Chapter 121: The First Family

The Yang family is the most powerful and influential clan in Maple Leaf City, indisputably the premier family of the region. Even the Zhao family, to which Zhao Ziyun belongs, cannot compare to the Yangs. It is rumored that the Maple Leaf City Yang family shares a distant, intricate connection with the legendary Yang family of ancient times—a family renowned for its lineage of generals—though this remains merely hearsay.

The current head of the Yang family is Yang Yunhua, who has two sons: the eldest, Yang Weilong, and the second, Yang Ziyun. It is said that the eldest son, Yang Weilong, left home at the age of three to apprentice under a master and has yet to return; at the very least, no one in Maple Leaf City has ever seen him. The second son, Yang Ziyun, however, appears in the city frequently. The man currently drinking with Pan Yixuan is, in all likelihood, this Yang Ziyun.

"Are you sure you will do whatever I say?" Yang Ziyun asked with a chuckle, casually draining his glass.

Pan Yixuan hesitated. He had only spoken those words in passing, but Yang Ziyun’s direct questioning made it clear he was being serious. Yet, Pan dared not retract his statement. He nodded and replied, "Yes, Young Master Yang. As long as you help me get rid of that bastard Jiang Hao, I will do anything you ask!"

"Very well. Once I have eliminated Jiang Hao for you, you will hand Su Qingli over to me for the night. I want her virginity," Yang Ziyun said with a smile.

Pan Yixuan’s expression shifted instantly. Yang Ziyun was interested in Su Qingli too? This was a disaster. Pan had been nursing the dream of marrying Su Qingli into his own family; if the Young Master of the Yang family had his eyes on her, how could he possibly compete? Even his father, Pan Changhe, would not dare to defy Yang Ziyun’s wishes.

Seeing Pan’s hesitation, Yang Ziyun laughed lightly. He set down his glass and said in a nonchalant tone, "I am indeed interested in Su Qingli, but rest assured, I have no intention of marrying her. She is beautiful and belongs to the Su family, but in the end, she is just a woman. And what is a woman to someone like me? Nothing more than a garment."

"I simply want to experience her. Taking her virginity will be enough. Once I have had my fill, I will leave her to you. Isn't that simple?"

"She will still be yours. I have no intention of stealing your beloved away."

Yang Ziyun spoke with such casual indifference that any person with a shred of morality would have frowned in disgust. Pan Yixuan felt a surge of anger, but did he have the right to be angry? The Pan family was no match for the Yangs, and he, as the Young Master of the Pan family, was leagues below Yang Ziyun. Could he truly refuse?

"I only want to be with her once. You won't even agree to that? If so, what reason do I have to help you?" Yang Ziyun raised an eyebrow.

Pan Yixuan’s face turned pale. After a moment of hesitation, he finally nodded. "Fine... fine, I agree. But Young Master Yang, you must promise that after you... after you are finished with her, you will return her to me."

"Rest assured, I have no attachment to women I have already used," Yang Ziyun laughed boisterously, looking immensely pleased with himself.

Pan Yixuan, meanwhile, clenched his fists, his expression dark, shouting internally: *Jiang Hao, you bastard, I am staking everything just to destroy you! This time, you are finished!*

Time passed quickly, and a week went by in the blink of an eye. Su Qingli’s restaurant had been renovated, becoming more stylish and refined than before. The number of patrons grew steadily. Her "Qingli Health and Healing Restaurant" had become a hotspot in Maple Leaf City; it was not only frequented by young couples but also by elderly diners and even internet influencers looking for a place to check in.

Jiang Hao had spent the entire week helping out at the restaurant. For him, the work was effortless; his strength and speed far exceeded that of an ordinary person. Moreover, being able to see Su Qingli constantly and stay by her side brought him great happiness. Most importantly, their relationship had grown significantly closer.

They slept in the same bed every night—though, of course, they simply lay there, not engaging in anything inappropriate. Su Qingli still refused his requests to move into his villa, but her stance was no longer as firm as it once was. Perhaps it would not be long before she had a change of heart and decided to live with him for good. Dreaming of a bright future, Jiang Hao worked with even more enthusiasm.

Just then, an argument erupted at the cashier’s desk. Jiang Hao turned to see a middle-aged man in casual clothes complaining to Su Qingli with a look of dissatisfaction.

"Let me tell you, I’m an influencer with a million followers. If my fans hadn’t recommended your place, I wouldn't have stepped foot in here."

Su Qingli replied calmly, "What does that have to do with you not paying for your meal?"

"Are you not listening? I’m a major influencer! My fans are everywhere. If I give you a little promotion, your business will multiply tenfold. Do you understand?" The man gestured irritably, slapping the counter rhythmically.

Su Qingli shook her head. "Whether you promote me or not is your business; it has nothing to do with me. Besides, I didn't ask you to promote me. Regardless, you ate here, so you must pay."

The man sneered. "Boss, that’s not how things work. My promotion would bring you immense benefits. I’m not asking for a marketing fee; I’m just asking you to waive the bill for today. You won't even pay such a small price? You’re narrow-minded and lack vision!"

"I apologize, but my vision has always been quite narrow," Su Qingli said, unmoved.

The man’s voice was loud enough to disturb the other customers. Seeing him about to continue, Jiang Hao walked over and gripped his shoulder.

"I am the owner of this shop. You can tell me whatever you have to say," Jiang Hao said with a smile, tightening his grip.

The man’s face twisted in agony as the pressure took hold. "Quick... let go... my shoulder is going to break... let go!"