Chapter 231: Elder Du’s Advice

Tang Chen knew there was no need to hide anything from Elder Du. After all, Elder Du was fully supporting him. It would be unkind to keep secrets now.

Tang Chen briefly explained the events, then said coldly, “Elder Du, tell me. Should someone like Liu Tianze, a complete scumbag, not be punished?”

Du Hongde’s face darkened. When Sun Guofan had called him, Sun hadn’t disclosed the details. Hearing it now from Tang Chen made him furious.

“I never imagined Liu Tianze had two faces. I thought he had some conscience as a Party Secretary. Turns out there’s no difference between him and those corrupt bureaucrats.”

Elder Du didn’t comment directly. He sighed instead. “Young Tang, you did nothing wrong here. But this has blown up, and there’s no quiet end. Forget whether Liu Tianze will retaliate—Sun Guofan’s son was turned into a eunuch. That man will hunt you relentlessly.”

Tang Chen replied solemnly, “I understand, Elder Du. Don’t worry. I caused this mess myself. I won’t drag trouble to your door. If they come for me, let the fish die and the net break.”

Elder Du frowned gravely. “That talk displeases me. What do you mean ‘dragging trouble’? You saved my life—you’re Du Zhongliang’s lifeline. I’ll protect you! But drop that reckless talk of fish and nets. Their power is too much for you.”

Tang Chen chuckled apologetically. “I didn’t mean it that way. I stand by my actions alone. Your kindness stays with me. I’ll fix this.”

Seeing Tang Chen’s stubbornness, Elder Du simply said, “Young Tang, leave Jingdu for now. Also leave Z City. I expect investigators will arrive soon. I’ll buy you time. Go far and don’t return until this blows over. Then I’ll help.”

Tang Chen’s heart turned cold. Was this asking him to flee?

He gave a bitter smile. Facing his past powerless self, he might have run. But he’d changed. The deed was done. Running felt cowardly!

Tang Chen shook his head firmly. “No, Elder Du. I won’t leave. My rule is simple—don’t provoke me, I won’t provoke you. I dared to act, so I dare to face it. No hiding like a turtle!”

Elder Du grew irritated. “Young Tang, you’re stubborn beyond measure! A strong man bends but doesn’t break! Running isn’t cowardice—it’s strategy! Stepping back finds better paths. Understand?”

Tang Chen stood his ground. “I know you mean well, Elder Du. My words might be rushed, but please don’t be angry. I was weak for years. I won’t keep running! I did no wrong. Justice lives in people’s hearts. I won’t fear fighting evil!” Then, to cut off more persuasion, he added, “Thank you for caring, Elder Du, but I’m staying. Tell those powerful men: if they abandon their conscience, I, Tang Chen, welcome them in Z City. Take care of yourself. I’m leaving now.”

He bowed deeply to Elder Du, then turned away.

“Young Tang! Young Tang!”

“Let him go, Hongde.” Elder Du stopped Du Hongde from chasing him and gave a bitter smile. That boy reminded him so much of his younger self.

“Father, you’re not abandoning him, are you? Without your help, he’ll be doomed!” Du Hongde urged anxiously.

Elder Du snorted. “I’d never abandon him! He’s too stubborn to listen. So we’ll handle this privately. Mark my words: no one will touch Young Tang!”

Du Hongde nodded and remained silent.

As Tang Chen exited Fengting Manor, his thoughts churned. Elder Du’s warnings shocked him. He realized… before absolute power, his own strength felt minuscule!

“System, did Young Master go too far this time?” Lost, Tang Chen silently asked.

The System responded: “Esteemed Host, don’t humans value clear consciences? If you believe you acted justly, stand by it. Weren’t consequences unimportant when you struck Liu Tianze? This hesitance isn’t like the Host I know.”

Tang Chen paused… then burst into laughter. His worries vanished instantly. “Thanks, System! That’s your best line yet! You’re right. I was just! If they retaliate—bring it! Storms, knives, arrows—I fear nothing! Worst case—I still have you!”

Feeling lighter, Tang Chen drove from Jingdu. The plan to visit Chen Mingdi and Liu Shucong faded—Yang Mi was waiting anxiously at home. An hour later, he arrived.

“Honey, I’m back.” He pushed open the door to find Yang Mi sitting worriedly on the sofa.

“Tang Chen!” She rushed over and hugged him. “I was so scared. Is Officer Liu’s matter resolved?”

Tang Chen nodded. “Completely settled. But you? Someone threatened to sue Ding Xiang? Where is she? Is she already at the police station?”

He wouldn’t tell her Elder Du’s warnings—that would keep her awake worrying.

Yang Mi released him, speechless. “Ding Xiang? She’s upstairs gaming with Wang Baobao. It’s strange. She’s unbothered. Just said things would resolve when you returned.”

Tang Chen’s lip twitched. Ding Xiang was clearly using him! Sighing, he asked, “The subpoena—was it delivered? Show me.”

Yang Mi took his hand to the sofa and passed him a file folder. Tang Chen opened it. The accusation was shocking: Ding Xiang’s old company had sued her for murder.

“Did Old Pang visit?” Tang Chen recalled calling Boss Pang to research the company’s worth for acquisition. His calls had gone unanswered.

Yang Mi shook her head. “Not a trace. Not even a call.”

Tang Chen patted her shoulder. “Don’t worry, honey. I’ll solve this. Stay home safe. I’ll meet Old Pang soon.”

Relieved, Yang Mi touched his hand tenderly. “Tang Chen, you’re my rock. Without you… I couldn’t bear it. Ding Xiang’s a good woman. She shouldn’t suffer lies!”

Her kindness moved him again. But just then… a mocking voice pierced from the stairs: “Young Master Tang—such a pervert! Rushing home to flirt with my ‘big mimi’?”

Tang Chen’s temples pulsed. Ding Xiang stood lazily there.

“Ding Xiang!” he choked out. “Don’t you care you were sued? Been gaming too much with Wang Baobao? Lost your brains?”

Ding Xiang flipped her hair calmly. “With you here? Why worry? You poached me—now clean up your mess. Oh—and I recorded you insulting Baobao. I’ll play it when she wakes.”

Tang Chen: “…”

“Carry on, lovebirds! Yang Mi—tell him to lay off you! It’s your time of the month—no rough playing!” She dropped this blood-pressure-spiking line, then swayed her hips back to her room.

Tang Chen’s face blackened. Introducing Yang Mi to Ding Xiang felt like his worst mistake ever.