Chapter 4 The Camel Bell

Yulian erupted in anger, and the immense pressure seemed to suffocate all the thugs present. Marco couldn't believe it. This silent man had suddenly exploded with rage, displaying an aura as fierce as a dragon and a tiger combined. Confronted by Yulian's imposing presence, Marco, who had always been arrogant and domineering, suddenly broke out in a cold sweat, his legs trembling. He roared to bolster his courage, “What are you going to do? I am the general manager of Invictus Realty! I warn you...” Bang! Crack! Before he could finish, Yulian kicked him directly in the chest, the force shattering his ribs with a crisp sound. Marco's face turned purple, his features contorted in pain. Before he could even let out a wail, Yulian's fierce attacks came one after another. Thinking of the camaraderie he shared with Tigris, recalling the moment Marco swung the steel rod, scattering his buddy's ashes, Yulian lost his rationality, his anger and killing intent taking over. How could the heroes of the gang endure the insults of villains? He roared like a mad beast, each punch and kick landing solidly on Marco's body. In just a few seconds, Marco's ribs were all broken, his limbs twisted, and his gold teeth shattered. Covered with blood, he was left gasping for breath. As Yulian emotionlessly yanked his hair, Marco's face, a bloody mess, was filled with unparalleled terror. “Please, I know I was wrong, spare my life. I-I'm willing to make any amends. Anything...” “Spare you? How then, would I face my deceased buddy?” Yulian sneered coldly, “Perhaps, you should explain yourself to him personally!” “No, don't!” In the midst of Marco's terrified screams, Yulian's leg, swift and hard as a steel whip, magnified infinitely in his eyes. Then, with a loud thud, he was sent flying like a cannonball, covering a distance of seven to eight meters, and landed heavily on the giant claw of the bulldozer that was menacingly tearing down the courtyard. Blood spurted from his mouth. His eyes widened in shock as he fell straight down. The silence at the scene was terrifying. Everyone felt as if they were in a dream. The once arrogant and domineering Marco had died just like that? He was like a beast ready for slaughter, utterly powerless in the hands of Yulian. A gentle breeze wafted by, warm and comforting, but to the thugs of Invictus Realty, it felt like the bitter cold of winter. “Murder! He's killed someone!!” After a silence of four or five seconds, a terrified scream erupted from the crowd, followed by frantic and chaotic voices. The scene descended into chaos. Yulian's expression was indifferent as if he were a stranger detached from the situation. He turned around, bent down, and picked up the ashes of Tigris from the ground, his demeanor both serious and solemn. “Tigris, you've suffered a lot.” “Mr. Gotti? Mr. Gotti! D*mn, this b*stard has killed Mr. Gotti! Brothers, grab your weapons for me, let's kill him!” Sharp-eye shouted, his blood boiling. “Those who killed him will get rewarded with one million and a promotion of three levels in a row!” With such a generous reward, there would surely be brave men. Moreover, these outlaws from Invictus Realty were notorious for their ruthlessness! Dozens of thugs, their faces filled with greed, licked their lips and pulled out their blades. “Attack!” The cold blades glimmered, and the air was filled with the scent of blood. A glint flashed in Yulian's cold eyes. Just as he was about to unleash his fury, suddenly, a loud bang resonated. A black Mercedes, appearing out of nowhere, rammed into one of the thugs, leaving everyone stunned. Yulian's eyes narrowed slightly, revealing a somewhat unusual and complex expression. Sharp-eye's mouth twitched uncontrollably, his face turning dark. In just half a day, they had not only been humiliated by Yulian but now were also being provoked by some outsider who appeared out of nowhere. This was too much to bear! “Who the hell did this? How dare you hit my men? Do you have a death wish? Come out if you have the guts!”` Bang! Bang, bang, bang! In response to him, however, was an even more outrageous and defiant provocation. A fleet of identical Mercedes-Benz sedans suddenly charged forward, crashing into their ranks noisily. Over twenty thugs were sent flying, their screams and cries of pain filling the air in an instant. The newcomers were audacious. This was nothing short of a blatant slap in his face! Sharp-eye's face instantly turned extremely embarrassed, and all the thugs were dumbfounded. They had encountered a tough nut to crack! Bang! At this moment, one of the Mercedes-Benz cars in the convoy opened its door. A pair of slender, crystal-studded high heels emerged, followed closely by a voice full of authority. “It's me, Selena Salvatore! No one can bully my lover.” A beautiful figure stepped out gracefully and confidently, standing tall and commanding. Beneath her breathtakingly beautiful appearance was an icy demeanor, exuding a powerful sense of control. She was cold, arrogant, and stunningly beautiful. Such a woman, no matter where she was, would shine as the most brilliant star in any dark corner, especially considering the countless wealth and background she possessed! “M-Ms. Salvatore?” The sound of sharp intakes of breath echoed throughout the scene. Sharp-eye and his companions all stared wide-eyed in disbelief. Selena Salvatore, the granddaughter of the wealthiest man in Hofcaster, Winston Salvatore, who was the current head of the Salvatore Group, and one of the top ten figures in the business world of Lostaria. Invictus Realty, which they had been boasting about, was nothing more than a tiny ant that could be crushed at any moment in front of her. The appearance of such a big shot in a small place like Evergreen Village surprised Sharp-eye and his men, but what was even more shocking was the ruthless remark she had just made. Her lover? When did Ms. Salvatore have a lover? Sharp-eye forced a smile and spoke in a much humbler tone. “Ms. Salvatore, we've been acting on orders all along. We haven't offended the Salvatore family's son-in-law. This might be a misunderstanding.” Selena glanced at Yulian, who was collecting Tigris' ashes on the side, and pointed at him. “That's him!” “He's the son-in-law of the Salvatore family?” Sharp-eye screamed, almost jumping in shock. The gang of thugs around him were all equally stunned, their eyes wide and mouths agape in utter shock. They had just been shouting about killing Yulian. Going against the future son-in-law of the Salvatore family meant going against the Salvatore Group, a behemoth! How many people in Hofcaster dared to challenge the Salvatore family? He had long forgotten about avenging Marco. A hundred lives of Marco were not worth as much as a single finger of a future son-in-law of the Salvatore family! Sharp-eye suddenly broke out in a cold sweat, filled with fear and regret. Fearful, he managed to squeeze out an ugly smile. “Ms. Salvatore, this is a misunderstanding. Please let me explain...” Without hesitation, Selena rejected him coldly, “Have Jackie Caruso come and explain it to me personally. You are far from qualified.” Sharp-eye was instantly at a loss for words, wishing he could find a crack in the ground to crawl into. He opened his mouth, wanting to say something else, but was knocked down by a square-faced bodyguard standing behind Selena. The bodyguard coldly shouted, “Who do you think you are, trying to negotiate terms with Ms. Salvatore? Get lost!” “Yes, yes, we'll leave right away.” Sharp-eye felt like he had been pardoned. He ran away with the thugs from Invictus Realty like a pack of beaten dogs, fleeing in panic. The farce of forced demolition finally ended under Selena's strong hand. The villagers discussed among themselves, and Lorenzo's family was extremely grateful to Selena. Facing these ordinary people, Selena also put away her frosty demeanor and helped them resolve their worries with warmth and calmness. Larissa wiped away her tears. She held Selena's hand and advised, “Young lady, are you Mr. Lazzari's fiancée? Mr. Lazzari is a good person but has had a hard life. You two must take care of each other in the future and cherish each other!” “Yes, we will,” Selena said calmly, her cheeks slightly flushed. She looked at Yulian, who was collecting Tigris' ashes not far away. The setting sun's rays elongated his broad back, making him appear imposing yet melancholic and lonely. Before, Selena had vehemently opposed and even detested this marriage forced upon her by her grandfather. However, today, when she saw Yulian, she felt no aversion in her heart. Instead, she felt a hint of pity and a sense of kinship toward this stubborn and proud man. He must have had many stories tucked away in his heart, just like her. As Selena's beautiful eyes filled with memories, the stirring and melodious sound of a song began. “Bidding farewell to my comrade, I embarked on my journey. Silent and tearful, the sound of camel bells echoed in my ears.” In front of him, Yulian held the ashes of Tigris, tears welling up in his eyes. He walked straight toward Tigris's grave, deep within the grove of white poplar trees. His voice was melodious and magnetic. It wasn't particularly outstanding, but it was incredibly infectious. Selena felt as if she was standing in the midst of a vast, boundless desert. Red flags fluttered in the wind, the scorching sun blazed overhead. Rows of ironclad fighters stood tall, their postures as sharp as javelins and swords. They choked back silent sobs as they bid farewell to their dearest comrades. “The road is long and shrouded in mist, yet with a heart full of courage, we push against the wind and sailed upstream. We will not let down the people who nurtured us with love! Comrades, oh comrades, beware the chilling north wind at midnight, take great care on your journey. Comrades, oh comrades, when the spring breeze brings good news, we shall meet again! We shall meet again!” As the singing came to an end, Yulian fell to his knees before Tigris' grave with a thud. He personally buried the ashes of his buddy, with whom he had fought with for five years. At that moment, his eyes brimmed with hot tears. “Tigris, you're home!” A cry echoed, laden with untold sorrow and longing. A gentle breeze swept by, causing the poplar fluff to dance in the air. The white feathery seeds fell to the ground in a flurry. Could it be the tears of his buddy in heaven? Dying for the gang was worth it. Buddy, rest in peace! At that very moment, the image of Yulian was deeply etched in Selena's mind. Tears streamed down her cheeks. The man of steel stood defiant, stirring her heart.