Chapter Eighteen: Sacrificing a Pawn to Save the Rook

Bang!

Just when Mu Qingyao was on the brink of death, a brick suddenly flew out of nowhere and struck the assassin’s wrist with precision, knocking the Browning pistol from his hand.

Only then did Nie Yunyang notice that not far from the doorway, Old Qiu was already standing there—the brick had come from him.

The burly man tried to pick up the pistol from the ground, but Nie Yunyang rushed over and forced him back with a few punches and kicks, leaving him no chance to counterattack.

Old Qiu appeared thin, but he was robust and vigorous for his age. The gray-clad man wielding a machete had no advantage over him.

Sensing the situation was dire, both men realized they had botched things. If they didn’t run now, they would be trapped here forever.

Old Qiu stayed behind to protect Mu Qingyao, while Nie Yunyang gave chase. When he climbed over the wall, he found the two assassins had vanished without a trace.

Helpless, he had no choice but to return.

Back in the courtyard, Old Qiu had already taken Mu Qingyao to a room. The commotion had disturbed the Mu family, but apart from Mu Qingyao’s cousin, no one else knew what had happened.

Old Qiu had confiscated the Browning pistol to avoid causing panic.

Mu Qingyao was still stunned, unable to recover from the shock. Old Qiu signaled Nie Yunyang not to disturb her, so he took Mu Qingyao's cousin outside.

“Brother Mu, my name is Nie Yunyang. Pleased to meet you. I look forward to working with you,” Nie Yunyang said politely, grasping Mu Yin’s arm.

Mu Yin was the son of Mu Qingyao’s eldest uncle and a prominent figure in Shangluo City. He ran a furniture company and was worldly-wise, yet this was his first encounter with professional assassins.

“Yunyang, who exactly wants to harm Qingyao?” Mu Yin asked.

Nie Yunyang shook his head. “Brother Mu, some things are better left unknown. Just consider what you saw earlier a hallucination.”

“Qingyao is in danger. How can I just stand by?” Mu Yin pressed further.

Nie Yunyang sighed. “Uncle Mu offended a powerful figure in Chongqing. His influence is immense. Brother Mu, it’s best not to provoke him.”

Hearing this, Mu Yin forced a bitter smile. He had some clout in Shangluo, but compared to the big players in Chongqing, he was merely a small fry.

“Yunyang, if there’s any way I can help here in Shangluo, just say the word,” Mu Yin offered.

Nie Yunyang nodded. “Don’t worry. The strong don’t crush the local snakes. They have already failed and won’t come back tonight.”

After seeing Mu Yin off, Nie Yunyang returned to the room to keep Mu Qingyao company. She sat on the bed, lost in thought.

After several minutes, Chang Zhicheng arrived late. Nie Yunyang didn’t ask about the assassin’s fate but updated him on the subsequent events.

Squatting by the door and smoking, Nie Yunyang scanned the surroundings warily and casually asked, “Who do you think did it?”

“Anyone could have,” Chang Zhicheng replied, equally uncertain.

Mu Bolin had made numerous enemies before his death. Many factions wished to harm Mu Qingyao. Within the company, they most suspected Han Fucheng; in Chongqing, Sun Yufan; and in the southwest region, the notorious Xue.

Nie Yunyang pondered briefly. “Uncle Mu’s company is huge, and Qingyao is the sole heir. Those who want to swallow the Mu family’s empire will inevitably target her. Tonight was a close call, but even if we survive tomorrow and the day after, we remain at a disadvantage.”

“Do you have a solution?” Chang Zhicheng asked.

Nie Yunyang hesitated, then said, “It’s simple. Qingyao should relinquish her inheritance of Xinhai Technology Co., Ltd. Let the company enter bankruptcy proceedings. If they have the guts, they can fight tooth and nail over it.”

“Xinhai is Uncle Mu’s life’s work. Are you suggesting we just hand it over?” Chang Zhicheng exclaimed, shocked.

Nie Yunyang’s expression turned solemn. “These are mere possessions, nothing compared to life itself. Besides, Qingyao may not even want to inherit. She’s a delicate girl, unable to face those predatory bosses. In troubled times, sacrifice the pawn to save the king. I’d rather see Qingyao safe than inherit a company fraught with danger.”

Chang Zhicheng fell silent, knowing Nie Yunyang was right. Mu Qingyao had never worked at Xinhai, and the company harbored many hidden dangers.

Sighing, Nie Yunyang added, “Actually, I want to know what Qingyao thinks. Whatever she decides, I will support her fully.”

Chang Zhicheng said no more. At this stage, they could only take things one step at a time.

Late at night, only Nie Yunyang and Chang Zhicheng remained in the courtyard. They exchanged no words, gazing silently at the starry sky.

The next morning, before dawn, friends and relatives arrived and began preparations.

Amidst the crackling of firecrackers, an elder’s deep voice called out, “Raise the spirit!”

Clad in mourning garb, friends and family bid farewell to Mu Bolin one last time.

Mu Bolin’s grave was built on a feng shui treasure spot he had chosen long ago, deciding to be buried in Chaiping Town after death.

Nie Yunyang, having studied geomancy and feng shui with his master, recognized the site’s value. The money Mu Bolin spent had not been wasted; the burial site was indeed excellent.

Firecrackers boomed, mournful music played, and cries filled the air as Mu Bolin and his wife’s ashes were placed into the grave by Mu Qingyao. Everyone helped fill the earth, and the mound was soon complete.

Mu Qingyao collapsed onto the grave, tears streaming like rain. Overcome with grief, she nearly fainted.

The two most beloved people in her life were now buried beneath the earth.

A respected elder of the town began the memorial rites. Standing nearby, Nie Yunyang looked at the grave and felt deeply moved. No matter how mighty a person, regardless of their success, in the end, they all became but a handful of dust.

Yet Mu Bolin’s journey—from poverty to becoming a powerful figure in Chongqing—had been heroic.

“Uncle Mu, rest in peace,” Nie Yunyang silently mourned.

The funeral ended. After lunch, neighbors helped clean up, and relatives gradually dispersed.

By four in the afternoon, only a few direct elders remained at the Mu ancestral home, where Mu Qingyao was chatting with them.

Nie Yunyang and Chang Zhicheng quietly discussed whether to return to Chongqing under cover of night.

Last night’s incident was likely a probe; the enemy would not give up the chance to strike. Tonight promised to be bloody and violent.

China is a society built on personal relationships. Since Mu Bolin’s rise to prominence, he had often returned to his hometown, maintaining close bonds of mutual aid with friends and family.

Thus, the final event of the funeral was the customary return of gifts.

Mu family relatives had already prepared presents and, accompanied by Mu Qingyao, visited each household in gratitude. Nie Yunyang and Chang Zhicheng stayed by her side.

After all was settled, night had fallen.

Mu Qingyao bid farewell to her cousins. Her eldest uncle and uncle stayed in the village and would return to the county the next morning. She arranged for her cousin Mu Yin to escort them to Xianyang City.

The Mu family had booked the best hotel in the city for the night’s rest before flying directly back to Chongqing the next day.

Departing, Mu Qingyao felt reluctant—after all, she was severed from her parents, now worlds apart. Such pain weighed heavily on anyone’s heart.

Chang Zhicheng drove a BYD Leopard 5, with Nie Yunyang and Mu Qingyao seated in the back.

“Death is irreversible. You must live well from now on,” Nie Yunyang advised gently.

Mu Qingyao nodded slightly. “I understand.”

The moon was bright, the sky clear and cloudless.

Mu Yin and Old Qiu led the way in a Touareg SUV, with the BYD Leopard 5 following closely behind.

They were now on a mountain road. After this stretch of rural path and bypassing the mountain ahead, they would reach the highway and be safe.

Nie Yunyang and Chang Zhicheng had studied the route earlier. This segment was the most dangerous. If the attackers didn’t strike in Chaiping Town, they would likely ambush here first, then seek opportunities in the city.

Rounding a corner, two cars suddenly blocked the road ahead, while two more accelerated from behind. Nie Yunyang and Chang Zhicheng knew this was trouble...