Chapter 1173 - 1173: Settling It Privately

After the meal, the car Tang Mingbo had called for arrived just in time.

The two got in together, returned to Kyoto, and headed straight for the hospital where Pei Dengke and Qi Guanghe were.

On the way, Xiao Feng gave a rough summary.

Tang Mingbo is indeed a relatively stable type, but his stability is mostly superficial.

If you say he lacks real knowledge and skills, it seems somewhat biased. On many issues, he basically understands immediately.

However, without that immediate spark, he can't seem to grasp the point at all.

Overall, Tang Mingbo's studies weren't in vain; he has skills, but when it's time to apply them, he just can't seem to do it.

By the time he does manage to apply them, it'll probably be too late.

This is typical armchair strategy, the result of a lack of practical experience.

After all, plans often encounter various uncontrollable changes, and if you haven't prepared contingencies, you might easily lose everything.

"Can I ask what exactly you do?"

Just before they were about to get out of the car, Tang Mingbo asked.

Xiao Feng hesitated slightly, then replied, "I'm a private investigator, and I dabble as a singer during my free time."

"Singer?" Tang Mingbo's mouth twitched twice.

Being a private detective is understandable; detectives have to have above-average observational skills, insight, and logical thinking.

But what's with being a singer?

Xiao Feng didn't elaborate further. The less said, the better; sometimes keeping a bit of mystery is beneficial.

Outside the hospital room, Xiao Feng signaled Tang Mingbo to wait while he entered alone.

Upon entering, Pei Dengke and Qi Guanghe each occupied a bed, chatting enthusiastically with laughter.

Yet upon hearing the door open, they immediately started moaning in exaggerated pain, their acting was utterly unconvincing.

This is a rather objective assessment; from Xiao Feng's point of view, Pei Dengke and Qi Guanghe's acting skills were truly subpar and obviously fake.

"Stop pretending; it's me," Xiao Feng said calmly.

Upon hearing the familiar voice, Pei Dengke's eyes lit up, "Brother Ba!

You finally came!

What did Tang Mingbo tell you?"

Xiao Feng assumed a conflicted expression, hesitant to speak.

"Brother Ba, what's going on?" Pei Dengke couldn't help but ask.

Qi Guanghe was even more impatient, "Come on, men shouldn't dawdle."

"Sigh..." Xiao Feng sighed, "Our investigation wasn't thorough enough; there's someone powerful backing Tang Mingbo, might have to drop it."

"Someone powerful?" Pei Dengke and Qi Guanghe exchanged looks, then said in unison, "You mean 'Third Master'?"

Xiao Feng nodded, "I advise you not to ask your family about him; I've discussed with Tang Mingbo, best to resolve this privately if possible."

"Who exactly is this 'Third Master'?" Pei Dengke was increasingly curious.

Xiao Feng thought for a moment, then asked, "Do you know Chen Feihu?"

Mentioning Chen Feihu, Pei Dengke and Qi Guanghe's expressions changed.

Xiao Feng captured this detail, noting to himself that Chen Feihu wasn't bluffing; even the prodigals in Kyoto were wary of him.

"Of course, but what's this got to do with Chen Feihu?" Qi Guanghe asked.

Xiao Feng spoke gravely, "Chen Feihu's grandfather, Chen Fu, gives Tang Mingbo's 'Third Master' a considerable amount of respect."

Upon hearing this, Pei Dengke's expression grew heavier, "Qi, maybe we should drop this; don't want things to get out of hand."

"Yeah, you're right," Qi Guanghe nodded.

From the start, he was helping Pei Dengke. Since Pei Dengke suggested dropping it, he naturally had no reason to persist.

Of course, he didn't want to stir up trouble.

"Knock, knock, knock!"

During the conversation, the hospital door was knocked upon.

Pei Dengke and Qi Guanghe both looked at Xiao Feng, who mouthed "Tang Mingbo."

The two exchanged a glance, laid back down, and Pei Dengke said, "Come in."

The door opened, and Tang Mingbo walked in with a smile, "Young Master Qi, Young Master Pei, are you both feeling better?"

"Much better, thanks for your concern, Uncle Tang." Pei Dengke replied politely.

Qi Guanghe, on the other hand, seemed awkward; he hadn't regarded Tang Mingbo highly before.

Now knowing Tang Mingbo had a backer as strong as Chen Fu, he wanted to make small talk but found it difficult, his smile stiff.

"It's my fault, I didn't warn you guys about the danger beforehand. Seeing you're okay puts my mind at ease." Tang Mingbo said with a smile.

Qi Guanghe chimed in, "I think that potion is like strong liquor, now that the effect has worn off, it's all fine."

"Indeed." Pei Dengke grinned, "It's not Uncle Tang's fault; we insisted on drinking it and it didn't have much to do with you."

Xiao Feng seized the moment to say, "No matter what, it's good no one got hurt, a misunderstanding cleared up; let's not bring it up again."

"I agree with Brother Ba!" Pei Dengke immediately responded.

Tang Mingbo and Qi Guanghe nodded in agreement.

After a while, Tang Mingbo took his leave, Qi Guanghe and Pei Dengke naturally didn't want to continue staying in the hospital, so they instructed their staff to process their discharge and left.

Parting from Qi Guanghe, Pei Dengke sighed wistfully, "Weiwei is still avoiding me, the world is so big, where should I search for her..."

Then, as if remembering something, he smiled apologetically, "Sorry Brother Ba, made you come here for nothing; if you have no pressing matters, stay in Kyoto for a few more days, we'll make sure you're well-treated.

Although we didn't find Weiwei, I'm truly grateful from the bottom of my heart to Brother Ba, grateful to Brother Xiao!

Here's a card with a million as a token of appreciation; hope Brother Ba doesn't find it too little."

As he spoke, he handed a bank card to Xiao Feng.

Xiao Feng refused, "This is absolutely not acceptable, Brother Xiao instructed not to take your money!

You're brothers with Brother Xiao, which makes you my brother too; such gestures between brothers hurt feelings."

As if he had anticipated this, Pei Dengke immediately took out a jade ring, handing it over, "This little trinket, for you Brother Ba, consider it a keepsake."

Xiao Feng took it and played with it for a moment, though not particularly knowledgeable in jade, he understood it wasn't a mere 'trinket' or 'keepsake.'

So, should he accept it or not?

After considering, Xiao Feng decided to maintain his persona and not accept it.

But just as he opened his mouth, Pei Dengke said, "Brother Ba, Brother Xiao didn't allow taking money, but this isn't money, just a small gift. Not accepting would mean you look down upon me, Pei Dengke."