How A Ride-Hailing Driver Comes To Dominate The World? [EN]: Chapter 481

霍恩泽 Is Dead_What’s Wrong with Me, a Ride-Hailing Driver, Having Some Money?

Chapter 481: Huo Enze is Dead

Yang Chen was incredibly busy, juggling his responsibilities to his cousin and the ever-present loneliness of Zhao Yiyi.

After ensuring Zhao Yiyi had her dinner at the hospital, Yang Chen rushed to pick up his cousin and take her home.

Li Xiaofei had been enjoying her time with her roommates, making the most of the last three days before school started. They planned to return to campus together the next day to air out their blankets and tidy up their dorm room.

With his cousin heading back to school, Yang Chen felt a sense of relief, one less thing to worry about.

“Go to sleep early, don’t wait up for me. I have some things to take care of, and I’m not sure when I’ll be back,” Yang Chen told her.

Li Xiaofei tilted her head. “Ah? Are you always this busy? I thought you were just driving for a ride-hailing service to relax and enjoy yourself. It seems like you’re busier than people with regular jobs!”

Yang Chen chuckled. “Haha… Driving for a ride-hailing service isn’t too demanding, but I have other ventures too. With so many businesses under my name, there are always decisions that require my attention. I can’t just be a completely hands-off manager. Making money isn’t as easy as it looks, you know?”

Li Xiaofei nodded. “That makes sense. Go ahead and get busy then; I can take care of myself. Drive safely, and don’t drink any alcohol. No drinking and driving, okay?”

Yang Chen assured her, “Got it. I’ll unlock the door myself when I get back, so don’t make a sound if anyone knocks. Call me if you need anything, and I’ll be right back.”

Li Xiaofei replied, “Okay, got it. I’m not a child; I know how to stay safe.”

Yang Chen smiled, nodded, and left.

Meanwhile, inside private room 301 of Huihong Restaurant,

Huo Enze and his daughter had been waiting for over two hours. It was past 9 PM, and Yang Chen still hadn’t arrived, making them increasingly anxious.

However, Yang Chen had warned them he might be late, so Huo Xiangxiu urged her father to be patient.

Just then, the restaurant owner approached them.

“Mr. Huo, Miss Huo, has your guest not arrived yet? We’re about to close for the night,” the owner inquired.

Huo Enze responded, “Keep a few staff members on overtime, and let the rest go home. I’ll cover the overtime pay, 200 yuan [approximately $30 USD] per person.”

Two hundred yuan was a trivial amount for someone of Huo Enze’s stature, but it was a significant overtime bonus for the average worker.

If the boss offered 200 yuan overtime every day, nearly every worker would jump at the chance to work extra hours.

So, after the owner informed the employees, they all eagerly volunteered for overtime.

The owner wouldn’t dare cheat Huo Enze, so he selected a few of his favorite employees to earn the overtime pay.

About ten minutes later, Yang Chen finally arrived.

As he entered, Yang Chen frowned.

A life countdown had appeared above Huo Enze’s head.

“00:50:32, 00:50:31…”

Huo Enze had only 50 minutes to live. He would die around 11 o’clock.

There was no countdown above Huo Xiangxiu’s head, indicating she was safe.

The father and daughter were together, Huo Enze was dying, and Huo Xiangxiu was fine, suggesting it wasn’t a murder but a sudden death caused by Huo Enze’s health.

*Hmm?*

Something was off. Yang Chen couldn’t detect any symptoms that would cause Huo Enze to die suddenly.

Was it an accident, then?

Regardless, his life or death was none of Yang Chen’s concern, especially since Yang Chen suspected the Huo family of sending the assassin.

If Huo Enze died, it was divine retribution.

Huo Enze instructed the waiter to serve the dishes, but Yang Chen quickly interjected, “No need, let’s get down to business.”

Huo Xiangxiu said, “Okay! I’ll call Gao Hongle and Huang Xi up.”

Yang Chen waved his hand. “No need, my people have already informed me. Huang Xi’s hands and feet were indeed pierced. We’re even on that matter. I want to discuss something else with you. I’m being sincere, and I hope you’ll reciprocate.”

Huo Enze and Huo Xiangxiu were taken aback. Yang Chen was clearly cautious and had sent people to scout ahead. He even knew the situation of Gao Hongle and Huang Xi, who were waiting in the car downstairs.

The boss of Xingchen Defense Group was indeed extraordinary, always proceeding with caution.

Yang Chen hadn’t always been this cautious. The incident with the car-moving lady had made him prioritize safety.

Huo Enze chuckled. “Hehe… Mr. Yang is truly impressive, knowing everything he wants to know. The capabilities of Xingchen Defense Group are remarkable. I admire, I admire. What is it that Mr. Yang wishes to discuss with us so sincerely?”

Yang Chen stated, “Last night, someone tried to assassinate me. A friend took the blow for me and is still in the hospital. Recently, I’ve had some conflicts with your Huo family, and Huo Song happens to be with Wu Yuchen of the Wu family in Hangzhou. I can’t help but suspect your Huo family hired the Wu family to assassinate me. I’m making it clear today that if I discover your Huo family was behind it, I guarantee none of you surnamed Huo will survive. If your Huo family wasn’t involved, I still advise you to be honest recently, so I don’t misjudge and retaliate against you.”

Huo Enze and Huo Xiangxiu were shocked.

They were surprised that someone dared to assassinate Yang Chen and that Huo Song was with Wu Yuchen.

Huo Song had always disliked Wu Yuchen for her appearance and ignored her for over a decade. Their sudden involvement was suspicious.

Huo Enze realized Huo Song wanted to use the Wu family’s influence to break away from the Huo family or seize control of it.

Huo Enze and Huo Xiangxiu felt a chill. Huo Enguo and Huo Song had already made moves without their knowledge. If Yang Chen hadn’t spoken up, they might have been killed by the Wu family without realizing it.

Huo Xiangxiu said, “Mr. Yang, I assure you, my dad and I weren’t involved. However, we can’t rule out my second uncle and cousin. We had a meeting a few days ago to discuss how to handle your threat. My second uncle and others clamored to break away from the Huo family and start their own business. After careful consideration, my dad and I decided to show weakness, meet your demands, and order Gao Hongle to punish Huang Xi as you requested. Wu Yuchen has been infatuated with Huo Song for over a decade, but Huo Song has always disliked her appearance. Their sudden alliance suggests my second uncle wants to use the Wu family’s rabble to deal with us. I heard Huo Song is interested in your girlfriend, so he might use the ruthless Wu family to harm you. The Tang and Xu families might also be involved. They want you dead, don’t they? Regardless, you can trust my dad and me. We wouldn’t do such a thing.”

Yang Chen paused. The Xu and Tang families were possibilities.

But the Xu family was decimated. Would the remaining relatives dare to oppose Xingchen Defense for the Xu family?

Unlikely.

Even Xu Hu’s brothers probably wouldn’t assassinate the boss of Xingchen Defense to avenge him.

It would lead to family extermination, and no one would be that foolish.

Tang Xuexu, Tang Xuejian, and Tang Xuelong were the only ones left in the Tang family, and the others were distant relatives. They were unlikely to avenge Tang Qing and his sons.

“The assassin is tight-lipped and refuses to confess. I’m still patient and can investigate slowly. But if I haven’t found the mastermind when I lose patience, the remaining members of the Huo, Wu, and Tang families will all be considered masterminds, and I won’t spare any of them,” Yang Chen said fiercely.

It was an assassination attempt against him. If the mastermind couldn’t be identified, all possible suspects would be considered masterminds, eliminating all possibilities. Better to kill a thousand by mistake than let one culprit escape.

Huo Enze protested, “Mr. Yang, that’s not fair. We didn’t do it; you can’t include us. If you can’t find the mastermind, you can’t just retaliate against someone.”

Huo Xiangxiu added, “That’s right! Why are you so unreasonable? How can you do that? I still see you as my dream lover; don’t you feel guilty for treating me this way?”

Yang Chen retorted, “I almost got assassinated; why would I care so much? If I can’t find the mastermind, everyone with a grudge against me is a suspect. I’d rather betray the world than let the world betray me!”

Yang Chen’s words left the Huo family speechless. They knew Yang Chen had the power to do it, making them feel helpless.

Huo Xiangxiu started to speak, but Yang Chen got up and left.

Huo Xiangxiu chased after him, saying, “Mr. Yang, you can’t do this! You can’t treat people like they’re worthless just because you’re strong.”

Yang Chen replied, “Then help me find the mastermind. Words are useless; you can’t understand. Don’t follow me; you’re annoying.”

Huo Xiangxiu stopped and watched Yang Chen leave with a frown.

After a moment, Huo Xiangxiu returned to the private room.

Huo Enze said angrily, “That kid is too arrogant; he doesn’t treat us like human beings.”

Huo Xiangxiu responded, “He has the strength to be.”

Huo Enze looked at his daughter, wanting to say something but holding back.

He did have the strength. What could anyone do?

After a pause, Huo Xiangxiu said, “Dad, I think this is a good opportunity for us.”

Huo Enze asked, “How so?”

Huo Xiangxiu explained, “Second Uncle has already contacted the Wu family, clearly intending to break with us. He’s using the Wu family to scare us into not punishing him, or he might use them to harm us. Either way, we can’t keep him and Xiaosong. The Wu family is trouble. We can’t win against them alone, but we can use Yang Chen to eliminate Second Uncle, Xiaosong, and even the Wu family.”

Huo Enze asked, “That’s a good idea, but how can we get Yang Chen to do it?”

Huo Xiangxiu replied, “Didn’t Yang Chen say he can’t find evidence? The mastermind could be us, the Tang family, or Second Uncle and Xiaosong. What do you think?”

Huo Enze understood and laughed. “Xiangxiu, it’s a shame you’re a daughter. If you were a son, your achievements would be limitless. Regardless of who the mastermind is, let’s make it your second uncle!”

The father and daughter thought they were clever, unaware that Huo Enguo and Huo Song had already acted.

“Exactly. We don’t need to do anything; let Yang Chen solve our problems. Let’s eat; I’m hungry,” Huo Xiangxiu said.

Huo Enze nodded and asked the waiter to serve the dishes.

They couldn’t eat much, and the food was wasted.

Half an hour later, they left Huihong Restaurant.

The father and daughter got into the car and told the driver to go home.

Huo Enze felt sleepy and fell asleep against the seat.

Huo Xiangxiu was busy on her phone, not paying attention to the road.

After a while, Huo Xiangxiu put away her phone, glanced at her sleeping father, and smiled, but her smile froze.

Something was wrong!

This wasn’t the way home!

Huo Xiangxiu asked, “Xiaozhang, did you take the wrong road? This isn’t the way home.”

Driver Xiaozhang replied, “Oh, the traffic light was red, so I took a different route. It’s late, so I wanted to get you home faster. This road is about five kilometers shorter.”

Huo Xiangxiu nodded but checked the navigation.

It was the wrong direction.

She suspected Xiaozhang was lying.

To avoid alarming him, Huo Xiangxiu nudged her father.

Huo Enze opened his eyes, but Huo Xiangxiu shook her head and showed him the navigation.

Huo Enze didn’t understand at first but realized they were heading towards Yanjiao, not home.

The car was on the highway. Any sudden moves could be dangerous.

Huo Enze had an idea. “Xiaozhang, pull over; I need to get out for a moment.”

Driver Xiaozhang said, “Okay.”

Xiaozhang drove a bit and stopped.

“It’s too dark here; I’m scared. Xiaozhang, come with me,” Huo Enze said.

Xiaozhang hesitated but nodded, unbuckled his seat belt, and got out.

At that moment, another car stopped in front of them.

Gao Hongle got out and ran over.

He grabbed Xiaozhang and demanded, “Why are you bringing Mr. Huo and Miss here? This isn’t the way home; what are you planning?”

Driver Xiaozhang protested, “Don’t talk nonsense; I’m taking a shortcut. I’ve been with Mr. Huo for over ten years; I wouldn’t harm them.”

Gao Hongle retorted, “This isn’t the way to Huo’s house; you’re lying! Mr. Huo, he’s up to something; don’t let him drive.”

Huo Enze asked, “Xiaozhang, tell me the truth; why are you taking this road?”

Driver Xiaozhang replied, “Mr. Huo, I just wanted to take a shortcut. It’s only 15 kilometers from here to Huo’s courtyard. The main road is about 20 kilometers with more red lights. This road is five kilometers shorter and has no red lights.”

Huo Enze said, “But this isn’t the direction to Huo’s house; it’s off course.”

Driver Xiaozhang explained, “We’ll turn at Chaohui Road and get back on Jianguo Road. I’ve been driving for you for over ten years; I know the roads. I won’t take the wrong way or harm you.”

Huo Enze was silent.

Gao Hongle urged, “Mr. Huo, you and Miss should take my car. Let Xiaozhang drive back and interrogate him tomorrow. You’re important people, and these are dangerous times; be careful.”

Huo Enze and Huo Xiangxiu agreed. Huo Enguo had already acted, and they couldn’t trust anyone around Huo Enze. It was better to be safe.

Whether Xiaozhang was involved or not, they couldn’t ride in his car.

Huo Enze said, “Xiaozhang, you drive back. Xiangxiu and I will take Hongle’s car.”

Driver Xiaozhang felt wronged but obeyed Mr. Huo and drove away.

Gao Hongle smiled and led Huo Enze and Huo Xiangxiu to his car.

Meanwhile, Yang Chen drove home.

He stopped at the door, feeling compelled to send a message to Huo Xiangxiu.

“If you’re with your dad, go to the nearest police station and stay there until after eleven. Don’t trust anyone, especially those you think are safe.”

Huo Xiangxiu became alarmed.

Yang Chen wouldn’t send such a message without a reason.

Huo Xiangxiu checked the time; it was almost eleven.

“What danger are we in?” she wondered.

Then she realized.

Gao Hongle should have been with Huang Xi. Why was he chasing their car alone?

Huo Xiangxiu showed the message to Huo Enze.

Huo Enze became alert.

Perhaps Xiaozhang was innocent, and Gao Hongle was tricking them into his car to harm them.

“Hongle, stop the car; I need to get out,” Huo Enze said.

Gao Hongle replied, “Okay, I’ll stop up ahead.”

Huo Enze insisted, “No! I can’t wait. I’m not afraid; stop the car now.”

Gao Hongle said, “Mr. Huo, we’re almost there; bear with it.”

Huo Enze pulled out a knife and held it to Gao Hongle’s neck. “Where are we going?”

Gao Hongle stammered, “Mr. Huo, what are you doing? I meant we’ll be in a dark area soon; I’ll stop there. I’ve been with you for years; don’t you trust me?”

Huo Xiangxiu said, “Get out of the car; I’ll drive.”

She moved to the driver’s seat.

Gao Hongle sighed, “Okay. Mr. Huo, move the knife; I’ll get out.”

Huo Enze said, “Dream on! If I let you out, your people will attack us. You come to the back. Xiangxiu, go to the passenger seat; let him come to the back.”

Huo Xiangxiu nodded and moved to the passenger seat.

Gao Hongle carefully moved to the back and asked, “Mr. Huo, what’s going on?”

Suddenly, a group of people emerged from the darkness and surrounded the car.

Huo Enze’s eyes turned cold. “You dare to ambush me! Who told you to do it? Second Uncle?”

Gao Hongle protested, “Mr. Huo, I don’t know these people.”

Huo Enze scoffed, “Still pretending!”

Huo Xiangxiu started the car and sped away.

The attackers scattered.

But two pickup trucks charged towards them, trying to crash into them.

Huo Xiangxiu swerved to avoid them. Huo Enze lost his balance, and Gao Hongle stabbed him in the heart.

Huo Enze grabbed Gao Hongle’s throat. “Bastard, you dare to betray me!”

Gao Hongle’s throat was crushed, and he couldn’t breathe.

Huo Xiangxiu saw the struggle in the rearview mirror and shouted, “Dad, are you okay? Gao Hongle, you’ll pay for this! I’ll destroy your family!”

Gao Hongle gasped for air.

Huo Enze said, “Xiangxiu, ask Yang Chen for help. Agree to anything he wants. Make sure your second uncle and Xiaosong pay for this!”

Huo Enze took a few breaths and fell silent.

The car clock struck eleven.

Huo Xiangxiu cried, “Dad! Dad! Talk to me, Dad…”

The pickup trucks were still chasing them. Huo Xiangxiu drove as fast as she could.

Gao Hongle made a few gurgling sounds and went still.

Huo Enze didn’t let go, clutching Gao Hongle’s throat until the end.

He knew he was dying and wanted to take Gao Hongle with him to protect his daughter.

Finally, the car reached the city.

The pickup trucks stopped chasing, and Huo Xiangxiu drove to the police station, shouting for help.

Yang Chen sighed. The system didn’t register any life points, meaning Huo Enze was dead.

Yang Chen showered and dried his hair when Huo Xiangxiu called.

Huo Xiangxiu sobbed, “Mr. Yang, Gao Hongle killed my dad. He betrayed us…”

Yang Chen asked, “Gao Hongle? Your dad’s confidant? Why would he betray you?”

Huo Xiangxiu replied, “I don’t know. He stabbed my dad in the heart, and my dad took him down with him. I don’t know why he betrayed us. Do you know something? Tell me; I need to avenge my dad.”

Yang Chen said, “I’m not sure yet; I’ll tell you when I find out. Where are you? Are you safe?”

Huo Xiangxiu answered, “I’m at the police station. Can you pick me up? My dad said to do whatever it takes, agree to any condition, and make sure my second uncle and Xiaosong pay. We think the second uncle bribed Gao Hongle; we can’t think of anyone else who would want us dead.”

Yang Chen sighed. “I’ll have Qiu Hongqiang pick you up. Don’t come out if anyone else comes. Understand?”

Huo Xiangxiu said, “Got it. Thank you; we’ll talk when we meet.”

I wrote a lot of face-slapping in front, and then some readers commented that the face-slapping was too dense, it was either face-slapping or on the way to face-slapping, and their brains couldn’t stand it, and they also said that this kind of writing is not popular now, and gave me a lot of bad reviews. Later, I dug deep into the previous content and found that the protagonist’s parents’ line could be written, so I interspersed this line in the daily face-slapping writing. But some readers said that it is not good to write like this, and this book is not suitable for writing this kind of thing. I am very confused now, whether it is better to follow the previous rhythm, either face-slapping or on the way to face-slapping, or slow down the rhythm and intersperse some non-face-slapping content. Please give me some advice and leave a message in the comment area. Thank you. I don’t know how to write now.