Chapter Twenty-Two: Black Mamba

In the afternoon, Li Ying changed into a smart business outfit, looking every bit the sophisticated professional.

"Sister Ying, no matter what you wear, it always looks beautiful on you."

"Are you saying the clothes are beautiful, or that I am? The way you say it, it sounds as if you mean the clothes are pretty, but not me."

Li Ying teased him with a gentle smile.

"Uh... Of course it's you, Sister, who are beautiful. The same clothes on someone else would never look as lovely."

Le Er grinned mischievously.

"You, sometimes you seem so simple, but at other times, you come across as clever. Tell me, are you really simple, or are you smart?"

"Sister... That's a tough question," Le Er scratched his head. "I'm a country boy, honest and straightforward; how clever can country folks be?"

"Giggle... You're quite a unique country boy." Li Ying looked at Le Er, smiling. "Next time, take me to your hometown. I'd like to experience being a country person myself."

"What's so great about being a country person? It's tough... ugly and poor. You wouldn't last."

"Who says so? The chairman used to be a country person... Besides, going with you would be fun. You can catch loaches, eels, and even kings... turtles. I want to learn from you, alright?"

Le Er scratched his head again and laughed.

"Alright, but I'm afraid you can't handle the hardship."

"That's my concern. Just tell me if you'll take me."

"Of course I will. Having a city sister visit will make everyone in the village jealous."

The two chatted idly for a while. Li Ying found herself increasingly fond of spending time with this adopted brother, feeling remarkably relaxed. Seeing Le Er, she felt as if she was gazing at blue skies, white clouds, green mountains, clear waters, and fields of crops—her heart opened, her spirit lightened.

"Sister, tell me about the Black Mamba. What kind of snake is it? Is it dangerous?"

"Of course it's dangerous." Li Ying, thinking about tonight’s snake duel between Le Er’s little snake and the Black Mamba, thought it best to warn him. "There are many snakes in the world, and many are fierce, but most won't attack humans unless provoked. The Black Mamba is the only snake that will actively attack people."

Li Ying began her detailed explanation.

The Black Mamba, also known as the Black Tree Cobra, is the largest venomous snake in Africa. It's not particularly thick-bodied but is long and slender, usually over two meters, with the longest recorded at four and a half meters. Its head is square-shaped, gray-brown, and its most distinctive feature is its black mouth. When attacking, its upper jaw can lift up, and its fangs can pierce nearly flat surfaces.

In Africa, the Black Mamba is a legendary snake, feared by all. Not only does it possess a body several meters long and deadly venom, but its aggression and speed are even more terrifying. It's said that, over short distances, it can outrun a horse. There’s a tale of a Black Mamba, surrounded by hunters, that killed thirteen of them within minutes. When it attacks, it can leap more than a meter in an instant.

Li Ying’s vivid storytelling left Le Er a bit shaken. If the Black Mamba is truly so fierce, could Jin Er stand a chance against it?

"Le Er, if there’s no chance of winning, don’t let them fight. Your little snake is precious; don’t let anything happen to it."

Li Ying was worried. Comparing their sizes, the Black Mamba was seven or eight times larger than the little snake. The little snake was quick, but its attack power was limited, making it very difficult to kill the Black Mamba.

"Don't worry," Le Er considered for a moment. "Jin Er is very sensitive to danger. It's escaped from hawks several times. If I see it’s afraid, I won't let it fight."

"That's up to you."

Night fell, and Boss Hong arrived, along with another person he referred to as Third Boss, treating him with great respect. Even at night, Third Boss wore dark sunglasses, accompanied by three bodyguards—very mysterious. Li Ying had no idea who he was, and sat far away.

"Hong, let’s begin," said the man in the sunglasses calmly. Boss Hong signaled Dong Hua to place the Black Mamba into the large iron cage. The little snake remained quietly perched on Le Er’s shoulder. It glanced at the Black Mamba, then lazily flicked its red tongue, licking his face—the most common gesture of affection.

"Le Er, are you confident?" Boss Hong asked.

Le Er stroked Jin Er's back and nodded.

"Yes," he smiled. "Jin Er doesn’t sense great danger."

"Alright, then put the little snake in the cage."

Le Er patted the snake, pointing toward the iron cage. The little snake slithered in swiftly. Seeing the newcomer, the Black Mamba immediately lunged at the cage door, mouth agape. Its dark mouth resembled a devouring abyss. It flicked its long tongue, hissing fiercely, the cold light in its eyes locked onto the little snake.

The Black Mamba has a strong sense of territory—within a twenty-meter radius, it sees everything as its domain. Whether human or animal, if anything enters, it attacks without mercy. In this respect, it is truly mad, regardless of its opponent’s strength.

Jin Er was no longer the same as before; its body coiled, its tiny head crowned with gold raised high, staring coldly at the Black Mamba. The cage was opened, and the Black Mamba, enraged, charged at the little snake like a bolt of black lightning. Everyone held their breath, especially Le Er, who bit his lip, eyes fixed unblinking on his snake. Yet, despite the ferocious attack, the little snake did not move, its gaze icy upon the Black Mamba.

The Black Mamba, famous for its speed and ferocity, reached the little snake in an instant, jaws wide, aiming for Jin Er’s golden crown. Sweat broke out on Le Er’s forehead; Boss Hong and Li Ying were so tense their mouths hung open. But as the Black Mamba came within three inches, Jin Er’s body suddenly sprang up, its tiny form like a coiled spring, a streak of golden lightning. Before the Black Mamba could react, Jin Er landed atop it, biting down hard.

This time, its attack was different—not a series of bites, but a single fierce one, as when it snapped the bamboo bars of the birdcage. The bite left a finger-sized bloody hole.

Enraged, the Black Mamba’s pain only fueled its fury. Its body tensed, tail whipping at Jin Er, its head snapping toward the little snake.

Jin Er bounced away instantly, leaping high toward the top of the cage. Its tiny tail threaded through the narrow bars and wrapped tightly around the wire, leaving its body hanging high and swinging back and forth.

"Heaven