Wang Tengfei, clueless about the truth, was growing increasingly frustrated. With so many classmates watching, he clenched his teeth and decided to try another connection.


He dialed the head of the local Public Security Bureau.


This person had always had a good relationship with his father.


Once the call connected, Wang Tengfei immediately said, “Director Chen, it’s me, Wang Tengfei. I ran into some trouble in the development zone…”


He quickly explained the situation.


Director Chen hesitated before awkwardly saying, “Tengfei, the ones causing trouble are Ah Biao’s men. Ah Biao works for Master Hong. My advice? Stay out of this.”


Wang Tengfei’s heart sank. “You’re just going to let this happen?”


Director Chen responded bluntly, “You should know Master Hong’s position in this city.”


“Then can you at least do me a favor and talk to them on my behalf?” Wang Tengfei pleaded.


Director Chen sighed. “Sorry, that’s not something I can help with.”


Angered, Wang Tengfei said, “Director Chen, weren’t you hoping the Imperial Group could donate some police cars to your bureau? Do you not want that anymore?”


This time, Director Chen’s tone turned cold. “Wang Tengfei, didn’t you know? Your father was just fired by the Imperial Group.”


“What?! Fired? When?”


“Half an hour ago.”


After a brief pause, Director Chen added, “You might want to sort things out on your end first.”


With that, he hung up.


The scar-faced thug smirked at Wang Tengfei, who stood frozen in disbelief.


“What’s the matter? Can’t find anyone to help you?” the thug mocked.


Wang Tengfei opened his mouth to speak, but before he could utter a word, the scar-faced thug slapped him hard across the face. The blow sent Wang Tengfei stumbling backward, knocking over chairs and tables.


The entire room gasped in shock.


No one dared to intervene.


“You dare hit me?” Wang Tengfei clutched his face, his pale complexion burning with humiliation and anger.


“So what if I hit you?” the thug sneered before delivering a powerful kick to Wang Tengfei’s stomach, knocking him to the ground. Without hesitation, he began beating Wang Tengfei relentlessly.


Wang Tengfei screamed in pain, begging, “Big brother, I was wrong! Please stop hitting me!”


“Wrong?” The thug laughed coldly. “You tried to act tough with me. Do you think a simple apology is enough? If I don’t beat you senseless, how will I maintain my reputation?”


He turned to his men and barked, “Beat him! Hard!”


The gang wasted no time, raining down punches, kicks, and even swings of their baseball bats. The sight was brutal.


Before long, Wang Tengfei was lying on the ground, covered in blood, barely conscious.


The scar-faced thug then turned to Wang Daokun, sneering, “Your friend thought he could act tough. Because of him, I’m raising my price—40% of your restaurant’s shares! If you don’t agree, his fate will be your example.”


Daokun’s heart sank. If he handed over 40% of the shares, he’d essentially be working for these thugs.


Summoning his courage, he said, “Take 40%? You might as well kill me.”


The thug scowled, pulling out a gleaming knife. “Fine. I’ll grant your wish!”


The room erupted in panic, with some classmates screaming in terror.


Just as the thug was about to strike, Ye Chen’s voice rang out: “Put the knife down!”


The scar-faced thug turned to glare at Ye Chen, snarling, “Who the hell do you think you are? Do you want to die too?”


The moment their eyes met, the thug’s expression changed from confusion to sheer terror. He dropped the knife and dropped to his knees with a loud thud.


The room fell silent.


The thug, trembling, slapped himself repeatedly and stammered, “Mr. Ye, I’m sorry! I didn’t recognize you earlier. Please forgive me for my ignorance!”


Ye Chen raised an eyebrow. “You know me?”


The thug nodded frantically. “Yes, Mr. Ye! I’m one of Biao Ge’s men. I saw you at Tianxiang Pavilion last time…”


Ye Chen suddenly understood.


This thug worked for Biao Ge, one of Hong Wu’s subordinates. It made sense why he’d be so terrified—if even Hong Wu feared Ye Chen, his underlings had every reason to do so.


The classmates were dumbfounded. Even Liu Lili was in a state of disbelief.


Why would this fearsome gangster kneel and grovel before Ye Chen, a man they thought was nothing more than a useless live-in son-in-law?


Even Xiao Churan, Ye Chen’s wife, was stunned. “What… what’s going on? Do you know him?”


Ye Chen quickly replied, “Of course not. I don’t associate with people like him.”


The thug immediately chimed in, “No, no, Mr. Ye doesn’t know me! I’ve only heard of his great reputation and hold him in the highest regard!”


Everyone’s jaws dropped. Reputation? For Ye Chen?


The scar-faced thug then turned to Wang Daokun and said, “Since you’re Mr. Ye’s friend, your restaurant is now under my protection. I won’t take a single penny from you, and I’ll handle any trouble you face in the future.”


The crowd gasped.


Liu Lili was nearly moved to tears. Moments ago, she was terrified of losing 40% of their shares, but now, thanks to Ye Chen, not only was their restaurant safe, but it also had free protection!


This was a miracle!


“Thank you, Ye Chen! I don’t even know how to thank you!” Daokun said, deeply grateful.


Ye Chen waved it off. “Don’t mention it. What are friends for?”


The scar-faced thug glanced at the bloodied Wang Tengfei and nervously said, “Mr. Ye, I’m sorry for hitting your friend…”


Ye Chen replied indifferently, “He’s not my friend. Just someone I know. Take him to the hospital and don’t disrupt the celebration.”


“Understood!” The thug nodded before instructing his men to carry Wang Tengfei away.


As the gang left, the room erupted into whispers.


Everyone’s perception of Ye Chen had completely changed.


The once-dismissed son-in-law now seemed like a man shrouded in mystery and power. What secrets was he hiding?


Even Liu Lili, who had previously looked down on Ye Chen, now treated him with utmost respect, repeatedly offering her thanks and even promising him lifetime free meals at the restaurant.


Ye Chen, however, didn’t care for their newfound admiration. To him, this was just a small favor for a good friend.


But to the others, Ye Chen’s actions bordered on the legendary.


Everyone was left wondering—who exactly was Ye Chen?