"Big brother, just say the word—even if it means climbing a mountain of knives or diving into a sea of fire, I’ll do it without hesitation," Brother Leopard said, looking at Ye Chen.

"It’s not that serious. It’s just a small matter for you," Ye Chen said with a smile.

People like Brother Leopard value loyalty immensely. He’s willing to take risks for his brothers and fight to the death for those he trusts.

Since Brother Leopard and the others have already accepted him as their leader, how could he let his brothers fall into danger?

"Big brother, what is it then?" Brother Leopard scratched his head and asked.

Every time, they’ve only taken on big, life-threatening jobs, yet Ye Chen tells him it’s just a small matter.

"Go tell the person who hired you that if they dare to provoke me again, their end will be gruesome," Ye Chen said coldly.

Without needing to ask, Ye Chen could already figure out who hired Brother Leopard—it must be someone acquainted with the square-headed man involved in Zhao Ziwei’s kidnapping.

Ye Chen couldn’t care less what that person’s name is; he just wants Brother Leopard to deliver the warning.

Ye Chen won’t proactively seek trouble, but if that person is ignorant enough to keep provoking attacks, then don’t blame Ye Chen for being brutal.

"Don’t worry, big brother, I’ll take care of it immediately," Brother Leopard said with a grin.

To Ye Chen’s words, Brother Leopard adheres completely; this means failing the task and thus forfeiting the employment fee.

However, Brother Leopard doesn’t mind at all, as recognizing someone he truly admires as his big brother is worth more than any payment.

Ye Chen understands how asking Brother Leopard to deliver the message would cost them the compensation from their employer.

"Ah-Bao, give me your bank account number. I’ll transfer one million to you, so neither you nor your brothers have worked in vain," Ye Chen said with a smile.

Upon hearing these words, everyone froze; throwing around a million like that—Ye Chen is unbelievably generous.

Moreover, their employer had only promised them twenty thousand. Times are tough; even the assassin industry is hard to profit from, prices have severely dropped.

Yet with survival at stake, Brother Leopard’s crew needs food, so he took the job despite the low pay.

Ye Chen’s offer is five times what the client paid—his generosity convinces Brother Leopard he’s chosen wisely.

"Big brother, don’t say that. How could I possibly accept your money? Being accepted as your little brother is enough for me," Brother Leopard hurriedly refused.

"Don’t be polite. Supporting your brothers isn’t easy," Ye Chen replied with a smile.

With Ye Chen’s insistence, Brother Leopard had no choice but to provide his bank account details.

Ye Chen made a call, and shortly after, Brother Leopard’s cellphone buzzed with a text notification.

Glancing at his account balance showed it suddenly had an extra million.

Brother Leopard looked at Ye Chen with a face full of gratitude, saying, "Thank you, big brother. Thank you, big brother."

Just moments ago, he thought Ye Chen was merely saying it, never expecting him to actually transfer a million.

Brother Leopard’s men were equally astonished.

How could someone as young as Ye Chen be so lavish in his generosity?

When Brother Leopard initially asked them to address Ye Chen as big brother, some felt reluctant.

Now, they willingly accept Ye Chen as their big brother.

Ye Chen is not only incredibly capable but also financially impressive.

What do people in this line drift in for? Loyalty is one aspect, but more significantly, it’s about money.

After all, having both elderly above and children below, the whole family depends on them.

Living constantly on edge, feeling the pressure detested; yet what’s the alternative? Without money, there’s no survival.

Engaging in this field was never a choice; meeting someone like Ye Chen gives hope for the future.

"Alright then, from now on stick with me; no more heinous deeds, okay?" Ye Chen warned.

"Absolutely, absolutely," everyone replied in unison.

Given the chance for legitimate work, who would choose life-threatening crimes?

It’s solely life’s pressure that led them here.

"Alright, go on with your lives; now, there’s no need for violence. Take good care of your families," Ye Chen waved them off.

Upon hearing him, everyone felt moved; being on this path meant scarce family time, concluding each day in fear. But now, they can finally reunite with their families.

Ye Chen left the alley and went to a nearby cake shop, ordering a strawberry-flavored cake and buying a bouquet of fresh flowers.

He drove toward Song Xiaoxiao’s school and parked out of sight.

He approached the school entrance with cake and flowers in hand, waiting for Song Xiaoxiao.

By rights, Song Xiaoxiao should’ve finished class by now.

Yet she hadn’t come out, Ye Chen found himself growing anxious.

He wanted to step inside, but the guard stopped him outside.

As he stood anxious, Song Xiaoxiao was already walking toward the exit.

Her look seemed unpleasant, with a man trailing behind her.

"Xiaoxiao, let’s have dinner together. Won’t you humor me?" the refined-looking man suggested.

"Li Yan, I already said I’m busy," Song Xiaoxiao responded with a displeased expression.

"Xiaoxiao, stop lying. I checked with your roommate; you have no plans tonight," Li Yan smiled.

He had double-checked with Song Xiaoxiao’s roommate, confirming she was deceiving him.

Li Yan came fully prepared, ensuring Song Xiaoxiao couldn’t make excuses.

Song Xiaoxiao frowned and said, "Li Yan, even if I were free, I wouldn’t dine with you. Stop bothering me."

"Xiaoxiao, why don’t you like me? What’s wrong with me?" Li Yan questioned, looking at Song Xiaoxiao regretfully.

He always thought himself handsome, wealthy, and charming, expecting girls to adore him.

Yet, Song Xiaoxiao constantly shrugged him off.

"Li Yan, I’m telling you now—I already have a boyfriend. Don’t pester me anymore; he’d be unhappy if he knew," Song Xiaoxiao said frankly.

"You have a boyfriend? How come I’ve never heard about it, nor seen him visit you at school?" Li Yan questioned, partly dubious.

"Li Yan, you’re ridiculous. Why should I inform you about my relationship?" Song Xiaoxiao scoffed at Li Yan.

This guy is so dimwitted; she has no connections to him, hasn’t even looked directly at him, yet he sticks like glue.

The more persistent Li Yan is, the more Song Xiaoxiao despises him.

"Xiaoxiao, I really like you; you’re the only one in my heart," Li Yan declared, grabbing Song Xiaoxiao’s arm.

"Let go of her," a man’s voice suddenly demanded.