All the heavens begin with the love in the courtyard.

Master Huang's body trembled slightly, but he immediately relaxed, nodded, and gestured for Han Chunming to continue.

Han Chunming put down his teacup and looked at Qi Siqiao, who was wearing a simple gray work uniform today. Her short hair and delicate face made her look like a beautiful high school student. Han Chunming smiled and said.

"Based on my speculation, the domestic situation has gradually calmed down. I estimate that it won't be long, at most two or three years, before the country resumes the college entrance examination. Here's my plan: Xiao Qiao is still young, so I'll accompany her to study. We'll both get into university together. After we get into university, we plan to get married. What do you think?"

When Han Chunming mentioned marriage, the expressions of the people in the room varied. Huang Wuye's godson looked at Han Chunming with a somewhat amused expression.

Master Huang's face gradually turned ashen, while Qi Siqiao's little face showed a faint blush, it was hard to tell whether it was from embarrassment or anger.

After hearing Han Chunming's words, Master Huang's face turned noticeably ugly. He looked at Han Chunming and wanted to say a few threatening words, but he couldn't bring himself to say them. He also couldn't bring himself to agree to anything.

For a moment, the atmosphere in the room became somewhat awkward.

Han Chunming didn't feel embarrassed at all. He was still beaming with pride and said with a kind smile.

"Since Fifth Master doesn't object, then let's settle this matter. Next, let's talk about Fifth Master's affairs!"

Han Chunming's decision to make the decision on his own made Master Huang's face even uglier. Qi Siqiao also looked at Master Huang with a worried expression, her small hands twitching nervously as she clutched the hem of her clothes, seemingly lost in thought.

Han Chunming appeared to be all smiles, but his attitude was actually quite assertive. He didn't give Master Huang a chance to speak at all, and then continued.

"Fifth Master, you're almost seventy. I think you should retire. These young people are lawless these days. Look at me, I'm just working and I still get pickpocketed. This kind of atmosphere is really bad. I think the country will crack down on this sooner or later. When that happens, all of you disciples and grand-disciples will be in trouble. You, the old ancestor, probably won't last long."

Upon hearing Han Chunming's words, Master Huang's face turned completely dark. He remained silent with a sullen expression, while his godson beside him revealed a fierce look and reprimanded Han Chunming.

"Kid, you've been meddling enough. Do you think you can just back down like that?"

Han Chunming smiled without saying a word, glanced at the middle-aged man with a simple and honest appearance, then picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then looked at Master Huang and asked.

"Fifth Master, I'm doing this for Xiao Qiao's own good. Your current status will inevitably implicate her in the future. You are her father, which means you will be my future father-in-law. I won't stand idly by in your affairs. Here's what we'll do: make a list of anyone who has any ideas about you or who has threatened you. I can assure you that these people will no longer be a threat to you. After you retire, you can just relax and practice your swordplay in the park and do some square dancing. I guarantee that you'll still be able to take care of your grandson before you die!"

The latter part of Han Chunming's words made Qi Siqiao, who was standing next to him, roll her eyes at him shyly.

Upon hearing Han Chunming's words, Master Huang's eyes finally sharpened. He squinted at Han Chunming, as if investigating whether Han Chunming was truly as capable as he claimed. He knew that once he decided to step down, he would face a life-or-death situation concerning both himself and Xiao Qiao.

When Han Chunming heard what Huang Wuye's godson had heard, his eyes flickered slightly. Han Chunming glanced at him and a playful smile appeared on his lips.

After pondering for so long, Master Huang finally seemed to have made up his mind. Looking into Han Chunming's eyes, he said solemnly.

"I can step down!"

Huang Wuye's words made his godson and Qi Siqiao both look at him, and his godson even shouted anxiously.

"Dad, you should think carefully before you make a decision!"

Master Huang waved his hand and said.

"Zhengwei, stop talking, I know what I'm doing!"

Master Huang looked at Han Chunming and continued.

"I don't want to commit any more killings. I've done enough heinous things in my life, so I won't trouble you. But I want you to promise me one thing!"

Han Chunming, still wearing that faint smile, nodded and said to Master Huang.

"Please speak!"

With a stern face, Master Huang turned to look at Qi Siqiao and said seriously.

"I need you to promise me that you will take good care of Xiao Qiao for the rest of your life and never let her be in any danger. Young man, I know you are a capable person, but one person's strength is ultimately limited. I just hope you can protect Xiao Qiao well, and I will be satisfied. I will take care of my own affairs!"

Huang Wuye's words instantly reddened Qi Siqiao's eyes, and she looked at him with worry.

The atmosphere in the room seemed to be filled with a sense of despair, as if someone were entrusting their orphan to another.

Han Chunming had eaten too much, took a sip of tea, and let out a burp, breaking the atmosphere. He yawned, glanced at the group, and said to Master Huang.

"Alright, alright, don't be so serious, don't make it sound like you're entrusting your orphan to someone. Just retire peacefully, I'll take care of everything else. You can just enjoy your retirement and wait to take care of my grandson! Look at you all acting like it's a matter of life and death. Aren't you just worried that others will covet your little bit of wealth?"

Huang Wuye's attitude made him somewhat unstable, and he finally lost his temper, snorting and scolding.

"I've eaten more salt than you've eaten rice. Do you really think you can intimidate everyone with your meager skills? Young man, the world is more complicated than you imagine!"

Han Chunming yawned. It was midday, and he needed a nap to be refreshed. He stood up, shook his head, ignoring Huang Wuye's words, and turned to stare at Qi Siqiao beside him. Looking at her pretty face, he couldn't help but sigh at how beautiful she was; he couldn't get enough of looking at her.

Seeing Han Chunming's nonchalant attitude, Master Huang slammed his hand on the table in anger, stood up, took out a short gun from his pocket, slammed it on the table, and said with a serious expression.

"No matter how good your kung fu is, can it be more powerful than this thing? Young man, I know you are a formidable character. I have never heard of your kung fu before. But this world is not just about kung fu, there is also this. I asked you to take good care of Xiao Qiao because I can see that you are not on the same side as us. You can take her and start a new life. I will settle my affairs personally!"

Since the old man had said that, Han Chunming had nothing more to say. He stood up, glanced at the short gun on the table, and then a mocking smile appeared on his lips before he spoke.

"Alright then, you can handle your own business. As for Xiao Qiao, that's my business. I'll protect her. I'll take my leave now. Let me know when you're ready to retire, and I'll come over for a drink!"

Master Huang glanced at Han Chunming and nodded solemnly.

"I plan to hold a retirement ceremony on the eighth day of next month. I will invite some people from our circle to attend. I will make proper arrangements for my assets. I will also have Xiao Qiao inform you to come. At that time, I will personally announce my retirement from the martial arts world and entrust Xiao Qiao to you. I hope you will not let me down!"

When Han Chunming heard what Master Huang said, his eyes lit up. It seemed that the old man had already made this plan. He was overjoyed and quickly made an OK sign.

"Okay, okay, I promise I'll be there. Fifth Master, you can rest assured and prepare. I guarantee no one can touch you. I promise I'll handle this matter perfectly!"

Han Chunming was acting frivolously, but Huang Wuye's godson and Qi Siqiao's faces gradually became serious. Han Chunming also noticed the worry in Qi Siqiao's eyes.

It seems their line of work is indeed a bit murky!

However, no matter how deep it was, in Han Chunming's view, it was just shallow water with many turtles. As long as Master Huang agreed to retire from his life of crime, things would be much easier in the future.

Han Chunming was overjoyed. He never expected that a simple meal would win over his future father-in-law and get his parents' approval. Now he could openly date Xiao Qiao. He was so happy!

Chapter Sixteen: Family Drama

After a hearty meal and drinks, and once Master Huang had set the date for his retirement from the criminal life, Han Chunming, seeing that he had nothing more to do, bid farewell to the others and prepared to go home.

Han Chunming felt particularly cheerful today, and he rode his bicycle as if he were flying, swaying and wobbling all the way home.

He recalled that when Qi Siqiao saw him off, he had taken advantage of the alcohol to kiss her hard on the cheek, a kiss that felt soft and smooth.

Seeing Xiao Qiao's shy and anxious expression as she patted her chest, Han Chunming felt incredibly happy. With a wife like her, he would be overjoyed every day.

Why are there such big differences between these women?

Suddenly, Su Meng's image popped into Han Chunming's mind. He remembered how Su Meng would refuse to admit her mistakes every time they argued, and just thinking about it annoyed him.

Compared to Qi Siqiao, the difference is like night and day. The most important point is that Qi Siqiao is even prettier than Su Meng, and she can be both sweet and salty, both cold and fiery. Han Chunming is excited just thinking about how he can train her properly.

To outsiders, Qi Siqiao has always been the type of icy beauty who never gives anyone a kind look.

Perhaps because no one has ever been able to conquer her, her passionate side has always been hidden.

However, in front of Han Chunming, the icy state can often be thawed quickly.

Whether it was fear of Han Chunming retaliating against Master Huang, or Han Chunming's own abilities that left Qi Siqiao helpless, she quickly chose to submit.

There's a saying that goes, if you can't resist, you might as well submit. Qi Siqiao may already be thinking about this.

If Master Huang were to retire from his life of crime, the father and daughter would face dire straits, a situation concerning their very survival—this was Qi Siqiao's constant worry.

Han Chunming's sudden appearance was like a miracle. His composure and calmness gave Qi Siqiao boundless confidence.

Qi Siqiao's ability to change her mindset so quickly is also related to her experiences over the years.

Over the years, she has tried her best to maintain the image of an icy beauty. Although she did not participate in Master Huang's shady dealings, she has always been the real decision-maker behind Master Huang.

She was decisive and ruthless in her actions, far from being as clean as she appeared. Even Huang Wuye's godsons were greatly afraid of her.

Han Chunming had already guessed this. When he chatted with her last time and heard her contempt for life and her moral values ​​that were different from ordinary people, he knew that this girl's life experience since childhood must have been extraordinary.

She appears strong and decisive on the surface, but in reality, it's all an act.

No matter how extraordinary she was, she was still just a young girl who had just come of age. She knew very well that if she didn't act like she was very powerful, her father probably wouldn't live to be seventy.

No matter how high Master Huang's prestige was, at his age he was just an old man, and countless people were secretly plotting against him.

Master Huang had considered retiring from the criminal life. Eight years ago, on his sixtieth birthday, he had already tested the waters to gauge the reaction from his subordinates.

The very next day, several of his most trusted confidants were assassinated. After going through so much bloodshed, Master Huang finally realized that he was no longer in control of his own destiny, and that he could forget about dying peacefully in this lifetime.

Now he's come to terms with it. He's an old man, and if he can protect his daughter before he dies, then it's all worth it.

Han Chunming's appearance stirred up different thoughts in Master Huang. This young man had a sinister air about him. Xiao Qiao's intelligence was already beyond that of ordinary people, but Han Chunming's special nature was completely contrary to common sense.

Master Huang had already thoroughly investigated Han Chunming's background. Han Chunming's life experience was truly that of an ordinary young man from Yanjing. However, the amazing things that this unremarkable young man displayed were something that even Master Huang couldn't figure out.

Since he couldn't figure it out, he decided to take a gamble and bet that Han Chunming could protect Xiao Qiao. He was already this old; living a few more years would only mean he was barely surviving.

Han Chunming had already roughly guessed what Master Huang was thinking, but he didn't think much of it.

Putting aside the fact that he wasn't particularly interested in Master Huang's small fortune, Han Chunming also considered Master Huang's concerns to be trivial matters. Having witnessed mountains of corpses and seas of blood, such a small thing was nothing to him.

However, just in case, Han Chunming would also make some preparations. Although Master Huang did not give him the list, Han Chunming still managed to find out from Xiao Qiao the list of people that Master Huang was truly wary of.

The eighth day of next month, there are still more than half a month left. Han Chunming plans to use this half month to thoroughly investigate those people.

Han Chunming rode his bicycle home leisurely, took a shower, and went straight to bed.

Time flies, and it's time to go back to work again. Han Chunming was woken up by his mother. He got up groggily, yawned, and checked the time. It was only a little past six. He was growing increasingly disgusted with this nine-to-five lifestyle.

When he arrived at the factory, it was indeed another day of boring work. Other workers were content with just a few pieces of bread they could sneak each day, but for Han Chunming, this kind of life was extremely boring.

Han Chunming remained a temporary worker, and his past dealings with Deputy Factory Director Chen seemed to have vanished like smoke, with no further contact between them.

Taozi and Cai Xiaoli's relationship has also entered a bottleneck period, or you could say an ambiguous period.

With Han Chunming's advice, Taozi personally visited Cai Xiaoli's home last Sunday with gifts, marking his first contact with her parents.

However, Cai Xiaoli didn't seem to have any romantic feelings for Taozi. The two maintained their master-disciple relationship, and Taozi continued to be a typical sycophant.

Han Chunming was helpless in this situation; he couldn't teach people how to connect with each other step by step.

However, if things continue at this pace, Cai Xiaoli will eventually be won over by Taozi. A good woman can be won over by a persistent suitor. Besides, Cai Xiaoli's conditions are just so-so. Han Chunming thinks that Taozi is more than a match for her.

As long as that cunning old fox Cheng Jianjun doesn't get involved, this young couple will get married sooner or later.

Han Chunming worked at the food factory for half a month, but he lost the enthusiasm he had at the beginning. He found the repetitive work day after day boring after just half a month.

And most importantly, he had very little free time. He went to Balizhuang to see Xiao Qiao every day, but the two of them barely exchanged a few words.

During this time, Xiao Qiao also secretly gave Han Chunming a list of people and information who might pose a threat to Master Huang.

There were seven people that Master Huang was most worried about, three of whom were his three godson sons.

The other four were his lifelong rivals in Yanjing City, all from his own circle.

Master Huang was quite good at judging people. Although he had raised his godsons for decades, people's hearts were the most unpredictable thing.

Qi Siqiao wasn't entirely sure how much wealth Master Huang had, but it was true that he had decided to give away a large portion of his fortune to his godsons after retiring from the criminal life. Now, Master Huang was worried that his sons might have other ideas.