After the last attack, Ye Huizhong was never the same person anymore. He couldn't get up from the bed, and the white on his head grew as time passed.
If one looked at him now, they wouldn't be able to see any remains of the feared and imposing Ye Huizhong. He appeared no different than any other elderly who couldn't get up from his bed.
Ye Wang's fame and power declined exponentially without him as their symbol of power. The situation became direr than ever.
Amid the struggle, Dai Zhiqiang's role became more prominent within the group.
His quick thinking and combat skills had saved the group several times. However, ever since the death of his brother, he was never the same person again.
He couldn't trust anyone and only focused on eliminating his opponent, like a blood-thirsty man.
The number of times when his decision almost risked the whole group couldn't be counted on hands, but since he always somehow managed to come out as the victor, no one dared to say something against him.
Not even Lin Xiang could stop his recklessness, and Ye Huizhong chose to turn a blind eye to this. In the end, those who were dissatisfied could only swallow their resentment.
Dai Zhiqiang didn't care if he was hated because he had no expectations for these people. He only cared about finishing his task as fast as possible.
Dai Zhiqiang still needed Ye Huizhong to pay for his father's hospital bill, but that was it. He couldn't care less about the inner conflict within the group caused by some people who demanded him out. He even thought it would be better if they revolted more and caused a headache for Ye Huizhong.
Rather than them, he had a more important concern.
Ye Zhong was already ten years old and had grown more rebellious as of late. Growing up without parents and a series of unfortunate incidents that forced him to live separately from his Grandfather had closed his heart. He trusted no one but Dai Zhiqiang, who had been by his side for a long time.
Even during times when everyone was busy, he refused to eat and insisted for everyone call Dai Zhiqiang to accompany him. He would throw the plate at servants while yelling and causing a commotion, making those who served him too scared to do their jobs.
"Where is Brother Zhi? I want him here now! Or else I will starve myself and see what Grandpa will do to you guys!"
"Young Master, please don't be like this. Dai Zhiqiang is the Master's most trusted man, and he has a lot of stuff to take care of, and it's beyond our authority to—"
Ye Zhong wasn't having any of it. He grabbed the empty glass in front of him and slapped it to the face of the butler, who tried to appease him furiously. Everyone gasped in shock, seeing the butler fall to the floor with a thump.
"Shut up! When did I give you permission to talk? You can only answer me with one thing: ' Yes, Young Master!'. I don't need a useless person like you here! Get out!"
Even though he slapped him using the strength of a ten-year-old, when he used a hard object like glass, it still hurt very much. However, no one dared to reprimand him for it. They were too scared of the consequences that might befall them if they disobeyed the grumpy Young Master.
"Little Zhong, what are you doing now?"
The deep and calm voice of a man echoed in the silent room. Everyone turned their head simultaneously to the door and almost cried in relief when they saw Dai Zhiqiang there.
Their lifesaver had arrived. God hasn't forsaken them just yet!
As soon as Ye Zhong saw Dai Zhiqiang's unamused face, he immediately withdrew his gaze. The boy's attitude took a complete one hundred and eighty degrees when Dai Zhiqiang was around.
The butler saw this chance and immediately stood up. There was a visible mark on his face after being hit, but he maintained a professional look. Clearing his throat, he reported the situation to Dai Zhiqiang, "The Young Master wished to have lunch with you. If you can accompany him, it will help us a lot."
Translations: Please save our lives. We beg you.
Dai Zhiqiang sighed inwardly as he stared at Ye Zhong. This kid had always had a terrible temper, but he had become increasingly unreasonable as of late.
However, Ye Zhong was his Master and the reason why Dai Zhiqiang was hired, so he couldn't reprimand him directly. Besides being by Ye Zhong's side for years, he had developed a soft spot for him. The kid reminded him a lot of Dai Shenqiang.
Without needing further explanation, Dai Zhiqiang went to sit on Ye Zhong's right side and signaled the servants. "The food is already cold. Prepare another meal for the Young Master."
When Ye Huizhong wasn't present, Lin Xiang and Dai Zhiqiang were the control tower of the group. Their orders were only second to the Young Master's will, so they immediately scampered to do his bidding.
"Actually, it's been a while since we played together."
Ye Zhong perked up hearing the word 'playing together', even though he tried to feign indifference. "Hm, is that so? I didn't notice at all. Are you perhaps feeling lonely? Do you want to play?"
"Yes."
The boy's mouth curled up before he answered cheekily. "It can't be helped. Then, I shall accompany you to play after this."
"Yeah. Finish your meal first so we can play."
Ye Zhong's mood had improved significantly, and the servants couldn't be happier. At least they should be fine for the rest of the day since Dai Zhiqiang had solved their biggest concern for them. It really wasn't easy to earn money!
After finishing lunch, Ye Zhong pulled Dai Zhiqiang to their mansion's private garden to play with a ball. However, just when they entered the lawn, Dai Zhiqiang glimpsed something glinting from the corner of his eye.
His instinct took over his body instantly. He had moved before his mind could catch up with him.
Dai Zhiqiang took Ye Zhong's small body in his arms and jumped to the side right when a knife was thrown their way. It stuck on the ground where Ye Zhong used to stand.
The boy's face immediately turned pale. He wasn't unfamiliar with situations like this, so he immediately let go of his ball and clung to Dai Zhiqiang for life.
"Who are you? Show yourself!" Dai Zhiqiang shouted in the direction where the knife came from, but there was no answer.
His body was tense as he increased his vigilance. He didn't expect the enemy to infiltrate their new place so soon. They might have to move again soon.
If Dai Zhiqiang was alone, he would immediately chase the intruder right away, but he couldn't act recklessly when Ye Zhong was trembling in fear in his arms.
"Young Master, it's okay. I'm with you. Everything will be alright." Dai Zhiqiang said as he patted the boy's back to reassure him.
"A-Are they gone yet? Did they come here to hurt Grandpa and me again?"
"I'm afraid so." Dai Zhiqiang wasn't one to lie, even to a child. "Young Master, I need to check on your Grandfather. He might be in danger, so you must hide in the meantime."
Ye Zhong's body was still shaking like a leaf, but he nodded regardless. "I'm fine. I already know what to do in a situation like this. But Grandpa can't move, so you should protect him instead of me."
Dai Zhiqiang smiled upon hearing his answer. "How brave of you. Don't worry. Nothing will harm you as long as I'm here."
BOOM!!
Dai Zhiqiang ducked immediately when the explosion happened.