Chapter 10

As Chen Yixin recounted everything that had happened last night, Ahua's face turned increasingly pale, and he was drenched in cold sweat in an instant.

Bao Ya Bing had been through countless storms in the underworld and had developed a keen eye. He could tell who was lying and who was telling the truth at a glance.

Now, seeing Chen Yixin speak confidently while Ahua was completely shaken, it was clear who was right and who was wrong.

"Damn, you're good for nothing, just causing trouble!" He glared at Ahua with a look of disappointment. If it weren't for Ahua's intentional mischief last night, they wouldn't be in such a mess today.

Ahua, intimidated by Bao Ya Bing's glare, was terrified and immediately knelt down. "Big Brother, I was wrong. Please forgive me this time." He slapped himself and wept bitterly.

"Hmph, useless!" Bao Ya Bing cursed, thinking Ahua was like a hopeless Ah Dou, incapable of handling important matters. If it weren't for his loyalty, Bao Ya Bing would have kicked him out long ago.

But it was too late to say anything now. The key was to make up for the loss. Otherwise, if the movie couldn't be released, he wouldn't be able to explain to the theater owners, and the loss of hundreds of thousands of dollars would be a huge blow.

Thinking about this, Bao Ya Bing pondered for a moment and said to Xia Tian, "Alright, Ahua was indeed wrong, but as the director, you also bear some responsibility. Even if the clapperboard operator left, you could have found someone else to replace him."

Xia Tian smiled helplessly, realizing that Ahua was still Bao Ya Bing's man, and even after such a big mistake, Bao Ya Bing still protected him.

"Fine, I'll take the blame for my part. I'll edit the movie myself and promise not to mess it up," Xia Tian agreed readily.

Bao Ya Bing was taken aback and looked at Xia Tian in surprise. "You know how to edit movies? Don't tell me you're lying?"

Xia Tian smiled. "Is there a director who doesn't know how to edit?"

To be a director, one must have a certain level of expertise in acting, cinematography, screenwriting, editing, art direction, costume design, music, and more. Even if one isn't an expert, one must at least understand these areas to manage a professional crew.

Xia Tian's editing skills might not match those of professional editors, but they were more than sufficient for this low-budget C-grade film.

Bao Ya Bing nodded, knowing that many Hong Kong film companies were small operations where directors often took on multiple roles. It wasn't uncommon for directors to handle various tasks.

Famous all-rounder directors like Chen Xunqi were skilled in film scoring, martial arts choreography, and stunt driving. Action star Hong Jingbao also took on multiple roles as a producer, director, screenwriter, actor, and martial arts choreographer, excelling in all of them.

"Alright, let you make up for your mistake by editing the movie," he agreed. "If you do a good job, I won't hold you responsible."

"Thank you, Brother Bao," Xia Tian nodded. "But I'll take responsibility for my mistake. What about his?" He pointed at Ahua.

Ahua was startled by the gesture, never expecting Xia Tian to turn on him.

Bao Ya Bing narrowed his eyes, unsure how to respond to Xia Tian's question. Although Ahua had made a mistake, he was still his man and quite loyal. Beating him up would be like punishing a loyal dog.

"Isn't it true that you reward the good and punish the bad? Brother Bao, are you hesitating?" Xia Tian asked with a cold smile.

Bao Ya Bing was annoyed by Xia Tian's attitude, which was clearly forcing him to discipline his "dog." However, no matter how annoyed he was, he had to listen to Xia Tian. Otherwise, he couldn't afford the loss of hundreds of thousands of dollars, let alone offend the underground theater owners.

"Fine, just beat him up a bit, for show," he thought. "I'll give him a couple of thousand for medical expenses and let him rest for a while."

Bao Ya Bing made up his mind and was about to have his men take action when Ahua begged loudly, "Big Brother, don't listen to him. I'm loyal to you."

Bao Ya Bing was disgusted by Ahua's plea. "If you had taken responsibility, it would have saved me from this awkward situation and spared you from Xia Tian's pressure. Besides, even if I beat you, it would just be for show, and I'd compensate you afterward. Why act so cowardly? You're embarrassing me!"

Bao Ya Bing grew angrier the more he thought about it. He had intended to just make a show of it, but now he wanted to kick Ahua to death. "Ahua's incompetence almost ruined everything. He deserves punishment," he said sternly, gesturing for his men to take Ahua away.

"Ahh, Big Brother, no!" Ahua screamed in terror.

Bao Ya Bing ignored him, waving his hand in disgust.

A boss wants loyal and capable subordinates who can bring benefits. If a subordinate only causes trouble and is useless, no gang would want them.

Bao Ya Bing had other trusted men, but Ahua was favored because he was good at flattering. Ahua had been bullying others in the gang, and many members already disliked him.

Seeing him fall out of favor, they immediately pounced, dragging him to the stairwell and beating him severely. They then kicked him down from the fourth floor. The sound of his body rolling down the stairs was followed by a pig-like scream.

"Big Brother, Ahua missed a step and fell down the stairs. His leg might be broken," a subordinate reported.

Hearing this twisted and understated account, and the horrific screams, Xia Tian and Chen Yixin were chilled to the bone.

The gang was too ruthless, even to their own members!

"Really? How careless. Bring him over and see how bad it is," Bao Ya Bing frowned.

Soon, a few subordinates brought Ahua over. His head was swollen like a pig's, blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, and his left leg couldn't touch the ground. He hobbled like a zombie.

Seeing Ahua beaten up by his own people, Chen Yixin felt a dark satisfaction, thinking it was even more satisfying than beating him himself. "No wonder Brother Tian said it's better to use your brain than your hands. Having others do the dirty work is even more satisfying," he thought, admiring Xia Tian.

"Ahua, be more careful in the future. Don't make the same mistake again," Bao Ya Bing warned coldly.

"Yes, Big Brother," Ahua responded hoarsely.

"Xia Tian, are you satisfied with this punishment?" Bao Ya Bing asked, still annoyed. If not for Xia Tian's pressure, he wouldn't have been so harsh.

Xia Tian shook his head. "It's not quite enough."

Hearing this, Bao Ya Bing's face darkened, and Ahua's face turned even paler.

With such severe injuries, including a possibly broken leg, Ahua thought it was too much.

"Fine, if you don't trust my men, do it yourself," Bao Ya Bing said coldly, staring at Xia Tian. He wanted to see how bold this young man was.

Xia Tian nodded and walked toward Ahua.

"Ahh, don't come near me!!" Ahua, terrified, tried to back away.

But with one leg injured, he lost balance and fell, the pain excruciating.

"Brother Tian, spare me! I know I was wrong. I shouldn't have provoked you. Please let me go," Ahua, unable to escape or fight back, broke down in tears.

Xia Tian smiled, feeling no sympathy for Ahua, a bully who had mistreated struggling filmmakers and even threatened Xia Xue. Such a scoundrel deserved to die a thousand deaths. Today, he wouldn't let him off easily.

"Didn't I tell you not to regret it yesterday? You said you wouldn't regret it. Why are you apologizing now?" Xia Tian squatted in front of Ahua, smiling at his hateful face.

"You... you..." Ahua, hearing Xia Tian's words, knew he wouldn't be spared, and was even more terrified, his lips trembling, unable to form a coherent sentence.

Xia Tian smiled and punched Ahua in the face.

The punch sent Ahua flying two meters, crashing into the wall corner, his teeth flying out, and blood streaming down.

Xia Tian stood up calmly and looked at Bao Ya Bing. "That's better."

Bao Ya Bing was surprised by Xia Tian's ruthlessness, not knowing what to say.

"Good boy, you really dare to do it. Aren't you afraid I'll be angry?" Bao Ya Bing asked coldly after a moment.

"Why would you be angry? I can make money for you, while he only causes trouble. How could you be angry at me for dealing with a useless person?" Xia Tian asked with a smile.

Bao Ya Bing's face twitched, feeling annoyed. Ahua, though useless, was still his subordinate, and it was his right to discipline him. Xia Tian was taking advantage of the situation, showing off his boldness. But he couldn't ignore Xia Tian's actions, or he would face significant losses.

"Damn, I'll get you back someday," Bao Ya Bing swore inwardly, but smiled at Xia Tian. "Good boy, you have guts. I underestimated you."

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