Super Soldier in the City
Chapter 689 - 728: The Letter of Challenge

Chapter 689: Chapter 728: The Letter of Challenge

Ninghu Villa, situated in the residential area of Mile City, was not among the best due to its remote location. Despite having a decent environment, this villa community housed only a dozen or so vacation mansions for the wealthy. By now, it was already well into October. The weather had turned cooler, making it less than ideal for vacations, hence the area felt even more deserted.

As Li Xinyue’s car drove down the narrow road that allowed only one car at a time, it kicked up fallen leaves, adding to the desolate atmosphere.

Following behind, Li Yifei was hugging Song Lianyao, puffing on a cigarette, looking quite content. Song Lianyao had just satisfied him, making Li Yifei feel a bit dissolute. After all, it wasn’t common to do that kind of thing while riding in a car, especially with a beautiful woman glancing back at them from time to time.

Neither Li Xinyue nor Song Lianyao had asked Li Yifei whom he was going to meet. They were just happy that he had asked for their company, which to them indicated that Li Yifei did not consider them outsiders.

Li Yifei had called Brother Hu to inform him of their arrival. Brother Hu immediately gave the specific location of the mansion without coming out to meet them.

Upon hearing the mansion number from Li Yifei, Li Xinyue headed straight there. When they neared the place, she promptly said, "This should be Brother Hu’s villa, right?"

Li Yifei chuckled, "You know him as well?"

Li Xinyue replied, "I know of him, but we’re not close. I used to like the villas here. I even came to check them out before. I know how much they sold for and to whom."

"Well, if you two have no other plans, why don’t you join me in meeting him?"

Both Song Lianyao and Li Xinyue showed signs of happiness, though Song Lianyao carefully asked, "It won’t cause any trouble for Brother Li if we tag along, will it?"

"No, it won’t. Let’s go," Li Yifei said with a smile as he patted Song Lianyao’s cheek.

The car stopped in front of Brother Hu’s villa. Li Yifei, with Li Xinyue and Song Lianyao, got out and saw that this mansion was set far apart from the others. Surrounded by shady trees, it exuded a particularly tranquil vibe. Had Li Yifei come alone, it likely would have been a bit of a hassle to find it.

At this moment, Brother Hu came out to greet them but paused when he saw that Li Yifei had brought two beautiful women, both TV hosts, with him.

Greeting them with a smile, Li Yifei said, "This is Li Xinyue and Song Lianyao from the TV station. Since they had nothing else to do, I brought them along for some fun. Brother Hu, you don’t mind, do you?"

"Mind? Of course not!" Brother Hu laughed heartily and ushered the three guests inside, though he was somewhat puzzled by Li Yifei’s actions. Seeing Li Xinyue and Song Lianyao following Li Yifei reinforced his belief that if Li Yifei were just an ordinary man, he wouldn’t be able to have such hostesses by his side. Such admired hostesses are typically kept by wealthy bosses and high-ranking officials.

In the villa’s living room, a variety of dried fruits were arranged, but aside from Brother Hu, there were no other people present.

After inviting the guests to sit, Brother Hu opened a bottle of red wine and said, "Mr. Li, this ’82 Lafite was something I came by with great effort. I, a rough man, really don’t appreciate this stuff and feared wasting it. Since Mr. Li has come, let’s enjoy it together."

Li Xinyue and Song Lianyao were both a bit surprised. Lafite is world-famous, especially the ’82 Lafite. But more than thirty years had passed since then, and there probably weren’t many genuine bottles of ’82 Lafite left in the world. Most of the so-called ’82 Lafites were fakes, and considering Brother Hu took out what was likely a genuine bottle to entertain Li Yifei, it seemed he held Li Yifei in high regard. Perhaps Brother Hu also knew about Li Yifei’s true identity?

Li Yifei picked up his glass, gently swirled the wine, and took a sniff before lightly sipping it. He then savored it with narrowed eyes before remarking, "It really is an ’82 Lafite, a fine one at that."

Brother Hu laughed and said, "Mr. Li truly knows his stuff. It took me a lot of effort to get this bottle, and it was mostly for show." Inside, however, he felt even more respect for Li Yifei, thinking that being able to discern the authenticity of the wine after just a sip was a sign of someone with great taste, which further implied that Li Yifei was no ordinary person.

"Come on, both of you try it," Li Yifei said to Li Xinyue and Song Lianyao. "These days, you can taste Lafite if you have the money, but this ’82 Lafite is not something you can get just by having money."

Li Xinyue and Song Lianyao eagerly followed suit and tasted the wine.

Throughout, Brother Hu observed Li Yifei along with Li Xinyue and Song Lianyao. Seeing them sitting on either side of Li Yifei rather than together, it was clear that Li Yifei was the center of their attention. The women’s gazes and their eager compliance to Li Yifei’s words led him to believe these women might be Li Yifei’s lovers.

After taking a couple of drinks, Li Yifei said, "Brother Hu, you can speak freely. They’re my women, not outsiders."

At that moment, Li Xinyue and Song Lianyao were thrilled beyond words. Li Yifei had openly acknowledged their relationship in front of someone else, which meant more to them than any number of sweet nothings whispered in private. Had Brother Hu not been present, they would have truly wanted to throw themselves into Li Yifei’s arms and deliver passionate kisses.

Brother Hu let out a hearty laugh and said, "Mr. Li is indeed formidable, so I’ll cut to the chase. A few days ago, Sun Dongran, the son of Manager Sun from Tianli Group, came to me and asked me to deal with Mr. Li."

"Oh? And by telling me this, does that mean you don’t wish to deal with me?" Li Yifei swirled his wine glass, asking with a smile.

Meeting Li Yifei’s gaze, Brother Hu slowly said, "That’s right. Heizi got on your bad side and was taken down immediately; I, Huzi, certainly don’t think I can afford to provoke you."

"By doing this, aren’t you betraying Sun Dongran?" Li Yifei asked with a smile again.

Brother Hu shook his head and replied, "My relationship with Sun Dongran is purely based on business interests; he is not my friend. He lacks practical sense. To stand against Mr. Li is simply courting death, and I, for one, intend to live a good, long life."

Li Yifei laughed heartily and asked, "Does Brother Hu think I’m that difficult to provoke?"

At this moment, Brother Hu’s face broke into a smile and he responded, "I’ve been in the mix for many years, and I do have some judgement. Although I can’t tell just how strong Mr. Li really is, it’s definitely not as simple as it appears on the surface. I’d very much like to become friends with Mr. Li."

Li Yifei took a sip of the red wine and said, "The friends I, Li Yifei, make do not involve business interests. If you, Brother Hu, wish to associate with me, we cannot speak of friendship."

Brother Hu’s mouth twitched slightly. If anyone else had said this, he would have acted by now, but coming from Li Yifei, despite feeling somewhat underestimated, it did not twist his guts; instead, it reaffirmed Li Yifei’s strength, and he felt he was truly not qualified to be friends with Li Yifei.

"Mr. Li, I know I’m not qualified to be your friend, but in Mile City, I do have a certain foundation. If there’s anything Mr. Li finds inconvenient to handle, you can leave it to me."

Staring at Brother Hu, Li Yifei asked, "And what do you hope to gain from me in return?"

Brother Hu gave a laugh and said, "If possible, I hope Mr. Li can ensure my safety."

Li Yifei took out a cigarette and Li Xinyue immediately lit it for him. Her gaze was fervent as she watched Li Yifei—who at that moment emanated irresistible charm. An underworld boss was seeking Li Yifei’s protection, an aura of command that wasn’t common.

"Alright, so long as you don’t commit any offenses, I’ll ensure you’re not caught. As for any other troubles you bring upon yourself, that’s outside my concern."

Upon hearing this, Brother Hu was overjoyed. That was the assurance he needed. He hadn’t exactly abstained from illegal activities in the past and, though recently engaging in legitimate business, who could guarantee he wouldn’t be investigated one day? If his past deeds were ever brought up, he would certainly be in deep trouble.

He leaned forward involuntarily, his tone becoming even more respectful as he said, "Mr. Li, your word is enough for me. From now on, whatever the matter, just command me, and I, Huzi, will be ready to serve."

Li Yifei gave a light smile and replied, "That won’t be necessary. I just need your intel. If anyone tries to harm my family, simply warn me ahead of time."

Brother Hu immediately patted his chest and declared, "Absolutely no problem. I’ll arrange for someone to protect your family 24/7, ensuring that no one dares to bother them."

Li Yifei rolled his eyes, "There’s no need for that. It’d just make them think they’ve been targeted by criminals."

"Then what should I do?" At that moment, Brother Hu was truly perplexed.

Li Yifei waved his hand dismissively, "There’s nothing for you to do right now. When I need you, I’ll send for you; just follow the instructions you’re given. Don’t worry, I won’t ask you to do anything dangerous or expose you to risk."

Brother Hu forced a dry laugh, "Alright, alright. But what about Sun Dongran? He’s still waiting for my message."

Li Yifei’s eyes narrowed slightly, "Tell him that you’ll make your move tomorrow night."

Brother Hu’s eyes lit up, "Alright." He didn’t yet understand how Li Yifei intended to handle Sun Dongran, but committing to his first collaboration with Li Yifei, he resolved to make a strong impression. After all, Sun Dongran was nothing compared to someone who could effortlessly take down Heizi.

As for someone like Sun Dongran, Li Yifei didn’t want to stoop to his level, but people like him have one thing in common: they don’t know what’s good for them. If you don’t take care of them, they’ll keep coming after you relentlessly and use any means necessary. Li Yifei couldn’t afford to ignore him; otherwise, Xu Yingying’s safety would be in grave danger.