Chapter Fifteen: Explosives Many thanks to Misty Dance for the gift of fine wine.

“Let go of me!”
Han Ning was seized by the hand of Maoqiu—the same hand that only a moment ago had been scratching between its toes—and couldn’t help but glare in anger. Just as she tried to wrench herself free, she suddenly felt a sharp pain in her wrist.
Maoqiu gripped Han Ning’s wrist tightly, picking at a sliver of chive stuck between its teeth with the other hand as it said, “No one’s ever dared to refuse a drink offered by Mr. He.”
Han Ning, her eyes blazing, looked at He Yuan, who was watching with an amused expression. “He Yuan, what is the meaning of this?”
“Nothing at all,” He Yuan replied in his usual calm tone. After leisurely pouring himself a glass of wine, he looked at Han Ning and said, “Maoqiu is right. No one has ever refused a drink I offered. There’s no need for alarm, President Han. Drink it, and I’ll sign the contract with you. I’m quite interested in this partnership.”
“I’m not working with you anymore!”
Han Ning struggled to shake off Maoqiu’s hand. “He Yuan, take a look at where you are! Do you really think you can throw your weight around on Han family turf?”
This was Han Ning’s final trump card. When she had come, she had counted on He Yuan not daring to go too far on the Han family’s ground.
He Yuan burst out laughing. “Oh, Miss Han, how naive you are. Don’t think everything you do is seamless. Take a look around—see what everyone’s up to.”
Han Ning called out several times for help, but there was no response. She glanced around, yet not a single soul could be seen.
He Yuan picked up his glass and took a few steps toward Han Ning, a sinister smile spreading across his face. “The Han family has nothing to do with you now. This villa became a property of our He Group some time ago. Everything here—including you—now belongs to me.”
Han Ning’s heart fell. She had thought her secret well concealed, but He Yuan had clearly known all along. Staring at his darkly grinning face, a wave of terror swept through her.
“He Yuan, what do you really want?” Han Ning fought to keep her composure.
“Nothing at all.”
He Yuan swirled the liquor in his glass. “I told you, just drink up and I’ll do the deal.”
“What if I refuse?” Han Ning glared at him.
He Yuan snorted coldly. “Then you won’t have a choice!”
With that, he glanced at Maoqiu, who immediately grinned wickedly and began closing in on Han Ning.
At that moment, Han Ning was on the verge of tears. She had known He Yuan was no good, but she never expected him to be so vile. Now she was alone, and with one look at He Yuan’s menacing smile, she could guess what would happen next.
Just as despair threatened to overwhelm her, a faint voice came from behind: “I think this drink should be enjoyed. Such a fine wine—wouldn’t it be a shame to waste it?”
“Yang Jiekai…”
At the sound of that voice, Han Ning instinctively darted behind Yang Jiekai as if grasping the last straw that could save her life.
“Who are you?” He Yuan demanded, staring at the newcomer.
“I’m her husband,” Yang Jiekai replied breezily.
Perhaps Han Ning had been frightened out of her wits earlier, for she didn’t seem at all upset by Yang Jiekai’s claim.
“Husband?”
He Yuan was taken aback, then looked Yang Jiekai up and down with amusement. “How come I never heard President Han was married?”
“Please, as if we’re close enough to send you a wedding invite!”
Yang Jiekai rubbed his nose and looked at He Yuan. “But if you want to give us a wedding gift now, I won’t say no.”
Seeing that Han Ning, hiding behind this stranger, did not deny his words, He Yuan’s face darkened. He fixed Yang Jiekai with an icy stare. “Who the hell are you, really?”
Yang Jiekai sighed and pronounced four crisp words: “None of your business.”
He Yuan’s rage exploded, but before he could speak, Maoqiu lashed out with a vicious kick toward Yang Jiekai’s stomach. Yang Jiekai didn’t dodge or flinch; he let Maoqiu’s foot land squarely on his abdomen.
Thud!
There was a muffled sound as Maoqiu’s powerful leg struck Yang Jiekai’s midsection, yet Yang Jiekai didn’t move a muscle. Instead, he thrust his torso forward, using only his abdominal muscles to send Maoqiu stumbling backward several steps, nearly falling over.
The two bodyguards beside He Yuan immediately drew their pistols and aimed them at Yang Jiekai. Han Ning, still cowering behind him, felt her chest tighten and instinctively grabbed the corner of Yang Jiekai’s shirt.
“You can fight, I’ll give you that,” He Yuan sputtered, pointing at Yang Jiekai. “But no matter how tough you are, can you outrun a bullet?”
“Not a chance.”
Yang Jiekai was perfectly honest. As he spoke, he undid the buttons of his shirt and calmly pulled it open. “But this thing is probably fast enough.”
When He Yuan and his henchmen saw what was wrapped around Yang Jiekai’s waist, they recoiled in shock.
It was a belt of yellow powder tied tightly with plastic bags—He Yuan instantly recognized it as explosives!
Han Ning’s heart nearly stopped. She never could have imagined that he would come prepared with explosives. Did he sense danger before they even set out?
“I don’t believe you’d actually set it off!”
He Yuan, seasoned as he was, broke out in a cold sweat, but maintained his composure.
“You’re free to find out,” Yang Jiekai said, flicking his lighter open with a snap. The gesture made He Yuan jump.
Yang Jiekai slowly brought the lit flame closer to the explosives at his waist, speaking nonchalantly. “Mr. He, you’re worth billions. I’m just a nobody. If I take you with me, I’d say I come out ahead.”
As he spoke, the flame drew ever nearer to the yellow powder.
“Stop!”
He Yuan finally caved, shouting frantically, wiping sweat from his brow. “I’ll let you leave, just put that down!”
But Yang Jiekai acted as if he hadn’t heard. He turned to Han Ning, who was still frozen behind him, and said calmly, “Sweetheart, are you scared? If you’re not, I’ll go ahead and blow us all up.”
Han Ning didn’t know why Yang Jiekai would say this when He Yuan had already backed down, but seeing him wink at her with a calm expression, she immediately understood. She took a deep breath. “I’m not afraid. Go ahead, set it off. If I can take Mr. He with me, it’s worth it.”
“Alright, I’ll do it then.”
Yang Jiekai repeated his threat, pretending to detonate the explosives. He Yuan, terrified, kept retreating. “Don’t! What do you want?”
Yang Jiekai was decisive. He turned to Han Ning and asked, “Sweetheart, what did you come here for today?”
Han Ning caught his meaning and stepped out from behind him, meeting He Yuan’s gaze with composure. “I came to discuss a contract with Mr. He.”
“Then you two talk. I’ll just be here.”
Yang Jiekai plopped into a nearby chair, one hand clutching the explosives at his waist, the other tearing off a chicken leg to gnaw on.
He Yuan, ruthless and bold as he was, had been hit where he was weakest—his own life. Now that he was worth billions, he valued it all the more.
He’d never had good intentions. After learning that Han Ning had completely severed ties with the Han family, he’d planned to finally taste the delicacy he’d long coveted. He never expected a wild card like Yang Jiekai, claiming to be her husband, to show up.
He’d seen plenty of underworld swagger, but this was the first time someone with explosives strapped to their waist had forced him to sign a contract.
The negotiations were remarkably smooth. Though Han Ning had been badly shaken, she was, after all, a queen of the business world—swift and decisive, she quickly closed the deal.
With the ink barely dry, the contract immediately took effect. Though He Yuan had criminal connections, once his signature was down, there was no turning back. If he failed to comply, he couldn’t withstand a legal battle.
When He Yuan and his entourage finally stormed out, Han Ning slumped into her chair, letting out a long breath. Cold sweat had soaked her through.
“Sweetheart, you rest. I’ll go bring the car around.”
Yang Jiekai, satisfied and full, patted his belly and got ready to leave.
“Wait.”
Han Ning called after him. “Um… let’s go together.”
No matter how tough she was, Han Ning was still a woman at heart. After the shock she’d just endured, she still felt shaken. Yang Jiekai was like her lifeline; she dared not be left here alone.
By now, night had fallen completely. Han Ning had been drinking, but she’d rather risk a DUI than let this guy drive. The day’s events had been a rollercoaster, full of unexpected twists. All she wanted now was to get home safely and soak in a hot bath to calm herself.
Yang Jiekai sat in the passenger seat, unusually quiet, eyes half-closed, reclining comfortably, thoroughly enjoying being chauffeured by a beautiful wife.
Screech—
As they neared the city, Han Ning suddenly slammed on the brakes. Yang Jiekai opened his eyes and asked what happened.
“Oh no, there’s a DUI checkpoint ahead!” Han Ning exclaimed in alarm.
Yang Jiekai rubbed his eyes and looked ahead. Armed police and a large contingent of heavily armed officers were checking vehicles.
“With all that firepower? That’s no DUI checkpoint. Don’t worry, just keep driving,” Yang Jiekai said sleepily, ready to doze off again.
“Are you an idiot? Whether it’s a DUI checkpoint or not, if they smell the alcohol on me, I’ll get arrested just the same!”
Han Ning anxiously turned to Yang Jiekai. “Did you drink earlier?”
Yang Jiekai shook his head. “Nope. Why?”
“Switch seats, quick!”
They were already close to the police, so they couldn’t openly get out and swap places. In desperation, Han Ning awkwardly climbed over and switched seats with Yang Jiekai inside the car.
Only after Yang Jiekai was behind the wheel did Han Ning suddenly remember, “Crap, I forgot—you don’t have a driver’s license!”
“Don’t worry!”
Yang Jiekai patted his belly. “I’ve still got that belt of explosives on me. If they try to fine me, I’ll just take everyone with me!”