Chapter 202: Contrary to Expectations

"What does he mean by this? Look, he didn't listen to a word I said! Little sister, you really did give birth to a good son!"

Huang Shengqi was very dissatisfied with Ma Zijun's attitude.

Huang Zhu said, "Big brother, don't be angry. I don't know what's wrong with this child; ever since he met Chen Che, he's been possessed. Ma Yiren and the old master of the Ma Family are the same, both thinking very highly of that bastard."

"That animal Ma Yiren has failed you, and now Ma Zijun is an ungrateful wretch too. Ma Zicheng listens to everything Ma Zijun says—the Ma Family is truly something!"

The more Huang Shengqi spoke, the angrier he became. "If I had known, I never should have let you marry Ma Yiren. Dad is truly senile!"

"Dad has always doted on Huang Feng the most; he must be furious this time too."

Huang Zhu said.

"The Ma Family cannot be relied upon, so we will avenge today's grudge ourselves. That Chen Che dared to slap you and turned Huang Feng into this state; I must make him wish he were dead!"

Huang Shengqi said viciously.

Huang Zhu nodded and said, "The grudge must be avenged. But don't be reckless. Although that Chen Che is young, he is a Martial Artist, and he has the Qibao Association behind him. Moreover, after winning the Gambling Battle a while ago, the Qibao Association's momentum is very strong, and many small Jianghu forces have gone to join them."

"No matter how powerful a Martial Artist is, they are still a slave to power. No matter how strong a Jianghu force is, it is still just Jianghu. It is not a chaotic era now; for people in Jianghu to try and arm-wrestle with those in the government is simply courting death!"

Huang Feng said, "I work in the Market Management Department; finding a reason to seal the Qibao Association's properties is easy. Besides, the Huang Family is not without Grandmaster Martial Artists. Given his age, no matter how strong he is, he cannot be a match for a Postnatal Grandmaster."

"It seems you already have a plan, big brother."

Huang Zhu smiled.

Huang Shengqi revealed a sinister smile: "Just wait, I will make Chen Che and the Qibao Association disappear from this world!"

………

After leaving the hospital, Ma Zijun returned home and informed Ma Yiren and Ma Youxiang of the matter, though he naturally concealed the fact that Ma Yishan had left without permission.

Upon learning the sequence of events, Ma Yiren and Ma Youxiang were greatly shocked. Neither of them had expected Huang Zhu to be so persistent, nor had they expected Chen Che to strike so ruthlessly!

Inside Ma Youxiang's study.

After hearing Ma Zijun's words, Ma Yiren looked at Ma Youxiang with a face full of shame and admitted his fault: "Dad, it is my fault."

"When dealing with Yishan before, I knew Huang Zhu was involved. I didn't pursue it, thinking it could be handled, but now it seems the conflict between the three of you is irreconcilable."

Ma Youxiang sighed, clearly also finding it quite a headache.

"Alright, there is no need to say any more about admitting faults. You are the source of the error, but since it has already happened, the urgent matter is to solve the problem."

Ma Zijun said with a worried face, "Grandfather, Huang Feng is crippled. My uncle will certainly not let this go, and my maternal grandfather has always doted on Huang Feng; he is likely furious this time as well."

"In this way, this matter has evolved into a conflict between Chen Che and the entire Huang Family."

"I understand what you mean. The only person who can persuade your uncle is your maternal grandfather. And the only person in the Ma Family who can speak to your maternal grandfather right now is me."

"I can make this call, but your maternal grandfather is certainly in a fit of rage and may not listen to reason."

Ma Youxiang tapped his fingers lightly on the desk; he was thinking.

"The Huang Family is a powerful and wealthy family; they keep quite a few high-level Martial Artists. Furthermore, Huang Shengqi works in the Market Management Department and has been in the limelight in recent years."

"Old Master Huang is even one of the top figures in the Jinling government. The Huang Family has also been very close to the Gu Family in recent years. Anyone with eyes can see that in a few years, Old Master Huang might take another step forward and head north to the capital!"

Ma Yiren frowned and said, "Chen Che is a man of the Jianghu after all; offending the rising Huang Family is equivalent to seeking death!"

"Dad, what do you mean?"

Ma Zijun caught the subtext in Ma Yiren's words and asked.

"I mean, we go with Chen Che to the Huang Family to offer a humble apology."

Ma Yiren said, "This matter started because of me, so we cannot ignore it. If Chen Che faces the Huang Family alone, he will surely die. But if we come forward together, considering the years your mother and I have been married, your maternal grandfather will at least show some consideration for our relationship."

Ma Zijun pondered for a moment and said, "This might be the best way, but with Chen Che's personality, he may not be willing to bow his head, let alone apologize."

"Besides, even if we take a step back and assume Chen Che would apologize, what if my uncle demands a life for a life and insists on crippling Chen Che's legs?"

Ma Yiren fell silent, because he knew very well that Huang Feng's injuries were severe; he would likely be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life.

If he were in Huang Shengqi's shoes, he would absolutely not let Chen Che off either!

The study fell into a brief silence.

Ma Youxiang stopped tapping the desk and said, "Our Huang Family is at fault first. Regardless of what Chen Che does, we should go and apologize."

"The method Yiren mentioned is the best way to protect Chen Che, so we will do it this way."

"I will call Huang Shili and ask him to persuade Huang Shengqi not to make a move yet, to buy some time. Then, Xiaojun, you go and work on Chen Che; try your best to persuade him to apologize. Also, assure him that we will do our utmost to protect his safety."

"Yes."

Ma Zijun responded and turned to leave.

Ma Youxiang rose from his seat, paced for a few minutes, and then dialed the phone number of his in-law, Huang Shili.

"Hello, in-law."

Ma Youxiang said in an affectionate tone.

Huang Shili let out a cold laugh and retorted, "Oh, Old Ma, this call is later than I expected. You really are a busy man."

"In-law, you are joking. I know you are very angry right now; I am calling you just to apologize to you."

Ma Youxiang said.

"Don't bother, I can't accept it. My daughter has been in your family for so many years, fulfilling her duties as a daughter-in-law, but look at your family—from the oldest to the youngest, you all bully her!"

"She had no choice but to seek support from her maiden family, and as a result, my grandson was beaten like this. Do you think an apology can solve the problem?!"

The more Huang Shili spoke, the angrier he became, and by the end, he was shouting.

"In-law, please don't be angry. All the faults are our family's fault. I will definitely come to your door to apologize and give you an explanation. But before I arrive, please persuade Huang Shengqi not to be impulsive."

Ma Youxiang said.

Huang Shili had been in the government for many years; he naturally understood what Ma Youxiang meant: "You want to protect that animal who injured my grandson? What is his name, Chen something? I heard about his situation from Shengqi. I admit, to have such ability at a young age, he is indeed worth your investment."

"But Old Ma, you must distinguish between close and distant relations. We are in-laws; are you going to sever our relationship just to protect an outsider?"

"In-law, how can you say that? How could I possibly sever it?"

Ma Youxiang said with a smile, "I mean, I will bring Chen Che with me to apologize in person. When the time comes, however you want to punish him to vent your anger will be entirely up to you."

"I am worried that Shengqi is young and vigorous, and now that he is at the height of his career, if he does something that damages his official path, that would be bad."

Huang Shili did not calm down, but his tone finally softened a little: "Since you, Old Ma, have thought it through so thoroughly, then I will wait for you to send the person over."

The phone hung up, Ma Youxiang let out a breath, but his brows did not unfurl.

"Dad, if they insist on crippling Chen Che, what should we do?"

Ma Yiren had listened to the entire conversation and asked.

"Sigh—"

Ma Youxiang sighed, "With me here, no matter what, I will not let them cripple Chen Che, but Chen Che will inevitably suffer some grievances."

"The idea was mine, but to be honest, I have no confidence. Chen Che has always been unruly and vengeful; he will not endure humiliation."

Ma Yiren worried in his heart.

"Then it depends on Zijun. If it really doesn't work, then we will have to give up on Chen Che."

Ma Youxiang's eyes were filled with regret, yet he felt a faint unease in his heart, "But I always feel that this matter will end in an unexpected way."

"Huh?"

Ma Yiren was stunned for a moment and asked: "Do you mean that it is possible for Chen Che to make the Huang Family bow their heads? But this is simply impossible!

The Huang Family is not the Martial Arts Alliance; no matter how strong he is, he cannot just kill his way through. Besides, the Huang Family holds 'power,' and Chen Che is a person of the pugilistic world with no background in the government; they are simply not in the same league!"

"I don't know anymore."

Ma Youxiang sighed again and said: "Let us do what we ought to do; let's not think about the rest for now."

……

Ma Yiren left the study, but saw Huang Zhu, who had just returned, in the living room.

Huang Zhu also saw Ma Yiren, but she ignored him entirely and walked straight toward her room.

Ma Yiren looked surprised; he had assumed Huang Zhu would not return. After coming to his senses, he immediately chased after her and, ignoring Huang Zhu's obstruction, barged into the room.

"What do you want to do?!"

Huang Zhu stood with her hands on her hips, staring at him with a hostile expression.

Ma Yiren said: "I have told you, if you want revenge, you can come to me. Do not involve others."

"Ridiculous! What does how I take revenge have to do with you?!"

Huang Zhu sneered.

"Fine, fine, it has nothing to do with me, but it surely has to do with the Huang Family, right? Huang Feng was harmed like this because of you!"

Ma Yiren's voice grew louder.

"Xiaofeng was harmed by me?! Ma Yiren, you are truly hypocritical, and even more shameless!"

Huang Zhu's shoulders heaved, and she was furious, "Although I am surnamed Huang, I am your wife after all, and I even bore two sons for your Ma Family.

It is one thing that you favor your illegitimate daughter, but now even an outsider like Chen Che is ranked ahead of me in importance to your Ma Family. I was truly blind to marry you and marry into your Ma Family!"

"Since you regret it, then leave! No one is stopping you!"

Ma Yiren also lost his temper and roared.

Huang Zhu sneered: "I won't leave; I am going to stay in the Ma Family to disgust you!"

Ma Yiren took a few deep breaths, trying hard to calm his emotions. He had intended to speak to her calmly and persuade her not to continue, but somehow, he could not control his temper; before he could finish two sentences, his blood surged, and they started arguing.

"Fine, I won't argue with you. This matter is my fault in the end. In a few days, I will go to the Huang Family to offer a humble apology, and Chen Che will go too. These few days, I ask that you first persuade your brother not to make a move against Chen Che."

Ma Yiren said.

"Ha!"

Huang Zhu scoffed with disdain: "Do you think the matter between us can be settled by you offering a humble apology? If you really want to apologize and make up, there is only one way, and that is to kill your illegitimate child!

Besides, you should know what state Huang Feng was injured in; do you think my big brother will let it go? Will my father just let it be? And you want to go apologize with Chen Che? Isn't that just thinking about protecting Chen Che!

I am truly curious, what is wrong with you people in the Ma Family? Chen Che has some skills, but he is just a person of the pugilistic world after all; how can you go to such great lengths to protect him?"

Ma Yiren said: "You are short-sighted; naturally, you cannot see the potential in Chen Che!"

"Fine, you have long-term vision! Then wait until Chen Che is dead, and then come tell me that!"

Huang Zhu could not be bothered to waste more words with Ma Yiren, and after she finished speaking, she kicked him out.

Ma Yiren stood at the doorway for a long time, finally sighed, and returned to his own room.

However, five minutes after Ma Yiren left, Huang Zhu's door opened again.

Huang Zhu poked her head out to look around, and after discovering no one was there, she felt her way in the dark toward the Ma Family Ancestral Hall.

Inside the Ancestral Hall.

Ma Yishan, whether he was having a fit or had suddenly found his conscience today, was kneeling before the spirit tablets with a profound gaze and a face full of piety.

Ever since he returned from outside, he had been kneeling there, not knowing what he was thinking about, and he had not even eaten the meal that Ma Ziai had someone bring over.

"What is wrong today? I have never seen you kneel before."

A charming voice came, and Ma Yishan's body shook; he did not need to guess to know who it was.

Huang Zhu closed the door and came to Ma Yishan's side, and without a word, she went to grab his clothes.

"Sister-in-law..."

Before Ma Yishan could say anything, his mouth was sealed.

Ma Yishan looked at the woman's face close at hand; he was all too familiar with that vengeful, craving expression.

She had argued with Ma Yiren again!

The first time for the two of them was because Huang Zhu had found out about Ma Yiren's infidelity and had a huge argument. Huang Zhu, unable to swallow her anger and thinking she could not be the one to lose out, wanted to give Ma Yiren a green hat, and later, she had mistakenly sought out Ma Yishan while drunk.

Ma Yishan's wife did not have a prominent family background, and she passed away from illness a few years after giving birth to Ma Ziai.

In the days that followed, Ma Yishan did not look for anyone else, so the two people with a special relationship met.

A man who had been single for decades and a woman driven by a vengeful psychology—like dry wood and a raging fire, it got out of control.

Everyone knew it was wrong, yet they couldn't resist that intoxicating pleasure that seeped into their very marrow.

There was almost no verbal communication between the two, yet their way of physical interaction was practiced and familiar.

However, as the two were lost in the moment, neither noticed a pretty figure standing at the doorway, watching this scandalous scene through the crack in the door with a face full of shock!

At the same time, Ma Zijun found Chen Che at the hospital.

Seeing Ma Zijun return, Lin Su withdrew.

Ma Zijun looked at Chen Che, who was eating with Ma Menghan, and hesitated to speak.

He had originally prepared a bellyful of words, but when it actually came time to speak, he couldn't get them out.

This matter itself was not Chen Che's fault; as an outsider, he had been dragged into the Ma Family's domestic disputes by a twist of fate and targeted one after another, causing the conflict to grow ever larger.

The fault did not lie with Chen Che, so how could Ma Zijun bring himself to ask him to apologize!

Ma Zijun stood where he was, and in the end, he didn't say a single word.

"Big brother, why are you standing there? Have you eaten? If not, come and have some!"

Ma Menghan smiled and waved at Ma Zijun.

She had recovered quite well; the cast had been removed, and she would be able to be discharged in a few more days.

Chen Che also looked over at this moment; his gaze was deep, as if he had seen through Ma Zijun's intentions, but he said nothing.

Today's events had caused a rift in the friendship between the two.

Ma Zijun looked at Chen Che's indifferent gaze, his heart tightened, and he forced a smile, saying, "I've already eaten."

"When you are discharged from the hospital, I will host a table for you to celebrate properly; besides, I will have something to say to you then."

Ma Zijun walked over and said with a smile, though his gaze intentionally or unintentionally glanced at Chen Che.

Some things could only be said on specific occasions; Ma Zijun ultimately decided to act according to his own ideas, striving to resolve the problem in the most proper way.

However, many times, the development of events always goes against one's wishes! "Only one chapter today, four thousand words.

I will be quite busy in August, but I will try my best not to miss any updates. Thank you all for your support!"