Young Master Huo's words rang out with resounding clarity, every syllable sharp as a bell.
Everyone in the hall froze, their gazes shifting dazedly between him and Yang Kai, as if sensing something unusual between the two.
Lan Chudie and Luo Xiaoman, both stunning beauties with remarkable figures, clapped their hands over their mouths in surprise, disbelief flooding their lovely eyes.
Yang Kai's expression darkened. He knew Huo Xingchen's words were far too easy to misinterpret, and he let out a light snort. "Explain yourself properly."
Huo Xingchen realized his phrasing had been problematic and gave an awkward laugh. "Don't misunderstand — I just made a bet with Brother Kai yesterday. I wagered he wouldn't survive the night. My eye for judgment was off, and I lost!"
"What were the stakes?" Qiu Yimeng suddenly perked up with interest. She truly hadn't known about this bet.
"I lost, so I hand over the Golden Feather Eagles to him. He lost... hehe!" Yang Kai grinned at Huo Xingchen. "Young Master Huo would have to strip naked and run ten laps around War City!"
A wave of barely suppressed laughter rippled through the room. Several of the women flushed crimson at the mental image of Young Master Huo sprinting through War City in the buff — it was quite the comical picture.
"You lost fair and square — did you really have to spell it out?" Huo Xingchen looked thoroughly dejected. Then his expression shifted to indignation. "Yang Kai, just make your choice. If you want these people and supplies, our bet is null and void. But if you say no, I'll strip right here and fulfill my end of the wager — though in that case, you won't get any of these supplies or people, and I'll be leaving too!"
As he spoke, he flicked open his folding fan and waved it languidly. "When this young master makes a bet, he never goes back on his word."
He wore a look of supreme self-assurance, not a trace of nervousness about him. He was clearly convinced that under such a massive temptation, Yang Kai would absolutely accept the experts and resources he'd brought along.
Compared to having him sprint naked through War City ten times, these experts and supplies were far more practical. As long as Yang Kai wasn't a fool, he'd know which choice to make.
Yang Kai smiled and said with admirable nonchalance, "Then please, Young Master Huo... disrobe."
Huo Xingchen's expression slowly stiffened, the motion of his fan growing increasingly rigid. He put on a pained face. "Brother Kai... don't be like this. I haven't done anything to offend you — why must you drive me to the wall?"
Qiu Yimeng pressed her lips together and chuckled softly beside them.
Huo Xingchen quickly turned to her, bowing as he pleaded, "Qiu Yimeng, say something for me — why are you just standing there enjoying the show?"
Qiu Yimeng shook her head slowly, her expression perfectly earnest. "I can't do anything about this man — you know that."
Huo Xingchen looked around helplessly, and his eyes landed on Fatty Dong sitting nearby. He hurried over and bowed deeply. "Brother Fatty — I can tell at a glance you're close with Yang Kai. Put in a good word for me, will you?"
Dong Qinghan's face darkened. Being called "Brother Fatty" by Huo Xingchen did not sit well with him at all. Though he wasn't pleased, given the man's status, Fatty Dong couldn't very well take offense. He could only offer a wry smile. "Forgive me, Young Master Huo — my words carry little weight. As for putting in a good word..."
As the awkward exchange continued, Fatty Dong noticed with a sinking feeling that Young Master Huo had locked his gaze squarely on Lan Chudie standing beside him, eyes gleaming with an unmistakable wolfish light. The conversation lost all relevance, and Huo Xingchen could only clear his throat.
"Beautiful," Huo Xinghen declared without the slightest hint of discretion. He turned his head and swept his gaze across the room, and sure enough, spotted another otherworldly beauty in Luo Xiaoman. The light in his eyes blazed even brighter, and visible waves of heat practically billowed from his nostrils.
Luo Xiaoman shrank timidly toward Fan Hong, her face pale with alarm.
She had never encountered such a brazen lech. The word "lust" might as well have been tattooed on his face — he was even more shameless than Yang Kai!
"Yang Kai — all of these people are your allies?" Huo Xingchen asked suddenly.
"Mm. They all came today."
Huo Xingchen's expression turned abruptly serious. He strode over to Yang Kai, first clasping his fists in a solemn salute, then spoke with utmost gravity: "Brother Kai, about that bet — it was purely my own narrow-mindedness, my inability to see what was right in front of me. You're a man of great magnanimity, so please don't hold it against me. I'm nothing more than a useless young master — how could I possibly compare to you? After last night's battle, I came to a profound realization of my mistakes. That's why I rushed back to the Central Capital through the dead of night, begging and pleading until my father gave me a contingent of men and supplies. From this day forward, I, Huo Xingchen, am yours in life and yours in death — but there is one thing: you absolutely must let me stay!"
With that, he actually plunked himself down on the ground, sulking. "I'm planting myself right here. Even if you try to kick me out, I won't budge."
Qiu Yimeng shook her head with a sigh and looked at Yang Kai. "I think it really would be better to let him go. If we actually let him stay, none of the women who come here in the future will feel at ease."
Yang Kai nodded gravely. "That's exactly what I was thinking."
"Brother Kai, Miss Qiu — can't you just accept my apology? How can you be like this?" Huo Xingchen looked ready to cry. Though he'd been with countless women, he rarely encountered ones like Lan Chudie and Luo Xiaoman. On the rare occasions he did, they were invariably women of questionable reputation drawn in by his status and wealth.
"Enough." Yang Kai frowned, too tired to keep up this pointless back-and-forth. He waved his hand dismissively. "Have your people bring the supplies inside."