Chapter 23: Master Hou the Fifth

Master Hou lived in a detached villa in the West District. The footprint of this villa was significantly larger than that of Zhou Wancheng’s residence. There were even security guards stationed outside the property, and the interior was filled with numerous bodyguards. Both the security guards and the bodyguards were subordinates of Master Hou.

When Chen Xuewen arrived at the villa on his motorcycle, it was already past two in the morning. The roar of the engine immediately woke the security guard. The guard glared through the window, shouting angrily, "What the hell do you think you’re doing? Don't you know this is private property? Get lost right now, or I’ll come out there and break your leg so you’ll never be able to ride a bike again!"

Chen Xuewen walked directly to the window and said, "Sir, I have some business, and I need to see Master Hou."

The guard was stunned. He looked Chen Xuewen up and down, frowning, "Are you looking to die? It’s past two in the morning, and you’re here to see Master Hou? Damn it, doesn't the Master need to sleep?"

Chen Xuewen replied, "I apologize, but this is an urgent matter, and I must see Master Hou as soon as possible. Please, relay the message for me."

The guard was furious. "Damn it, can’t you understand plain speech? It’s the middle of the night; the Master is asleep. Whatever the hell your business is, come back tomorrow!" As he spoke, he reached to close the window.

Chen Xuewen’s brow furrowed slightly. "This really is an urgent matter. Why don't you take a look at this before deciding whether or not to announce me?" He lifted a bag he had been carrying and handed it through the window.

The guard grumbled, "Damn, what is that? Why does it smell so bad?" As he spoke, he curiously opened the bag. As soon as it opened, a blood-soaked human head rolled out.

"Mother of God!" The guard let out a blood-curdling scream, which immediately roused the other bodyguards. Before long, several men rushed over, demanding to know what had happened. The guard huddled in a corner, trembling uncontrollably. When the other bodyguards saw the head on the ground, they were all stunned.

One of the bodyguards gathered his courage and asked, "What... what the hell are you trying to do? Who do you think you’re scaring with this?"

Chen Xuewen’s expression remained calm. "This is the head of Zhou Wancheng. I know that Zhou Wancheng had dealings with Master Hou, so I want to see him to discuss a few things."

The bodyguards’ expressions changed instantly. As Master Hou’s men, they were well aware that the Master had been protecting Zhou Wancheng. Zhou Wancheng had helped the Master earn a great deal of money and was considered a very important asset. Now that Zhou Wancheng had been killed, this was no minor affair.

One bodyguard immediately ran into the villa to inform Master Hou. The others stepped out and surrounded Chen Xuewen. Though they didn't attack, their intent was clear: they would not let him leave. Chen Xuewen stood calmly, saying nothing. He had specifically brought Zhou Wancheng’s head to ensure this exact outcome. Master Hou might not have seen him otherwise, but with the head of Zhou Wancheng as an offering, the Master would certainly grant an audience.

Sure enough, before long, the lights throughout the villa flickered on.