Chapter Twenty-Eight: So That Is How It Is

Everyone was stunned as they watched Zhao San kneel before Ma Yue.

Wasn't this guy just loudly insisting that they wouldn’t leave the Grand Hotel? How did he suddenly end up on his knees?

“Get their forgiveness, do as they say, and don’t drag this out. Otherwise, don’t blame me for turning my back on you. Tomorrow, you’re finished!”

The person on the other end of the phone said this sharply before hanging up. No matter how many times Zhao San tried to call back, the line remained silent.

“Miss Ma, Mr. Du... I was blind and failed to recognize your greatness. I sincerely apologize and beg for your forgiveness!”

Zhao San kowtowed twice with resounding thuds on the ground.

“Fine. Take your lackeys and leave. Also, the village chief and Wang Er are no good—I don’t want to see either of them again, understand? Alright, you may scram! Remember, I signed a legitimate contract, so the business at the City Grand Hotel is mine now. Got it?”

Du Yu pointed at the village chief and Wang Er, then without hesitation, gave a clear eviction order.

“Yes, yes, Mr. Du, rest assured, we will comply! Miss Ma, is there anything else you require?”

Zhao San knelt, his face full of terror.

Having witnessed Master Lu’s methods before, just the thought gave him goosebumps.

“Du Yu’s words are mine as well.”

“Yes, yes... then we’ll leave immediately... leave immediately... Zhao Qiang, you wait until I get back—I won’t spare you! Let’s go!”

The group helped each other out, slinking away in disgrace.

Du Yu chuckled to himself; their departure rivaled even the way his sister-in-law handled things!

The scene quickly returned to calm.

The crowd dispersed gradually, though many continued to talk excitedly about what had happened.

“That young man’s skills are impressive—not only could he take on so many by himself, but his sharp tongue was no less formidable!”

“Yeah, I wonder if he’s the owner of this hotel…”

“Hey, I think he owns that seafood restaurant that just opened a few days ago…”

“We should check out that place sometime…”

“Du Yu, thank you so much. If you hadn’t stepped up, who knows what those people would have done!”

Han Xinyi said with lingering fear, leaning on Du Yu, her eyes sparkling with admiration.

“Yeah, Brother Yu, the way you took down those thugs was so cool! Thanks, Brother Yu!”

Ma Yue praised Du Yu as well, a flicker of something deeper crossing her eyes.

“Xiao Yue, don’t tease me. Tell me, was that phone call your doing?”

Du Yu smiled wryly.

“Don’t mention it. That had nothing to do with me. I just called my dad and asked him to send someone to handle it. Didn’t expect him to be so slow!”

Ma Yue’s expression darkened instantly, a trace of annoyance appearing in her eyes.

“Your father seems like quite a powerful figure?”

Du Yu asked curiously.

“Yes, he’s the chairman of the Ma Group and knows some influential people. That Santana I drive was a gift from him. But he’s him, and I’m me. Whatever his power is, it has nothing to do with me!”

Ma Yue said calmly.

Han Xinyi beside her opened her mouth slightly in surprise.

The Ma Group! Du Yu might not have been fully aware, but Han Xinyi certainly was—it was the city’s dominant powerhouse!

Du Yu began to piece things together.

“You’re Ma Hao’s daughter?”

Old Li suddenly interjected.

“Yes, Old Li. Ma Jianye is my grandfather.”

Old Li’s face brightened with understanding—so she was Ma Lao’s granddaughter!

No wonder.

This matter was now settled, and Ma Yue’s identity was finally clear. No wonder she had such unique insights and could afford a Santana.

She was the heiress of the Ma Group.

“Brother Yu, my dad is my dad, and I am who I am, alright?”

Du Yu understood the girl’s meaning and nodded.

“Du Yu, take these fish tanks and equipment with you. They’re of little use to me here. Also, thank you so much for today!”

Han Xinyi said this to Du Yu, her eyes carrying a subtle new emotion.

Today, Du Yu was steady and commanding. When he protected her, Han Xinyi couldn’t help but blush; she felt as if a strong shark was guarding her…

Wait… why a shark??

Han Xinyi didn’t dwell on it, only knowing that being protected felt wonderful.

Ma Yue felt the same.

Growing up, aside from the faint security her abandoned mother gave her, the only reliable sense of safety she found was in this boy.

Long ago, Old Shi told her that he was someone dependable.

Indeed, he was dependable in every way.

Of course, Du Yu had no idea about the myriad thoughts of the two girls. He just smiled and accepted the equipment Han Xinyi offered, then delivered the seafood to the hotel’s storage. After bidding farewell to Old Li, he left the hotel with Ma Yue.

At that moment, Han Xinyi couldn’t help but envy Ma Yue a little—partnering with Du Yu to start a business. But she quickly shook her head. What was she thinking?

…

In the van, Du Yu looked at the silent Ma Yue and was the first to break the silence.

“It seems you don’t like relying on your father’s influence?”

“Yes. I want to build my own career and prove to him that I can make it on my own, without him.”

Ma Yue no longer wore the childish demeanor she had at the hotel; instead, she spoke firmly.

“Then why…”

“Because my father abandoned my mother.”

Du Yu fell silent upon hearing this, and Ma Yue quieted as well.

The atmosphere in the vehicle grew heavy.

Neither spoke again until they got out.

Before stepping down, Ma Yue grabbed Du Yu’s hand and said,

“Brother Yu, I believe in you.”

“I believe in you too.”

They parted ways.

Back at the shop, Wang Xiaowei was awakened by the door opening.

“Hey… welcome…”

“Save the welcome.”

Du Yu laughed and patted Wang Xiaowei on the head.

“Nodding off again?”

Wang Xiaowei scratched his head sheepishly.

Du Yu suddenly felt that having a brother like this was pretty good.

After enjoying a good meal in the city with Wang Xiaowei, the two drove back to the village.

Ignoring the village chief’s apology, Du Yu went straight home.

That kind of village chief was typical—bullying the weak and trembling before the strong.

Such a non-Newtonian character deserved nothing but disdain.

Back home, Du Yu seemingly conjured 1,500 yuan and placed it into Li Chunhong’s hand.

“Mom, look at this!”

Li Chunhong’s eyes reddened.

“Trust me, Mom. It won’t be long before we clear all our debts! And someday, Hou will definitely buy a house in the city so you can experience riding in a car!”

The small home was filled with warmth.

After dinner, following his mother’s reminders, Du Yu returned to his room. The level-two system had helped him greatly today, but he hadn’t yet had the chance to study it thoroughly.

He opened the system.

[Host: Du Yu]

[Luck Points: 550]

{Luck Points Mall}

[New]

“Skill Point (1): Can be used to upgrade any skill by one level.

Price: 500 Luck Points.

Note: Strengthen yourself using your seafood!”

Du Yu froze in his room.

So that meant catching fish = gaining skill points = literally cheating???

Taking off!!!