Chapter 051: The Mad Liu Ping

Chapter 051: Liu Ping’s Madness

This was a high-end VIP ward in the First Hospital of Kun City.

Liu Ping, the man known as the emperor of Shenghe, now sat in a chair beside the bed, staring intently at his motionless son. Anyone familiar with Liu Ping would have been shocked to see him in such a state. He was the complete opposite of his usual sharp, capable self; he looked as if he had aged over a decade in a single night, transformed into a stooped old man. His beard was unshaven, his hair seemingly streaked with white, his entire appearance utterly disheveled.

All of this was because, two hours earlier, Liu Ping had received the final verdict from the hospital’s panel of experts: his son, Liu Fengkai, had become a vegetable, and not just any kind—a state so complete that even the most basic traces of consciousness were gone. Only his bodily functions remained intact; he could still breathe, and that was all.

The experts’ final suggestion was blunt: barring a miracle, there was no one in the world who could save him.

Liu Ping was a man of wealth—extraordinary wealth. He had always believed there was no problem that money couldn’t solve. But today, he discovered, for the first time, a difficulty that money could not overcome. Last night, in a frenzy, he had gathered all the foremost specialists from the East Sea region to consult on his son’s condition, only to receive a verdict that struck him like a bolt of lightning.

Creak—

The door to the ward was gently pushed open from outside, and Fang Tao, Liu Ping’s ever-present shadow, strode quickly into the room.

“Did you find out anything?” Liu Ping looked up, his eyes finally regaining some focus at the sight of Fang Tao.

“I’m sorry, sir,” Fang Tao shook his head and explained, “The stretch of road where it happened is too isolated. There are no surveillance cameras for miles around, and we couldn’t find any video evidence at the scene.”

“Not a single useful lead?” Liu Ping’s brow furrowed.

“The location is quite close to the Yue Mountain Racetrack. Last night, a lot of rich kids from the East Sea were drag racing there,” Fang Tao reported his findings.

“Is that so?” Liu Ping’s frown didn’t ease; this information was of little value.

“According to some information I bought, that Chu Fei was there yesterday too…” Fang Tao paused to glance at Liu Ping.

Suddenly, Liu Ping’s eyes flashed sharply as he looked at Fang Tao. “Are you sure?”

“I’m sure, but…” Fang Tao hesitated.

“But what? Tell me everything you know.” Liu Ping pressed, his eyes bloodshot, like a beast gone mad. His son’s accident had stripped him of his usual composure and patience.

“Chu Fei was indeed there, but he wasn’t alone. He was with Lan Youyou—rumor has it he’s her mentor and was there to help her compete,” Fang Tao said.

“Lan Wuji’s daughter, Lan Youyou?” Liu Ping’s face changed at once.

“That’s right, it was her. And they left together, so…” Fang Tao didn’t finish, but looked up at Liu Ping.

“You’re saying it couldn’t have been him?” Liu Ping stared fixedly at Fang Tao.

“That’s not what I mean.” Fang Tao shook his head. The Liu Ping before him had lost all reason, even his normal ability to think. It was unsettling.

“Hmph, so what if he’s connected to Lan Wuji’s daughter? Lan Wuji is dead. Even if he were alive, he couldn’t protect a murderer…” Liu Ping’s voice seethed with murderous intent.

Fang Tao fell silent. Liu Ping had truly lost his mind. Otherwise, he would never have spoken such words. Even if Lan Wuji was gone, who in the entire East Sea would dare underestimate the Lan family? Not to mention Lan Wuji’s formidable reputation, there was also that woman known as the Bloody Rakshasa—everyone’s nightmare.

The Bloody Rakshasa, Shang Linglong.

She was a woman who had climbed out of mountains of corpses and rivers of blood alongside Lan Wuji since she was eight years old. Seductive in appearance but cruel at heart, she was the nightmare of every man in East Sea City. Countless men wanted to conquer her, possess her, but not one dared to approach. They were afraid of dying.

Compared to her, Liu Ping, who had only just established himself in one corner of Kun City, wasn’t even as significant as a grasshopper.

But Fang Tao said nothing. He could only pray that Liu Fengkai’s situation had nothing to do with Lan Youyou. Otherwise, Liu Fengkai wouldn’t be the only one in a vegetative state—Liu Ping himself and even Fang Tao and his men would be doomed, with no hope of burial. Everyone in the East Sea knew how much the Bloody Rakshasa doted on Lan Youyou. Offending Lan Youyou was a thousand times worse than offending the Rakshasa herself.

For that woman, eliminating Liu Ping and his entire circle would be child’s play. With a single word, even without her direct order, those eager to please her would take the initiative to settle matters for her.

“Did you find any information on Chu Fei?” Liu Ping asked again.

“I did. Chu Fei is a local of Kun City. He grew up here and attended high school locally. In his second year, he left to join the army after his then-girlfriend betrayed him. Details of his military service are hard to trace quickly. About a month ago, he returned to Kun City… Also—” Fang Tao paused, then continued, “The owner of Feilu, Ximen Lu, was his high school classmate.”

“Really?” Liu Ping said.

“Yes, and I also found out about his ex-girlfriend… someone you know well.”

“Who?”

“Duanmu Jing—the Black Widow, Duanmu Jing.” Fang Tao’s expression was odd; he’d been startled when he learned this. Chu Fei had been the first love of the infamous Black Widow. The news was even more explosive than his connection to Lan Youyou. He had even double-checked to make sure it wasn’t a mistake, because Duanmu Jing was terrifying, especially to those who lived in Kun City. Her name was like a curse, making people tremble.

“Just a first love. You said Duanmu Jing betrayed him—she probably doesn’t even remember who Chu Fei is,” Liu Ping said dismissively. His real concern was still the Lan Youyou connection.

“I was overthinking it.” Fang Tao sighed and said no more.

“Go deal with Chu Fei—do it as quickly as possible, and make sure it’s clean,” Liu Ping suddenly ordered, his eyes brimming with murderous intent.

“Now?” Fang Tao blinked. “But we haven’t even confirmed—”

“There’s no need to confirm. I have a feeling. He’s the one who hurt my son,” Liu Ping said coldly. “Even if he isn’t, what does it matter if I kill the wrong man? My son hated him most in life—let him accompany my son underground.”

Seeing Liu Ping’s murderous expression, Fang Tao nodded silently. “Understood. I’ll handle it personally.”

“If anything happens to you, I’ll make sure your family is well taken care of,” Liu Ping said, glancing at him.

“Thank you, sir.”

Fang Tao said no more, turning to stride quickly out of the ward. But his heart was heavy, as if marching to his own death. Did he really have the ability to kill Chu Fei?

He wasn’t sure.

But he had no choice.

Liu Ping continued to stare at the unmoving Liu Fengkai on the bed. “Son, don’t worry. Even if I lose everything, I’ll avenge you. I’ll take care of Chu Fei first, then I’ll have Ximen Lu brought here. Didn’t you always like her? I’ll let her mourn for you, let her spend her life by your side. Heh… Daddy won’t let you be lonely—”

Liu Ping sat alone in the room, laughing and talking to himself. Anyone witnessing this would have been chilled to the bone; he was like a madman who’d lost all reason—truly terrifying.

—

“Handsome Master! Wow, you really work here! I thought Boss was pulling my leg. Hahaha!”

As Chu Fei stepped out of the office building after work, a girl suddenly darted up to him and wrapped her arms around his neck, giggling and jumping with excitement like a lunatic. It was the buxom Xiao Mimi whom he’d met yesterday. Because of her impressive bust, Lan Youyou and the others preferred to call her Big Mimi, or simply Mimi.

“What are you two doing here?” Chu Fei frowned, removing the girl's arms. He also noticed Lan Youyou approaching behind her.

Just like yesterday, Lan Youyou was dressed as provocatively as ever, but there was something different about her today. It took Chu Fei a moment to realize—she seemed gentler, not as brash as before.

“Master, you’re off work!” Lan Youyou came up to him with a sweet smile.

“Lan Youyou, do you have a fever?” Chu Fei frowned, giving her a once-over. Her sudden gentleness made him feel uneasy, and he couldn’t help reaching out to touch her forehead. “No fever. Did something scare you last night?”

“I wasn’t scared! I’m not that timid,” Lan Youyou shook her head, still speaking in that gentle, soft voice.

“Stop right there. Are you up to something again?” Chu Fei became instantly wary. Something was definitely off with this girl.

“Master, don’t you think I’m even more likable this way?” Lan Youyou pouted, gazing at him with a wounded look.

“Hmm, it is pretty charming,” Chu Fei admitted, though he felt anything but comfortable.

Lan Youyou’s face lit up with joy. “Then do you prefer the way I was before, or how I am now?” she asked eagerly, eyes shining with anticipation.

“Is that important?” Chu Fei looked at her, baffled.

“Of course it is! Please answer me first, Master,” she wheedled, her voice syrupy sweet, sending shivers down Chu Fei’s spine.

He glanced at the delicate, ladylike Lan Youyou before him and spoke honestly, “Honestly, you look nice now, but it feels too fake—it’s obvious you’re pretending. I actually prefer you the way you were before: loud, carefree, a bit crazy but honestly kind of adorable.”

Pfft—hahaha, this is killing me! Carefree and crazy—so this is what Master thinks of Boss…” Xiao Mimi burst out laughing at Chu Fei’s words, so hard that tears streamed from her eyes.

“What are you laughing at? Laugh again and I’ll squeeze those two papayas of yours!” The gentle facade vanished; Lan Youyou snapped, instantly returning to her brash, domineering self.

“Sorry, Boss! My bad!” Xiao Mimi quickly apologized, obviously used to this sort of thing.

Chu Fei could only sweat in exasperation, but seeing Lan Youyou back to her old self, he felt relieved. He’d almost thought she’d had some kind of psychological problem.

Ignoring Xiao Mimi, Lan Youyou turned her expectant gaze to Chu Fei again. “Master, you really think I’m cute this way? Really?”

“You are cute, but you’d be even cuter if you’d cut down on the swearing,” Chu Fei nodded, still sweating. This girl really was a handful—he’d have to be careful how he handled her.

Afraid she’d continue this pointless conversation, Chu Fei quickly changed the subject. “So what are you two doing here? Did you need something?”

He looked at the pair with a puzzled expression.