Chapter 199: A Duel—If You Don

In fact, something like what happened today is completely normal in Si Jiu Cheng; it plays out almost every day.

If it can't be settled on the spot, then pick a place, arrange a fight with the other party, and keep at it until the anger inside is subdued and smoothed out; only then can this matter be considered settled.

He hadn't expected today's incident to reach the point of a showdown, Lu Cheng, mainly because Da Kui's reckless move caused it, but he has no reason to blame Da Kui, after all Da Kui did it for him.

It's simply that Qin Shou doesn't understand Da Kui's temperament.

Since the duel is arranged, Lu Cheng can't be a coward; he must bite the bullet and fight.

But how to fight? He still has to rely on the brothers of the blue camp, because two fists can't match four hands; no matter how skilled he is, he can't defeat the dozens of people summoned by the Grand Courtyard.

That afternoon, they booked a restaurant, with Lu Cheng paying and the others exchanging ration tickets, ordering several large tables of dishes and a few barrels of draft beer.

They ate heartily and drank heartily, leaving everyone satisfied.

Whenever such a large‑scale group brawl occurs, it ceases to be a one‑person affair; everyone must work together, united against the outside.

If anyone chickens out and refuses to go, they can forget about staying in this circle in the future.

Fortunately, Lu Cheng is well‑liked; he often stood up for others in fights before, so when he called for this, everyone gave him face, holding their breath, determined to have a proper showdown with the Grand Courtyard's crew tomorrow night.

That night, after returning home, Lin Qingyan brought a basin of hot water and set it by the bed, then walked over to the desk to write translation documents.

Lu Cheng took off his shoes and socks and began soaking his feet; looking at the hot water basin, he said as if recalling something, "Qing Yan, throw away my washbasin tomorrow."

Lin Qingyan asked without turning around, "Why? Is the washbasin broken? Then you can use mine first."

Lu Cheng touched his cheek and said, "The basin isn't broken; it's just that you kissed it during the day, and I can't bear to wash my face with it."

Upon hearing that, Lin Qingyan's cheeks flushed instantly, and she hurriedly changed the subject, "How are things behind you? No fight, right?"

"No," Lu Cheng replied briefly, not mentioning the arranged duel; otherwise, if Lin Qingyan found out, her sister would know, and the parents would know too.

In that case, he wouldn't even be able to step out the door tomorrow.

"Hey, Qing Yan, do you know Qin Shou? I recall you once wrote a letter to a director surnamed Qin, so that must be his father."

At that moment, the tip of Lin Qingyan's pen on the paper paused.

Noticing her reaction, Lu Cheng, though more curious inside, said casually, "Oh, I'm just asking casually; if you don't want to answer, you can skip it."

Lin Qingyan continued writing, "There's nothing I can't answer; I do know him. If my father hadn't gotten into trouble, perhaps… I would already be married to him now."

Lu Cheng, while soaking his feet, nodded slightly, realizing there was such a layer to their relationship.

"So, by that logic, you knew him before you knew me, and because I snatched you away, that's why he's so aggressive toward me, right?"

"Probably not; he doesn't know about our marriage. Besides, you didn't 'snatch' me—marrying you was my own decision. I have no relationship with him; that was just something my parents suggested earlier, and I have no such feelings for him…"

As Lin Qingyan was speaking, Lu Cheng's head suddenly pressed against her shoulder.

"You're talking a bit too much today."

"Too much? Is it?" Lin Qingyan's eyes flickered evasively.

"Yes, why are you explaining so much to me? Are you afraid I'll misunderstand? Have you fallen for me?"

Lu Cheng asked three questions in a row, making Lin Qingyan's mind flustered.

"I haven't; you're so childish."

Lu Cheng withdrew his body: "You just don't get it; that guy has his good side, and given the circumstances, it really was unavoidable."

Lin Qingyan steadied herself: "You have so many twisted arguments; I can't win against you."

Lu Cheng laughed: "So what? You didn't let me lose face today; I thank you, okay!"

Lin Qingyan didn't follow up, just said, "You've always wanted to learn Russian, right? You have time today; sit here, and I'll teach you."

Lu Cheng has indeed wanted to learn, but picking up a foreign language isn't easy, especially with his old habit of getting drowsy as soon as he studies.

"Um, let me pour the foot‑soaking water first."

Lin Qingyan, knowing he was trying to avoid it, said, "I'll wait for you."

"No, it's getting late today; how about another day?"

"No, when spring comes, you'll be heading to university; you must straighten out your study attitude."

Lin Qingyan was determined to correct his aversion to studying; she hoped Lu Cheng would become increasingly excellent.

Seeing there was no way to avoid it, Lu Cheng stepped back and said, "Alright, alright, learning while lying on the bed will do."

Lin Qingyan thought he was cold, so she agreed without hesitation.

In Da Za Yuan, every household had already turned off their lights, except the West Wing Room, which glowed with a dim yellow light on the bitter winter night.

To facilitate Lu Cheng's study, Lin Qingyan didn't pull the curtains this time; the two lay in their own blankets, with paper and pens placed at the head of the bed.

"How about you dance for me first? I feel that would give me more motivation."

Lin Qingyan rolled her eyes: "I'll say it when you make progress."

Lu Cheng could only nod: "Alright, you teach."

"Then you have to be serious; I'll start by teaching you the basic pronunciation…"

As Lin Qingyan said a line and Lu Cheng replied, within two minutes a snore sounded.

Lin Qingyan instantly fumed; she couldn't understand how someone could fall asleep so quickly—just a second ago they were talking, and the next second their head tilted and they were asleep.

"Hey, hey…" Lin Qingyan shook him a few times, but not only failed to wake Lu Cheng, one leg unintentionally draped over her backside.

Lin Qingyan gave up, just lying there, staring at the outline before her.

Two years? After two years, will his father truly be rehabilitated?

If he is rehabilitated and returns to Capital City, will his mother accept Lu Cheng?

Lost in thought, the steel pen in her hand seemed to move unconsciously, sketching on the paper; when she refocused, she realized she had drawn half of Lu Cheng's outline.

The next afternoon, Lu Cheng first borrowed his father's bicycle, slung a canvas bag over his shoulder, and placed a bicycle chain inside.

This gadget is perfect for group fights; once swung in a circle, nobody dares to get close, and it can also prevent back‑stab attacks.

Having made all preparations, Lu Cheng set out to meet early; just as he lifted his bicycle out of the courtyard, a person came from the Hu Tong Entrance, asking passersby about something.

Lu Cheng recognized the person and blurted, "Li Minghao?"

Li Minghao also at this moment noticed Lu Cheng, first thanked the person who had just asked for directions, then came over with a stranger.

"Group Leader Lu, you made it easy for me to find you; I went to the Tea Stall, only then learned your residence."

The two shook hands, Li Minghao ran over specially, it must be about the Insulin medication, just don't know whether they have gotten it.