Chapter 37: A Love Spanning a Thousand Years

Such incidents are all too common across the country, a source of deep embarrassment for the nation. While science and the economy continue to advance, the moral fiber of the people seems to have plummeted to a shocking low. Though Chen Erpao could not change the world single-handedly, he could at least help those in need whom he encountered.

“It’s best not to be too kind-hearted,” Chen Erpao muttered as he and Wang Xuemei strode over, fixing the middle-aged woman with an angry glare.

The woman had not expected anyone to interfere, and she shot a hostile look at Chen Erpao and Wang Xuemei. The bespectacled woman beside her, on the other hand, sized them up with curiosity.

“You want two hundred yuan, right? I’ll give it to you. But let me offer you a word of advice: don’t go too far, or you’ll incur the wrath of both people and heaven.” As he spoke, Chen Erpao took out two hundred yuan.

The middle-aged woman had never truly expected to get two hundred yuan out of the old lady; she was merely hoping to extract as much as she could. But now that someone was actually willing to pay, her face lit up with delight, and a wave of greed surged in her heart.

“Do you know how valuable my time is? It’s not just the clothes and shoes she ruined—that’s a minor loss. But wasting my time is far more serious. Two hundred is too little; I want at least five hundred.”

Chen Erpao smiled coolly and, without a word, pulled out his phone and called Huang Mao, instructing him to bring over some men at once.

Huang Mao and his crew were local thugs from around Lingnan University, and City Garden was close by. Within minutes, several motorcycles pulled up, and a gang of rough-looking youths, their hair dyed yellow and their bodies covered in tattoos, came swaggering over until they stopped in front of Chen Erpao.

“Boss.” Huang Mao stood at the front, bowing respectfully with his men behind him.

Chen Erpao nodded, savoring the feeling. There were some things he preferred not to handle personally—just as well he had these followers at his disposal.

“This venomous woman has wronged society, the people, and even the Party itself. Teach her a lesson for me. Leave the woman with the glasses alone, understood?” Chen Erpao instructed.

Huang Mao nodded admiringly, thinking to himself, “The boss always comes up with the best reasons.”

“Brothers, let’s follow the boss’s orders! For the sake of society, the people, and the Party—let’s teach this wicked woman a good lesson!” Huang Mao bellowed, advancing slowly toward the middle-aged woman.

Her arrogance evaporated in an instant, leaving her pale with terror. The bespectacled woman beside her was also visibly shaken as Huang Mao’s crew bore down on them, menacing and fierce.

“Just give her a mild warning—don’t go too far,” Chen Erpao cautioned, worried that Huang Mao might take things too far. He then pulled a few hundred yuan from his pocket and handed it to the elderly woman.

The old woman accepted the money with trembling hands, her withered lips moving as she tried to speak. Though her words were unclear, Chen Erpao understood her gratitude. He smiled faintly, said a few words to Huang Mao, and turned to leave. No sooner had he gotten into his car than the middle-aged woman’s cries of pain echoed behind him.

With less than a minute to spare before the agreed meeting time, Chen Erpao’s Mercedes rolled up to the entrance of the Red Pavilion. Wang Xing and Li Meili were already waiting. Today, Li Meili looked fresh and charming, giving off a pleasing impression, but such things no longer mattered to Chen Erpao.

“What took you so long? That Mercedes isn’t all it’s cracked up to be,” Wang Xing joked.

“Ran into a little trouble on the way, caused a delay. Come on, let’s find a place to eat—my treat.”

“That’s more like it,” Li Meili suddenly chimed in with a smile, apparently no longer upset with Chen Erpao. “I’ll take you to an old restaurant I know—the food’s excellent.”

They headed to a restaurant called “Savoring the Immortal,” which was neither grand nor luxurious but exuded a simple, old-fashioned charm. Inside, business was booming; only one table remained, which was more than enough for the four of them.

They ordered a simple hotpot and a few side dishes, then fell into conversation. At first, Wang Xuemei seemed a bit reserved, being just a student at Lingnan University, especially with the famously strict Director of Discipline, Li Meili, sitting beside her. But gradually, the atmosphere relaxed, and they chatted like friends—proving once again that women always find something in common.

Despite the restaurant’s bustling business, the dishes arrived promptly. The four of them quickly devoured most of the food, then, stomachs full, made their way to the Red Pavilion.

The Hong Kong Coliseum, also known as the Hung Hom Arena, is one of the most advanced multi-purpose indoor venues in Asia and a famous city landmark. Nearly every major superstar in Hong Kong has held a concert here. With ten thousand seats, the venue was nearly full, and the concert was about to begin in just over ten minutes. Almost no seats were empty, and most of the audience were young men and women born in the nineties. Judging by their ecstatic, feverish expressions, it was clear how much they idolized Zhang Xiaoyu.

The four had barely taken their seats when the house lights suddenly went out, leaving only the pulsing glow of the stage lights.

“A gentle breeze passes by Willow Lake.
The bright moon reflects on the mirror-like surface.
A wisp of floral fragrance drifts away on the wind.
When will those who long for each other finally meet?
A century, a thousand years…”

A voice as clear and melodious as a heavenly instrument echoed throughout the arena, enchanting every listener. The previously noisy venue fell into rapt silence. Chen Erpao had never heard Zhang Xiaoyu sing before, but even on this first hearing, he had to admit her voice was utterly captivating.

When the song ended, the silence lasted only a moment before thunderous applause erupted, wave after wave echoing through the hall.

“Zhang Xiaoyu, I love you! Zhang Xiaoyu, I love you!”
“Zhang Xiaoyu, will you marry me?”

Some of the most fervent fans shouted themselves hoarse, and the atmosphere soared to a fever pitch from the very first moment.

May you all enjoy the story and find it thrilling—support Chen Erpao, and support his legendary harem! Bookmark, recommend, and shower your love upon this tale! Yiye Qing promises to repay your devotion with passion, stirring tales, and beautiful women.