RMM – Chapter 65 The Shi Family

“Bastard! I told you to behave, but you just had to go out and cause trouble. Look at the mess you’ve made!”

A furious roar echoed through the brightly lit living room—this was Shi Yan’s home.

In his official career, Shi Yan had always enjoyed smooth sailing. Now middle-aged, most things in his life had gone according to plan—except for one: his son.

He admitted he hadn’t paid enough attention to his son when he was younger. Back then, his political career was just taking off, and he had been immersed in government affairs, leaving family matters to his wife. He hadn’t expected that under her indulgence, their son would grow up completely out of line.

Shi Hai had always been a leader among children—loud, arrogant, and reckless. Add to that the prestige of his father’s position, and he was constantly surrounded by flattering sycophants. Over time, he truly became an uneducated, arrogant second-generation official.

Shi Yan’s efforts to rein him in came too late. By the time he realized he needed to focus on family, Shi Hai had already grown past the age of being easily corrected. Though Shi Hai did show a bit of fear toward his father—bowing his head in silence during scoldings, never talking back—he wasn’t actually afraid. No matter how his father punished him, his mother would always take his side. At most, his father would just yell at him, so over time, Shi Hai didn’t really listen to him anymore.

Eventually, Shi Yan gave up trying to discipline his son. His wife doted on him endlessly and refused to listen, so Shi Yan could only blame his misfortune on a troubled household. He merely hoped his son wouldn’t cause any serious disasters and could live a peaceful, healthy life.

This trip to the capital was a turning point in Shi Yan’s career. His future promotions and glory all depended on this. He had long been a loyal member of the Wang faction, and it was thanks to their support that he had risen to his current position.

Shi Yan feared nothing about taking office in Beijing—except that his son would stir up trouble. The capital was no S Province; it was full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers. A single misstep could offend someone powerful. Before they left, he repeatedly warned his son: behave, don’t cause trouble. Here in Beijing, he wouldn’t be able to clean up his messes.

Shi Hai had agreed readily enough. Who knew he’d still find a way to cause problems?

Worse still, he had provoked the Su family’s daughter—the daughter-in-law of the Xi family! Of all people to pick on, why her?

Coming from out of town, Shi Hai didn’t understand Beijing. The glittering metropolis dazzled him. It was the capital, not just any city—he couldn’t help but feel smug. “Now I, Shi Hai, am among the capital’s elite.”

Beijing’s nights never seemed to sleep, always lit up in brilliant lights. Driving around and admiring the nightlife, he came to a particularly dazzling building. He stopped the car to take a closer look.

“Mu You? What a weird name.”

As he muttered to himself, he saw the people coming and going inside—elegant, clearly wealthy or high-status. Even if he was a fool, Shi Hai could tell from the caliber of cars parked nearby that this place wasn’t ordinary.

“I’m going to see what makes this Mu You place so special.”

He turned into the parking lot and strode up to the entrance with a sneer, heading in.

The second floor of Mu You housed a bar—expensive, yes, but not restricted. However, anyone trying to go above without being a member or known guest was strictly blocked.

Shi Hai stayed at the bar for a while and noticed some guests heading upstairs. The staff were respectful and courteous, which piqued his curiosity. He had seen from outside that Mu You was more than two stories tall—what was up there?

His curiosity got the better of him, and he headed toward the stairs, but was quickly stopped.

“Excuse me, do you have a membership card?”

The staff at the stairs were familiar with most of Mu You’s regular guests and could usually avoid awkward scenes. But this man? Completely unfamiliar—clearly not a member. Naturally, he couldn’t be allowed upstairs.

“Membership card?” Shi Hai frowned.

“Yes. Without one, I’m afraid you can’t go up. I’m very sorry,” the attendant replied politely.

“Move aside. I’ll go up first and get a membership later.”

Hearing that this place had a membership system made Shi Hai even more eager to explore. From what he could see, this place was high-end—its members probably not average folk. He glanced at the upstairs guests and suddenly felt a sense of superiority, a smug grin spreading across his face.

Unfortunately for him, the staff wasn’t budging.

“Sorry, it’s the rules. Please get a card first.”

The attendant was firm.

Repeatedly turned away, Shi Hai became irritated. He raised his voice: “What’s wrong with you? Can’t you see what’s going on? I said I’ll get one later. Move!”

He tried to shove past the attendant, but more staff appeared, making it impossible.

By now, the commotion had caught the attention of everyone on the second floor. It wasn’t hard to figure out what was happening, and many began chuckling or whispering.

Shi Hai felt all their stares like needles. Being ridiculed? Mocked like this? Since childhood, people had only smiled at him. When had he ever been humiliated like this? To be called shameless, clingy—how could he not explode?

“Get the hell out of my way! I’m going up whether you like it or not! Open your damn eyes—I’m not just anyone!”

His shouting attracted even more attention—so much that Yang Yu upstairs heard the commotion.

Yang Yu came down and saw Shi Hai trying to barge through like a thug. His arrogance was no different from a street hooligan.

“What’s going on here? Sir, please calm down. Can you tell me what happened?” Yang Yu asked as he approached.

Shi Hai glanced at him and sneered, “I’m doing you people a favor by even coming here. Who knew you’d all be blind! Get out of my way—I’m going up!”

“You’re not a member, are you? I’m sorry, but please stay on the second floor,” Yang Yu replied calmly, smiling. Years of running Mu You had at least taught him composure.

“Move. I will go up.” Shi Hai grew more impatient. Today, he was determined to get upstairs.

But Yang Yu wouldn’t let him. Even if Mu You didn’t have this rule, he wouldn’t allow someone like this upstairs.

Shi Hai, spoiled and used to getting his way, was enraged at being blocked. Furious, he shoved the staff member who had been standing in front of him.

The attendant lost balance and fell hard to the floor with a thud. Now Yang Yu was angry. Ever since Mu You had opened, he had dealt with all kinds, but thugs like this? Did Shi Hai think this was just some random hangout?

“Someone get this man out—now!” Yang Yu barked.

Immediately, staff members grabbed Shi Hai and began dragging him out.

“Damn it! You dare? Do you even know who I am? I’ll ruin you!” Shi Hai shouted, eyes gleaming with fury.

But who took him seriously? Everyone thought he was just flailing in shame. The bar’s guests all burst out laughing and pointing.

After the ruckus, Shi Hai was thrown out the front door of Mu You.

Inside, things gradually returned to normal. Patrons went back to their own business, though amused smiles and low whispers showed no one had forgotten the drama.

Yang Yu returned upstairs after asking everyone to carry on. No one gave Shi Hai a second thought.

Outside, Shi Hai stood at the entrance, seething, grinding his teeth in fury.

“What are you looking at?! Get lost!” he roared.

The earlier noise had drawn plenty of onlookers. They stared at him curiously. His outburst made most turn away, but some scoffed, which only made things worse. His face darkened, his eyes burning with rage.

“Just wait. I swear I’ll make you pay for this disgrace!”

Two days later, Shi Hai met Director Liu. At that time, Liu was just a small-time officer who had survived in the police station for years, relying on flattery rather than skill. He had no idea who the real power players in Beijing were.

He’d only met Shi Yan by tagging along with the former director. Seeing this new Wang-faction rising star, he quickly began plotting—after all, who would be content staying in obscurity forever?

Shi Yan didn’t even take notice of him, but Liu didn’t dare approach Shi Yan directly. He had a better idea—he had a son!

Shi Hai, eager to help and flaunt his father’s name, made use of his connections in the police department, where Wang faction members held sway. Out of respect for Shi Yan, who was in the spotlight, they gave him some face. If Shi Hai was good at anything, it was using his father’s name to get things done.

Incredibly, Liu was promoted to director—but didn’t hold the title for long. After the Mu You incident, he was immediately dismissed. But really, who cared about such a small fry?

Although nothing major had happened, causing trouble right after arriving in Beijing gave the impression of stirring the pot and provoking others. Everyone thought the Shi family was trying to flex on the Xi and Gu families. But who would dare?

After enduring Minister Wang’s displeasure, Shi Yan could finally breathe a little easier. Neither the Xi nor Gu family had responded—maybe the matter would quietly blow over.

After all, Shi Yan was Minister Wang’s favorite, and the Gu faction didn’t want a public feud. Besides, it was just a little spat among juniors—not worth the adults tearing into each other.

When he was sure it had passed, Shi Yan finally felt relieved enough to scold his son. He had grounded Shi Hai, refusing to let him go out and cause more trouble.

Shi Hai listened to his father’s harsh rebuke without talking back. In truth, he deeply regretted his actions. He’d thought Mu You was just another upscale entertainment club, and he hadn’t cared about Director Liu’s hesitation. He’d pushed Liu to cooperate by force. Who knew Mu You had such powerful backing? Even if he hadn’t known before, he now understood the strength of the Xi and Su families. Of all places, why had he landed himself in such bad luck the moment he arrived?

“Watch yourself from now on. Beijing’s waters run deep. Don’t cause me more trouble, or I’ll send you back to S Province to avoid more headaches.”

Exhausted after a long day, Shi Yan stopped after that final warning.

“Yes, I’ll be careful,” Shi Hai replied respectfully.

But inside, his mind was in turmoil. Send him back to S Province? No way! He refused! He was determined to become one of Beijing’s elite. How could he face his friends if he returned? He’d just have to be more careful from now on.

Both Shi Yan and Shi Hai thought the incident was over.

What they didn’t know was—how could the Xi and Su families possibly let a person like Shi Hai walk away after humiliating them?

Of course they would settle the score—down to the last detail.