliberate attempt to win him over. But the Yang family had always maintained a neutral stance, avoiding entanglement in any conflict. Did this mean their position was changing? If so, then this game was about to become much more lively, the chessboard ever more complex. Who would ultimately emerge victorious was becoming increasingly unpredictable.

"Brother Tian, you’re too kind. I’m truly ashamed of tonight’s events. Next time, I’ll make sure to properly apologize," Chen Xin replied promptly.

Yang Batian chuckled, "We’re brothers, no need for such formality. But Chen Xin, you should be careful—walk steadily. If you ever run into trouble, perhaps I can help you out. Of course, you know what I mean!"

Chen Xin felt both joy and worry. He understood Yang Batian’s meaning—he was making overtures, but wanted Chen Xin to show sincerity in return. Sincerity meant, ideally, aligning with the Yang family, or at least forming an alliance.

He was happy to gain a new ally, but concerned that the Yang family’s involvement would make the situation even harder to control. Ultimately, how much benefit he could reap remained uncertain.

"Rest assured, Brother Tian. If anything comes up, just send word, and I’ll go through fire and water for you!" Chen Xin seized the chance to declare his loyalty.

Unexpectedly, Yang Batian uttered something cryptic: "I’m really drunk tonight, so my words may not be entirely accurate. I’ve always been free-spirited, often at odds with the old man at home. Alright, I’m off!"

Chen Xin was stunned. Damn it, what game was Yang Batian playing?

That final remark drew a clear line between himself and the Yang family, making Chen Xin’s heart uneasy. Was Yang Batian speaking for his family, or just for himself?

Yang Batian finally left, Luo Hongli departed as well, and Chen Xin’s two friends were sent back to their rooms. Chen Xin kicked Ding Lifeng awake, saying, "Get up, stop pretending. Everyone’s gone!"

Ding Lifeng finally climbed up, frowning. "That Yang fellow really is something. If I hadn’t been prepared, I might’ve been ruined by him just now. We’re good at acting, aren’t we?"

Chen Xin frowned, picking up a glass and sipping lightly. "It seems Long Fei isn’t simple at all."

"And his relationship with Yang Batian seems unusual. Do you think he’s one of Yang Batian’s men?" Ding Lifeng mused.

"Doesn’t seem so—but who knows!" Chen Xin replied. "We’ll take it one step at a time. Right now, we can’t afford to offend anyone. But someday, I’ll show them what I’m capable of!"

Seeing the flash of ruthlessness and madness in Chen Xin’s eyes, Ding Lifeng shuddered.

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"What about that whore Long Fei took away?" Ding Lifeng didn’t forget the minor matter.

"Can’t you use your brain? You want to mess up my plans for a woman?" Chen Xin nearly cursed, his tone harsh.

After seeing Chen Xin off and lighting a cigarette, Ding Lifeng grinned slyly.

Inside the car, Yang Batian showed no sign of drunkenness, nor any of the smiles from earlier. He took Long Fei to a quieter stretch of road, then got out. Long Fei understood Yang Batian had something to say, so he obediently followed, leaving the two beautiful women in the car.

Lighting a cigarette and tossing one to Long Fei, Yang Batian let out a long sigh, "Long Fei, do you know why I did all this tonight?"

"I know. But I doubt it was your father’s idea," Long Fei sighed as well—Yang Batian had truly shown him every kindness.

"Indeed, it wasn’t. I hope I can persuade him when I return home. From our perspective as young men, you can’t always rely on others. Only when you’re strong yourself do you have a voice!" Yang Batian said with a touch of heroism.

Long Fei smiled, "Naturally. That’s why you want to change your family’s traditional stance and strategy. But once you start, there’s no turning back. It’s either success or martyrdom. Think carefully—you carry not just yourself, but the rise and honor of the Yang family!"

"Will you help me?" Yang Batian stared at Long Fei, knowing that with the help of Qinglong and Phoenix, he’d have much greater odds in this game.

Long Fei smiled, "I don’t help anyone. I only help myself."

Seeing Yang Batian’s disappointment, Long Fei added calmly, "But you can rest assured on one point—I’ll treat Danni well, always."

"Good. With that promise, I have no more worries!" Yang Batian laughed.

Yang Batian, not at all sentimental, left Long Fei and Meng Ling standing on the street. Per his suggestion, Long Fei could take Meng Ling to a hotel for some ambiguous games—or, if he feared police raids, he could bring her back to his rented place, which was safer.

Long Fei merely chuckled at Yang Batian’s words, but Meng Ling blushed deeply, sneaking glances at Long Fei with a complicated and cautious gaze, her heart pounding anxiously.