Time flew by, and it was already evening.
As Hou Liang Ping and Chen Hai prepared to leave the village and return to the city, Qi Tong Wei insisted on seeing them off.
They walked along the small road at the entrance of the village, the setting sun's rays bathing them in a golden glow.
Suddenly, a flurry of hurried footsteps came from behind.
Hou Liang Ping turned his head and saw several young men, armed with sticks, charging towards them with a fierce look.
Qi Tong Wei immediately stood in front of Hou Liang Ping and Chen Hai, shouting loudly, "What do you want?"
Seeing Qi Tong Wei standing in their way, the young men threatened viciously, "Old man, don't meddle! We're looking for those two city slickers!"
Upon hearing this, Hou Liang Ping and Chen Hai immediately understood - these people were looking for trouble with them!
They were about to explain themselves, but Qi Tong Wei pulled them behind him.
"If you have something to say, say it to me! Don't make things difficult for them!" Qi Tong Wei straightened his back and faced the menacing youngsters.
The young men became even more arrogant, "Oh, you're quite the righteous one! Since you want to step in, we'll indulge you! Brothers, attack!"
With a shout, the young men swung their sticks and charged at Qi Tong Wei.
Qi Tong Wei, however, was fearless and met them head-on, engaging in a fierce struggle...
The fight was incredibly intense and thrilling.
Qi Tong Wei, though elderly, was still nimble and agile; the young men, despite their youth and strength, lacked practical experience and were easily neutralized by him, countered, and thrown to the ground...
After a fierce battle, several young men fell to the ground, groaning in pain...
Hou Liang Ping and Chen Hai stood aside, speechless -
They couldn't believe how powerful Qi Tong Wei was!
They also couldn't believe he would step up and protect them at this critical moment.
After the fight, the young men slunk away from the scene.
Qi Tong Wei patted the dust off his clothes, as if nothing had happened.
"Are you okay?" Qi Tong Wei turned around and asked Hou Liang Ping and Chen Hai with concern.
"We... we're fine..." Hou Liang Ping and Chen Hai stammered in response.
They were deeply moved by Qi Tong Wei's heroic actions.
"That's good..." Qi Tong Wei nodded, then turned to the young men lying on the ground and said, "Don't do such foolish things again! Otherwise, next time I won't be so polite!"
After saying this, he took Hou Liang Ping and Chen Hai and left the scene.
The young men were left to stare at each other...
Back in the city, Hou Liang Ping's admiration for Qi Tong Wei grew even stronger.
He never thought his former senior would be so responsible and courageous!
He realized his previous views on Qi Tong Wei were too superficial.
...
Sunlight streamed through the partially opened curtains, dappling Liang Lu's exquisite boudoir.
She sat by the window, playing with a string of pale purple crystal beads, a token of love given to her by Qi Tong Wei, now a source of unspeakable pain in her heart.
"Lulu, I heard Qi Tong Wei saved someone again yesterday?" her best friend Liu Chu Qing's voice broke the silence of the room. She entered with a playful tone.
Liang Lu lifted her head, a complex emotion flashing across her eyes, "Yes, he saved someone again."
"Wow, what a heroic rescue scene." Another best friend, Lu Xiao Man, followed close behind, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Don't say that," Liang Lu sighed softly, "He actually... has it tough too."
"Tough? He's working so hard, isn't he just trying to climb the ladder?" Liu Chu Qing scoffed, "Look at him, he's willing to risk his life for power."
"Yeah, Lulu, you're lucky you didn't end up with him." Lu Xiao Man chimed in, "Otherwise, you wouldn't know how much you'd have to worry."
Liang Lu remained silent, her mind churning with turmoil.
She recalled Qi Tong Wei's resolute eyes, his unwavering courage, and couldn't help but genuinely admire him.
But then she thought about his ambition and scheming, and a wave of coldness washed over her.
"Lulu, do you think a person like Qi Tong Wei is worth sacrificing yourself for?" Liu Chu Qing's words pierced Liang Lu's heart like a sharp knife.
Liang Lu lowered her head, silent. She knew her feelings for Qi Tong Wei had long since changed, but how could she easily let go of that past love?
Just then, a commotion came from outside the door.
Hou Liang Ping and Chen Hai entered the room.
"Hey, everyone's here," Hou Liang Ping greeted with a smile, "Liang Lu, I heard you haven't been feeling well lately?"
Liang Lu raised her head, forcing a smile, "No, I'm just a little tired."
"If you're tired, get some rest." Chen Hai said with concern, "Don't push yourself too hard."
"Okay, thank you," Liang Lu nodded gratefully.
Seeing this, Liu Chu Qing quickly changed the subject, "What do you think of Qi Tong Wei?"
Hou Liang Ping paused slightly, then said, "Qi Tong Wei is a capable person, I won't deny that. But his ambition is too great, he'll stop at nothing to gain power. I don't admire that kind of person."