The Supreme Young Master

Chapter 18:

Long Zaitian was in a foul mood. He had spent considerable time at the Zhao household recently, trying to cheer Zhao Muxin up with gourmet snacks and funny stories to help her forget the trauma of her kidnapping. Yet, no matter what he did, she barely acknowledged him. Her heart seemed entirely focused on Qin Fei, driving Long Zaitian nearly insane.

He had tested Qin Fei himself and was a hundred percent certain that the man didn’t know any martial arts. How could someone like him possibly save Zhao Muxin from three A-class fugitives? And to make matters worse, Qin Fei was already married—known to others as a “simpleton”—yet he had somehow captured Zhao Muxin’s heart.

This filled Long Zaitian with rage and frustration. And now, Qin Fei was at the Zhao residence for dinner, intensifying the sense of threat he felt. His hostility was evident in his tone as he spoke.

But Zhao Muxin slammed her chopsticks on the table and said coldly, “Long Zaitian, respect my friend. If you call him a fraud again, we’re done!”

“Muxin, trust me. He really is a fraud. He doesn’t know martial arts at all—how could he protect your father?” Long Zaitian insisted, his voice firm as he looked at Zhao Muxin.

Seeing that both Long Zaitian and Zhao Zhongyi seemed unwelcome toward him, Qin Fei stood up and said calmly, “You’re right. I don’t know martial arts. I’ll leave now so I don’t disturb you.”

“No! You’re not allowed to leave!” Zhao Muxin stood up, grabbed his arm, and pleaded with a soft tone. “They don’t believe you, but I do. I trust what I saw with my own eyes—it wasn’t an illusion. My father’s opponent this time is very powerful, and anyone they send will surely be skilled. I don’t want anything to happen to my dad. Only you have the ability to protect him. Qin Fei, I’m begging you.”

Her gentle demeanor toward Qin Fei nearly made Long Zaitian faint with anger. Gritting his teeth, he said, “Fine! Muxin, you claim he can pierce a wolf with a twig—then let him show us. Prove it so we can be convinced.”

Zhao Zhongyi had been silent this whole time. While he suspected his daughter might have imagined the incident, her composed demeanor and logical reasoning made him hesitate. Could it be that Qin Fei truly possessed incredible abilities but had been hiding his talent all along?

After some thought, Zhao Zhongyi nodded and said, “That’s right. Mr. Qin, would you mind demonstrating?”

Qin Fei felt a wave of helplessness. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to showcase his skills, but doing so would bring unnecessary attention and potentially disrupt his larger plan for revenge. However, as he met Zhao Muxin’s pleading gaze, he softened and thought of a compromise.

“I do know a bit of martial arts,” Qin Fei admitted. “But I’m not very skilled. I can only perform under extreme stress. If Mr. Zhao trusts me, I’ll stay and help. If you have other arrangements, I’ll gladly step aside.”

His response relieved both Zhao Zhongyi and Long Zaitian. It explained why Long Zaitian’s earlier test of Qin Fei showed no exceptional abilities. So, Qin Fei’s martial arts were unreliable, working only under certain circumstances—a half-baked skill at best.

Since Zhao Muxin seemed so adamant, Zhao Zhongyi didn’t want to disappoint his daughter. He nodded and said, “That’s great. In times of crisis, your assistance might make a big difference.”

Long Zaitian, sensing that outright opposition would only alienate Zhao Muxin further, took a different tack. “If that’s the case, the more help, the better. Mr. Qin, I take back my earlier words—don’t hold it against me.”

“Of course not,” Qin Fei said with a faint smile. “My skills aren’t that great. That day, saving Muxin was pure luck.”

Hearing him finally admit to knowing martial arts, Zhao Muxin grew excited. “You said you can only use your skills in tense situations. Was it because you were worried about me being eaten by a wolf? Is that why you acted?”

Qin Fei was at a loss for words, while both Zhao Zhongyi and Long Zaitian felt a bitter sting in their hearts. How had this married man managed to charm Zhao Muxin so thoroughly?

Zhao Zhongyi, a seasoned businessman, broke the awkward silence with a hearty laugh. “Well, it’s fate, I suppose. Now that Long Zaitian is here, why don’t we open a bottle of wine and have a drink?”

“Sure, just a little,” Long Zaitian agreed, masking his irritation. He resolved to prove his worth if any threats arose, ensuring Qin Fei wouldn’t have a chance to shine.

As they ate and drank, the conversation remained superficial. Each person had their own agenda. Once dinner was over, Zhao Zhongyi had a housekeeper prepare a guest room for Qin Fei. Grateful for the hospitality, Qin Fei didn’t hesitate to accept. Why sleep under a bridge when he had a bed?

After locking the door, he collapsed on the bed and quickly fell asleep. It was late in the afternoon when he woke up. Heading downstairs, he found Zhao Muxin lounging on the sofa, her legs crossed as she munched on potato chips and watched TV.

Seeing him, she waved him over. “Come sit with me and chat!”

“You’re watching TV, aren’t you?” Qin Fei said, amused.

“It’s too complicated. I can’t understand it,” Zhao Muxin replied, turning off Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf with the remote.

Qin Fei chuckled and sat across from her. “Why aren’t you in school?”

“My dad got me a month off. Anyway, when are you divorcing Yang Ruoxi?” Zhao Muxin asked, blinking her wide eyes.

“Divorce?” Qin Fei was momentarily stunned, then shook his head. “I don’t know.”

He knew his marriage with Yang Ruoxi was likely over. She hadn’t contacted him in the past two weeks, not even a single message. This indifference stung more than he cared to admit.

“That’s fine. I’m graduating next year. Once I do, I’ll marry you. They don’t see how amazing you are, but I do. You’re like an unpolished gem—once refined, you’ll shine brilliantly. I’ve made up my mind: I’m sticking with you!” Zhao Muxin declared confidently.

Her words left Qin Fei feeling conflicted. Like any man, he longed for a partner who truly understood him. While Zhao Muxin’s beauty rivaled Yang Ruoxi’s, what set her apart was her unwavering faith in him. This warmed his heart.

But his current status and circumstances didn’t match hers. If they became a couple, it would undoubtedly invite criticism. After some thought, he sighed. “Let’s start as friends.”

“Alright, but remember, I never give up on things I believe in,” Zhao Muxin replied with a radiant smile.

Qin Fei nodded. “Call me Qin Fei from now on.”

At that moment, Zhao Zhongyi and Long Zaitian emerged from the study. Their expressions were grave as Zhao Zhongyi said, “I’ve just received news—the assassin this time is ranked on the Tiger List!”