The door was pushed open, and Jiang Xin appeared in the doorway. He was carrying a tray laden with food and drink. Seeing Qin Fang, he let out a soft breath. "Sir, I made some breakfast. You must be hungry?"

He smiled.

Qin Fang gave him an odd look. Jiang Xin’s smile slowly stiffened, eventually becoming strained.

Qin Fang said calmly, "Thank you, Gang Leader Jiang. Just put it down."

Jiang Xin let out a long sigh of relief and placed the items on the table. "Well then, Sir, please enjoy..."

"Wait."

Qin Fang called out to stop him.

Jiang Xin looked at him, confused.

"Eat with me."

Qin Fang sat up.

Jiang Xin froze, but he quickly understood.

’He’s worried I poisoned the food?’

His expression darkened. After a long moment, he said, "Fine."

Qin Fang put on the clothes Jiang Xin had provided, sat down at the table, and then simply watched him.

With a dark expression, Jiang Xin picked up his chopsticks, took a bite from each dish, and then set them down. He looked at Qin Fang and said, "Sir, I’m full."

Qin Fang watched him for a moment before speaking. "My apologies. I was measuring a man of honor by my own petty standards."

Hearing Qin Fang’s sincere apology, Jiang Xin’s expression softened somewhat.

He was silent for a moment before letting out a soft breath. "It’s only normal to be cautious when you’re on the road, Sir. I am just a minor figure and have no intention of prying into your affairs. But since you are here, I will naturally provide you with the best hospitality during your stay. I only hope that when the time comes for you to leave, you will be merciful..."

Qin Fang understood his meaning and nodded. "As long as Gang Leader Jiang keeps his word, I will naturally keep mine."

Jiang Xin looked at Qin Fang and finally let out a soft breath. "Thank you, Sir."

With that, the two had reached a preliminary level of trust.

Jiang Xin thought for a moment before saying, "This place is crowded, and my men are always coming and going. How about I arrange a quieter residence for you, Sir? It would help avoid any unnecessary trouble down the line."

Qin Fang looked at Jiang Xin, considered it for a moment, and did not refuse.

’I’m recuperating, but I also need to train.’

’It really isn’t convenient here.’

’Yesterday was just a temporary measure.’

"In that case, I’ll trouble you, Gang Leader Jiang."

Jiang Xin let out a long, audible sigh of relief.

"It’s no trouble at all. I’ll go make the arrangements right away."

With that, Jiang Xin stood up, cupped his fists in a salute to Qin Fang, and left.

From the window, Qin Fang watched him leave. Without touching the food on the table, he gathered his belongings, stood up, and followed.

...

Jiang Xin stepped outside and let out a long breath, his expression sour.

But no matter how upset he was, the memory of yesterday’s slap left him feeling utterly helpless.

That was an Anjin Martial Artist.

For a man like that, killing him would be as easy as killing a chicken.

How does that saying go again?

A man sits peacefully at home, and disaster falls from the heavens!

...This was truly a disaster sent from the heavens!

Heading out toward the market, he soon ran into some of his men. Upon seeing him, they quickly bowed. "Boss!"

Jiang Xin took a breath to compose himself, then grunted in acknowledgement. "That courtyard by the docks, who’s living there now?"

Caught off guard by the question, the men exchanged glances, but one of them quickly answered, "Boss, Third Brother is staying there."

"Alright, go get Third Brother." He waved his hand dismissively and continued walking.

Though confused, the men took their orders.

Soon, they arrived at the riverbank. A short distance from the fish market was an open plot of land where a courtyard stood.

He walked into the courtyard first. The compound was backed by mountains on three sides and surrounded by a bamboo forest. Not far in front lay the riverbank. A small, winding path led directly to the fish market. The location was indeed secluded and tranquil.

After inspecting the courtyard, Jiang Xin ordered, "Go get some craftsmen to fix this place up. Also, buy some daily necessities and other things..."

He instructed his men.

Though confused, his men accepted the orders and set off to carry them out.

A short while later, a burly man walked over.

"Boss, you were looking for me?"

Jiang Xin looked at him and nodded. "Third Brother, for the time being, I need you to move in with Fourth Brother. I have a use for your courtyard."

Third Brother looked completely bewildered. "A use?"

Jiang Xin thought for a second before explaining, "Look, I have a nephew from my side of the family coming to stay for a while. My own place isn’t convenient, so I’ll borrow yours for him."

’He looks to be in his twenties, so he could pass for someone from the younger generation.’

’You scared the daylights out of me yesterday, so it’s not asking too much to call myself your uncle, is it?’ he thought.

Hearing this, the others suddenly understood. Third Brother nodded and began to pack his belongings.

Soon, the craftsmen arrived and, following Jiang Xin’s orders, began to refurbish the house.

Of course, they called it refurbishing, but the house wasn’t in bad shape to begin with.

Many gang members came to help, marveling at the scene.

"Looks like this nephew is really important to the Boss, huh?"

Jiang Xin had never bothered with such trivialities before. The fact that he was personally overseeing everything showed just how important this visitor was.

On the mountain behind the courtyard, hidden from view, Qin Fang’s eyelid twitched.

Jiang Xin cleared his throat and announced to the crowd, "This nephew of mine is indeed very important to me. I don’t intend for him to get mixed up in gang business, so I don’t want any of you coming here to bother him without good reason! Understand?"

The members of the Nanhe Gang quickly chorused, "Yes!"

Seeing them all agree, Jiang Xin nodded in satisfaction.

Turning to watch the craftsmen at work, a flicker of worry crossed his eyes...

’I hope that man is true to his word and will only be staying for a short while...’

After nearly a full day of work, the courtyard was completely renovated. Third Brother had taken his things, and new bedding, furniture, and other household items had been moved in, making the place livable.