Chapter 36: Yang Qingqing’s Ideal Type

Fang Lian gritted her teeth, the sound audible. "That Yang Qingqing! Does she really have to call at a time like this?"

Yan Xuan released her, picked up his phone, and consoled her, "Come now, Qingqing must have an urgent matter."

"If it were urgent, why didn't she call me?" Fang Lian asked guardedly. "Godfather, I've noticed you two have been in private contact quite a bit lately!"

In the past, Yan Xuan would have maintained his composure, assuming Fang Lian was just being pointlessly jealous. But today, having just confirmed that Yang Qingqing was in the app's drawing pool, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt.

He answered the call and, in front of Fang Lian, hit the speakerphone button to show he had nothing to hide.

"Hello, Qingqing."

"Hello, I am Yang Qingqing's father." A deep, weathered male voice sounded from the other end. "Come to the martial arts hall."

The call ended abruptly, leaving no room for negotiation.

Fang Lian said anxiously, "Godfather, could it be because I ruined the wedding of Qingqing's cousin, and their family is coming to settle the score with me?"

Yan Xuan patted her shoulder, completely unfazed. "That's unlikely. Don't you always say Qingqing's father is a reasonable man? Besides, if we're really going to talk about her cousin's situation, their family should be thanking you."

"Then what could it be?"

"We'll know when we get there."

"I'm going to change."

Fang Lian stopped dallying with Yan Xuan and hurried to the bedroom to change. Yang Qingqing's father had sounded serious and his tone had been quite firm; even if they harbored no malice, it certainly wasn't a minor matter, and it likely concerned Yang Qingqing. Despite their constant bickering, Yang Qingqing held a significant place in Fang Lian's heart, second only to Yan Xuan and her own family.

The Yang Family Martial Arts Hall was not far from Fang Lian’s home; it was just around the corner, one street over. The signboard featured a large, cursive character for "Yang," identical to the one on the apprentices' uniforms—clearly the family logo.

From ten meters away, Yan Xuan could already hear the rhythmic shouts of "Ho!" "Ha!" and "Hey!" It was a lively scene, with what sounded like a hundred people training.

In front of the main gate, Yang Yong, Yang Qingqing’s father, lay back in a grandmaster chair with a tea table set before him. Yang Qingqing stood to the side, locked in a standard, low horse stance. Yan Xuan could see she was drenched in sweat and teetering, suggesting she had been holding the position for quite some time.

"Hold it! Don't let your arms shake!" Yang Yong picked up a two-finger-wide wooden ruler and struck down sharply against Yang Qingqing’s arm. She winced in pain but dared not utter a sound.

Fang Lian felt a pang of heartache and wanted to step forward to plead for her best friend. "Uncle Yang, has Qingqing done something wrong again?"

Yang Yong ignored Fang Lian, his gaze fixed firmly on Yan Xuan. He then pulled out five bundles of hundred-dollar bills and placed them on the tea table. "Take it back."

This was the money Yan Xuan had given Yang Qingqing yesterday; Yang Yong had returned every cent.

Yan Xuan offered a conciliatory smile. "Uncle Yang, why don't you let Qingqing rest for a moment?" Forget the money; Yang Qingqing was clearly at her limit, and Yan Xuan was genuinely afraid she might collapse from shock.

Yang Yong didn't take the bait. He pointed to a youth inside the hall. "His name is Fan Jie. He just turned eighteen the day before yesterday. His father is already five years into a prison sentence for gang fighting that caused someone permanent disability. Yesterday, he was the most reckless of the bunch. If the other side had suffered any serious injuries, he’d be off to join his father in prison!"

Yang Yong tapped the money on the table with his ruler, warning, "I run a martial arts hall, not a criminal syndicate. If you dare use money to make my disciples do your dirty work again, don't blame me for being inhospitable."

"I'm sorry, Uncle Yang. I didn't think it through yesterday," Yan Xuan said sincerely. He wasn't the type to let pride get in the way of admitting a mistake.

Seeing Yan Xuan apologize so readily, Yang Yong’s expression softened slightly. He had expected Yan Xuan to be some arrogant, second-generation brat who would start pounding the table.

Yan Xuan continued, "Yesterday's incident happened so suddenly, and as an outsider, I don't have many connections in this county. You know the situation with Xiao Lian's family—just a lone mother and daughter—and Qingqing is her only friend. After thinking it over, I felt I had no choice but to ask for her help."

After admitting his fault, Yan Xuan explained his predicament to frame his actions as a desperate measure. Finally, he added, "Qingqing is a loyal and righteous girl. I forced the money on her, simply wanting to treat the brothers to a meal. I never intended to cause you any displeasure, Uncle Yang."

On the surface, he was pleading for Yang Qingqing, but in reality, he was subtly flattering Yang Yong. *Why is Qingqing so loyal? Because she was taught well by her father!* It also gave Yang Yong a graceful way out. As a father, he wouldn't want to see his daughter suffer, but because she was the "big sister" of the group, he had to make an example of her.

"Enough. Sit down," Yang Yong commanded. Yang Qingqing immediately collapsed into a chair, her legs seemingly losing all sensation in an instant.

"Take your money back." Yang Yong handed the cash to Yan Xuan, who immediately passed it to Fang Lian.

"Xiao Lian, take this and book a few tables at a restaurant. Tonight, we'll treat Uncle Yang and the others to a few drinks."

In the world of martial arts, while not as mystical as the movies suggest, there is a genuine emphasis on saving face and maintaining dignity. There was a reason Yang Qingqing had been so furious when Sun Kai insulted her family’s legacy. Therefore, as long as appearances were maintained and respect was shown behind the scenes, even the biggest issues could be resolved.

Yang Yong’s attitude softened further. "Next time something like this happens, have Xiao Lian notify me directly. These children don't know where to draw the line."

With those words, the matter was settled.

Within a few minutes, Yang Yong’s hostility had vanished, and he even began inviting Yan Xuan inside for a tour. Once they were out of earshot, Yang Qingqing asked Fang Lian curiously, "Your boy toy managed to handle my dad in just a few sentences. Is my dad really that easy to talk to?"

Fang Lian reached out and gave the back of Yang Qingqing's head a light slap. "Don't use your silly brain to overthink it. Are your legs okay?"

Yang Qingqing might be dim, but Fang Lian was not. Yan Xuan had given Yang Yong plenty of face specifically for her own sake. Xu Tao's wife might still come looking for Fang Qiulan, and before they could fully move out of the county, having Yang Yong’s support could save them a lot of trouble.

"Of course they aren't okay! I'm afraid I won't be able to get out of bed tomorrow." Yang Qingqing puffed out her cheeks. "In the future, I need to find a boy toy like that, someone who can talk my dad into submission so I don't have to get punished."

Fang Lian rubbed her temples, speechless at her best friend's lack of emotional intelligence. "Ever heard the saying, 'A married daughter is like spilled water'? If you don't want to be punished by your dad, just find someone to marry soon. Don't be so picky."

"Is it that simple?"

"Why don't you try it?"

"Try it with whom? Your boy toy?"

Yang Qingqing was only joking, but Fang Lian took it to heart. Her expression shifted slightly, though she pretended to be unbothered. "You think you could actually like him?"

"He's a freeloader; of course I don't."

"Then are you going to find an old man instead?"

"Do you think I'm you? Obsessed with finding myself a 'daddy'?"

"Then what kind are you looking for?"

Yang Qingqing tapped her chin in thought for a long time. "Xiao Lian, tell me, is there a man out there who is as smooth-talking and handsome as your boy toy, but also as good at making money as your 'old man'?"

Fang Lian replied without hesitation, "No!"

Yang Qingqing pouted. "Why did you answer so fast? What if? What if I happen to run into such a man?"

"Yang Qingqing, stop scrolling through social media so much, I'm telling you!" Fang Lian was firm. "There is no 'what if'!"