Chapter 12: Move Again and I'll Chop Off Your Paw

The bullet had actually been stopped by the muscle, and with a simple pull it fell out—the injury was not serious at all. Everyone present was stunned.

Cao Mang, however, rushed to defend Qiu Yurou. “The young miss must have been aiming for that bad guy, and accidentally hit me instead. I won’t hold it against her.”

The female security officer muttered in frustration, “You’re still young, you don’t understand how sinister people can be. The Qiu family is full of no good people.”

But Cao Mang raised his voice, “Nonsense! The Qiu family are all good people. You’re the one who’s not.”

The security officer was so angry she almost couldn’t breathe and snapped, “Retreat!”

Cao Mang called out, “Don’t let that bad guy get away again…”

Hearing this, the female officer grew even more furious and shot him a fierce glare.

A maid hurried over with a medical kit to dress Cao Mang’s wound, completely ignoring Qiu Yurou who had collapsed on the floor.

Elder Yang arrived late, let out a sigh, and tried to comfort Cao Mang, telling him not to hold a grudge against Qiu Yurou.

Qiu Yurou, utterly lost and desperate, could do nothing but cry. Her mind was in chaos, unable to face the situation before her.

The next morning brought fresh news: Ye Bufan, who was also injured, had been thrown into a high-security prison. He’d had a kidney completely shattered and was now missing that organ.

Upon hearing this, Qiu Yurou momentarily forgot his brutality toward her and directed all her hatred at Cao Mang.

She regretted not aiming better last night; she should have blown his head off to avenge her lover. Yet now she was under strict house arrest, locked away in her room.

Several loyal servants of the Qiu family had died the previous night, yet she had fired a black shot at Cao Mang.

Word of this had already spread. Rumors began to swirl that Qiu Yurou had conspired with her adulterous lover Ye Bufan to kill her own husband, plotting to seize the Ling family fortune and turning the Qiu family into a laughingstock.

These rumors had been deliberately spread by Ye Xingmei, who had already received a message from Qiu Yurou identifying Cao Mang as the killer.

Ye Xingmei, of course, knew the truth, but it wasn’t time to eliminate Cao Mang yet; she planned to use him a while longer.

Qiu Zhenhu, eager to restore his family’s reputation and stabilize their status, decided after consulting with the Ye family to bring the wedding forward.

The two families quickly agreed, and the Qiu household was immediately decorated for celebration; banquets began two days before the wedding, entertaining guests from far and wide.

The spacious front and back courtyards were filled with dining tables, and the guests chatted and laughed merrily.

Cao Mang, bored, stood at the window watching the scene. By chance, he noticed the delivery truck from the cured meat shop.

The staff assigned to keep an eye on things were helping out in the kitchen, while Gao Yanhong nervously sat in the car, hesitant to get out for fear of being scolded by Elder Yang.

With a mischievous grin, Cao Mang went downstairs and sent her a message, telling her to wait for him in the trunk.

He had only meant to tease her, but to his surprise she really was there, eager and unable to resist temptation at her age.

Over an hour later, Cao Mang returned to the villa looking refreshed, while Gao Yanhong only emerged from the trunk long after, struggling to walk and muttering curses about beasts under her breath as she made her way back to the driver’s seat.

At dinner, a maid brought food for Cao Mang and Qiu Tianyi.

For the past few days, Cao Mang’s job had been to watch Qiu Tianyi and keep him from embarrassing the family in front of the guests.

After setting down the food, the maid said, “Madam asks for you. I’ll look after the third young master.”

Cao Mang frowned slightly, shoveled a few quick bites of food, then got up and headed to the top floor. On the rooftop, he saw Su Meiqi, elegantly sipping coffee.

Su Meiqi wore a conservative, light red cheongsam that gave her a festive air. Though adorned with only a few simple pieces of jewelry, she exuded a noble grace.

Her beauty rivaled, if not surpassed, Qiu Yurou’s; her bearing was refined and intellectual. It was little wonder Qiu Zhenhu had chosen her as his trophy wife.

Her first words startled Cao Mang. “You really are fearless—daring to play with the master’s woman right here in the Qiu family mansion!”

Cao Mang understood. The delivery truck had parked in an inconspicuous corner, but from this high vantage point she could see him climbing into the trunk.

Still, all she could have seen was him getting in; she’d have no proof. He put on an innocent face.

“I swear, I wouldn’t dare play with you, madam…”

Su Meiqi smiled teasingly. “Then let me give you the nerve. This spot is just fine. Come here.”

Well, so she was a woman whose outward dignity hid a wild nature. She was playing with fire!

But he replied, “I wouldn’t dare!”

Su Meiqi’s eyes roved over his muscular frame, and a strange urge welled up inside her—a desire to be ravaged by him.

She pressed her knees together involuntarily, and with an air of superiority said, “As long as you’re obedient from now on, I’ll make sure you live in wealth and luxury. You wouldn’t want your little escapade with Gao Yanhong to be exposed, would you?”

Cao Mang feigned panic. “From now on, I’ll follow your lead in all things, madam.”

Su Meiqi’s lips curled. “That’s more like it. My shoulders are so sore.”

Cao Mang stepped up to her and began to gently massage her shoulders face-to-face.

The closeness quickened Su Meiqi’s breath, though she suffered in silence.

She had long lived as a neglected wife, too afraid to harbor thoughts of infidelity, as she was checked every month to ensure her chastity.

Should she ever be unfaithful, not only would she suffer, but her entire family would be doomed.

Yet she couldn’t help but reach out, stroking his hard abs, nearly drooling at the touch.

Cao Mang’s hands began to wander lower, and only then did Su Meiqi snap out of it—any further and disaster would ensue.

She knew all too well how ruthless Qiu Zhenhu could be; he had already disposed of several lovers for infidelity.

“Stop. If you move again, I’ll cut your hands off. Get away from me.”

What she truly feared was her own lack of restraint. Cao Mang obediently stepped back, straightened his disheveled shirt, and assumed a serious demeanor.

“If madam ever needs anything, I am always at your service…”

“Insolent! Don’t get any ideas. Do you think I’m like that shameless mistress who would seduce you?”

Cao Mang put on a simple, honest face. “I only meant I would risk life and limb for you.”

Su Meiqi rolled her eyes. “Don’t pant so heavily when you talk. I’ll call for you when I need you. You may go.”

“As you wish!”

As Cao Mang turned to leave, a cold smile crossed his lips. He almost pitied Qiu Zhenhu.

His wife wasn’t loyal in the slightest; if it weren’t for the strict controls, she would have long since taken a lover.

Su Meiqi also smiled, thinking she’d seized a hold over Cao Mang and could now use him for her own ends.

Her ambitions weren’t grand—she just wanted a more comfortable life in this household, and anyone disliked by Qiu Yurou, she wanted to win over.

She had no inkling that she was threatening a fully awakened beast—one wrong move and she’d be swallowed whole, bones and all!

Cao Mang reached the elevator. As the doors opened, he found Miss Qiu Yumeng inside, dressed like a rebellious teenager, looking up in surprise at his hulking form.

“What are you doing on the top floor?”

Cao Mang replied respectfully, “Madam summoned me to ask a few questions.”

Qiu Yumeng kicked him disdainfully. “Don’t come up here again. The elevator isn’t for servants—take the stairs next time.”

What nonsense.

Cao Mang’s narrowed eyes flashed dangerously, but he obediently headed toward the stairs.

Just as he reached the landing, Qiu Yumeng suddenly launched a flying kick from behind.

“When I say get lost, I mean now! Who told you to walk?”