Chapter Seventeen: Scarface’s Remorse

Brother Bald stepped out from behind. His expression remained calm, yet a careful observer could still detect subtle traces of unease. In truth, Brother Bald had expected that only by appearing himself would Scarface confess the whole story. To his surprise, a single fierce threat from Shen Guodong had been enough to make Scarface spill everything—a result that exceeded his expectations.

In that brief moment, Brother Bald regarded Shen Guodong with clear admiration. “Scarface, we may be men of the underworld, but brazen daylight robbery—only you would dare such a thing!” Brother Bald’s sharp gaze fixed on Scarface, his tone cold and sudden.

Scarface’s heart trembled; he hurriedly apologized, flustered and at a loss. “Brother Bald, I know I was wrong! I didn’t know that woman was this gentleman’s wife. If I had, I wouldn’t have dared, not for a hundred lives! Please, give me a chance to make amends.”

“Don’t say that to me—say it to Brother Shen,” Brother Bald replied icily.

Fortunately, no serious consequences had resulted; otherwise, there would have been no room to make things right. Yet Brother Bald’s words shocked Scarface all the same. Brother Shen? Who was this man that could command such deference from Brother Bald?

“Brother Shen, I’m sorry. I offer you my deepest apologies for the harm I caused your wife. I’m willing to make it up to you,” Scarface stammered, paying no heed to the blood on himself.

“Kneel before my wife and apologize. In addition, compensate three thousand yuan for emotional distress and medical expenses,” Shen Guodong stated calmly.

He had no intention of taking Scarface’s life over this incident; that would only bring trouble upon himself in a society ruled by law. One could no longer act on mere impulse.

Scarface’s face went rigid. Three thousand yuan? Even if every bone in his body were sold, it wouldn’t amount to that much. Most ordinary workers made seventy or eighty yuan a month; a hundred was already considered high income. Where could he possibly find three thousand?

With a pained, almost tearful smile, Scarface pleaded, “Brother Shen, even if you sold me for parts, you wouldn’t get three thousand yuan. Where am I supposed to find so much money?”

“That’s your problem. When you stole my wife’s money and slapped her, you should have thought of the consequences. As an adult, you must bear the price of your actions,” Shen Guodong replied evenly.

He cared only for results, not the process.

Scarface, seeing no other way out, looked imploringly at Brother Bald.

Only Brother Bald could resolve this today.

Scarface and Brother Bald were actually distant relatives; when Scarface first entered the underworld, Brother Bald had brought him along. Now, Scarface was a minor boss himself.

“Brother Shen, I understand your loss, but Scarface truly can’t pay that sum. How about this—I’ll cover the money, and Scarface will handle the apology,” Brother Bald offered.

Shen Guodong had no concern over who provided the money; it was their affair. He only wanted what was owed, especially since he was short of cash. Whether the money was clean or not was of no concern—this was an age where people respected wealth, not virtue.

In these times, having money is king. A man without money, no matter how upright, earns no respect; the wealthy, no matter how they come by their fortune—by theft or by force—are admired for their cleverness in escaping consequences.

“Someone, fetch three thousand yuan for Brother Shen!” Brother Bald ordered without hesitation.

Scarface felt as though he’d been granted a royal pardon. Brother Bald would have to advance the money for now, but Scarface would surely have to repay it later.

Soon, someone brought a thick stack of cash and placed it in Shen Guodong’s hand. The largest bills were only ten yuan, so three thousand made a hefty bundle.

Shen Guodong weighed the money and, pleased, put it away.

…

At home, Liu Yueru waited anxiously. Shen Guodong had been gone for a long while and still had not returned.

Had something happened to him?

Her face was tense and troubled, emotions flickering rapidly. No, she couldn’t wait any longer.

At last, Liu Yueru could not bear it; she rose quickly and prepared to go find Shen Guodong.

But as she opened the door, her face turned pale. Wasn’t that the man from earlier today? How did he know her home? And he’d come to the door! Frightened, Liu Yueru took a step back.

Then she saw Shen Guodong standing in the middle.

“Honey,” Shen Guodong said, flashing a wide, radiant smile.

Liu Yueru’s heart eased a little. Shen Guodong seemed unharmed. Scarface, on the other hand, was covered in blood—a chilling sight—as he dropped to his knees.

Shen Guodong circled Scarface and approached Liu Yueru. “It’s taken care of. Let’s go inside,” he said cheerfully.

“What about him? What happened?” Liu Yueru glanced at Scarface, troubled.

With narrowed eyes, Shen Guodong replied, “Let him kneel. For daring to lay a hand on my wife, merely kneeling is already merciful.”

“Sister-in-law, I’m sorry… I was blind this afternoon and offended you. Please, forgive me!” Scarface said, full of regret.

The once ferocious Scarface now knelt before her, leaving Liu Yueru utterly stunned and unable to comprehend.

She cast a bewildered look at Shen Guodong—had he done all this? She truly didn’t know what to say. For a moment, her mind went blank. Scarface, intimidating in every way, had clearly overpowered Shen Guodong earlier, so why was he now so meek and obedient?

“Forget it. Go home. I’m fine. Just don’t bully others again,” Liu Yueru finally said after some thought. She didn’t want to press the matter; after all, people like Scarface bore grudges. If she provoked him now, his future revenge would only be fiercer and more violent.

So Liu Yueru decided not to pursue it further.

Scarface looked to Shen Guodong for his answer.

“My wife has spoken. You may leave. Don’t make the same mistake again, or next time I won’t let you off so easily,” Shen Guodong replied.

Scarface, feeling as if he’d been pardoned, quickly rose and thanked them.

Just then, some noise came from outside the door.