Chapter 429: Problem with Flowing Snake Translator: Tim Editor: GlobeGlotter
Upon receiving Xiao Fire’s phone call, Fang Nan rushed to Flowing Snake. It wasn’t far; he arrived by car in minutes.
Seeing Xiao Metal kneeling and Ye Mo looking unhappy, Fang Nan knew things were amiss. Brother Ye’s return was good news, but his recent lack of management had clearly caused problems. Had his men offended the Big Boss?
Before the car fully stopped, Fang Nan jumped out and respectfully approached Ye Mo. “Brother Ye, you’ve returned.”
As a cultivator of ancient martial arts, Fang Nan knew his own weakness and Ye Mo’s unpredictable strength. His earlier fear and admiration had evolved into respect and worship, fueling his dedication to his training.
Huan Gui was terrified, frozen in place. Even Metal Brother’s superior, Fang Nan, showed such deference to the young man, the same man who'd been eyeing Huan Gui’s woman. He wanted to slap himself.
Within moments, Zang Jiayan, Yu Miaodan, and Yang Jiu—virtually all of Luo Yue’s higher-ups—arrived. Huan Gui’s last shred of hope vanished. Even a fool could guess that this man was Flowing Snake’s legendary Big Boss.
Yu Miaodan stared at Ye Mo in shock. She suppressed her feelings, unable to voice her astonishment. She’d called Ye Mo that morning; he’d arrived at Flowing Snake less than an hour later.
Had she not known Ye Mo was in Hong Kong that morning, she would have assumed he’d been nearby. His trip from Hong Kong to Flowing Snake in an hour was incomprehensible. Even a private jet couldn’t achieve that speed. The speed, like the beauty and health pills, defied explanation. She realized she barely knew Ye Mo at all.
“CEO Ye…” “CEO Dong…”
…
Everyone greeted Ye Mo, who nodded. “We’re here today because of everyone’s hard work. I believe no one wants to ruin what we’ve built. But today, I found a scam-like business—women forced into prostitution. Flowing Snake is our base, our home, not a bandit den. If you want to be bandits, get out.”
“CEO Ye, this is my fault…” Zang Jiayan admitted, having heard the rumors but dismissed them. He hadn’t expected it to reach the Big Boss.
“Big Brother, this is my fault. After CEO Zang put me in charge of Flowing Snake’s security, I delegated authority to cultivate ancient martial arts. I didn’t anticipate this situation. I’ll deal with it immediately,” Fang Nan said.
Ye Mo waved a hand. “It’s your responsibility, but you won’t handle it. Yang Jiu will take over; you’ll report to him.”
With a word, Ye Mo had shifted responsibility to Yang Jiu. Though Fang Nan was worried, he dared not protest. Working under Yang Jiu meant a chance to redeem himself.
His men had ruined their established relationship with Ye Mo. Fang Nan glared at the still-kneeling Xiao Metal. Were he not one of Fang Nan’s most loyal men, he’d already be dead.
“Yang Jiu promises to fulfill Big Boss’ mission,” Yang Jiu quickly pledged.
Ye Mo stated plainly, “For now, you’ll clean up Flowing Snake. We’ll discuss future management later. Your immediate task is to investigate all hotels, shops, and bars in Flowing Snake. Take back all hotels and entertainment centers; kill those who resist.”
Ye Mo’s cold words sent shivers down everyone’s spines. Kill those who resist? Elsewhere, the government would pursue such actions; but this was Flowing Snake, Ye Mo’s territory.
“Ye Mo…” Even Ning Qingxue found his words harsh. Though she’d visited Flowing Snake, she hadn’t seen the full extent of the problem. She voiced her concern without elaboration, trusting Ye Mo’s judgment.
Ye Mo had his reasons. He was the most suitable person to dominate Flowing Snake; he didn’t want it ruled by brute force. Since he intended to make it home, he needed control. Reasoning was pointless; he would establish laws after securing total control.
Until then, slaughter was the solution.
Ye Mo could be approachable, but in moments like these, he was terrifying.
Ye Mo looked at the excited Yang Jiu. “Don’t be swayed by these scam businesses. Those who ruled Flowing Snake through murder or rape—kill them without report. But if you exploit your authority for personal gain, you’re next.”
“Yes.” Yang Jiu shuddered.
He understood the difference between leniency with friends and city management; the latter couldn’t be compromised.
Huan Gui broke into a sweat. He’d killed many and raped more than ten women. He was doomed.
Xiao Fire pointed at Huan Gui and two others. “These three have killed and raped women who came to Flowing Snake.”
“Hehe. I knew this, but Big Boss didn't call sooner,” Yang Jiu chuckled menacingly. Before anyone reacted, the three were dead. Only Ye Mo, not even Zang Jiayan, saw Yang Jiu move; he was an earth-rank Earth Fiend assassin.
Ye Mo coldly regarded the kneeling Xiao Metal. Had Fang Nan not been present, he’d have already used a fireball.
“Yang Jiu and Fang Nan, get to work. Everyone else, join me for a meeting.”
Ye Mo knew the dangers in Flowing Snake went beyond what he'd seen; real threats came from neighboring countries—threats even he couldn't easily handle.
…
When Ye Mo finished, Yu Miaodan and others returned to Luo Yue headquarters, where Ye Ling arrived, having just heard of her brother's return. She rushed out, abandoning her medicinal work.
She grabbed Ye Mo’s arm, then saw Ning Qingxue. Joyfully, she grabbed Ning Qingxue’s arm. “Sister-in-law Qingxue, you’re back! My brother worried so much.”
Ye Mo never explicitly stated it, but Ye Ling knew Ning Qingxue’s importance to him. Though she initially disliked Ning Qingxue, her brother’s feelings changed her perspective.
“En. Thank you, Ye Ling. I didn’t expect you to be in Flowing Snake too.” Ning Qingxue thought of Ye Mo’s other sister, Tang Beiwei, and the things Ye Mo hadn’t yet shared. She believed Tang Beiwei was important to him, like her. She wouldn’t pry; Ye Mo would tell her when he was ready.
“Sister Qingxue, why don’t you stay in Flowing Snake? This place is great,” Ye Ling, having grown fond of Flowing Snake, said, knowing Ning Qingxue likely had to return to Yu State.
Ning Qingxue smiled sweetly. “Okay. I’ll bring things from Ning Hai, then I’ll live here.”
“Really? This is great!” Ye Ling exclaimed, forgetting her brother.
Ning Qingxue reasoned that, while her family had a company, she was Ye Mo's wife, and should help him in Flowing Snake.
Er Hu and Lu Xiaozhen also greeted Ye Mo. Seeing familiar faces, Ye Mo felt more determined to make Flowing Snake safe for them.
“CEO Zang, gather everyone in the meeting room. Ye Ling and Qingxue should join them. Sister Yu, take me to see Guo Qi and Fang Wei.” Ye Mo hadn’t forgotten them. He didn’t know why they’d killed military officials, but if they were framed, he’d help. Guo Qi, a loyal man, had his approval.