Chapter 50: Chasing the Wind on an Electric Bicycle

“Sister-in-law, how is it that your mind is so quick-witted?”
“I just knew there was no way my brother could’ve come up with such a brilliant idea, hahaha!”
To everyone’s surprise, Chen Xi’s attitude did a complete one-eighty.
Lu Ye rubbed his nose awkwardly at the side.
Well, isn’t that something!
When it’s my idea, it’s called a lousy scheme, but when it comes from my wife, it’s an ingenious plan!
Sister, your double standards are truly something else.
After rushing about for a whole day and night, everyone was exhausted.
They were just about to call it a day and head home for a hot shower and a good night’s sleep.
Suddenly, Lu Ye slapped his forehead and said, “Wait a sec, don’t go yet! I almost forgot something!”
Everyone turned to look at him, “What is it?”
Lu Ye said ingratiatingly, “My Yiren Club is opening tomorrow. Remember to come by and show some support.”
Everyone rolled their eyes, “We thought you had something important to say.”
Liu Yiyi said awkwardly, “Maybe I shouldn’t go? Zhang Yunjie knows about my past.”
Lu Ye replied, “Don’t worry, this is the perfect opportunity to clear your name.”
“Huh? Whose name are you clearing?”
Feeling Su Qianqian’s sharp glare, Lu Ye hurriedly explained, “Slip of the tongue, I meant clearing the record!”
“Back then, Yiyi was forced by Chen Qi to do bad things. After he was brought to justice, she regained her freedom. We just need to selectively let that part of the truth out, and she won’t have to walk with her head down anymore.”
“Captain, thank you!”
“We, the Apostles, are family. No need for thanks.”
Liu Yiyi’s eyes brimmed with gratitude.
Ever since she broke free from the clutches of the Hongying Society, she’d technically regained her freedom.
But she still barely dared to step outside, afraid of being recognized at every turn.
Once the label of a Hongying member was stamped on you, it was never that easy to remove.
Now that Lu Ye was willing to step up and clear her name, she’d have nothing to fear in the future.
“But won’t the Hongying Society get suspicious if I’m seen hanging out with you all?”
Lu Ye replied indifferently, “Even if you don’t stick with us, the Hongying Society already suspects me. After all, every time they’ve suffered a setback in Mingzhu City, it’s been entangled with me in some way.”
Chen Xi asked, “So what’s your plan?”
Lu Ye grinned, “Looks like I’ll have to do something that might let Brother Lin down!”
Previously, Lu Ye had already released several smokescreens.
He’d repeatedly claimed to be one of Lin Zhongze’s men, and both Chen Qi and Xu Fugui bought it. But over time, people would start to see through the act.
Lu Ye intended to elevate Lin Zhongze’s status, so his own position would appear less out of place.
He’d already decided to give Lin Zhongze a new identity—one that could rival a branch president of the Hongying Society.

…

The next day.
It was a good day.
Not only was the Yiren Club opening, but many other new businesses in Mingzhu City had chosen this date for their grand openings as well.
“Damn, why did my dad have to borrow your Passat?”
“He got drunk last night and puked all over his car, so he took it in to get cleaned. By the way, where’s your Koenigsegg?”
“It’s in for maintenance too... Ugh, I’m freezing!”
At that moment, Lu Ye was riding an electric scooter, braving the wind.
Su Qianqian was sitting sideways on the back seat, shivering and complaining so loudly her voice echoed down the riverside avenue.
An Audi A4L with out-of-town plates sped past them, then braked and slowed to cruise alongside their little scooter.
The window rolled down, revealing the greasy face of a middle-aged man.
“Hey beautiful, why are you with a boyfriend like that?”
“You look so cold. My passenger seat is waiting just for you!”
Su Qianqian rolled her eyes so hard she nearly lost her breakfast.
But a mischievous idea struck her. She pinched the soft flesh at Lu Ye’s waist and huffed, “It’s all your fault for being useless. You can’t even afford an A4. Marrying you is the worst luck I’ve had in eight lifetimes!”
The greasy man was stunned for a moment—so this beauty was already married to this poor guy?
But no matter, married women had their own allure.
Lu Ye replied humbly, “Don’t be mad, honey. I’m working hard to save up for a down payment. This month, I swear I’ll get us that used Alto!”
Pfft!
The fat man sneered, “Kid, you’re really hopeless. You even need installments for a used Alto?”
Lu Ye gave a wry smile, “What can I do? I’m broke!”
“Look at what a great girl she is. How could you let her be wasted on you…”
The fat man pulled out a business card and handed it to Su Qianqian through the window. “The name’s Shi Feizhu. I run Feizhu Beauty Club here in Mingzhu, and we’re having our grand opening today. Care to come by? Here’s a 2,000 yuan voucher!”
Su Qianqian couldn’t help but giggle, “Your name is Fat Pig?”
“It’s Shi Feizhu!”
“Beautiful lady, it’s settled then. I’ll be waiting for you at the club!”
Damn, what an awkward name. Shi Feizhu stepped on the gas and fled in embarrassment.
Su Qianqian glanced at the address on the business card and smiled slyly, “You little rascal, that Fat Pig’s club is right across from your Yiren Club, and it’s opening today too!”
Lu Ye laughed as well, “Fat Pig Beauty Club? What a name. My thanks to the competition for the perfect contrast!”
Shi Feizhu was in high spirits today.
For the opening ceremony, he’d spared no expense, building a stage at the entrance and hiring a few boy-band idols for a live performance and endorsement!
What do rich ladies love most?
It’s got to be these young, handsome celebrities!

When the time came, wouldn’t they all be flocking to my club?
Across the street, Yiren Club was also opening today, but their event wasn’t even the least bit grand. How could they possibly compete with my Feizhu Club?
Compared to Feizhu’s glitz, Yiren Group was keeping it exceptionally low-key.
Just a red carpet at the entrance, a few flower stands on either side, and not even a staff member outside to greet customers—utterly quiet.
Shi Feizhu was brimming with confidence over this head-to-head opening day battle!
“You’re so beautiful, you’re just too beautiful…”
The stage’s powerful speakers blasted deafening music while crowds of housewives paused before Feizhu Beauty Club, utterly captivated by the singing and dancing young stars.
“Wow, is that Kunkun?”
“It’s really Kunkun, and Hanhan too!”
“They’re endorsing this new beauty club? Oh my god, I have to get a membership here!”
“Kunkun, I love you!”
“Hanhan, Mommy loves you!”
The screams were endless as hordes of frenzied women rushed in to spend money and sign up for memberships.
Shi Feizhu’s greasy, grinning face looked like a blooming chrysanthemum.
Scanning the crowd, he saw the little electric scooter approaching…
Wasn’t that the beauty from before?
No woman could resist a 2,000 yuan voucher. If one wasn’t enough, he’d give her two!
Shi Feizhu hurried into the street, waving at Su Qianqian.
“Beauty, over here!”
But Lu Ye’s scooter elegantly turned right in front of him and rolled into Yiren Club.
Shi Feizhu huffed and puffed as he chased after them, “Wrong way! You went the wrong way!”
Su Qianqian hopped off the back seat and coldly replied, “No, we didn’t. Yiren Club belongs to my husband.”
Shi Feizhu was stunned for a moment—this guy riding an electric scooter actually owned a club?
After all, Yiren Club was in a prime location, right on the riverfront.
Thinking it over, he sneered at Lu Ye, “So we’re in the same business. But I bet you had to put on a show and get a bank loan just to rent a place like this, right?”
“Otherwise, how come you can’t even put together a proper opening ceremony?”
Lu Ye couldn’t be bothered to argue with this fat pig, so he just nodded, “Sure, sure.”
Noticing the beautiful Su Qianqian beside him, Shi Feizhu grumbled jealously, “Lady, trust me, your husband’s club will be out of business within a month.”
“When he’s desperate and can’t pay the loan, are you going to help him with the payments too?”
Su Qianqian nearly burst out laughing, tears in her eyes. “Fat Pig, our family affairs are none of your concern.”
“My name is Shi Feizhu, not Fat Pig!”
Just then, a woman dressed like a wealthy matron sidled up to Shi Feizhu, fawning as she said, “Boss Shi, what are you doing here? I’ve been looking everywhere for you!”