CHAPTER 97: ONLY A BEGINNING

People were already gathering outside in front of the store, their faces filled with worry and confusion. They turned to him the moment he stepped out.

"Zhao boy! What happened here?!"

"We woke up because of all the noise!"

"Someone already called the police, don’t worry!"

"But where are Mr. Wu and his wife?!"

Zhao Yiming raised both hands, trying to calm everyone down. "Don’t worry, Mr. Wu and Madam He are safe. They’re just not here right now. I’ve already taken measures to protect them."

The crowd started to calm, some sighing in relief. Just then, the police car arrived, flashing red and blue.

Several officers stepped out, and among them was Han Queying—still in casual clothes, clearly pulled from her rest.

She rushed toward him, her voice tight with worry. "Zhao, what happened? Are Mr. Wu and Madam He okay? This must be Golden Earth’s doing!"

"They’re fine. But yeah... you’re probably right. We need to move them from here, as soon as possible," Zhao Yiming answered with a firm nod. "And we definitely need to strengthen security around Lianwu Street."

Han Queying rubbed her temple, stress visible in every line of her face. "Right... we need to get them under the victim protection program ASAP."

Without wasting time, she gave orders to her team to tape off the store with police lines.

Even though it was late at night, she coordinated the arrival of a forensics team, gathering evidence, taking photos, and collecting whatever they could from the scene.

Meanwhile, Zhao Yiming stood quietly outside the shop, his gaze locked on the street like a guard dog.

Some of the tenants offered him a place to rest, urging him to sleep.

But he refused to leave.

Not until he knew—without a shadow of a doubt—that the old couple was safe.

Suddenly a familiar voice called out from the street.

"We’re home! What the hell’s going on here?!"

Zhao Yiming turned around instantly. Mr. Wu pushing Madam He wheelchair, their pace quickening the moment they saw the shattered glass and the mess inside.

Madam He’s face went pale as she gripped her husband’s arm tighter. Mr. Wu’s brows furrowed into a sharp line.

"Where are you guys all this time!? We are worried!" Zhao Yiming asked.

"We just went out for dinner to cool off some steam after that damn court," he barked. "Then the road got jammed ’cause of a damn fire near the overpass! Took us forever to get back!"

Before Zhao could respond, five men in black shirts suddenly appeared behind the old couple, their steps silent but their presence loud.

"Who the hell are you now?!" Mr. Wu shouted again, putting himself in front of his wife. "Why are you following us?!"

Zhao raised both hands in surrender and stepped forward. "Calm down, old man. They’re the bodyguards I hired. They’re here to protect you."

Mr. Wu blinked, then glanced back at the quiet, towering men. "You should’ve said that before they scared the shit out of me!"

Madam He’s lips trembled as she stared at the wrecked store—her home for decades, now reduced to ruins. "Our house..."

Mr. Wu’s jaw tightened, his face unreadable. But deep down, he looked like a man who had already expected this the moment they decided to go against a cunning, ruthless corporation like Golden Earth.

Still, knowing it might happen didn’t soften the blow. He felt helpless—and that helplessness burned like acid in his chest.

Madam He’s body quivered as she tried to hold back tears. This shop wasn’t just a business. It was their sanctuary, the place they spent more than half their lives together. They had no children. This place was their legacy.

Her heart broke seeing it like this, torn apart by thugs with no conscience.

"It’s fine, wife... We can build it again," Mr. Wu said gently, placing a firm but comforting hand on her shoulder. "As long as you’re with me, I can do anything."

Madam He nodded slowly, wiping away her tears as she leaned into him, drawing strength from his steadiness.

Watching the scene, Zhao Yiming clenched his fists, jaw tight. But after a long breath, he relaxed. Anger wouldn’t help now. What mattered most was making sure they were safe.

"I’m sorry," Zhao said quietly. "But I’ve prepared a safe house—comfortable, quiet, and guarded twenty-four-seven. Just until this is over."

Mr. Wu grumbled, but after another long sigh, he gave in. "Fine. But only because you asked, brat."

Zhao gave a small, sincere smile. "For now, let’s head to my apartment. It’s not far from Lianwu Street, and we can move you in properly tomorrow."

The couple nodded, tired and worn down. Zhao turned to Han Queying, approaching her quickly to coordinate the next steps.

"It’s getting late, and they need rest," he said, voice low. "I’ll take them somewhere safe."

Han nodded firmly. "I’ll follow up the investigation and tighten patrol around Lianwu. Let’s make sure this doesn’t happen again."

And with that, Zhao helped the couple into his car, determined more than ever to protect them—no matter what it took.

***

When Zhao Yiming arrived with the old couple, Su Meilin was waiting for them at the door. She looked up in surprise, her gaze flicking between Zhao and the tired, somber faces of Mr. Wu and Madam He.

"Meilin, Mr. Wu and Madam He will stay the night here," Zhao Yiming said, "There is a problem in the store."

The old couple looked worn down, their shoulders heavy with unspoken grief.

"Ah right, I will both of you to your room to rest."

She didn’t ask questions. Instead, she stepped aside and gestured for them to come in.

"Welcome," she said softly, her tone warm but filled with concern.

She quickly led them to a guest room, her hands gentle as she pulled back the covers on the bed and made sure everything was ready.

It was clear that the old couple wasn’t in the mood for conversation, so she let them settle in quietly, choosing to let them rest rather than push them to talk.

Zhao Yiming stepped out onto the veranda for a cigarette break, the weight of everything pressing down on him.

Su Meilin followed a few minutes later, joining him in the cool night air. She stood next to him, watching as he lit his cigarette, his eyes distant.

"Yiming..." she began, her voice soft, almost hesitant.

He exhaled a cloud of smoke. "It’s been a rough day," he muttered, his voice weary. "The Golden Earth destroyed the old couple store."

She gasped, her eyes wide with shock, "Are they... going to be alright? And how about you? What if you get hurt?!"

"They’ll be fine," he assured her, his tone firm despite the exhaustion in his voice.

"I’m going to make sure of it. No one’s going to hurt them or me again."

Su Meilin took a deep breath, glancing back toward the old couple’s room. "I hope so, Yiming. I really do."

Zhao Yiming just nodded, staring out into the night. The fight wasn’t over. It was only just beginning.