The red-haired thug, his face twisted with dread, stammered, "B–Boss… is there anything else you require?"
Ye Chu swept his gaze across the scene and said coolly, "When you damage another's property, do you not intend to compensate for it?"
Sun Xiuying hurriedly stepped forward. "Young man, perhaps we should just let it go."
She dared not allow these men to pay.
"The boss is right—we should compensate," the red-haired thug blurted, eager to be gone from this place.
"These tables must be worth two or three thousand. I'll pay you five thousand." He whipped out his phone, ready to scan a code.
"Five thousand?" Ye Chu's face darkened. "Do you take me for a beggar you can fob off with scraps?"
The thug stammered nervously. "Then… name your price, Boss."
Ye Chu uttered two words, calm and cold: "Fifty thousand."
The thug was stunned.
A few broken tables—worth fifty thousand?
"Fifty thousand? Why don't you just rob me!" The words slipped from his mouth, and he regretted them instantly.
The man before him was no one to provoke.
Sun Xiuying was startled and had just opened her mouth when Sun Yurou stopped her.
Ye Chu's voice turned mocking. "Oh? So it's fine when you rob others, but when others 'rob' you, it is unacceptable?"
The thug was left speechless, only managing after a long pause, "B–But I truly don't have that kind of money."
Ye Chu's tone turned frigid. "Then find a way. Otherwise, leave one hand behind today."
The thug's face went pale. "I'll pay—I'll pay."
In the end, the gang had to scrape together the sum—taking loans and maxing out their credit—to barely collect fifty thousand.
"Ye Chu, I cannot thank you enough today," Sun Yurou said, her eyes shining as she gazed at him.
This was already the second time he had come to her aid.
Ye Chu smiled faintly. "It was a trifle, think nothing of it."
"Young man, we truly owe you," Sun Xiuying said gratefully, offering to transfer the money to him.
"Madam, that money is yours by right," Ye Chu declined at once.
Sun Xiuying wanted to insist, but Ye Chu's firm refusal left her no choice but to sigh and advise, "Those men are not the forgiving sort. I fear today's incident may bring you trouble. You had best leave Jiangdu while you can."
Sun Yurou, too, realized the potential consequences and said softly, "Ye Chu, I'm sorry. It is we who have dragged you into this."
Ye Chu replied with a confident smile. "Do not worry. They are but trash—I scarcely regard them."
Seeing this, the mother and daughter could say no more.
After chatting a while longer, they exchanged contact information, and only then did Ye Chu take his leave.
Before going, he reminded them, "If those men return to cause trouble, call me at once."
Sun Yurou nodded earnestly. "All right. You be careful too. Once the shop settles down, let me treat you to a meal."
Leaving the noodle shop, Ye Chu's phone buzzed with a message.
It was from Jiang Haiyun, containing the list of clients who still owed payments.
A quick glance revealed over a dozen names.
The largest debtor was White Wolf Security Company—owing over five million.
Ye Chu frowned, wondering if this White Wolf Security had ties to the White Wolf Society.
After a brief search on his phone, he discovered a local branch nearby and hailed a cab straight there.
"Here we are, brother," the driver said.
Ye Chu paid and stepped out, surveying the surroundings. The area was mid-demolition.
He strode toward the looming building.
Just as he arrived at its base, a red Bentley pulled up.
Two women stepped out.
One wore a black leather jacket and dark sunglasses, exuding the air of a bodyguard.
Ye Chu's eyes slid past her and landed on the other woman.
She was stunning—her beauty rivaling even Jiang Junyao's.
Her face was bare of makeup, her features exquisitely sculpted, her skin flawless. The sleek black office attire she wore perfectly traced her elegant, voluptuous form.
Beyond her beauty, she carried a natural grace and nobility that made her stand apart.
Ye Chu raised a brow. Such women, of such bearing, appearing here of all places—could they also be here because of White Wolf Security?
"Keep staring, and I'll gouge out your eyes."
The bodyguard's icy tone sent a chill through Ye Chu. His eyes narrowed—this was no ordinary woman.
"Dongmei, do not cause trouble. Remember why we are here," the beauty said, striding toward the building. The bodyguard followed close behind.
So, that was it.
Ye Chu understood and followed as well.
The bodyguard suddenly spun around. "Boy, follow us again and I'll break your legs."
Even the beauty furrowed her brows.
Ye Chu snorted in disdain. "Do you think I have nothing better to do than follow you? Perhaps I have my own business here."
The bodyguard's face darkened. "Watch your mouth, boy, or you'll die for it."
She was about to strike when the beauty stopped her.
"Miss, let me teach this insolent brat a lesson."
The beauty shook her head and glanced at Ye Chu with curiosity. "And what business brings you here, sir?"
"Collecting a debt," Ye Chu replied simply.
Dongmei snorted. "You dare come here alone? Do you even know where you are?"
Ye Chu pointed to the large sign above them, giving her a look of contempt. "Are you stupid? It's written right there—White Wolf Security."
Dongmei opened her mouth, speechless for a moment, then anger surged at being insulted.
"You little brat, you're begging for a beating!"
"Enough, Dongmei. Remember why we are here," the beauty commanded, waving her hand before striding inside.
"Boy, this is not a place for the reckless. Leave now while you still can," Dongmei warned.
"Unless you want to leave in pieces, get lost," she added coldly.
Ye Chu ignored them and followed inside.
Seeing that he was determined, they said no more.
The three had just entered the lobby when two burly men in black suits approached.
"Miss Huangfu, our boss awaits you upstairs," one said respectfully.
Huangfu Shiyue nodded lightly. "Lead the way."
The two men guided them upstairs, not questioning Ye Chu's presence—assuming he was with them.
Soon, they reached a lavish office at the top floor.
Seated behind the desk was a bald man with a vicious face.
On the surface, he was Li Zhengxiong, the branch manager of White Wolf Security. In truth, he was Bald Li—one of the four hall masters of the White Wolf Society.
Yes, White Wolf Security was merely a front. In reality, it was one of Jiangdu's two great underworld syndicates.
"Well, well—Miss Huangfu herself graces my humble office. I am truly honored," Bald Li said with a wide grin, rising to greet her.
He turned to his secretary. "Bring out my finest Da Hong Pao tea for Miss Huangfu."
Huangfu Shiyue sat gracefully on the sofa and spoke without preamble. "Manager Li, tell me—what will it take for you to agree to the demolition?"
Li Zhengxiong feigned difficulty. "Miss Huangfu, you must know how much effort we've put into this building—"
"State your terms," she interrupted coldly.
Li Zhengxiong smiled slyly and raised five fingers. "Five billion. Pay us that, and we'll leave at once."