Chapter 5 The Li Family's Strategy

"Let's not discuss this topic any further," Li Wanrou said firmly. Aware of Ye Chengfeng's background, Li Wanrou had rescued him when he was in the uniform of the Black Dragon Army. After bringing him back to the Li family, she handed him a solid wood cane with a blush, saying: "I bought this cane five years ago, hoping that if you ever woke up, you could use it. Although it may seem unnecessary now, I still want you to have something to lean on, just like I will always be here for you." With a tender expression on her face, Li Wanrou could sense Ye Chengfeng's deep sorrow. He had lost everything. Despite her strong feelings for Ye Chengfeng, she found herself unable to express them clearly. Since his awakening, she felt a mix of emotions that she couldn't fully comprehend. Ye Chengfeng, on the other hand, recognized Li Wanrou's love for him, but also sensed her reliance and gratitude towards him. Understanding this, he decided to give her time for their relationship to evolve naturally. "Oh, and there's something you should have." Li Wanrou handed Ye Chengfeng a golden card, triggering a wave of memories. It was the company he and his brothers had established to support the families of fallen soldiers from the Black Dragon Army. The card signified the boss of the company, a position they had agreed to compete for after the war. As Ye Chengfeng held the card, he pondered whether the company still existed and if their pact remained intact. "What is this card for?" Li Wanrou asked curiously. Ye Chengfeng replied with a forced smile, "It could either resolve all troubles or unlock the gates of hell." Though taken aback by his response, Li Wanrou reassured him, "Rest for now. I'll handle things when my parents return. I promise to protect you." Watching her leave, Ye Chengfeng's gaze turned resolute. "After five years, I, Ye Chengfeng, have returned!" "I will repay those who have shown me kindness and seek justice against those who have wronged me." "I will reclaim what I have lost!" "The Black Dragon Army is not a group of rebels!" "They are heroes who defend the Dragon Kingdom's lands and people!" "I will hunt down anyone who has conspired against the Black Dragon Army and settle the score!" His words echoed with determination and resolve. In the Li family hall, tension filled the air as everyone's expressions darkened. "That scoundrel has disrupted our family's peace. We cannot let him go unpunished!" Li Lao Taijun exclaimed bitterly. Li Wende clenched his teeth, his face filled with determination. "We must take action. We cannot afford to have Gao Yuan bear a grudge against us." Their fear overshadowed their anger, knowing the repercussions of crossing paths with Gao Yuan. Meanwhile, Zhang Lejuan pondered, "Who is Ye Chengfeng, and how does he possess such power?" "What is his background? He was a soldier, but we are unaware of his unit. He saved a member of the Li family and rescued Li Wanrou." "That explains why Li Wanrou cares for him so deeply, even tending to him for five years." Li Wende scoffed bitterly, harboring resentment as he couldn't shake off the thought that without Ye Chengfeng's intervention, their family might have met a different fate. Zhang Lejuan furrowed her brows slightly, "Do you remember five years ago when there was a Black Dragon Army? Despite being labeled as rebels, we witnessed firsthand that their combat power was unmatched." "It is rumored that their commander is invincible, unmatched in the world." "Five years ago, Ye Chengfeng saved the Li family. Could he be..." Before Zhang Lejuan could finish her sentence, the Li family burst into laughter, their faces filled with disdain. "If Ye Chengfeng truly has a connection with that commander, I, Li Laotaijun, will kneel and kowtow to him!" "Furthermore, the Black Dragon Army is now considered rebels, a taboo subject. Let's not discuss it further. Let's focus on ensuring the survival of the Li family!" The Li family couldn't afford to dwell on these matters. Ye Chengfeng publicly crippled Gao Yuan in front of numerous elites in Zhonghai City, causing him to lose face. How could Gao Yuan let Ye Chengfeng get away with it? They were aware of Gao Yuan's ruthlessness; he would undoubtedly seek revenge! The Li family would inevitably be caught in the crossfire. However, Ye Chengfeng was determined to remain with the Li family, leaving them no choice. He was so powerful that pushing him away would be suicidal. At that moment, Li Wende spoke up, "I have a plan. We can leak Ye Chengfeng's whereabouts to Gao Yuan through a third party, prompting him to take action himself!" Everyone's eyes lit up at the suggestion. Indeed! The Li family wouldn't need to lift a finger; they just had to inform Gao Yuan about Ye Chengfeng's location. Gao Yuan would then take care of Ye Chengfeng himself! "Yes, this way we can earn favor with Gao Yuan and secure Li Wanrou's marriage to him once again!" "Our Li family can align with the Gao family once more!" "I refuse to marry!" Li Wanrou's voice, filled with anger, suddenly echoed through the room. Everyone turned to see Li Wanrou standing at the door. She didn't know how long she had been standing there. With her hands wrapped in gauze and tears in her eyes, Li Wanrou exclaimed, "Look at what Gao Yuan has done to me. Do you truly want to see me tortured to death by him?" Li Wende roared in response, "Even if you are tortured to death, you must make enough contributions to the family before that happens!" Li Wanrou's eyes brimmed with sorrow. Being subjected to such torture at her own wedding, the Li family still expected her to marry Gao Yuan! "You are my parents, my closest family. Why do you treat me this way?" Tears streamed down Li Wanrou's face as she cried out in anguish, her heart breaking. "It's because you brought Ye Chengfeng back that the Li family has fallen to this state!" Li Wende shouted. Li Wanrou staggered, her eyes filled with regret. She couldn't argue with her father's words. The Li family was on the path to success, with all industries flourishing. However, upon bringing back Ye Chengfeng, their progress came to a halt. It was all her fault. "I, Ye Chengfeng, can restore the Li family to its former glory with just a word!" At that moment, Ye Chengfeng, leaning on a cane, entered the room. "Ye Chengfeng, how dare you show your face here!" The members of the Li family were instantly enraged at the sight of Ye Chengfeng. If not for fear of his strength, they would have attacked him already! Zhang Lejuan gritted her teeth, "Do you think you can elevate my Li family with just your fists? Times have changed!" "I possess items that could make your Li family wealthy with a mere gesture, but..." Ye Chengfeng glanced disdainfully at the Li family, "Why should I bestow it upon your family? In my eyes, you are as good as dead!" He wasn't lying. As the Black Dragon War God, his combat prowess was unmatched, and his medical skills were exceptional. The medical knowledge and techniques he possessed could transform a small family into a wealthy one in an instant! However, the Li family didn't deserve it. Upon hearing this, the Li family sneered, believing Ye Chengfeng was merely boasting. Li Wende coldly stated, "You will meet your end soon, Young Master Gao won't spare you." "Let's see who dies first!" Ye Chengfeng exclaimed. "Let's go, we don't need to pay attention to them," he added. With that, Ye Chengfeng took Li Wanrou and left. Once they were out of earshot, Li Wanrou clenched her teeth and said, "You go, leave the Li family, leave Zhonghai. I will stay here and take responsibility for everything!" Li Wanrou wanted to stay behind to shield Ye Chengfeng from Gao Yuan, who she believed was too formidable for him to handle. Ye Chengfeng smiled reassuringly, "Don't worry, I won't let anyone harm you. Leave Gao Yuan to me, I will make sure he doesn't lay a finger on you." Concerned, Li Wanrou looked at Ye Chengfeng and said, "But with your current health condition? Our family specializes in medicine, we can see that you are extremely frail and could pass away at any moment. How do you plan to confront Gao Yuan?" Ye Chengfeng replied confidently, "Don't be deceived by my current state. Give me some time to recuperate, even a slight improvement in my health will be enough to defeat Gao Yuan and his family." Li Wanrou was taken aback and said, "Stop joking around. Do you realize how influential the Gao family is? They are a formidable force, you should leave now!" Having lived in Zhonghai for many years, she was well aware of the power of the Gao family. Ye Chengfeng was no match for them. How could he claim to defeat them with just a slight recovery? Where did he get such confidence? "Just trust me," Ye Chengfeng insisted. Without waiting for Li Wanrou to respond, he turned and left the Li family. Frustrated, Li Wanrou stomped her foot behind him. At that moment, she realized that Ye Chengfeng was no longer incapacitated and had his own plans. She understood that he wanted to protect himself. But the threat of Gao Yuan was beyond her imagination, and facing him head-on seemed like a futile endeavor. She felt a sense of despair and hopelessness. As Ye Chengfeng departed, a cold determination flickered in his eyes. The Black Dragon War God never delayed vengeance. The three-day ultimatum was merely a formality. For humiliating Li Wanrou, Gao Yuan would pay with his life today. In the hall, Madam Li peered out the window and instructed, "Inform Master Gao that he can easily eliminate Ye Chengfeng." Confused, Li Wendong and the others asked, "Why?" Madam Li sneered, "I can see that although Ye Chengfeng caused chaos at the wedding, he returned unsteady and trembling. He is finished, the wedding drained all his energy." The Li family rejoiced, believing that Ye Chengfeng was no longer a threat. Li Wendong quickly called Gao Yuan, flattering him, "Master Gao, it's Li Wendong. We have good news for you! Ye Chengfeng is weakened, we are getting medicine now. If you make a move, you will surely capture him!" After the call, the Li family breathed a sigh of relief, confident that they had dealt with Ye Chengfeng effortlessly. Zhang Lejuan expressed concern, "What if Ye Chengfeng survives?" The Li family momentarily puzzled, then laughed heartily, dismissing the idea. "How could that be possible? Master Gao will surely succeed, Ye Chengfeng is as good as dead." "Exactly, he is useless. Can he really cause any trouble?" "If he does come back alive, I will kneel and kowtow to him!"