Chapter 135: The Maiden's Visit

Chen Erpao vaguely sensed that a trace of python spirit blood still lingered within him, though this time the interval had been quite long, and it had yet to be awakened.

After a fierce battle, Chen Liu was defeated, drenched in fragrant sweat and gasping for breath. Her tender, exquisite body glowed with a tempting flush, and the dazed look in her eyes lingered for a long time.

Since reaching the second level of Nirvana Saint, Chen Erpao had gained more than just extraordinary defense and the ability to convert attacks; even certain masculine powers had been greatly enhanced, becoming more enduring and intense.

Several days later, the last openly stationed members of the Four Continental Alliance withdrew from Hong Kong. Although the Yi Sect briefly held the upper hand, this was merely the calm before the storm.

Behind the Four Continental Alliance stood more than ten factions—ancient sects with millennia-old legacies and newer forces that had risen in the past century. While nothing overt might occur, clandestine moves were likely inevitable, for the Pirate King’s treasure was too alluring to ignore.

One day, the Yi Sect headquarters welcomed a distinguished guest: the famed “Jade Maiden” star, Zhang Xiaoyu, known as the “Little Diva.” Draped in a white veil, she entered gracefully, her face partially concealed.

By now, the name Chen Erpao was well known not only among various ** factions but also among many of Hong Kong’s elite.

Having been forewarned, Chen Erpao awaited her arrival. Zhang Xiaoyu’s entrance immediately brightened the eyes of many brothers at headquarters; if Chen Erpao had not been beside her, they might have swarmed her.

It had been a while since they last met. Today, Zhang Xiaoyu wore a tight-fitting outfit that clung to her graceful figure. A pair of large black sunglasses shielded part of her face, but could not hide her breathtaking, peerless beauty.

Under the envious gazes of Wang Xing and Huang Mao, Chen Erpao escorted her directly to the meeting room. It was said the star had come specifically to seek his help.

Inside the room, only the two of them sat closely together. At such proximity, the flawless, snow-white skin of the beauty was clearly visible, and a faint but irresistibly alluring fragrance occasionally wafted forth.

Chen Erpao spoke first: “Big star, you didn’t come to me just to talk about love, right? I have plenty of free time now—maybe we could catch a movie later and have dinner together.”

Zhang Xiaoyu rolled her eyes, surprised that he was still the same old man, though there was something endearing about his antics.

“Aren’t you afraid I’ll tell Xue Mei? You’ll regret it then.”

Chen Erpao shrugged, “Go ahead! I don’t mind. After all, you came knocking at my door yourself. How could I turn you away?”

“You...” Zhang Xiaoyu blushed, momentarily at a loss for words. This time, she truly was the one who took the initiative. She shot a glare his way and said, “I came to ask for your help—to accompany me to Taiwan.”

“To Taiwan?” Chen Erpao blurted in surprise. “What’s going on that you need me to go with you?” At once, he shed his playful demeanor and became serious, all business.

Zhang Xiaoyu’s eyes were full of complexity. Which side of this man was the real one? Why was he so inscrutable?

“My company arranged three concerts for me in Taiwan, requiring me to stay for five days to a week to boost my relatively weak popularity there. But social unrest has made Taiwan unsafe lately, with recent gang clashes on the streets. I’ve even heard rumors that some factions intend to target me. That’s why I came to you. Otherwise, I wouldn’t want to go at all.”

“Hiring a big-time underground boss like me as your bodyguard seems a bit unrealistic,” Chen Erpao smiled faintly. “But given our close friendship, I can’t refuse. Though my fee will be hefty.”

He agreed because it gave him a chance to take Wang Xue Mei along. In Tuen Mun, Xue Mei had become the focus of many mainland forces. Though some had been driven back, many still remained. Taking her to Taiwan to lay low might be safer.

Zhang Xiaoyu appeared unsurprised, as if prepared.

“One and a half million Hong Kong dollars. As long as you and your men guarantee my safety. Here’s five hundred thousand now, the rest when we return. It’s all company money anyway.”

A faint smile curved Chen Erpao’s lips. “Xiaoyu, you sound just like one of my usual deals! You have a real big-sister vibe. Ever thought about changing careers? I’d back you up.”

Zhang Xiaoyu almost spat out the tea she had just sipped, utterly speechless. She knew his nature—always teasing—but it never got any easier.

“Talking money is so unromantic. Besides, I’m not short of cash. Even a modest gig can earn me over a million a month.”

She then asked, “So, what do you want?”

“I want to...” Chen Erpao’s gaze deliberately drifted over her alluring curves, a sly smile playing on his lips, as if to say, “You know what I mean.”

Zhang Xiaoyu was both angry and flustered. “I used to think you were a good man, just a little slippery with words. I even envied Xue Mei for finding a good man. Turns out all men are the same—just different shades of black.”

Chen Erpao immediately looked innocent. “I was only saying I want to take Xue Mei along. I didn’t know how to tell you before, so I glanced your way. You’re too sensitive! If someone just looks at you, you react like this. Look what you’re making me out to be!”

“Sorry,” Zhang Xiaoyu said with a guilty look. “Maybe I’m just too sensitive. Your expression reminded me of those ugly faces I sometimes meet outside.”

Chen Erpao wanted to laugh heartily but barely held it back. He never expected such a pure soul to remain in the murky entertainment world. He sincerely hoped she would always stay that way, untainted.

“Forget it. I’m not petty. But since I’m your bodyguard, I’m responsible for your safety. When it comes to security, you must obey me. I’ll bring six men plus Xue Mei along. Don’t forget, travel expenses are on you. Maybe you can buy some local Taiwanese specialties with that one and a half million!”

Here, I’d like to ask patrons to kindly reward this humble translation. Any amount is a tremendous encouragement for both me and Erpao. Thank you!