Chapter 02
“May I ask who you are?”
Hua Qing stopped himself once he asked the question weighing on his mind, not out of respect but fear. The difference in height between him and the boy was so negligible that it didn’t deserve a mention. Hua Qing just couldn’t understand how a boy with just skin and bones, as well as a pale visage that only someone starving would have, took down two trained adults effortlessly.
It all happened so fast that Hua Qing had no way of determining if Ming Feizhen punched, slapped or palmed the elder’s chest. Whatever he did, he dealt enough damage to make a mess out of the elder’s entire torso that resembled the aftermath of a beast’s feast.
Even if Ming Feizhen could disguise himself in the appearance of a teenager, zeal, energy, impulsiveness and rebellious ambience should’ve been noticeable in his eyes, yet not a single one of those emotions were visible. Even so, Hua Qing believed Ming Feizhen was a teenager. That being said, seeing the glimmer of light in the eyes of a child who survived the harsh times didn’t put him at ease.
Teenagers striving to make their mark in the pugilistic world was the norm in their era. They didn’t have to come from martial arts sects or affluent families because Hua Qing himself left home in his teens. Still, that didn’t explain how a teenager put two dangerous men away as though he was just yawning. Regardless of what his background was, Ming Feizhen was anything but ordinary.
If Hua Qing’s hero dream was realised, he’d have liked to be the same as Ming Feizhen, strong, prodigious, admired, desired, mentored and journeying the world in a clean set of white attire. When he’d come across people in trouble, he’d be able to lend a hand, then depart without leaving behind his name or asking for anything in return. Ming Feizhen demonstrated all those qualities… if it wasn’t for the chicken drumstick in his hand.
Speaking of which, the other reason that compelled Hua Qing to ask for a name was that: how come Ming Feizhen’s appetite wasn’t affected. Subsequent to putting away the two, instead of checking on Hua Qing or the other passengers, Ming Feizhen fetched several kilograms of beef braised in soy sauce, several cakes, two jugs of wine and two plates of food that the chef left behind. He didn’t mind that he didn’t have chopsticks, not to mention that the food was cold. Merely watching him eat made Hua Qing hungry even in his state.
Noticing Hua Qing’s watchful gaze, Ming Feizhen looked up. “I’m done. You carry on as you like.”
“… My name is Hua Qing. Owing to the lethal poison plaguing me, I do not have much time left. I have one final request I would like -”
Hua Qing saw Ming Feizhen whip an arm up. Next thing he knew, he felt a stabbing pain in his gut as his own blood shot from his mouth onto the ground. He had no clue where he was upon impact with the ceiling, so he reactively reached around with his hands. To his disbelief, the weapon hurled at him was a chicken bone.
“You little brat!” It only dawned on Hua Qing that his voice was booming and that the tingles he had were erased.
He expelled the poison from me just like that?
“Thank you for saving my life. I shall never forget this debt.” Hua Qing kowtowed. “May I have the honour of knowing your esteemed name? I promise to erect a tablet for you to pray to you daily as a small token of gratitude. The passengers are also affected by my poison. If you could extend a hand to them, as well, they will be equally grateful.”
What Hua Qing lacked in might, he made up with in experience. Surviving in the pugilistic world as a thief for twenty years was far above the average lifespan for a thief. Whatever Ming Feizhen’s background, whatever his reasons for taking down the men and whatever his attitude toward himself, Hua Qing believed it was safe to assume Ming Feizhen wouldn’t kill him, yet, right after expelling his poison. His expression of gratitude was conveyed to test the waters before he moved on to making his request – saving Su Li.
A sales pitch, be it a tangible good or idea, took two people. Ming Feizhen just carried on with his meal, rendering Hua Qing’s move useless.
“Umm… Sir?”
Ming Feizhen looked over. “Who are you?”
Hua Qing would’ve lost his life if it rode on answering Ming Feizhen’s question. Nevertheless, there was an urgent matter at hand. Hence, he briefly introduced himself. “Surprisingly, th-”
“Man!” Ming Feizhen kicked Hua Qing over to the wall. “Get to the damn point.”
Hua Qing scurried to his feet and wiped his bloody nose to implore Ming Feizhen.
“All right, got it.”
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