Chapter 15 The Challenge

Zhu Yu's demeanor was unyielding, a cold smirk in his eyes as he issued a threat, "Release me immediately, and I may consider giving you the antidote. Otherwise, when the poison takes effect, your demise is inevitable!" "Do you dare to intimidate me?" Ma Tianan sneered, pointing his finger and gritting his teeth, "Go ahead and hit me! Let's see if your words are as tough as my fists." The bodyguards lunged forward like wolves, their fists like sandbags, striking relentlessly. Zhu Yu struggled to withstand the blows, her cries growing fainter, her breathing becoming labored. If this continued, someone would likely meet their end. Ma Tianan gestured for the bodyguards to step back. He knelt in front of Zhu Yu, a cold smile playing on his lips, "This is your final chance. Surrender the antidote, and I will spare your life." Despite the severe beating, Zhu Yu's eyes remained fierce, her voice dripping with disdain, "If you have the courage, go ahead and kill me. I have nothing to lose by perishing alongside you." "You despicable wretch!" Ma Tianan's fist connected with her face, his expression dark with fury. The tiger whispered to Ma Tianan, "Boss, why not continue the beating? I refuse to believe this woman's defiance will hold up." "Keep striking her!" Ma Tianan shot him a resentful look. Zhu Yu was on the brink of death, and further violence could prove fatal. If Zhu Yu died, there would be no cure for the poison, a predicament Ma Tianan wished to avoid. Glancing at his arm, Ma Tianan noted the blackening skin spreading towards his chest, a sign of the poison's lethal progression. His face hardened. He leaned in close to Zhu Yu, his gaze icy, "Hand over the antidote, and I may spare your life." "Hmph, so you're afraid as well?" Zhu Yu spat blood, a triumphant smirk on her face. "Your fate now rests in my hands. When seeking assistance, one must show proper respect. Kneel and kowtow, and then I may consider giving you the antidote." Enraged, Ma Tianan's eyes blazed red. He cursed in frustration, "You will not escape unpunished. I have ways to deal with you." Zhu Yu, feeling invincible, smirked arrogantly, "No one but me can cure this poison. Without my help, you are doomed." "I beg to differ!" Ma Tianan's smirk was cold as he ordered the tiger, "Fetch Doctor Ye immediately!" Doctor Ye? Zhu Yu's expression shifted with surprise and uncertainty. Ma Tianan observed, a mocking smile playing on his lips, "Your Gu poison is child's play to Master Ye. Your caution stemmed from ignorance. Now that your secret is out, your end is near." "Impossible!" Zhu Yu shook his head adamantly, "No one can unravel my Gu poison. Your claims are baseless. I await your plea for help." Ignoring Zhu Yu, Ma Tianan instructed, "Take her away, interrogate her thoroughly, and uncover her accomplice." As the bodyguards escorted Zhu Yu out, Ma Tianan slumped on the sofa, drained of strength, his complexion ashen. The Gu poison was taking its toll, his body weakening, yet his spirit unbroken. Gazing at the ceiling, Ma Tianan's eyes grew distant as he muttered, "Master Ye, I implore you to save me, or all will be lost." Meanwhile, Ye Fei and Sun Xinfang were leisurely walking along a small path. "The rice wine at this place is really exceptional," remarked Ye Fei. Sun Xinfang hiccuped, her face flushed, walking unsteadily. Ye Fei had a puzzled expression on his face. Just moments ago, they had passed by a shop selling rice wine, and Sun Xinfang had insisted on trying it. After drinking a bowl, she ended up in this state. "Oh!" Sun Xinfang slipped and fell forward. Ye Fei quickly reached out his arms and caught her. The soft fragrance enveloped them, the scent was intoxicating. Sun Xinfang's face blushed even more, her eyes filled with shyness. Just as she was about to speak, she suddenly trembled, her expression turning resentful. Ye Fei felt the softness in his hand and instinctively squeezed it. Sun Xinfang's delicate body trembled even more violently, whimpering, no longer displaying her usual "ice queen" demeanor. She was proud and uninterested in vulgar men, always wrapping herself in a thick layer of ice, but deep down, she was incredibly passionate. Ye Fei had never been in a romantic relationship, but he understood the situation immediately. Feeling anxious, he hurriedly explained, "Director Sun, I..." "You still haven't let go!" Sun Xinfang said angrily yet playfully. Ye Fei quickly released his arm. Sun Xinfang was caught off guard by his sudden release, still affected by the alcohol. Her legs felt weak, and she stumbled, falling down. Ye Fei was taken aback, and without much thought, he bent down to catch her. This time, he exerted too much force, holding Sun Xinfang in his arms, and their lips accidentally touched. Soft and smooth. Ye Fei's mind was consumed by this sensation, instinctively craving more. Sun Xinfang was extremely shy, wanting to pull away, but the strange feeling made it difficult for her to let go. Unconsciously, she found herself opening her mouth. She was like a ripe peach, with a gentle squeeze, the juice flowed out, satisfying and refreshing. Ye Fei's hands became more and more restless, exploring up and down. Fortunately, they were in a secluded place, with hardly any passersby, or they would have been embarrassed. Suddenly, a ringing cell phone interrupted the moment. Sun Xinfang, feeling extremely embarrassed, pushed Ye Fei away and covered her face, moving to the side. Ye Fei reluctantly answered the phone, cursing under his breath, "Who is calling me at this time?" "Doctor Ye, please help me!" Ma Tianan's voice came through the phone. Ye Fei hung up the phone, and Sun Xinfang had regained her composure, reverting to her usual "Iceberg Goddess" persona. She took the initiative to speak, "If you have urgent matters, I can take a taxi back alone. It's not far from home anyway." "There is indeed a friend in trouble, I need to go over," Ye Fei said apologetically. "It's okay, you go ahead," Sun Xinfang replied nonchalantly. Ye Fei looked around and realized they were on an old road, deserted during the day and even more desolate at night, with hardly anyone passing by. Sun Xinfang was still a bit intoxicated, and Ye Fei couldn't bear the thought of her taking a taxi alone in that state, possibly risking an accident. Feeling anxious, he was about to suggest something when a low engine sound caught their attention. Turning his head, Ye Fei saw a silver-gray Rolls-Royce approaching them like a beast in the dark night. Although Sun Xinfang wasn't knowledgeable about cars, she could tell from its appearance alone that this car was undoubtedly expensive. To her surprise, the car abruptly stopped in front of them, and a man, sweating profusely, got out and respectfully said, "Doctor Ye, please get in the car." "Okay," Ye Fei agreed, then gestured towards Sun Xinfang, saying, "You take her home, I'll ride my bike over." The man looked puzzled, a hint of difficulty in his expression. "Boss Ma is in urgent need..." "Hmm?" Ye Fei glanced at him, and the man immediately felt a chill, realizing he had no choice but to agree. Sun Xinfang, still feeling dizzy, got into the luxurious Rolls-Royce and asked in a daze, "What... what's your relationship with Ye Fei?" Tiger, who was behind the wheel, had a pleasant expression on his face. "Doctor Ye saved my boss's life. Are you his girlfriend? My name is Tiger, feel free to call me anytime if you need help." Being Ma Tianan's trusted aide, he fully grasped Ye Fei's significance and naturally made sure to praise him. Sun Xinfang blushed and murmured, "We are just coworkers, not in a romantic relationship." "Haha, my apologies for prying." Tiger smiled knowingly and politely inquired, "Where do you live? I'll drive you back right away." Sun Xinfang provided her address, watching the passing scenery through the car window, still feeling amazed. Who is Ye Fei exactly, a mere hospital assistant, to have such a influential friend?