Chapter 9: Mad Tiger

Mad Tiger’s physique was formidable—his abs, chest, and biceps were all well-developed, exuding a powerful sense of strength. By contrast, Ye Fei appeared gentler, less imposing.

“Ye Fei, be careful,” Su Xue said anxiously. She knew Ye Fei could fight, but this Mad Tiger didn’t seem like a pushover; those massive fists looked as if a single punch could bring Ye Fei down.

Ye Fei smiled, understanding what was on Su Xue’s mind. In terms of appearance, he did seem less robust.

“Come then! I need to show her that, in truth, I’m stronger than you,” Ye Fei said with a grin.

Mad Tiger let out a low growl and lunged at Ye Fei.

Ye Fei’s combat experience was unmatched; he targeted a weakness and struck a sharp punch.

Mad Tiger staggered back two steps, rubbing the spot where he’d been hit, his eyes burning as he stared at Ye Fei. “You’ve got some skills,” he said in a low voice.

“Heh, you’re tougher than the others, but that’s about it,” Ye Fei replied with ease. He had already gauged Mad Tiger’s strength—it was roughly on par with an average underground fighter.

“Is that so? Kid, you’ve got moves, but I only got hit because I wasn’t paying attention. Your punch didn’t have much force!” Mad Tiger’s eyes flashed. Anyone familiar with him would know this was the prelude to his frenzy.

Ye Fei sprang up, his leg whipping out like an iron rod, producing a crisp sound as it sliced toward Mad Tiger.

Mad Tiger hastily raised both arms to block, but Ye Fei’s kick forced him to stagger back several steps, knocking over objects in the private room.

“Where did this kid come from? His skills are terrifying,” Mad Tiger thought, feeling a numbness in his arms from the kick, a testament to Ye Fei’s power. Ye Fei’s prowess made him wary.

“Kid, your kicks pack a punch. Roar—” Mad Tiger shouted, growling as he charged at Ye Fei.

Ye Fei shook his head. He’d thought Mad Tiger was something special, but realized he only relied on his unusually strong body and a couple of moves picked up somewhere, pretending to be an expert. This level might fool ordinary people, but against Ye Fei, he was leagues behind.

“That’s enough, I’m done playing with you,” Ye Fei said, aiming at an opening and landing a direct kick to Mad Tiger’s stomach.

Mad Tiger nearly vomited his meal from the previous night, his stomach wracked with pain.

Ye Fei hadn’t held back with that kick. Had it been anyone else, their internal organs would have ruptured, leading to death. Mad Tiger merely felt intense pain and internal bleeding, which was a testament to his toughness.

“Hey, the fight’s over. Aren’t you leaving? Or are you staying for dinner?” Ye Fei called to Su Xue.

Su Xue shot Ye Fei a look, then hurried to his side, clutching his arm tightly, finally finding a sense of safety.

Ye Fei felt two soft mounds pressing against his arm and couldn’t help but rub against them.

“Behave yourself, you lecher. Even now you’re thinking of taking advantage,” Su Xue scolded him, but she didn’t dare let go of his arm.

“Haha, it was unintentional,” Ye Fei chuckled.

The two left the bar smoothly, with no sign of anyone from the Ming Gang stopping them. Mad Tiger had been too arrogant, believing he could handle Ye Fei alone, so he hadn’t alerted others. As a result, Ye Fei defeated him, and no one realized trouble had occurred in the “Heaven’s Fire” private room.

...

“Su Xue, Ye Fei, are you alright?” Chen Xiaoling called out loudly, running toward them.

However, Chen Xiaoling sensed something odd. Seeing Su Xue clutching Ye Fei’s arm, she asked suspiciously, “You two...?”

Su Xue blushed and quickly let go of Ye Fei’s arm. Now that she was safe, she no longer needed to cling to him for comfort.

“Xiaoling, what are you doing here?” Su Xue hurried to speak, trying to cover up.

“I went to call the police for you. Su Xue, what on earth happened today?” Chen Xiaoling’s attention was diverted, her concern for Su Xue evident.

“We’ll talk when we get home,” Ye Fei interjected.

“Right, let’s head back first. Who knows, those people might come after us again. By the way, Su Xue, are you living with Ye Fei? Why did you text me to go to your place and find him?” Chen Xiaoling asked.

Su Xue shot Ye Fei another glare. If he hadn’t interrupted, she might have managed to divert Xiaoling’s attention and possibly keep their cohabitation a secret. Yet, Chen Xiaoling had a point—if those people found out what happened with Mad Tiger and the others, they might pursue them.

“We’ll talk at home,” Su Xue replied irritably. There was no escaping confession tonight.

Fine, if she knew, she knew. Perhaps she could brainstorm with Xiaoling about how to kick Ye Fei out.

The three hailed a taxi and got off downstairs.

When they got home, Ye Fei opened the door with practiced ease and entered, prompting Chen Xiaoling to look at the two with a more ambiguous gaze.

Su Xue felt wronged, poked Xiaoling’s forehead, and said, “What are you thinking? Come in, I’ll explain everything.”

“Alright, oh yeah, looks like you’re ready to confess everything,” Chen Xiaoling cheered.

That night, Su Xue and Chen Xiaoling whispered together in the room, while Ye Fei slept soundly, oblivious to everything.

“Wow, Su Xue, your experiences these past few days are like scenes from a movie. I never expected Ye Fei to be a drifter!” Chen Xiaoling exclaimed in astonishment.

“So you knew Ye Fei all along. No wonder your expression was odd when we saw him at the restaurant,” Chen Xiaoling said.

“Oh, stop it! Do you have any ideas for getting rid of this scoundrel?” Su Xue asked.

“Su Xue, do you really want him gone? Aren’t you afraid those people will come back for you? With Ye Fei around, he’s skilled and knows martial arts. He can protect you!” Chen Xiaoling analyzed seriously.

Su Xue replied bitterly, “But having him live here is so inconvenient! I can’t even wear my favorite pajamas. With a man and a woman living together, what if Ye Fei loses control? He’s so good at martial arts—I wouldn’t be able to escape.”

Chen Xiaoling’s eyes lit up mischievously, “Alright! Since you’re so worried, I’ll sacrifice myself for you and move in. With two of us here, let’s see if Ye Fei dares do anything.”

Su Xue scrutinized her friend.

“Chen Xiaoling, I feel like this is what you wanted all along. Are you really moving in to help me?” Su Xue asked suspiciously.

“Oh, don’t worry about the details. It’s settled—I’ll move in tomorrow. I’m not going back tonight,” Chen Xiaoling said, lying on the bed.

“You troublemaker...” Su Xue suddenly covered Chen Xiaoling with the quilt, and the two began to wrestle on the bed.

Pulling and tugging, laughter spilling into the night, countless glimpses of springtime revealed.