Chapter 68: Be Adaptable
Some people hire bodyguards for safety.
While others, like Dad, hire bodyguards just to provide jobs for idle folks.
Take a look at his overwhelming, mountain-crushing aura! He’s already lifted the hopeless purple-haired guy off the ground!
Ye Zhibai seriously doubted whether he even needed bodyguards. If we were in danger, wouldn’t her father be the one protecting the bodyguards instead?
Her dad, who was so concerned about social employment issues and contributed greatly to the employment rate, was truly too noble.
And then, there was the poor curly-haired guy.
He had already surrendered, but thanks to the idiocy of the purple-haired guy, he too got dragged into the mess and was lifted off the ground by her father.
This was the definition of *guilt by association*.
[*” Guilt by association (罪责连坐 zuì zé lián zuò)”: This concept implies that individuals who are involved with wrongdoers or criminals are also held responsible for their actions, regardless of their personal involvement. Historically rooted in Chinese law.]
Since they came together, they should leave together too, right?
Ye Qinghe grabbed both thugs by the collar, and they were so terrified they didn’t dare utter a word.
Meanwhile, Ye Zhibai and Ye Zhiyun were sipping tea at their own table next door.
But suddenly, Guang Yu, who had been scouting the situation ahead, bounced back with troubling news.
Guang Yu: Ye Zhibai, your dad’s breaking the rules! He’s dragging those two guys outside the barrier that blocks perception! That’s not right, the fight’s supposed to happen inside the arena!
Ye Zhibai: What nonsense are you talking about! If you weren’t busy munching on mustard, you’d see that the fight’s been decided long ago!
In modern society, fights don’t end with life or death, just whether or not you admit defeat.
Wait a minute…
Dad’s really walking out of the barrier?!
This tea is no longer something she could leisurely drink.
With a clatter, Ye Zhibai slammed down her teacup and stood up amidst Yun’er’s confused gaze, turning to look in Ye Qinghe’s direction.
She saw her father, still holding the two thugs who had given up struggling, indeed about to step into the area where the other diners were seated!
Dad, you can’t go exploring that area!
Ye Zhibai’s slender, graceful legs weren’t just for show. Once she started moving, she could run pretty fast!
She hurried around the table, sprinting a few steps forward, and tried to call out to Ye Qinghe.
“Dad, there’s no need to get angry. Just stop there.”
What she meant was— Please stop right now! If you cause a scene over there, as a well-known figure, you’ll definitely get into trouble!
Ye Zhibai’s voice was lively, but her natural volume wasn’t very loud.
Yet, even so, Ye Qinghe stopped in his tracks.
Because his daughter’s voice, no matter how soft, echoed powerfully in the heart of a father.
Zhibai was telling him not to be angry.
She was worried about him!
My daughter… you’ve truly become so considerate!
Ye Qinghe did stop walking.
Just as Ye Zhibai thought her words had worked, Ye Qinghe slowly turned his head, his face radiating warmth and contentment.
“Don’t worry, Zhibai. Your father won’t get worked up over such a trivial matter. But scum should always receive the punishment they deserve. This is only right and just, so there’s no need to worry. I’ll be right back.”
“…”
Dad, maybe you won’t get angry.
But I’m about to be driven mad by you!
And yet, Ye Qinghe still took another step forward.
And then, of course— Ye Zhibai heard a series of startled exclamations from the restaurant, full of classic “Wocao” curses.
Ye Zhibai rubbed her forehead, closed her eyes, and shook her head in helpless resignation.
If only she could escape reality, then she’d just go back and finish her meal of roast pigeon, *In Heaven, May We Be Wings of a Bird Together*.
[*” In Heaven, May We Be Wings of a Bird Together (在天愿作比翼鸟 zài tiān yuàn zuò bǐ yì niǎo)”: A famous phrase from Chinese poetry symbolizing deep romantic attachment, where lovers wish to become inseparable even in death. Here it refers humorously to a roast pigeon dish.]
But… right at that moment, Ye Zhibai felt someone tap her on the shoulder.
When she turned around, she saw Yun’er standing there with a radiant, spring-like smile, so sweet it made Ye Zhibai feel utterly refreshed.
“Yun’er, your smile is lovely, but I can’t bring myself to smile right now. Well, actually, I can never smile. I’m doomed.”
“Don’t worry, Sis. Let’s just go back and finish our meal. It’s just a small matter; Dad will handle it perfectly, no need to be concerned.”
Small matter? Really?
Ye Zhibai was well aware of the capabilities of online keyboard warriors.
She was worried that someone would snap a photo and then spread rumors online, claiming that the president of the Ye Corporation was beating up good Samaritans in public, lamenting the decline of society.
Wouldn’t that be catastrophic?!
However… Even as she contemplated this possibility, Ye Zhibai found herself surprisingly calm.
Because Yun’er’s gaze told her, “When it comes to family, you should trust them. Dad has the ability to handle this, so there’s really no need to worry.”
Even though the restaurant was still filled with the sound of people exclaiming in surprise,
Ye Zhibai let out a sigh of relief deep in her heart.
Forget it… let it be. Since Dad said he could handle it, why should I worry needlessly?
Trust in family—that’s a beautiful privilege you only get to enjoy when you have a family, right?
Thunk, thunk.
Ye Qinghe dragged the two thugs straight out of the restaurant.
Just like tossing out garbage, he flung them onto the pedestrian path outside.
The sound of them hitting the ground left both thugs dazed.
The purple-haired guy glanced around, exchanging terrified looks with the curly-haired guy.
Who am I? Where am I? Did we just get beaten up?
Yes, not only were they beaten, but they had no intention of fighting back.
If they dared resist, they’d just get beaten again.
Ye Qinghe casually raised his hand—a signal.
Four burly men in suits and sunglasses, who had been waiting beside a nearby Mercedes-Benz S-Class, immediately stepped out in unison, their movements coordinated and well-trained.
These were the bodyguards of the Ye family.
Ye Qinghe crossed his arms in front of him, exuding an air of confidence that was utterly unshakable.
He frowned slightly and gave the bodyguards their orders.
“These two pieces of trash—deal with them.”
“Understood, Mr. Ye. What exactly should we do with them?”
“Find out which school they attend and have their principal give me a call. I want to discuss how they handle students who break the law and cause trouble. Oh, and file a police report. Let the officers handle any necessary discipline.”
“Got it!”
Just moments ago, Ye Qinghe had been holding both thugs himself.
Now, the two of them were lifted off the ground by four large men!
The purple-haired guy no longer dared to curse, and the curly-haired guy, who had been cursing the purple-haired guy for his stubbornness, finally realized they were doomed.
The thugs’ bravado had completely evaporated—tragically (or joyfully).
With the matter resolved, Ye Qinghe scratched the back of his head.
He chuckled bitterly, sensing the commotion in the restaurant behind him. It seemed like he should probably calm things down in there too.
The restaurant was now abuzz with chatter and noise.
As for what to do next, Ye Qinghe was confident.
After running the Ye family for over twenty years, he had seen all kinds of crises, and compared to those, this was nothing more than a trivial matter.
With a clear plan in mind, the chairman of the Ye Corporation straightened his suit, adjusted his tie, and turned back toward the restaurant.
His footsteps were steady and experienced as he re-entered the establishment.
The diners inside were all whispering among themselves, speculating about his identity.
Some had already been guessing earlier, and now that he had turned around and walked back in, more people became certain.
“Isn’t that Ye Qinghe?”
“Ye… what?”
“Ye Qinghe! The president of the Ye family! What the hell, how could you not know? He’s rich! Super rich!”
“Seriously?! Even rich people hit others?!”
“I’m not sure.”
Hearing these discussions, it was clear that some people had already recognized the man standing at the door.
The murmurs spread quickly, and the chatter only grew louder.
Some were even ready to pull out their phones to take pictures!
All eyes followed Ye Qinghe as he walked forward.
Of course, Lin Zihan’s gaze from behind the cash register was a little different from the others.
She was indeed surprised to see Uncle Ye show up.
But her first reaction was— Since Uncle Ye is here, does that mean Ye Zhibai is here too?!
Lin Zihan scanned the surroundings and, sure enough, she spotted that silver flash of light in the farthest corner.
It’s my Xiaobai!
How… how could I see an angel even while working?! I’m so thankful to the heavens!
Ye Qinghe was heading toward the small bar at the eastern end of the restaurant.
As the founder of the restaurant, and
given his hands-on approach to new business projects, he knew exactly where the key equipment in the restaurant was located.
After rummaging around in the bar for a bit, he found the microphone used for announcing promotions in the store.
He tested the mic briefly, and his voice suddenly boomed through the restaurant’s speakers.
“Haha, it seems like some of you have already recognized me? Even if you don’t know who I am, it doesn’t matter. In a restaurant, the most important thing is to enjoy your meal, right? Knowing me won’t help with that! Haha, now, did anyone get scared by that little public service performance earlier?”
As he spoke, this successful businessman expertly transformed the serious expression on his face into a confident, business-like smile!
With just a few words, the entire room fell silent.
Everyone was pondering the meaning behind Ye Qinghe’s humorous words.
That was… a performance?
Taking advantage of their confusion, Ye Qinghe nodded and continued,
“Yes, this restaurant is the latest chain launched by our Ye Corporation, and that earlier performance was meant to remind everyone—if you encounter unruly behavior while dining, be sure to notify the staff right away! You see, I’m technically part of the restaurant staff, right? Doesn’t my combat prowess seem reliable? Haha, though, I do feel bad for the two guys who took part in the public service performance—they got beaten for nothing!”
At that, the whole room burst into laughter!
In just a few short sentences, Ye Qinghe had completely taken control of the situation.
The people who had been nervous, ready to pull out their phones to take pictures of Ye Qinghe hitting someone, had all sat back down.
“Oh, it was all just a misunderstanding?”
But they still wanted to take pictures, because after all, how often did they get the chance to see the president of the Ye Corporation promoting his restaurant in person?!
After a few more light-hearted comments, Ye Qinghe finally raised the microphone high and made an announcement that sent the restaurant’s atmosphere into a frenzy.
“Let’s consider today the grand opening celebration! It’s fate that you’re all here today, so for everyone dining right now, it’s all on me! Everything’s free!”
“Woohoo!!”
“Mr. Ye, you’re amazing!”
Laughter and cheers filled the room once more.
The joyful crowd had completely forgotten the earlier scene where Ye Qinghe was hitting someone.
Ye Zhibai, now taking a big bite out of her roast pigeon, was starting to truly understand what Yun’er had said about trusting family.
“Not trust my family? Are you kidding me?”
“My family members are all superheroes!”
“Their ability to adapt to any situation is just incredible!”
