PEERLESS GENIUS SYSTEM

by Kideo11

Xiao Luo and his girlfriend had been in love with each other for four years when she proposed a break up. Because of this, Xiao Luo sped his car in the night and ended up in a car accident. But it was a blessing in disguise as he unexpectedly fused with a high tech system that originated from a universe hundreds of billions of light years away. From this moment on, the entire world

2. Chapter 101 - 200

Chapter 101

Xiao Luo was amused by the provocation. In his heart, he thought the gold-chained big man was somewhat awesome. He had actually been playing rogue since he was young.

He watched the gold-chained big man and his companions nonchalantly laughing and talking together, bragging about their childhood history. The bullet-headed man could only feel a burst of anger rising within him like an arcade jackpot. He was like an angry bull, and his eyes saw crimson red, his nostrils flared, and the veins on his forehead nearly exploded.

Finally, he roared and shouted, "Damn it! Kill those country bumpkins!"

Seven to eight men loudly shouted all at once at the gold-chained big man then jumped on him.

The smiles on the faces of the five men instantly turned into cold stares. Just like five tigers, they faced the bullet-headed man and his friends, who were turning their necks left and right. There was no fear in their eyes. Instead, in their excitement, they looked like bloodthirsty beasts who had just spotted their prey.

"F*ck his mother. It just so happens my hands have been itching for a fight, so let's use you guys as a warm-up!" the gold-chained man said coldly.

Dodging the steel pipe in front of him, his right foot swung in a large arc like a spring compressed to its limits. Then, his foot heavily landed on the chest of the man in front of him.

"Ah!"

With a shrill shriek, the poor guy seemed to have been hit by a bull. He stopped rushing forward and stumbled backward two to three yards. He was not even able to hold onto the steel pipe in his hands and dropped it on the ground.

Whoa, you're competent and strong!

Xiao Luo was a bit surprised. He had not expected this gold-chained big man, who looked meek, to have such explosive power. It was amazing.

Besides the gold-chained big man, the other four were also extremely fierce. If the bullet-headed man's group could be compared to wolves, then the gold-chained big man's group was like lions. They were simply not in the same weight class. Even though the bullet-headed man's team also had men, they were utterly incapable of going head to head against the whirring limbs of the gold-chained big man's team.

Less than five minutes later, all seven men from the bullet-headed man's group were lying on the ground howling in pain.

"You people from the city are in inferior physical shape and are not able to fight. My brothers and I were just getting started with our warm-up, but all of you are already down for the count. What d*cks," the gold-chained big man said, grabbing the collar of the bullet-headed man and shaking him unceasingly.

The bullet-headed man viciously stared at him and answered, "You dare to offend our Dragon Gang! I promise you will die a miserable death!"

"Pui!"

The gold-chained big man slapped the other man and snarled, "Speak human words!"

The smell of blood was in his mouth, as the inside of his cheek was now bleeding. The bullet-headed man was startled and angry. He had never expected to meet anyone so ruthless.

"The five of you shouldn't even think about leaving Jiangcheng, or else our Dragon Gang..."

"Pa!"

The gold-chained big man slammed down on him again with another slap, instantly causing one of the bullet-headed man's teeth to fly out of his mouth. His gums were bleeding, and his mouth was full of blood.

"I told you to speak plainly. Don't you understand?" the gold-chained big man growled like a tiger.

The bullet-headed man was shaking uncontrollably. This time, he was petrified. It was too painful. Uncontrolled tears began to flow out. He could feel his face quickly swelling up.

Xiao Luo raised his eyebrows. His interest had been seriously piqued, and he was looking for a place to sit down. The gold-chained big man was fascinating.

"If you don't give in, my Brother Feng will beat you till you die," joked a companion of the gold-chained big man, ridiculing the bullet-headed man.

The bullet-headed man couldn't speak due to the pain he was feeling. He was succumbing to the agony. He had already been beaten so severely, but he still had to beg for mercy when all he wanted to do was cry. Looking at the gold-chained big man raising his large fan-like hands, he was so scared that his complexion drained completely. Closing his eyes, he begged: "I give-I give up, stop—just stop hitting..."

The gold-chained big man's anger turned into a smile. The harsh hand that had been primed for slapping turned into a soft, gentle touch as he patted the bullet-headed man's face, smiled, and said, "You're finally speaking human words. Okay, on account of you speaking human words like I asked, I won't hit you anymore. Get out."

He let go and dropped the bullet-headed man to the ground.

The bullet-headed man didn't dare utter another word as he struggled to get up. He waved a hand at his underlings, and they all raced away from there.

"Hey, don't you want these things?" the gold-chained big man shouted at the bullet-head man, pointing at the steel pipes and wooden clubs scattered all over the ground.

When he shouted, the bullet-headed man and his gang were scared like rabbits and ran even faster. In the blink of an eye, even their shadows were out of sight.

"The f*ck? They're even timider than rats!" the gold-chain big man exclaimed and touched the back of his head. His expression showed his hatred for the bullet-headed man.

"Wow, Brother Feng, you actually used an idiom!"

"That's because I am a cultured person. I must be different from the rest of you uncouth goons. Otherwise, how could I be your boss, right?" boasted the gold-chained big man proudly.

The four of them nodded like chickens pecking at rice.

"My Brother Feng is awesome!"

"Alright, stop with the flattery," said the gold-chained big man, waving his hand. Then, turning around, he walked up to Xiao Luo and said, "Brother, you are really rude. I saved you just now, and you don't even say thank you? You're just sitting here like Buddha watching the drama unfold. Brother, even Chairman Mao can't match up to you. Respect!"

Xiao Luo smiled, got up, and said, "It's not too late to say it now, right? Thank you."

"It's nothing worth mentioning. It was just a minor scuffle. Helping someone in need along the road is exactly what a man should do."

The gold-chained big man patted his chest, smiled, and said in a friendly tone, "My name is Feng Wuhen, but you can just call me Brother Feng."

Xiao Luo reached out to shake his hand and introduced himself warmly, "Xiao Luo!"

Eh? Xiao Luo?

Hearing the name, Feng Wuhen and his four friends' faces changed.

"What did you say your name was?" Feng Wuhen asked, his eyes widening in disbelief.

Xiao Luo didn't understand what was wrong with these people. Why had they had such a weird reaction when they heard his name? He repeated it once more: "Xiao Luo!"

A man with slightly-tanned skin, leopard eyes, and a mustache pulled out an old-fashioned cell phone from his pocket. He carefully looked at Xiao Luo as though he were verifying his identity.

After confirmation, he said to no one in particular, "Brother Feng, he is indeed the Xiao Luo we have been looking for!"

Feng Wuhen was overjoyed, and said, "The f*ck? We've been traveling far and wide trying to find him, and he's been right under our noses this whole time. It's almost been a month, and we've finally found him."

The others were equally overjoyed. Like a beast who has finally spotted food, their eyes burned with passion.

"Who are you guys?' Xiao Luo asked, instantly feeling like something was amiss.

"Big brother, you must have offended the rich. If not, who would spend 20,000 to cripple your hand?" Feng Wuhen said. His mouth revealed a playful smile.

Twenty thousand yuan? It was still so high?

Xiao Luo froze for a moment. If these guys had really come from the countryside, then 20,000 was a lot of money.

Other than that, he was more concerned that someone was out to cripple his hand and that they had been looking for him for a month.

"Big brother, on account of our friendship, I will be as gentle as I can. I will be as clean and tidy as possible. There's a hospital nearby, so if I injure one of your hands, it won't endanger your life," Feng Wuhen said, giggling.

"Who is your employer?"

Xiao Luo asked. He was speechless. When one group of thugs left, another group causing trouble came along.

"For those of us who mix on the fringe of society, we can speak only of credibility. Do you really think I would tell you?" Feng Wuhen answered.

"Brother Feng, don't waste time on him. That bounty is still waiting for us. The cost of living in this city is so high. Without any income, we will have to sleep under the bridges soon," shouted a ferocious-looking man with clenched fists.

Chapter 102

The five of them stared at Xiao Luo like they were staring at prey caught in a trap. There was a faint trace of bloodlust in the atmosphere.

At that moment, Xiao Luo thought of someone. With a smile, he asked, "Did Hua Haifeng send you guys after me?"

A month ago, he'd had some friction with a rich man by the name of Hua Haifeng.

"What Haifeng? I don't know who that is!"

Feng Wuhen and his lackeys did react much, making it obvious that they did not know who Hua Haifeng was. He stared at Xiao Luo. Revealing a hint of excitement at the corner of his lips, he said, "Big brother, you are the first assignment that we've undertaken since leaving home. You can chalk it up to bad luck that we bumped into you today."

"Are we really going to fight?" Xiao Luo sighed. To be honest, he did not know if he should consider his luck good or bad.

Feng Wuhen's eyes turned icy. Turning away, he took a few steps and said, "Little Wu, do it!"

"Brother Feng, why don't you do it?" asked the fierce-looking man, puzzled.

Feng Wuhen was suddenly furious. Smacking the back of the man's head, he shouted, "I am the boss! How can the boss do it? Stop talking nonsense. Hurry up and go fight!"

"Oh..."

The four men roared and waved their fists at Xiao Luo.

Xiao Luo remained calm. His face maintained a constant smile from the start to end. The very next second, his body abruptly moved, and his toes silently brushed the ground. Accompanied by a quick rush of air, his body shot off the ground. With an elegant 180-degree twist that spanned a distance of two yards, his slender right foot swept out in a trick angle.

"Peng, peng!"

With two muffled noises, two men were immediately sent flying.

Eh?

Feng Wuhen and the remaining two men were startled. They'd never expected a weak-looking kid to actually have such scarily explosive power.

The corners of Xiao Luo's lips turned up. Without a pause, he flashed toward the other two men like a bolt of black lightning and shot up again. Spinning like a windmill, he flicked his feet with a whistling sound and landed a hard kick in the two men's faces.

The men didn't react slowly, and they chose to immediately adopt defensive postures by crossing their arms to protect their faces.

But as Xiao Luo's feet swept toward them, they felt an earthshattering force. They were utterly incapable of resisting it and retreated. They quickly took four to five steps back but were eventually unable to avoid falling to the ground. Their arms felt like limp noodles, and they were effectively crippled.

"What the f*ck? How are you so powerful?"

Feng Wuhen was shocked that he had managed to knock out four of his brothers from the group. That was way too much power for a kid. 𝑙𝘪𝑏𝓇ℯ𝑎𝒹.𝒸𝘰𝓂

It is important to know that the five of them had once visited a mountain to deal with a blind black man with their bare hands. The blind man had weighed two or three hundred pounds, but they had only needed two people to dispatch him. When they'd recently come to the big city, they'd thought that they were invincible and on top of the world. Who could have guessed that the first assignment they'd receive would consist of taking on someone so good at fighting?

"Nah, it's not much. Just slightly better than you!" Xiao Luo remarked, smiling modestly. "Hey, didn't you say that bullying people with numbers isn't good? Then, why are you doing it too?"

Feng Wuhen's face reddened, and he was forced to defend himself. "We are accepting other people's money to do a job. Our purpose isn't to bully you. We are different from the group you encountered earlier!"

"Oh, in that case, don't just stand there and do nothing. Come at me!" Xiao Luo challenged, raising his eyebrow. Although these five men were fascinating, they still had to be convinced with his fists.

"Fine! I'll show you just how good I am!"

"Hou!"

The smile on Feng Wuhen's face disappeared in an instant, and a ferocious bear-like roar exploded out of his mouth.

The world was silent, and the wind sweeping along the street became thick, desolate, and majestic thanks to his roar.

Feng Wuhen possessed the aura of a wild beast. Advancing madly, he sent a punch flying at Xiao Luo. His simple, wild fist caused the wind to howl. There were no fancy tricks.

"Wow, that's a bit scary!" Xiao Luo remarked, snorting lightly.

But he did not retreat. Instead, with his right foot forward, he aimed at Feng Wuhen's abdomen like a wild whip. He didn't stop and gave Feng Wuhen no time to react. The crisp yet dull sound caused Feng Wuhen's body to leave the ground.

One move. With just one move, the violent, windless attack that had rolled out like a wave was immediately contained.

Feng Wuhen's body flew backward like a bomb. He forcibly reversed his center of gravity mid-air to avoid falling on his back and managed to land in a semi-kneeling position. Still, he slid backward about a meter before coming to a halt.

Gulp!

The other men breathed in deeply. Looking at Xiao Luo in his black shirt giving off a wicked aura, they couldn't help but swallow their saliva. Xiao Luo, at that moment, appeared insurmountable to them. He was an outstanding fighter.

"Are you still going to fight me?" Xiao Luo demanded sarcastically as he looked at Feng Wuhen. He hadn't gone all out. Otherwise, his foot would have injured Feng Wuhen even more.

"Of course I'll fight!" Feng Wuhen roared and rushed at him.

He leaped at Xiao Luo like a cheetah from three to four yards away. His whole body suddenly turned into an artillery shell with a thunderous powerful force directed at Xiao Luo.

He clenched fists while moving at high speed, and they became his only weapon!

Zi!

An ear-piercing whistling sound tore through the air as he came closer and closer to Xiao Luo.

All four of his companions straightened up in excitement and almost shouted out. They expected Xiao Luo to be overwhelmed and knocked down by their leader, Feng Wuhen.

But the reality was cruel and not at all what they'd expected.

"Bang!"

The dull sound fizzled out, and Feng Wuhen's cannon-like fists fell straight into Xiao Luo's right palm.

Feng Wuhen's pupils dilated, and his mouth was slightly agape. He felt like his iron fists were bound by some other power. It felt like he had punched into cotton and was now being gripped by a pair of steel pliers.

"The force was strong, and the momentum was firm. You should have trained by taking on wild beasts in the forests. The problem is that your move was too dead. It was not flexible enough. Against someone who doesn't know how to fight, it's okay. But against someone who knows how to fight force with force, you lose its destructive ability," Xiao Luo explained as he loosened his grip on the man. His body bounced back at once.

"Bullsh*t!"

Feng Wuhen was an irritated beast. He retreated only to get ready to rush forward again. Quickly, he broke into another dash.

He jumped up high, and his waist was parallel with Xiao Luo's head. His body flew through the air, and he used the force of the rotation to kick out his foot. This foot was aimed directly at Xiao Luo's head.

If the blow had landed, the impact would have been so intense that even a wild bull would have been flipped over!

"Okay! Alright!" Xiao Luo laughed. He took one step and dodged Feng Wuhen's fierce foot. Then, his right hand turned into claws. He grabbed Feng Wuhen's ankle like an eagle, and his shoulders jutted forward. He spun around 360 degrees then hurled Feng Wuhen.

Feng Wuhen's two companions had no time to dodge their boss, whose body was like an artillery shell rushing their way, causing them to shriek in pain.

Chapter 103

The remaining men regrouped in utter embarrassment. Two guys struggled to get up and rushed forward to help Feng Wuhen while shouting, "Brother Feng!"

"Don't come any closer!" Feng Wuhen growled as he tried to stand up. His feet were firmly planted to the ground, and he sprung up like a tiger.

As the strongest guy in the village, he was a scourge used to being known as the best at fighting. He had his pride, but it had been shattered by Xiao Luo in an instant. He felt humiliated and burned with anger.

A sharp hiss filled the sky. It was the sound of someone who had been oppressed to the breaking point. He tightened his body and rushed forward like a flying arrow or a caged eagle. He took five steps and pulled himself up. Compared to before, he was now 50 to 60 percent faster and even more determined as he pushed his body to the limit.

Stomping with both feet, he soared and quickly covered a distance of three to four yards. He flicked his right leg and aimed it directly at Xiao Luo's neck.

Xiao Luo squinted slightly and moved his legs to the side.

Feng Wuhen, hurling with all his full strength, missed his target by a hair. His body broke out in a cold sweat because, for some reason, Xiao Luo suddenly appeared behind him. His facial expression changed, but he managed to react quickly and turned around while launching a spin kick. As swift as a typhoon, the kick whizzed by Xiao Luo.

Xiao Luo retreated three steps and waited for the right opportunity. He stretched out his hands and pushed him forward in a simple manner.

Feng Wuhen felt like he was being ridiculed. It felt like he was dancing in the palm of Xiao Luo's hand. As the corners of his mouth began to twitch, he turned on feet and faced Xiao Luo once again. "Die!" he roared.

With both fists out, he struck at Xiao Luo like a rainstorm. His footwork was rather fast. Xiao Luo, on the other hand, was backing off.

Faced with this dazzling display of straight punches, uppercuts, flat boxing, and countless swings, Xiao Luo maintained a smile on his face. Taking his own time, he kept moving back.

Feng Wuhen threw dozens of punches, and each one was filled with immense power!

However, throughout this flurry of attacks, Xiao Luo remained entirely unharmed. He stood right in front of Feng Wuhen and was easily able to avoid all these punches.

"Time to end this!" Xiao Luo said, smiling.

He made his move in a flash. His right palm was like a poisonous snake about to seize its prey as he sturdily stamped it on Feng Wuhen's chest.

The violent surge of power came in contact with Feng Wuhen's body and spread wildly across it. Like a kite without strings, he lost control and flew backward. He fell on the ground, hard, and his blood circulation was disrupted. He tasted sweetness gushing in his throat. As he opened his mouth, blood trickled out the corners of his mouth, and his two rows of teeth were dyed entirely red.

Besides that, the gold chain he was wearing on his neck was broken, flung alongside him.

"Brother Feng!"

The four men shouted and rushed to his rescue. After helping up Feng Wuhen, they rushed at Xiao Luo.

Xiao Luo knocked them out with a couple of punches and kicks. All of the men were left grabbing their hands and legs and crying in pain.

Things were looking bad. Things were really looking bad!

Feng Wuhen was dejected. They had left Big Mountain looking to make a name for themselves in this noisy and bustling city. However, without any qualifications or education, it was hard for any of them to get proper jobs. They had almost used up the couple thousand dollars that they had come with, and they still couldn't find any work. 𝓵𝒊𝓫𝓻𝓮𝓪𝒅.𝓬𝓸𝙢

When they were at their wits' end, a stranger had found them and promised to give them twenty thousand if they could break some guy's arm. However, little had they expected things to go as they had. What should have been an easy twenty grand had become such a difficult task. Xiao Luo was a monster, and he had beaten all five brothers to a pulp.

Xiao Luo stooped over them and picked up the big gold chain. With a playful smile, he said, "Why did this gold chain break?"

Feng Wuhen got up. Although he was afraid of Xiao Luo, he quickly replied, "It's a counterfeit chain to make me look good. After a blow like that, how could it not break?"

"I see. It was only plated with a layer of gold. Still, the plating is rather exquisite. If I hadn't looked at it closely, I wouldn't have been able to tell that it is fake gold."

Xiao Luo fiddled with the chain and put it in his pocket, saying, "I'll be taking this. Consider it compensation for failing to deal with me."

After finishing his sentence, he turned around and left.

Feng Wuhen let out a sigh of relief, lifted his hands, and wiped the blood from his mouth.

"Oh, by the way!"

Xiao Luo stopped and turned around.

Feng Wuhen and his four companions were frightened. Their expressions became unnatural.

Xiao Luo smiled and said, "Don't worry. I won't put you guys on the spot. I'm giving you a piece of advice. You can be shameless, arrogant, selfish, but it is important to walk on the right path. Nothing in this world is unachievable. There are only people who aren't willing to work hard and put in the effort. Everything lies within your grasp. The world is your oyster!"

As soon as he stopped, a white Corolla pulled up right in front of him. It was Zhang Dashan. Tang Ren and Xiao Ruyi were in the car as well.

"What the? What happened?" Zhang Dashan glanced at them and asked.

"Nothing much."

Xiao Luo opened the door and got into the car.

Zhang Dashan's face was filled with suspicion as he slowly started up the engine.

The guy with round eyes and a well-formed forehead that resembled a leopard's asked, "Brother Feng, what should we do?"

They had received ten thousand dollars from the client as a deposit, but they hadn't been able to get the job done in the end. Moreover, they had almost used up all of the ten thousand dollars. There was no way that they could come up with that much money if they decided to return it now.

"What else can we do? We'll fight him even if it means dying," said a guy while gritting his teeth.

"Shut up!"

Feng Wuhen said, exhaling, "Not even ten of you can match him. I used up all my strength, but he was calm and didn't feel any pressure at all. There's no doubt about it, he could kill a black bear with one punch if he wanted to."

His eyes were filled with fear. Xiao Luo had left indelible terror in his heart. In fact, he was glad! Glad that Xiao Luo hadn't been too ruthless. Otherwise, he could have ended up crippling him and his brothers.

"Brother Feng, we're going to use up the rest of the money in a few more days. Don't even mention accommodation! By then, even food is going to be a problem for us."

"When we left the village, everyone came and saw us off. We promised them that we were going to succeed, but now..."

"Everyone said that it was easy to earn money in the big city. Everywhere is filled with money, they said. So why is it that, ever since we came here, besides densely packed skyscrapers, we've seen nothing else?"

The four of them were dejected. They had come to the big with tremendous confidence, but now they were just clueless and helpless. All of this had happened within a mere month!

Feng Wuhen waved his hands and stopped them, saying, "Stop it. I refuse to believe that there aren't any suitable jobs for us in this big city."

"Hm!"

The four of them nodded. As long as Feng Wuhen didn't collapse, they wouldn't lose hope for their future.

Chapter 104

"Brother, how did things go between you and Yu Yu? Did anything romantic happen after we left?" Xiao Ruyi asked in the car with much expectation. Her pretty pupils beamed with excitement.

Xiao Luo glanced at his sister and peevishly replied, "What's going in that head of yours all day long? Is Zhang Dashan a bad influence? How have you become so corrupted?"

As soon as he heard that, Zhang Dashan replied angrily, "Damn you! I'm getting shot at even when I'm lying down. What do you mean by a 'bad influence'? If anyone's a bad influence, then it's Tang Ren, your brother-in-law, who's the bad influence."

"Hey, this has nothing to do with me," Tang Ren said, throwing up his hands and making an innocent face.

"You brat! Stop trying to act righteously in all of this. I'm sick and tired of seeing you and Sister Luo's affectionate way of hugging and kissing while shopping. It's completely inconsiderate. Have you ever thought about how this three-hundred-watt lightbulb feels?" Zhang Dashan shouted while looking at Tang Ren's reflection in his rear-view mirror.

"What are you saying, Big-faced Zhang? How about I shut your mouth with a pack of Extra?" Xiao Ruyi said as he pushed Zhang Dashan's head.

Extra?

Xiao Luo stifled a laugh. To think that his sister was trying to bribe someone with chewing gum even though she barely had any left on her.

Zhang Dashan rolled his eyes and said, "Don't think I'm unaware of what you're trying to do here. You're only giving it to me because you think I have bad breath."

"If you don't want it, then give it back," Xiao Ruyi said, stretching her hands in an attempt to get the pack of gum back.

Zhang Dashan immediately swallowed his pride and said, "I was just joking. Don't take it seriously. Besides, you should not take back something you've already given."

"Heh!" Xiao Ruyi grunted and ignored him. Then she took out a paper bag from underneath her seat. She gave it to Xiao Luo and, with a grin on her face, said, "Brother, I bought this for you."

"What did you buy?" Xiao Luo said, accepting the bag.

"A wool sweater! The weather is turning cooler, and I don't want my brother to catch a cold," Xiao Ruyi said.

Xiao Luo took it out and saw that it was a style that suited him. The sweater was loose, and the chest area was printed with an image of a landscape. The texture was good, and it was soft to the touch.

He asked, "You must have spent quite a bit on this?"

"It didn't cost that much. No matter how expensive it may have been, guys' clothes will always be cheaper than women's." Xiao Ruyi said with a relaxed smile, "You can layer this sweater or wear it on its own, and it goes well with anything. However, it's better not to wash it. If it's dirty, then just take it to a laundry shop. That way, you won't damage the material, and you'll be able to wear it for a long time."

"In the future, don't spend money on me. I can get things for myself. You and Tang Ren just started a family, so you should save up your money. If a family doesn't have any savings, it'll be tough no matter where you go," Xiao Luo said sincerely.

"Alright, alright. I get it. Since when did you become such a nagger just like Mom and Dad?" Xiao Ruyi pouted.

Xiao Luo kept a straight face as he replied, "I'm nagging you for your sake and Tang Ren's. Since you're already married, it's time for you to stop being willful. To get along with each other, there should be a sense of mutual understanding, tolerance, and understanding. So stop being childish all the time."

"Brother, we'll listen to your advice and live our lives well."

Tang Ren interlocked fingers with Xiao Ruyi. He looked at his wife lovingly and said, "I'm fortunate enough to have been able to marry Ruyi, so I'll be sure to take good care of her. I won't ever make her suffer."

"Hm."

Xiao Luo nodded and fell silent. Though he still thought that his sister was immature, she had to live her life with Tang Ren. That was her journey, and there was nothing more he could say.

After a short while, they arrived at Tang Ren and Xiao Ruyi's residence.

"Brother, if you have a good impression of Yu Yu, then you've got to make your best effort and go for it. Many single male doctors at our hospital are secretly after her. If you don't hold onto her tightly, then someone else will get her," Xiao Ruyi mindfully warned Xiao Luo once she'd gotten out of the car.

"Don't worry. I'll seize the opportunity," Xiao Luo replied.

Xiao Ruyi clenched her fist and cheered Xiao Luo on, "All the best, brother!" 𝓵𝒊𝓫𝓻𝓮𝓪𝒅.𝓬𝓸𝙢

...

When it was just the two of them in the car, Zhang Dashan was proactive and started digging right away. "Be honest with your brother now. How do you feel about little sister Sun Yu? Are there any sparks?"

Xiao Luo looked at the night view and said, "It's alright. I think I can get to know her better."

"Little sister Sun Yu is not bad at all. She looks fresh and neat and has pale skin. I think she's an ideal partner for you," Zhang Dashan said, nodding in agreement.

Xiao Luo laughed and tried to change the subject. "By the way, how much did my sister spend on this wool sweater?"

"One thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine," Zhang Dashan replied immediately.

"What? One thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine?"

Xiao Luo's eyes widened. He'd known that the sweater wasn't cheap, but he hadn't expected it to cost almost two thousand dollars. It was not like he was unwilling to spend money, but he felt like it was too luxurious and wasteful at the same time. What wool sweater cost one thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine dollars?

Zhang Dashan finally realized something at that moment. Feeling distressed, he remarked, "I'm done for. Sister Luo asked me not to reveal the actual price. She told me to tell you that it cost a few hundred dollars if you asked. Ugh, this mouth of mine. Why can't I control it?"

He wasn't distressed because he'd revealed the actual price of the sweater, but because he'd vowed in front of Xiao Ruyi, and it had really been an intense oath. If he revealed the sweater's real price, then the appendage that was supposed to help him carry on his family name would shorten by half an inch every day, until there was nothing left!

"The tag's still on here, so why didn't that cross her mind? Even if it wasn't, I'd only have to go online to find out how much it cost. She can't hide that sort of thing from me. Silly fool. Since you and Tang Ren were there, why didn't you stop her?" Xiao Luo lamented. He had gone through a lot of adversity while growing up and found it hard to enjoy such luxurious goods now.

"How could we stop her? Tang Ren obeys her obediently. As for me, my words are like farts to her, so why would she listen to me?" Zhang Dashan grumbled then comforted his friend immediately afterward. "Don't get angry, though, she's only doing it because she cares about you as her brother. She said that your closet is filled with a bunch of simple clothes that cost one or two hundred dollars each. None of them are of good quality, so she bought you this. You'll look much better if you wear it. There's a saying that goes, 'clothes make the man.' No matter how good-looking you are, you've still got to put on a set of stylish clothes."

Xiao Luo exhaled and calmed himself down. It was too late to say anything now. Since she had already bought the sweater, getting a refund wouldn't do.

Still, he felt bad for his sister. Her salary wasn't enormous. On the other hand, Tang Ren was still finishing his internship and currently earning even less than his wife. The two of them still had bills to pay. Now that they had spent two thousand dollars on this wool sweater, they would barely have enough money left to spend on themselves for the rest of the month.

"That silly girl!"

Xiao Luo felt a sense of unexplainable warmth. What he wanted most in the world was not for Xiao Ruyi to buy him things or give him anything, but for her to spend her days happily with Tang Ren. This was Xiao Luo's wish for Xiao Ruyi.

Chapter 105

[Jiangcheng International Hotel]

A loud piercing ringtone sounded.

"Old Housekeeper, you better have something proper to report. Otherwise, you'll get it from me," Hua Haifeng said, furious that he had been interrupted.

A somewhat old-sounding voice replied on the other end: "Master, that Xiao Luo has appeared!"

"Xiao Luo? That's great. I've been trying to find him for almost a month. It's about time he showed up!" said Hua Haifeng, suddenly on alert. Anxiously, he added, "I asked you to find someone to cripple one of his arms. Has the matter been attended to?"

"Well, about that...not yet."

"Not yet? What does that mean?" Hua Haifeng demanded.

The housekeeper answered, "So as not to cause any trouble for Master, I intentionally found five strangers. They are very skillful, and twenty of our company's bodyguards couldn't match their abilities. It's just that..."

"Just what?" Hua Haifeng demanded coldly.

"It's just that Xiao Luo is even more skillful. Those five guys couldn't hold a candle to him."

"Trash!"

Hua Haifeng felt like his lungs were about to explode. "I f*cking gave you two hundred thousand, and yet you found me such trash? Are you f*cking stupid?"

The old housekeeper was flustered and was ashamed after the scolding. Actually, there hadn't been two hundred thousand. He had only received twenty thousand from his boss, and the remaining one hundred and eighty thousand had been taken from his benefits.

"Since the job isn't done, give me back the two-hundred thousand! Not a single cent less. If even one cent is missing, I will skin you alive!" Hua Haifeng roared. He hung up the phone, gasping for air.

...

...

Three days flew by, and Xiao Luo made his decision.

"Wait for me here," Xiao Luo instructed Zhang Dashan when they reached Chongshan House.

"Have you made up your mind yet about whether or not you are accepting the offer?" Zhang Dashan pressed. He was even more anxious than Xiao Luo.

Xiao Luo raised his eyebrows and answered, "Partially yes. But partially no as well."

"What the heck! I don't understand what you're saying at all. Can you not speak in riddles?" Zhang Dashan replied, visibly dazed.

"Don't worry about it. Just wait here for me to come out."

Then, Xiao Luo turned and walked into the tall building in front of him.

...

Chu Yunxiong was already in the office waiting for Xiao Luo's arrival.

He had on a suit and leather shoes. His hairline was receding slightly, and he had dark, thick eyebrows above his bright eyes. His chest was broad and gave off a stern demeanor.

Looking at Xiao Luo, who was sitting opposite him, he chuckled and said, "Well, Xiao Luo, have you decided?"

"I have."

Xiao Luo took out a piece of paper from his folder. There were a few sentences printed on it, and he passed it to Chu Yunxiong.

Chu Yunxiong looked at it and frowned. "IOU?"

The paper clearly stated that Xiao Luo had borrowed six-hundred million from Chu Yunxiong, the owner of Chongshan House. The names of the borrower and lender, as well as the date, had all been clearly written out. The term was one year, and the monthly interest rate was also included. Xiao Luo had signed it and provided his thumbprint in bright red ink.

This was a very detailed IOU!

"What are you doing?" Chu Yunxiong was puzzled.

Xiao Luo laughed and said, "Mr. Chu, you bought Luo's Workshop for five-hundred and fifty million. I now wish to buy it from you for six-hundred million."

"Hmm?"

Chu Yunxiong was wide-awake now. "You wish to talk to me about business?"

Xiao Luo had aroused the businessman within him.

Xiao Luo nodded and said, "According to my calculations, Luo's Workshop is currently losing three-hundred-thousand-dollars every day. It is a difficult matter to settle, and everyone is uncomfortable with it." 𝓁𝑖𝑏𝑟𝘦𝒶𝘥.𝒸𝘰𝑚

While he was speaking, he delivered Luo's Workshop's financial loss report to Chu Yunxiong.

Chu Yunxiong glanced at it briefly, then covered it and said, "Luo's Workshop is experiencing financial hardship, so why do you want to buy it?"

"Because I am confident that it will make a comeback," Xiao Luo answered calmly and with determination.

Chu Yunxiong's eyes narrowed. He had bought Luo's Workshop merely out of convenience to help the poor man – Fang Changmiao. Even he wasn't confident that Luo's Workshop could make a recovery. Additionally, he wanted to use Luo's Workshop to retain Xiao Luo's talent and to make use of him as a personal assistant. Whether or not Luo's Workshop could make a comeback was beyond his consideration.

However, the fact that Xiao Luo believed in the business even though Chu Yunxiong wasn't optimistic inspired his pride as a businessman.

"The problem with Luo's Workshop doesn't just lie in its reputation. There are many major issues with the factory and the company's management. Aside from that, they have a huge competitor in 'Taste Buds.' Are you really confident that you can restore Luo's Workshop to its former glory?" Chu Yunxiong questioned as he stared at Xiao Luo.

"I shouldn't have to answer that now. All I want to know right now is whether you, Mr. Chu, are willing to sell Luo's Workshop to me," Xiao Luo stated.

This kid was very ambitious. Since he wanted Luo's Workshop, then let him have all of it.

Chu Yunxiong smiled and said, "I spent five-hundred and fifty million to acquire Luo's Workshop. Now, you want to spend six-hundred million to buy it from me, which means I will have already earned fifty million from it. On paper, it seems like I should agree. Especially given the current state of the business, there's no reason I shouldn't. Except that what you're giving me isn't six-hundred million. It's merely a piece of paper, an IOU. It looks like you're trying to gain something valuable with something worthless."

Xiao Luo raised his eyebrows slightly. Before coming here, he had already mentally prepared himself for things to go either way. If Chu Yunxiong agreed, he would accept Luo's Workshop and take it on as a challenge to stoke his passions. If Chu Yunxiong disagreed, then that was fine too. However, just then, he had yet to think of how to respond. One day, he would realize what it was he was meant to do.

Chapter 106

"I'm going to add another criterion. If you agree to it, then I will transfer Luo's Workshop to your name. Hereafter, it will become your personal company that belongs solely to you. How about that?" Chu Yunxiong said with a smile. However, he was hiding too many things behind that smirk, so Xiao Luo couldn't distinguish his genuine thoughts.

"Tell me about it," said Xiao Luo.

Chu Yunxiong picked up the IOU in front of him. Vibrant lights danced in his turbid, older eyes as he said, "Didn't you already promise me 600 million dollars in profits one year from now? Now, let's add another term. If you fail to pay back the 600 million after a year, you will come to work at the Chongshan House."

Chu Yunxiong's motive was apparent. He wanted Xiao Luo to remain under his control and work for him.

The last thing that Xiao Luo wanted was to be restricted. Otherwise, when Chu Yunxiong had said three days ago that he was going to let him manage Luo's Workshop, he wouldn't have given it any consideration. Nonetheless, Chu Yunxiong's words had undoubtedly incited Xiao Luo's will to fight and his desire for challenge.

"Deal!"

That convincing one-word reply echoed in the vast office hall.

Chu Yunxiong froze for a moment then asked, "Are you not going to give it any more consideration?"

"No."

"If you fail, then you will need to work for me for lif—"

"I will not fail," Xiao Luo interrupted with a smile. Deep within his eyes, there was calmness and absolute composure.

Chu Yunxiong nodded and said, "Luo, I admire this part of you!"

He clapped his hands. Leng Zuo pushed open the door and walked in with a stack of documents. Ge Zhongtian, a lawyer from the Jiangcheng Law Firm, came in with him. To be legitimate, the transfer of corporate shares had to be conducted by a lawyer.

Xiao Luo signed his name and stamped his thumbprint in the bottom corner of each document. Although taking over Luo's Workshop had been a short-term plan, after he signed the papers to transfer the shares, Xiao Luo felt a little bit of pressure in his heart. After all, right now, Luo's Workshop was like a camel that was starving to death. Everything rested on Xiao Luo's ability to save this camel from the brink of destruction.

Luo's Workshop was going to be his first stepping-stone in the business world!

"Mr. Chu, if there's nothing else, then I'll be leaving." 𝓁𝘪𝘣𝘳ℯ𝒶𝘥.𝘤𝑜𝓂

Xiao Luo filed away the signed documents in his briefcase. From this moment on, he was now the master of Luo's Workshop. The business' day to day operations would no longer have any ties to Chu Yunxiong. Gain or loss, Xiao Luo would be the one to bear them all.

"Chu Yue is always asking me about your whereabouts. See..."

"I don't want anything to do with anyone at Huaye. They have their lives, and I have mine. If we insist on barging into each other's worlds, then somebody will inevitably get hurt," Xiao Luo said faintly.

Chu Yunxiong nodded and said, "Alright. I know what to do."

"It's done?"

"Yeah," Xiao Luo nodded.

Zhang Dashan glanced at the stack of documents finalizing the share transfer inside Xiao Luo's briefcase. He couldn't contain the excitement on his face. Xiao Luo was about to soar high up into the sky. As his good old brother, Zhang Dashan certainly had to follow him. Just the thought itself sent him into a tizzy.

"Hahaha!" he couldn't help but crack up.

"Luo's Workshop has nothing to do with you, so why are you so hyped up?" Xiao Luo rolled his eyes at his friend.

Zhang Dashan abruptly bottled up his laughter and shot back, "What the heck? What do you mean, big boss? Wanna burn the bridge after crossing it? Or do you wanna kill the donkey the moment it leaves the millstone?"

Xiao Luo sneered at him, "And what exactly would you do were I to give you an in?"

"Hey, you little chicken sh*t. I said I'd be the assistant GM. I didn't work at the bank for three years for fun, you know? At least my network is wider than yours, and I know a few of the bosses from various sectors," Zhang Dashan said.

"Fine, fine. Go get your car. Let's find someplace to fill our bellies," Xiao Luo shifted the conversation topic.

Xiao Luo would definitely not turn his back on Zhang Dashan. Although he was now the boss of Luo's Workshop, aside from the shop manager, Sun Jian'nan, he didn't know any of his staff. Zhang Dashan would have had to be involved in Luo's Workshop even if he hadn't wanted to be. With his good old brother there with him, they could keep an eye on a lot of things while taking care of each other.

"Alrighty, boss!"

Zhang Dashan took the lead and dove into his role as assistant general manager. He chuckled and revved up the engine.

In a while, they came to a stop in front of a casserole porridge shop. After locking the car, the two friends casually strolled inside.

They ordered servings of beef, vegetables, and a large dish of casserole porridge and swiftly began eating. When they were halfway through their meal, five men walked in and sat down at a big table nearby.

Xiao Luo glanced at them and was slightly startled. He couldn't help but feel that this was a tiny world, for the five men were none other than Feng Wuhen and his gang.

At this moment, they were nothing like their former selves. They looked defeated, especially Feng Wuhen, who seemed as desolate as a tiger who has left his hills and descended to the plains. As they were many other customers in the shop, Feng Wuhen and his gang didn't notice Xiao Luo.

"Brother Feng, the windmill factory called. They said that we aren't suited to work as their security because we don't even know how to use a computer."

"The Longfa Supermarket also said that they no longer lack manpower. They told us to find work somewhere else."

"The Tianyang Light Bulb Factory is hiring, but the wages they are offering are too low. They will only be giving us 1.4k, excluding meals and accommodation. If we work there, after deducting our expenditures, by the end of the month, we won't even be left with a single cent."

Their words in their entirety fell into Xiao Luo's ears.

Xiao Luo couldn't help but sigh and say, "There's a saying that goes, 'don't bend your back for five dou of rice.' But reality is cruel. Humans need to survive and live. Without five dou of rice, people starve to death. Even five competent men are unable to escape this fate."

"Brother Feng, I think we should just go back to the Guangming district. Being a gangster is better than living like this," Xiaowu, who had big round eyes, suggested.

"And how would we do that? We've offended the Dragon Gang. We should be thanking the Heavens that we escaped with our lives and go back, you say? They have thousands of people, and there are only five of us. You wanna go back to suicide?" said Feng Wuhen.

He finally understood how formidable the Dragon Gang really was. They were Jiangcheng City's most prominent underground organization. With some three to four thousand members, one could say that their influence encompassed the entire Guangming district. If the five of them hadn't fled, they would've been dead already.

Feng Wuhen guzzled down his tea and spoke again, undiscouraged, "Let's hold out a while longer and find ourselves legit jobs. As long as the pay is decent, it's fine if we need to suffer a little bit more. Alright, let's drop the topic and eat. Order whatever you like. I still have some cash to spare."

The other four men nodded and began browsing the menu.

"What are you looking at?" asked Zhang Dashan when he noticed Xiao Luo's strange expression. "Is there a pretty lady?" Out of curiosity, he turned and looked in the direction where Xiao Luo was staring. He was immediately disappointed. "What the f*ck, bro? What's so nice about five grown men? Don't tell me you're gay now."

"Shut up!" Xiao Luo glared at him. Zhang Dashan truly exemplified the saying 'a filthy mouth cannot utter decent language.'

In a short while, Xiao Luo and Zhang Dashan left the restaurant after finishing their meal. Once Feng Wuhen and the rest of his gang had wolfed down their food, they too stood up and went to pay their bill.

However, the shop owner told them, "Your bill has already been paid."

"Paid?" Feng Wuhen was shocked. He looked at the rest of them and asked, "Who paid for us?"

"Your friend. Oh yeah, he left you a note." The shop owner took out a piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to Feng Wuhen.

When Feng Wuhen looked at the note, and his eyes instantly widened in shock. "Xiao Luo?"

Written on the paper was Xiao Luo's contact information.

The other four were equally startled. They had not expected to meet Xiao Luo here. Nor could they ever have imagined that Xiao Luo would pay for their meal.

"He said that if you really have nowhere else to go, you can seek him out. He will give you all the help he can," the shop owner conveyed Xiao Luo's message.

Feng Wuhan felt warmth in his heart. Although it was only a meal, it truly meant a lot to them.

Chapter 107

On the day of share transfer, Chu Yunxiong and Ge Zhongtian were both present. Additionally, all the middle and upper management personnel, such as the store managers and main store department heads, all attended.

"I initially thought that Luo's Workshop would go on forever with Chongshan House's backing. I never expected someone to take the wheel so quickly."

"I couldn't agree more. I heard that our new boss is a young kid in his 20s."

"Yup, the Workshop is done for. Without the Chongshan House shielding us, 'Taste Buds' will gnaw us down until even our bones are gone."

A few store managers gossiped together. Currently, Luo's Workshop had absolutely no capital for contending with 'Taste Buds.' Their arms were not even the same size. Now that they'd lost the Chongshan House's protection, their business would soon completely crumble.

Nevertheless, at the same time, they were very curious about this new chairman. How had he acquired the whole of Luo's Workshop's shares? Although Luo's Workshop was now like a dying camel, purchasing it still called for some five to six hundred million dollars. For a kid to have so much cash at such a young age, he must be 2G Rich [1].

Sun Jian'nan was silent as he stared at the company's front gates without blinking. He'd already heard that their new chairman went by the name of Xiao Luo. Was the name of his new boss just a coincidence, or was he the very same young lad who had saved his life before? At that particular moment, Sun Jian'nan was more anxious than anyone else because he was eager to discover the new boss' identity.

Not long after, a white Corolla slowly drove through the front gates.

The door opened, and Xiao Luo, dressed in a black tuxedo, was the first to exit the car. Zhang Dashan, on the contrary, was relatively casual in his attire. After all, today was Xiao Luo's debut. He mustn't overshadow his friend.

Xiao Luo had smiling eyes, which were narrow and long like a celebrity's, a pointy and suave nose, a mouth with the corners slightly lifted, and unruly black hair. At the sight of Xiao Luo's appearance, all of Luo's Workshop's employees who'd come to welcome him dropped their jaws. Subsequently, uncontrolled exclamations and whispers were stirred up among the crowd and then exploded with furor into a full-blown discussion. The employees buzzed like a swarm of bees.

"Is that Mr. Xiao? He's so hot!"

"What's wrong with his face? Why do I feel like he looks better than the celebrities on TV?"

"His temperament is extraordinary. He must come from some noble family."

The girls' cheeks especially felt a little warm as they gazed on Xiao Luo's cold, handsome face.

"What the f*ck? While I do acknowledge that your handsomeness surged after you put on this tux, these people are overexaggerating. Look at them! They are drooling all over you like wolves. Bro, you better be mindful of your a*shole."

Zhang Dashan was jealous. In terms of looks, he'd never felt that he was any more attractive than Xiao Luo. But today, as he stood beside Xiao Luo with everyone's eyes glued to him, Zhang Dashan felt somewhat imbalanced on the inside.

"Don't talk if you can't talk properly. Nobody will think of you as a mute." Xiao Luo glared at him, then walked toward Chu Yunxiong, and the two shook hands ceremoniously.

"Mr. Luo, Luo's Workshop is yours from now on. Just come and speak to me if you ever need anything," Chu Yunxiong said. He valued Xiao Luo a great deal.

"That's for certain," Xiao Luo casually replied out of courtesy.

Just then, a middle-aged man with unusual temperament came forward and extended his hands to Xiao Luo with a smile. He said, "Greetings, Mr. Xiao. My name is Xu Guansong. I have been the one in charge of everything at Luo's Workshop while Mr. Fang has been away."

"Hello, Mr. Xu!"

Xiao Luo shook hands with Mr. Xu with a courteous smile. Before coming to Luo's Workshop, Xiao Luo had browsed the list of senior management. He knew that this man with the big belly and golden-framed glasses was the company's deputy manager.

"Mr. Xiao, let me introduce you to the others."

Xu Guansong didn't pass up the chance to take the lead. He pointed to the girl next to him, who was about 25 or 26 years old, and said, "Her name is Li Ziming. She's the head of our sales department, and she's really comprehensive in her conduct."

"Hello, Mr. Xiao."

Li Ziming quickly extended her hand with a smile and shook hands with Xiao Luo.

Xiao Luo nodded and said, "Hello."

Xu Guansong then introduced the next person: "This is the head of the human resource department, Lin Chongdong. As his name suggests, his temper is really impulsive."

"Hello, Mr. Xiao."

Lin Chongdong's tone was a little blunt, and he didn't look like he wanted to shake hands with Xiao Luo.

Xiao Luo stayed calm and collected. He replied courteously, "Hello."

Then, Xu Guansong proceeded to the next person, "This is the..."

"I'll do it myself!" blurted out a girl about 20 years of age.

She had big eyes, a little mouth, delicate cheeks, and was giving off an adorable and lively vibe with her entire body. "I'm the head of the R & D department. My name is Luo Qi. Greetings, big boss." As soon as she finished, she saluted Xiao Luo.

Xiao Luo replied, "Just call me Mr. Xiao."

"Received, big boss!" Luo Qi said with a beaming countenance.

Xiao Luo could neither cry nor laugh. However, Luo Qi, who was so vivacious in her presentation, had made a deep impression in his heart.

"A-ahem. Please be more serious." Xu Guansong coughed, then smiled as he introduced to Xiao Luo to a large man. "Mr. Xiao, please meet the head of our bread processing factory, Zhang Donghai. He's honest and really ambitious."

"Hello, Mr. Xiao. I have long since heard your name mentioned. Now that I finally get to meet you today, I see that you're truly a talented person with extraordinary vigor!"

Zhang Donghai held Xiao Luo's hand tightly with both hands, showing great excitement and enthusiasm.

Xiao Luo lifted his eyebrows, thinking that no business ever had a shortage of flatterers. Had he ever so popular that this man would have had occasion to hear his name long before now? These statements were too exaggerated. 𝑙𝒾𝒷𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥.𝒸𝑜𝘮

Nevertheless, Xiao Luo still replied, "Hello."

With Xu Guansong in charge of introductions, Xiao Luo greeted Luo's Workshop's senior management team one-by-one. Soon afterward, everyone proceeded to the conference hall, where the official share transfer ceremony would be held.

"Holy sh*t! It's really him!"

Sun Jian'nan's mind went blank. He was so shocked that he couldn't even say a single word. How could he have ever anticipated that the young lad who'd saved him that day was the same guy who'd gone on a blind date with his niece? And now, by some sudden metamorphosis, this same guy was also their company's new chairman? This was way too dramatic. It was unbelievable. Sun Jian'nan thought that he was dreaming.

"The transfer of shares ceremony is complete. Now, let us welcome Mr. Xiao, who is going to share a few words with us," the hostess said with a broad smile while holding the microphone.

Xiao Luo took the microphone, stood up, and said with a smile, "I only have one thing to say to all of you: 'Do your work with your minds at peace. Be down to earth. Do not forget the heart, for you and I shall strive together!'"

When he finished, he sat down.

He was totally different from their other bosses. Anybody else would have gone on for at least half an hour in such a scenario, but Xiao Luo had only delivered a brief statement. This brevity caught those who were prepared to listen to a long speech entirely off guard.

His speech was already over before the hostess could even finish drinking her water. Although she was taken by surprise, her response was nevertheless impeccable. She moved forward to mediate the scene with a smile on her face, saying, "Mr. Xiao really does treasure his words like gold. Nevertheless, the aphorism he has given us is worthy. Let all of us ponder it and learn from it."

Just then, someone ran into the room in a panic. He whispered in Xu Guansong's ear for a moment. Then, Xu Guansong went over to Xiao Luo and murmured to him, "Mr. Xiao, all of the factory's employees have gone on strike!"

Chapter 108

A collective strike?

Xiao Luo knitted his eyebrows slightly. This wasn't good news. Striking as soon as he took office implied that the workers were already against him.

"I'll go and take a look."

He stood up and walked toward the factory, following Xu Guansong's lead.

Soon after, everyone in the conference hall was informed of the strike.

"Let's go and see."

Chu Yunxiong was intrigued. Luo's Workshop was presenting Xiao Luo with a tough task as soon as he took office. He wanted to see how Xiao Luo would handle the issue, so he tagged along with Ge Zhongtian.

At the same time, the various department heads as well the store managers swarmed the factory.

When Xiao Luo reached the shipping terminal, there were more than 500 protesters gathered. These were all frontline workers, and their protests echoed throughout the colossal plant.

The security personnel maintaining order let out a sigh of relief and shouted to the crowd, "Mr. Xiao is here! Tell him whatever you have to say!"

Xiao Luo moved forward with both hands behind his back and looked down at the protesting crowd with his slender, piercing eyes. An unseen pressure slammed down on the hearts of everyone present like a mountain, and voices of the heated protest came to an abrupt halt.

Xu Guansong and the senior personnel were in shock. Even without needing to contend with the strikers below, they were already feeling a considerable amount of pressure. Such invisible stress may be difficult to explain, but it does exist.

Xiao Luo's eyes swept over everyone, left to right. Then he asked, "Why are you protesting?"

His tone was ambivalent. Nobody could tell whether he was happy or angry.

The workers looked at each other. At last, an unsightly man with a pointy mouth and monkey-like cheeks who was standing at the forefront took a step forward. He said through gritted teeth, "I heard that Luo's Workshop has a new chairman, so we came here to have a look."

"Have a look? Fine then. I'm standing here right now. All of you see me, right? Then you are dismissed and may return to your posts. Do not disrupt the company's normal operations," Xiao Luo said with an amused smile.

The man with a pointy mouth and monkey-like cheeks sneered. His expression changed as he said, "Tsk! You're going to dismiss us just like that? Mr. Xiao, each of us has gathered here today because we feel that our efforts are not matched by our benefits. It shouldn't be too much for us to demand a raise. Am I right, everybody?"

"Yes!" roared five hundred people together with great strength and determination.

"We make hundreds of millions in revenue for the company every year, so why are we given so little? The amount we get is barely enough to satisfy a beggar!" the voices of disharmony sounded once again, and many raised their hands in support.

Chu Yunxiong raised his eyebrows and murmured, "This truly is a tough challenge for our company. Luo's Workshop's financial budget is already about to bottom out. Now, with this strike, I feel like we will have even more of a headache."

Ge Zhongtian echoed, "That's for sure. These workers are obviously taking advantage of the fire. Why can't they think about how, if Luo's Workshop collapses, they will become jobless?"

"This can't be that straightforward!"

Chu Yunxiong smiled without clarifying his assumption. He had already reminded Xiao Luo a long time ago that still waters ran deep with Luo's Workshop's management team. The reasons for the strike could hardly be as simple as what they appeared on the surface.

Avarice's wage is death. Under someone's instigation, these well-paid employees with massive bonuses were suddenly flummoxed by a craving for money.

"Shut up!" Lin Chongdong, head of the human resource department, exclaimed in anger. "Are you people even underpaid? Including OTs and performance bonuses, more than half of you earn over 5000 dollars per month. Even the least among you earns about 3500 dollars. The company is now going through a difficult period. Many of our store managers are only receiving a 5000 to 6000 in salary, and you're actually telling me that you're underpaid? Do you still have any conscience left whatsoever?"

"Why don't you talk about those times when they were receiving some 20 to 30 grand? You know, when the company was in a good spot. They are the ones who landed the company in this state, so what does it have to do with us bottom-level workers?"

"Yeah, we've been on pins and needles for the company. We work overtime every single day. Why don't you mention that?"

"Luo's Workshop is almost empty. We don't even know if the company will collapse tomorrow. If we don't ask for more now, then should we only ask for what we deserve when the company is no more?"

The crowd's anger wasn't quickly dispelled. They raised their fists in opposition and shouted vehemently. 𝓵𝒊𝒃𝙧𝙚𝒂𝓭.𝓬𝙤𝙢

Unable to best the crowd with his words, Lin Chongdong's face swelled in red, and his body trembled with rage.

Xiao Luo felt a little pissed off and a little amused. These people were probably slaves who rode on their masters' heads during ancient times.

He waved his hands and said faintly, "Since you've already said that, may I ask all of you a few questions?"

Upon witnessing their new young chairman's politeness, many of them instantly felt a surge of courage. They felt that they didn't have to fear this newcomer to the business world even though he had only just entered society and had little experience.

"Since Mr. Xiao is so nice to us, let's not be too harsh on him, okay?" the man with a pointy mouth and monkey-like cheeks shouted to the crowd. Evidently, he was the leader of the strike.

"Yeah!" the crowd echoed.

Xiao Luo looked at the man and asked, "What is your role? How much are your base salary and monthly bonus?"

Under these circumstances, the man didn't lie. He answered truthfully, "I'm the leader of a small team. I earn a 3500 base salary with a 2000 monthly bonus. With OTs, I earn an average of 6500 per month. It's money that I earn with my blood and sweat. Do you have any problems with that, Mr. Xiao?"

"Nothing. I'm just curious." Then, Xiao Luo crossed his arms and said in a light tone, "Next, can you tell me, what salary and bonuses other people in the same position as you at other factories receive?"

The man's face turned red instantly. He had worked at other factories before. Even including overtime fees and bonuses, the salary was still far from 6500 dollars. Otherwise, he wouldn't have stayed at Luo's Workshop and worked so hard to become a team leader.

He spoke again after quite some time, "I don't know about other factories, but I know about Taste Buds. People in the same position are earning some five to six hundred dollars more than what we are receiving at Luo's Workshop."

Although the man was properly addressing Xiao Luo, he was also utterly disregarding him.

"Oh, so that's the issue!" Xiao Luo's response was flat. He turned his eyes to a small employee in the crowd. He pointed at him with his finger and said, "Tell me your position, base salary, and bonus."

Seeing that everyone had turned to look at him, the man felt nervous all of a sudden. He stammered, "I-I'm a regular employee. My base salary is 2600 dollars. The money I can earn per month comes out to about 4500 dollars."

"Then, do you know how much other workers in the same position as you at other factories are earning?" Xiao Luo's eyes were chilling, like a beast staring at its prey.

The man shivered. He dared not look directly into Xiao Luo's eyes as he replied, "T-the base salary in other factories is about 2200 to 2300. They may or may not have bonuses. What they receive per month should amount to a little bit over 3500."

"So, does this mean that Luo's Workshop isn't actually treating you any worse than employees are treated at any other factory? On the contrary, we are actually paying you much more than the others. Am I correct?" Xiao Luo pressed on.

The man blushed and replied after a long time, "Y...yes..."

"Hu-huh," Xiao Luo sneered and slammed his hands on the stainless-steel guardrail of the shipping terminal. The massive force left the rail vibrating. He stared at the employee below, who was still shocked, and questioned him further, "Are the benefits we're giving you worth less than your efforts?"

Then, he pointed at the crowd in rage and said, "Luo's Workshop is now in a time of crisis. It's fine if you don't want to go through this with us, but why are you adding insult to injury? You claim that Luo's Workshop is going to close down soon. In which case, I would like to ask you all: since you feel like the company is about to collapse, why aren't you guys leaving? Why are all of you still here? As humans, learn to be content and grateful!"

His words reverberated in the hearts of many of the employees, making them feel ashamed and embarrassed. In fact, many of their hearts were still with Luo's Workshop. They'd only come to make a scene because someone had instigated them into doing so.

Chapter 109

"Bullsh*t!"

The man with a pointy mouth and monkey cheeks refuted Xiao Luo's statement, "Commodities and housing prices are so high nowadays. Besides, we all have our families to think of. Who's willing to squeeze into public housing with strangers? Who doesn't wish to have their own home? The company earns hundreds of millions every year, so how does that justify the little we're being paid?"

Most of the employees with wavering hearts were affirmed of their beliefs and supported the statement by cheering out loud.

"Yeah, housing prices are so high, and yet our salaries are so low. We've had to tighten our belts for decades just to buy a house. Who can live like that?"

"Can't we frontline workers demand anything? Do you think that we, the workers, deserve to be squeezed into public housing?"

"We are firmly against this!"

The crowd was indignant. They felt like they were at a protest rally, continually shouting and raising their fists.

"F*ckin hell. I've seen shameless people before, but I've never seen such brazenness!"

Zhang Dashan couldn't bear to watch any longer. He rolled up his sleeves and wanted to go after the man with the pointy mouth and monkey cheeks. With his temper, he was incapable of tolerating any of this.

Xiao Luo reached out to stop him. If he couldn't handle a spat like this, as the company's boss, he wouldn't be left with any dignity whatsoever. With stern eyes, he looked at the crowd and sneered, "What does real estate have to do with me? Am I a real estate agent or the director of the National Land Resources Administration? Are you really blaming the company because you can't afford a house? So, if you wish to buy anything in the future, let's say a car or a villa, is the company supposed to pay those bills for you as well?"

This chain of rhetorical questions silenced the protestors. They were unable to think of anything to say that would refute these claims.

"You are dismissed now. Return to your posts, and I'll let this go. Otherwise, be prepared to bear the consequences!" Two rays of frost jetted out from Xiao Luo's eyes. When his temper flared, he wasn't a nice person to negotiate with.

"Lub-dub." 𝑙𝒾𝒷𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥.𝒸𝑜𝘮

Many hearts thumped intensely, and the workers' resolve flagged. After all, the employees at Luo's Workshop weren't treated all that badly. If they pulled out, they would have to start afresh, and their salaries would again return to the lowest tier.

The man with a pointy mouth and monkey cheeks shouted hurriedly, "Don't be scared! We are many in number! He wouldn't dare fire so many people. Otherwise, Luo's Workshop will shut down tomorrow!"

His words enlightened the crowd. Yeah, what were they afraid of? Luo's Workshop was nothing like its former self, and it was struggling at the brink of extinction. If the factory halted production for a day, then it would surely be a fatal blow to the business. Xiao Luo would never dare to do anything like that to them.

A boisterous voice sounded, "He's right! There are so many of us here, so why are we afraid of one man?! We will strike unless he raises our salaries and bonuses!"

"We are against the company stealing our hard-earned money!" the man with a pointy mouth and monkey cheeks raised his fist and shouted.

The others yelled in unison, "We are against the company stealing our hard-earned money!"

The scene abruptly plunged into chaos.

All of the store managers and department heads were looking at Xiao Luo. The faces of some were eager to watch the show, while others had their eyebrows knitted or were expressionless. The people present displayed various reactions.

Sun Jian'nan was worried about Xiao Luo. He hoped that Xiao Luo could handle this crisis smoothly and calm the workers down. But judging from the situation, the outcome wasn't looking optimistic at all.

Xiao Luo snorted and said regretfully, "I've given you all an opportunity to do the right thing, but you don't know how to cherish it. Do you think that I'm not bold enough to act against you? Fine then. Lin Chongdong!" Xiao Luo raised his voice suddenly. His tone carried the solemnity of a soldier.

"Yes, Mr. Xiao?" said Lin Chongdong.

Xiao Luo pointed to the crowd below and said, "Dismiss all of these people and never hire them again!"

Each and every word knocked on the workers' souls like a giant bell.

What?!

The department heads and store managers were all startled. They'd never expected Xiao Luo to adopt such an extreme stance. Although the workers were at fault, many leaders would focus on consoling them and tempting them with benefits. Never would they do what Xiao Luo was doing. Namely, dismissing everyone to solve the problem.

Xu Guansong was anxious as he hurriedly advised, "Mr. Xiao, this action isn't appropriate. A mass dismissal will upset the balance of the company's workforce."

Li Zimeng, who had an hourglass figure, also strode forward and said, "We just received a big order from an old client a few days ago. If we dismiss all of these workers, we'll never be able to deliver the order on time. Aside from having to pay a hefty compensation, we will also lose an old and loyal customer forever."

Xiao Luo ignored her and stared at Lin Chongdong chillingly. "Didn't you hear me?"

Under his gaze, Lin Chongdong shivered instinctively.

"Yes. I will tell my colleagues in the HR department to dismiss all of them at once."

"Go. I want to see their dismissal reports within half a day," Xiao Luo deadpanned, denying the strikers any sympathy. Sure enough, those people had crossed a line with him.

Lin Chongdong felt as awful as he possibly could. Although a chore like this had no technical requirements and was easy, he had to prepare more than 500 copies. Having to settle and write the reports in half a day was indeed stressful. However, he also felt immense satisfaction. Xiao Luo's vigorous and stern conduct had incited some excitement and enthusiasm in his dull eyes.

"Mr. Xiao, you can't do this to us! I don't want a raise! I don't want a raise anymore!"

Seeing that Xiao Luo truly meant what he said, the workers were flustered. They'd never expected their new chairman, who looked so kind and friendly, to bully them and be so ruthless in his conduct. He was actually bold enough to fire them all.

The workers were now all scared. Where else would they find such a great job? If they couldn't work here, then the houses they'd be planning to buy a few years down the line would probably have to wait for another decade. Did they still want to establish families or not?

"Don't be afraid, he's just trying to scare us. Without us, how can he keep Luo's Workshop going? Besides, Luo's Workshop is already at the edge of collapse. It is only a matter of time before Taste Buds devours the company. We won't have our jobs much longer even if we stay," the man with a pointy mouth and monkey cheeks said raucously to appease the crowd.

Xiao Luo looked at the man with a smile. If there weren't so many people here, he would've stepped on that man like an ant.

He ordered with composure, "Security, expel the fired workers at once!'

Ruthless and decisive.

"Yessir!"

The security personnel who had been maintaining order earlier on was infuriated. No matter how he thought about things, he felt that these workers were deliberately provocative. After receiving Xiao Luo's instructions, the guards unlaced the black iron rods at their waists and reformed into a human wall. Then, they pushed the protestors out of the factory through the main entrance. Those who refused to cooperate were instantly greeted with rods.

The five hundred workers were flustered, utterly flustered. This wasn't a threat, it was a genuine dismissal and eviction.

Various bawls pleading to the heavens rang out: "I'm not leaving. I'm not on strike anymore. This is all my fault. I want my job back!"

Even though they all felt that the Luo's Factory was in wasn't in as good of straights as before, the frontline workers' treatment was hardly abysmal. Subconsciously, they still had faith in Luo's Workshop. They did not believe that the company would crumble.

"Boss..."

Luo Qi, the head of R&D, wanted to plead for the workers but was blocked by a wave of Xiao Luo's hand.

"In my estimation, there are only good employees and bad employees. Evidently, these are not good employees. People say that a new broom sweeps clean. Although I'm not getting rid of everyone, some trash still has to go."

These words undoubtedly pushed the employees into utter despair.

"He must be trying to scare us! He wouldn't dare fire us all! He can't handle the consequences!"

The one who shouted this was again the man with a pointy mouth and monkey-like cheeks. However, now he sounded much less firm.

Chapter 110

Not long after, all five hundred or so workers who'd been on strike were chased away, but they did not leave. The gaunt, ugly man was still loudly proclaiming his views, arguing, "Don't worry. This Xiao fellow will come back crying and begging for us to return to work soon. Without us, Luo's Workshop cannot produce any goods. We are the ones with the fate of the company in our hands. We need to stay confident and have the guts to go up against these capitalists to the very end!"

Although the man was speaking spiritedly and loudly, the rest of the workers were shrouded in a general air of dejection. They had sat down, and their heads dipped solemnly. Now that they had calmed down, they felt like something was amiss. They had good jobs, so why had they gone on strike?

If they were honest with themselves, their pay and benefits were undoubtedly better than what they'd get at other factories. However, in the end, their deep-rooted greed had won out, and they'd chosen to join the strike. Many of them were now regretting their decisions.

If they were really all fired, their families would lose an income source. Some of them had to provide for nursing babies, children attending school, and older parents with no ability to work. With so many mouths to feed depending on their earnings, what were they supposed to do? As they contemplated this, some of the workers were smoking, and the hands gripping the cigarettes trembled uncontrollably.

In contrast, Xiao Luo had ordered someone to bring over a table and four stools. He was sitting with Chu Yunxiong, Zhang Dashan, and Ge Zhongtian, leisurely enjoying freshly boiled hot tea. Not a single shred of nervousness could be detected about him.

Of course, Zhang Dashan was not entirely at ease. He had never dreamed that one day he would be sitting at the same table as Hua Nation's legendary entrepreneur, Chu Yunxiong.

Compared to them, the various department heads of Luo's Workshop were extremely anxious. They all felt the pressure mounting and could not help but worry. If the bread processing factory lost all its workers, then the machinery would be left unmanned and useless. Not only would they be unable to produce anything of value, but the company would continue to suffer losses, which would only balloon as time went on.

"President Xiao, we cannot keep waiting like this. Let's at least try to satisfy some of their requests and get them back in position to work," Xu Guansong's tried to persuade Xiao with his eyebrows knitted together.

Xiao Luo made no move to acknowledge him. He only turned to look at Zhang Dashan and demanded, "Are they coming?"

Zhang Dashan checked the time and replied, "They should be on their way."

"How many?"

"Around 320 people. All workers from the bread factory. They can start working as soon as they arrive."

"Mm."

Xiao Luo nodded and continued sipping his tea slowly.

As they heard this brief exchange, a wave of surprise swept over Xu Guansong and the other department heads. 320 people? He had actually managed to rustle up 320 people with experience working at a bread processing factory? That was impossible!

Chu Yunxiong harbored similar doubts. Now was not the prime season for hiring, and being to be able to hire 320 workers at once was bizarre and difficult to comprehend. However, he refused to make his concerns known. Besides, Zhang Dashan was Xiao Luo's trusted friend, so it was definitely possible that he had some unforeseen gifts.

Just then, Xiao Luo waved to the head of the factory, Zhang Donghai, beckoning for him to come over.

"President Xiao, what can I do for you?" Zhang Donghai asked enthusiastically with a radiant smile.

Xiao Luo pointed to the main gate, where the gaunt and ugly man was still on his feet, trying to instill courage and confidence in his fellow workers. "What's that man's name?"

"Oh, him. His name is Wang Tiechui," Zhang Donghai hurriedly answered.

"Lin Chongdong, get me his personnel file."

"Yes, President Xiao!"

Lin Chongdong had already come to admire Xiao Luo, whose earlier actions had left him feeling overjoyed. Therefore, he followed Xiao Luo's orders unconditionally.

Xiao Luo was not a pushover, and anyone who tried to take advantage of him had better be prepared to face retribution. Also, he had thought from the start that this conflict did not stem simply from the workers wanting a pay raise. Someone was fanning the flames behind the scenes, and their one lead to find this mastermind was undoubtedly Wang Tiechui.

...

An hour later, five large buses pulled up in front of the main gate of Luo's Workshop then parked in a row.

"Hey, they're here!"

Zhang Dashan jumped to his feet excitedly and walked at a brisk pace to the main gate.

Seeing the manpower alighting from the buses, Chu Yunxiong was astounded. He commented to Xiao Luo, "Luo, your friend over there is not to be sniffed at." 𝘭𝒾𝑏𝓇𝘦𝒶𝘥.𝘤𝘰𝑚

Xiao Luo chuckled back, "He just so happens to know the boss of a bread factory. Taste Buds is currently undergoing expansion, and their boss was forced out of business. He had to declare bankruptcy and lay off all his workers. Coincidentally, since we need workers here, Zhang Dashan asked around in his circle of friends. They came to an agreement, and the boss quickly sent his men over to us."

"It looks like I shouldn't underestimate any of you," Ge Zhongtian laughed, hearing this explanation.

Xiao Luo had nothing more to add. He had not expected Zhang Dashan's connections to be so widespread. It was indeed proof of what Zhang Dashan said before; his three years working at the bank were not for naught, and many of his work contacts were leaders of their own businesses. In terms of networking, he completely bested Xiao Luo.

When they saw more than 300 people streaming out of the five buses, Luo's Workshop's original workers all went pale in the face. Even Wang Tiechui, who had been keeping morale up and loudly advocating for the strike, went utterly ashen.

How did this happen?

How did they find so many workers to replace them at their jobs so quickly?

No, this could not be happening! This could not be happening! This was their livelihood!

"President Xiao, we know that we were in the wrong and admit our mistakes. Please, don't fire us."

"We won't protest. We won't ever protest again. As long as you don't fire us, we will agree to anything."

"President Xiao, please forgive us!"

The cries and wails of their pleading resounded from the main gate. If not for the security personnel, then the massive steel gates would have collapsed under the weight of five hundred workers desperately begging.

"You have balls to beg now," Zhang Dashan cursed at them harshly. "I understand my brother's temperament, and if he said he was going to fire you, then he meant every word. You all screwed yourselves. You gave up perfectly good jobs to run out here and go on strike. Get out of here, and don't try to stick around."

"Big Brother, please help me. Plead my case to President Xiao. My family has 6 people in it, and they are all living off what I earn. I can't afford to lose this job. Please, I'm begging you," a man pleaded tearfully. He grabbed onto Zhang Dashan's leg like a child as he wept.

Zhang Dashan let out a long sigh. "Bro, I'm sorry to hear that, but there's nothing I can do for you. My brother has made his decision, and nobody can change his mind now. You had better start looking for a new job."

Pushing the man away, he made the security personnel open a small side entrance and let in the new workers.

"People, you don't have to bargain with them!" Wang Tiechui shouted in a timely fashion. "There are other opportunities elsewhere. Luo's Workshop is facing imminent collapse, and there's nothing great about working here. If they want to fire us, so be it. We can just find work elsewhere."

It would have been better if he'd stayed silent. With these words, the workers were reminded that they were in this situation now because of Wang Tiechui's instigation.

"Wang Tiechui, go f*ck yourself!"

The man who had been weeping at Zhang Dashan's feet just a moment ago wiped the tears from his face. He rushed straight at Wang Tiechui with a piece of broken brick, which he picked up off the ground. He raised the brick up high then smashed it down viciously on Wang Tiechui's head.

"It's all because of this son of a b*tch and his nonsense that we lost our jobs! Get him!"

The anger of the mob was aroused, and they rumbled toward Wang Tiechui like a raging tide.

Chapter 111

"President Xiao, please get security to save him at once. We don't want anyone dying at our company's front door," Li Zimeng advised, her delicate features clouded with worry.

Xu Guansong, Luo Qi, and Zhang Donghai also came forward to side with her. After all, this was happening in their company's compound. If someone died, it would be a devastating blow to their reputation. More importantly, the people involved were former employees who had been fired from Luo's Workshop. If the media caught wind of this, the news reports would not be pretty.

Even though Xiao Luo had half a mind to stamp out Wang Tiechui's life, he could see the logic behind their arguments.

Waving them in, he allowed the head of security to rush into the fray with his men.

They managed to rescue Wang Tiechui, but he had taken a severe beating. His face was bruised, swollen, and drenched in blood. He was on the verge of death as an ambulance came to take him away. The mob of more than five hundred workers calmed down and gradually regained their composure. When they saw blood splattered on the ground, they quickly dispersed, afraid of getting into more trouble if they lingered.

Just like that, the workers' strike was settled!

The various department heads and managers of various outlets had come to understand Xiao Luo better through this event. While Xiao Luo looked mild-mannered and peaceable, he was ruthlessly decisive, and this left a powerful impression in their hearts. Some of the store managers with lazy attitudes now had to clean up their act. They did not dare show any signs of disrespect in front of Xiao Luo.

Before leaving, Chu Yunxiong reminded Xiao Luo in front of everyone, "Luo, my offer still stands. If you need anything, come look for me!"

This statement helped reassure everyone that the legendary entrepreneur Chu Yunxiong still vouched for Xiao Luo. At the same time, they also began to wonder who this Xiao Luo was to have gained his trust.

...

"In addition to the one million that President Xiao has invested, the company account has five million in liquid assets." Guo Fu, head of Luo's Workshop's finance department, was sharing the company's financial report with Xiao Luo in his office.

Xiao Luo's brow furrowed as he listened. Five million may be a large sum to an individual, but to a company, it was a paltry amount. To put things into context, Luo's Workshop paid out nearly three million dollars each month to their employees. Now they were in the red every day. If they did not quickly turn the situation around, Luo's Workshop would be finished by the end of next month.

"I get the picture. Please return to your work. Oh yes, and ask store manager Sun Jian'nan to come to see me."

"Yes, President Xiao!"

Guo Fu bowed slightly and left the room.

Zhang Dashan got up from the sofa, walked over to Xiao Luo, and said, "This workers' strike came at a perfect time, huh? It's allowed you to flex your authority as the boss in front of the whole company."

"It's all thanks to you," Xiao Luo replied with a slight smile.

"You can save your breath when it comes to words of gratitude. I want something tangible."

"What are we talking about here?" Xiao Luo asked, puzzled, raising his eyebrows.

Zhang Dashan brought his teacup down onto the desk, hard, and scolded, "B*stard, stop acting stupid in front of me. I want the position of vice-president, old pal." He made his way to the balcony in the office, looked down at the view below, and stretched his arms out wide. He took a deep breath and said, "I never dreamed that one day I would be a big boss, gazing down on all my employees from my ivory tower."

He had obviously already embraced his self-ordained role as vice-president.

"Okay, quit your daydreaming. You can be my assistant for now, and when Luo's Workshop is back on its feet, I'll let you have my position," Xiao Luo said in annoyance.

"What the f*ck? Bro, are you for real? You're not messing with me?" Zhang Dashan exclaimed excitedly. 𝑙𝒾𝘣𝘳𝑒𝒶𝒹.𝑐𝘰𝓂

Xiao Luo rolled his eyes at him. "When have I ever messed with you?"

"Hahaha. My good brother, Lao Xiao, you really are my good brother."

1An elated Zhang Dashan was cracking up, but he quickly realized that something was amiss. Frowning, he said, "No, something's not right."

"What's not right?"

"If you give me your position as president, then what are you going to do?" Zhang Dashan asked.

Xiao Luo brushed him off, saying, "I'll move on and develop some other business. It's not a problem."

Zhang Dashan was taken aback. If he could successfully helm Luo's Workshop, he would be satisfied. He'd never thought beyond that, yet his brother fully intended to move on to other businesses. While Xiao Luo spoke flippantly about it, Zhang Dashan knew that he was not kidding.

"I feel like you're going to become the next Chu Yunxiong."

"Well, I hope to surpass him."

As he said this, Xiao Luo stood up and patted Zhang Dashan on the shoulder. His body was integrated with a high-tech system. If he only managed to match the standards which Chu Yunxiong had set, he would never be satisfied.

"Gulp!"

Zhang Dashan swallowed down a mouthful of saliva. This was the first time he discovered that lofty goals and ambition had been lurking in the depths of his brother's heart all this while.

"Dong, dong, dong!"

At that moment, someone knocked lightly on the door to the office.

"Come in!"

Xiao Luo sat back in his seat.

The door was pushed open. Sun Jian'nan shuffled in obediently, looking presentable in a suit. He was walking rather stiffly, on account of his nerves, as he made his way in front of Xiao Luo's desk. Raising his head to look at Xiao Luo, he inquired, "Pre-President Xiao, you asked for me?"

From the 'young man' he'd first encountered a few days ago to the 'President Xiao' of today, Xiao Luo's identity was changing too rapidly for him to keep up. He was feeling a bit dazed, as though caught in a dream.

"Take a seat," Xiao Luo said, gesturing politely for him to sit down.

Sun Jian'nan nodded, taking a deep breath to stabilize his emotions before sitting upright opposite Xiao Luo.

"Store Manager Sun, I have been told that the Luo's Workshop food safety violation transpired inside your store?"

"Mm, yes, that's correct."

"Do you believe that there is an issue with the products we are selling?"

"No, there is definitely nothing wrong with our pastries," Sun Jian'nan replied, adamantly shaking his head. "I had my eye on that old man the instant he stepped into our store."

"Why is that?" Xiao Luo asked.

Sun Jian'nan began to recount from memory, "It was because his face looked abnormally discolored. It was pale like he was suffering from an illness. His breathing was also labored, as though his windpipe was clogged. I even remember specially pouring him a cup of hot tea."

Xiao Luo nodded, urging him, "Tell me your theory."

"I believe the old man did not die from eating our bread, but suddenly passed away from a pre-existing condition." Sun Jian'nan laid bare his innermost thoughts as he continued, "However, the medical professionals and the old man's relatives all insist that he suffocated when our bread got stuck in his windpipe."

"If that is true, then doesn't it mean that Luo's Workshop has been unjustly framed?" Zhang Dashan could not hold back his objections.

"I can't be completely certain, but my gut tells me that Luo's Workshop is not responsible for the old man's death," Sun Jian'nan conjectured.

Xiao Luo waved him out, saying, "I understand. Go back to what you were doing."

Sun Jian'nan got up and bowed, turning to leave.

"Hold on."

"What else do you need, President Xiao?"

"Don't tell Sun Yu about me," Xiao Luo ordered.

Sun Jian'nan was slightly surprised by this request, but he nodded in acknowledgment. "Mm, yes."

Then, he pushed open the door and exited the office.

"Lao Xiao, it seems like you have a thing for the Beauty Sun," Zhang Dashan teased.

He knew perfectly well why Xiao Luo wanted to hide his identity. It was not because he wanted Sun Yu to let down her guard so that he could take advantage of her. Rather, Xiao Luo wished to meet and understand her on equal footing as ordinary guy and girl. There were too many examples of rich men courting great beauties these days. A simple, pure romance untainted by the stench of money was a rare occurrence.

Chapter 112

Meanwhile, at the hospital, almost every inch of Wang Tiechui's body was wrapped in white bandages. He lay on the hospital bed like an Egyptian mummy.

He had taken a beating from more than 500 angry workers and was riddled with broken bones and open wounds. His most grievous injury had been dealt by the man who'd pleaded with Zhang Dashan. He'd smashed open Wang Tiechui's head with a brick.

When he awoke from his coma, he saw Xiao Luo standing at the foot of his bed with his arms behind his back. He shivered in fear, withering before Xiao Luo's frigid stare, which made him feel like he had fallen into an icy crevasse.

He asked in a panic, "You. What are you do-doing here?"

He had never seen anyone with such a fearsome look in all his life.

Xiao Luo peered down at him with a domineering gaze then said nonchalantly, "I am only going to ask you this once. Answer me honestly, or you die!"

Wang Tiechui could really feel the killing intent behind Xiao Luo's expression, and it scared him so much that he almost fainted.

"I-I will answer honestly. I will definitely answer honestly," he managed to force out a reply despite choking with fright.

"Who ordered you to organize this strike?" Xiao Luo's voice lacked any shred of emotion and seemed to come from the depths of hell itself.

"I-I don't know his name. He gave me twenty thousand dollars to organize a strike. The-then he told me that, when it was finished, he would get me a job at Taste Buds," Wang Tiechui confessed.

Xiao Luo's expression hardened. "You don't know his name?"

"I-I really don't know. It was my first time seeing him, President Xiao. I'm not lying to you," Wang Tiechui insisted fearfully.

The mouth may tell lies, but the eyes speak the truth.

Xiao Luo was slightly disappointed. He'd thought that questioning Wang Tiechui would produce a lead for them to follow, but now that seemed impossible.

Chu Yunxiong had once reminded him that Luo's Workshop senior management was full of schemers. That is to say, there could be a spy among them working for Taste Buds. Taste Buds had already demonstrated that they had no qualms about doing something so treacherous as inciting the workers of Luo's Workshop to strike. Arranging for someone to infiltrate Luo's Workshop or buying off one of the management team executives would be a simple matter for them.

"Lao Xiao, this is the data on Taste Buds that you wanted."

Zhang Dashan approached him with a printout as he exited the hospital. "The top dog at Taste Buds is a man called Fang Changlei. He is the step-brother of Luo's Workshop's previous president, Fang Changmiao. They have the same father but different mothers. The two of them started their careers in the bread industry together. However, after their father passed away, they split up due to a dispute, and each started their own company. Namely, Luo's Workshop and Taste Buds."

Xiao Luo skimmed the document, then commented light-heartedly, "What an interesting pair of brothers."

Zhang Dashan nodded in agreement, then continued where he'd left off: "While Taste Buds is his main business, Fang Changlei also owns other side ventures, such as the Prosperity Grand Hotel, Phoenix Entertainment City, plus others in approximately ten different industries. He has a son and a daughter. The son's name is Fang Chongqiang, and the daughter's name is Fang Shulan."

"Fang Shulan?" Xiao Luo wore a look of surprise.

"What's up? Do you know her?" Zhang Dashan blinked, asking him.

Xiao Luo explained, "I had an altercation with her during my time as a bodyguard at Huaye."

"Since you've had a conflict with her before, that means that you two are enemies. Now, you have the perfect opportunity to crush her dad's business, Taste Buds, and vent your frustrations," Zhang Dashan snickered.

"You think it'll be that easy?"

"Now that Luo's Workshop is under your control, Lao Xiao, crushing him is only a matter of time."

"Ahem. Please leave me out of your boasting next time."

"You b*stard!"

They climbed into the car, and Zhang Dashan asked Xiao Luo in a joking tone, "Boss, where are we headed today?"

"I need to find someone."

"Who?"

"The reporter who wrote the article that pushed Luo's Workshop into the abyss."

Xiao Luo leaned back in his seat with his eyes staring straight ahead. "The footage from our surveillance camera shows that the old man did indeed look to be in poor physical condition when he entered the shop. And the hospital files clearly show he had been diagnosed with chronic rheumatic heart disease. The evidence points to a heart attack as the cause of death rather than anything to do with eating bread.

"The medical practitioner who performed the autopsy has left the country to study abroad. The old man's family insists that the bread from Luo's Workshop caused his death and claimed 470 grand in compensation. All these facts add up to one thing: conspiracy."

"Did Taste Buds orchestrate this?" Zhang Dashan asked.

Xiao Luo rolled his eyes at him. "Could there be another company behind it?"

"F*ck him! That old son of a b*tch, Fang Changlei, has no business ethics at all. When I have time, I'm going to find out where he parks his car."

"What are you thinking of doing to his car?"

"What else? I'm going to piss all over the front," Zhang Dashan declared loudly.

Xiao Luo did not deign to give him a reply. 𝒍𝒊𝙗𝓻𝒆𝓪𝙙.𝙘𝙤𝙢

"Bang!"

As the car approached a crossroads, there was a burst of fierce but concentrated gunfire from somewhere ahead.

"Bang, bang!"

Another two gunshots sounded. Pedestrians and drivers in the area became flustered and tried to flee. Lest they get shot by accident, they ignored all the traffic lights in the process. This resulted in a series of serious traffic accidents, and the shrill sound of police sirens rang out.

"F*ck, this is some luck!"

Zhang Dashan shuddered and slammed down on the brakes, hard. He had only seen gunfights in the movies, and now that he was in the midst of one, there was no way he could maintain his composure.

Xiao Luo's eyes narrowed. His gaze grew more focused, and he stared straight ahead like a hawk.

A man dressed in black rode out from a side street on a motorcycle. His head was covered by a helmet, and his hand grasped a short firearm. He rode valiantly, firing as he rode, while two police cars gave chase close on his tail.

An older policeman, who was extremely bold, stuck half of his body out of the window to take aim at the man.

"Bang, bang, bang!"

The gunshots seemed never-ending as bullets whizzed through the air at high speeds. The bullets tore open holes in the police vehicles, and two shots narrowly missed the man in black. Finally, with a loud impact sound, a third shot buried itself deep inside the back of the man's shoulder.

The man in black was knocked off his balance by the shot and tumbled off his motorcycle. The motorcycle skidded more than ten yards away before coming to a stop under the wheels of a truck.

The man immediately picked himself up off the ground, tore off his helmet, and revealed his bloodstained face. He looked like a foreigner.

"Don't move. Get down with your hands behind your head!"

Taking advantage of this moment of opportunity, three policemen rushed forward nimbly with their guns up. They pushed through the crowd to try to arrest the man in black.

The man in black grinned ferociously. He flexed all his muscles, which expanded explosively. Leaning forward readily, his coat rolled off his body. As if a black curtain had been draped before them, his coat blocked the three policemen's' view.

At the same time, the man in black slid backward, and his strong, sturdy body lithely slipped out of the black trench coat in one clean motion. He took two steps back, then pushed forward with his right leg, on which his body's center of gravity rested. He probably weighed over two-hundred pounds yet moved with the dexterity of a cheetah chasing its prey. The instant the black trench coat obscured the policemen's sight, he charged at them recklessly.

"Bam, bam!"

Two of the policemen were hurled backward, colliding squarely with the multi-purpose vehicles parked at the roadside. Rebounding from the impact, they collapsed unconscious on the ground.

Chapter 113

The man dressed in black's explosive force was immensely powerful!

The other policeman had a quicker reaction time. He retreated as soon as he saw the opponent charge at him, preparing to fire from a distance.

The man in black did not give the officer a chance to take the shot. He pounced on him like a tiger, then he swept his leg out and kicked with unstoppable force. The color drained slightly from the policeman's face as he hastily reached up to parry the blow.

"Bam!" 𝘭𝑖𝘣𝑟𝘦𝒶𝘥.𝘤𝑜𝘮

Arm and leg collided with a dull thud. The policeman felt the full violent force of the kick surging through his body. He spat out a mouthful of fresh blood and tumbled to the ground with his gun. The man in black snickered then rolled forward on the ground toward the cop, grabbing him to use as a human shield.

Several more policemen stormed onto the scene with their guns pointed at the man in black. They yelled angrily, "Put down the gun!"

"Shoot me. If you have the balls, then fire. Hehehe!" laughed the man in black cruelly. Bloodlust permeated his stiff-sounding Chinese, and his face contorted into a demented grin. He obviously believed that they would not dare fire on him with their fellow policeman in the way.

The situation proceeded according to his predictions. The seven or eight policemen who arrived as reinforcements wanted to save their ally and kill their enemy. They were conflicted and unable to take action. They only continued nervously, taking aim at the man in black while maintaining their positions. A layer of cold sweat covered their palms.

Seizing the opportunity, the man in black pulled a policeman's sidearm on the ground toward him with his heel. He flamboyantly spun the gun in his hand. It made two full revolutions before it stopped with its pitch-black muzzle pointed directly at the policemen.

"Die!"

With a hideous sneer, the man in black mercilessly squeezed the trigger.

"Bang, bang, bang!"

A stream of flames shot out from the muzzle. The policemen sensed the danger but were too slow to return fire. They only managed to get down on the ground or take cover behind the vehicles closest to them. Even then, they were still too late. Bullets tore through the air toward them. In the blink of an eye, five men were brought down, and three vehicles were blown to pieces. Shards of glass and other debris went flying, and clouds of dust billowed. It was a powerful attack.

Having shot down almost half of the policemen, the man in black kicked away his human shield and made a dash for Zhang Dashan's white Corolla.

Zhang Dashan swore under his breath and moved his foot to the accelerator, ready to make a getaway. However, the silhouette of a small child flashed in front of the car, and he had no choice but to take his foot off the gas.

In that brief period, the man in black caught up. He opened the door and slid into the back seat. Pressing his gun to Zhang Dashan's head, he shouted harshly in stiff Chinese, "Drive, or I will shoot you!"

Xiao Luo thought of making a move. However, he noticed that, aside from the gun, which the man wielded in his right hand, he was armed with a hand grenade in his left, so he abandoned the idea.

Zhang Dashan, in all his many years of life, had never had a gun to his head before, and he nearly wet himself in fear. His voice quivered as he asked, "B-b-Big brother, where to?"

"Go straight! Go straight quickly!"

The man in black kept close tabs on the police's movements, looking to the left and right. He barked a warning, "If I get caught by the police, then I'll kill the two of you first!"

With his left hand firmly gripping the grenade, he fired two shots from the gun in his right. A policeman giving chase at a distance flipped over. The man's aim was impeccable.

The shots fired caused the rest of the policemen instinctively to get down on the ground, slowing down their advance. The man in black turned back to Zhang Dashan and shouted, "Why aren't you driving? do you want to die?"

"Big Brother, don't be hasty. I'm driving. I'm driving."

Zhang Dashan started up the car in a hurry, stepped on the pedal, and the vehicle sped off.

"Faster! You need to go faster!" With the gun to Zhang Dashan's head, the man in black continued to roar at him, "Go as fast as you possibly can. You absolutely cannot let the police catch me, or you will be the first one I kill."

"I understand! I understand!"

Terrified, Zhang Dashan was pale as a ghost, but he hurriedly followed the man's orders, driving faster and faster. He sensed an intense bloodlust emanating from the man. Since he didn't seem to think twice about killing policemen, the man would have no qualms about killing a small fry like Zhang Dashan.

At that moment, Zhang Dashan's mind was racing as he considered whether he was really going to lose his life here. There would be consequences if he did as he was the only remaining son of the Zhang family's long line. If he expired, there would be no one left to pass down the family name. However, Xiao Luo was next to him in the front passenger seat, so his nervousness began to subside slightly.

"My friend here just got his driving license," Xiao Luo suddenly spoke up. "He is a newbie and not psychologically prepared to drive. With you pointing a gun at his head, he'll be even more afraid, and it's highly likely we will end up in an accident. How about this, let me take the wheel. I'm a racecar driver, and I guarantee that we will shake off the police with my driving."

The man in black squinted at Xiao Luo. "You guarantee it?"

Xiao Luo replied confidently, "Of course. If I can't, you can kill me first."

"Ok, I will believe you this once. You two change seats now, quickly!"

The man in black did not want any careless slip-ups, and he had indeed noticed that Zhang Dashan's driving skills were not up to par. The car was unstable, and it felt like they might flip over at any moment.

Xiao Luo steadied the steering wheel. He snuck a look at Zhang Dashan, who vacated the driver's seat.

"Ding, Congratulations! You've received 'Crazy Driving Skills' and used up five hundred points!"

In his head, the sound of the system notification sounded, but Xiao Luo was not bothered by it. When Xiao Luo put the pedal to the metal, Zhang Dashan had just sat down in the front passenger seat. The white Corolla roared like a wild beast, speeding down the congested road with small sharp turns left and right like a white phantom.

Zhang Dashan was on the verge of throwing up. He was trying to buckle his seatbelt and feeling sorry for what his car was being put through.

In the back seat, the man in black was gleeful. "Not bad. This is how you do it, hahaha..."

After a couple of miles, police sirens sounded behind them. The reinforcements had caught up.

Three police cars with their ear-piercing sirens were gaining on them at an insane speed.

The man in black turned around to see what was happening, and a murderous look filled his eyes. "Sh*t. They're still chasing us!"

Leaning out of the window, he fired a shot and burst one of the van's tires. With a loud bang, the entire vehicle flipped over sideways, blocking the path of one of the police cars.

Then, he pointed his gun at a tank truck carrying oil and sneered ferociously, "You can all go to hell."

If his shot landed, it would cause a massive explosion and probably destroy more than half of the road.

Xiao Luo realized what he was trying to do, and abruptly accelerated. They raced forward more than ten yards. The man's aim, which had previously tracked the oil tank, was thrown off in an instant. He lost sight of the target and hit something else.

Looking again at the police cars chasing behind them, the man in black was enraged. "What the f*ck are you driving so fast for?"

"Didn't you ask me to drive fast?" Xiao Luo frowned with his eyebrows in a knot. He asked, deliberately provoking, "So, do you want me to drive faster or slower?"

The man in black was despondent, shouting, "Of course I want you to drive faster!"

Xiao Luo nodded. He unleashed his driving skills and immediately pulled almost fifty yards ahead of the trailing police cars.

"Hey, kid, your driving skills are not too bad. Do you want to come to work for me?" Seeing that there was some distance between them and the police, the man in black let out a sigh of relief.

"No, thank you, I have a job."

"A job?"

The man in black laughed mockingly then said, "How can a man live like cows and sheep? A man should go to battle and discover the joy of conquering the world, walking the thin line between life and death. Go wherever you want to go and do whatever you want to do."

"Big Brother, what kind of work do you do?" Zhang Dashan asked curiously.

"For a fee, I can either kill someone or save someone. I have no religion, no nationality..."

"You're a mercenary?"

Xiao Luo's eyes narrowed as he cut short the man's speech.

Chapter 114

"You know about mercenaries?" The man dressed in black gave Xiao Luo a shocked look.

Xiao Luo answered, "I learned a little about them from a TV show."

"The stuff on television is nonsense. They just make sh*t up," the man in black said with a trace of smugness. "I can tell you anything you want to know. I'm a bona fide mercenary with more than ten men under me, each of whom is a seasoned gunfighter."

"Big Brother, are you still hiring newcomers? I would like to learn how to be a gangster like you."

Although Zhang Dashan had never encountered a situation like this before, he understood what to do to increase his probability of survival. The first step was to keep the gangster appeased, so he started to kiss a*s.

Unfortunately, he was barking up the wrong tree. The man in black used the handgun to slap him hard across the face. He used so much force that Zang Dashan's teeth bled.

The man in black came down on him, hard, and snapped, "I already said that I'm a mercenary, and you still call me a gangster. A f*cking gangster!"

A cold expression settled on Xiao Luo's face, and there was a flicker of killing intent deep in his eyes. If it had just been the man in black and himself in the car, he would not have been so forgiving. But Zhang Dashan was here, so he had to account for his friend's safety.

The slap aroused Zhang Dashan's hot temper, which suddenly started to prevail over his fear.

Keeping a strong hold over his emotions, he began to speak again, preparing to contend with the man in black using words. He pointed at the knife hanging at the man's waist and asked, "Big Brother, is that a knife?"

"Yes, of course. It's called a Cold Steel Gurkha Kukri, and it's part of the standard equipment of the M Nation SEALs."

"Big Brother, is that a grenade you're holding in your left hand? You didn't get it from a toy store, did you?"

"It's not a f*cking toy! It's a real hand grenade that I designed and built myself, and it's extremely powerful. If I'm backed into a corner with no way out, I just have to pull lightly here, and everything within twenty yards of me will die."

"Big Brother..."

The man in black's patience had run dry, so he smacked Zhang Dashan in the face again with the gun. "Stop f*cking chirping with your endless annoying questions, or I'll shoot you dead."

Zhang Dashan shut up.

"Dee woo dee woo dee woo!"

The sound of sirens reached them from behind, and the man in black put on a severe face. He pressed the gun back to Xiao Luo's head and ordered, "Shake them off, quickly!"

"Okay!"

The corner of Xiao Luo's mouth lifted in a sly smile.

Seeing this, Zhang Dashan subconsciously grabbed onto the car because he knew that Xiao Luo was going to make his move.

"Kathunk!"

As they rounded a sharp turn, Xiao Luo's left hand twitched, and the car's tires drifted to the side, rolling onto a protruding roadblock. The Corolla, which was moving at high speed, suddenly tilted, and the front of the car shifted toward a two-yard-tall stone slab on the side of the road.

Inside the car, Zhang Dashan was relatively unaffected by the loss of control. His seatbelt was on, but the man in black had no way of keeping his balance.

In that same instant, Xiao Luo slipped into the backseat from the driver's seat like a ghost, while Zhang Dashan grabbed hold of the wheel, bringing the car back under control on the main road.

"Flash!"

There was a flash of steel, and the man in black registered pain in his body. Looking down to see what had happened, he saw that the Cold Steel Gurkha Kukri, which used to hang at his waist, was now sticking out of his abdomen. He flared up in anger, preparing to counterattack, before realizing that, during the brief confusion, the handgun and grenade had slipped from his hands. On closer inspection, they were now in the hands of the harmless-looking young man in front of him.

"Gulp!"

He gulped, hard, swallowing a mouthful of saliva and breaking out in a cold sweat all over. He had just realized that he had stumbled upon an incredibly fearsome reality.

"You have a scorpion tattoo on your neck, and you're a mercenary, so tell me how you are related to the Red Scorpion Mercenary Corps?" Xiao Luo asked with a smile. He sat in the seat beside the man, calmly fidgeting with the police handgun and grenade.

The man in black's eyes widened. "You! How do you know about our mercenary group? Who the hell are you?"

"Looks like I wasn't mistaken. You are the leader of the group that escaped off a cliff and is still at large. You're Red Scorpion," Xiao Luo snorted softly.

Red Scorpion felt a chill from the cold sweat that covered his body. He asked again in a loud voice, "Who the hell are you? Who the hell are you?"

With a playful smile, Xiao Luo replied, "About ten of your comrades have already died at my hands, so who would you say I am?"

What the...

It was as though a bomb had exploded inside Red Scorpion's brain. He would have never imagined that the enemy they had been bitterly searching for was the young kid now before him.

His eyes widened like saucers as he stared in disbelief at Xiao Luo. "It's not possible. How can it be you? It's not possible..."

Xiao Luo brushed aside his stunned expression and continued talking unhurriedly, "You're lucky to have survived the jump off the cliff. However, you should have put down everything and fled Hua Nation instead of sticking around and doing whatever you liked."

As he spoke, he pressed the gun in his hand squarely against Red Scorpion's head.

Red Scorpion had a savage expression on his face, and his eyes refused to leave Xiao Luo. "I'll admit that you have me, but I have one request before I die. Tell me, who are you?"

He could not accept the fact that his mercenary group had been destroyed by an enemy whose identity they could not even grasp. It was too much for him to take.

"Even if I told you, you wouldn't have heard of me."

"Bang!"

Xiao Luo squeezed the trigger, and the bullet left the chamber, piercing the space between Red Scorpion's eyebrows. The bullet tore out the back of his head and flew straight through the car's glass windows with a high-pitched smash.

Zhang Dashan, who was in the front passenger seat struggling to control the vehicle, jumped in fright. He turned off the ignition, bringing the car to a stop. Turning around, he looked at the dead body in the back seat of his car in horror.

"You-you really killed him?"

His voice quivered, and his eyes filled with fear. He could not believe and dared not even imagine that Xiao Luo had it in him to kill a man.

"He deserved to die."

Xiao Luo replied impassively, then opened the car door and got out. It was time for Zhang Dashan to witness this side of him and come to terms with it.

Just then, a large police contingent caught up to them and surrounded Zhang Dashan's Corolla.

Their leader was a woman with a refreshingly beautiful face, short hair, and eyes as elegant and pure as water. It was Gu Qianlin.

"Officer Gu, it's been a while!"

Xiao Luo placed the gun and hand grenade he was holding onto the trunk of the car.

"Xiao Luo?"

Gu Qianlin's painted eyebrows knitted together as she walked up briskly. When she saw Red Scorpion's dead body lying in the back of the car, she looked at Xiao Luo in surprise and asked, "You killed him?"

"To be exact, I accidentally killed him. He put a gun to my head and ordered me to drive. So, I carelessly snatched his gun, and carelessly ended up killing him," Xiao Luo shrugged as he explained innocently.

Accidentally killed him? 𝒍𝙞𝙗𝒓𝒆𝙖𝓭.𝙘𝒐𝒎

What the f*ck!

This was Red Scorpion of the Blackwater Company, an infamous mercenary with an international reputation. He was ridiculously skillful, and more than twenty of her colleagues had been wounded or killed in pursuit of him. Yet, this kid was saying that he had 'accidentally' killed him?

The faces of the police officers around them changed. They were utterly shocked by Xiao Luo's understated account of events.

Chapter 115

Xiao Luo followed Gu Qianlin back to the police station. After they finished with the inquisition and making a record, Xiao Luo stood up and bid her farewell.

"Xiao Luo, who are you exactly?" Gu Qianlin stared at Xiao Luo with her big eyes as she asked him the same question as Red Scorpion had.

Xiao Luo smiled then replied, "I'm a law-abiding citizen."

"You know that's not that I'm asking."

With pursed lips, Gu Qianlin said solemnly, "According to the records of Fang Chongqiang and others, you were also present that day when Chu Yue was assaulted and the 17 Red Scorpion Mercenary Corps were killed. You did that, right?"

As soon as she said that, the cops nearby gaped at them with shocked faces. Did the 17 Red Scorpion Mercenary Corps really perish at this kid's hands? How was such a thing possible? He looked ordinary, and his body was not even sculpted. How could he have possibly killed 17 monsters with specialized training?

"Nope!"

Xiao Luo made sure that his answer was clear-cut. He wasn't obligated to confess everything.

"But you're the prime suspect. You know Chu Yunxiong, Chongshan House's boss. And, coincidently, you were there that day. I have my reasons to suspect that you're the bodyguard whom Chu Yunxiong hired to protect Chu Yue and ensure her safety," said Gu Qianlin.

Xiao Luo replied with a playful smile, "That's all just speculation. You don't have any actual proof. Besides, Miss. Gu, why must you find out who did it? Knowing that those mercenaries are dead should be enough, shouldn't it?"

"It is my responsibility and obligation as a police officer. I have to get to the bottom of this."

"So what if you get to the bottom of things and find out who did it? Do you intend to put him behind bars?" Xiao Luo asked, his tone tinged with coldness.

Gu Qianlin was slightly startled. Then, she replied loudly, "I would not send him to jail. The truth is all I seek."

"The truth is that this suspect guy helped you clean up a group of mercenaries who came into our country illegally," Xiao Luo said faintly then changed the topic. "Oh yeah, your convicts almost got my friend and me killed. My friend's car is also trashed. Maybe you should be figuring out how much we compensation we will receive. I think that's all from me. I still have things to do, so I'll be going now."

When he finished his sentence, he waved and left.

Gu Qianlin shouted to his back, "Xiao Luo! One day, I will find out who you really are."

Xiao Luo didn't look back.

As far as he was concerned, everything would be fine so long as the things he did lived up to his conscience. Why should he care what others thought of him, even if that person was a cop?

Outside the police station, Zhang Dashan was sitting in his car with his soul amiss. He had not recovered from the incident where Xiao Luo had shot Red Scorpion. Although his behavior was ruthless and aggressive, he had never killed anyone. His best pal had, however, pulled the trigger, killing someone who had been very much alive, right before his very own eyes. The scene of the bullet piercing Red Scorpion's skull looped in his mind like a movie.

The car door opened. Xiao Luo snuck in and sat down in the front passenger seat.

Zhang Dashan looked at him without saying a single word. He had the sincere, honest look of a child.

"I'm giving you a few days off. Get that brain of yours moving," Xiao Luo said.

He knew how Zhang Dashan was feeling right now—just like how he felt after he'd killed someone for the first time. It would take some time to process.

"Are you really Xiao Luo?" Zhang Dashan stuttered while looking his friend up and down.

"Absolutely."

"But I suddenly find you very unfamiliar."

Hearing him, Xiao Luo shook his head and laughed bitterly. He sighed and said, "I'm still me, your good old brother. Same as always."

Once, Xiao Luo suspected that the system had altered him. But ultimately, he'd discovered that the system had left his personality intact. The truth was, he'd already had all of these traits concealed deep within him. The system had merely given him strength, which, in return, had given him the power to decide his enemies' fates.

****** 𝑙𝘪𝒷𝘳𝑒𝘢𝑑.𝒸𝑜𝑚

Zhang Dashan needed time to process, so Xiao Luo would give him ample time to do so.

However, he would still be better off with a partner to help him find the reporter sabotaging Luo's Workshop's reputation. After giving it much thought, he decided that Li Zimeng, head of the Sales and Marketing department, was more fitting. Li Zimeng was familiar with the various storefronts. Most importantly, after the news had first broken, she had followed the thread for some time and was aware of the reporter's identity.

"Mr. Xiao, this is the reporter's information."

Li Zimeng came into Xiao Luo's office and placed a dossier on the desk. She was wearing a black suit and a white shirt with a lace collar. The cuffs were rolled up, revealing her arms and a fair complexion. On her left wrist, she wore a delicate white watch.

Her hair was shoulder-length with slightly curled ends. She had an hourglass figure and facial features with photogenic dignity, and generally gave off the air of a capable and experienced professional young woman.

Xiao Luo didn't know the identity of the Taste Buds spy implanted at his company. For the time being, he did not fix his suspicions on anyone.

Xiao Luo went through the document under his eyes. There was a picture of a man with tiny eyes and little flesh on his face. He looked somewhat scrawny. The black wool hat he was wearing, however, was rather fashionable.

"Miss Li, you've been in contact with Chen Jianbai. What do you think of him?" Xiao Luo inquired.

Li Zimeng thought about it seriously and replied, "He's an unreasonable man. When he heard that I was from Luo's Workshop, he immediately issued an order to lock me out."

"Is that so? I'd like to meet him right now."

Xiao Luo grinned. He really wanted to know how unreasonable Chen Jianbai was.

...

A Tango Red Audi zoomed out of the parking garage. Li Zimeng was driving with Xiao Luo in the backseat.

In all honesty, chauffeuring her boss stressed Li Zimeng out. Most importantly, Xiao Luo had not uttered a single word since getting into the car, which made the atmosphere during their journey very awkward. She felt like she was sitting on pins and needles as she drove.

At last, she attempted to break the silence. "Mr. Xiao, how do you intend to deal with Chen Jianbai?"

Xiao Luo answered her directly, "I'm going to ask him why he is slandering Luo's Workshop."

"He will never admit to that. He'll only say that something is wrong with our product and that it caused someone's death. He'll insist that he was only reporting the truth. Besides, I heard that he considers himself to be brothers with some ruffians. I'm afraid that if we go to him just like that..."

"It'll be fine. I'm just going to chat with him."

Xiao Luo smiled and redirected the conversation, "This car of yours cost at least 300 to 400 thousand, am I right? It's really comfy and quiet."

Li Zimeng laughed a little unnaturally. It was a little strange that her boss was praising her car. "Mr. Xiao, I bet your car cost somewhere in the millions?"

"My car? I don't have a car," replied Xiao Luo.

No car?

Li Zimeng looked surprised.

"Don't doubt what I say. I don't have a car." Xiao Luo knew what she was thinking. He mocked himself, "I have no car, no chauffeur, not even a bicycle."

"Mr. Xiao, why don't you get one?"

"Given the straights that Luo's Workshop is in now, do you think I'm in a position to buy a vehicle?"

Xiao Luo's line of questioning rendered Li Zimeng speechless. She didn't know what to say, and thought to herself: This can't be right, can it? He's the boss of a company, and he can't even afford a car? Ugh, this is so awkward!"

She stole a covert glance at Xiao Luo in the rearview mirror. Out of the blue, she thought that he was kind of cute.

Yes, cute!

Chapter 116

At that hour, the night sky was empty, and the neon lights turned Jiangcheng into a sleepless city.

Li Zimeng parked the car at the corner of the park, looked toward the basketball court, and exclaimed, "Mr. Xiao, Chen Jianbai is right over there playing hoops!"

Looking in the direction where she indicated, Xiao Luo saw Chen Jianbai. He had small eyes, wasn't too tall, and wore a jersey over a black singlet. He was very agile on the court. Although he was moderately short, his jumping ability was astonishing. He managed to accomplish several offensive rebounds against his bigger and taller opponents.

Li Zimeng said, "All of the guys on the court are his friends. They are all shady characters. For someone like him, who is in that field of work, they need these kinds of people to help keep an eye on movements in Jiangcheng at all times. That way, once something that may intrigue the public happens, he is notified at once."

"He's pretty smart."

Xiao Luo smiled as he commented. Then, he got out of the car and moved straight toward the basketball court.

Li Zimeng quickly got out of the car and followed him. Her heels went clickety-clack, but she still kept up with Xiao Luo's pace.

Lights glistened around the basketball court, and a few large floodlights shone on the venue, making it seem like daylight. Iron nets enclosed the court's periphery, which was painted green. The flooring was made of out rubber, and the surrounding environment was pretty good. For basketball enthusiasts, this was a sacred land where sporting dreams came true.

When they were almost at the entrance, Li Zimeng reminded him in a quiet voice, "Mr. Xiao, Chen Jianbai is with his gang now. Let's speak in a nicer tone when we are asking him questions later. I-I'm afraid that t-they will..."

"Beat us up?"

The corner of Xiao Luo's mouth lifted into a playful crescent as he finished her sentence, speaking her thoughts aloud.

"Y-yes."

Li Zimeng nodded. She did have some concerns in this regard. Those people were big and bulky, and some even had tattoos. They looked like rascals. At first glance, one knew that they were up to no good. If friction were to escalate, she and Xiao Luo would not end up on the safer side of things.

"I got it."

Xiao Luo lifted his eyebrows to signify that he understood. Then, he raised his feet and stepped inside the court.

"Mr. Xiao is still quite approachable!"

Li Zimeng pouted as she considered the situation. Her boss wasn't as cold-hearted as that time when he'd first come and fired more than 500 employees. He was charming and easy to get along with. At least, to her, he didn't seem to possess the demeanor of a typical boss.

However, she changed her mind the very next second, and her expression quickly morphed into one of panic. Xiao Luo had walked onto the court and snatched the gang's ball while they were indulging themselves in their game. He cradled the ball in his arms, halting the match in this simple, most straightforward manner.

Oh my gosh! What is he trying to do?

Li Zimeng was shocked. She'd never expected Xiao Luo to do something so rash. Why wasn't he afraid of being beaten up by these people?

Sure enough, as Xiao Luo held the ball in his arms, the eight men who had been playing immediately gathered around him. Another five at the edge of the court also came over. Evidently, they were all part of the same group.

Chen Jianbai stared furiously at Xiao Luo as he questioned him loudly, "What are you doing? Do you have a problem?"

The others also glared at Xiao Luo. They were not happy about being interrupted by him.

Xiao Luo chucked the ball at someone else and said to Chen Jianbai with a smile, "I'm Luo's Workshop's boss. I'd like to talk to you,"

"You're Luo's Workshop's boss?"

Chen Jianbai adopted a playful expression. With a tinge of disdain in his eyes, he sneered, "You wish to talk to me? About what? About your bread poisoning people to death?"

"I'm unaware of any evidence you may have that claims our bread has killed someone. That being said, this information in my hands proves that you're tipping off the press with fake news, negatively impacting Luo's Workshop's reputation. The reason I came to you today is that I hope that you will stand up and clarify this matter," Xiao Luo said seriously.

Chen Jianbai stared at him up and down. He retorted mockingly, "If I clarify as you ask, what benefits will you give me?"

"Absolutely none!" Xiao Luo answered faintly. "You are in the wrong by default. Correcting your mistakes is your responsibility. I'm already behaving sincerely by not suing you for slandering our reputation."

Hearing this, Chen Jianbai couldn't help but laugh loudly and say, "That was a serious face you had there when you said this was my responsibility. What an interesting man you are. I suggest you get your brain checked at the hospital. The human brain is a nice thing to have. If it's broken, you'll seem like a fool." Then, he shouted to the crowd, "Ignore him. Let's continue." 𝙡𝓲𝙗𝙧𝓮𝒂𝒅.𝙘𝓸𝒎

The group dispersed and went to continue their match.

However, Li Zimeng quickly pulled Xiao Luo back toward him from underneath the basketball hoop and said sheepishly, "Mr. Xiao, let's wait until they finish playing. These aren't nice people to be messed around with."

Seemingly agreeing with her, Xiao Luo silently turned around and walked off.

Li Zimeng quietly let out a sigh of relief. She thought: Thank goodness, nothing awful happened.

But before she could even finish sighing, Xiao Luo bent down and picked up a basketball, which was beside the iron net. He then wordlessly hurled the ball at Chen Jianbai, who was in mid-air with a ball in his hands, performing a jump shot.

Psss...

Li Zimeng gasped. She was startled. Time slowed down for her as she watched the ball in Xiao Luo's hands smash right into Chen Jianbai's head. The force of the impact was undoubtedly colossal. Chen Jianbai, who had been doing a jump shot, slammed onto the ground with a horrible shriek.

Oh no!

This was the only thought left in her mind.

She couldn't believe that Xiao Luo would do such a thing. Why did he do it? Didn't he know that they had a whole bunch of people on their side? What, exactly, was he trying to accomplish by smashing one of them viciously in the head with a ball?

Chen Jianbai picked himself up from the ground and shook his head, which was spinning. He looked around for the person who had hit him and ultimately confirmed that it was Xiao Luo because he was waving at him.

He dashed at Xiao Luo, taking three steps in one, and roared at him with a stern face, "You bastard! What the f*ck do you want?"

"I already told you. I want to talk," Xiao Luo said unhurriedly.

"Talk! Haha." Chen Jianbai was so irked that he began laughing. The very next second, his eyes became vicious. "Talk your a*s!"

He clenched his right fist and greeted Xiao Luo's face with a punch.

Seeing this, Li Zimeng couldn't help but scream in terror. She covered her eyes with her hands as she was afraid of seeing the picture of Xiao Luo being beaten to a pulp. However, even after a very long time, she didn't hear Xiao Luo hit the ground. Bewildered, she moved her hands away and slowly opened her eyes.

Upon getting a more precise look, she was instantly dumbfounded. Her boss had managed to block Chen Jianbai's blow.

His left hand was behind his back, and his right was stretched out, holding Chen Jianbai's fist. Xiao Luo's movements were elegant, and his posture was relaxed. He had done everything with ease.

Chen Jianbai's expression changed slightly. He failed to free his fist from Xiao Luo's palm even after expending a considerable amount of effort.

Xiao Luo stared at him indifferently and asked, "Can we talk now?"

"Talk your sorry a*s, you bastard! Do you believe that I'm going to utterly destroy Luo's Workshop's reputation and deny you even a single customer?" Chen Jianbai was infuriated.

Xiao Luo released him. He slid his hand into his pocket and secretly clicked on his recording pen. Then, he asked, "Do you mean that you've deliberately reported false news to deceive all everyone in Jiangcheng into thinking that our bread poisons people to death?"

Chen Jianbai thought that Xiao Luo was scared. He sneered in disdain while exercising his wrist, saying, "I write whatever I want. When I say that your bread kills people, your bread kills people. If I say the opposite, that will also become the truth. One single news story from us has the power to decide the fates of companies like yours. When you're standing in front of me, you have to respect me like you're my grandson. Got it? If you make me unhappy, then I'll publish a story tomorrow saying that one of your employees has an infectious virus and purposely mixed his blood with the flour that you use to make your bread. We'll see who does business with you after that."

Chapter 117

"This is slander! Defamation! You will have to accept legal responsibility for this!" 𝓁𝒾𝒷𝘳ℯ𝘢𝑑.𝑐ℴ𝓂

When the panicked Li Zimeng heard Chen Jianbo's words, his eyebrows suddenly pressed together. They pointed directly at Chen Jianbo in accusation.

"Accept legal responsibility? I'll just laugh then!"

Chen Jianbo sneered, "Even a well-known celebrity doesn't dare talk back to our reporters, let alone you guys. We're the winding vine of public opinion, and it's extremely easy for us to ruin your reputation. What's so great about Luo's workshop? What's so great about you guys? However..."

A pair of small eyes indecently scanned Li Zimeng's tall, slim body up and down. Then, with an equally inappropriate chuckle, Chen Jianbo said, "If the beautiful Miss Li agrees to spend a night with me, perhaps I will let Luo's Workshop off the hook."

"Hahaha!" Everyone else laughed. Mocking a woman brought them great joy.

"You b*stard!" Li Zimeng ground her teeth in anger and glared at Chen Jianbo in frustration and embarrassment.

Chen Jianbo paid her no mind and continued to tease her, "If I can conquer a bright and intelligent woman like Miss Li, then that would most definitely be a great event in life. Hehe!"

Li Zimeng's body trembled with rage. This scum, Chen Jianbo, was unfit to be a reporter.

"That's right!"

Just then, Xiao Luo suddenly clapped in agreement.

He then slowly pulled out a voice recorder from his pocket and pressed play. The recorder immediately replayed Chen Jianbo's words: "I write whatever I want. If I say your bread is poisonous and kills people, then your poisonous bread kills people..."

The quality of the sound was crystal clear.

Chen Jianbo's expression immediately changed as he turned to Xiao Luo with hostility and charged, "You dare to threaten me?"

Xiao Luo didn't even respond and handed the voice recorder to Li Zimeng, saying, "Sue him for slandering Luo's Workshop's reputation. I'll let you handle this situation. I just have one small request: that all of Jiangcheng and even Hua Nation must know about this."

This task was intended as a challenge for Li Zimeng to see whether she worked for Taste Buds or not. Of course, the main goal was to rehabilitate Luo's Workshop's reputation. This was the most urgent task because only a repaired reputation could bring in customers again. Otherwise, the business would forever be damaged.

"Uh, sure."

Li Zimeng was overwhelmed by this honor and nodded as she praised Xiao Luo's meticulous methods. This voice recording pen, which had captured Chen Jianbo's threats, would be an essential piece of evidence in court. Even Chen Jianbo would not be able to deny its validity. However, would Chen Jianbo really let them leave here with this pen!?

As expected, dozens of Chen Jianbo's friends surrounded them with hostile expressions on their faces. They formed a human wall that blocked off all escape routes.

Chen Jianbo looked at Xiao Luo grimly and said, "You b*stard. You sure have some guts. I just don't know if you can handle a beating." He waved at his friends and said, "Go ahead, my brothers, beat him until he's groveling on the ground."

Before he could finish, Xiao Luo suddenly got up and stepped forward. With the force of a fierce wind, he crashed his shoulder into Chen Jianbo's chest. A loud thump sounded. As if he had been hit by a moving car, Chen Jianbo flew back as directly as a bullet. He took three men down with him and finally landed on the ground about 3 to 4 yards away.

This violent attack without any warning stunned everyone.

Li Zimeng stared, wide-eyed, at the scene in disbelief.

The few dozen young men who had thrown their fists at Xiao Luo completely froze on the spot. They watched as Chen Jianbo whimpered in pain on the ground and turned their heads back with horror to Xiao Luo. Immediately, they felt cold sweat rolling down their skin. They thought: This guy can throw a man a few yards with just one push. Is he a monster?

"Do you fellows want to help him?" Xiao Luo grinned as he asked the few dozen young men.

Those on whom his gaze fell all shook their heads and backed down in fear.

Xiao Luo then commanded in a cold voice, "Make way!"

The group of young men shivered slightly, and they all moved out of the way because Xiao Luo had utterly overwhelmed them.

It wasn't until Xiao Luo had already walked some distance away that Li Zimeng finally dragged herself back to reality. She looked around the field at the young men, who were utterly dumbfounded, and quickly followed Xiao Luo. Because she was running fast in heels, she almost tripped and fell.

As for that poor guy, Chen Jianbo, he still couldn't get up from the ground. The pain in his chest was sharp and severe as if all his organs had moved around inside him. Muffled sounds of pain came out of his throat while his entire body remained in a state of spasm.

—–

Li Zimeng followed behind Xiao Luo's right side like a secretary. She studied him, this boss who was around the same age as her. The man was calm and easygoing, and a natural aura of confidence surrounded him. Recalling the situation earlier, she felt like she was dreaming. If he could knock Chen Jianbo down with just one violent push and stun a group of a few dozen young men, how strong must he be!?

Xiao Luo suddenly stopped and turned around.

Li Zimeng almost ran into him but stopped herself just in time. She quickly took a few steps back to maintain her distance from Xiao Luo.

"Miss Li, you can go back first. I still have some business to take care of," Xiao Luo said.

"Okay!" Li Zimeng nodded.

Xiao Luo added, "Start preparing the court files to sue Chen Jianbo tomorrow. We have the tape from the recording pen, which I'm sure will land Chen Jianbo in prison for a few years."

Li Zimeng nodded slowly and said, "I'm sure he will. This is him digging his own grave."

"That's it, then. I'll see you tomorrow!"

Xiao Luo turned around and left with a smile on his face. He didn't really have any business. He just didn't want to bother Li Zimeng. Additionally, he didn't want her to find out that he lived in an industrial area. As for this last point, that was just his own chauvinist pride acting up again.

Li Zimeng stood there and watched him leave. It wasn't until his silhouette completely disappeared that she walked back to her own car.

Strong, smart, courteous, but also merciless when necessary!

These were the impressions that Xiao Luo had made on her. These impressions gave him a special kind of charm that made someone like her, who had various experiences working with different types of people, feel a sort of attraction toward him.

—

Xiao Luo wanted to call a cab to take him back when his cellphone suddenly rang. The call was from an unknown number.

"Hi. Who is this?"

A desperate and anxious voice came from the other side of the phone: "Are you brother Xiao Luo? I am Feng Wuhen, brother Feng's young brother, Xiao Wu. The Dragon Gang has ordered around 200 men to kill us, and you're the only person we know in Jiangcheng. Can you help us?"

Feng Wuhen?

Xiao Luo frowned and took a minute to recollect who Feng Wuhen was. Then, an image of five large silhouettes appeared in his head.

"Why don't you guys call the cops?"

"We did, but the JC still isn't here yet. We'll probably all be dead by the time they get here."

Xiao Luo asked in a deep voice, "Where are you right now?"

"Near Jiangcheng Pier."

"Sit tight. I'll be there in a moment."

Xiao Luo hung up the phone, quickly called a cab, and made his way to Jiangcheng Pier.

He felt an inexplicable familiarity with Feng Wuhen and his brothers. Perhaps it was because they were all from rural areas. Or, maybe it was because Feng Wuhen was not good at backing down, and the brothers' burning desire to start a big business touched Xiao Luo's heart. This was precisely why he'd left his contact information for them at the restaurant—in the hopes that he could help them out in the future. He just hadn't expected them to run into trouble so fast. Big trouble, at that.

Chapter 118

[Jiangcheng Pier]

Feng Wuhen hadn't realized that the Dragon Gang still wasn't finished with them yet. Even after they'd escaped to the Southeastern district, the gang had sent over more than a hundred men to kill them. Currently, they were hiding in a warehouse beside the pier. If he and his four brothers were trapped into fighting, they would be no match for a hundred men with knives, no matter how strong they were.

The first floor of the warehouse had already fallen into their enemies' hands. The group had been forced up to the second-floor rooftop and was protecting the only staircase with their lives.

Feng Wuhen couldn't remember how much blood had stained his hands, but he knew that he had killed at least a few dozen gang members along the way. He gripped the bloodied knife in his hand.

"Who did you call?" he yelled at the leopard head man, Xiao Wu, with a sharp gaze.

Xiao Wu answered, "Xiao—Xiao Luo."

"Sh*t. Why did you call him?"

"To ask for his help."

Feng Wuhen kicked Xiao Wu to the ground and shouted, "How shameless are you to ask for his help?"

The group had been paid to take down Xiao Luo, but now they were asking for their mark's help instead. He felt as if his face were on fire with anger and shame.

"But we can only rely on him now!" Xiao Wu whined with a guilty expression.

"You dumba*ss. That isn't asking for help. You're asking him to come here to die."

Feng Wuhen was enraged. There were about a hundred goons with knives, so what could Xiao Luo do? Even if he did show up, could he beat up all hundred enemies? What kind of joke was this? Of course, a single person couldn't win a fight against a hundred.

Xiao Wu didn't speak up anymore but still felt that they only had Xiao Luo to depend on right now. Xiao Luo was really strong. Perhaps he did have a way to save them.

Just then, the crowd of goons barged into the storage area, knives in hand. They split up into two teams like a well-trained army and surrounded the second floor, which was smaller than 500 square feet.

Feng Wuhen immediately rooted to the spot, guarding the staircase. Despite being drenched in blood, he stood his ground like a nail pinned down to the ground.

One man, one blade. He would stand his ground with an immovable spirit!

Among the crowd of goons was a half-bald man. Dressed in a black outfit, he looked like a fiery god of evil. The others brought over a chair for him to sit on. He took his seat, picked his nose, and said, "Is there even any need to fight back?" After digging around inside his nose, he flicked his finger like he was flicking a cigarette, tossing aside the dirty thing on his finger. "Give up, and I'll save a clean corpse for you all."

The man with the bullet head from earlier stood beside him and stared at Feng Wuhen with great hostility. "Stupid uncultured swine. I've already told you that none of you all can escape from Jiangcheng. Now, you know how powerful the Dragon Gang is."

"If I'd known that this was going to happen, I would've killed you back then." Feng Wuhen looked at him with hatred and gave him a cold sneer.

The bullet head man shot back, eerily, "Is that so? It's too bad you lost your chance, then. It won't be long before you and your four brothers turn into food for the fishes in the ocean."

"That's hard to say!" Feng Wuhen grinned back.

"Hah! Your tongue is still sharp, even on the brink of death. Hey kid, do you know who I am?"

The half-bald man stood up and took a popsicle from one of his men beside him. He bit off a large chunk with his big mouth and strong teeth, and the sound of crunching ice could be heard coming from his mouth.

"I don't give a damn who you are, but if you take one more step forward, I'll end you with a single blow!" Feng Wuhen held up the long knife in his hand and pointed the tip at the half-bald man.

"You have some guts and are quite bold. You're like a real man." The half-bald man swallowed the popsicle in his mouth and pointed at himself with his thumb, then laughed out loud. "Remember this, my name is Guo Jianghu. I am the head of the Dragon Gang's law enforcement. If you want vengeance after your death, then you can come to find me. Go, send them on their way!"

"Kill them!"

After receiving Guo Jianghu's order, a crowd of about 30 men rushed at Feng Wuhen like a pack of wild dogs.

"Agh!" Feng Wuhen let out a howl as he leaned to the side and violently kicked out a leg with the force of an entire army. The five men swinging on metal poles pressed ahead. They slid forward with their lower bodies, but their upper bodies seemed to hit an invisible wall that sent them ricocheting backward.

The metal poles flew out of their hands as the five men's spines slammed onto the ground, knocking them out almost immediately.

Feng Wuhen took the opportunity to follow up with another round of attacks and pushed forward mercilessly, hitting someone's chest. That man's ribcage was crushed from the impact, and he spat out a mouthful of blood and flew backward.

"You want my life? Then prepare to come down to hell with me!"

Feng Wuhen wiped the fresh blood from his face and charged right into the crowd like a mad bull.

The other four men also guarded the staircase fervently. They refused to let any of the Dragon Gang members crawl up the fence toward the rooftop. All four of them had sustained a lot of injuries, and their clothing was completely battle-worn and bloodstained. Just then, someone slowly crept up along the fence toward Feng Wuhen.

Xiao Wu immediately warned him, "Be careful, brother Feng!"

He rushed over, shouting, and pushed down the stealth attacker. At the same time, he took a fresh injury to his back and was gruesomely wounded from his shoulders down to his waist.

Feng Wuhen went berserk. He picked up the knife and cut down four people to save Xiao Wu from the brink of death. He howled, "Damnit! You go back up and wait. You all can die after I do!"

Xiao Wu clenched his teeth in pain as he scolded himself for being useless. Still, he listened to Feng Wuhen and returned to the second-floor rooftop.

Feng Wuhen growled as he charged forward a few yards. The glow of his blade flashed as countless screams ripped through the sky.

"Ah!" 𝙡𝙞𝓫𝙧𝒆𝙖𝓭.𝙘𝙤𝙢

The weakest part of the Dragon Gang's formation fell with a great many cries. With a rush of adrenaline like when a tiger runs into a crow of sheep, Feng Wuhen twisted and flexed his wrist as the two knives blended seamlessly into a single screen of light. Blood splattered, covering a distance of a few meters, as the gang members continued to fall and get back up to fight.

A man wielding a massive blade blocked the way. He roared with rage as he thought that he could stop Feng Wuhen.

Feng Wuhen jeered while turning his hand to stab directly into the man's throat. He pulled his blade out.

"Cough—"

Fresh, boiling blood spilled out along with the blade. The 400-pound man's body rotated a full circle before falling to the ground. His lifeblood gushed from his neck like a fountain.

Guo Jianghu watched as the fierce warriors, Feng Wuhen and his men, neared their end and sneered, "You're quite strong, kid. I'll give you a chance since you're such a man. How about this, you kill all four of your brothers over there then turn yourself over to us. I'll let you go and even let you live and work under me. How's that?"

"Dream on!"

Feng Wuhen spat on the ground and hissed, "The five of us are brothers. We've been through life and death together, so do you really think you can make us turn on each other just like that? Hey, baldy, stop sending your men to their deaths! Don't you have the guts to fight me yourself?"

"Your physical strength is quite impressive, but you're still not good enough to be my opponent." Guo Jianghu picked his nose and looked at Feng Wuhen with unspeakable scorn.

"You can tell me whether I'm good enough or not after we fight!" Feng Wuhen howled like a leopard and rushed violently forward at Guo Jianghu.

He slashed through four or five of Guo Jianghu's men, who tried to stop him along the way. A loud roar pierced the air while the long knives in his hands traced out intimidating, barbarous curves mid-air before slashing down toward Guo Jianghu's head.

Chapter 119

Feng Wuhen was like a wild beast, and Guo Jianghu dared not underestimate him. He grabbed a Nonuple Cycloblade from one of the Dragon Gang's members beside him and charged at Feng Wuhen. Nine iron rings were looped at the back of the blade. They gave off the crisp sound of crackling metal whenever the weapon swayed, while a tremor-inducing light shone out from its frosty tip.

"Clang!"

The weapons collided mid-air, emitting the deafening screech of metal on metal. The colossal force surged along with their blades toward their wrists, propelling them both four or five steps apart.

Guo Jianghu's Nonuple Cycloblade was an armament made of stainless steel with extremely high tenacity. The blade in Feng Wuhen's hands was a regular one, and he had snatched it from a member of the Dragon Gang. After it collided with the Nonuple Cycloblade, a distinct fissure appeared on the edge of the sword.

"You got me enraged, ya know?!"

Guo Jianghu's slightly squinted eyes flickered. His countenance intensified as he charged at Feng Wuhen. The tip of his feet tapped the ground, launching his body with a swirling motion. He exerted his right arm, and the Nonuple Cycloblade shrieked forward. It rode a boisterous wind, zooming straight toward Feng Wuhen's neck at a fearsome speed.

"Clang!"

There was a thunderous roar as the two blades once again collided accompanied by a violent outpour of fiery sparks.

With his first attack parried, Guo Jianghu proceeded with his second and third strikes. The speed at which he waved his knife was unparalleled, and the afterimage of the blade's motions formed an eerie, razor-sharp curtain before his very eyes.

Feng Wuhen was stronger than Guo Jianghu but was not so deft with a blade. This forced him to adopt a passive defensive state.

"Clang, clang, clang!"

Sparks continued to fly from the blades' point of contact. Within the span of a few breaths, the two exchanged more than 20 blows. Speed is strength, so Feng Wuhen was forced to take on Guo Jianghu's attacks. The skin between his thumb and forefinger was torn, and blood oozed out. His arms were paralyzed, and he staggered backward more than five steps.

"Now, you know you're unqualified to face me!"

Gu Jianghu approached his victim with a sinister grin, further escalating the interval of his attacks. Feng Wuhen was unable to block all of them. The attacks that he failed to counter left wounds on his body. In a fraction of a second, Feng Wuhen became a bloody man whose entire body was covered with horrific injuries. Subsequently, he landed a kick on Feng Wuhen's chest.

"Bam!"

Feng Wuhen was thrown backward like a broken kite and slammed heavily to the ground some three to four yards away.

"Brother Feng!"

Xiaowu and rest dashed over. They helped up Feng Wuhen, who was drenched in blood, with worry written all over their faces.

Although supported, Feng Wuhen could barely maintain his balance, and he even had one knee on the ground. He was in excruciating pain. Blood and saliva dripped from the corners of his mouth.

"Well, I thought that you could slaughter another 20 to 30 people. Who'd have guessed that you'd be all crying and little doing? Fight with me? You are way too...tender," Guo Jianghu snorted with his head lifted in pride. The Nonuple Cycloblade rested on his shoulder.

Feng Wuhen wanted to respond. However, when he opened his mouth, blood surged uncontrollably from his throat, and he ended up spitting out a mouthful on the ground.

The Dragon Gang's regular members had exhausted much of his energy, and he was already wounded in the first place. Otherwise, Feng Wuhen was confident that he could have taken on Guo Jianghu. No matter how fast Guo Jianghu swung his blade, no matter how dazzling his battle experience, Feng Wuhen was absolutely sure that if he'd been given a fair shot, he could have taken this man down.

"Charge!"

Xiaowu and the other three roared and charged at Guo Jianghu. They would not allow anyone else to humiliate Feng Wuhen.

But they were little more than arrows at the end of their flight. Their stamina was now expended to the extreme. After they charged forward, they received severe injuries and were thrown back by Guo Jianghu.

"Incompetent trash. I don't even want to waste my saliva on you."

Guo Jianghu tossed the Nonuple Cycloblade to his underling, turned over, and returned to his seat. He once again took a popsicle from the ice bucket and tasted it. He waved his hand and ordered casually, "Go. Chop off their limbs, toss them into the sea, and let them die alone!"

Dozens of Dragon Gang members closed in around them like wolves and tigers.

Feng Wuhen and the other four quivered. Everyone was gritting their teeth as they used the last of their strength, gasping on their blades on the floor. Once, they'd aspired to make a name for themselves in this very place. Who could have known that things would end this way?

Pathetic, miserable, hateful!

Why had this happened?

Why hadn't they been able to find decent jobs? They'd been in the city for more than a month, and they'd lived in the streets the whole time, tasting the bitterness of the world. Despite everything, they'd still nurtured hope in their hearts and looked forward to a brighter future. But, in the end, the future they were yearning for had never arrived. Only death awaited them now.

At that moment, they suddenly remembered their prey, who was at the brink of death having been hunted down. Now, their roles had reversed. There were no longer the hunters but the hunted with no way out.

"F*ck. It-it's shouldn't end like this..." Feng Wuhen flashed a sad smile.

One of them gritted his teeth and growled, "Why aren't the cops here yet?"

Feng Wuhen rebuked him, "Have all those dramas you watched gone to waste? The cops always arrive after the bloodbath has ended." 𝓵𝒊𝒃𝙧𝙚𝒂𝓭.𝓬𝙤𝙢

After hearing him, everyone lowered their heads wistfully. There was no way someone would save them now.

"You cursed hillbillies. I'll send you to the afterlife myself. Hehehe..."

The man with the bullet-shaped head was in front of them. He flashed a sinister grin as he came forward with a blade. He wanted to exorcise all the humiliation he had suffered in one go. Every time he remembered that day when Feng Wuhen had slapped him in the face, he was overwhelmed by feelings of hatred that itched him to his gums.

Just then, a silhouette descended from the sky. Or, more precisely, jumped down from the second floor of the warehouse. The figure entered with a blast and landed silently in the middle of the five besieged men and the dozens of aggressors from the Dragon Gang.

The Dragon Gang's hundred members and Guo Jianghu were all startled. They thought: Where the f*ck did this guy come from?

Feng Wuhen and the rest, likewise, were stunned. Although the man's back was facing them, they quickly recognized who he was. It was Xiao Luo.

Why is he here?

Why has he come?

Why did he dare to come?!

Mixed emotions surged in Feng Wuhen's heart. After the feeling of shock receded, his eyes went red. They'd caused Xiao Luo trouble, and not only had this boy not sought revenge, but he'd returned good for evil. He'd paid for their meal before. Now, he was rushing to their aid, about to take on more than a hundred members of the Dragon Gang. And it was all thanks to a mere phone call.

Touched beyond words, Feng Wuhen felt unspeakable shame and unparalleled warmth...

This was the first time that a man who stood seven-feet tall felt the urge to cry.

Xiao Luo stood still as a pine tree. His bangs gently swayed on his forehead in the breeze. His face was fair and clean, and his eyebrows were raised rebelliously. His eyes were deep and chilling, and his entire person exuded an evil yet charming quality.

In front of him stood the Dragon Gang. After they regained their senses, they glared at him menacingly.

"It's him! The cops found us because he rescued a girl from us. Then he got Brother Baldy and the rest of them arrested, too," piped up a terrified man with chubby cheeks.

If Xiao Luo still remembered the past, he would surely recognize this man as one of the gang members who had overseen the begging children.

Chapter 120

"So, it is you. I already thought as much. Since you've come, we will settle our new affairs together with the old ones. You didn't need to die, actually. But now, you have to, together with your five hillbilly friends. Hehe..." the man with a bullet-shaped head grinned and stared at Xiao Luo.

Guo Jianghu, who was sitting on his throne, raised his voice and demanded, "Bao, who's that?"

"Brother Hu, it's that lucky bastard Manager Geng told us about. The one who won more than two million at our casino," the man with a bullet-shaped head turned and replied.

Guo Jianghui took a forceful bite of his popsicle and spoke while chewing, "Ah. It looks like they're all gathered here!"

Xiao Luo gazed at Guo Jianghu indifferently and shouted, "These five men belong to me now. All of you, scram as fast as you can!"

Scram? As fast as you can?!

Hearing this, the Dragon Gang's hundred-plus members were astonished. A man armed only with his bare fists was telling hundreds of them to scram. Was he dumb or what?

Guo Jianghu couldn't help but laugh so hard that he started coughing. "Are you dreaming, kid? You are telling us to scram all by yourself? Who do you think you are?"

At this, every member of the Dragon Gang laughed playfully.

Feng Wuhen and the other four looked awkward. For them, it was oblivious where Xiao Luo's courage had come from. It was not surprising that he'd thrown down this threat to more than a hundred bulky men, all with weapons in their hands.

Xiao Luo stared at the gang members expressionlessly, and his black hair fluttered even without the presence of wind. All of a sudden, Xiao Luo's eyes were engulfed by the cold. His body morphed into a black flash of lightning, and he dashed toward the man with a bullet-shaped head. At the same time, he used his heels to kick up a machete from the ground. It flew in the air and landed accurately into his hands.

"Shiing!"

The machete carved out an imposing trajectory. Its edge sliced through the air, emitting a murderous buzz. The entire process took place in the same amount of time as a cycle of breath—as smooth as running water.

"Pffft!"

The man with the bullet-shaped head laughed hysterically, but the heads of the other six men, who were standing in line with him, suddenly bounced off their bodies. Like seven rubber balls, they tumbled to the ground. The headless bodies twitched and collapsed. Scalding blood poured from their necks as if they were cracked water pipes. The intense smell of blood abruptly pervaded the colossal warehouse.

The brutality of this single stroke instantly deterred the crowd!

The Dragon Gang members who had been laughing were now completely petrified. Terror surged on their faces. They'd never once thought of Xiao Luo as such a fearsome character. Just a moment ago, he'd looked like a harmless lamb. But, the very next second, he'd morphed into a bloodthirsty butcher.

Feng Wuhen and the other four men's pupils dilated as their emotions were thrown into a state of indescribable shock. Who among them could have imagined that Xiao Luo would be so brutal? He had hacked down seven men just because he disagreed with them. This was literally a straight-up declaration of war on the Dragon Gang.

Xiao Luo ignored the six other men who had slumped horrifically to the ground. He lifted his head and looked at Guo Jianghu with provocation.

"How about now?"

His fair, clean face was covered with blood. Blood rolled down along the edge of the machete in his hands. When the last drop fell from the tip of the blade, his body emanated an immense murderous aura, and the temperature inside the warehouse plummeted.

Guo Jianghu abruptly scrambled to his feet without even a tinge of a smile. There was only solemnness on his face.

He waved his fingers at his underlings with his eyes still fixed on Xiao Luo. He ordered then, "Twenty of you men, go and kill him!"

Guo Jianghu wasn't trying to test Xiao Luo, and he truly believed that twenty men were enough to kill Xiao Luo without too much trouble.

"Charge!"

Twenty Dragon Gang members roared and charged at Xiao Luo with their machetes. These weren't student members of Huaye's Mixed Martial Arts Club. They were real gangsters who were brave enough to mow down people and kill without mercy. Their combat ability was on an entirely different level.

"Xi-Big Brother, be careful!"

Feng Wuhen broke into a cold sweat watching Xiao Luo. At first, he wanted to shout his name, but feeling that this was inappropriate, he changed to 'Big Brother' at the last moment.

Xiao Luo's eyes remained indifferent as he stared at the twenty men charging at him. His expression was chilling, like that of a dangerous lone wolf. The next second, he stormed toward them with his machete and raised his arm.

The first gangster to lead the charge only felt a sharp pain in his left shoulder. When he turned around, he saw that his left arm was entirely severed from his torso. Blood gushed out of the wound. Before he could even scream, he received a massive kick to the chest. The terrifying force spread vigorously outward from the point of contact at the center.

"Crack!"

His ribs broke, and his body was thrown backward with the force of a speeding bullet.

Three more of his fellow gangsters, who were behind him, unfortunately, received the full force of the impact. They stumbled and rolled on the ground amid a series of bone-breaking clicks, all the while spurting blood. The man whose arm had been chopped off was dead before he hit the floor. His eyes were wide open, and he lay in a pool of blood with everlasting regret.

The vicious men's countenance changed at once, and the intensity of their advance was immediately weakened.

Still, Xiao Luo did not hesitate. He rushed forward like a mountain tiger flying downhill with an intent to kill. As if infected by his aura, the machete in his hands buzzed its declaration of war. A piercing light reflected from the blade and dazzled like never before.

In a blink of an eye, all twenty men fell. The ground was littered with broken limbs and painted with blood. The scene was as gruesome can be imagined.

With his body drenched in blood, Xiao Luo stood motionless with the machete in his hands. His long, slender eyes still peered at Guo Jianghu chillingly. His gaze was arrogant and filled with contempt for everything in this world.

Demon, an absolute demon!

The Dragon Gang could feel chills originating from their souls. All over their bodies, their hair stood on end. They couldn't fathom what kind of a person Xiao Luo must be to have killed twenty of their fellow members within five minutes. Adding up the victims from earlier, that brought Xiao Luo's kill count to twenty-seven.

"Gulp!"

Feng Wuhen and the other four were startled, and they gulped down their saliva. They knew that Xiao Luo was strong, but they hadn't expected him to be this powerful. He was literally the god of war descended to earth. His explosive vigor was straight up grisly.

"More!" Xiao Luo demanded solemnly of Guo Jianghu with the tip of his blood-coated machete pointed at the ground.

Killing made his blood boil, and he finally realized that a devil dwelled within him. This was his natural, bloodthirsty instinct. The Constitution of the King of Mercenaries had awakened this nature in him.

In the face of Xiao Luo's taunts, the corner of Guo Jianghu's mouth twitched badly.

"I will fight you myself!"

Following a bellowing roar, he grabbed the Nonuple Cycloblade. He charged at Xiao Luo, vowing to cut apart his skull and offer it to his deceased brethren. 𝙡𝙞𝓫𝒓𝙚𝒂𝓭.𝓬𝒐𝓶

When he was some three to four meters away from Xiao Luo, Guo Jianghu accelerated forward. Without any fancy moves, the massive Nonuple Cycloblade slashed swiftly through the air with a violent intent to kill. He arrived in front of his target in a fraction of a second, prepared to end Xiao Luo's life with a single blow.

From beginning to end, Xiao Luo was expressionless, but his murderous aura gradually intensified. His bangs swayed in the wind, stirred up by the moving blade. The moment before Guo Jianghu's Nonuple Cycloblade came down on his skull, Xiao Luo parried it with his machete.

"Clang!"

The crisp sound of steel on steel rang like a giant bel, and a ghastly force swept across the two colliding blades.

"Crack!"

Xiao Luo's machete broke into two pieces. He took two steps backward to stabilize himself.

Guo Jianghu rapidly staggered backward as if he'd been struck by a violent cyclone. He kept going until he was stopped by the other Dragon Gang members. He raised his head and looked at Xiao Luo in awe. Then, he lost his senses, as the arm wielding the blade couldn't withstand the intense vibration.

Chapter 121

After this single confrontation with Xiao Luo's blade, Guo Jianghu became intensely aware of his opponent's prowess. He hadn't fathomed that such terrifying explosive power was hidden within this scrawny body. However, what gave him slight relief was the fact that Xiao Luo's machete was broken. Faced with a bladeless Xiao Luo, he was confident that he could hack him to pieces.

Xiao Luo frowned as he looked at the severed blade in his hands. The broken machete was like a person who had lost his life, deprived of its former glory and capacity for terror. It was nowhere near as good as a dagger of the same length. It had to be thrown away.

"You little brat. I will take your life now!"

Guo Jianghu approached Xiao Luo with a sinister grin, imposingly juggling the Nonuple Cycloblade. As its nine rings jingled, the blade's sharp edge seemed like it could slice apart air.

Xiao Luo was forced to evade the attacks. The intervals between Guo Jianghu's offensives were too tight, leaving him no chance to pick up a weapon from the ground.

The blade's chilling edge swung a mere spitting distance from Xiao Luo's throat several times. It was only an inch or two away from coming into contact with his windpipe. Just looking at him, Feng Wuhen and the other four were sweating bullets. They didn't even dare gasp for breath.

"Swuush, swuush, swuush!"

Guo Jianghu's attacks became even faster. He, who was famous for his rapid blade swings, was exerting his strength to the fullest. Ultimately, Xiao Luo couldn't evade him and took a blow to the arm. As if he'd been bitten by the fangs of a ferocious beast, the Nonuple Cycloblade tore open a bloody wound in Xiao Luo's flesh.

"Nice one, Brother Hu. Now finish him!"

The morale of the Dragon Gang's seventy or so remaining members was boosted as they cheered on Guo Jianghu.

Guo Jianghu savagely licked Xiao Luo's blood, which stained the Nonuple Cycloblade. Staring at Xiao Luo, he said coldly, "How does that feel? Isn't my Nonuple Cycloblade powerful?"

Xiao Luo examined the wound on his arm then turned his head to gaze at his opponent chillingly but did not scowl in the slightest. He uttered not one word and only stared at his enemy indifferent as a silent and deadly beast relishing its prey.

Being stared at like that by Xiao Luo feel really felt awful. Following a mighty roar, Guo Jianghu's footsteps thundered wildly. The blood vessels in his forehead bulged as he once again charged at Xiao Luo like a mad bull. The Nonuple Cycloblade, which he was holding above his head, slashed down toward Xiao Luo with enormous momentum.

The blade was imbued with unparalleled devastation, and it was even capable of inciting a hissing cyclone!

"Die!"

Guo Jianghu let out another thundering roar. He was eager for Xiao Luo to die this very instant.

Xiao Luo turned up the corners of his mouth in a gruesome grin, focused his vision, and clapped his hands upward.

Clang!

A dull impact sound could be heard throughout the vicinity.

Guo Jianghu's eyeballs bulged as he gaped at the scene before him in disbelief. A voice abruptly sounded from deep inside him: "He held the blade with his bare hands!"

It was unbelievable and implausible. How was such a thing even possible?!

Likewise, everyone else watching widened their eyes in shock and shook with tremors. Whether they belonged to the Dragon Gang or Feng Wuhen and his group, all jaws in the room dropped. Taking on a blade with bare hands? Was this guy even human?

"Your knife is impressive! I would like to have it!" Xiao Luo sneered.

"Have it your foot!" Guo Jianghu roared as he exerted even more strength with his hands, forcing the edge of the blade closer to Xiao Luo's skull.

Following a cold snort, Xiao Luo abruptly loosened the blade from his palm. At the same time, he rolled over, promptly reappearing on Guo Jianghu's left side. Then, using his left leg as the axis, he whirled his right leg and wailed on Guo Jianghu's abdomen like an iron whip. The surging force swept out like a tsunami.

"Ah!"

Guo Jianghu's body trembled. His face turned pale, and his body was swept away, shrieking.

The Nonuple Cycloblade detached from his hands. Seizing the opportunity, Xiao Luo snatched it and waved it a few times in the air. Whether due to its weight or grip, the blade felt just right. Xiao Luo couldn't resist shouting, "It's a good weapon indeed!"

Guo Jianghu's abdomen was in agonizing pain. He felt as if a power drill were digging into his stomach. He was in so much pain that his expression was as distorted as can be.

He yelled to his underlings, who were startled, "Motherf*ckers, are you guys daydreaming or what?! Go chop him apart!"

He was well aware of the fact that he wasn't a match for Xiao Luo. It was like sorcery that Xiao Luo was able to defeat him with his bare hands. Now, even his Nonuple Cycloblade was in his enemy's hands. If this didn't constitute off-the-charts combat power, what did? If he were to charge at him alone again, he would definitely be suicidal.

The Dragon Gang's remaining seventy members fell into a brief silence, exchanging glances. Then, they charged Xiao Luo like a tidal surge, shouting.

But no matter how many lambs there were, how could they possibly rival a vicious wolf with a mouth full of sharp teeth?

Xiao Luo cracked his neck and leaped at them with a cold-blooded smile. He waved his blade at the sight of anyone, combining both extreme speed and strength. Nobody could even come close to him. Blood splattered everywhere. Severed limbs were flying all around. This was a one-sided massacre.

Feng Wuhen and the faces of his four companions were full of shock and horror. They had never seen anyone with such formidable moves. For one to go against a hundred, what kind of vigor, might, and bravery must one possess?!

"So, such bullsh*t actually exists in this world. Hu-huh, hu-hu-huh..."

Guo Jianghu revealed a maniacal smile. Amidst his hysterical display, there was also immense terror and a tremendous sense of disbelief. He grabbed a pistol from one of the gangsters beside him. This pistol was meant for emergencies. He'd never intended to use it except as a last resort because gun possession in China carries very serious consequences.

But now...

He loaded the chamber, switched off the safety, lifted the pistol, and aimed. Xiao Luo was maniacally slaughtering his Dragon Gang members, and Guo Jianghu pulled the trigger without hesitation.

"Bam!"

The unloaded bullet whistled toward Xiao Luo in the hopes of putting an end to this terror. It moved so fast that no one could see its trajectory.

Seemingly aware of it, Xiao Luo lifted the blade without even turning his body.

"Clang!"

The bullet collided with the Nonuple Cycloblade blocking Xiao Luo's chest. The powerful impact made Xiao Luo's arm go numb. No longer able to grip its handle, the Nonuple Cycloblade whirled out at high speed. It sliced open one of the Dragon Gang member's throats with a "splurt," then cut into one of the warehouse's wooden pillars. Part of the blade, which was exposed to air, vibrated intensely and gave off a buzzing noise.

When the gunshot rang out, the gangsters who were pouncing on Xiao Luo like hyenas were scared witless. Realizing that it was their boss, Guo Jianghu, shooting at Xiao Luo, they all took cover to avoid taking a hit from accidental friendly fire.

When one of them was preparing to retreat, a giant hand silently approached him. All five fingers spread before grabbing the man's neck and lifting him into the air.

"Bam!"

The bullet originally destined for Xiao Luo struck this man in his back. The pistol's penetrative power was clearly not strong enough to clear a human body, so Xiao Luo was safe and sound.

"F*ck!" Guo Jianghu cursed loudly.

Both shots had failed to destroy Xiao Luo. Instead, he had murdered his own men, which made him feel both aggrieved and infuriated.

"So, you have a gun. Aren't you afraid that the cops will invite you over for some...tea?" Xiao Luo asked chillingly while positioning the Dragon Gang member's corpse to use as a human shield.

At the same time, without blinking, he gestured with his eyes to Feng Wuhen.

"The Dragon Gang is never afraid of the cops! You scum, if I don't kill you today, I'll call myself a worm instead of a tiger!" Guo Jianghu roared with swollen red eyes.

1

Chapter 122

"A worm, you say?"

Twice, Xiao Luo sneered, "Uh-huh. Interesting."

At that very moment, Feng Wuhen expended all his remaining strength to hurl the machete in his hands at Xiao Luo. He shouted, "Big Brother!"

Xiao Luo's benevolence, might, and imposing disposition had caused him to yield willingly. The cry, 'Big Brother,' came from the bottom of his heart.

The machete twirled in the air toward Xiao Luo. Xiao Luo, who was twiddling around with Guo Jianghu, steadied his face as he channeled all his might into his right leg. He had already acquired the football ability, so he acted at the precise moment when the tip of the machete pointed toward Guo Jianghu to punt the blade's handle with his right foot. Forceful energy surged outward.

"Swuush!"

The machete instantly morphed into one of those flying swords seen in fantasy worlds. It sliced its way through space like a gleaming lightning bolt, advancing toward Guo Jianghu with intent to kill.

It moved too fast, so fast there was no reaction time!

Guo Jianghu subconsciously dodged it to the side. At the same time, Xiao Luo flung away the corpse of the gangster in his hands and dashed toward Guo Jianghu like a gust of wild wind. Then, he backflipped into the air and used his foot to deliver terrifying tsunami-like power.

This was a sure kill!

Guo Jianghu's expression changed immediately. At this critical moment of life and death, he promptly dragged the confidant beside him in front of his body to absorb the blow from Xiao Luo's feet in his place.

"Bam!"

The strike came from the tip of Xiao Luo's feet. His murderous impulse, in addition to his body weight, caused the gangster's chest cavity to collapse inwards. Syrupy blood flowed from the dent as the man's body flew outwards like a cannonball and smashed relentlessly into Guo Jianghu.

Guo Jianghu shrieked as he was sent flying. His blood splattered, and he whammed heavily onto the ground some four or five yards away.

"Bee, boo, bee, boo, bee, boo!"

Here and now, the piercing sirens of police vehicles screamed outside the warehouse. The cops had finally arrived.

A dignified voice rang out from a loudspeaker: "Everyone inside, listen up! Stop fighting, lay down your weapons, and surrender. Come out with both hands in the air!"

Gu Qianlin?!

Xiao Luo frowned. He really bumped into her whenever he went.

Someone ran to the door and glanced outside only to see some twenty police cars blocking all the entrances. The Dragon Gang members who were out on patrol were arrested by the cops for the first time. Many of them were pressed to the ground like they were being preyed on by starving tigers. They were handcuffed before they could even react.

Subsequently, three explosion-proof police cars with pulsating lights rammed into the warehouse. Additionally, three special police task forces with approximately two dozen fully armed members also majestically appeared. Snipers conquered the commanding high ground. All of them were poised with ammunition loaded. They were prepared to rush in and wipe out everything. 𝘭𝒾𝑏𝓇𝘦𝒶𝘥.𝘤𝘰𝑚

"Brother Hu, t-the cops have surrounded us!" someone reported while helping up Guo Jianghu, the corner of whose mouth was bleeding, and his face was pale.

As if to instantly affirm his words, outside the warehouse, Gu Qianlin once again shouted through the loudspeaker, "You are already surrounded. Do not attempt any futile resistance. I'm giving you three minutes to decide. If you still refuse to get out and surrender after three minutes, believe me, you don't want to know what happens next."

Hearing her, the eyelids of the Dragon Gang members twitched. Anyone could discern the killing intent in her words. The cops must have heard the gunshots just now and speculated that the people inside weren't just fighting with blades but also with guns. Otherwise, this certainly would not have happened.

"Brother Hu, what should we do now? Should we fight our way out?" gasped one of the Dragon Gang members in terror.

Guo Jianghu used his palm to fan his face then roasted the guy, saying, "What the f*ck is wrong with your brain? They have guns, you know, guns! If you show your head, they'll go pew-pew on you, so how are we supposed to fight our way out?" After some thought, he finally made a decision. "Let's put down our weapons."

Hearing this, the seventy-plus remaining Dragon Gang members looked at each other, then placed down their weapons.

"Didn't you say that you would never be afraid of the cops? So, you're going to surrender now, huh?" Xiao Luo smiled playfully.

The corners of Guo Jianghu's mouth twitched. The remark was a slap in his face indeed.

He glared at Xiao Luo and said viciously, "Don't be too full of yourself, little brat. Just wait. I'll dig up every bit of information about you. All the women you know—I'll rape'em then kill'em. And your guy friends—I'll cripple them all. As for you, kid, I will toss you into living hell!"

His abhorrence for Xiao Luo was unequaled.

Initially, Xiao Luo had wanted to let him live, but now, sparing him meant sowing seeds of future trouble for himself. At that instant, he remembered his own sister, Xiao Ruyi; her husband, Tang Ren; and, of course, Zhang Dashan. If these three were to get hurt because of him, he would never forgive himself.

His only choice was to eradicate the problem at its root!

"You won't have the chance to do that," Xiao Luo answered faintly.

"No chance? What a joke. Do you think I'll be locked up for a long time? Let me tell you, I'll be out in less than half a month. And when that day arrives, it will become the death anniversary of each and every one of your acquaintances. Let's go, my brothers!"

Guo Jianghu chuckled. He waved his hands, led out his fellow gang members, and strolled out of the warehouse. They were like a team that had won a triumphant victory, bolstered by an unparalleled sense of pride.

They walked to the outside with their hands in the air. Guo Jianghu put on an innocent look and shouted to the cops opposite him: "Sirs, I surrender. I didn't kill anyone. I'm only passing by, and I don't know anyone here."

In front of the cops, he was rather well-behaved and toned down much of his usual arrogance.

Xiao Luo's expression was as cold as frost. This game wasn't over. The life-harvesting sickle was being slowly lifted.

He turned his head and asked Feng Wuhen, "Do you guys know how to swim?"

"Yeah, we often played in the river when we were young. Water doesn't scare us, no matter how deep or fast. If we dive in, then we can let them think that we've drowned," Xiaowu replied.

"Now, that'll make things a lot easier!"

Xiao Luo nodded, saying, "I don't feel like sparing any of these people from the Dragon Gang. So as not to land yourselves behind bars, go now. Jump into the sea from the window on the second floor. Wait for me on the rooftop of Block #96 at Gong Village."

What? Did he want to kill all of them?

In front of the cops?

Feng Wuhen felt that Xiao Luo was crazy, so he immediately raised an objection, "Brother Xiao, let's go together. Don't get your head blown off at the spur of the moment."

"Stop talking and just do as I say!" Xiao Luo rebuked.

The five of them zipped their lips immediately. Without another word, they ran up to the second floor and leaped into the sea. They dropped from the window like dumplings being thrown into a pot. Sure enough, they were really good at swimming, and their movements were surprisingly unnoticeable as they moved away in the water.

"Brother Xiao, come back alive!" Feng Wuhen turned around and exhorted before leaving.

His eyes were red. Xiao Luo could be considered the father of their second lives. He would never forget the great kindness that he had shown him tonight.

"Alright," Xiao Luo replied in a seemingly absentminded voice. It was so soft that it was literally insignificant.

Feng Wuhen took a deep breath and leaped out from the window. At the same time, he happened to see Xiao Luo picking up Guo Jianghu's pistol from the ground.

His heart quivered. What was he trying to do?

After jumping into the icy seawater, Feng Wuhen's worry for Xiao Luo reached its zenith.

Chapter 123

Guo Jianghu led out the seventy or so surviving members of the Dragon Gang with their hands raised to surrender to the police. A pitch-black muzzle peeked out sneakily from an inconspicuous window. It rapidly fired three shots at the police outside. 𝓁𝒾𝘣𝑟𝑒𝘢𝘥.𝘤𝘰𝑚

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

Piercing gunshots broke the night's silence. The fired bullets soared through the air and tore apart space, hitting three police officers wearing body armor. They let out deep groans and dropped on the spot.

This unexpected development occurred too suddenly and without any warning. It not only stunned the police but also left Guo Jianghu and his men entirely at a loss. However, Guo Jianghu was smart as a whip and immediately understood that Xiao Luo was intentionally provoking the police. This way, Xiao Luo did not have to do anything directly, and the heavily-armed SWAT team outside would take all of his enemies out.

He broke out in a cold sweat as he figured all this out. Then, a sense of speechless fear welled up from the bottom of his heart.

Never had Guo Jianghu thought that Xiao Luo would be bold enough to do something like this. This made him wonder who was the f*cking gangster here. Xiao Luo could even murder with a borrowed knife! And the most unbelievable thing of all was that Xiao Luo was borrowing a knife from the police?

He immediately swung his arms and shouted with all his might: "Officer! We did not shoot, we did not shoot..."

This was his vain attempt to calm the police, as the provoked officers could easily open fire and clear the area in one clean sweep.

Gu Qianlin also felt that something was odd. As she was about to order the police to hold fire, another bullet soared by. It penetrated the windshield of the police vehicle beside her with a loud 'bang.' The windshield shattered into countless pieces of broken glass scattered on the ground. She automatically dove to the ground.

"Fire!" the SWAT team's nervous captain finally gave the order to fire with a roaring voice.

"Pow, pow, pow..."

The rain of bullets formed an enormous net of light in the air, shrouding Guo Jianghu and his people. The bullets' trails resembled flaming snakes with long tails. "Pow, pow, pow!" Guo Jianghu and a dozen of the Dragon Gang members momentarily collapsed, with numerous bloody gunshot wounds appearing on their bodies.

He lay in the pool of blood with his body twitching violently. It was the last struggle before death. His eyes were wide open, and blood oozed from his mouth and nose.

He stared into the warehouse with panic in an offensive manner, as if Xiao Luo's cold and cruel face had appeared to mock him from the dark warehouse.

If he could have stared over again, he would not have belittled Xiao Luo. There would have been none of this snide nonsense. Even if he'd wanted to take revenge, he should have kept it in his mind. However, it was pointless to say anything now. He certainly had run out of chances and felt extreme hatred.

As Gu Qianlin recovered on the ground, she was confident that Guo Jianghu and his people had not fired. The person who had fired secretly had not aimed at the officers' vital organs but at their body armor. Besides sustaining some external wounds and a bit of shock, their injuries were not life-threatening. Hence, she concluded that the attack had been planned to force the police to fire at Guo Jianghu and his men and decimate them on the shooter's behalf.

"Stop shooting! Stop shooting immediately!" She commanded loudly with her hands up.

The sounds of gunshots ceased gradually, but it was too late. Everyone, including Guo Jianghu, collapsed on the ground. None of them survived. Their corpses were littered all over—they were all dead and gone.

At the same time, Xiao Luo immediately rushed up to the second floor and jumped into the sea through the open window. His constitution of King of Mercenaries already included the ability to swim. Still, to ensure a fast and efficient escape, he spent another five hundred points to redeem another swimming ability. As Feng Wuhen had done earlier, he dove in with such force that created the impression that he was drowning.

When Gu Qianlin finally led a squad of police into the warehouse, there was no one left inside. The invisible gunman had vanished into thin air.

"Gu Squad, the window on the second floor is open. The gunman must have jumped into the sea to escape," reported Officer Wang Hanxuan.

"First squad, second squad, and third squad—you guys search along the coastline at once. Do not let any suspicious persons go," Gu Qianlin ordered.

"Roger that."

The squads had received their orders and started searching both ends of the coastline.

"Bastard!"

Gu Qianlin stomped on the ground, and her delicate face was filled with anger. Tricking the police as if they were monkeys was an insult beyond the mark. On the other hand, she was exceedingly terrified by the gunman's courage and accurate marksmanship. This was definitely a calm, wise killing machine. To think that such a person was hiding in Jiangcheng was indeed a piece of extremely frightening news.

She swore to find out this person's identity!

1******

Although Gu Qianlin had ordered a large number of cops to search the coastline, their search was futile. Xiao Luo and Feng Wuhen had left already.

Meanwhile, later that night at Block 96 in Gong Village...

After Zhang Dashan had personally witnessed Xiao Luo murdering people, he needed some time to unwind. He was watching a violent and gory movie on the sofa to stimulate himself. He was a little worried because it was late, and Xiao Luo had not yet returned. Just as he picked up the phone to call Xiao Luo, there was a knock on the door.

"Dammit. Who forgot their keys again?" he swore as he walked to open the door.

The moment he opened the door, he was greeted by a few bloody faces. The sight made him scream like a pig being slaughtered.

It was Feng Wuhen and his four goons, all severely injured. They had reached their limits to get here, and they all collapsed on the ground.

"Who-who are you guys?" Zhang Dashan questioned in a raised voice, but not before swiftly grabbing the broom by the wall.

It was almost eleven o'clock, and he thought that he was seeing things.

Feng Wuhen lifted his head to speak with much difficulty. "Brother Xiao told us to come here..." Then, like the other four, he blacked out.

"Brother Xiao? Old Xiao?" Zhang Dashan wondered softly.

Just then, his phone rang. He picked it up. It was Xiao Luo.

"What the f*ck, Old Xiao? What's the deal with these five slabs of dead meat here?" While he often had nightmares of the Red Scorpion Mercenary Corps dying, in those dreams, he wasn't afraid for his best friend's life.

"They're my friends. I am just calling to ask you to help me look after them for a while. I'll be back very soon."

"What the f*ck? What's this all about? How am I supposed to look after them? Hello? Hello? Old Xiao? Hello? F*ck, he actually hung up on me."

Zhang Dashan unhappily tucked his phone back into his pocket. Before his eyes, Feng Wuhen and his cronies were lying drenched on the ground. They were maimed with knife wounds all over their bodies. He frowned so much at the sight that his eyebrows tangled.

Admittedly, looking after pretty girls was his element. As for looking after five grown men each seven feet tall, he was stumped. He had no idea where to start.

"Sh*t. I am not a nurse, how the f*ck do I look after them?"

He rolled up his sleeves as he was cursing, then dragged the men to the sofa. As the couch could not fit all of them, they ended up on the floor in the hall.

Zhang Dashan wiped the sweat from his forehead as he looked at the corpse-like Feng Wuhen and his men lying neatly on the ground. He shivered and cursed again, "F*ck, this feels like a scene from a movie."

Chapter 124

It was almost midnight when Xiao Luo finally returned. However, he did not come back alone. He was with a girl.

"Pretty Lady Sun?"

Zhang Dashan opened his eyes wide in surprise.

The girl who'd come home with Xiao Luo was indeed Sun Yu!

She wore an exquisite casual outfit in black and white with a crewneck cut that revealed her beautiful collar bone clearly. The combination of her short gray skirt and leggings showed off her stunning, slender legs. Her black hair was tied up simply in a ponytail. She had a small oval-shaped face, a delicate nose, and a cute mouth. One could tell she had dressed up in a hurry. Even so, she was gorgeous.

"Hello, Brother Shan!" Sun Yu greeted politely.

Then, she walked quickly toward the five men lying on the ground, including Feng Wuhen, who had fainted. She opened the first aid kit that she'd brought with her and started treating all of their wounds.

As there were so many wounds on their bodies, Xiao Luo came to help to remove their clothes. He could not possibly let Sun Yu, a girl, strip these men naked.

"What the f*ck? What's going on? This relationship is moving way too quickly!" Zhang Dashan muttered to himself.

...

It was almost 2 o'clock in the morning by the time they finished treating Feng Wuhen's and the other's injuries.

At some point, Xiao Luo changed into a clean set of dry clothes. Fortunately, he had covered his phone with some waterproof tin foil from the warehouse before jumping into the water. Otherwise, his phone would be ruined by now.

"Have you two done it yet?"

Zhang Dashan pulled Xiao Luo into a corner of the empty field outside. Using sign language to ask if his friend and Sun Yu had hooked up, he raised both of his thumbs and made them smooch.

"You are thinking about it the wrong way," Xiao Luo replied and rolled his eyes. 𝘭𝑖𝑏𝘳ℯ𝑎𝑑.𝒸ℴ𝘮

"Then why did you ask her to come along?"

"I couldn't think of anyone else," Xiao Luo answered honestly.

1He could not possibly ask Xiao Ruyi, his sister. She would surely be worried about him if she saw five men with stab wounds. She would undoubtedly want to clarify everything. So after careful consideration, Sun Yu was the only choice. As it happened, she was working night shift anyway. After explaining the situation to her, she'd agreed to come at once.

Just then, Sun Yu walked out of the hall. She wiped the sweat from her forehead and said to Xiao Luo, "I'm done dressing their wounds."

"Thank you!" Xiao Luo thanked her sincerely.

"You're welcome."

Sun Yu smiled shyly. She was thrilled to be able to do something for Xiao Luo. Then, she said thoughtfully, "Brother Xiao Luo, let me take a look at your arm. When you came to see me, I immediately thought it looked weird. Are you hurt?"

"It's okay, it's just a small wound that doesn't matter."

"Small wound, my a*s! Since Pretty Lady Sun is here, you should let her check it out. A small wound is still a wound. Besides, if it swells up and starts to pus, won't it just develop into a big wound?" Zhang Dashan cut in.

"Shut your mouth and keep it shut."

Xiao Luo frowned and glared at Zhang Dashan as if the latter were putting a hex on him. He was only using unlucky words like 'swells up' and 'pus.'

"Never mind. I'd be better off tending to those five dead pigs inside than third-wheeling you two," Zhang Dashan said. He rolled his eyes and walked into the hall, shutting the door behind him tightly.

Xiao Luo and Sun Yu were left alone outside.

Sun Yu's cheeks turned pink as she blushed. Zhang Dashan was very straightforward. He already saw himself as the third wheel!

However, she was far more concerned with Xiao Luo's arm. "Brother Xiao Luo, let me have a look," she said.

"It's really not a big deal. iI's just a small wound that will heal naturally in a few days," Xiao Luo answered with a smile.

He did not wish to show Sun Yu the gash on his arm. Guo Jianghu's Nonuple Cycloblade had been very sharp, and the resulting cut was very deep. If he had not stitched it up with thread and bandaged it crudely himself, he would have bled enough to fill up a pot.

1"Alright, then." Sun Yun gave up. He was too stubborn to be convinced even by her.

Xiao Luo could not think of anything else to say, and it crossed his mind that Sun Yu still needed to work. "I'm so sorry for bothering you for such a long time. I'll take you back to the hospital right now."

"Oh, okay!" Sun Yu answered delicately and nodded.

Xiao Luo knocked on the door and took the car key from Zhang Dashan, ready to drive Sun Yu back.

It was late at night and tranquil when a white Corolla drove down the street.

"Are you not going to ask me who those men were?" Xiao Luo asked as he drove, breaking the silence in the car.

"They are your friends. So, I'm sure they are good people," Sun Yu answered and shook her head.

"Good people?"

"Yeah, Brother Xiao Luo is a good man. So your friends ought to be good people too," Sun Yu answered with a nod. On her delicate face beamed a pure smile.

Xiao Luo's smirk, however, was a little unnatural. If Sun Yu knew that he had just murdered more than twenty people, she would not think the same way about him as before. In fact, she should be afraid of him and shun him at all costs.

"Brother Xiao Luo, the Mid-Autumn Festival is approaching. Do you have any plans?" Sun Yu asked.

"I shouldn't have any plans."

Sun Yu broke into a smile, and her eyes filled with hopes. She said with a pleasant laugh, "Then come to our hospital to watch the performances. Our hospital hosts a specially prepared Mid-Autumn Festival party."

"Will you perform on stage?" Xiao Luo asked.

"Yep. I have been preparing a dance routine with my sisters from the hospital. Sister Ruyi seems to be working an act, but I forgot what she is going for."

Xiao Luo smiled and agreed, "Alright, I'll come."

"It'll be amazing. You definitely won't be disappointed," Sun Yu chirped gleefully.

Xiao Luo smiled. He had a particular affinity for this girl and felt very relaxed around her. Her company was not stressful at all.

"Brother Xiao Luo, can you pull over?" Sun Yu's eyes brightened up as she suddenly noticed a food stall by the road.

Xiao Luo pulled over slowly.

"Do you like to eat roasted sweet potatoes?" Sun Yu asked.

"Hmm, yeah." Xiao Luo nodded.

"Then let's get some. Look, there's a stall by the road selling them."

Before Xiao Luo could agree, Sun Yu opened the car door and ran off excitedly. It was apparent that she was very fond of roasted sweet potatoes.

Xiao Luo could only get out of the car and follow her. From afar, he smelled an incredibly delicious fragrance, which instantly reminded him of many childhood memories.

"Boss, I'd like two, please!"

"It's ten bucks for two."

The boss took out two round sweet potatoes from the oil tank beside him, which served as an oven. He wrapped them in oil papers and passed them to Sun Yu.

Sun Yu was about to pay, but Xiao Luo had already handed twenty bucks to the boss and said, "I'd like two more."

He was a little hungry. Since he was eating roasted sweet potatoes, he should obviously eat enough to feel fully satisfied.

Sun Yu raised her head to look at him, then smiled joyfully.

...

Xiao Luo drove to a park in the Guangming District then sat down before a stone table with a Go board engraved on it. The two of them were the only people in the vast park. The lights were slightly dim, and if they looked up, they could see stars. Unknown insects came out from the corners of shrubs buzzing so loudly that it was as if they were flying right beside their ears.

Chapter 125

Although the park was deserted, it was the perfect place for Xiao Luo and Sun Yu to eat roasted sweet potatoes.

The potatoes were crusty on the outside and tender on the inside. They tasted quite delicious. In front of Xiao Luo, Sun Yu was usually more mindful of her appearance—for instance, her posture and smile. However, she didn't dare exaggerate her behavior too much. So when she couldn't resist the temptation of the roasted sweet potato any longer, she ripped off the skin and gobbled up the entire thing. Meanwhile, the one in Xiao Luo's hand wasn't even half-eaten.

She smiled at Xiao Luo embarrassedly and asked, "Do I look really awful?"

Xiao Luo shook his head. In fact, Sun Yu's directness was what was he found most attractive about her. He said, "Well, in the first place, you don't have to worry so much about your looks when you're eating roasted sweet potatoes. Just like when I was a kid, and I used to wolf them down." 𝘭𝒾𝑏𝑟𝑒𝒶𝒹.𝘤𝘰𝓂

Sun Yu's eyes lit up. "You ate roasted sweet potatoes when you were a kid too?"

"Everybody who comes from a village should," Xiao Luo replied with a light smile.

Sun Yu nodded and asked curiously, "Xiao Luo, how did you roast the sweet potatoes when you were young? Did you build a stove with stones and bake them like we just did now?"

"Nope. I usually just placed the sweet potatoes underneath the stove when I was helping the adults in the kitchen. Without them knowing, of course."

"Why couldn't you let them know?"

"My family thinks that sweet potatoes are no good after they've been roasted. They think that they become more 'heaty,' so to speak, and harmful to our bodies. So, the adults banned us from eating them. There were many times when my sweet potatoes just straight-up burned inside the fire. I couldn't get them out in time with the adults watching, so all the trouble I'd gone through would be for nothing," Xiao Luo recalled when he was little and found it really amusing.

Sun Yu smiled crisply and said, "It looks like you wasted quite a few sweet potatoes when you were young."

Xiao Luo shook his head and said, "I didn't waste them, actually. I was young and dumb, but I washed those burned sweet potatoes and gobbled them up with their smoky taste."

"Huh? Didn't your mouth turn black after that?"

"I didn't care much at the time."

"Well, that's true. Everybody thinks that roasting sweet potatoes is tasty and fun when they are young. Nobody ever cares about whether it will make them 'heaty.'"

...

The two exchanged amusing stories from their childhood while they savored the hot, scrumptious sweet potatoes. Unknown to them, a lot of time went by.

When he dropped Sun Yu back at the hospital entrance, it was already 4 o'clock in the morning. Just as they were about to part, a touch of lingering attachment was noticeable in Sun Yu's eyes. It was only when Xiao Luo's car disappeared from her field of view that she turned around and went back into the hospital.

Xiao Luo's second encounter with Sun Yu deepened his fondness for her a great deal.

Sure enough, he didn't know whether Sun Yu was the one for him, but he certainly hoped so. Such a straightforward girl was scarce nowadays. She'd definitely be easy to get along with, and she seemed a rather suitable candidate to spend the rest of his days with.

Fresh air came in through the window, accompanied by a ray of golden light. Dawn had arrived.

Feng Wuhen and the rest were awake, but their bodies were still awfully frail. When they saw Xiao Luo coming out from the room, the five men wanted to stand up and bow in gratitude.

"Lie down. Don't move. Or else, your wounds might reopen," Xiao Luo said while buttoning his sleeves.

"Brother Xiao, thank you. From now on, you'll be my boss."

Feng Wuhen's heart was full of admiration for Xiao Luo. He shouted to Xiaowu and the rest, "Call him 'boss.'"

"Boss!" the four men shouted together.

Xiao Luo was speechless. Boss? Did they think of him as a gangster or something?

Just then, Zhang Dashan, who had just unloaded a biological bomb in the toilet, pushed open the bathroom door. He said while zipping his pants, "What boss, you f*ckheads? Xiao Luo is the boss of a company, not a gang. Don't you feel awkward calling him 'boss?' Besides, it's also really old-fashioned."

Feng Wuhen awkwardly knitted his eyebrows and responded, "Fine. Then, I think we'll stick with 'Brother Xiao.' It sounds more intimate that way."

"Brother Xiao or Mr. Xiao will do," Zhang Dashan replied, patting Feng Wuhen's shoulders.

"Dashan, since you're on break these next few days, I'll leave them with you. I'm going to the office," Xiao Luo ordered then turned to leave. At the door, his footsteps halted, and he turned back around. "Oh yeah," he added, "they've lost a lot of blood. Go and buy them some healthy food. Maybe get some for yourself, too. I mean, what would be so bad about having a chubby face but a body that's thin as f*ck? People looking at you from afar will think that your head is Photoshopped onto your body."

Hearing Xiao Luo, Zhang Dashan felt like a thousand alpacas were galloping through his brain. Xia Luo could've stopped at 'go buy them some healthy food.' Why did he have to joke about his face? What a motherf*ker!

Nevertheless, Xiao Luo was already gone. Even if he wanted to, he didn't have anyone he could blow up at.

"Brother Zhang, we haven't eaten any good food in days. Please, buy us some meat," said Feng Wuhan, drooling.

What the f*ck?

Is this how you talk to someone you barely know?!

Zhang Dashan didn't even want to mention how badly was he feeling. Being a nanny for five grown a*s men was going to literally send him over the edge.

He asked chillingly, "Want some pig whips and bull whacks?"

"Sure, sure! My dad says that the groin is the most nutritious part of the animal."

"Yeah, people's noses even bleed after eating them. How nutritious must they be?"

"If you could get us some elephant shlongs, that would be the best. We'll definitely become tigers after eating them!"

Xiaowu and the others were very excited. They'd heard that animal penises were rich in nutrition but hadn't tasted any before because of their notoriously strong flavor. They were literally inedible. But, given their current exceptional circumstances, they would eat whatever was nutritious without giving a rat's a*s about how it tasted.

Feng Wuhen was even more delighted when he heard this. He said to Zhang Dashan with a smile, "Then, we'll be counting on you, Brother Zhang."

What in Heavens' name?!

Zhang Dashan felt the urge to go berserk. He thought: Can't you guys tell that I'm being sarcastic? Elephant shlongs? Why don't I buy an actual human p*ssy for you dummies to make some soup? Holy sh*tcakes!

"Seriously, you guys are even more shameless than me!"

He dropped that harsh sentence, put on his clothes, and went out to buy ingredients. Since Xiao Luo wanted him to take good care of these men, naturally, he would not treat them apathetically.

"Mr. Xiao, I heard that you've asked Mr. Li to sue Chen Jianbai, the reporter who published the news about Luo's Workshop. Is that true?" Xu Guansong dove straight into the topic as soon as he entered Xiao Luo's office. He looked slightly flustered.

"Yes!" Xiao Luo put down the task in his hands and looked up at him, asking, "Do you have a problem with that?"

"Of course not. If we win the lawsuit, then Luo's Workshop's reputation will be restored, and our previous customers will come back," Xu Guansong said earnestly. "But if we lose, our reputation will plummet. I heard that Chen Jianbai has mobilized all the reporters, and they are prepared to make a fuss if we lose the case."

Xiao Luo smiled and said, "He is very confident."

"Of course, he is. He's got Taste Buds to back him up. Mr. Xiao, I think we should just let this go. Luo's Workshop can't bear another blow. Although we are still losing money, new customers are pouring in every single day. Many of our old customers have also ordered our mooncakes for their employees. As long as we persist, the bad days will definitely be behind us."

"Persist? How?"

Xiao Luo couldn't agree with Xu Guansong's point of view. He said coldly, "There are more than 500 workers at Luo's Workshop whose livelihoods depend on us. The finance department has reported a debt of four million. If this goes on, we will have to close down in two months. There are now only two paths before us. Live or die!"

Chapter 126

Xiao Luo's attitude was firm. Xu Guansong would never convince him to drop his lawsuit against Chen Jianbai. Last time, the two had parted at the office on bad terms. This had prompted Xiao Luo to turn his attention to Xu Guansong for the very first time. Could Xu Guansong with the beer belly really be Taste Buds' spy?

Indeed, without any proof, doubts still remained!

After two days, they received a piece of unsettling news.

One of their loyal customer, a company that ordered mooncakes for their staff during the Mid-Autumn Festival every year, abruptly announced that they would no longer buy from Luo's Workshop.

The news was like a bolt of thunder in a clear sky and a fatal blow to the Luo's Factory!

The Fuke Group was one of the top 500 process manufacturing enterprises globally. Their factory in Jiangcheng alone had 230,000 workers. Including all domestic and foreign branches, they employed a total of 1 million people. Although Luo's Workshop had only received the accounts for their plants in Jiangcheng and two other cities, the Fuke Group's order was at a staggering 8 million dollars.

The Fuke Group was unquestionably Luo's Workshop's biggest customer!

When they heard this terrible news, Luo's Factory's department heads suffered like ants in a hot pan. They swarmed into Xiao Luo's office, and the rather spacious room was instantly jampacked.

"Mr. Xiao, please hurry up and think of something. If we lose the Fuke Group, then Luo's Workshop will be...sigh..."

"Why did they suddenly turn down our mooncakes? What should we do now?"

"Is Luo's Workshop done for?"

The distressed department heads discussed the matter anxiously in Xiao Luo's office. They were not baseline employees. They, who had chosen to stay at the company during these uncertain times, were emotionally attached to Luo's Factory. They really wanted to work through the organization's difficulties.

These voices, however, were too noisy for Xiao Luo's tastes.

"Quiet, please! Stop babbling! Let the boss talk, alright?" shouted Luo Qi from the Research and Development department.

She was the only department head who didn't wear formal clothes to work. She believed that people who worked in research and development needed creativity and inspiration, and wearing uniforms considerably reduced their sources of inspiration.

She was dressed in a vibrant yellow T-shirt, decadent ripped jeans, and sneakers with light green lines. Her shiny black hair reached her shoulders and was fastened with an adorably shaped blue starfish hairpin. She had a pure and youthful countenance and wore makeup, not even powder. Still, between her eyebrows, there was a hint of flirtatiousness.

After Luo Qi's outburst, the entire office swiftly plunged into silence. They turned their eyes to Xiao Luo. The boss sat at his desk, holding his chin with his left hand like he was pondering something.

"Silence at last." Xiao Luo stood up and said after letting out a long exhale. "Since you're finally quiet, it's my turn to speak. Luo's Workshop and the Fuke Group have a contract signed. How much is the penalty for breach of contract?"

"The penalty for a breach of contract is 10 million dollars, Mr. Xiao."

Li Zimeng stepped forward. She was the one who had been personally involved in the signing of the Fuke Group's contract. She was well aware of Xiao Luo's intentions. She knitted her eyebrows and continued awkwardly, "But our contract will expire precisely on the date of this year's Mid-Autumn Festival."

"The contract is going to expire, you say?" Xiao Luo knitted his eyebrows.

Li Zimeng quietly lowered her head and replied, "Yes, and I am responsible. I'd originally planned to renew the contract after we delivered the stock. Still, I never expected that the Fuke Group would..."

"Miss Li, I only want to know why, for such a huge client like the Fuke Group, a new contract wasn't drafted in advance before the old one expired?" Xiao Luo's tone was somewhat cold, stiff, and critical.

Li Ziming lowered her head even further and muttered, "My mistake."

Her voice was as soft as a fly. She honestly hadn't expected things to turn out this way. A mere few days before, she'd verbally confirmed everything with Mr. Zhang Hongda. He ran the Fuke Group's Jiangcheng plant. He had assured her personally that the contract would be renewed on the day of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Who could have known that things would change so much in such a short time? 𝑙𝒾𝘣𝘳𝑒𝒶𝒹.𝑐𝘰𝓂

"Mr. Xiao, I think there's no use blaming Ms. Li right now. Our top priority now is to pull back the Fuke Group," Xu Guansong said in awe.

Luo Qi echoed, "He's right, Mr. Xiao. Miss Zimeng will never expect the Fuke Group to add insult to injury at this moment. They're really just...bad."

Xiao Luo regained his composure soon after. This was the first time that he'd felt like, as the boss of Luo's Workshop, he still had a long way to go in shouldering this heavy responsibility.

"Get in contact with the Fuke Group's boss. I want to meet him in person. Also, get me a list of Taste Buds' customers. I want the list on my desk by this afternoon."

It was almost inevitable that Taste Buds had snatched their client again. Just the thought of it whipped up Xiao Luo's anger. He wanted to mount a powerful comeback and not only acquire the Fuke Group but also seize all the clients that belonged to Taste Buds.

As he thought of all this, greed flashed in Xiao Luo's eyes together with rage and danger. They were just like the eyes of a wolf!

The department heads hovered about the office in fear. They'd never seen such aggressive eyes before. Furthermore, this aggressiveness seemed to be contagious, transmitting from Xiao Luo onto their own bodies. They clenched their fists in a fragmented silence as determination emerged in their eyes.

...

After ten o'clock in the morning, Xiao Luo, Luo Qi, and Xu Guansong arrived by car at the Ming Tai golf course to meet the Fuke Group's boss, Zhang Hongda.

"As one of the golf course's investors, Mr. Zhang comes here for a few swings almost every day," Xu Guansong explained.

Luo Qi pouted and said, "Why did you invite him to a meeting at this place? You want Mr. Xiao to entertain him with golf?"

Xiao Luo smiled and said, "By promising to see me, he is already showing his sincerity. Bring the contract and come with me to meet him."

By now, Xiao Luo had completely calmed down. He couldn't always talk business while being infuriated and drenched in a murderous aura, right?

"Aye-aye!" Luo Qi smiled playfully.

"Don't act like that. Be more serious," Xu Guansong immediately rebuked her with a stern look on his face.

Luo Qi stuck out her little tongue at him.

When they reached the golf course, a staff member led them to the driving range. From far away, they could see a middle-aged man in a white shirt and black sunglasses with shiny combed hair. He was sitting underneath an umbrella, leisurely sipping his tea and gazing ahead. Beside him stood two bodyguards in black tuxedos and an assistant. There were also two ladies with model-like hourglass figures, attentively massaging his shoulders and legs.

"Is that Mr. Zhang? He really does know how to enjoy life!" Luo Qi asked curiously.

"Oh, sweet lord! Can you just zip your mouth? Don't screw things up before we even get a chance to talk about business," Xu Guansong shot back agitatedly.

This was impolite and very rash behavior. If Zhang Hongda were to hear her, his impression of the three of them would definitely crumble. If that happened, then how could they talk about business? There would be nothing left to talk about.

Who could have guessed that, after he finished criticizing Luo Qi, Xiao Luo asked again, "Is that Zhang Hongda?"

Pssss!

Xu Guansong gasped. Calling him by his name? W-w-what the hell was he thinking? Did he still want to talk about business or not?

Chapter 127

"Mr. Xiao, you're such an interesting man!" Luo Qi laughed as she looked at Xiao Luo with adoration.

Xiao Luo didn't respond to her. He lifted his eyebrows and walked towards Zhang Hongda.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Zhang."

Xu Guansong displayed an enthusiastic smile as he greeted Zhang Hongda, "My apologies for the long wait, Mr. Zhang. We are caught in traffic just now."

Despite Zhang Hongda was in his middle-age, he had this prestigious temperament engraved amid his eyebrows although he was not showing any anger. He didn't take off his sunglasses, hence no one could tell whether within his eyes, was delight or irritation. But anyway, he wasn't smiling, thus perhaps he was just being indifferent.

He turned his head to look at Xu Guansong and faintly responded, "You've come."

"Yes yes, Mr. Zhang! We have come especially for our appointment with you."

The smile on Xu Guansong's face became even more fervent. He introduced Xiao Luo to Zhang Hongda, "This is Mr. Xiao Luo, the current boss of the Luo's Workshop."

"Hello, Mr. Zhang!"

Xiao Luo smiled as he reached out his hands to Zhang Hongda.

Zhang Hongda didn't shake his hands, nor did he even had the intention to shake hands with him in the first place. He glanced at him and turned away to look at the wide-ranging court ahead of him, leaving Xiao Luo unattended as he stood at the same place. He said, "I've long heard that the Luo's Factory has welcomed yourselves a new boss, but I never expect him to be such so young. Given the little amount of experience he has, it is no wonder that the Luo's Factory is constantly going backward."

Upon hearing him, Luo Qi immediately became unhappy, "Our boss wants to shake hands with you, but you didn't even bother to raise your hands, and even went on to belittle him with your speech, don't you think that you're being very discourteous?"

"Luo Qi, the bosses are talking now, do not interrupt," Xu Guansong rebuked.

"But he's being discourteous!" Luo Qi rebutted with her hands placed at her waist.

Xu Guansong scolded, "We are talking about business now. Mr. Zhang's order alone will decide the fate of Luo's Workshop. We are in need of their help, so just lay down that attitude of yours!"

Before they came, he already advised Xiao Luo to not bring along Luo Qi. Although she was a department head, her behavior was still like a little girl. She doesn't know how to restrain herself nor observe somebody's speech and expression. If she were to provoke Zhang Hongda, it would screw things up.

Luo Qi looked at Xiao Luo. After receiving Xiao Luo's eye gesture, she kept quiet ever since.

"Little girl, Mr. Xu knows about things much better than you do. You should learn from him in this aspect, otherwise, you'll easily land yourself in unfavorable situations!" Zhang Hongda extended one finger as he laughingly lectured her with the tone of an elder. Even though he was smiling, it still felt creepy.

"No unfavorable situations can come to her with me as her boss!"

Xiao Luo retracted his hands. He spoke softly, but with powerful retaliation and directness. He was not at all polite towards Zhang Hongda as he shifted the conversation topic, "Let's talk about business. Mr. Zhang, you've always ordered your mooncakes from us. It has been so for three years. Why have you suddenly decided to not order your mooncakes from us this year? Could you give me a reason?"

"A reason?"

Zhang Hongda laughed coldly, "Our contract has already expired. Why can't I pick a new supplier? Are you telling me that I need your consent to do this?"

"Of course you don't need our consent. But since both sides have already worked together for three years, I would assume that we already have some emotional attachment. When you suddenly said that you won't be ordering your mooncakes from us, Mr. Zhang, it is only fair for us to feel that you're kicking us when we're already down. Although the field of business is like a field of war, and no friendship, but everlasting benefit lasts forever, aren't you afraid that you'll tarnish your reputation by abandoning your original business partner just like that? Won't the other companies need to consider a lot of things before cooperating with the Fuke Group in the future?" said Xiao Luo.

Zhang Hongda glanced at him and said playfully, "It is indeed that I've worked with Luo's Workshop for three years. But I know Mr. Fang Changmiao. As for you, I've never heard your name before, nor am I aware of the extent of your capabilities. For me, you're just a stranger. Do you think that I'll handover an eight-million-dollar order to a stranger? Just ask anybody, and they'll tell you that there's no reason to do that."

"The reason I've come today is for you, Mr. Zhang, to get to know me. I hope you could reconsider and re-opt for our supplies."

"There's no need for reconsideration. I've already talked to Mr. Fang of Taste Buds. From today onwards, the Fuke Group will only cooperate with Taste Buds," Zhang Hongda made a clear-cut.

As soon as the words fell, a burst of hearty laughter came from the entrance.

As they turned towards the sound, there was a middle-aged man in a tuxedo and wearing gold-tinted glasses walking towards them with a cigarette in his hand and accompanied by several men who seemed like his bodyguards. His hairline was really high, thus exposing his entire forehead. His hair had evidently been dyed. It was so black that it shined. He had a very blessed face, because it was very fleshy, of course.

Upon seeing the man, Zhang Hongda stood up immediately, took off his sunglasses, and went towards him enthusiastically, "You are finally here, Brother Fang. I've been waiting for you for a long time."

They shook hands, "Brother Zhang, I'm really sorry. Our country has become prosperous now and everyone owns a car. The roads are really congested. I apologize to have arrived late."

"It's fine. Come, have a seat and drink some tea. This is high-quality Longjing tea," Zhang Hongda poured tea with a smile.

Compared to his attitude towards Xiao Luo, it was literally the difference between the sky and the ground.

"He is Taste Bud's boss," Xu Guansong whispered by Xiao Luo's ears.

Xiao Luo already knew him even without his introduction. Besides, Zhang Dashan had already arranged Fang Changlei's information for him, alongside his photo.

"Oh? Isn't this Luo's Workshop's deputy manager, Mr. Xu? Why are you here?"

In fact, Fang Changmiao had spotted Xiao Luo, Xu Guansong, and the rest for a long time. He was lifting his head and feigning to be surprised at this moment,

"They want me back."

Zhang Hongda was pouring tea with a disgusted face, "But I'll never work with a trash company that has food safety problems. It is worthless that they've come."

Trash company? 𝓁𝘪𝒷𝘳ℯ𝘢𝑑.𝒸𝘰𝑚

Luo Qi couldn't tolerate any longer. Zhang Hongda was a jerk from inside out. Putting his insulting speech aside, his attitude towards them was straight up horrible. Seeing that Fang Changlei could sit down and have tea with him, her contained rage erupted. She shouted at Zhang Hongda, "You are the trash! Your whole family is trash!"

The air in the vicinity dropped to freezing point. Xu Guansong's face turned green as a voice sounded in his heart, "We're screwed."

Fang Changlei snorted, "What a poorly educated young lady! Give her a slap!"

When a bulky man in a tuxedo heard him, he stepped forward with a solemn face, raised his fan-like palm, and violently waved it towards Luo Qi's face.

Luo Qi was terrified that her face turned pale. She never expected that these people would resort to slapping when they weren't on the same page with somebody.

At this time, a giant hand with fair skin came from aside, stretched apart all five of its thin and long fingers, and grabbed the bulky man in black's wrist. His fan-like hand halted mid-air and was hindered of motion.

Luo Qi took a closer look and couldn't help being surprised and deeply moved. He gently called out with her lips, "Boss!".

Xiao Luo grabbed the bulky man in black's wrist as he stared at Fang Changlei chillingly, "I think I shall be the one to educate my people, Mr. Fang."

"Oh?"

Fang Changmiao looked at Xiao Luo profoundly. He waved his hands, signaling the bulky man in black to step down. Then, he said with a face full of disdain, "I presume you're Xiao Luo that took over Luo's Workshop from Mr. Chu. I heard that two months ago, you were still a regular staff at Huahai Corporation. How lucky you must've been to have gained Mr. Chu's favor and become Luo's Factory's boss. The phrase 'reach the sky in a single bound' refers exactly to people like you."

Following a change of tone into that with deep contempt, "However, reaching the sky in a single bound isn't a good thing at all. Conversely, one would fall badly, very badly!"

Chapter 128

"We have you on the ground, Mr. Fang. If I dropped from the sky, then you would definitely be my meat cushion. By then, both our bones would be shattered. Am I right?" Xiao Luo glanced at Fang Changlei with a false smile.

The grin on Fang Changlei's face dimmed in an instant. As he removed the cigarette from his lips, smoke billowed over his face. He said, "It isn't good for a young man to be so arrogant. I suggest you check that temper of yours. Otherwise, you won't even know what kills you in the future."

Xiao Luo sneered back, "Well, everybody has to die sooner or later. But I certainly believe that you're going to die before I do, Mr. Fang. After all, you are a geezer capitalizing on advanced age. For your information, that is a sickness. You could easily, you know, kick the bucket at any time."

"You..."

Fang Changlei widened his eyes in anger as he stared at Xiao Luo furiously.

"Bam!"

Zhang Hongda slammed the table and stood up. He glared at Xiao Luo with maddened eyes, shouting, "Get out of here, kid! You are not welcome in this place!"

It was only now that Xu Guansong regained his senses. He put on an awkward smile and stepped forward to serve as a mediator. "Calm down Mr. Zhang. You too, Mr. Fang. Mr. Xiao is at fault here, so I'll ask him to apologize. Please don't let this get to you."

Zhang Hongda and Fang Changlei's complexions softened slightly. They obviously cared about getting an apology from Xiao Luo.

"Mr. Xiao, what are you doing? Hurry up and apologize to Mr. Zhang and Mr. Fang." Xu Guansong had utterly surrendered. They had come here to talk about business, and they were in need of Zhang Hongda's help, so why did Xiao Luo have to pick a fight? It was beyond ridiculous.

"Mr. Xu, are you still oblivious as to what's going on here? Mr. Zhang has agreed to see us because he wants to make us look bad in front of Mr. Fang. I will not apologize. Even if I did, he would never renew his contract with Luo's Workshop anyway," Xiao Luo replied coldly. With his temper up, anyone who tried to intervene, no matter who he may be, he was merely a flea in his eyes.

"Yeah, I support Mr. Xiao!" Luo Qi expressed his support for Xiao Luo.

This wasn't how people ought to talk about business. Since the very beginning, Zhang Hongda's attitude toward them had been indifferent. When Fang Changlei had arrived, he'd even gone on to say that Luo's Workshop was trash. This was a bald-faced insult. No matter how terrible Luo's Workshop may, it should still be allowed to preserve its dignity and pride.

"Keep quiet, Luo Qi! Stop fanning the flames! Mr. Xiao isn't sensible, but must you follow his example as well?" Xu Guansong thundered at her, though it mostly felt like he was abusing one over the shoulder of another.

"Mr. Xu, you are talented. Why have you allowed yourself to be treated so shabbily at Luo's Workshop? Look at your company now. It is full of newbies who can hardly maintain their composure. Your future will be dim if you stay at Luo's Workshop. I think you should come to Taste Buds. With your experience and capabilities, I believe that Brother Fang will be very willing to take you in," Zhang Hongda stated hurriedly. Persuading Xiao Luo's people to join another company right in front of their boss was humiliation at the highest level.

Fang Changlei lifted his eyebrows and seconded, "That is a great suggestion. I treasure talent most of all. If you're willing to join us, Mr. Xu, I will make you Taste Bud's deputy manager. That way, I can fully retreat behind the scenes and take a long vacation. Although you'd only be a deputy manager, you would still be paid considerably more than what you earn now at Luo's Workshop."

Xu Guansong was extremely flattered. He answered promptly, "Thank you for your kind offer, Mr. Fang, but I am deeply attached to Luo's Workshop. This company is like a family to me. No matter rich or poor, a family remains as it is. I have no intention of abandoning my family."

"Is that so? How very unfortunate!" Fang Changlei lifted his teacup and took a sip.

Xiao Luo began clapping his hands with a faint smile. "Mr. Fang, Mr. Zhang, persuading my men to join your ranks right in front of me—I see you're gleefully gloating."

"Why are you not scramming yet? Should I ask my men to force you out?"

Zhang Hongda wasn't polite to Xiao Luo. In his eyes, this kid was not at all qualified to talk business with him. Using his words, he was a boss who didn't even have fully grown pubic hair. He was literally an incompetent child in a tuxedo with an inflated sense of self.

"That won't be necessary, Mr. Zhang. I'll leave when I have concluded my business." Xiao Luo always had an enigmatic smile on his face that was impossible to see through.

"Your business?"

Zhang Hongda sneered, "I suggest you give up. Don't even think about recouping the Fuke Group's order. We will not give you a single penny. Trash companies like the Luo's Workshop should hurry up and close down, lest you disgrace yourselves in Jiangcheng!"

Not only Xiao Luo, but Xu Guansong also heated up hearing that.

"Brother Zhang, you will hurt their self-esteem that way. Look at Mr. Xu and that little girl. You've made them so angry. Let them save at least a little bit of face, alright? After all, they are still executive members of a company," Fang Changlei said, throwing oil on the fire.

Not even a tinge of anger showed on Xiao Luo's face. He sat down by himself, picked up the teapot, and drank directly from it right in front of Zhang Hongda and Fang Changlei. When he was finished, he said to Zhang Hongda with a hippie-esque grin, "I think I understand. Mr. Zhang, you're saying that you'd rather give the Fuke Group's order to a dog than Luo's Factory, right?"

Zhang Hongda, who was already fuming, responded without thinking, "Of course! I will not give you any orders, even if it's only a single penny's worth!"

"Oh? So, in your eyes, Mr. Zhang, Mr. Fang is a dog," Xiao Luo spoke in a tone as if he was enlightened.

"You scoundrel, what nonsense are you saying? Do you really believe that I'd let you walk out of here with your back on the ground?" Fang Changlei got caught up in anger.

Similarly, Zhang Hongda was also glaring at Xiao Luo. His face flushed and paled alternately. He had never encountered someone as insidious as Xiao Luo before.

"Mr. Fang, it wasn't me who called you a dog, so why are you barking at me? Chillax, alright? Come, sit down. Let us have a nice chat. Amiability attracts riches, right? Peace breeds wealth!"

Xiao Luo smiled as he poured tea for Fang Changlei and Zhang Hongda. Then, he raised his teacup and said, "Cheers, Mr. Fang, Mr. Zhang. Please accept this cup of tea as my apology."

The two men stared at him with their faces twitching. They were thinking: You've friggin' drank directly from the teapot, so who wants to drink tea from it now?

"What is the meaning of this?" Zhang Hongda asked with a solemn face.

"Nothing, to be exact. But, you know, I'm rather unhappy that you repeatedly called my company trash earlier. Based on my usual disposition, you should be on the way to the emergency room by now."

"Hah! You think you could send me there by yourself?" Zhang Hongda replied mockingly with eyes filled with disdain.

"Yes."

Xiao Luo nodded carefully. As soon as his voice dropped, the teacup in his hand could not bear the colossal force of his five fingers. Following a loud crack, it shattered in an instant, scattering debris across the table. The tea, which was no longer hot, dripped down through Xiao Luo's fingertips, drop by drop.

This little display profoundly startled Zhang Hongda and Fang Changlei, and they both sat up straight in response to the threat.

There was a slight change in the expressions of their bodyguards in black. Just how strong were Xiao Luo's fingers to have crushed a calcined porcelain teacup with his bare hands?!

Luo Qi looked at Xiao Luo with overwhelming adoration. She felt like her boss was a true hero.

"Are you trying to scare me?" Zhang Hongda forced himself to calm down.

"My apologies. I'm not scaring you. I'm threatening you. Do not touch my bottom line. You may refuse to sign a contract with us, but do not insult us." The warm smile on Xiao Luo's face vanished and was replaced by freezing cold, sending chills through their bones.

The corners of Zhang Hongda's mouth twitched. This was the first time that he had been threatened by someone younger than him, which was incredibly infuriating. However, he did not dare make any disrespectful remarks, and only glared unwaveringly at Xiao Luo.

Chapter 129

As if he were the host, Xiao Luo took another cup and poured himself some tea. He gazed leisurely at Zhang Hongda and asked, "Mr. Zhang, I heard that you visit the golf course often, so I assume that your game is ok-ish. Are you interested in playing one round with me?"

Zhang Hongda couldn't contain his laughter and cackled as if he'd just heard the greatest joke in the world. He pointed at Xiao Luo as he said to Fang Changlei, "Brother Fang, did you hear him? This kid said that he wants to play golf with me."

"Brother Zhang, since he wants to be tortured, just let him!"

Fang Changlei looked at Xiao Luo like he was looking at some idiot. Among Jiangcheng's league of bosses, no one was ignorant of Zhang Hongda's proficiency in golf. He had once achieved a miraculous hole-in-two at the Masters' Tournament held in the United States. Competing with Zhang Hongda in golf was a perfect realization of the phrase 'new-born calves are not afraid of tigers.'

Xiao Luo ignored their melodramatic chatter. He extended his hands, took the contract from Luo Qi, and placed it on the table.

He looked at Zhang Hongda with a smile and then said, "Mr. Zhang, if I win, you will sign this contract. And if I lose, I'll mortgage Luo's Factory to you."

"Are you serious?"

Zhang Hongda's eyes bulged in his eye socket. Although Luo's Factory was way past its glory days, there was an old phrase that goes, 'a starved camel is still bigger than a horse.' If he could acquire Luo's Factory, it would be a considerable gain for him.

"I always mean what I say," said Xiao Luo.

"Words alone are not proof."

Zhang Hongda snapped his fingers and summoned one of his staff, ordering him to record everything that happened from now on out with a camera.

The corners of Xiao Luo's mouth raised in a playful arc. "Are you always so conservative in your work, Mr. Zhang?"

"That is my usual style. Since you want a match with me, Mr. Xiao, I will grant you your request.

If I win, Luo's Workshop will be mine, and if I lose, I'll give you the eight-million-dollar order. Is that correct?" Zhang Hongda was excited and exuded greed from his eyes.

"Exactly!" Xiao Luo nodded.

"Since your bet is so bold, I'll treat you with the best of my sincerity. Aside from the eight million dollars, I will also give you the orders from our Nancheng and Beihei City plants. That's a total of 15 million dollars. If you win, this 15-million-dollar order will belong to Luo's Factory," Zhang Hongda said loudly. He tossed out a big piece of cake so that Xiao Luo couldn't go back on his word.

15 million dollars?!

Xu Guansong and Luo Qi were shocked. They'd never expected the deadlock situation to soothe itself when they once again returned to the topic revolving around the mooncake order. What's more, the order amount had doubled from before. But, after remembering that this was merely a wager and that all of Luo's Workshop was at stake for the 15 million dollars, Xu Guansong immediately lost his calm.

"Mr. Xiao, don't do it. Mr. Zhang's skill at golf is well known throughout Jiangcheng City. You have no chance of beating him. I think it is a mistake for you to wager Luo's Workshop."

"Boss, we don't want this contract anymore. Please don't compete with him," Luo Qi also advised.

Xiao Luo raised his hands to interrupt them. He looked at Zhang Hongda with provocative eyes, "Your words, Mr. Zhang. A 15-million-dollar order, is that right?"

Zhang Hongda nodded, saying, "Yes, you heard me right."

"Ah, it's so rare that something can make you so happy, Brother Zhang. Why don't I join you guys in the fun?"

Fang Changlei waved his hands and took a check from his assistant. Then, he scribbled 'five million dollars only' on the check and stared at Xiao Luo with sinister intentions. "If you win, these five million dollars will belong to you. But if Brother Zhang wins, I don't want a penny from Luo's Factory. I want you to kneel before me, give yourself two powerful slaps, and say 'I am garbage' loudly."

"But that would be insulting to our big boss," Luo Qi exclaimed.

"Yes, exactly. I'm insulting him," Fang Changlei chuckled menacingly. He did not deny it at all.

Luo Qi was irritated, but she couldn't find any words to refute him.

Fang Changlei squinted his eyes and said to Xiao Luo with contempt, "You may refuse if you're not bold enough."

"Since you want to give me money, why would I refuse? I can't possibly oppose money, am I right?" Xiao Luo smiled playfully.

Fang Changlei snorted. "You're brave. You just lack a little self-consciousness."

He did not believe that Xiao Luo could ever beat Zhang Hongda at golf. Otherwise, he wouldn't be able just to watch and do nothing as Zhang Hongda wagered the mooncake orders.

Xiao Luo didn't respond. He turned to look at Zhang Hongda and said, "So, how do we compete?"

"Let's keep things simple. We'll each do five drives at the teeing area. Then, we'll sum up the distance of the five balls from the hole. Whoever accumulates the smaller value wins," Zhang Hongda said in disdain.

"Fine, so it is set," Xiao Luo smiled indifferently. 𝒍𝒊𝒃𝒓𝙚𝙖𝙙.𝓬𝙤𝙢

A little while later, the caddie handed over the club. Staff dedicated to distance measurement stood in the safety zone, ready to rush out at any time to do their duty.

Xu Guansong and Luo Qi stood to the side uneasily. Proficiency in golf was accumulated through years of practice. For one so young like Xiao Luo, who didn't even seem like he knew how to play golf at all, how could he possibly compete with someone as experienced as Zhang Hongda? The most terrible thing of all was that he had used Luo's Workshop as collateral. What else was this if not suicide?

To prevent Xiao Luo from reneging, Zhang Hongda swiftly took a club and strode toward the teeing area. He said, "I'll go first."

He adeptly took his a swinging posture, took a glance at the hole, raised his club, and struck the ball with a 'whoosh.' The golf ball arced beautifully through the air before accurately dropping onto the putting green and rolling some distance forward.

The golf course staff ran over immediately with the measuring tape, accurately gauging the ball's distance from the hole.

"1.3 yards!"

When the staff reported the result, Luo Qi and Xu Guansong drew in jittery gasps. This was way too scary. He almost sunk the ball in one stroke. Zhang Hongda was undoubtedly a golf pro.

"Nice shot!" Fang Changlei applauded. "With your skills, Brother Zhang, you can defeat anyone in Jiangcheng."

"You flatter me, brother Fang, but this club isn't very fitting for me. I could've gotten the ball closer to the hole." Zhang Hongda was reasonably confident about this. He didn't feel that he was boasting at all.

"Haha! Show us a hole-in-one next!" Fang Changlei laughed.

Zhang Hongda didn't say a word. His silence was the best answer, although he did want to pull off a hole-in-one and make Xiao Luo give up altogether.

"Mr. Xiao, it's your turn now. Remember to take things slowly and don't swing the club right out of your hands," Fang Changlei waved at Xiao Luo. He was looking forward to Xiao Luo to make a fool out of himself.

"Relax, Mr. Xiao. This is only the first ball. You still have another four after this," Zhang Hongda said with a smile. No matter how he looked at him, he felt that Xiao Luo was just a dolt—competing with him at golf? Wasn't that seeking death?

"No pressure!"

Xiao Luo guzzled down the last of his tea, stood up, and headed straight for the teeing area.

"Boss..."

Luo Qi looked at everything anxiously. There was no room for error here, as 1.3 yards was such a close distance. How could Xiao Luo possibly get the ball closer to the hole than that?

Xu Guansong's eyebrows knitted together. It looked as though he was seriously pondering something.

Chapter 130

Xiao Luo did not walk towards his mark immediately. Instead, he motioned for his caddie to place the golf ball at the black tee marker, being the point with the longest yardage for that hole.

"What are you doing, Chairman Xiao?"

Fang Changlei contemptuously questioned the move. He didn't try to hide his look of belittlement and jocose as if he was watching a jester entertaining his audience. Regardless of what Xiao Luo tried, Fang couldn't see how Xiao could recover his position against Zhang Hongda's lead. He found Xiao Luo's action t hilarious!

Xiao Luo didn't bother to respond to Fang Changlei's derision. Stepping into the tee box, he took his driver from his caddie and walked towards his tee.

Zhang Hongda asked the steward for a change of teapot to brew a fresh round of tea. Zhang was brimming with confidence, sipping slowly from his teacup with a deep sense of satisfaction. Halfway through the course and there was no way Xiao Luo could even come close to his score. What a way to Luo's Workshop over a game of golf. He couldn't hide his glee.

DING. Congratulations! You've acquired the Golf Skills, at the cost of five hundred points!"

The system's digital voice notification spoke in Xiao Luo's cyber-enhanced mind.

As the wind started to pick up, the fringe of his hair tossed about in a flurry, and his microfiber golf top billowed like ripples in a fast-flowing stream. The golf club felt natural to him as he closed his hands around the grip with his fingers locked. He looked at the hole a long distance away, the flag fluttering furiously. He checked the windage, then keeping his eyes on the ball, he raised his club back, before it came down in a smooth arc to make clean contact with the ball. He held his pose as his weight transferred to his leading foot in his follow-through.

He was in total control of the shot.

"PING!"

The sheer speed of his club carried the white ball in a great distance, sailing handsomely over the fairway and high towards its intended target. It narrowly missed the sand bunker as it bounced and landed once onto the green.

It all happened so silently and unexpectedly but extremely clean!

The ball rolled with the momentum, and, to everyone's astonishment, it dropped into the hole. It was a hole in one!

The caddie was stunned, his jaw-dropping in pure disbelief. The ground staff joined him, wearing looks of astonishment at the sheer audacity of the stroke.

Luo Qi rubbed her eyes, shouted with uninhibited excitement. She didn't understand the game, but she knew that he did something spectacular. She swooned, "It's in, the big boss had sent the ball into the hole with just one swing!"

Xu Guansong, standing just beside her, blinked several times unintentionally, unable to digest what had just taken place.

Both Zhang Hongda and Fang Changlei Stood frozen. The smile that was so recently on their faces disappeared altogether. In their minds, they seemed to be saying the same thing, "What the f*ck?"

However, this was just a beginning.

Without breaking a step, Xiao Luo was already on his way to the next hole. Backswing, downswing, contact, follow through. PING. The same thing happened there, another hole in one!

One shot, one hole!

Moving down the course, he proceeded to ace the next hole, then the next one, and the next, over and over again. He made it look so easy that it seemed like he didn't even need to look at the ball.

Luo Qi was now hysterical and couldn't stop shouting, "The second ball in the hole, the third ball in the hole, the fourth ball is still in the hole! Oh my gosh, the big boss's super cool!"

Everyone on the course was astonished and had their eyes and mouths wide open with awe.

Zhang Hongda and Fang Changlei, on the other hand, looked like they had just consumed some ten catty of sh*t. At every shot, Xiao Luo made their hearts beat severely. When Xiao Luo aced his fifth hole in one, the teacup slipped from Zhang Hongda's hand, spilling the hot tea all over the floor.

Nobody could tell if it was the sound of shattering teacup that startled Fang Changlei, but his pipe slipped from his mouth fell on the ground almost simultaneously.

Five consecutive balls, and all aces!

Was this even possible?

It was impossible, as common sense would dictate!

However, the impossible did happen, and it happened right in front of everybody's motherf*cking eyes. Were their eyes playing tricks on them? Was this even a motherf*cking game of golf? How was it conceivable that he could land the ball right into a hole nearly three hundred meters away, hitting a tiny golf ball with a diameter of just over 40 millimeters? Even the master of the game could not match such skill, surely.

"All five of the balls, they...they were all holes in one?" Xu Guansong was still reeling from Xiao Luo's comeback. It just seemed surreal to him at that point in time.

"Yes, they were all in! The big boss's so cool, haha..." Luo Qi was so thrilled, hopping around like she was the one who aced all five of the balls. In her heart, Xiao Luo was one super cool dude.

Xiao Luo returned the club in the bag slung behind the caddie's back. He then turned around and walked towards Zhang Hongda and Fang Changlei's, a broad smile on his face.

All eyes were on him!

He caught everyone's imagination. A tall mountain of a man, in the minds of everybody present at the course. Everywhere he went, eyes followed.

He pulled a chair and sat opposite Zhang Hongda. Smiling, he said, "Chairman Zhang, are we still competing?"

Zhang Hongda and Fang Changlei kept silent, perhaps at a loss for words. But their faces told a story, it seemed to say, "Still competing? You had already f*cking hit all five aces, what was the point in continue competing?"

They were utterly crushed and had lost any chance of winning!

Staring blankly at Xiao Luo for an uncomfortably long time, Zhang Hongda finally gave in and declared. "I concede defeat," he said with a pale face.

"You little as*hole, did you play dumb and purposely trick me into this?"

Losing his calm, Fang Changlei stood up, spewing a copious flow of invective at Xiao Luo. It was entirely against the run of play. Not only had he now lost the eight million order from the Fuke Group, but he also lost a five million side bet with Xiao. It was too much to bear!

"You fell right into the trap I set, and this only shows that you're as dumb as a pig!"

Without any modesty, Xiao Luo took the five million on the table and put it in his pocket. He was here to deal with the Fuke Group, but as providence would have it, he was now leaving with much more than he had expected.

Fang Changlei's mouth started twitched a little, his face was dark, and he was grinding his teeth so hard, it made an audible screeching sound.

Before he could say a word, Xiao Luo taunted and said, "Could it be that the formidable future big boss of the company cannot afford to lose five million?"

"You..."

Unbridled anger raged within Fang Changlei, making him almost spit out blood.

At this point, Zhang Hongda stood up and bowed deeply to Fang Changlei. He said apologetically, "Brother Fang, I'm so sorry for this, I did not expect it to turn out this way. I...I'm so sorry for this year's order."

His face bore the pain of defeat, just like a rooster who had lost a fight. 𝙡𝓲𝙗𝒓𝙚𝓪𝙙.𝒄𝒐𝙢

It never once occurred to him that Xiao Luo who have such talent in playing golf. If he had not witnessed it personally, he would slap anyone who dared to say he consecutively aced five holes in one!

Fang Changleiclenched his fist unconsciously, he had never felt this crestfallen before today. The way the game was going, he was cocksure that Zhang Hongda would acquire Luo's Workshop in a single stroke. But the outcome was unexpected. He could still find ways to make trouble if it had not happened, given countless witnesses and video recordings. To think that he was the instrument behind this folly, convincing Zhang Hongda to bet his orders against Xiao Luo.

He banged on the table angrily and viciously, and he said to Xiao Luo, "I'll take back whatever I've lost, twice the amount! We shall see!"

With that, he grunted and left with his group of people. He was so infuriated that he was swearing as he walked away. Any sense of dignity, befitting that of a chairman of a successful company, lost with the bet.

"Chairman Zhang, we should talk about the orders in detail!" Xiao Luo said, smiling at Zhang Hongda.

Zhang Hongda wore an ironic smile, trying hard to hide his resentment. To anyone looking, he looked almost creepy. He had always looked down on Xiao Luo, seeing him as a young and inexperienced child, just finding his way in the business world. He had paid such a heavy price for it.

"How the heck did you ace all five balls?"

He couldn't place a finger on Xiao Luo's unbelievable performance. Luck was out of the question, but if the skill was the factor, he could quickly take on the likes of Tiger Woods.

1"Sign the contract, and I'll tell you." Xiao Luo said with an enigmatic smile.

Chapter 131

Not only did he successfully secure Fuke Group's order book, he even gained an extra seven million. What an unexpected windfall!

As soon as the contract was signed, both Luo Qi and Xu Guansong felt elated, as if they were in a dream. It was surreal, as Zhang Hongda's initial attitude was as cold as ice, and he was reluctant to accept the offer from Luo's Workshop. But Xiao Luo turned the tide at a single stroke.

"Big boss, were you serious about what you've said to Boss Zhang after signing the contract?" Luo Qi asked as she walked beside him. She now worshipped Xiao Luo.

"What did I say?"

"You said that as long as he practices swinging for five hours every day for ten years, he can hit the ball into the hole with one swing."

"Of course I'm serious, practice makes perfect, heh." Xiao Luo raised his brows and chuckled.

This made Luo Qi even more curious, and she said, "If that's the case, the reason why the big boss could hit all five balls into the hole. He must have persevered practicing for five hours of golf daily for ten years."

Xiao Luo just smiled and chose not to respond. He wasn't up to explaining the technicalities, and besides, he just wasn't in the mood to come up with white lies.

Since the trip to the Ming Tai golf course, Xu Guansong had formed a better understanding of Xiao Luo's mind. On the surface, he looked like a reckless youngster, was always in a daze, and unable to restrain himself. But on the contrary, he was able to seize the advantage the moment he recognized Zhang Hongda's pride in playing golf. He spotted it in the short time he was with him, no more than twenty minutes. He then manipulated that weakness to lure Zhong Hongda into his clever scheme, a step at a time.

Not only was he a capable tactician with the ability to execute his plan of action, but he was also a bright strategist of the highest order!

Within a short span of two hours, he secured the orders from Fuke Group and got a five-million-dollar payout from Fang Changlei. This was even larger than the profits generated by a casino. He now knew why Chu Yunxiong had placed such high regard for Xiao Luo. Such a character would shine anywhere he went in the world, what more in Luo's Workshop.

"Chairman Xiao!"

Xu Guansong came running towards Xiao Luo with some urgency. "Chairman Xiao," He called out again, with deep respect.

"Do you have business with me, Vice-chairman Xu?"

"Chairman Xiao, have you ever heard of the Dragon Gang before?"

The Dragon Gang?

Xiao Luo squinted; it was a name he had heard countless times. He had taken the lives of more than a hundred of their Gang members. Hearing that name spoken again, he was once again reminded of their reputation.

Thinking that Xiao Luo might not have heard of them, Xu Guangsong adjusted his glasses and explained, "The Dragon Gang is the biggest secret society around; it runs bars, restaurants, casinos, underground businesses including prostitution and drug trafficking. They have recruited about three thousand members. The Dragon Gang have their headquarters at the Guangming District. But their members are scattered all over the streets of Jiangcheng."

As soon as he finished, he looked anxiously at Xiao Luo, waiting for his reaction.

"Keep going." Xiao Luo said with mounting interest.

"The helmsman of the Dragon Gang's called Long Sankui, also known as Lord Long, and he has three thousand students under him. Rumor has it that he's a true master, capable of killing an opponent without spilling blood. He has a fierce face, and he's so ruthless that even a ghost fears him."

"Ok, then?"

"Chairman Xiao, do you know why Taste Buds could always suppress Luo's Workshop? Take the case of the elderly dying from eating contaminated bread at our outlet. Isn't it obvious that someone was behind it? The purpose was to tarnish our reputation. However, Fang Changmiao, Luo's Workshop's ex-boss, didn't dare even to resist. Instead, he sold Luo's Workshop to Boss Chu. Do you know why?"

"Why?"

Xiao Luo frowned. He couldn't yet put the finger on the whole sordid affair.

Xu Guansong looked around and ensured nobody was around, then said softly, "It's because Fang Changlei and Long Sankui have a special relationship. It's said that when Long Sankui had found himself in a most desperate situation in his early years, and it's Fang Changlei who had saved him. Since then, Long Sankui had been grateful towards Fang Changlei, his benefactor."

Fang Changmiao, the chairman, was preparing to sue Taste buds on illegal competition, he ended up getting abducted and almost thrown into the sea to feed fishes. This had terrified him so much that he left Jiangcheng immediately after reselling Luo's Workshop to Boss Chu. There's hardly any news about him even until now.

"Why did I not know about Dragon Gang's abduction of Boss Fang?" Luo Qi blinked and asked.

Xu Guansong rolled his eyes at her and said, "How could you possibly know? I also knew it through drinking with Chairman Fang who's depressed, as he accidentally leaked it when he became drunk."

"You mean, due to Fang Changlei, Dragon Gang might come for me just like how they came for Fang Changmiao?" Xiao Luo said, making his point.

"The chance is very high." Xu Guangsong said, nodding.

"Won't they worry about being put in the jail by the police?" Luo Qi asked.

"Luo Qi, you're still as naive as ever. The world isn't as beautiful as you've imagined, all the filth is concealed behind a gorgeous facade. As of now, cruel crimes are taking place in every corner of the world. There're two sides of a coin, the black comes together with the white, just like light is to darkness. In such a tiny piece of land such as Jiangcheng, Long Sankui represents the black and the darkness." Xu Guansong said earnestly.

Xiao Luo smiled, and he agreed with Xu Guangsong's understanding of the situation.

He patted Xu Guangsong on his shoulder and said, "Under the present circumstance, we can't do too much. Let's roll with the punches!"

With that, he opened the car door and got in.

"Chairman Xiao, I still think that it's best if you reconcile with Fang Changlei. Ordinary folks like us can't deal with Dragon Gang; not even the government can do anything to them. They can only be contained temporarily. Taking out the Dragon Gang would only lead to another gang rising in its place. The current structure is balanced and stable enough to avoid turf wars breaking out." 𝙡𝙞𝓫𝙧𝒆𝙖𝓭.𝙘𝙤𝙢

"Reconcile? How to reconcile? By signing unequal treaties with him for a momentary truce just like the latter-day Qing government?" Xiao Luo sneered, wondering what Xu Guansong had in mind.

"We definitely can't do this, that Chairman Fang's a vicious person. Even if we were to compensate him financially, he'd never let the matter rest and think of every possible way to gradually destroy Luo's Workshop." Luo Qi said with a serious look on her face.

"I'm thinking about Chairman Xiao's safety. What do you understand?" Xu Guansong scolded.

"Hmph, I don't believe that Dragon Gang can hoodwink the public in Jiangcheng. It's just a gangster group. How can it work above the country's law?" Luo Qi snapped.

"Start the engine, we're going back to the company!" Xiao Luo waved and cut off their arguments directly.

...

After browsing through a list of several dozen key customers prepared by Li Zimeng, Xiao Luo came up with a plan of action that would put pressure on Taste Buds. Fang Changlei had pissed him off, so of course, he intended to return Fang Changlei the favor in kind.

The total amount of mooncake orders that Taste Buds had received from these companies were valued over thirty million, just from a single traditional festival. Adding the daily profits from their outlets, the returns from the pastry industry were lucrative.

Xiao Luo planned to assume control over Taste Buds' key accounts, using the personal weaknesses of their owners to devise his schemes.

Being his assistant, Luo Qi, who had been working closely, finally came up to speed with his bag of tricks. These bosses tended to have some unique hobbies, such as car racing, sports, clubbing, and women.

Xiao Luo would first look for the weaknesses of each of them. They would easily be entrapped in his schemes, just like Zhang Hongda had. For those few who would not succumb to either blackmail or threats, then Xiao Luo would resort to kidnapping their children.

The plan would be carried out, by hook or by crook!

Nothing would be too extreme!

Chapter 132

"There are three phases of being a businessman, and this is phase one. It's the initial accumulation phase by making money unscrupulously, and going against conscience and morals..."

Xiao Luo was explaining the three main phases of being a businessman to Luo Qi, which was told to him by Zhang Dashan before, "I'm right now at phase one. Taste Buds started the unfair competition, I shall respond to it in the same way they started it, an eye for an eye."

"You've suddenly become terrifying, big boss!" Luo Qi thought out aloud.

Smart with tricks, courageous, insightful, highly capable, and, most importantly, fierce. One couldn't tell until one had known Xiao Long for long enough, then his qualities become apparent.

"Then, would you still want to work for me?" Xiao Luo said cheekily, putting on a frowning face.

"Of course I would, the word "terrifying" I've just used, was meant to be a compliment, not about the big boss being really scary." Luo Qi stressed her point strongly.

"A compliment?"

"Sometimes, I can't understand what you creative people are saying." Xiao Luo chuckled, and his face brightened up.

Luo Qi grinned.

"Oh right, how many of them remain?" Xiao Luo asked.

Luo Qi opened the folder and glanced through the list, then raising her head she answered, "Just one more, it's Jiang Yongchun, the boss of Yingtong Plastic Factory, this fella seems to be difficult to deal with."

"Why?"

"Jiang Yongchun happens to be Taste Buds' most loyal customer. He doesn't have any special interests in particular, but only that he's very fond of cigarettes and fine wine. By the way, he's still single and doesn't seem to be interested in women. Someone once sent him women to curry favors, but she ended up getting chased out by him." Luo Qi said.

Xiao Luo sat on the backseat and was tapping lightly along the frame of the car window. "He's loaded, he wouldn't have a problem acquiring any kinds of cigarettes or fine wine, so these aren't enough to deal with him. However, it surprised me a little that he's not interested in women." Xiao Luo thought.

"Why'd you say that?" Luo Qi asked with her big charming eyes blinking.

"It's ok for a man not to love cigarettes, fine wine, and even sports cars, but it's impossible for him not to love pretty ladies. It's the nature of man; it's a code written in our genes. As long as a man is normal, he couldn't possibly be unattracted to pretty ladies." Xiao Luo said.

Upon hearing that, Luo Qi blushed and countered, "But aren't big boss yourself uninterested in pretty ladies?"

"Am I?" Xiao Luo asked back.

"Of course, you are."

Luo Qi thrust her chest up and pouted slightly, exposing her charming and flirtatious side. She meant that Xiao Luo would react similarly, should a woman be sent over to him for such a purpose.

Xiao Luo blushed unexpectedly, feeling like the young girl was teasing him.

"Wow, big boss, so you have a shy side." Luo Qi laughed infectiously, Overjoyed by her little discovery.

Xiao Luo pretended to clear his throat with a cough, then sounding like Xu Guansong, he said in a serious tone, "don't fool around, be more serious."

"Roger, teehee..." Luo Qi made a salutation pose.

Xiao Luo quickly changed the subject, going back to the previous topic, "A normal man wouldn't be able to resist pretty ladies, unless that Jiang Yongchun has issues down there."

"Big boss, you're saying his willy's incapable?"

It seemed like Luo Qi was not embarrassed by asking this question at all, and with her big round eyes, she stared directly at Xiao Luo, curious for a response.

Xiao Luo nodded, affirming what she had just said. He appeared to have found a way to deal with Jiang Yongchun.

"DING, DING, DING"

Just at that moment, a familiar, monotonous ring interrupted the discussion.

Xiao Luo took out his phone to check, and it was an unfamiliar number, not saved in his contact list. As he pressed the answer button and about to ask who the caller was, an urgent voice came from the other end of the phone call.

"Why's he not picking up, why's he not picking up...Hello, is this Xiao Luo?" the speaker Sounded relieved that she got through.

It was a lady's voice!

"I'm, who's this?" Xiao Luo asked softly.

"Come quickly to the city affiliated hospital, Mengqi's hospitalized." The woman said anxiously.

Zhao Mengqi?!

Xiao Luo frowned, and said with a cynical smile, "You got the wrong guy, right?"

He was about to hang up.

"Don't hang up, Mengqi's seriously ill, and the doctor said she might not make it. She's in a coma now and keeps crying your name. I only found your number by checking the contact list on her phone. Please come quickly." The woman on the other end of the line was anxious. She almost sounded like she was in tears.

Xiao Luo stayed silent for a while.

"What's the room number?"

Xiao Luo was not a heartless person. Even if he was not in a relationship with Zhao Mengqi, he could not change the fact that they used to be college mates. She was now critically ill and in a coma, and it would be against his nature not to pay a visit.

"ICU, Room 306!"

After being informed of Zhao Mengqi's whereabouts, Xiao Luo hung up, and he was speechless. I would not have happened if he had not given his number to Zhao Mengqit so quickly, even if it was unintentional. It was now impossible for him to ignore that Zhao Mengqi was critically ill and in a coma.

"Is there a situation, big boss?" Luo Qi asked.

"A friend's been hospitalized."

Xiao Luo did not lie to her as there was nothing to hide. Zhao Mengqi was but one of many who had come into his life and would not be the last. It was time to cut her off completely. He did not want her to make contact again in the future.

"You go back to the office first. I'll take a look."

"Remember to get a bouquet. That's the proper thing to do when visiting patients." Luo Qi reminded.

"What kind of flowers are suitable?"

Xiao Luo was not very familiar with such matters.

"Bringing flowers when visiting someone in a hospital is meant to cheer them up. It shows care and concern, a wish for them to be safe, and to get well soon. You should choose flowers that are elegant, brightly colored, and fragrant, such as calamus, orchids, kumquats, Peruvian lilies, roses, carnations.".. Luo Qi rattled off the list with ease.

Xiao Luo felt that it was a little too complicated, "Never mind, I'll go empty-handed." 𝙡𝙞𝒃𝓻𝒆𝓪𝒅.𝓬𝒐𝒎

Besides, he was just visiting for a while and didn't want to over-complicate a simple visit.

He arrived at the city-affiliated public hospital by taxi.

Xiao Luo headed directly to ICU room 306 and knocked on the door lightly.

A woman appeared at the door, her face framed in wavy hair. She asked, in anticipation, "Are you Xiao Luo?"

Her concerned eyes brightened up when she saw Xiao Luo at the door.

Xiao Luo nodded and entered the room. There he saw Zhao Mengqi lying on the hospital bed. She had an oxygen mask over her nose and mouth. She looked pale, so unlike the raving beauty he remembered,

"What happened to her?" He asked in a detached tone as if speaking to a stranger.

"It's acute appendicitis. The doctor said her appendix was ruptured. It's life-threatening. She has just undergone emergency surgery, and her condition is stable for now. But the follow-up treatment still requires about seventy to eighty thousand." The woman with the wavy hair replied urgently. She appeared edgy and stressed.

"What about Hua Haifeng, her boyfriend?"

" He broke up with her when she fell ill. He even called to tell her it's better to die, as he wouldn't be paying a penny for her treatment." The woman said, biting her lips in anger.

Xiao Luo shook his head and sneered. Hearing about what a douchebag Hua Haifeng was infuriated him.

Chapter 133

Xiao Luo walked towards where Zhao Mengqi lay, tucked in her bed, asleep. He couldn't tell if she was in deep slumber. He peered at her face from where he stood, and she appeared pale in the dim-lit room. There was a look of casual indifference on his face, a look that hardly conveyed how much she used to mean to him.

Did he resent her?

To be honest, for a time, he felt bitter. He just couldn't believe it happened. He kept running it through his mind endlessly. Then the accident happened. That certainly jolted him back to his senses, a new perspective, if you like. He couldn't keep clinging on to past events that he had no control over. It was time to let go. Perhaps the specter of death does that to a man – it removed the clutter and helped him to see life as it was.

Fate always plays a fickle hand in matters of love. For some people, it's like two ships passing in the night, while others it may blossom into lasting relationships, only to break apart at the first signs of trouble. Such things have a way of making one grow up. It makes them stronger in the end.

"You're Xiao Lou, aren't you?" a voice came from behind him. It startled him somewhat, he wasn't expecting anyone else. But, he kept his composure, turning towards the direction of the voice. It was Zhao Mingqe's roommate. She recognized him immediately as Mengqi's ex-boyfriend. "Her condition deteriorated about half a month ago. When she gets back from work, she'll be sitting at the table in a daze most of the time. Sometimes she even cries to herself." She felt compelled to fill him in with the details, her wavy hair framing her exaggerated expression of compassion. Without letting up, she chipped in, "Do you know, she said she was so silly to abandon a good man like you. You are so loving and always doting on her." As Zhao Mengqi's roommate, she felt duty-bound to bring the pair back together again, and she was doing so with such high drama!

Xiao Luo stood facing the woman, hands casually in his pockets. He kept a kindly composure, but his face showed no emotions, in a deadpan kind of way. He turned slightly, tilting his head towards Mengqi, and spoke gently, almost to himself, "It's not too late to start over. Find the love you're looking for." He sighed quietly before he continued, "Two months is not a long time to find out a man's true character, please forget about me."

Zhao Mengqi stirred as she sensed a familiar presence, but she could barely open her eyes. It took a while to find her focus, then a glow returned to her cheeks. She spoke faintly, "Is this a dream? It's such a beautiful dream..." she trailed off without completing her sentence.

She shut both her eyes tightly, as if not wanting her dream to end. She thought she was hallucinating. Was that Xiao Luo standing next to her?

"Mengqi, this is not a dream, open your eyes, it's Xiao Luo. He is here." The woman had suddenly positioned herself between the two, voluntarily taking on the role of peacemaker.

"Really?"

She was incredulous, and said to her friend in an almost pleading tone, "Don't you lie to me, Linger." As tears rolled down her cheeks, she sobbed, "Even if it's a dream, it'll be enough for me. Luo, I'm so sorry for leaving you. I'm so sorry..."

At a loss of what to do, she kept her eyes shut, not wanting to know if this was all a dream at all. She just didn't have the courage to Xiao Luo again.

"You don't have to be sorry, you just chose your own life and we don't owe each other anything. I'm here today as your classmate, and I'm asking you to live your life as how you wanted to. As how you should. Have courage."

"Luo, thank you. You are right. I was naïve and I didn't cherish what I had. It's too late for regrets now." Her voice breaking, she poured out her feelings openly, "If I could start all over again, I'd hold you tight and never let you go again."

Tears streamed down her face as she spoke, and she grimaced, struggling to hold back the tears. Memories of happier and simpler times flashed by, she almost smiled as she recalled the times he prepared her favorite egg fried rice. It seemed to her the days of innocence were now long past, and she was solely responsible for destroying that love. It was a hard lesson indeed. She hated herself for that.

1"We are no longer the same people we once were, Mengqi." Xiao Luo said gently. 𝑙𝒾𝒷𝘳𝑒𝑎𝘥.𝒸ℴ𝓂

"Yeah..." Zhao Mengqi smiled bitterly.

Squeak.

The room door opened, and a doctor leaned in from behind it with a stern word, "You two, the patient needs to rest. Don't talk for too long!" Xiao Luo nodded and said to Zhao Mengqi, "Take good care of yourself!"

Then, he turned away and promptly left the room, without so much as a backward glance. He wanted to believe that Zhao Mengqi would be able to start over again after leaving Hua Haifeng. This thought gave him a sense of relief.

As soon as they stepped out of the room, Xiao Luo passed a UnionPay card to Ma Linger. "There're ten thousand dollars in this card, the password's 666666, please take care of her."

Ma Linger raised an eyebrow. 10 thousand dollars, just like that – he was indeed rich. Mengqi sure missed out on a fine catch!

"Just don't tell her I was here when she recovers. Just tell her she was hallucinating. As for the money, you'll figure out something." Xiao Luo said plainly, meaning every word of it.

"Ok, Alright."

Ma Linger nodded quickly in acknowledgment. She suddenly felt the burden of the UnionPay card in her hand.

1******

"Hello, Boss Chen, your orders are soon to be... What? You don't want them? You can't do this right, Boss Chen? I trusted you so we didn't sign the contract, but how could you just abandon the orders? They're worth more than a hundred thousand!"

Fang Changlei was speaking from the general manager's office at Taste Buds. When he got confirmation that the other party had rescinded the orders, he jumped off his chair, raising his voice with an intimidating tone. Before he could protest, the other party had already hung up. He felt his anger rising even digital tone from his receiver resounded across the room. "beep... beep... beep".

"F*ck, who's been messing around behind my back!"

Fang Changlei was livid! He flung the phone hard against the floor. He was infuriated, looking like he was about to tear someone apart. This was the eighth phone call, all of them to regular customers, each one canceling their orders. And these were familiar, old friends and customers that he regularly plied with hostesses in steamy private rooms. They shared very solid business relationships. So it was indeed vexing that every single of them had called in to cancel their orders. Without a doubt, someone was messing with Taste Buds.

"Chairman Fang, what did they say? Why'd they cancel the orders so suddenly?" The male assistance asked meekly, not at all sure what was going on.

"I have don't have the details, but they all said someone has a hold over them and had them sign contracts with some other supplier, ordering mooncakes from another brand...Another brand! Damn, could it be Luo's Workshop?"

Fang Changlei, couldn't help feeling a sense of déjà vu. A few days ago, the orders from Zhang Hongda, of Fuke Group also slipped by from right under his nose. He pulled his pipe away from his mouth, and voiced his thoughts aloud, "Could it be that little a**hole who's screwing me up from behind?

The male assistant noticed his expression had turned dark, he stayed as silent as a church mouse, trembling in the corner where he stood.

"No, no, no, it's impossible, that little as*hole never had this kind of muscle."

Fang Changlei could not stop waving his hand around as he ran through the list of possible suspects in his head. As he cupped his hand across his chin, he said to himself again, "If Boss Chu was involved, it'd be as easy as ABC, Boss Chu regarded that little as*hole extremely highly, after all."

As he pondered further, he looked more and more perplexed, "So is it Boss Chu who wants to mess with me?"

The more he thought about it, the scarier it got. Even though he had a good relationship with the Dragon Gang and Long Sankui, yet he was no match to Chu Yunxiong. "If the black force of Jiangcheng was Dragon Gang, then the white force had to be Chu Yunxiong. If Chu Yunxiong wanted to deal with him, then he might as well..." Fang Changlei's head was in a spin, as he explored the possible scenarios, "But, why?"

He had no beef with Chu Yunxiong, going as far as arranging for the marriage of his son to Chu's daughter. He had treated Chu Yunxiong with respect like Lafayette, there was no reason for Chu Yunxiong to deal with him!

1He couldn't help feeling like he was groping around in a fog. Fang Changlei broke into a cold sweat, he barked out an order, "Quick, get the car, I'd like to visit Boss Chu."

"Yessir."

The male assistant, jumped in response, nodded hurriedly, and left to make immediate arrangements.

Fang Changlei had to know for certain if Chu Yunxiong was the one behind this whole episode. If not, he would not be able to eat or sleep in peace.

Chapter 134

The factory director, Jiang Yongchun, didn't turn down Xiao Luo's request for a meeting. His men led Xiao Luo to his office. Without even asking him to have a seat, Jiang Yongchun went hard at Xiao Luo, "Mr. Xiao, so you're some wise guy, huh? Manipulating Mr. Chen and the other buyers into your scheme and forcing them to sign contracts with Luo's Workshop. Now you've even got their orders for Mid-autumn Festival. Awesome strategy, awesome strategy indeed!"

His physical appearance could best be described as full; he had chubby cheeks and small slits for eyes. As he stared at Xiao Luo with displeasure, he looked a mean and vicious figure. Being Taste Buds' most loyal customer, his hostility was understandable. The only reason he agreed to meet was to insult Xiao Luo in his face. He was venting out his anger on Taste Buds and Fang Changlei's behalf, on account of his close relationship with them.

"Mr. Jiang, you don't have to be so hostile. I'm here today to talk about business. As businessmen, revenue is our top priority. Let's set aside all personal matters."

Xiao Luo smiled. He then took the contract from Luo Qi, waving it in front of Jiang Yongchun, and gently placed it on his desk. "What you can get for 500 thousand dollars' worth at Taste Buds, you can purchase with just 450 thousand dollars buying from us." Xiao Luo said, appealing to his business logic. "Perhaps 50 thousand may account for nothing in your eyes, but even a fly is worth something, no matter how small it might be, right? Mr. Jiang, why don't you consider giving your orders to Luo's Workshop?"

"Giving you my orders? Ridiculous! I go back a long way with Taste Buds. Friendship is not something to trifle with, in my book. Luo's Workshop, you're nothing in my eyes!"

Jiang Yongchun threw a tantrum, yelling, he grabbed the contract and flung it at Xiao Luo. The thick document came apart midair, and for a brief moment, a flight of paper floated dramatically right in front of Xiao Luo, before settling chaotically all over him.

Looking on, Luo Qi was thoroughly miffed at how Jiang was treating her boss. When she started work at Luo's Workshop, she'd stay in the back of house researching on all sorts of pastries. Luo Qi seldom had any contact with other bosses in the market. Now that she was following Xiao Luo around, she had gained a more in-depth understanding of the characters of these wealthy bosses. They behaved just like gangsters, insulting others as they like, and getting their way when it suited them.

"Mr. Jiang, this temper of yours will not do you any good!"

Despite having the contract thrown right in the face, Xiao Luo maintained a cocky smile on his face. He hid his chagrin and contained the instinctive urge to kick the old geezer up his behind. On any other day, that would undoubtedly have been the outcome, but he was, after all, only there to conduct business.

"I get heated up just looking at your face, little boy. Do you know what kind of friendship I have with Mr. Fang? You want me to do business with Luo's Workshop? Who the f*ck you think you are? What makes you think you can challenge Mr. Fang when your pubic hair isn't even done growing yet? Do you think you can get away with that? Not just Mr. Fang, even I, Jiang Yongchun, can smash Luo's Workshop up like it's child's play! Don't mess with us!"

Jiang Yongchun pointed his finger aggressively at both of them. "You and your little b*tch, get out of here, now! Don't come and provoke me ever again, or else I'll let Luo's Workshop have a taste of my wrath!" He warned them with genuine menace.

It made him feel superior, humiliating Xiao Luo the way he did. It would be something to boast about when the boys got together.

Xiao Luo shook his head, and said to him in feigned concern, "Mr. Jiang, if I guessed correctly, you've passed out three days ago without any apparent reason, am I correct?"

As soon as he said that, Jiang Yongchun drew back, but managed to hide his shock somewhat. "What did you just say? Are you investigating me?"

In truth, Jiang Yongchun was aghast that Xiao even knew about it. He did indeed pass out three days ago. It happened at his home for no apparent reason. He immediately went to the hospital for examination and found nothing. They only said that he might have squatted for too long and that, combined with his low blood pressure, had caused an oxygen deficiency in his brain. These ultimately resulted in him passing out temporarily. Only Jiang and his wife knew about this matter, and there was no way an outsider could've learned about that. So, from where did Xiao Luo hear it?

Xiao Luo didn't provide him with a straightforward answer. He looked at his face and said knowledgeably, "Gassy stomach, fatigued body, deepened voice, short of breath during movements, prone to sweating, palpitations, pale appearance: all of these are indications that you're sick. What's more, this isn't some minor illness. It's a condition serious enough to kill you."

"What nonsense are you talking about? I am very much in pink!"

While he was saying that, his disposition betrayed his false confidence. What Xiao Luo had just pointed out were precisely the symptoms he had been showing lately.

"Is that so?"

Xiao Luo smiled, "I bet that isn't the first time you passed out. You would've passed out for the first time about a year ago. Since then, you've found it increasingly difficult to perform during sexual activities. After you passed out for the fourth time, you were no longer capable of having sex. You desire it, but your body won't answer, am I right?"

As soon as he said that, Jiang Yongchun burst into a cold sweat. Everything he said was right. This wiseguy seemed like he has been watching him for the past year. How could this even be possible?

In an instant, shock turned to horror. Xiao Luo had now become a phantom figure in his mind!

"H-how did you know that?"

Jiang Yongchun's response verified everything that Xiao Luo pointed out. Luo Qi simply looked at her boss, Xiao Luo, with a sense of amazement. "That was incredible," she thought. Was her boss also a miracle doctor?

Xiao Luo was undoubtedly a miracle healer, as he specialized in traditional Chinese medicine. He exchanged the talent from the system with 800 points before he came to Yingtong Plastic Factory, with the sole purpose of dealing with Jiang Yongchun. He had known that he wasn't interested in women. As a man, there must be something wrong with his body for him to lose interest in pretty lasses.

In traditional Chinese medical science: seeing, hearing, asking, and correlating the findings were the basis of finding a path to wellness. Now that Xiao Luo had acquired this talent, the skill he possessed was the top-notch level. It allowed him to tell Jiang Yongchun's sickness at a glance.

Xiao Luo lifted his eyebrows and said matter-of-factly, "By looking at you, of course."

"N-n-nonsense! Say another word, and I'll call security!" Jiang Yongchun refused to believe one bit of Xiao Luo's words.

"You'll know whether I'm telling the truth in four days because, at that time, you will pass out again for no reason. The shortening interval between your fainting spells is like a countdown to your life. If you do not hurry up and seek medical attention, you would probably live for another six months at the most, while spending at least half of the time in a sickbed," said Xiao Luo.

Six months left to live?!

At this moment, Jiang Yongchun felt his soul leaving his body. If Xiao Luo were able to diagnose his symptoms accurately, it would be unwise to refute his prediction that he may genuinely have only six months left to live.

"You're justf*ckin trying to frighten me. I've been to the best hospital in Jiangcheng, and they all say that there's absolutely nothing is wrong with my body! Y-you're trying to with me...!" He pointed at Xiao Luo with a trembling hand, almost hoping he'd take back what he said.

Xiao Luo stood up, not planning to waste any more of his time there.

"There's no reason for me to fool you. I'll be waiting at Luo's Workshop." He said curtly, and added, "You better keep every piece of the contract on the floor. I will not accept it if any page is stained. Between Taste Buds and Luo's Workshop, I believe you will make the right choice."

Upon finishing, he waved his hand and promptly left with Luo Qi.

"You wanna scare me? Do you think I was brought up eating fear? Scram you little kid!"

Jiang Yongchun yelled out from his office. But after he calmed down, he felt overcome by a growing, impending doom. For a while, he stared blankly at the contract documents scattered on the ground. At last, he walked over, bent down, picked them up one by one, and placed them together carefully.

He couldn't hazard a single mishap. No matter how wealthy he was, he needed his health to live to enjoy his riches. For successful bosses like him, when it concerned life and death, they would even be afraid of their shadows.

Chapter 135

With adequate rest, Feng Wuhen and the four had recovered well from their injuries. Their robust build and physical conditions also attributed to their quick recovery.

They had been uncomfortable with any inference that they were leeching off Xiao Luo and had asked him if they could come under his employ.

"Any job will do, Brother Xiao. Please, we aren't picky." Feng Wuhen had said, with deep respect.

Xiao Luo sat on the sofa, switching between TV channels absentmindedly, checking for any interesting programs. He asked, "Are your injuries, alright, now?"

"We're alright. We healed a long time ago." Feng Wuhen pounded on his firm chest.

"They eat pig d*cks, cow d*cks, and chicken d*cks every day. I was like this close away from buying real human p*ssy to 'nourish' them." Zhang Dashan held up two fingers close together to make his point. "If their wounds don't heal up, well, I think I'll have to readjust the views I have towards this world, won't I?" He continued as he walked towards them.

Hearing those words, Feng Wuhen and his friends were speechless.

Zhang Dashan dropped himself down on the sofa, snatching the remote control from Xiao Luo's hands. He switched to a blind-date reality show. His eyes roamed, then widened as he stared straight at the upper row of girls. "What the heck, number twelve, the one I've always been following, she's taken already? By a friggin n*gga as well? Holy macaroni, she like BBCs so much, eh?"

Xiao Luo glanced at him, "Is your head ok? Do you stay at home all day just to watch these dumbass blind-date programs?"

"What do you know about them? You think I'm watching it because I'm... watching it? I am here to study the nuanced style and wit of that bald host, ok? Look at the way he talks. He sounds like a sage. Holy pepperoni, he's cool as hell. When I take over the Luo's Workshop from you, I want to have his demeanor," Zhang Dashan refuted.

"Then, I think you should hurry up and give yourself a bald cut!" Xiao Luo stood up and went towards the corner of the room for a drink at the water dispenser.

"Bald your foot. How can this big face of mine suit that kind of hairstyle?" Zhang Dashan retorted, acting pissed.

"Brother Zhang, I think you got it wrong. How can it be called a hairstyle when you don't even have hair left?"

"Yeah, in our dialect, that is called a 'monk-ey cut," which means kinda like a bald donkey."

"Being a bald donkey ain't great, they can only be with nuns, and nuns are worst. Whoever marries a nun will be jinxed for three generations. Ling Wu Chung in 'The Smiling, Proud Wanderer' even said that whenever he sees a nun, he loses every bet he makes."

Xiaowu and the other three men chattered among themselves. Their deadpan faces seemed like they were trying not to ridicule anyone, but it was apparent that they were talking about Zhang Dashan.

"F*ck off! Go to the side!"

Zhang Dashan didn't take too kindly to Feng Wuhen and his friends. He had been nursing them back to health like he was a doting parent over the past few days. Thinking about it made him cringe on the inside.

Xiao Luo sat back down on the sofa after getting his glass of water, "The six of you shouldn't be staying here at home. The company has just received a ton of orders. The factory is all tied up because of them. Ready yourselves and follow me to the company. We need to find Lin Chongdong from the Human Resource Department to get yourselves a job."

"Me included?" Zhang Dashan pointed at himself.

"Duh. Even these guys know how to feel embarrassed, leeching off me. Don't you feel the same? Even a tiny little bit?"

Xiao Luo sipped on his tea and said unhurriedly, "I'll handover Luo's Workshop to you after the company has stabilized, so you have to understand the company's system, alright? I've thought about it, and I think you should start from the bottom. You may begin by learning our food processing technology."

"You shit, actually making me a regular employee. Bro, doesn't your conscience in here even hurt a little?"

Zhang Dashan acted like he was heartbroken. Of course, he didn't oppose this arrangement. He already knew Xiao Luo's abilities were way above him in every aspect. If he didn't work harder, he would not be able to take up the post of general manager at Luo's Workshop in the future. He understood the need for him to start from the very bottom.

Xiao Luo ignored him and continued drinking his tea.

"Brother Xiao, how much do we get paid every month?" Feng Wuhen inquired with anticipation.

"Basic pay will be 2.2k in the first three months and will rise to about 2.5 to 2.6k after that. If you work overtime every day, given the number of orders we have now, you can earn about five grand every month," said Xiao Luo.

Five grand?

The five of them were elated, hardly believing what they just heard.

"Five grand, per person, per month?"

"That's right."

Xiao Luo affirmed with a nod.

Wahh!

They gasped, dazed from what they just heard. Five thousand dollars per month? There were goldmines everywhere in this metropolis, and they've finally gotten themselves into one.

"Hurry up, and thank Brother Xiao!" Feng Wuhen quickly prompted his companions to thank Xiao Luo.

"Thank you, Brother Xiao!"

The men clasped their fists together in traditional Chinese fashion and expressed their gratitude towards Xiao Luo. Even in their dreams, they never thought they would ever get their hands on a job that paid five thousand dollars per month. The bad days were gone, finally gone. Recollecting the harsh times they'd gone through over the past few months, they suddenly felt emotions getting the better of them, and almost teared up.

"Don't be too happy just yet. As regular workers, yes, your benefits might be ok but, the work itself is laborious. You'll be working in two shifts. Day shifts are better; the night shifts would deplete you. These five grand will not be easy money. You have to be mentally prepared," Zhang Dashan reminded.

"We are not afraid of hardship!" Feng Wuhen said resolutely.

Xiao Luo stood up and patted him on his shoulders, "Work and learn more. When you have acquired your skills, I'll get you guys to do some other stuff."

1"Yes, Brother Xiao," Feng Wuhen nodded quickly, with both a tinge of excitement and anticipation for the new job.

Zhang Dashan quivered in disgust as he teased, "You f*ckhead, you're acting more and more like a boss now, aren't you? You e know how to encourage your employees."

"Mr. Xiao, I have to tell you about our issues. The amount of orders we received is way beyond our factory's production capacity." Zhang Donghai, a wrinkled face man, spoke to Xiao Luo. "The Mid-Autumn Festival will arrive in half a month. Even if everyone in the factory works overtime,24 hours per day with no sleep, we may not be able to make it," Luo's Workshop's factory director grumbled.

With the Fuke Group's order and the orders from Taste Buds, all put together, it was truly overwhelming for Luo's Workshop, given their production capacity.

"We don't have to fulfill everyone. Just produce as many as we can," Xiao Luo said faintly.

"But aren't we going to breach our contracts? If that happens, we have to pay a huge sum of money," Zhang Donghai said, spreading his hands while frowning.

Xiao Luo smiled, "Relax, and we won't be breaching any contracts. Our contracts are all drawn up based on our production capacity. As of the Mid-Autumn festival, they'll be taking as much as we can produce. There's no issue.

For the customers they snatched over from Taste Buds, their contract did not stipulate that the Luo's Workshop had to meet their order requirement. The terms were that they would receive orders based on the quantity Luo's workshop could produce. He added this item exclusively in consideration of Luo's Workshop's production capacity.

All the bosses of these companies had either lost their bets or had some secrets in his hands. They had to comply even they did not wish to.

"Huh? D-does that even work?"

Zhang Donghai was startled. He had never seen such a lop-sided and unreasonable contract. The question was, why did those customers sign on them? What in the world was going on, what had Mr. Xiao done?

"Knock. Knock. Knock."

At that very moment, someone knocked on the office door.𝑙𝒾𝒷𝘳𝑒𝑎𝒹.𝑐𝑜𝓂

Chapter 136

Mrs. Liu from the Customer Service Department walked in. She spoke to Xiao Luo respectfully, "Mr. Xiao, Mr. Jiang from Yingtong Plastic Factory, is requesting to meet you."

Before the office door had shut, an anxious squeal came from the direction of open office area outside, "Mr. Xiao, Mr. Xiao, it is Jiang Yongchun here! I'm here to talk about the job order for the Mid-Autumn Festival!"

"Jiang Yongchun?"

Zhang Donghai was beyond words. As a veteran in Luo's Workshop, he was aware of who Jiang Yongchun was. He was Taste Buds' most loyal customer. He had even once declared that, as long as his plastic factory still stood, he would order from Taste Buds. That included all the pastries for their staff for every festival of the year. But what was going on here? Why did Jiang Yongchun suddenly come to their doors himself to talk about a job order?

Nothing about what he had just witnessed made any sense at all!

Jiang Yongchun caused a considerable commotion as he made his ay to Xiao Luo's office. Everyone turned to look at him, including Xu Guansong, Lin Chongdong, and Li Zimeng. When they saw Jiang Yongchun, they all wore a look of disbelief on their faces because he wasn't someone that would ever show up at their company.

"Mr. Jiang, may I ask if you're here for?"

Xu Guansong approached him. He couldn't believe that Taste Buds' most loyal customer was here at Luo's Workshop to discuss a job order. He was concerned that Jiang Yongchun was here to make trouble.

"Where's Mr. Xiao? Mr. Xu, hurry up and tell me where's Mr. Xiao." Jiang Yongchun was anxiously hopping about, desperate for directions.

"Calm down, first things first, tell me why you want to meet Mr. Xiao?" Xu Guansong said, trying to calm him down.

Jiang Yongchun shook his head, "I can't talk to you about this, only to Mr. Xiao. Hurry up and take me to Mr. Xiao."

"Jiang Yongchun!"

Xiao Luo leaned half his body from behind his room door and shouted over to Jiang.

"Mr. Xiao, l-little brother, I-I've finally found you."

As soon as he saw Xiao Luo, Jiang Yongchun was so relieved that he almost burst into tears. With a black briefcase between his armpit, he squeezed past Xu Guansong and sprinted right towards Xiao Luo's office.

Zhang Donghai and Mrs. Liu from the Customer Service Department were just leaving the office. Jiang Yongchun brushed past them as if they weren't there and only had Xiao Luo in his eyes. With his body bowed humbly, he entered the office room with a nervous smile on his face.

"Close the door!" said Xiao Luo.

"Alright..."

With a forced smile, Jiang Yongchun gently closed the office door.

W-what in the world is going on?

All of Luo's Workshop's office workers were stunned. One must know that Jiang Yongchun had only recently shown his hostility towards Luo's Workshop. He had never been on friendly terms with them. So what was going on now? He had his body bent and was being as respectful as a lapdog. Had the sun begun to rise in the west, or had he taken the wrong medication?

1"What's going on with Jiang Yongchun? Why does he look like he's here to appease Mr. Xiao?" Xu Guansong mumbled to himself, his brows furrowed.

Li Zimeng didn't say anything. Her delicate face was a picture of surprise.

Many of the people present were bewildered. Gradually their curiosity got the better of them, and they gathered outside Xiao Luo's office. They pressed their ears against the office door, hoping to hear what was going on.

"Ahem. A-he-hem..."

Xu Guansong coughed loudly several times.

They thought he was asking them to get back to work, but when they were about to disperse, they heard him say in a serious tone, "Eavesdropping is fine, but don't get caught by Mr. Xiao."

Everyone looked at each other, finding it hard to accept Xu Guansong's sudden change in office etiquette. They wondered, "According to the norms, shouldn't Mr. Xu be reprimanding us?"

Inside the office...

"Mr. Xiao, you have to save me. All those top tier hospitals are garbage. They have no idea about what's wrong with me. I can only place my hopes on you now. Mr. Xiao, you mustn't leave me to die," Jiang Yongchun said, almost weeping.

Last night, he had passed out again in the washroom for no reason and was awaken by the foul odor from the toilet. What's more, he could even feel his energy-sapping. What made him panic had been that it happened precisely on the fourth day after he met Xiao Luo. He was now even more convinced that Xiao Luo's diagnosis was accurate. He was close to his death.

And that was why he rushed over so early in the morning!

Facing such complications, he didn't care anymore about Taste Buds or money. Whoever that could save him would have his eternal debt and unbending gratitude.

"You are sure that I wasn't lying to you now, huh?" Xiao Luo said mockingly, looking up at him.

Deeply regretful, Jiang Yongchun nodded in affirmation and said, "Yes, Mr. Xiao. I failed to recognize your talents. A person of great moral stature will not remember the offenses committed by one of low moral stature. I apologize for my rudeness back then. I'm truly sorry!"

He stood up and gave Xiao Luo a deep bow.

He then took out the contract that was scattered on the floor at their last meeting and carefully placed it on Xiao Luo's desk, "This is the contract from that day. I've wiped each of the papers myself. There is absolutely no dirt on it."

Xiao Luo glanced at the spotless contract. He leaned by his chair and said with a smile while shaking his head, "This is the contract I prepared for you the last time. It isn't valid anymore. But since you're so sincere, Mr. Jiang, I'll draw up another contract for you. The order quantity will remain intact, but the cost, however, has to be altered." 𝓵𝓲𝓫𝙧𝓮𝙖𝙙.𝒄𝓸𝙢

"Do as you wish, Mr. Xiao. It's all up to you," Jiang Yongchun said respectfully.

"500 thousand on top the original base price," Xiao Luo said faintly.

An additional five hundred thousand dollars?

Although he was already psychologically prepared, an expression of shock still washed over Jiang Yongchun's face. Five hundred thousand dollars was by no means a small number.

The office staff who heard the words outside the door were equally shocked. They began discussing quietly.

"How much does Jiang Yongchun want to order originally?"

"Just half a million, I guess."

"Adding five hundred thousand dollars on the original basics, won't that be directly doubling the price of every mooncake? Mr. Xiao is too ruthless, isn't he?"

Xu Guansong and Li Zimeng, who learned the situation inside the office from these people, took a deep breath and thought secretly, "Half a million to a million dollars. It's outrageous. Would Jiang Yongchun even agree to that?"

"The terms have changed, Mr. Xiao is demanding an additional one million dollars."

...

"Goodness gracious, Mr. Xiao said two million because Jiang Yongchun didn't agree to him immediately."

...

"Oh my Heavens, it went up, it went up yet again! The price is at four million dollars now!"

Voices that were getting more and more agitated, coming from a line of eavesdroppers pressed against Xiao Luo's office door.

Even a money printing machine couldn't produce that much money in such a short time!

"Preposterous, Mr. Xiao is doing monkey business right now. Forcefully raising a five hundred thousand dollar order to four million, Jiang Yongchun would be insane to agree," Xu Guansong expressed his opinion doubtfully after recovering from the shock.

"I feel the same way. It isn't like our mooncakes are made of gold. Jiang Yongchun is dumb if he agrees," Zhang Donghai couldn't help but add.

Li Zimeng shook his head in disagreement, saying, "Mr. Xiao must have some hold over Jiang Yongchun. Otherwise, he would never be so respectful towards Mr. Xiao."

"That makes sense!"

Lin Chongdong nodded and echoed, "I'm afraid that Jiang Yongchun has to agree even if he doesn't wish to."

Chapter 137

At last, the deal was closed at five million dollars, which meant that he had to spend an additional four and a half million dollars in an order that cost only five hundred thousand dollars a few days ago. When the news spread around, the entire office building of Luo's Workshop erupted in cheer!

"Five million dollars? Oh. My God. That's a ten-fold hike!"

"And Jiang Yongchun actually agreed to it. He is now signing the contract with Mr. Xiao inside the office."

"This is just too outrageous. It is unbelievable. Has Jiang Yongchun's brain hemorrhaged or something?"

The crowd was in a state of euphoria. They couldn't understand, nor could they believe any of it. Someone who had always been hostile towards Luo's Factory was making an order to their company at ten times the usual price. They would never have believed it had they heard someone else, even with a gun pointed at their heads.

Xu Guansong stood in a stupor, not moving from his spot for some time. After a while, he snapped out of it and just said, "He's mad." Then he returned to his own office. He had to process everything he had seen and heard this early in the morning.

"Is Jiang Yongchun a big friggin idiot?"

Zhang Donghai said, his eyes wide open in disbelief. Shaking his head, he turned around and left as he found it hard to accept that this could be happening.

Li Zimeng and Lin Chongdong were, likewise, stunned silly as they tried their best to digest Jiang Yongchun's incredibly high-priced order value.

"Jiang Yongchun is coming out!"

Someone shouted. The crowd that had gathered outside Xiao Luo's office scattered like a flock of birds from the sound of a gunshot. They quickly returned to their respective posts, feigning ignorance. They appeared to be suddenly very hard at work, acting like they didn't know what had just transpired. Some were tapping on their keyboards, some were writing on notepads, some were making phone calls. They all looked like they had their plates full.

The office door opened. As they left the room, Jiang Yongchun held Xiao Luo's hand earnestly, "Mr. Xiao, from today onwards, I, Jiang Yongchun, will dance to the beat of your drum. All of my plastic factory's orders will now belong to Luo's Workshop!"

"I appreciate that, Mr. Jiang," Xiao Luo said with a smile.

As he smiled, Jiang Yongchun only wanted to sing the blues. Five million dollars! In weight, it could even kill someone just by dropping it on them from the first floor. The thought that he had just given in to such an outrageous demand stung deep. However, he still kept up his smile and composure.

When he was leaving, he even waved his hands to Luo's Workshop's employees, who were pretending that they were working, "You've worked hard, everyone. Remember to follow Mr. Xiao's footsteps. One day, Luo's Workshop will beat Taste Buds and become the best in Jiangcheng City. Oh wait, you may even become the best pastry enterprise throughout the entire mainland! Go! Go! Go! Fight! Fight! Fight all the way!"

To everyone there, it felt like he was giving an MLM motivation talk, clenching his fist and cheering everyone up.

What in the name of Heaven?!

What the heck is going on here?

Everyone in the office had a big fat, "Huh?" in their brains. How could one be so happy after being scammed five million dollars? It was like he was on drugs or something. Did Jiang Yongchun come after taking the wrong medicine?

Little did they know, upon exiting Luo's Workshop, Jiang Yongchun got into his car and bawled his eyes out.

But after crying for a while, he was reminded of the fact that he could live on, and even f*ck around with ladies like in his younger days. He immediately regained his vigor, feeling that all the money was well spent. He had now placed all his faith entirely in Xiao Luo's hands. Only earlier at the office, Xiao Luo had pricked a needle into a specific part of his body. Immediately, he felt revitalized and relaxed. It proved to him that Xiao Luo really knew how to treat someone.

As he thought about that, he felt the prescription in his pocket getting heavier!

At that moment, his phone rang. The call came from Fang Changlei.

Jiang Yongchun knitted his eyebrows and hesitated for a moment, but after a while, he decided to pick up the call. With a grin, he said, "Mr. Fang, I have some good news and some bad news to tell you. So, which do you wish to hear first?"

Fang Changlei, on the other end of the line, was a little surprised, not at all expecting Jiang Yongchun to start the conversation with such a line. He asked, "Jiang Yongchun, is there anything wrong with you?"

"Nothing, just a little excited."

Jiang Yongchun laughed, "I think I'll start with the good news. The good news is, in half a month, I can get back to banging all the ladies with you, Mr. Fang."

Fang Changlei was at a complete loss. He thought, "What the heck is he saying? Isn't it a secret that he's no longer capable when it comes to that? He's a living eunuch, so why did he suddenly come up with that statement? Is he trying to fool me?"

"Are you... high on drugs?"

It was reasonable that Fang Changlei would assume so. Being all hyped up and spouting pure fluff, this was precisely how someone high on drugs would behave.

"No, no, no, I'm not high. I've met Brother Xiao, and he can treat my illness."

Jiang Yongchun was getting excited now. He was so excited that his speech became incoherent. He was like someone who had suddenly regained sight after being blind for ten years. The emotions he was experiencing were several times more than being high on drugs.

"Brother Xiao? Do you mean that bastard Xiao Luo from Luo's Workshop?" Fang Changlei said in utter shock and contempt.

"Oh yeah! Him!"

Jiang Youngchun smiled, "He can treat me, so I had no choice but give them all my factory's orders." 𝓵𝓲𝙗𝓻𝓮𝓪𝙙.𝒄𝓸𝒎

"Is this the bad news you wanna tell me?" Fang Changlei ground his teeth, suppressing his mounting anger.

"Yeah..."

After answering him, Jiang Yongchun quickly pulled his phone away from his ear, because he was well aware of exactly what was going to happen next.

As he expected, Fang Changlei's bellowing voice came screaming out from the earpiece. Every word heard, crystal clear even from that distance.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, your mum! Jiang Yongchun, has your brain been shat on by a donkey or what? Did he say that, and you just believed it? Use your dog's brain and think about it carefully. He's fooling you."

"No, he's not my brother. I've experienced it myself. Mr. Xiao is capable in that matter," Jiang Yongchun frowned as he tried to explain.

"You fool of a donkey. You are a stupid dumb as* donkey from head to toe. Aren't you clear yourself about whether your junk down there is still functioning? How could you believe in that little bastard? I'm already being reserved here, just calling you a stupid donkey."

Fang Changlei was infuriated. He had already met Chu Yunxiong, who gave him strong reassurance. Chu Yunxiong made it clear that he wasn't against him. This would mean that Xiao Luo was the one that orchestrated the entire scheme all by himself. He was also piqued when he surprisingly found out about Xiao Luo's astounding strategy to scam them all.

The reason he called Jiang Yongchun was to inquire about whether there were any developments at his end. As it turned out, Jiang Yongchun also canceled his orders like those heartless scumbags before this and turned their orders over to Luo's Workshop. With that many betrayals, no matter how strong his state of mind was, any man would just fall over and spit out a mouthful of blood.

"Mr. Fang, say whatever you want, but I can only apologize regarding the orders for Mid-Autumn this time."

Like a dead mouse feeling no cold, Jiang Yongchun hung up the call as soon as he finished his sentence. There was nothing left to negotiate. Between Taste Buds and his health, he had chosen the latter without any hesitation.

[Taste Buds' General Manager's Office]

After his call with Jiang Yongchun ended, Fang Changlei, looked strangely serene.

But yet his appearance looked gloomy, and that was terrifying. He was stumped. He really couldn't figure it out. Without Chu Yunxiong's assistance, how did Xiao Luo manage to snatch over more than ten of Taste Buds' old customers?

Jiang Yongchun's betrayal, especially. It dealt a massive blow to him!

Never in his life would he have expected that Jiang Yongchun would betray him. Why did that happen? Just what was Xiao Luo capable of? The information he got only showed that he was originally a regular jobber boy. How did he gain so much influence so suddenly?

This can't be. I must get back at him!

He took out his phone and dialed a number which he marked as "trump card." At that exact moment, somewhere inside Luo's Workshop, a phone rang.

Chapter 138

The job orders for the Mid-Autumn Festival were sufficient to get Luo's Workshop up and about. They were not far away from actually getting the company back on its feet.

At this moment, however, Xiao Luo in a quandary. He was brooding with an intense, downtrodden look on his face. He had just received a piece of really bad news, and they were on the losing end in their lawsuit against Chen Jianbai. The outcome of the first trial was not in favor of Luo's Workshop. The reason behind their success was none other than the outstanding lawyer Taste Buds have appointed for Chen Jianbai.

"The lawyer that represented Chen Jianbai in his defense went by the name of Fu Heyu. His reputation is up there alongside Ge Zhongtian. He is one of the finest advocates and solicitors in town. With his sharp tongue, he could distort and manipulate facts to win his arguments. Aside from that single time where he lost to Ge Zhongtian, he has never lost any other case he took on. As such, he was popularly hailed by the public as "Orator Fu." Head of the Department of Legal Affairs, Zhang Yong, had reported the outcome to Xiao Luo. He looked glum and sullen, disappointed that they had lost the high ground in the first trial.

Xiao Luo didn't respond to him immediately. He only sat on his chair, staring into his laptop. He was watching the proceedings of the first trail intently, and he didn't even blink his eyes once. His fingers continued tapping rhythmically on the table in a.

1Xiao Luo, acting in this way, created a mood of anxiety in the room. Li Ziming and Zhang Yong, who was standing in his office at this moment, felt very agitated. This uneasiness made them feel like they were in front of a firing squad. They didn't volunteer to utter a word.

This was especially true for Li Ziming. Initially, she was convinced that with the recording in hand, Chen Jianbai would be on the losing of the litigation as she felt they had a watertight case. With that, Luo's Workshop's reputation could have been redeemed. However, when Fu Heyu cropped up out of nowhere. He cleverly manipulated the facts and evidence, utilizing his advocacy skills to the hilt. The court then sided with the defendant, Chen Jianbai, believing that it was Luo's Workshop that forced him to record the audio. Luo's Workshop was now faced with a few hundred thousand dollars fine for suspected threatening, intimidation, slandering, and defamation.

Luo's Workshop suddenly turned from the plaintiff to the defendant!

The turnaround had happened so swiftly that it took them by surprise. Nobody would've expected this outcome.

"The way he articulated his words was nothing short of phenomenal. Even I was almost convinced that Luo's Workshop was in the wrong after watching the footage," Xiao Luo said, letting out a long breath, as he smiled.

"Mr. Xiao, we still have a chance to win this case. As long as we can engage Ge Zhongtian as our counsel, there will be no need for us to be afraid of Fu Heyu," Zhang Yong suggested.

After the first proceedings, judging by the situation, only by getting Ge Zhongtian to be part of their legal team would they stand a chance to win the lawsuit. Should they fail, Luo's Workshop's reputation would inevitably suffer another fatal blow. Even with an unexpected increase in job orders for the Mid-Autumn Festival, it would only keep Luo's Workshop sustaining itself financially for just a while longer.

Xiao Luo stared at him with a chilling expression, "You are the head of the Legal Affairs Department. It is your responsibility and your job to go to court for the company. You shouldn't be thinking about how to hire a better lawyer. I'd say you should be thinking about how to win this lawsuit."

Upon hearing that, Zhang Yong remained silent and awkwardly lowered his head. 𝑙𝑖𝘣𝓇𝑒𝒶𝘥.𝑐ℴ𝑚

At that moment, Xu Guansong stepped forward and said, "I do have faith in Zhang Yong's abilities, but behind an able man will always be another even more able man. Fu Heyu is one of the top lawyers in Jiangcheng City. To be fair, Zhang Yong losing to him is inevitable. It's just like comparing a high-speed train and a railway train. We can't possibly be asking a railway train to outrun a high-speed train, can we? If something like that were to happen, it would be against the laws of nature, am I right?"

He was obviously making excuses for Zhang Yong to relieve him of his responsibilities. Zhang Yong couldn't help but eye him with a look of gratitude.

"Mr. Xu, for you to be so calm, it seems that this is entirely within your expectations?" Xiao Luo lifted his head and glanced at Xu Guansong as he asked probingly.

"Mr. Xiao, it's not like I disagree with you, but I've already suggested to you not to file a lawsuit against Chen Jianbai. It was just that you didn't take my advice."

Xu Guansong's tone of objection was quite harsh, but he had raised some relevant points. It was uncharacteristic of Xu Guansong to react in this way. For whatever reason, he felt compelled to drive home his point, "Taste Buds will never just stand aside and watch as Chen Jianbai gets sued. With their influence, and not to mention Fu Heyu, even hiring Ge Zhongtian to defend Chen Jianbai could be possible. It that happens, then itis destined that Luo's Workshop will lose. As a reporter, Chen Jianbai has his own network of influence. I bet a horde of reporters is already on their way to our company to demand an answer from us."

As if to confirm his words, Mrs. Liu from the Customer Service Department knocked on the office door. She said apprehensively to Xiao Luo, "Mr. Xiao, there are some 50 to 60 reporters outside our company asking to see you. They said they want answers from you about why have you threatened their colleague. They even have come with their interviewing props, claiming that they will expose Luo's Workshop's crimes."

"So, it still comes to this!"

Xu Guansong let out a long sigh, "I'll go deal with them. Their questions will be very tricky, but I should be able to handle them."

As soon as he finished speaking, he turned around and strode out of the office.

Li Ziming gritted her teeth.

"Bastards!"

As the one who personally went with Xiao Luo to collect evidence, she felt exasperated and wronged. It was Chen Jianbai who deliberately slandered Luo's Workshop's name. But after the first court session, the tables were turned. Luo's Workshop was now being accused of threatening and intimidating Chen Jianbai instead. How could the truth be easily be twisted? Then, what else in this world could we truly believe?

Xiao Luo kept his gaze on the wall in front of him, without any expression on his face. Running a company wasn't easy, and now, he finally got a taste of it himself.

At this moment, his phone rang. It was a video call from Zhang Dashan.

He waved his hands, gesturing Li Zimeng and Zhang Yong to leave his office. Talking to Zhang Dashan would ruin the dignified image he had carefully nurtured in the company. He didn't want his employees to witness his true colors.

When the two left, Xiao Luo accepted Zhang Dashan's video call request.

Zhang Dashan's chubby, slit-eyed face immediately appeared on his phone, accompanied by the sound of chaotic noises in the background. The location Zhang Dashan was at now was right at the Luo's Workshop's entrance. There was not only Zhang Dashan on the screen but also Feng Wuhen and the rest of his gang who were in security uniforms.

Lin Chongdong of the Human Resource Department had made them security guards based on their strengths. The job was slightly easier than that of regular workers, and their difference in pay wasn't all at big.

"Mate, things are gonna blow up here. These moronic reporters are insisting that such a recording exists because the Luo's Workshop has threatened Chen Jianbai. They are doing a live broadcast now. They are demanding you to show up in person to give them an answer. I'm afraid that we'll be on the headlines if we don't deal with this smartly," said Zhang Dashan.

"What a headache!" Xiao Luo rubbed his temples.

Zhang Dashan scolded immediately, "Headache your as* you fool! Hurry up and think of something! These bastards are getting more and more demanding. I'll let you hear the clamor."

After he switched to the back camera, Xiao Luo could not only see the annoying and detestable faces of the reporters; he could even hear them screaming.

"Shameful company! You threatened our colleague with despicable methods. We are determined to expose this!"

"We will be staying here until your boss appears for an interview with us. Let's see how you can keep your production going."

"Show yourself! Don't be a coward! Get out here, boss of Luo's Workshop! You owe the reporters of Jiangcheng City an answer."

The crowd was roused and behaving aggressively. Each word uttered was more unpleasant than the previous one. Certainly enough, all their verbal abuses were not going to be broadcasted.

When Xu Guansong appeared, they immediately extended their microphone into the iron gate, booted their cameras, and started the live broadcast.

"Mr. Xu, in the first trial, the court has accused Luo's Workshop of threatening and forging evidence to defame our colleague. What are your views on this matter?"

"As the weaker party, reporters are prone to be threatened by massive companies like yours. Aside from threatening Mr. Chen Jianbai, have the company also threatened some other people before?"

"It is rumored that Luo's Workshop has a new boss, does your new boss come from a thuggish background?

Harsh questions were thrown at Xu Guansong out one after another.

Chapter 139

[Chongshan House]

Chu Yunxiong sat in the office and watched the TV as he casually drank his tea and relaxed. He had a smile on his face. Anyone that didn't know him would assume he was just an average middle-aged man. Yet, to those that do, they would know him as an ambitious businessman that stood at the very top the ladder with his unreachable authority and social status.

Another man was watching the TV in his room. The man was well dressed and wore gold-trim glasses; this was the famous lawyer Ge Zhongtian.

The television was currently broadcasting Jiangcheng News.

Aside from biased reports by journalists that held a grudged against the Luo Workshop, thanks to Chen Jianbo., there were also some neutral reporters. These neutral journalists' reports ended up on the news of the Jiangcheng channel.

Did the Luo Workshop threaten and blackmailed Chen Jianbo to fake evidence, or was there indeed another story behind this?

Chu Yunxiong shook his head and took a sip of tea as he looked at the large headline beneath the screen and said: "Fang Changlei gave Xiao Luo another serious problem to solve."

Ge Zhongtian nodded: "The head of the legal department of the Luo's Workshop is no match for Bo Heyu. Even I couldn't say with confidence that I would be able to win a legal argument with him without having enough time to prepare ahead of time. That the Luo workshop will lose the first trial is expected, but new questions have arisen as a result. These could cast doubts over the counter-charges bought against Luo's Workshop. It is a question of motives."

1Ge Zhongtian nodded: "The head of the legal department of the Luo's Workshop is no match for Bo Heyu. Even I couldn't say with confidence that I would be able to win a legal argument with him, without having enough time to prepare ahead my case. That the Luo workshop will lose the first trial is expected, but new questions have arisen as a result of this trial. These could cast doubts over the counter-charges bought against Luo's Workshop. It is a question of motives."

"The first question is regarding the group of reporters. A majority of them were bent on ruining the Luo Workshop's reputation. This was even if it meant raising unrest in public. In these times where social media plays such an essential role in business and everyday life, the Luo's Workshop would suffer tremendous losses both in trust deficit and sales if they don't manage the situation accordingly. The actions of the reporters appear to be instigated. So who put them up to it?

Next, Fang Changlei could not merely sit and watch his business go down. Xiao Luo took away dozens of his old Taste Buds' customers. It is clear he held a grudge against the young man for this, so there is a motive to get his revenge. That spy he planted in the Luo Workshop will likely be on the move very soon.

Finally, if the Luo Workshop doesn't provide more tangible evidence and witness accounts during the second trial in five days, they will lose the lawsuit. They will then have to carry the crimes of threatening and blackmailing the media, which will further agitate the higher-ups of the court and stain the Luo Workshop's reputation to a destructive end. To whose advantage is this?"

"What do you think Xiao Luo will do?" Chu Yunxiaong asked with a grin.

"This is a game he's doomed to lose. The 50 to 60 reporters gathered up at the Luo Workshop's entrance is already hard to deal with, without even considering the lawsuit against Chen Jianbo in court. He cannot resort to violence, and the more he explains, the deeper the hole he'll be digging for himself. And if he makes even the slightest mistake in his witness accounts or demonstrates a falsity in any of these pieces of evidence, it will be magnified by the media. This is something that reporters are good at; it is a known fact that they have a hand in influencing public opinion, so every sentence and every word the Luo Workshop says to them will have to be completely sanitized with no loopholes. Otherwise, the Luo Workshop will be walking into their graves." 𝘭𝑖𝒷𝓇𝘦𝘢𝒹.𝑐𝘰𝘮

Ge Zhongtian paused for a moment as he pondered over the whole affair. He then fixed the glasses on his face and said, "So I think Xiao Luo will come to ask for your help. This may perhaps be the only option left to him."

Chu Yunxiong's grin deepened as he heard this line. He placed his teacup on the table and waved his hand to say: "No, you don't interact with him a lot, so you don't know how he's like at all. Xiao Luo will never come to ask me for help. He has his pride and his ambitions; he refuses to bend down before others, nor is he willing to owe anyone favors. He's the most unyielding young man I've ever seen."

Ge Zhongtian frowned and asked: "But if he doesn't ask for your help, how will he walk out of this in one piece?"

"This is also what I'm looking forward to seeing."

Chu Yunxiong shifted his gaze back onto the television and said, "Xiao Luo is someone that can create miracles. That is why I'm personally such fond of the young man and would give my attention to him."

Recounting the time Fang Changlei came to visit him recently to test the waters, Chu Yunxiong immediately caught onto Xiao Luo's plan of action. The Fuke Group's orders and the few dozen orders from former customers of Taste Buds were all in Xiao Luo's hands now. This was evidence of what a formidable and fearsome young man Xiao Luo was. He had skillset others could only dream of possessing. Even were Chu Yunxiong to be in Xiao Luo's position, there was no way he would have been able to achieve such a feat.

He smiled and mumbled to himself. "The golden koi fishes are already in your pond; it will only take a small gust of wind for them to turn into dragons. What kind of surprise will you be bringing me this time?"

Ge Zhongtian stared at him speechlessly. He didn't think that Chu Yunxiong would have such high regard for Xiao Luo.

[Taste Buds]

"That Xiao bastard, I'd like to see what you can do this time. You sure don't cherish your life now that you made the foolish decision to fight me, hahaha."

Fang Changlei laughed jas he watched the news and released all the frustration that had been building up inside him of late. This time, he wanted the Luo's Workshop to be hit badly with no chances of getting back up on its feet.

The office door opened suddenly, and Fang Shulan walked in still in her school uniform. She glanced at him quizzically and said: "What's so funny dad, I can hear you laughing down the hallway."

"A great thing, of course!" Fang Chenglei's eyes were filled with affection as he saw his daughter walk in.

"' Luo Workshop top brass threaten and blackmail reporters and fake evidence to rebuild their reputations through lies.' Dad, this is another one of your plots again, right?" Fang Shulan immediately guessed this news had something to do with her father.

Fang Chenglei only smiled at her and didn't say a word, implying that he didn't need to explain.

"That's so amazing, dad. The Luo Workshop won't be a match for you, they'll go bankrupt real soon, and our Taste Buds will monopolize the market." Fang Shulan gave him a thumbs-up, beaming.

Fang Chenglei lifted his head and said cockily: "That Xiao kid from the Luo Workshop is still too young to be my opponent. It only takes one little trick up my sleeve, and his arms are already tied up."

That Xiao kid?

Fang Shulan stared blankly for a moment as a name flashed across her mind—Xiao Luo.

She recalled the attack on Chu Yue at the Wild Boar Ridge. It took her a long time to get over it completely. If those mercenaries left such a strong impression in her mind, then her memory of Xiao Luo was no less traumatic.

So when she heard her father said "that Xiao kid," she immediately associated it with the man that had once controlled her through fear. She would never forget the time when Xiao Luo caught her by her neck. That experience was as if the god of death had walked right by her. It still sent chills down her spine, every she recalled the scene.

She shook her head as she desperately tried to remove those thoughts from her head and whined to Fang Changlei: "Dad, I'm out of money."

She finally spoke her mind.

"Didn't I just give you 100,000 half a month ago?" Fang Changlei's expression hardened.

"I won't explain where the money went, but I just don't have money anymore. Deal with it, Dad!" Fang Shulan turned her head away.

Fang Changlei shook his head and once again submitted to his daughter's demands: "Okay, okay, since dad's in a good mood today, I'll send another 100,000 over, but..."

"Yay"

Fang Shulan immediately hugged him around his neck and gave him a big kiss on his cheeks and laughed joyfully: "Dad, you're the best in the world!"

Fang Changlei's heart melted immediately. There was a saying that daughters were all lovers of the father in their past lives, and under the spell of Fang Shulan's affectionate, he had no more heart to worry about money and could only warn her out of habit, saying, "Don't spend it all in one day!"

"I'm not afraid since dad has all the money in the world. Even if my brother and I tried, we wouldn't be able to use it all up in our lifetime. Dad, I'll head out now, don't forget to send the money to my account, I'll need it tonight."

"You little money monger!"

Fang Changlei shook his head in resignation but still kept an affectionate smile on his face.

Chapter 140

[Luo's Workshop]

"We did not threaten or blackmail anyone, nor did we fake any evidence. This is absolutely false. The court will be fair and just, and everyone here from Luo's Workshop is a good citizen that abide by the law. Nobody here was from that 'H society', so please remain calm and wait for the court's final verdict. I believe that the law will judge fairly in this case."

Xu Guansong was fielding questions from a crowd of more than 50 reporters in front of the entrance of Luo's Workshop. He simply couldn't be heard over the deluge of questions thrown at him. He raised his voice over the din, to the point his face was turning red from exasperation.

"Vice-President Xu, your carefully worded response is noted, but you're not the owner of the Luo Workshop right now. Please let your President come out and give an explanation to us and the public."

"That's right. We reporters work this city day and night around the clock, just to earn a living., We've only reported that someone had died eating your contaminated bread. And yet you have threatened and blackmailed us, even bringing us to court; don't you feel ashamed of your actions? You even lied to rebuild your reputation. How could you possibly expect us to believe you and trust your food quality?"

Angry questions flew from every direction. It was evident that the reporters were holding a grudge against Luo's Workshop. They were treating this more like an interrogation of a criminal than a piece of investigative reporting.

"I've said it before; we can continue to debate what's right or wrong in public. As for what actually happened, the court will give their verdict based on truth and evidence. Kindly disperse and do not gather around the entrance to our office, this is a hindering our company's daily operations."

Xu Guansong's throat was getting dry from all the back-and-forth. He decided it was time to back away from the crowd and return to his office for a drink.

After regaining his composure with a quick drink of water, he headed straight to Xiao Luo's office. As he entered Xiao's office, he shook his head in resignation, and sighed, "It looks like the reporters outside won't rest until they see you. All this is happening because I couldn't convince you to back down."

Xiao Luo looked up at him and said: "And why does Vice-President Xu need to pay any attention to them? Just pretend they're a bunch of flies."

"But they've been gathering outside and blocking the entrance. The trucks carrying our supplies and stock can't get in and out. We can't let this continue, or else it will severely affect our company's operations." Xu Guansong said.

"Do you have any good constructive advice on this?"

"I think you should go out and talk to the reporters, try to calm them down. Don't confront them with any verbal threats. I suspect these reporters all came here on Chen Jianbo's instruction to stir up trouble. Any kind of threats you make will only be manipulated and turned into slanderous reports. It will only serve to help them write something extremely negative article Luo's Workshop and hurt us even more."

"I'll think about it. Let me be for a bit."

"I hope you take my suggestion to heart this time. I've watched the Luo Workshop slowly grow into what it is today. I'll never do anything to harm the reputation of Luo's Workshop. We can put a stop to all of this..."

"Okay, I got it!" Xiao Luo waved a hand to cut him off.

Xu Guansong held back from finishing his sentence, nodded, and stepped out of the office.

As he left, Zhang Dashan once again rang in on video call.

"Old Xiao, these bastards are way too much, makes me want to whack someone from hearing all of this!" Zhang Dashan roared over the phone.

Xiao Luo could hear everything those reporters were yelling about through the video.

"Come out, manager of the Luo Workshop! Don't be a coward!"

"You dare to threaten and blackmail us reporters but yet won't come for an interview?"

"H society. Black company. The Luo Workshop is a black factory that won't even let us report on contaminated bread that killed someone. Do you think you can cover everything up?"

Xiao Luo's demeanor turned for the worse as he heard the reporters calling his name out. Although he had built his reputation as a businessman, in reality, he was still a wild beast at heart. He found it difficult to accept the slanders and humiliation from those reporters.

"Dashan, inform the security department to bring these reporters to the conference hall."

"Are you sure you want to accept their interview?" Zhang Dashan was shocked.

"If they were really here for an interview, I will definitely agree. But, it's clear that's not the case here."

Xiao Luo chuckled lightly, "remember, don't do anything and don't ask anything after you let them in the hall, just tell them to wait there."

"You...what, are you planning on doing?" 𝓵𝓲𝙗𝓻𝓮𝓪𝙙.𝒄𝓸𝒎

Zhang Dashan gulped. Despite being as close as brothers with Xiao Luo, he still felt a moment of fear just looking at the ferocious look Xiao Luo had on right now.

"Nothing, just make sure you and the security guards do your jobs."

With a mischievous grin, Xiao Luo added, "also, tell Feng Wuhen and the guys..."

Xiao Luo's plans got to Zhang Dashan's ears. He was downhearted from all the commotion at first, until the news arrived. His eyes lit up the moment he heard, "Finally!" He cheered in excitement.

"Sh*t, let's do it. I swear I'll scare the life out of these reporters! See if they dare mess with Luo's Workshop again after this."

Zhang Dashan hung up the call, and yelled towards Feng Wuhen, "Hey old folks, it's time for work!"

"Brother Xiao gave you a call, right? I swear I've had my eyes on them for a while now. Don't worry; we'll handle these as the security guards. I can beat their a*ses up all by myself." Feng Wuhen rolled up his sleeves as he prepared himself, beaming from the excitement.

"That's too uncouth. Don't forget we're cultured men, and we don't go flashing our weapons around."

Zhang Dashan made a show of his dressing down, and even Feng Wuhen and his brainless lackeys looked at him, then at each other, in confusion. Zhang Dashan grabbed a speakerphone from the head of security. Clearing his throat, he called out to the reporters, "You garb...Oh sorry, you guys that represent the public and our hardworking journalists, listen up. I have some good news; our boss agreed to see you guys. Here, please follow us to the conference hall. Please have a seat inside our fully air-conditions room and wait for our boss!"

He almost erred with a monumental slip of the tongue when he called out to the reporters. "Garbage" was what he felt about these people, but he thankfully checked himself in time.

The guards at the building entrance received the notice and duly pressed the remote switch. The automatic door opened slowly. The steel side door remained closed, primarily used as an emergency exit.

"Now this is what I'm talking about. We'll just wait for Mr. Xiao in the hall, tell him to come quickly."

"Don't play games with us, or we will expose everything Luo's Workshop does."

"Looks like your workshop does know how to read the mood of the public."

The crowd of reporters appeared cheerful as they walked into the airconditioned hall, strutting proudly with their chins up.

Zhang Dashan smiled as he directed them inside: "This way, please. This way, please!"

Once the reporters had all entered the building, he shot a glance at the security guards. The guards promptly closed the door as if they were locking up dogs in a house for a beating.

Chapter 141

"You're not going to believe this! Something big is happening! Our security drove that group of reporters into the auditorium, confiscated their equipment and phones by force, and locked them in like prisoners."

At Luo's Workshop's office building, a gossipy female staff passed around the news to the people upstairs.

Already filled with a low murmur of voices discussing the disturbance created by the reporters downstairs, the office soon boiled over into a commotion.

"The security department must act on President Xiao's request. What does President Xiao want to do?"

"Judging by the situation, he may use brutal force on those reporters."

"But that will only escalate the matter with disastrous consequences."

People's faces became frightened. This was such a reckless and irresponsible move. Didn't this reinforce the reporters' claim that Luo's Workshop was a shady company with a bad reputation?

The next instant, all of the department heads walked together toward Xiao Luo's office. Xu Guansong, in particular, practically sprinted there at full speed. The moment they knocked on and opened the door of Xiao Luo's office, they burst into a lively discussion. Like ministers advising an emperor in ancient times, everyone was anxious to put in a word. The main message was that they shouldn't treat the reporters this way. Otherwise, the situation would get even worse.

"President Xiao, I firmly oppose your way of dealing with this matter. It's too extreme. People have already referred to Luo's Workshop as the mob. What you're doing is undoubtedly going to prove that they are right." Xu Guansong was exceptionally hot with emotion. Even his face turned red.

Lin Chongdong pursed his lips and said, "Even though I find these reporters detestable, we still can't resort to violence no matter how we feel about them. I hope you will think things over and consider carefully."

Xiao Luo closed his laptop and stood up with his hands behind his back. He said emotionlessly, "Your objections are invalid. For anyone who complains about me, I welcome your resignation at any time!"

After making his speech, Xiao Luo walked out directly and left his ministers to stare at each other helplessly.

Ever since he'd taken over Luo's Workshop, Xiao Luo had wanted to lead the enterprise with a wolf's spirit. What was a wolf's spirit? In his mind, it could be summarized in one word, ruthless.

Instead of shrinking back in fear and being afraid of taking action, he had to be ruthless and make Luo's Workshop into a wolves' den. Anyone who dared cause trouble had to pay the price.

"Vice President Xu, what should we do? Are we really going to let President Xiao carry on regardless of our protests?" one employee asked Xu Guansong.

Before Xu Guansong had a chance to answer, Li Zimeng rushed to reply first, "Please don't frame the situation that way. I support President Xiao."

"You're right. These reporters have gone too far in their bullying of us. They thought that we were pushovers. They will learn their place if we don't teach them a lesson today. Sister Zimeng, let's go watch how President Xiao will deal with these reporters," said Luo Qi, burning with anger.

3Li Zimeng nodded and left with Luo Qi.

The rest of the group looked at Xu Guansong and waited for him to make a decision.

Xu Guansong clenched his teeth, exhaled a deep breath, and said, "Let's go have a look as well."

All of the executives marched toward the auditorium.

At that moment, the auditorium was filled with sounds of protest.

"You seized our equipment by force. I will expose this despicable act to the world."

"You're holding us prisoner. I will sue you in the court when I get out of here!"

"Mob company! You will certainly receive your deserved punishment."

The loud, cloying complaints echoed in the large auditorium, yet no one dared put any of their threats of retaliation into action. A reporter who resisted was beaten and had even lost a tooth. The security guards surrounding them held black batons and stared at them coldly like a bunch of demons. The reporters could only shout in protest, but they didn't have the courage to do anything.

Zhang Dashan followed Xiao Luo's previous order. He didn't care about anything else or ask any questions. He just left the reporters out in the cold. He also told Feng Wuhen that he could deter anyone who dared cause trouble. He even authorized him to use violence if deterrence didn't work. To the end of his order, he added, "this came from Brother Xiao," which dispelled all of Feng Wuhen's hesitations.

... 𝘭𝘪𝘣𝑟𝘦𝘢𝒹.𝘤𝑜𝓂

The reporters gradually quieted down since no one paid any attention to them. But they waited in the auditorium for three hours in extreme thirst and hunger.

A female reporter finally couldn't stand it anymore. She stood up from her seat and ran to the auditorium door, wanting to leave.

Feng Wuhen stretched out his arm and blocked her, saying, "Miss, where do you think you're going?"

"Get out of the way. I want to leave. You have no right to violate my freedom!"

The female reporter mustered her courage and yelled loudly, even though the man in front of her was the hefty fellow who'd knocked out another reporter's tooth with one punch.

Feng Wuhen frowned and said, "That can't happen. President Xiao is not here yet. None of you can leave."

"I don't want to meet him anymore. I want to leave. Get out of my way!" The female reporter bellowed with her teeth clenched.

"Hehe! Did you think that President Xiao was some random stray animal on the street that comes and goes at your pleasure?"

Feng Wuhen had been called a scourge back in the village. He was very experienced at playing the hooligan, although he had never committed any major crimes like assault or rape. Acting like a bandit, he said, "Since President Xiao has agreed to see you, it's no longer up to you whether you meet him or not. Get the f*ck back and stay put. I'm a temp who has nothing to lose. Don't pressure me into using force!"

He stepped forward with a vicious face and scared the female reporter back several steps. Eventually, she was defeated by Feng Wuhen's gangster-like presence and returned to her seat in haste.

"Bullsh*t. You're keeping us waiting here on purpose. To put it clearly, this is illegal confinement. We will sue you once we get out!" A male reporter with a full beard stood up and shouted at Feng Wuhen.

"Sue us?"

Feng Wuhen gave Xiaowu a look. Xiaowu immediately walked over and dragged the man with the beard from his seat to Feng Wuhen like a dog.

"You! What are you doing? I'm a journalist. What on earth are you doing?" The bearded man was frightened.

Pah!

Without saying another word, Feng Wuhen raised his hand, which was as big as a cattail leaf, and smacked the reporter in the face. The exceptionally resounding blow made the hearts of all the reporters in the auditorium tremble. They sat bolt upright in all seriousness.

After slapping the bearded man, Feng Wuhen grasped his collar like a punk and spat fiercely, "I already told you, I'm a temp. I could walk away from anything, even if I maimed you. Holding you here is nothing. You shut your mouth as I ordered and go wait for President Xiao quietly in your seat."

Feng Wuhen shoved the bearded man away. Scanning the rest of the crowd of reporters with his cold eyes, he growled, "Do not cause any more f*cking trouble. Otherwise, I will give all of you a taste. It's fine if you want to drink water. There is a water dispenser in the corner. But you will hold it if you need to pee. You will not leave this auditorium no matter what before President Xiao gets here."

His last sentence was almost a roar. Matched with his ferocious face, it had quite a deterring effect.

None of the reporters dared to say anything more. They understood their current situation clearly. They were the fish on the chopping board, entirely at their captor's mercy. Some of the female reporters were already shaking in fear

Chapter 142

More than 50 reporters were locked in the auditorium for a whole day.

It was seven o'clock at night, and they had spent eight hours there in the auditorium. All of them were extremely hungry and exhausted. Some people were so eager to go to the bathroom that their faces twisted in discomfort. During the eight hours of confinement, they had suffered tremendously both physically and mentally and were on the edge of a nervous breakdown.

Some people tried to barge through the door yet were beaten harshly to black eyes and broken noses. The security guards even showed no mercy to women and slapped them on their faces. Feng Wuhen and his people who were wearing the security guards' uniforms looked no different from a gang in the reporters' eyes.

Some female reporters cried. Their will was almost crushed by the eight-hour torture of Feng Wuhen's cruelness, adding to exhaustion, hunger, and desperation for the toilet. They were like prisoners in a holding cell, dreaming and craving for the free world outside.

"Good news, good news. President Xiao, the person you want to interview, is finally coming!"

The sharp and hoarse voice of Zhang Dashan sounded.

His announcement was music to the reporters' ears. They all bucked up immediately as they knew that the tormenting wait was about to be over, and they would be able to get out of here soon.

Xiao Luo strolled in slowly and walked directly to the podium.

He was wearing a slim, long sleeve black sweater with bright red and white stripe. The sleeves were rolled up and showed his forearms. A slight smile was hanging on his smooth and fair face.

The reporters were all taken by surprise and thought to themselves: Was this the head of the Luo's Workshop? How could he be so young!

No wonder they were stunned by Xiao Luo. The president of this type of company was usually a middle-aged man. They had never seen a CEO this young.

"I bet you're all hungry? I have dinner ready for you!" Xiao Luo spoke while looking at the reporters.

Right after his voice faded, the staff of the Luo's Workshop pushed in trolleys that were full of pastries and desserts and handed out several freshly baked bread to every reporter in the room. Xiao Luo had a share as well.

He sat down in a natural and poised manner and started to eat the food with great relish in front of the reporters. He said while eating, "The Luo's Workshop is a company that produces baked goods. We only have these to serve you. Go ahead and eat it. You need the energy to interview me after finishing dinner."

A male reporter who was wearing a pair of black-frame glasses snapped. As hungry as he was, the hunger was nothing comparing with the humiliation he had suffered today. He grabbed the bread in front of him and threw it on the ground with all of his strength, then stomped on it repeatedly and roared at Xiao Luo, "You don't need to be such a hypocrite. You have locked us up here for a whole day. Wait to receive summons when we get out of here. More than 50 summons. I don't believe you can get away from prison!"

The smile on Xiao Luo's face turned into a gloomy look right away. He said, "I hate people who waste food the most."

Feng Wuhen put on a vicious face and took a big step forward. He pointed at the black-frame glasses guy and yelled, "Pick up the bread!"

He menacingly enunciated each word.

The guy with the black-frame glasses trembled slightly. Tamed by Feng Wuhen's despotic power, he picked up the bread unwillingly.

"Eat it!"

Two dispassionate words sounded up.

It was not from Feng Wuhen, but Xiao Luo, who was standing on the stage.

His voice was soft and quiet, yet enough to make every reporter present feel a quiver with fright from the depth of their souls.

Xiao Luo initially left a refined, courteous, and amiable impression in their minds. But that image collapsed abruptly at the moment. They realized that it was not these security guards who were brutal, but this seemingly harmless young boss.

The face of the guy with black-frame glasses changed suddenly. Shivering, he looked up at Xiao Luo on the stage and tried to speak, "You... You..."

He never expected the polite and good-humored Xiao Luo would be such a callous and cruel person who asked him to eat the dirty bread that was stomped by foot. He was deliberately humiliating him in public.

"You what? Brother Xiao asked you to eat the bread. Didn't you hear him?" Feng Wuhen said with venom. With his ferocious features, he gave off a fierce look.

The fear for Feng Wuhen trumped everything else. The guy with the black-frame glasses didn't dare to defy him and nibbled the dirty bread in his hand. He cried. A grown man was tortured to tears at the moment.

Xiao Luo put on a smile again and became a vastly different person from his dark self moments ago. The former was sunny and simple; the latter was wicked and merciless.

Other reporters met his eyes and hurried to lowered their heads to bite the bread.

"It looks like you are hungry indeed!"

Xiao Luo stood up in satisfaction and waved his hand. Zhang Dashan handed a folder of file to him.

The file documented the reporters' information in detail. Zhang Dashan gathered those through his connections based on the reporters' names. He didn't do anything else all day except for trying to sort through the data here.

"Ding Xiaozhen!"

Xiao Luo announced a name, then continued to say, "Who is Ding Xiaozhen?" "

"It's... It's me..."

A sweet-looking female reporter stood up awkwardly.

"Your hometown is the county of An in Hu province. Your parents are still alive and you have a younger brother still in school. Did I get it right?" Xiao Luo asked her with a smile.

The female reporter's eyes widened. She nodded by instinct.

Xiao Luo ignored her and continued to read out the next reporter's name.

"Lu Dehua, your home is at Tian city of He province. You have a six-year-old son..."

"Luo Jinyuan, you're from Tang county of Jiangcheng..."

"Gong Lili, you're from the county of Hehua in Shan province..."

All the reporters who were mentioned by name, along with their exact home addresses and family members, turned pale in an instant. Even though Xiao Luo's tone was not threatening, they felt an indescribable sense of danger and horror.

Xiao Luo read aloud more than a dozen reporters' background, then shut the folder close with a bang. His hawk-like eyes swept the room coldly and said, "Now, you can interview me!" He turned his head to face Zhang Dashan and said, "Return their equiment to them."

"OK!"

Following the order, Zhang Dashan ran out obsequiously.

Soon after, he brought back the reporters' microphones, cameras, and cellphones.

However, the reporters stood where they were motionlessly, staring at each other vacantly...

Interview? How were they going to interview him?

Their home addresses and family members were checked out by the other side. It was clearly intimidation!

At the moment, they were convinced of one thing, which was the Luo's Workshop was really backed by the underworld.

The journalists were usually puffed with pride and didn't care for stars or rich tycoons. They were even confident that they could take down any public figure if they wanted to. But they were frightened from the bottom of their hearts when it came to the underworld.

The underworld had no principles. They had to be prepared for retaliation if they offended the gansters.

"No, no. We will not interview you anymore. President Xiao, I promise, there will be no negative news about the Luo's Workshop on any major media outlets."

"Yes, yes. The bread of the Luo's Workshop is up to standard and tastes delicious. We sampled it ourselves. It's much better than Taste Buds's."

"We are too shallow to recognize your eminence. President Xiao is a magnanimous and generous man. We hope you won't take umbrage at the likes of us."

Conceded. The reporters all got down from their high horses and smiled apologetically at Xiao Luo.

In their eyes, Xiao Luo was the head of a gang who would harm people by underhand means that they could never afford to offend. They were now deeply regretful about listening to Chen Jianbai and coming to the Luo's Workshop to look for trouble. In the end, they fell into a pit of their own digging.

Chapter 143

Some people were contradictory. If you were not in the mob, they kept vilifying you as a mobster. However, when they realized you indeed were in the mob, they became scared stiff at the idea of the misfortunes that might befall them and were too afraid to take any action.

Apparently, these reporters were precisely such people!

When Luo's Workshop opened the door and let them leave, they were like prisoners who had spent years behind bars. They were so excited that there were tears in their eyes. Breathing in the freedom's air and fleeing from the great torment, they swore that they would never again come to Luo's Workshop for the rest of their lives.

Thus, the disturbance created by the reporters calmed down. All of Luo's Workshop's executives were dumbfounded and gasped with admiration at Xiao Luo's tactics.

"What a mess."

Xu Guansong left, shaking his head. He didn't seem to agree with Xiao Luo's way of handling the matter, although the result had been beneficial to them.

"President Xiao always acts so vigorously and resolutely. That's so awesome. I will stand firmly with President Xiao in the future," said Lin Chongdong, enthusiastically.

He admired Xiao Luo with his whole heart after witnessing the entire process of dealing with the reporters. What he'd seen confirmed the saying currently circulating online: "No one is shrewder than President Xiao. He is relentless and reticent." He'd handled the reporters, who'd come looking for trouble, and rendered them obedient and docile. How fierce was he?

"The big boss was always bold and daring. I find myself falling completely in love with him." Luo Qi winked like a young girl first beginning to think of love.

Standing aside, Li Zimeng shot a glare at Luo Qi and said, "A man as outstanding as him probably has a girlfriend already."

"That doesn't matter. I could still be his girl on the side. Hehe!" Luo Qi laughed.

Li Zimeng was struck dumb by her reply.

...

Even though the tumult with the reporters had blown over, the crisis Luo's Workshop was facing was not yet resolved.

The court date was like an enormous, ruthless, and sharp ax hanging above them, ready to chop off Luo's Workshop's head. Once the charges of intimidating Chen Jianbai and fabricating evidence were substantiated, Luo's Workshop would never get another chance to gain a foothold in Jiangcheng.

It was a smokeless war!

However, Xiao Luo had to win. Otherwise, although defeat might welcome him, he would in no way accept it

While he was sitting in the office and pondering in silence how to turn the tide, Zhang Dashan called him on the phone.

"Lao Xiao, your guess turned out to be correct. Zhang Donghai is indeed sketchy. Who could have thought that he'd want to rig the ovens in the factory? Motherf*cker. Thankfully, I had my eye on him. Otherwise, he might have had his way," Zhang Dashan's disgruntled voice came from the other side of the phone.

Xiao Luo was not surprised by this news at all. He had been browsing in the system store one night some time ago and redeemed 800 points for the hacking ability. He'd then hacked into the telecommunications company's customer management system and monitored all of Luo's Workshop's vice presidents' phones. It was highly effective, albeit immoral.

The day before the reporters' uproar, he'd heard the conversation between Zhang Donghai and Fang Changlei. Thus, he'd asked Zhang Dashan to keep an eye on Zhang Donghai. Unexpectedly, Zhang Donghai had put this plan into action in such a short time.

"Where is he now?" Xiao Luo asked.

"He's in the factory's warehouse. Brother Feng and some others are teaching him a lesson right now," said Zhang Dashan.

"I'll be there in a minute!"

Xiao Luo hung up, put on the jacket hanging on the armchair, and rushed to the factory.

[The factory's warehouse]

The warehouse was dimly lit and gave off a spooky feeling.

Looking plump in his suit, Zhang Donghai lay on the ground in a very embarrassing state. Both his nose and mouth were bleeding, and his clothes were covered in dust. He'd been beaten up by Feng Wuhen and four others.

"Superintendent Zhang, I don't know what to say to you. What's wrong with working for Lao Xiao? Why do you have to be a lackey for Taste Buds?"

With sincere regret on his face, Zhang Dashan crouched in front of Zhang Donghai and said, "Your last name is also Zhang. We might even come from the same family way back when. My heart truly aches, seeing you beaten up to such an extent."

"Pooh! Sooner or later, things will not end well for your hired thugs!"

Zhang Donghai spat on Zhang Dashan's face. Contrary to his usual sycophant image, he looked surprisingly courageous and fearless now.

Zhang Dashan wiped the spit from his face. His eyelids twitched as his expression turned vicious. He said, "Zhang Donghai, you receive paychecks from Luo's Workshop yet work for Taste Buds in secret. Do you think you're the f*cking sensible one here? Don't you know that's corporate spying? The law will make you liable!"

"You think I will be held liable? Haha! Haha!"

Hearing this statement, Zhang Donghai burst into mocking laughter, as if he'd just listened to a hilarious joke. Then, his face sunk, and he said menacingly to Zhang Dashan, "You're assaulting me illegally right now. How dare you talk about the law? That's f*cking hilarious."

Zhang Dashan was tongue-tied for a moment. He could only hold up his thumb and say with admiration, "Fine. You're too good. I can't win an argument with you!"

"Brother Zhang, move out of the way. I don't f*cking believe that we can't teach him a lesson!"

Feng Wuhen was furious. He came forward and kicked Zhang Donghai's abdomen.

It was a forceful blow. Suddenly Zhang Donghai felt his gut scramble. In excruciating pain, he let out a blood-curling scream.

"Let it go. It's enough to give him a scare. Let's not cause any internal bleeding and bring more trouble to ourselves!"

Although Zhang Dashan had a brutal nature, he did feel a little bit of pity for Zhang Donghai, but only because he still looked like a man with a backbone even after taking a beating.

Feng Wuhen retracted his foot, turned around, and backed off.

Soon after, Xiao Luo, dressed in a black jacket with a white shirt, arrived at the warehouse. He stood with his hands behind his back and looked down at Zhang Donghai, who was on the ground.

"Give him a stool."

"Yes." 𝓵𝓲𝙗𝓻𝓮𝓪𝙙.𝒄𝓸𝒎

Feng Wuhen waved his hand. Xiaowu fetched a stool from the corner of the warehouse and helped Zhang Donghai get up on and sit on it.

Seeing Xiao Luo, Zhang Donghai chuckled and said, "President Xiao, you're finally here. Your lackeys almost beat me to death."

There was not even a shred of nervousness or fear in his eyes, let alone guilt. He was like a sacrificial man thrown into prison in ancient times who made his torturers lose their much-anticipated sense of fulfillment.

Xiao Luo smiled faintly and said, "You're wrong. They're all my brothers!"

This one straightforward sentence swept away all the unpleasant feelings and grudges that remained in Zhang Dashan's and Feng Wuhen's hearts.

"Is that right? It seems like you guys are the mob..." replied Zhang Donghai, calmly and unhurriedly.

"Wrong again. There is no such thing as absolute black and white in this world. Only absolute interest. Since you've infringed upon other people's interests, you have to be prepared to pay the price," said Xiao Luo.

Zhang Donghai sneered in disdain.

With a solemn face, Xiao Luo said, "I have no intention of talking nonsense with you. Just one question: can you help me testify against Fang Changlei?"

"Testify for what?"

"For unfair competition."

"Do you think that's possible? Haha!" Zhang Donghai laughed out loud. His face was filled with scorn.

"Do you refuse?"

"Of course. I'm indebted to President Fang. There is no way I would betray him."

With a gentle smile, Xiao Luo spoke in a tone of quiet elegance, "You will accept my offer." Then, he pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket and gave it to Feng Wuhen, saying, "Go to this place. Pick up his wife and child and bring them back to the company."

Chapter 144

Hearing Xiao Luo's command, a touch of panic appeared in Zhang Donghai's eyes. His body trembled involuntarily, and he asked in an unsteady voice, "What do you want to do?"

Xiao Luo looked at him calmly and said, "I just told you. There isn't absolute black and white in this world. Black and white are nothing but a state of mind. I bet my entire future on Luo's Workshop, so whoever impedes its development is my enemy. I will never be soft-hearted or merciful toward my enemies. Unfortunately, you, Zhang Donghai, are my enemy right now."

He delivered these remarks in a soft and gentle voice. Yet Zhang Donghai, Zhang Dashan, and others all felt a sense of pure terror that sent chills up the spine.

Zhang Donghai's eyes widened. He was scared into a cold sweat and said, "You're a devil!"

His voice was hoarse. He knew that Xiao Luo was threatening him using his family.

With his eyes cold and frosty, Xiao Luo smiled and demanded again, "Will you agree to help me to testify against Fang Changlei?"

Zhang Donghai forced a bitter smile and replied, "I can't. If I testify against Fang Changlei, the Dragon Gang will never let me go. Let alone my family..."

This was the thing he dreaded most. Since he'd been caught red-handed by Zhang Dashan, there was nothing to explain. But if he testified against Fang Changlei, he and his family would undoubtedly suffer retaliation.

"You don't need to worry about that. Your family will be well protected!" Xiao Luo said. Then, he added softly, "After everything is over, I will give you two million dollars and let you and your family flee to a faraway place. As powerful as the Dragon Gang may be, they can only operate within Jiangcheng. You don't need to fear them once you leave the area."

"You can promise that?" Zhang Donghai felt that he'd been handed a straw to clutch at in this desperate situation.

"I promise!" said Xiao Luo.

Zhang Donghai was astonished for a moment. Then, the radiance that had shown on his just face seconds ago dimmed again. He said, "I don't believe you have that kind of strength. The Dragon Gang is the most powerful underground force in Jiangcheng. How can you fight them?"

"I'm not fighting them. I'm fighting Fang Changlei."

"That's the same thing," replied Zhang Donghai, feeling hopeless and depressed.

Xiao Luo stared at him for a while and said, "Life is a game of chance. You have to gamble this time!"

"I have no other choice?" Zhang Donghai smiled with deep sorrow.

Xiao Luo nodded gravely and replied in an irrefutable tone, "You have no other choice!"

Zhang Donghai hung his head like a rooster that had lost a cockfight, then raised it once more and asked again, "President Xiao, are you part of a mob or not?"

Xiao Luo had 'handled' the reporters' turmoil and threatened his family. This conduct made Zhang Donghai believe Xiao Luo was an underworld figure.

"Whether something is black or white depends on the opponent I'm facing," Xiao Luo answered in a quiet voice.

"I understand..."

Zhang Donghai gave up resisting and chose to get on board Xiao Luo's boat.

Back at the residence, Xiao Luo and Zhang Dashan stood on the penthouse's balcony. Facing the wind, they overlooked the nighttime scene of this remote area of Jiangcheng. A train thundered and pulled into the station. In the darkness of night, the long train looked like a giant python glowing brightly as it slithered down the railway.

Zhang Dashan lit up a cigarette and said, "You've really helped me gain an intimate understanding of the first stage of being a businessman."

Xiao Luo, self-possessed, chuckled lightly but didn't respond.

He knew that Zhang Dashan was saying that he might have gone too far by threatening people using their families. This tactic was as unscrupulous as those of the mob. But he'd had no choice. He wanted to succeed. It was necessary to use some unorthodox methods when his very existence was at stake.

Zhang Dashan saw Xiao Luo's indifferent expression and changed the subject. He said, "By the way, the court session is going to open in two days. Have you discussed things with Ge Zhongtian and asked him to be Luo's Workshop's counsel?"

"It's not necessary."

Xiao Luo shook his head, said, "You will defend our case in court."

What the f*ck!

Astounded, Zhang Dashan dropped his cigarette on the ground. His eyes widened, and he said, "Have you lost your mind? Asking me to face off with those top attorneys! I'm in no way cut out to do that."

"What are you panicking about?" 𝙡𝒊𝒃𝓻𝒆𝒂𝓭.𝙘𝓸𝓶

"Motherf*cker, how can I not panic? I may have my ways around the ladies, but defending Luo's Workshop in court like a real lawyer? I've not that kind of attorney material."

"Don't worry. It's me who will do the real work," Xiao Luo answered with a smile.

Xiao Luo's words befuddled Zhang Dashan.

"What do you mean, brother? Can you explain it to me?" Zhang Dashan couldn't help but roll his eyes.

"Have you ever watched the animated show, 'Detective Conan'?"

"I watched some episodes when I was bored. I'm not interested in it. It's always the same story: Mouri Kogorou is drugged unconscious. Then, Conan solves the crime on Mouri's behalf. A couple of times, when the girl started getting suspicious, I was hoping Conan's trick would be discovered, but nothing happened. Then the same plot structure just restarts. Watching it makes me annoyed."

"It's easier to explain it since you've watched it," Xiao Luo said with a serious expression. "When our court session opens, you will play Mouri Kogorou's character. And I will be Conan."

Zhang Dashan's face was filled with apprehension after hearing this. He asked, "Brother, what on earth do you plan on doing?"

"I mean, you will wear an earpiece on the day of the trial. I will tell you whatever you need to say from a distance so that you can defend Luo's Workshop on my behalf," answered Xiao Luo.

Zhang Dashan stared at Xiao Luo like an alien and said, "Are you looking for trouble? Are you going to be the attorney? Have you learned how to defend yourself in court?"

"I haven't. But I'm confident I can do it."

Xiao Luo gazed into the distance, saying, "Well, we still need to gather some important files and evidence. You should do it together with me so that you won't completely blank out in court."

"Are you serious?"

"Do I look like I'm joking to you?"

"Then why can't you appear before the court yourself?"

"I have done things that are both legal and illegal. This kind of public appearance doesn't suit me. You're different. You have a clean record."

Xiao Luo looked at him with a meaningful smile. Then, he turned around and went inside the room.

...

Two days passed by swiftly. Then, at Jiangcheng People's Court, there was another hearing in the defamation case of Luo's Workshop vs. Chen Jianbai.

The trial was open and accessible to the general public!

The public gallery was filled, not only with Fang Changlei and Taste Buds executives, but also Xu Guansong, Lin Chongdong, Luo Qi, and other employees from Luo's Workshop. It was packed to capacity.

"Vice President Xu, why hasn't your President Xiao come today? Is he already recoiling in fear? Haha!" Fang Changlei taunted.

Even though he didn't know how Xiao Luo had made the disruptive reporters go away last time, he was confident and determined to win this time in court. From what he could see, Luo's Workshop had gone out for wool but came home shorn.

Xu Guansong's expression was complicated. He refrained from talking. Nonetheless, he was also curious why Xiao Luo would hide. Why would he let Zhang Dashan play the role of the defender in a court hearing vital to the life and death of Luo's Workshop? In his opinion, even a random lawyer on the street would be better than Zhang Dashan. How could they win this case?

Zhang Yong, the head of Luo's Workshop's legal department, was also in the gallery. Although he was also perplexed by Xiao Luo's scheme, he felt quite relieved. This would no longer be his job anymore, no matter the outcome of the trial.

Chapter 145

"Did Luo's Workshop threaten and force the reporter, Chen Jianbai, to fabricate false evidence to restore their reputation? Or, did Chen Jianbai purposely distort the facts and publish fake news to defame Luo's Workshop? Jiangcheng TV Station is now bringing you a live broadcast of the public trial to settle this matter once and for all!"

Jiangcheng TV Station was broadcasting the whole public trial, and they were not the only ones. Various other major media news outlets were also launching their live update pages for the event. The infamy of this incident had not just spread throughout Jiangcheng, but across the entire Hua Nation like a storm. People who had never heard of Luo's Workshop before were now very much aware of the company's existence.

The discussions on the internet were particularly heated.

"Needless to say, it's got to be that reporter, Chen, making up fake news to discredit Luo's Workshop in a bid for attention. I'm supporting Luo's Workshop!"

"That's bullsh*t. I think that Luo's Workshop has done something bad stuff and now they're trying to profit from it. This is just like when scandalous female celebrities get caught by the paparazzi sleeping their way to the top, then pretend like nothing happened, and use lawsuits to protect their reputations. It's so d*mn disgusting."

"It's fine to have an opinion in a public discussion, but can you keyboard warriors just stop arguing, chill out, and watch the live broadcast?"

...

There was vocal support for all sides, as well as many neutral parties. The number of threads in the comments section of QQ News was already in the tens of thousands. This event had quickly grown into the hottest topic of the day.

[Huaye University]

Huang Ruoran was in her dorm room, staring in surprise at one of her roommates' laptops. The roommate was especially interested in current affairs. The public trial of Luo's Workshop against Chen Jianbai was being broadcast live on the 16-inch screen.

Huang Ruoran had beautiful hair, long and sleek eyebrows, and a gorgeous nose. Her jade-like cheeks flushed slightly pink.

She had never expected to see Xiao Luo's friend, Zhang Dashan, on a live broadcast of a public trial. Ever since Xiao Luo had left Huaye without a word to anyone—including herself, Chu Yue, and their English major peers—they had been eagerly keeping an eye out for news of his whereabouts. The appearance of Zhang Dashan on the video screen during the live broadcast was undoubtedly the key to finding Xiao Luo.

"Luo's Workshop?!" Huang Ruoran whispered the phrase to herself, embedding the two words into her memory.

[Chongshan House]

Chu Yunxiong and Ge Zhongtian were sitting on a sofa and sipping tea while watching the Jiangcheng channel.

Chu Yunxiong turned his head to ask, "Zhongtian, would you like to know how Luo dealt with the group of reporters who were causing him trouble?"

Ge Zhongtian took a small sip of tea then placed his teacup down. "I'd be glad to know the details!"

"He accepted their request for an interview and gathered all of the reporters in the auditorium. Then, he left them stranded there for an entire day without giving them a second thought. During that time, because they were not employees of Luo's Workshop, they were barred from entering or leaving the auditorium and forced to wait in their anxiety. Don't you think it's immoral?"

As he spoke about the steps that Xiao Luo had taken against the reporters, Chu Yunxiong could not stifle his laughter. He would not have expected Xiao Luo to have the audacity to take such drastic measures. Though it had not been a glamorous move, it was undeniably effective.

"That is going too far," Ge Zhongtian replied, pale with shock. "But I'm curious about why the reporters didn't sue him for infringement of their freedom once they got out?"

Chu Yunxiong answered gleefully, "Before he let them go free, Luo had already conducted full background checks on their address and family members. He even read out all this information in front of them, so they were all scared stiff. They didn't dare write anything negative about Luo's Workshop after that, so suing Luo is simply out of the question."

"Xiao Luo is using threats and intimidation. That's illegal, you know," Ge Zhongtian pointed out, furrowing his brow.

Chu Yunxiong shook his head in disapproval. "Oh, listen to you, you're just too inflexible. Sometimes, to achieve a certain objective, you need to take these kinds of extreme measures. Look, even though they're not in the clear yet, there have already been some subtle shifts in their favor."

"I don't think that Luo's Workshop will emerge victorious," Ge Zhongtian said seriously. "I've crossed swords with Fu Heyu before. He's very good with words, and his ability to turn the truth on its head is something I can't match. Now that Luo's Workshop doesn't even have a proper lawyer, they will lose this lawsuit."

Chu Yunxiong was all smiles as he picked up his cup of hot tea and took a sip, saying, "Okay, aren't you just feeling upset because Luo didn't ask you to represent Luo's Workshop as their lawyer?"

With his inner thoughts thus exposed, Ge Zhongtian's elderly face flushed red. He had been doing his homework for this case, waiting for Xiao Luo to ask him to jump on board. After all, Chu Yunxiong regarded this young man highly, so he'd also wanted to lend a helping hand. Moreover, he had something of a personal grudge against Fu Heyu, so the stars were aligned for him, and he just needed an invitation to participate. In the end, however, he had not been invited, so it stood to reason that he was depressed.

"Let's just watch the proceedings here from the sidelines!" Chu Yunxiong sighed deeply as he put down his teacup.

...

Just then, Xiao Luo was sitting in a café not too far from the courthouse. He had ordered a coffee, opened up his laptop, and pulled up the TV stations' website, where the public trial was broadcasting. He wore a slim-fitting casual suit in white and was sitting up straight in his chair. A headset dangled around his neck, connecting him to Zhang Dashan in real-time.

"Officer Gu, is it okay for you to watch me like this?" He adjusted the video quality and the volume of his headset, then lifted his head to look at the woman seated opposite him.

The woman had a head of short, black, and lustrous hair that was neatly styled. Her features were elegant. Her eyes were slightly lidded, and her eyelashes were slender. When she was not blinking, she almost looked like a painting of a beauty stirring.

The woman was Gu Qianlin!

She was not wearing her police uniform and was dressed in a plain white top and tight black jeans. She wore a pendant around her neck, and her delicate collarbones were clearly visible. However, that was all that could be seen, as the top she had on was conservative and prevented anyone who wanted to see more skin from doing so.

She began to question him, "Xiao Luo, answer me honestly. Where were you on the twelfth night of this month from 10 o'clock to midnight? And what were you doing during that time?"

The twelfth just happened to be the day of the bloody incident at the Jiangcheng docks, now referred to as the "Nine One Two" incident. Having checked the Skynet surveillance system, she had discovered a very suspicious figure in the surveillance area more than two hundred yards away from the docks. However, she had been unable to distinguish any facial features. The image was too blurry. 𝒍𝒊𝙗𝓻𝒆𝓪𝙙.𝙘𝙤𝙢

She had suddenly been reminded of the suspicious figure she'd seen in the footage when she bumped into Xiao Luo earlier that day. Whether because of the figure's height or build, something about it seemed to correspond very well with Xiao Luo. Furthermore, Xiao Luo was armed with powerful abilities, so she seriously suspected that the figure in the footage was Xiao Luo himself. In other words, the calm and calculated killing machine from that night could very well be sitting right in front of her eyes.

"The twelfth was a pretty long time ago now. I need to think about it." Xiao Luo shut his eyes and thought for a moment, then answered earnestly and assuredly, "I was at home sleeping!"

"Who can verify your alibi?"

"I'm single, and though I have a friend who lives with me, I think on that particular day he stayed out all night drinking at the bar, so I don't think anyone can prove I was there," Xiao Luo said, shaking his head.

Gu Qianlin was feeling a little exasperated. She did not believe what Xiao Luo said, but she could not detect any clues from his micro-expressions to suggest that he was lying. She was unable to determine whether the figure from that day had indeed been Xiao Luo.

"I still have things to do, so you can do as you please, Officer Gu!"

Xiao Luo smiled a little as he said this. Then, he put on his headset. The public trial had officially begun.

Chapter 146

Inside the magnificent courtroom that was filled with a dignified air, all the people present were very solemn. The presiding judge and two other judges were sitting up high, followed by the clerk and assistant to the judge, and finally the cold and serious bailiff.

The plaintiff and the defendant were set up at both sides of the room, their positioning making it clear to everyone in the room that they were in opposition. This hearing would play a pivotal role in determining which way the scales of justice would tip.

Zhang Dashan, Li Zimeng and another female assistant sat at the plaintiff's table...

It was the first time he was in a courtroom, and now he was taking up the role of a legal counsel, so there was no way he would not be nervous. However, he could hear Xiao Luo's voice in his ear which helped to steady his emotions, and he was taking deep breaths, making an effort to calm himself.

Fu Heyu was a lawyer with clear fair skin, and he wore a thin, straight suit over his tall and slender figure. The spacing between his eyes was wider than that of the average person, which gave him a dishonest and slippery look. He sat self-assuredly at the defendant's table, his eyes looking straight ahead, and radiating a natural confidence.

Chen Jianbai sat next to him, not looking at all like someone who was being sued. He had a flippant attitude and was still casually humming a tune. When Zhang Dashan looked over at him, he dragged a finger across his throat in a provocative gesture.

"Damn it..."

The number one thing Zhang Dashan could not tolerate was taunts like these, and if not for Xiao Luo telling him to stop, he would have stood up to fight back against Chen Jianbai.

Though, the silver lining was that Chen Jianbai's provocations had erased all the nervousness he felt.

...

Inside the café, Gu Qianlin was sizing up Xiao Luo in surprise as she asked, "What are you up to?"

She realised that Xiao Luo seemed to be talking to someone in the courtroom through a long distance call.

Xiao Luo took down his headset, raising his head to look at her, and rebutting, "Officer Gu, am I breaking the law now?"

"No."

"Since I'm not, please stop bothering me, okay? Thank you!" Xiao Luo replied impassively.

"You..."

As an elite member of the police force, Gu Qianlin had some measure of pride, and she felt extremely indignant at Xiao Luo's aloof attitude towards her. However, she managed to suppress her emotions in the end and waved him off, indicating that he did not need to pay attention to her, but she also had no intention of leaving.

Ordering a cup of coffee, she took out her handphone and connected to the café's WiFi, then entered the page with the live broadcast of the public trial. She wanted to see what Xiao Luo was doing after all.

...

"This court will now begin to hear the case of Luo's Workshop suing Chen Jianbai for publishing false news to tarnish the reputation of the company. If the plaintiff and the defendant have any additional statements to make, you can do so now." The presiding judge's ceremonious voice boomed out in the spacious courtroom, as the curtains rose on the court trial.

Fu Heyu was the first to stand up and speak. "Presiding judge, judges, at the first trial, our stance is that the plaintiff has threatened my client, and made a fake recording in an attempt to deceive the general public and gain back the company's reputation. This is a frame-up, it is defamation, and it shows a flagrant disregard for the laws of our Hua Nation."

He said it as though he was standing firm for a just cause.

Zhang Dashan received the signal from Xiao Luo, and rebutted loudly, "You cannot distort the truth with your unfounded accusations. If you claim that we got the recording through intimidating the defendant, then let me ask you this. What evidence do you have that we threatened him, or is it all based on your own assumptions?"

Huh?!

Xu Guansong, Lin Chongdong, Zhang Yong and the others unwittingly let out a cry of surprise. They thought to themselves that this Zhang Dashan was fairly capable, to kick off this fierce tug-of-war with such a direct battle of words.

Fu Heyu snorted softly, "Of course it isn't my own assumption. During the first trial, we have already submitted an autopsy report to the presiding judge. It proves that on the 20th of March, the cause of death of the old man who died in the Luo's Workshop store was the ingestion of excessive amounts of preservatives, which led to sudden death due to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular occlusion. This is indisputable fact.

"Therefore, the news that my client reported is the truth, and not an empty fabrication, and is most definitely not written to defame the plaintiff's reputation, as they claim. He is simply performing his duties as a reporter, reporting the truth to the wider public, and is worthy of our respect.

"Furthermore, my client has also said that the recording was made based on the script provided by Luo's Workshop after they threatened him. Let me ask, can such a recording really be considered as evidence?"

Hearing this, the presiding judge and the other judges nodded their heads in agreement.

"You're talking out of your damn ass!"

Zhang Dashan shot to his feet, expletives bursting out from his mouth. Obviously, this was not what Xiao Luo wanted him to say, but he was just too aggravated by Fu Heyu's irrational arguments.

"Dong dong dong~"

The presiding judge hammered his gavel down three times, barking a warning at Zhang Dashan, "Will the plaintiff please watch his language!"

"Hahaha... He's such a yokel, and he dares to be a legal counsel in court? Ridiculous!" Fang Changlei sat with his legs crossed and an expression of contempt, as he laughed until his eyes almost watered.

The audience was starting to get rowdy, and the presiding judge had to call for 'order' three times before they went silent again.

"Bastard, don't swear like that!"

In the café, Xiao Luo reprimanded Zhang Dashan through the headset.

Zhang Dashan took more deep breaths to calm down.

"Idiot!"

Fu Heyu quietly criticised Zhang Dashan, not taking him seriously at all. In the whole of Jiangcheng, only Ge Zhongtian was a suitable opponent for him. Against a nameless nobody like this, he did not even have the motivation to exert his full effort in defending his client.

Zhang Dashan regained his composure, then let out a few dry coughs before he continued in a gentle tone, "Presiding judge, I apologise for my earlier indiscretion. Now, I would like to request that the contents of the defendant's recording be replayed here in court."

The presiding judge nodded in acknowledgement, indicating to the staff in the courtroom that they were to carry out Zhang Dashan's request.

Not long after, the large courtroom was filled with the sound of Chen Jianbai's arrogant words from that day.

"I'll write whatever I want to write. If I say that your bread poisoned someone to death, then it means your bread poisoned someone to death... I don't give a shit about Luo's Workshop, and I don't give a shit about you. Although, if the pretty Department Head Li agrees to spend a night with me, I may consider giving you a way out. Hahaha..."

Hearing this, Chen Jianbai's face drained of colour. If he knew this day would come he would not have been so conceited. To leave behind such a troublesome piece of evidence, he was too damn unlucky.

"Presiding judge, judges, his tone of voice is arrogant, and he's making extremely presumptuous statements," Zhang Dashan said persuasively. "He even made sexual remarks about our beautiful Department Head Li here at Luo's Workshop. The defendant's counsel claims that he made this recording while under threats, but can this bullshit really stand up in court? Oh, sorry, I accidentally used some dirty language again."

It was certainly true that the tone of voice in Chen Jianbai's recording was exceedingly arrogant, and if it the statement was made under duress, it definitely would not sound like that.

The presiding judge and the others nodded in acceptance, seeing the logic behind Zhang Dashan's words. The audience watching in the courtroom were also in full agreement with his theory.

"Lawyer Fu, do you have anything to say about this?" the presiding judge asked, looking towards the defendant's table.

"My client's tone of voice should not be described as arrogant or presumptuous, but angry. In a fit of rage, a person's words are unreliable. For instance, if someone insulted me, and I countered with something about his mother, does that mean I really had illicit relations with his mother? No, this is clearly not the case, right?" Fu Heyu raised his slender eyebrows, as his gaze settled on Zhang Dashan, and his lips curled into a mocking sneer.

Chapter 147

From Xiao Luo's point of view, defending someone in court was like being in a debate competition. Besides, in addition to having the skills prioritized in a debate – quick, reactive thinking and the ability to express oneself with language – one's defense in court also needed to be able to convince the presiding judge as well as the two other judges.

To find a way out of the dead-end he'd been forced into, 'Orator Fu' had some real skills. One could not help but be impressed!

"Find an opportunity to provoke him!" Xiao Luo instructed Zhang Dashan.

When people were angry, it was easier for them to lose themselves and reveal their weaknesses.

... 𝒍𝒊𝒃𝒓𝙚𝙖𝙙.𝓬𝙤𝙢

Faced with Fu Heyu's calculated defense, Zhang Dashan stared at him solemnly, saying, "Didn't you say from the start that we were the ones threatening and intimidating him? Now, what's all this about him getting angry? Are you saying that, when faced our threats and intimidation, Chen Jianbai was in a position to get angry? Attorney Fu, you say some really interesting things, huh."

Fu Heyu replied calmly, "Why can't threats and intimidation lead to anger? When a person's id is dissatisfied and hurt, and pent-up resentment reaches a boiling point, they become angry. Threats and intimidation..."

He stopped speaking. His expression had suddenly changed because Zhang Dashan was making a degrading gesture at him. He was giving him the middle finger.

At first, Fu Heyu did not take it to heart. He chose to ignore the insult and continued speaking. However, Zhang Dashan upped the ante. He did not just raise his left middle finger, but also his right. He even mouthed the words "f*ck you" at him.

Fu Heyu was instantly infuriated, and his face flushed a deep red color. Pointing at Zhang Dashan, he shouted, "Presiding judge, he's humiliating me!"

Seeing that Zhang Dashan had his middle fingers raised, the presiding judge knitted his eyebrows deeply. "Plaintiff, please cease your vulgar gesture of pointing the middle finger at once!"

There was an uproar from the audience, who were shocked by Zhang Dashan's behavior. This was the first time any of them had seen the middle finger being given in a courtroom.

"Is this guy trying to flip the script?" Zhang Yong gasped.

Xu Guansong's face grew paler by the moment. He was becoming apprehensive about the future of Luo's Workshop.

"What the hell? This bold guy is awesome. I can't believe that he pointed the middle finger at the opposing defense lawyer in a courtroom!"

"I thought that this would be a boring public hearing. But now, after seeing this, I see it's no ordinary trial."

"Haha! He's really a model for our generation. Powerful!"

This incident created a considerable commotion online, and users left many comments praising Zhang Dashan for his exceptional feat.

...

Zhang Dashan raised his eyebrows innocently as he replied, "Presiding judge, let me explain myself. Just a moment ago, I accidentally poked my finger with a splinter on the table and started bleeding. That's why I raised it. I didn't mean to insult anyone."

"Then why do you have both of your middle fingers raised?" Fu Heyu roared.

To be humiliated in this manner inside a courtroom—and by a nameless nobody!—had enraged him entirely.

"Well, I felt like raising just one finger was too boring, but raising two was just enough. There's a balance between the left and the right, which makes the viewer more comfortable," Zhang Dashan remarked as if nothing was wrong.

At this, Fu Heyu exploded with rage. When it came to who could spout the most nonsense, Zhang Dashan was in the lead, and there was no way he could beat him. Pointing straight at Zhang Dashan, he appealed to the presiding judge directly, "Presiding judge, I strongly suggest we expel this man from the court. Someone like him who blatantly challenges the dignity of the courtroom has no right to be here and speak on anyone's behalf!"

"I object!"

Zhang Dashan raised his hand in objection. "Presiding judge, Attorney Fu is prejudiced. He's discriminating against me because I don't have a legal license, but everyone is equal before the law. If he can defend the defendant, then why don't I have the right to represent my company in this case? Can't you be reasonable here?"

"Sustained. Attorney Fu, don't get so agitated. The plaintiff has already explained in no uncertain terms that he did not mean to disrespect you and has merely injured his finger, so I will hear no more of this. Plaintiff, do not raise your middle finger again, or I will hold you in contempt of court." The presiding judge continued in a fair and strict voice, "Will the two gentlemen please return immediately to the case at hand!"

Fu Heyu was boiling with anger. His train of thought had been derailed, so he needed a moment to collect himself.

On the other hand, Zhang Dashan did not need to keep his emotions in check. He just needed to relay whatever Xiao Luo was telling him, so he stood up and announced, "Presiding judge, I have with me here ten news articles that Chen Jianbai has previously published. Please take a look."

Li Zimeng handed the well-organized documents to the judge's assistant, who then presented them to the presiding judge.

"On the 4th of January, Chen Jianbai published a news report about a magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Xunyang City with an epicenter longitude at 115.52, epicenter latitude at 29.51, and a 10-kilometer epicenter. Following this, the information was also spread on the People's Daily news app and the NetEase news app. However, this information actually consisted of data automatically recorded in the seismologic network system's backlog. When the news editors checked the data, they discovered it was false and apologized to their users.

"On the 7th of February, Chen Jianbai published a news article entitled 'Peking University's talented alumna returns to her hometown to start an express delivery company.' He claimed that Ms. Xu, the manager of the Yuantong Express Delivery Company in the Shifang District, had won a place in Peking University's journalism course in the year 2000 because of her distinguished examination results. After she married, she gave up her professional life in Jingcheng, choosing to return to her hometown to start her own business.

"Now, Ms. Xu can not only drive a truck by herself to deliver goods, but she is also a 'strong woman' who can carry around a 100 kilograms worth of parcels. The reality is that Ms. Xu had obtained an adult education degree and did not gain admission to the university through the intake examination in the year 2000. During the interview, she even highlighted that she took the specialized subject undergraduate entrance exams!

"Presiding judge, I won't continue reciting the rest of the eight articles, but let it be known that they are all fake news published by the defendant Chen Jianbai. As you can see, he is not an honest reporter who seeks out the truth. On the contrary, he goes crazy for the public's attention, and will stop at nothing for it, not even caring about the integrity of the news he writes."

Zhang Dashan spoke in a loud, resonant voice, and his counterattack this time was very powerful. The color quickly left Chen Jianbai's face as he sat at the defendant's table.

In the audience gallery, Fang Changlei's face changed in the same way. He could not believe that this unassuming small fry could whip up such an enormous wave, speaking with reason and producing evidence in such a convincing way.

The presiding judge and the other judges quickly skimmed through the materials that Zhang Dashan had submitted. Then they began to confer with one another.

Fu Heyu saw that the situation was taking a turn for the worse and rushed to interject. "Just because a person has done something wrong, it does not mean that everything he does is wrong, and this fact applies here as well. My client has indeed published several false news articles, but can you reject all the news he has ever published as invalid based on these few examples? Obviously, that is not possible.

"And, going back to the case of Luo's Workshop's bread's poisoning people, the city hospital has already produced a thorough autopsy report. Here it is in black and white, explaining how the man died from Luo's Workshop's bread. This is an indisputable fact. It's..."

"It stinks! Pooh, pooh, pooh! Oh, it's so smelly."

Zhang Dashan fanned the air in front of his nose then spat on the floor a few times before asking Li Zimeng in a loud voice, "Department Head Li, don't you smell something stinky? I couldn't hold back a fart just now, and I almost 'sharted'!"

As he said this, the audience was in an uproar, and many people watching burst out in uncontrolled laughter. They thought to themselves that this legal representative from Luo's Workshop was really too amusing!

On the internet, the commenters were getting heated up again.

"This guy is a living treasure. If not for the public trial live broadcast logo in the top right corner of the screen, I would suspect I was watching the comedy channel."

"What does 'sharted' mean? What does it have to do with farting?"

"He's talking about sh*t. Hahaha!"

Regardless of the trial's outcome, Zhang Dashan was already famous. He could no longer escape his fate as an internet celebrity.

Chapter 148

At the café, Gu Qianlin's heart was already in turmoil from the astonishment she was feeling. She knew better than anyone else that, even though Zhang Dashan was the one showing his face in court, the real representative for Luo's Workshop was the man in front of her: Xiao Luo.

How was this even possible?

He was evenly matched with the great lawyer, Fu Heyu!

She discovered that Xiao Luo was indeed a man with mysterious unplumbed depths. It was like he was shrouded in a layer of mist that nobody could penetrate.

At this moment, Xiao Luo was putting his heart and soul into the public trial. He was entirely focused on the laptop screen in front of him, acting as though Gu Qianlin, who sat opposite him, did not exist.

"Y-you! You!"

Interrupted by Zhang Dashan's crude comments, Fu Heyu pointed at him, and his entire body trembled with rage. From a young age, he had received a good education, and he never used indecent speech. Even when he was scolding someone, he did not use profanity. He could not tolerate people like Zhang Dashan, who continually used coarse language.

"I-I-I what?" Zhang Dashan mimicked Fu Heyu's stutter. "I just had to let out a fart. It shouldn't hinder Lawyer Fu's defense, so get on with it!"

Next to him, Li Zimeng burned with shame. She was a lady, after all, and sitting here was way too awkward for her. She could not control her natural embarrassment. Every time she heard Zhang Dashan make a crude remark, her heart beat faster, and her face flushed red.

The solemn gavel sounded: "Dong, dong, dong!"

The presiding judge warned, "Plaintiff, please respect the rules of the court's discipline. The next time you say anything vulgar, this court will have you thrown out!"

"Presiding judge, I did let out a fart. Never mind. Let's get back to the topic at hand. As regards the defense lawyer's claim that the bread from Luo's Workshop poisoned a man to death, I have a couple of doubts.

"Number one: why did Liu Huilong, the one who published the autopsy report, suddenly leave his job as a doctor in Jiangcheng and ensure his whereabouts remain unknown? Was it a deliberate move to avoid this trial and deny us the chance to confront him face to face?

"Number two: the old man who visited our Luo's Workshop outpost to buy bread was already in bad condition when he stepped through the door. According to our investigation, he was already suffering from chronic rheumatic heart disease, a type of disease that can lead to sudden death upon stimulation. Is it, therefore, possible that the old man suffered a heart attack leading to sudden death, so his demise has nothing to do with Luo's Workshop?

"Number three: based on the two doubts I've just pointed out, doesn't everyone feel like there's a huge conspiracy behind this whole incident?"

The doubts that Zhang Dashan threw out were like three huge mountains crashing down. Everyone watching picked up the scent of some kind of earth-shattering conspiracy.

"Objection. The opposition is trying to throw us off. The topics of today's hearing are the threats and intimidation of Luo's Workshop."

"All of the questions I am asking are all related to this lawsuit. Why are you suddenly so nervous, Lawyer Fu? Are you feeling guilty?" Zhang Dashan snapped, cutting him off.

"What nonsense. I'm not feeling guilty!"

"Right, right, right. You're not feeling guilty. You just have a kidney deficiency."

"You jerk. What did you say to me?"

Fu Heyu was incensed. Zhang Dashan had been hitting all his soft spots, and he could not hold back his anger.

"Lawyer Fu, don't lose your temper. Otherwise, you'll just confirm to everyone that you have a kidney deficiency. Right, right. I also heard that your wife is sleeping around behind your back. Is this also related to your weak kidneys?" Zhang Dashan continued in an annoying tone.

Although he did not expect his gibberish to be right on the mark, he'd actually found the Achilles' heel of Fu Heyu's psyche. The lawyer's wife really had slept with someone else behind his back, and he had caught them in the act.

Just then, Fu Heyu lost all semblance of reason and went into a frenzy. His face wore a hideous expression, and his eyes stretched fully open. "You bloody bastard! I'll f*ck your entire bloodline. You're a goddamn son of a bitch, #￥%..."

He was pulling out all the stops, and seeing an educated gentleman ranting and raving left everyone surprised and dumbfounded. It was a sight none could accept.

When he saw what was happening on the trial's live broadcast, Ge Zhongtian almost spat out a mouthful of blood. He could never have imagined Fu Heyu outright cursing and swearing in the majestic and hallowed realm of the courtroom.

The comments section online was also in unprecedented turmoil.

"The great Lawyer Fu has lost his composure and lashed out. This is hilarious. Hahaha!"

"I swear on my uncle. This is like a live reenactment of Stephen Chow's 'Justice, My Foot'!"

"Right, right, right. Lawyer Fu resembles the hermaphrodite, who was exasperated. What a classic."

Meanwhile, at the café, Gu Qianlin stared wide-eyed with a stunned expression at Xiao Luo. Everyone thought that Zhang Dashan was responsible for all this, but the real culprit was sitting right in front of her. To corner the great lawyer Fu Heyu like this, and to do it through a mouthpiece, Xiao Luo had some fearsome tricks up his sleeve.

Meanwhile, back at the courtroom, Fu Heyu was continuing his endless tirade of expletives at Zhang Dashan.

"You son of a bitch, I'll f*cking #￥%..."

All kinds of spicy obscenities were pouring out of him in a torrent, casting a black shadow over the sacred dignity of the majestic courtroom.

The presiding judge and the other judges' faces grew darker and darker, and their eyebrows knit together tightly.

"Dong, dong, dong!" 𝓵𝓲𝙗𝓻𝓮𝓪𝙙.𝒄𝓸𝒎

The presiding judge hammered down hard with his gavel, then he shouted out loudly, "Attorney Fu, please be silent. Silence!"

"I'll silence you, motherf*cker!"

Fu Heyu had utterly lost his head. Without thinking, he swore at the presiding judge. As the words left his mouth, his head quickly cleared up, and he realized that he made a grave mistake. As he looked more closely, he saw that the presiding judge's face was frightfully dark. The two judges flanking him stared at him unkindly, as though they wanted to chew him out.

Fu Heyu's blood froze in his veins as he felt like the world was collapsing around him. With a mournful expression, he said dejectedly, "Presiding judge, I...No, I didn't mean it."

"Bailiff, chase this depraved man out of here. He is in blatant contempt of court and has insulted the judicial authority!" The presiding judge raised a hand to point at Fu Heyu, shouting coldly.

"Yes, sir."

Two solemn bailiffs walked in lockstep toward Fu Heyu. They grabbed him on his left and right and dragged him out of the courtroom with an impassive expression.

"No, presiding judge, give me another chance. Please give me another chance, presiding judge."

Fu Heyu began to wail, his face ashen. He knew that he no longer had a future. Having his career ruined by a nobody who did not even have a law license was a tough pill to swallow.

The presiding judge did not show Fu Heyu any mercy. He merely waved the distraught lawyer away in irritation. The two bailiffs did not delay any further, and they dragged Fu Heyu out of the courtroom like a dead dog.

Chen Jianbai was left alone at the defendant's table, and he was utterly panicked, looking anxiously toward the courtroom's exit. He would never have thought that the great lawyer Fu Heyu, on whom he was relying, would be evicted from the trial!

In the audience gallery, Fang Changlei's face was sullen. The public trial was moving farther and farther away from the result he'd hoped for. He gritted his teeth and balled both his hands up into fists.

On the other hand, Xu Guansong, Lin Chongdong, and the others were smiling with glee. Zhang Dashan had given them a hugely pleasant surprise. Even though his language was crude and vulgar, he'd managed to provoke a skilled lawyer like Fu Heyu and get him kicked out of the courtroom. It was an incredible feat!

Chapter 149

Fu Heyu had been chased out of the courtroom. Now the scales of victory were tipping in Luo's Workshop's direction.

Fang Changlei stood up and shouted, "I strongly object!" while pointing at Zhang Dashan. "It's reasonable for the frenzied Fu Heyu to be driven out. But as the plaintiff's representative, this man, who spouts nothing but vulgarities, has been an even bigger insult to the sanctity and majesty of the court. Shouldn't he be removed from the room as well?"

"As an observer, you're not supposed to speak or ask questions. President Fang, aren't you aware of this simple rule?" Zhang Dashan quickly interjected with his questioning. "As the boss of a formidable company like Taste Buds, it would be surprising if you were so ignorant of the law."

Fang Changlei felt the flames of rage surge within him, and he glared viciously at Zhang Dashan like he wanted to swallow him alive.

Bang, bang, bang!

The presiding judge banged the gavel hard a couple of times then said thoughtfully, "Please sit down, Mr. Observer. And, please, remain silent." Then he turned to Zhang Dashan and said, "Representative of the plaintiff, this is your last warning. Cursing and swearing are prohibited in court."

Zhang Dashan bowed slightly. "Yes, Your Honor!"

Now that he had driven Fu Heyu out, of course, he wouldn't curse anymore.

"Do you have anything else to add?" asked the presiding judge.

"Yes, I still have a witness to call," he replied.

Zhang Dashan turned to the main door of the court and shouted, "I call as a witness the widow of the old gentleman who passed away at Luo's Workshop that day!"

Eh?

Xu Guansong and the rest were stunned. They thought: how had the old man's wife suddenly shown up?

It didn't take long before the courtroom door slowly opened, and a skinny, white-haired old lady walked in with Feng Wuhen supporting her by the arm. As Feng Wuhen had no right to enter the courtroom, she had to walk the rest of the way alone after she opened the door.

The old woman was hunched over. She wore a floral blouse with many patches on it. Time had left its traces on her face and hands.

Despite having lived a long life, this was her first time walking into a courtroom. Judges were seated far above her, and there were well-dressed observers all around. Everything here seemed so unfamiliar. Like a baby who had just come into contact with the world, she acted rather timid. Her steps faltered as if a gust of wind could make her fall.

She was an elderly woman who couldn't have been any more ordinary!

Zhang Dashan hurried over and slowly guided her to the witness stand.

"What's the name of the witness?" inquired the presiding judge.

The old woman wore a blank expression, until Zhang Dashan explained to her, "Gram, the judge is asking for your name."

"Your Just and Incorruptible Lordship, my name is Gao Qingfeng," the old woman answered weakly. Her voice was very soft, but with the microphone, everyone in the courtroom could hear her.

Just and Incorruptible Lordship?

There was a small commotion amid the observers. Addressing the presiding judge as 'his lordship'—was she still living in a feudal society?

The presiding judge exchanged a look with his fellow judges and then continued asking the old woman, "Gao Qingfeng, who are you testifying for?"

The old woman suddenly lost control of her emotions and shouted in a high voice, "Your Just and Incorruptible Lordship, I want to sue my unfilial son and daughter-in-law. It was they who killed my late husband. They killed my late husband..."

Her murky eyes turned red.

She was suing her son and daughter-in-law—what was happening?

Everyone was perplexed. Wasn't the old lady here to testify? Why had she suddenly become another plaintiff?

The presiding judge also didn't understand.

Zhang Dashan heard Xiao Luo's message, and hurriedly explained, "Your Honors, please continue listening. This grievance concerns an incident that could clear Luo's Workshop of the charge of selling poisonous bread." He smiled at the old woman and said, "Gram, do continue. His lordship is listening."

The old woman nodded, and her aged face was full of sadness and pain. She choked on her sobs as she stated, "My unfilial son, Wang Decai, and daughter-in-law, Tian Guihua, heartlessly kicked my late husband and me out of our home. My late husband had always had a weak heart, and his illness relapsed after our son insulted him that day.

"But he said to me, 'My old woman, I'm fine. You are probably hungry. There is a bakery nearby, let me go and buy you your favorite Songhua cake.' I didn't expect that he would leave me behind and then leave this world on his own. It was my son and daughter-in-law who killed him. It was they who killed him..."

She wiped her tears, and her hoarse voice was extremely infectious with emotion, affecting everyone present sincerely. They could profoundly feel the old woman's sorrow. How much determination did it take to bring one's son and daughter-in-law to court? The backstory was even more heart-wrenching.

Even the presiding judge and the other judges furrowed their brows after listening to her tale. "Gao Qingfeng, why did your son and daughter-in-law kick you and your late husband out from your home?"

The old woman let out a long sigh, indescribably forlorn. "When I was cooking, I accidentally knocked the rice cooker onto the floor. My daughter-in-law scolded me loudly, and my late husband answered back in my defense. My daughter-in-law then yelled loudly, claiming that my late husband had hit her. After my son came back and heard my daughter-in-law's complaints, he didn't say anything. He simply pushed and dragged my late husband and me out of our home and even told us to die outside."

What?

How could such an unfilial son exist in the world?

The people in the courtroom were filled with righteous anger. Without needing to see them in person, they could already imagine how unfilial the son and how mean his wife must be.

The comments from netizens online also all condemned the old woman's son and daughter-in-law.

"There are all sorts of trashy sons and daughters-in-law in this world. If my son behaves like this in the future, I will slap him across the face."

"How detestable. I support the old lady's decision to sue her son!"

"Filial piety is the virtue held above all else. Trash like him, who are cruel enough to kick their parents out and tell them to die outside, must be losers in life."

...

The presiding judge and the other judges looked sad and contemplative, and they seemed to be thinking about these hopeless phenomena in today's society.

Zhang Dashan shifted the topic back to the case. Luo's Workshop was suing Chen Jianbai, after all.

"Your Honor, the old lady's testimony should be enough to prove that the old gentleman didn't die from consuming bread sold by Luo's Workshop that day. Think about it. The old gentleman went to buy Songhua cake for his wife, so why would he have eaten it by himself without her? So, there is only one possibility. The old gentleman died of a heart attack, and his passing has nothing to do with Luo's Workshop."

His words were undoubtedly persuasive, and the old woman's story supported his main point.

"But the autopsy report showed that the old gentleman died after consuming excessive amounts of preservatives, which caused him to die of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular blockages. How can this be explained?" the presiding judge asked, his brow furrowed.

Zhang Dashan laughed, pointed at Fang Changlei sitting in the audience, and said, "You need to ask Fang Changlei, President Fang of Taste Buds, for that."

Fang Changlei's expression was alarmingly dark, and the muscle at the corner of his mouth couldn't help but twitch. He hadn't expected Fu Heyu to be kicked out of the courtroom, and he certainly hadn't expected to get involved in the case.

COMMENT

He couldn't fathom where this b*stard with a big round face had come from. How had this kid managed to control the direction of public opinion in court to the extent that even Fu Heyu had been forced to leave in the middle of the trial?

Chapter 150

Zhang Dashan called out Fang Changlei in the same way a thief in a crowd finds himself pointed out. All eyes were drawn to him. However, this thief was rather intense, psychologically. He did not panic in the slightest. Instead, he was incredibly annoyed, and his eyes glowed with viciousness as he gave Zhang Dashan a death stare.

"Your Honor, allow me to call another witness. His testimony will suffice to prove that all these incidents have to do with Fang Changlei," Zhang Dashan said calmly.

The presiding judge nodded. "Yes, you may!"

Boom!

The courtroom door was pushed open forcefully. Dressed in plain clothes, Zhang Donghai walked in uneasily, looking slightly panicked. After helping Gao Qingfeng off the witness stand, he walked over.

The moment he saw Zhang Donghai, a cloud of gloominess flitted across Fang Changlei's eyes, and his eyelids twitched a couple of times. He hadn't expected the trusted subordinate, whom he'd so carefully cultivated, to betray him.

"What's your name, witness?" the presiding judge asked.

"Your Honor, my name is Zhang Donghai. I am from Qi'an," Zhang Donghai answered honestly. 𝙡𝙞𝙗𝒓𝙚𝓪𝙙.𝒄𝓸𝓶

Zhang Dashan passed on Xiao Luo's words and bellowed in an authoritative tone, "Zhang Donghai, tell us everything you know."

"Yes," came the reply.

Zhang Donghai nodded sheepishly, then looked somewhat timidly at Fang Changlei, who was sitting amid the audience, then said slowly, "On the surface, I am the head of Luo's Workshop's factory, but in secret, I work for Fang Changlei of Taste Buds. To defeat Luo's Workshop, Fang Changlei once told me that he had conducted secret operations to spread the news of the deadly bread incident, which took place Luo's Workshop. He aims to tarnish Luo's Workshop's reputation.

"Other than that, he also spent money bribing workers from Luo's Workshop's factory to go on strike, while I added fuel to the fire from the sidelines. A few days ago, he gave me a firm order to create an incident while Luo's Workshop was rushing to complete the orders for the mid-autumn festival. He wanted me to force the factory to stop the manufacturing process!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a commotion arose amid the audience, and the netizens' comments flooded the internet like bamboo shoots after rain.

"Oh my goodness! So this is the big boss hidden behind the scenes!"

"Fang Changlei of Taste Buds is the troublemaker behind everything. What a surprising outcome."

"I'm so f*cking surprised! This trial has so many ups and downs. It is more interesting than many tv dramas."

...

[In court]

"Bullsh*t, Your Honor. He is framing me. He is framing me!"

Fang Changlei could hardly stay calm anymore, and the flesh on his face trembled violently. His face was grotesque and terrifying as he roared while pointing at Zhang Donghai.

Bang, bang, bang! The presiding judge banged the gavel and called out, "Silence! Please stay silent!"

Once the entire courtroom returned to quiet, he looked at Zhang Donghai and said, "Mr. Witness, can you promise the court that you have spoken nothing but the truth here today?"

Zhang Donghai nodded forcefully and answered, "Your Honor, I swear that I have spoken no lies. To be safe, I even deliberately recorded my conversation with Fang Changlei."

As he said this, he handed over a USB drive.

The bailiff passed the USB drive to the judicial assistant, who then gave it to the presiding judge and the rest of the judges. After checking that there was nothing suspicious with the drive, the judge instructed the courtroom workers to play the recording it contained. When the sounds of Zhang Donghai and Fang Changlei's conversation rang out in the large courtroom, everyone looked surprised.

Meanwhile, Fang Changlei gritted his teeth, and his hand on his thigh couldn't help but shake slightly.

After everyone finished listening to the recording, Zhang Dashan again called another critical witness, Wang Tiechui, who had been discharged from the hospital.

Wang Tiechui admitted that a stranger had given him 20 thousand and asked him to organize a strike and protest for the workers of Luo's Workshop, corroborating Zhang Donghai's testimony.

At the same time, Chen Jianbai, who was scared sh*tless, also admitted that he'd only written an article tarnishing the reputation of Luo's Workshop because Taste Buds had offered him some benefits in exchange. He also explained that Liu Huilong, who had written the autopsy report, had been bribed by Taste Buds and had now left the country.

This concrete proof left no room for rebuttal!

From the presiding judge to the other judges and members of the public, everyone present had finally realized that everything they'd seen and heard in court was due to a conspiracy set up by Fang Changlei, Taste Buds' boss, to target Luo's Workshop. His goal was apparent: to destroy Luo's Workshop.

Fang Changlei's face was ashen, and cold sweat appeared on his forehead and body. While everyone's gaze was still on him, he sat unmoving in the audience gallery. It wasn't that he didn't want to move, but his legs were no longer his to control. It was if all energy had left his body in an instant.

He had lost!

Lost completely!

The trial had not been a preceding against Luo's Workshop, but against him and Taste Buds. But how had this happened?

He had some trouble coming back to his senses. Had he not taken Xiao Luo of Luo's Workshop seriously enough? Or, in his desperation to destroy Luo's Workshop, had he just left too much evidence behind?

In the plaintiff's seat, Li Zimeng stared at Zhang Dashan in a daze. She realized that Zhang Dashan was very charismatic today. Besides the cursing and swearing earlier on, when he talked, somehow, she could sense a trace of Xiao Luo in him. More than once, while Zhang Dashan was speaking so eloquently before the court, she had mistaken him for Xiao Luo.

...

"Phew."

Back at the café, Xiao Luo exhaled deeply. He closed the website that was live-streaming the public trial then took off his earphones. For him, it had been a relatively hard battle, but the outcome of complete victory had left him incredibly satisfied.

He lifted the cup that was on the table, wanting to drink the coffee inside. But he realized that the coffee had turned cold, so he snapped his fingers and asked the waiter to bring him another.

Only then did he notice Gu Qianlin sitting opposite him. The woman had not left this whole time and was staring at him intently with a weird look.

"Who on earth are you?"

As if she were sizing a prisoner up and down, Gu Qianlin's gaze flitted over Xiao Luo's every characteristic. Xiao Luo surprised her almost every time they met. He was outrageously good at fighting. Even Red Scorpion, the mercenary, had died at his hands. And now, he'd won a lawsuit by controlling it from afar.

Such a mysterious man made her tremble from the bottom of her heart. She thought: is he even human? Surely, he's more like an alien?

"My name is Xiao Luo. I come from Xisheng. You've probably read my data so many times that the document pages are worn out by now, Officer Gu," Xiao Luo answered her calmly.

"Is that your real identity?" Gu Qianlin asked persistently. "Your abilities are beyond my comprehension. To me, you are a dangerous character. If you are indeed a criminal, Jiangcheng probably isn't even enough for you. You are like a bomb hidden in a crowd, ready to explode anytime and bring about destructive disaster."

"You're overthinking things!" Xiao Luo chuckled.

"Am I?" Gu Qianlin shot back coldly, "I hope so."

Xiao Luo didn't answer her. He took a small sip of the hot coffee that the waiter had served, opened an episode of 'The Big Bang Theory' on his computer, and began watching the show.

"Join the police. How about that? With your abilities, I think you will become criminals' worst nightmare," Gu, Qianlin suddenly offered.

In her eyes, Xiao Luo was a dangerous beast who was going to cause significant harm to society at any moment. She hoped to leverage the police to bind the beast's teeth and claws or to use them against criminals.

Chapter 151

"Be a cop?"

Xiao Luo laughed out loud as if he had just heard a hilarious joke. Then, he put down his coffee and said contemplatively, "Do you know why I helped Luo's Workshop win this lawsuit?"

Gu Qianlin blinked and asked, "Why?"

"Because I am now the boss of Luo's Workshop," Xiao Luo answered somberly.

While Gu Qianlin was still in shock, he closed his laptop, put it in his bag, rose from the table, and walked out of the café. With a cop hanging around, he had lost any interest in drinking coffee.

Gu Qianlin stayed in her seat, stunned. For a good while, she was unable to accept that Xiao Luo was the boss of Luo's Workshop. However, in the end, she finally breathed a sigh of relief. For the cops, Xiao Luo running a business was something relieving. She couldn't imagine how difficult it would have been to deal with Xiao Luo if he were a criminal.

However, she would not give up her investigation into the "nine-one-two" incident. Xiao Luo was very suspicious, and anyone who had broken the law must be punished by the law, regardless of their identity!

...

Chen Jianbai was convicted of defamation and sentenced to one year in jail and a fine of 20 thousand dollars. Fang Changlei of Taste Buds was led directly away from the courtroom by the Anti-Monopoly and Competition Restoration Bureau for investigation purposes. There was concrete evidence, and he would be facing astronomical fines.

With a single public trial, the reputation of Luo's Workshop was restored. Not only did the customers they had previously lost come back, but many new customers surged in as well. Taste Buds' reputation, meanwhile, had fallen to a new low. The company was spat upon and shamed by members of the public. In the blink of an eye, the landscape of Jiangcheng's bakery industry changed drastically.

After a celebration feast, Xiao Luo and Zhang Dashan returned to the place where they were staying.

Feng Wuhen and the other five came up and brought along two six-packs of beer and some barbecued food. Even after the feast, they had yet to satisfy their cravings completely. They did not intend to return to their hostel at the factory tonight. Instead, they were determined to stay at Xiao Luo's house, even though it only had a living room and a bedroom.

Since they could all just about squeeze into the living room, Xiao Luo, naturally, had no objections. However, he would never give up his bedroom.

"Heck, it is too exhilarating. Old Xiao, next time you must find me for occasions like this. The ones that require someone to show face!"

Zhang Dashan was still recollecting how he had eloquently represented Luo's Workshop in court. The more he thought about it, the more excited and at ease he became, even feeling as if he hadn't had enough lawyering.

Xiao Luo rolled his eyes at him. "Didn't you say you were nervous?"

"Nervous, my a*s!"

Zhang Dashan showed Xiao Luo his phone. "See here? The number of fans on my Weibo has increased by 500 thousand in one go, and the number is still surging. Quotes of things I said in court are even circulating online. Now, I am more or less an internet celebrity."

Xiao Luo raised an eyebrow and said, "You're acting so smug."

"Hehe. I feel that springtime has come for me at last. Many lady fans are asking for my contact on Weibo, and I can see a different one each day without repeating!" Zhang Dashan laughed.

Xiao Luo didn't reply to this meaningless point. 𝑙𝑖𝘣𝓇𝑒𝒶𝘥.𝑐ℴ𝑚

To be honest, it was a good thing that he'd had Zhang Dashan to help him out at the trial. The latter could infuriate people with his words, whereas Xiao Luo's speeches were more rational, and he could hardly curse. The two combined their strengths for the trial, forging an image for the representative that displayed both of their characteristics.

"Oh yeah, have you arranged a job for that old woman, Gao Qingfeng?" Xiao Luo suddenly asked.

"Of course I've arranged it. The finance head donated a sum of money to her in the company's name. To prevent her son and daughter-in-law from robbing it from her, we've entrusted the money to a lawyer. It will be sent to her at the start of each month in the form of an allowance, ensuring that her daily needs will be met. Also, I've found a lawyer to represent her in court. As for what the outcome will be in this family matter, that I can't say."

"Mmm, that's good." Xiao Luo nodded. He would not treat anyone who had helped him unfairly.

"What about that, Zhang Donghai?"

"You are going to have to ask Brother Feng for that," Zhang Dashan said. Then, he shouted at Feng Wuhen, who was eating barbecue by the door, "Brother Feng, come over here for a minute. Old Xiao wants to ask you about Zhang Donghai."

"Okay!"

Feng Wuhen put down the skewered meat and ran over like a gust of wind. He wiped away the grease on his mouth and reported to Xiao Luo, "As per your instructions, Brother Feng, we took Zhang Donghai and his family to the airport and did not leave until we saw them board the plane."

"Did you see any suspicious people following you?" Xiao Luo asked again.

Feng Wuhen shook his head. "No, and the Little Five were all secretly overseeing the situation all the time. We didn't discover anyone else suspicious."

"Alright, you may go," replied Xiao Luo.

"Brother Xiao, come and enjoy the barbecue with us. We bought too much food," entreated Feng Wuhen.

"Heck, it is very shameful to waste food. Let me help solve this problem."

Zhang Dashan rolled up his sleeves and prepared to dig in. With one hand on Feng Wuhen's shoulder, he walked over to the food. They ate, drank, munched on the meat, and bragged to each other. Their rough laughter and shouts rang out in the vast space of the top floor.

Xiao Luo inhaled deeply, turned to look the outside, and stood fast against the wind. In this rural part of Jiangcheng, the night seemed extremely quiet.

This time, other than the fact that Luo's Workshop had won a complete victory, the outcome was rather fruitful for him as well. His points in the system had surged by 200 thousand points, all because of the trial. He had been an indirect influence, and the system had automatically identified and collected his points. As the hearing had been live-streamed on various significant platforms, many people were affected by it, earning him 200 thousand points.

He was much closer to the 500 thousand points required for obtaining the life-extension ability!

1Furthermore, the system had unlocked a high-level shop. To his surprise, Xiao Luo discovered that the shop sold the various martial arts abilities commonly seen in wuxia television shows, such as Yijin Jing [1], the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms, and Wave-like Subtle Steps, and so on. The points required to redeem them were much more than those needed to redeem the Constitution of King of Mercenaries. For example, to redeem Yijin Jing, he would need to spend a surprisingly high amount of 100 thousand points.

"System, how can this be?" Xiao Luo was puzzled.

"Ding! The Constitution of King of Mercenaries changes the exterior conditions of the body, while the Yijin Jing is a high-level martial arts ability that increases one's inner power. Once redeemed, the host obtains an extraordinary amount of inner fortitude. Be it power, speed, or endurance. All of these attributes are permanently strengthened."

"So, both of them are for increasing one's capabilities. But one is internal, while the other is external?"

"Ding! Correct!"

"Why does the Constitution of King of Mercenaries require only 1000 points while Yijin Jing requires 100 thousand points?"

This was what puzzled Xiao Luo the most. Wasn't the difference between 1000 and 100 thousand too big? If one went by the rule that the more expensive something was, the better it was, didn't that mean that Yijin Jing was much more powerful than the Constitution of King of Mercenaries?

"Ding! Even 100 people with the Constitution of King of Mercenaries would be no match for someone who has obtained the top level of the martial art of Yijin Jing!" The system's emotionless voice rang out in his mind.

Xiao Luo inhaled deeply. He'd thought the Constitution of King of Mercenaries was already powerful enough, and he hadn't expected that something even more powerful even existed. Since the system had the martial arts known as Yijin Jing, did that mean that there were a bunch of martial arts practitioners loose somewhere in the world? A wuxia Jianghu [2]?

"It seems that the world is quite interesting, after all!"

After his initial shock wore off, instead of being worried, Xiao Luo was filled with anticipation for this new world he was entering. A world of martial arts practitioners, jianghu, would indeed suffice in bringing out one's passions.

Chapter 152

The Mid-Autumn Festival was a time to reunite with family, and both Xiao Luo and Zhang Dashan called their parents back home. They asked if they had received the mooncakes they'd sent and chatted a little about everyday life. Still, like every other phone call home before, the conversation ended when the boys were asked whether they had romantic partners. 𝓁𝑖𝑏𝑟𝘦𝒶𝘥.𝒸𝘰𝑚

Luo's Workshop didn't get the day off, and most stores were still open because many people came to buy mooncakes and other pastries on the day of the festival.

Xiao Luo had nothing to do, so he went over to check on the stores with Li Zimeng.

Most retail employees didn't recognize Xiao Luo but knew Li Zimeng from the marketing department because she was the boss of all the individual store owners. When they learned that Xiao Luo was the owner of the company, many employees were shocked to find out their big boss was this young, stereotypically powerful CEO.

"Luo Workshop's sales have returned to normal, and the quantity of individual transactions has increased more than two times beyond the peak of our sales in the past!"

Li Zimeng reported the sales figures to Xiao Luo in the car with a smile on her face. It could certainly be said that Luo's Workshop was back on its feet. Within two days, it had become one of the top suppliers for bread and pastries in Jiangcheng. Their catering orders had been increasing alongside their bakery sales. Growing at this rapid speed, they were almost unstoppable.

After finishing her report, Li Zimeng carefully studied Xiao Luo in the front seat mirror to see his reaction only to find that Xiao Luo didn't have any trace of surprise visible on his face. He sat quietly in the back seat with his cheek resting on his right fist, looking lazy and apathetically beyond the window where the crowd of pedestrians and traffic flowed by.

Li Zimeng pressed her lips together in slight disappointment. She thought that Xiao Luo would be happy about the news and at least reward her with a genuine smile.

It was silent inside the car for a while until she hesitantly asked, "President Xiao, I have a question. But I'm not sure whether it's appropriate to ask right now.

"What is it?" Xiao Luo responded.

Li Zimeng questioned timidly, "Where did you go during the day of the court hearing?"

Xiao Luo thought about it for a moment and answered, "I had to take care of some business." Then he asked, "What of it?"

Li Zimeng shook her head and said, "Nothing. I just thought that the way Vice President Zhang spoke that day was very similar to your style of speaking."

"Hm?"

Xiao Luo frowned and stared at her in shock. Women sure had sharp instincts! She'd even managed to catch onto this!

Li Zimeng felt a bit uneasy from his staring and chuckled awkwardly. "It's not that similar. I think I was just oversensitive..."

"You're right. You're oversensitive," Xiao Luo said sternly.

Li Zimeng saw Xiao Luo laugh in the mirror. Yet, something about his smile was unnatural. Perhaps this was simply awkwardness. Then, she thought: Why did I have to start up such an annoying conversation? Vice President Zhang is Vice President Zhang, and President Xiao is President Xiao, so how could I possibly have mixed them up?"

...

Not too long after, they arrived at another store.

This location was perfect, surrounded by small residential areas in all directions with a steady flow of customers.

"This was the store where the old man died from a sudden heart attack. The owner's name is Sun Jian'an. He's an honest, hardworking man who treats his job very professionally. Look, President Xiao, when his employees are all tied up, he even comes out personally to greet customers," Li Zimeng said.

Xiao Luo followed her gaze and saw Sun Jian'an greeting customers in his store.

"Should we go in and take a look?" Li Zimeng asked.

"We probably should."

Xiao Luo took in a deep breath before exhaling, opening the door, and stepping out of the car.

Li Zimeng quickly followed him. Her height was already close to 5'6, and her tall figure looked even taller when she was wearing heels. Her hair was tied up neatly in a ponytail behind her head. The skin of her delicate face was egg-white and smooth.

She wore a white sweater with a fashionable long plush jacket complete with black stockings. With her legs exposed, she exuded a sense of temptation that earned her a few looks from men as soon as she walked by.

In contrast to her, Xiao Luo's outfit was much more straightforward. He wore a black sweater with casual black pants. His sleeves were rolled up, exposing his arms. His informal style created a unique sense of aloofness; he was cleanly handsome but cold.

Usually, anyone who stood beside Li Zimeng would be intimidated by her overwhelming presence, but that was not the case for Xiao Luo. His natural confidence allowed him to retain an aura of authority and a powerful ego. He was like a king standing above everyone else, and Li Zimeng was the loyal retainer who stood beside him.

The store was busy with customers, so Xiao Luo purposely didn't bother the busy Sun Jian'an.

Sun Jian'an's face was plastered with a smile. The store's business had improved, and the traces of exhaustion and helplessness Xiao Luo had noticed about him the first time they met had utterly disappeared.

"President Xiao!?"

Sun Jian'an's voice trembled in excitement when he finally noticed Xiao Luo standing right in front of him.

Xiao Luo smiled and asked, "Mister Sun, how's business now?"

"Good, very good! Ever since that court case was settled, business here has exploded. I haven't seen so many customers come into our store in such a long time."

Sun Jian'an was very sentimental and thankful. He hadn't thought that Xiao Luo could take the Luo Workshop to the next level. Now, he was filled with the desire to tell his niece, Sun Yu, about Xiao Luo's identity so that she could hold onto this perfect man.

Xiao Luo nodded and remarked, "That's good!"

"Owner, do you have bread that's good for the elderly to eat? I need something soft. We old folk don't have many teeth left and can't chew hard things," an older woman walked over and asked Sun Jian'an.

"Of course, we do. It's right over there. I'll show you," Sun Jian'an answered the customer's question enthusiastically. He remembered that Xiao Luo was here just as he was about to walk away. He turned and gave his boss a problematic smile, saying, "President Xiao, I..."

Xiao Luo waved him off. "Don't worry about me. Just go and do your job."

"Okay," Sun Jian'an answered and went over to help the woman.

Xiao Luo walked around aimlessly. For a pastry shop and bakery, the environment was the most crucial aspect. A clean, organized store was essential for increasing customer confidence. If the shop were dirty and unorganized, then customers, naturally, would suspect that their products were also unsanitary.

Even though he hadn't exposed his identity, many young part-time employees had guessed who he was. Since Li Zimeng was also following behind this man as timidly as a tail, who else could it be other than the new big boss? Of course, this theory was also confirmed by one of Sun Jian'an's young female workers.

"Wow, so he's our big boss? So handsome!" The awe-struck girl shot a loving glance at Xiao Luo, adding, "So those TV dramas aren't all fake. There are really rich and powerful CEO types in this world."

"Hurry up and get a photo. This shop will go down if you miss your chance."

"I feel like the boss and Department Head Li would make a good couple. A fine man and beauty, we don't possibly stand a chance here."

"Such a handsome and successful boss—I wouldn't mind being their little third wheel."

The employees quietly chatted among themselves and attempted to steal a few photos of Xiao Luo while they greeted their customers.

Chapter 153

Xiao Luo and Li Zimeng sat at the guest bench in front of the store entrance and drank their hot tea.

After serving the customers, Sun Jiannan walked over enthusiastically and asked with a courteous smile: "President Xiao, do you have any constructive advice for our work?"

If he maintained a suspicious attitude towards Xiao Luo before, he now trusts Xiao Luo's leadership 100%. If Xiao Luo didn't have the skills, the Luo Workshop wouldn't have been able to get back on its feet in such a short time; even the old President of the Taste Buds, Fang Changlei, lost to Xiao Luo. The young man's ability made him feel as if Xiao Luo was like a god standing above mankind.

"I only have one advice." 𝘭𝒾𝒷𝓇𝘦𝑎𝑑.𝒸ℴ𝓂

Xiao Luo smiled and turned his head to look at Li ZImeng beside him, "it's also a request for the storefront owner."

Li Zimeng quickly pulled out some paper and a pen to carefully record Xiao Luo's next words so that she can bring it up to all storefronts.

"The owner needs to learn how to manage the store with 5S theory." Xiao Luo said.

5S theory?

Sun Jiannan looked at him dumbfounded, and Li Zimeng also expressed confusion.

Xiao Luo chuckled and said: "5S is organization, regulation, cleaning, sanitization and quality control. Organization means to clearly organize pastries based on their shelf life, and anything that is about to expire must not be placed on the product rack and disposed of as soon as possible. Regulation means to always keep everything in the store neatly, properly labeled with name and stock. You must also be able to make three confirmations: naming every item, maintain an inventory, and place the items properly. Cleaning means to clean the store of all dirt and dust, preventing any contamination..."

As Xiao Luo was giving his lecture to Sun Jiannan and Li Zimeng on the 5S theory, two other girls entered the store to shop for pastries.

They were dressed fashionably with a good figure; one of them had slightly curled hair and looked quite energetic. The other didn't look too well and had a pale face, but her sweet appearance was enough to make many young men swoon.

"Mengqi, your surgery wound hasn't healed yet. The Doctor said you need to be extra careful." The girl with slight curls reminded the other girl.

It was Ma Linger and Zhao Mengqi!

Zhao Mengqi shook her head: "Don't worry, I gained some appetite the moment I smelled fresh bread from the oven. Let's go check out inside."

Ma Linger pressed her lips down: "Even if you have an appetite you can't eat them, you can only have some light porridge right now."

"If I can't eat then I'll just go inside for the smell, I'll be happy to just smell fresh bread." Zhao Mengqi laughed.

"I...alright, I guess I can't help it."

Ma Linger made a concession, "But you can only smell it!"

"Okay..."

Zhao Mengqi nodded.

The two walked inside the store and was immediately greeted by a scene of full unique bread and pastries; soft French bread, small roll cakes, shredded bread, pudding, swiss rolls, etc... Everything in the store brings up an appetite and even made Ma Linger, who wasn't hungry earlier, swallow her own saliva.

"Look at you drool over them, if you want some then just buy it!" Zhao Mengqi gave her a glance.

Ma Linger waved her hand and said sternly: "I can't, in order to maintain my body right now I refuse to eat high-calorie foods like these."

"I used to eat these all the time, and I didn't gain weight." Zhao Mengqi said.

The beam on her face immediately dimmed down after she finished. Even though she ate bread a lot in the past, it was because Xiao Luo bought them for her. She could clearly remember one time where she visited a Luo Workshop bakery with Xiao Luo only to find herself with only a few Yuans on hand and could only split a large shredded bread together.

That was indeed a wonderful and fun time!

However, she destroyed the wonderful past with her own hands...

Her nose felt itchy and her eyes grew a little red at the thought.

"Mengqi, what happened?" Ma Linger asked in concern.

Zhao Mengqi took in a deep breath and forced a smile on her face: "No...it's nothing. By the way, Linger, where did the $100,000 for my treatment come from?"

She vaguely recalled seeing Xiao Luo when she was half-asleep on her bed in the hospital, and only now remembered to confirm her suspicion with Ma Linger.

"Didn't I already tell you? I got it from my family." Ma Linger's gaze dodged away with a bit of guilt from lying.

"Oh."

Zhao Mengqi lowered her head in slight disappointment and then said, "I'll pay you back the money I owe eventually."

"Don't worry about it, my family isn't in need of money..."

Ma Linger's voice slowly disappeared as she spoke out of lack of confidence. How could she just let $100,000 go without asking someone to pay back and felt that she will not be able to hide the fire with paper for long anymore? She pondered whether to lay it all out to Zhao Mengqi, but after some thought, she decided to test Zhao Mengqi's thoughts first and quickly changed the subject.

"We can figure out the money issue after you recover. As your sister, I really must scold you here. Why did you choose that Hua Haifeng as your boyfriend? Those rich second generations have no skills and only a rich father. Look at him, he hasn't even come over to see you since you were hospitalized, such a scum. Oh, no, even calling him a scum is too generous, he's just a rock under a pit that's smelly and hard."

Zhao Mengqi's face lifted a difficult smile: "Linger, don't mention him. Now that it happened, I won't blame anyone else besides myself for being foolish enough to buy into temptation."

"Don't say that, very few girls can withhold temptation in front of money. Take myself for example, if a rich boy tries to throw a few hundred thousand dollars at me, I might also just walk away with him without hesitation."

Ma Linger skillfully turned the topic and changed the subject to Xiao Luo, "Alright, enough of that, let's talk about someone else. Mengqi, who is that Xiao Luo person you were mumbling half-asleep while in the hospital?"

Zhao Mengqi was shocked and laughed at her difficulty in her mind: Did I call his name while I was unconscious?

"He was my ex-boyfriend and my first love. For both of us, it was our first time falling in love with no experiences before. We made a fool of ourselves, suffered, were a mess, and threw lots of attitudes before. But now that I recall everything, it was filled with sweetness."

She smiled sweetly. Whenever she thinks of Xiao Luo, Zhao Mengqi would feel happy.

An old scenery surfaced in her mind. She didn't bring an umbrella and could only stand behind a bus stop to wait for the rain to pass. Her monthly was here and it was so painful she couldn't even walk properly, so Xiao Luo carried her all the way back to her dorm without hesitation. She couldn't remember why, but the two got into a fight under the tree and ended up walking away in anger...

"Do you still love him?" Ma Linger asked.

Zhao Mengqi's body trembled a bit, all the memories in her mind will forever remain memories. She laughed in mock and shook her head: "I don't deserve to love him anymore."

"Don't say it like that, maybe you two can still get back together."

Ma Linger grabbed her hands and said eagerly: "Go find him, maybe he still loves you!"

"No!"

Zhao Mengqi suddenly yelled out uncontrollably and took a step back. As she saw her friend stood there dumbly, her expression began to grow apologetic, "Sorry, I..." She closed her eyes and said painfully, "I was the one that left him in the first place. I didn't like that he was always just a part-timer, I have no more face to go find him again anymore."

Chapter 154

Zhao Mengqi's words were laced with pain and regret. She had tried sending him a text before, but Xiao Luo didn't respond. He kept his distance, even treating her as if she were an unknown stranger. There was no way for her to return by his side.

Ma Linger sighed in sympathy but didn't know what else to say.

Just then, the door to the guest area opened. Zhao Mengqi and Ma Linger were stunned to see Xiao Luo walk out with the store owner, Sun Jiannan, who was escorting him towards the exit. As things came to pass, this confirmed the adage: "Sometimes encounters are completely unexpected."

"Xiao...Xiao Luo? What is he doing here?" Ma Linger thought to herself, letting out a gasp in surprise.

Zhao Mengqi was utterly dumbfounded. Her mouth slightly open, she was rooted where she stood. She stared blankly at Xiao Luo, walking by with both hands behind his back, her mind empty.

He came closer as they walked towards the exit, almost within an arm's reach.

As he approached, she became more nervous, and she could feel her heart rate rise appreciably, almost to the point her heart would burst out of her chest. Her whole body froze up in anxiety, and she felt a tightness in her chest and a sense of breathlessness.

Walking right past Zhao Mengqi, Xiao Luo didn't see her at all as Li Zimeng, walking to his left, was blocking his line of sight. He was there to inspect the store and didn't pay much attention to the customers milling around. 𝓵𝙞𝒃𝓻𝓮𝙖𝓭.𝙘𝓸𝓶

"President Xiao, don't worry. I will definitely study more about the 5S theory and promote it within the store." Sun Jiannan said respectfully.

Xiao Luo nodded. He had majored in IE at college and specialized in production management. The guiding principles were to operate at the highest efficiency and at the lowest cost in funding and labor to maximize profitability. The 5S theory was the foundation of his major, but it remained very much theory only within academic circles. Globally, the 5S approach hadn't been fully adopted and implemented by large corporations and manufacturers, and very few managers were of it.

As she watched Xiao Luo walk by without even a glance at her direction, Zhao Mengqi was overcome with despair. She felt as if her whole soul being ripped out of her body that very instant. "The most familiar stranger...": she finally understood what this phrase meant.

"Xiao..."

Ma Linger attempted to call out to Xiao Luo but held herself as she suddenly realized that there was a fine looking woman next to him. She was an outstanding beauty with a well-limbed, slender figure, dressed in chic clothes that looked quite expensive and carried herself with an air of self-confidence. She looked like a woman of high status, perhaps even Xiao Luo's girlfriend.

As such, Ma Linger didn't call out to Xiao Luo for fear of putting Zhao Mengqi in a very awkward situation.

She turned and looked at Zhao Mengqi, who now appeared overcome with gloom. She looked a pitiful sight! Ma Linger held her gently to console her and said, "It's okay, don't feel upset. He's only clinging onto the woman beside him for her wealth. It's not worth chasing a man like him that's easily influenced by power."

"No wonder he was so generous in handing out the $100,000. This character flaw must be the reason why." Ma Linger reasoned to herself, as she let out a deep sigh. In her mind, she screamed, "Xiao Luo, I was wrong about you!"

"How upsetting, I purposely went to the restroom to fix my makeup, and the big boss didn't even lay his eyes on me."

"You should probably stop having unrealistic expectations and get back to work."

"Right, you're right. Work hard and try to become a department head so that big boss might give you a look, hehe..."

A few part-time girls had gathered at a counter and were discussing aloud as they looked out the storefront.

Big boss?

Ma Linger was taken aback for a moment. She then went walked and waved towards the girls, "Excuse me!"

"Hello!"

A girl responded enthusiastically with a smile, switching from gossip mode back to her professional, "at work" mode. She was courteous and offered Ma Linger a sweet, genuine smile.

Ma Linger was curious about what they had mentioned about their big boss earlier and asked, "Can I know if the big boss you ladies were discussing earlier was that Xiao Luo person that just walked out?"

The girls that had gathered there before came up to her as they heard her. Gossip, after all, was a woman's nature.

"That's right. He's the big boss of Luo's Workshop." One of the part-timers answered.

Ma Linger frowned, "Wasn't the boss of Luo's Workshop called Fang?"

"Yes, it used to be Mr. Fang until a month ago. President Xiao, who is now our big boss, bought up Luo's Workshop."

"Right, if the big boss didn't buy out Luo's Workshop, the whole workshop would've gone bankrupt for certain."

"Big boss sure is amazing. He managed to bring back Luo's Workshop within just one month and even took down its main competitor, Taste Buds."

The part-time girls were all gooey-eyed and mushy when they talked about Xiao Luo, and their eyes were filled with the most profound admiration for the man."

Ma Linger was shocked and stood there staring wide-eyed, in disbelief.

Zhao Mengqi reacted in the same way, but after the initial shock, she slumped into a depression, filled with painful regret that gnawed down to her bones.

"No way, how did Xiao Luo get the money to buy up Luo's Workshop?" Ma Linger asked without lowering her voice.

"We don't know, but it seems that he has an excellent relationship with the boss of Chongshan House, Mr. Chu."

"Right, I heard about that too. Luo's Workshop was originally taken over by the Chongshan house, and the big boss later bought it off the hands of Mr. Chu."

"Anyway, these aren't important. The most important thing is the big boss is highly skilled and extremely handsome, whoever can be his partner must be the luckiest woman in the world."

The part-time girls swooned dreamily.

Does he have a good relationship with Chu Yunxiong from the Chongshan House? How is that even possible?

Ma Linger's mind was a total blank; it was as if a bomb had blown up in her head, leaving nothing behind but an empty void. Chu Yunxiong was an influential businessman who had significant business networks internationally, and to have someone with his stature be friends of Xiao Luo was simply unbelievable.

Wrong, it's all wrong!

She blushed at the thought of her earlier assumption that Xiao Luo was merely clinging on to the daughter from a wealthy family to gain position and fame.

As she looked towards Zhao Mengqi, she saw a lonely figure weighed down by her gloom. She just looked out of the store blankly as tears streamed down the corner of her eyes.

"He did it. Just as he said, he would. One day, everyone will look up to him, and they'll all say, he did it, hahaha..." Zhao Mengqi laughed cynically, mumbling incoherently to herself.

Ma Linger frowned, she empathized with her sister Zhao Mengqi and wished she could do something to make her feel better.

If Zhao Mengqi had not given in to temptation back then, this incredible man would still be by her side. Unfortunately, nothing can be done about that. If it were Ma Linger herself, she would've been so remorseful that she'd probably she could run into a wall and smash herself up!

1She walked up and lightly tapped on Zhao Mengqi on her shoulder. She tried to console her friend, and confessed, "Be happy for him. You know, that $100,000 wasn't from my family. It was from him!"

Paper can't cover fire, and $100,00 wasn't a small amount. In the end, she couldn't hide the lie and decided to confess the truth.

Zhao Mengqi froze on the spot.

...

7:00 P.M., Xiao Luo, and Zhang Dashan was speed on the road heading towards the Guangming area. Xiao Luo would never forget that he had promised Sun Yu that he would be going to watch her at their Mid-Autumn night festival. His sister, Xiao Ruyi, had already called him a number of times to check on his whereabouts. He wished he could immediately teleport to the festival's location.

After getting off work, Feng Wuhen and his group were also asked to attend, and they followed reluctantly. But a single car couldn't accommodate everyone, so Feng Wuhen everybody off the vehicle, aside from Xiao Wu. As it turned out, he and Xiao Wu, plus Xiao Luo and Zhang Dashan, were the four persons that finally sat in the car. It was to be a comfortable ride.

"Zhang bro, your car is pretty comfortable to sit in."

Xiao Wu touched the leather seats and began praising Zhang Dashan, "This must be genuine leather, it feels like it's a woman's skin, smooth and beautiful."

"Can you g*ddamn shut up for a bit, you took all my lines already so what else am I supposed to say!?" Feng Wuhen slapped him hard at the back of his head.

Chapter 155

The Mid-autumn Festival celebration of the People's Hospital of Guangming Region was to be held in a popular hotel. As the hotel hosted many weddings regularly, the effort to set up and prepare for any events was kept at a minimum. By installing a temporary stage using steel frames and covering the stage floor with red carpet, it had been converted immediately to the venue for the Mid-autumn Festival celebration gala dinner.

By the time Xiao Luo and his three companions had arrived at the location, Xiao Ruyi, Sun Yu, and Tang Ren had already been waiting at the entrance of the hotel for a while.

"Brother, you all are finally here!" Xiao Ruyi greeted them.

"The traffic was congested along the way here, "Xiao Luo explained.

Xiao Ruyi pouted but accepted his excuse in good faith. "Okay."

Seeing Xiao Luo, Sun Yu smiled joyfully and greeted him sweetly, "Brother Xiao Luo."

Xiao Luo nodded and returned a smile.

Zhang Dashan immediately took charge of the other introductions as he called his companions over. "Come, come, Brother Feng, let me introduce them to you. This is Old Xiao's younger sister, Ruyi, you can address her as Sister Luo, just like me. This toy-boy beside her... Ahem, I mean this handsome young man here is her husband, Tang Ren. As for this lady here, I must emphasize to you, this beautiful lady is Sun Yu, the future wife of Old Xiao."

Sun Yu was shocked by Zhang Dashan's straightforward introduction, and her pretty face blushed crimson from embarrassment.

"Hello, sister-in-law!"

Feng Wuhen and Little Five shouted in unison, their expressions very serious and their voices very loud.

This caused Sun Yu's face to turn even redder, and she was so embarrassed that she would have hidden into any cracks in the ground had there been any ones big enough. "I... I have to go backstage to get my makeup done. Brother Xiao Luo, why don't you all follow Sister Ruyi. Please go in and find a seat."

Having said so, she left almost as if she was trying to escape capture, and almost running into several people on her way backstage.

"Big-face Zhang, look at what you have done, you scared Yuyu away!" Xiao Ruyi admonished Zhang Dashan, giving him the evil eye.

"Well, how was I to know that the pretty lady Sun is so shy."

Zhang Dashan spread his hands in a feigned gesture of innocence. Then he smiled cheekily and said in a more assertive tone, "But judging from the situation, the pretty lady Sun, doesn't mind at all. Old Xiao, congratulations! You've successfully obtained a Maserati and can drive all you want in the future."

Xiao Luo gruffly kicked him on the butt and reprimanded him, "Speak properly, don't make such lewd jokes[1] !"

...

The mid-autumn festival celebration was held on the third floor of the hotel. There were 30 to 40 tables in all, and the attendees were all doctors and nurses of the hospital. The place was bustling with patrons milling about, and murmurs of continuous chatter filled the air.

A serving of mooncakes was placed on each table along with several dishes. Upon taking a closer look, Xiao Luo realized that the mooncakes were manufactured by Luo's Workshop. He felt a sense of accomplishment in his heart and smiled with satisfaction

Of course, Luo's Workshop was also hosting its annual Mid-summers Festival celebration. Full authority was given to Xu Guansong and Li Zimeng to organize and host the event this year. He had heard that it was also a dinner party It would be without any performances this year, but a lucky draw would be held at the end of the dinner, with the top prize being ten thousand dollars. This generated a lot of interest among their workers, and they looked forward to the event with great anticipation.

"Sister Luo, Tang Ren, don't you all feel that I am different from before?" Zhang Dashan asked.

He had been holding in the question for very long. After all, he had more than 800 thousand fans on Weibo now; the live-streamed public trial had made him an internet sensation overnight. He felt like he already had celebrity status, and was disappointed with the reaction from the crowd present since he arrived. Even Xiao Ruyi had not mentioned anything about it till now.

Xiao Ruyi and Tang Ren exchanged glances and then asked, a little puzzled with where he was bringing this to, "Different? What difference? Isn't your face as big as always?"

F*ck!

Zhang Dashan almost cursed out loud, but he persisted, "Didn't you and Tang Ren watch the public trial that was all the rage recently?"

Tang Ren shook his head and replied bluntly, "Brother Shan, other than work, I spend all my time preparing to sit for the Medical Practitioner's Qualification Certificate, and I have no time to watch television at all. Besides, I am not particularly interested in court affairs."

"I'd rather watch a few more episodes of Korean drama if I have any spare time." Xiao Ruyi agreed.

"Fine, fine, it appears I've been casting pearls before swine."

Zhang Dashan sighed with a hint of disappointment, expecting his newfound reputation to precede him.

Xiao Ruyi was offended. She put down her chopsticks and glared at Zhang Dashan angrily. "Zhang Dashan, who are you calling a swine?"

Zhang Dashan quickly doubled back on his words, then casually pointed at Feng Wuhen and Little Five, who were both digging into the food, and said with disdain, "I said that they are swine, look at them, see how much they can eat, just like two greedy pigs."

"Brother Zhang, Little Five and I are innocent, we're not committing any crimes here!" Feng Wuhen lifted his head and laughed obligingly.

"Innocent your *ss, I'm praising how sturdy you are when I compare you to swine, you bunch of illiterate people."

Zhang Dashan continued to rebuke him in jest, then changed the topic. "Oh yeah, Sister Luo, I must tell you something. Your brother, Old Xiao, is not how he used to be. He may have been a loser in the past, but has now become a CEO and is among the most successful people around."

Xiao Luo rolled his eyes at him, "Watch what you are saying!"

He wasn't about to keep a lid on his recent success, not his own sister. So he allowed Zhang Dashan to continue saying as he pleased.

"Am I not talking properly right now, can you not interrupt me?" Zhang Dashan shot back.

"Big-face Zhang, you haven't even started drinking any alcohol, why have you already started talking nonsense?" Xiao Ruyi interjected, assuming that it was all a bad joke.

"Why don't you believe me! Am I am not telling the truth?"

Zhang Dashan couldn't help feeling irked. Out of sheer frustration, he suddenly thought to take out his phone and immediately searched for the video footage of the public trial. "Well, after watching this clip, you will then know whether I am telling the truth."

Xiao Ruyi and Tang Ren took the phone from Zhang Dashan, a little surprised with his conviction. They clicked on the clip and started watching.

"Brother Shan, why are you on the plaintiff's seat? You are the representative of Luo's Workshop?" Tang Ren said in surprise.

Enjoying his moment of fame, Zhang Dashan had his hand on his chin, smoothing out a nonexistent beard like a spiritual sage master that had left this dimension. Then, still stroking his beardless chin and acting the part, he squinted his eyes and said, "Continue watching, I will explain to you all after you've finished watching the whole clip."

Xiao Luo quietly nibbled away at his food. He had noticed that besides establishing the fact that Xiao Luo was now the boss of Luo's Workshop, Zhang Dashan was also busy bragging about his exploits in court. He couldn't help repeating every detail about his bold and impressive performance in court to Ruyi and Tang Ren.

As expected, after watching the condensed version of the public trial video, Xiao Ruyi saw Zhang Dashan in a new light. "Big-face Zhang, you are quite capable, I'm surprised that you can be the representative of Luo's Workshop and anger the lawyer of the other party so much that he lost his head and was kicked out by the presiding judge directly. I must give you a "like: this time around."

"I only had to deal with Fu Heyu, easy-peasy, haha..." Zhang Dashan said as he gestured with a wave of his hand.

"Fu Heyu? Oh, you mean the guy that you angered so much that he cursed in court, was Fu Heyu? I heard that he's a top lawyer, at par with the likes of Ge Zhongtian." Tang Ren said with a feigned expression of shock. But to be honest, he had his doubts about the video clip's veracity, thinking it plausible that the sound and video feed had been edited with.

"In front of Brother Shan, Fu Heyu is nothing. It doesn't matter what jade [2] they send, all of them must kneel on the ground and submit to me, haha..."

Zhang Dashan's conceit was thoroughly appeased that day. He sat confidently, looking smug, unconsciously shaking his legs in excitement, as he continued to revel in unending bluster. As to why he mentioned Fu Heyu? It was purely to brag about how he put down one of the top attorneys in the city. And he took particular pleasure in showing off in front of Tang Ren and Xiao Ruyi.

Amid his ranting, a sharp, angry voice suddenly pierced the air.

"B*stard, what bullsh*t are you sprouting over there?"

He turned and saw that the voice belonged to a young man with a look of fury that matched his words.

Chapter 156

He seemed to be a man of culture, wearing a smart suit and an expensive watch. His face was long and clean-shaven. He had layered, wavy hair with a soft natural bounce, making him seem somewhat artsy. Overall, he gave off the impression of having good taste.

1However, at this very moment, the man's countenance was anything but! He was bursting with rage. His eyes smoldering, he looked so fierce that he seemed like an enraged wild stallion. His anger was directed at no other than Zhang Dashan.

"Oh no, Brother Shan, that is Fu Guisheng, a young brain surgeon from our hospital. He is also the nephew of the Lawyer Fu Heyu!" said Tang Ren.

WTF, what were the chances of running into him?

Zhang Dashan's face immediately turned apprehensive, then said in an accusing tone, "Brother, why didn't you tell me earlier, had I known that Fu Heyu's nephew is here, I wouldn't have brought this topic up." 𝓁𝘪𝒷𝘳ℯ𝘢𝑑.𝒸𝘰𝑚

Tang Ren tried to explain, feeling somewhat wronged, "I was just going to tell you, but... Aiyah... "

He was totally focused on preparing for the exam for the Medical Practitioner's Qualification Certificate at the moment and wasn't keeping tabs with current affairs. He only knew Fu Heyu because of this man, Fu Guisheng. He had just joined the workforce after graduating from university and was still a houseman, so he had worked under Fu Guisheng for a while, and had only heard of Fu Heyu because of that.

He really did intend to tell Zhang Dashan just now, but he didn't get the chance to do so. How was he to know that Fu Guisheng was sitting not far away and had by chance heard Zhang Dashan bragging?

Seeing how things had turned out, Xiao Luo was left speechless. He rolled his eyes at Zhang Dashan and reprimanded, "Can't you be more low-key next time?"

"Well, I'm being low-key enough by not going on stage with a microphone and loudly announcing my glorious history in court." Zhang Dashan retorted in typical fashion.

By now, the young doctor, Fu Guisheng, and a cohort of some seven or eight people from his table had already surrounded them, glaring at Zhang Dashan with deep animosity.

"What did you say just now, I dare you to repeat yourself!"

Fu Guisheng snarled at Zhang Dashan menacingly, seething with a look that could kill.

Although Tang Ren still looked like a youngster, he had joined the workforce for more than one year and knew the ways of the world more or less. He immediately stood up and greeted the doctor with an apologetic smile. "Brother Fu, don't take it to heart. He has been drinking and is just talking nonsense."

"Yes, yes, yes, don't mind him, Dr. Fu. His personality is such, always boasting."

Xiao Ruyi followed her husband, Tang Ren, standing up apologetically, and spoke with a smile. Then, she looked at Zhang Dashan and signaled for him to apologize.

Although Zhang Dashan was fierce, he wasn't an unreasonable person. The other party was Fu Heyu's nephew, and to put himself in that person's shoes, had he caught someone badmouthing his uncle, he wouldn't have been able to accept it as well. Besides, they were at the mid-autumn festival celebration held by Xiao Ruyi's hospital, and it would be right to avoid trouble.

He poured himself a glass of liquor and held it in his hand as he stood up. Turning to face Fu Guisheng, he said, "Brother, it is my fault, I shouldn't sprout nonsense. Consider this glass of liquor, my apology."

Having said so, he tilted his head back and finished the glass of liquor in one go.

Fu Guisheng recognized the man in front of him, as the one who embarrassed his uncle in court on that fateful day. The very d*ckhead that had personally ruined his uncle's reputation forever. If it was someone else, he might have just let it go, but it was none other than Zhang Dashan, how could he let the matter go.

He said coldly, "Isn't one glass too little?"

After he said that, the looks in the eyes of Feng Wuhen and Little Five, who had been eating up to that point, turned slightly cold.

Xiao Luo paused slightly, and he glanced at the young doctor. Zhang Dashan had already apologized, if the other party intended to push his luck, Xiao Luo would not have let him have his way. Of course, he didn't show it and continued eating his meal as if nothing had happened.

"Brother Fu, do let it go, he is my friend, don't..." Tang Ren said.

"Tang Ren, this has nothing to do with you, get out of the way!"

Before Tang Ren even finished his words, Fu Guisheng pushed Tang Ren to the side roughly. Tang Ren being rather weak, fell to the ground.

"Fu Guisheng, a gentleman uses his tongue but not his fists, how can you lay your hands on Tang Ren!"

Xiao Ruyi reproached Fu Guisheng as she walked over and helped her husband, Tang Ren, up.

Fu Guisheng ignored her and poured a new glass of liquor, holding it in front of Zhang Dashan and demanded with an impudent tone, "Drink it!"

"Hey... You think you are somebody?"

Feng Wuhen threw down his chopsticks and stood up, glaring at Fu Guisheng angrily. Zhang Dashan was his benefactor, and he relied on Zhang Dashan's help during the days when he was recovering from his wounds. He couldn't just sit by and watch Zhang Dashan get bullied.

He looked every bit a gangster, and the seven or eight people around Fu Guisheng were taken aback slightly when he stood up.

Zhang Dashan lifted his hand and motioned for Feng Wuhen to sit down. With a smile, he looked at Fu Guisheng and said, "Sure, I'll drink, all the liquor on this table. It's mine anyway, and it's going to my stomach sooner or later!"

He wasn't afraid, but he didn't want to cause trouble and ruin the pleasant atmosphere that was conducive for Xiao Luo and Sun Yu to develop their relationship.

s

But just as he reached out to take the glass of liquor, Fu Guisheng, with no warning at all, splashed the alcohol directly into his face.

"I forgive you now!"

Satisfied, Fu Guisheng smiled darkly. He turned to go back to his seat.

"Wait."

A calm, steady voice called out.

Fu Guisheng snorted, stopping to turn around. Just as he turned, he was greeted by a large bowl of liquor sloshed right into his face. He was totally soaked, intuitively blowing out from his airways as he struggled to keep composure. As a small volume of liquor invariably got taken in, Fu Guisheng couldn't help feeling like "two worms were desperately trying to make their way up to his nostrils," making him cough uncontrollably.

As he recovered, he took a good look and saw that it wasn't the man who had ridiculed his uncle that had drenched him, but the man who had been eating quietly beside Zhang Dashan.

A man who bore a smooth face, thick eyebrows, statuesque features... It was none other than Xiao Luo!

Xiao Luo looked at him calmly. "I'm sorry, I poured the liquor by mistake. I thought it was a rubbish bin I was pouring into."

Rubbish bin?

Fu Guisheng was raging inside, and one side of his face twitched insidiously. This man was clearly insulting him.

"*sshole, you..."

"Guisheng, what are you all doing?"

Just as Fu Guisheng was going to flip, a middle-aged man walked over, a glass in his hand. His hair was well-oiled and combed back, to the extent that it was shiny; he had a large belly and a round face, his chin barely visible, but everything about him exuded the carriage of someone in a leadership role.

Seeing the middle-aged man, Fu Guisheng immediately returned his vicious expression to a placid smile. "Director He, nothing much, it's just that... "He gazed fleetingly over to Xiao Luo's table, and said with unbridled scorn, "It seems that some irrelevant people have made their way into our hospital's celebration. Wouldn't it be better if we asked them to leave?"

Of course, he didn't explain what was actually going on. He did not wish to make publicly known what had happened to his uncle, especially not to his superior in the hospital.

"Oh? Irrelevant people?" The middle-aged man's gaze fell on Xiao Luo and his companions.

Xiao Ruyi hurriedly went over to smooth things over. "Director, they are all my friends. I knew that we'd not have enough people to fill the seats for tonight's celebration, so I invited them over to join in the fun."

"Ah, Ruyi, the celebration is just for the hospital employees, I'm sure you know that?" The middle-aged man spoke in an authoritative tone.

Xiao Ruyi continued to explain, "Director, he is my brother, my brother by birth, they are not..."

The middle-aged man waved his hand and interrupted her. "We can't have them here even if he's your brother. It's against the rules, and you should ask them to leave."

Chapter 157

"Sister Luo, who is that b*stard flaunting his authority!"

Zhang Dashan was seething. Fu Guisheng had splashed beer all over him over an altercation. His temper was not abated despite Xiao Luo immediately returning the deed and dousing the perpetrator with the drink he had in his hand. Zhang Dashan had a hot temper like Xiao Luo, and once angered, he would even dare to challenge the Jade Emperor.

A middle-aged man stood close by observing them, and his countenance suddenly became dark.

Xiao Ruyi, standing next to Zhang Dashan, sucked in her breath, and with a cold stare, whispered, "He is the Head of our department, Big-faced Zhang. Can you not stop your nonsense?"

Xiao Luo shot a glance at Zhang Dashan, signaling him not to act rashly. The whole scene was turning out to be an embarrassment for his sister.

Seeing that Zhang Dashan had now curbed his anger, Xiao Ruyi smiled sweetly and said to the middle-aged man: "Director, please try to be accommodating."

She was exercising her gender's specialty – womanly wiles.

The middle-aged man didn't seem to respond to her charms, and with a stern face, he said stiffly, "No, this is a hospital gala. If everyone were to bring their relatives and friends as you did, wouldn't it turn into a mess? Ruyi, you're a senior member of the hospital, you should be taking the lead and setting an example for the others. Rules are rules."

"Oh, director, it's not a big deal, can't you just turn a blind eye to this," asked Xiao Ruyi.

"Say no more, tell them to leave immediately!" the middle-aged man said firmly.

Fu Guisheng, standing by his side, chimed in, "Director He is right. It is our hospital's mid-autumn gala. It's not for any stray cats or dogs to freely come in."

"Damn it, are you looking to die?"

On hearing this, Feng Wuhen blew up and grabbed Fu Guisheng by the collar, lifting both his feet off the ground. His shocking actions frightened the middle-aged man and everyone around them.

"You, you... what do you want? Let go, let go of me!" Fu Guisheng cried in panic. He could feel the strength in Feng Wuhen's large hands, wrapped around his collar like steel pliers. He tried hard he break free but was unable to.

"What are you going to do if I don't let go? Do you want me to teach you how to speak like a human being?" Feng Wuhen growled, tightened his grip on the collar, and lifted the poor man even higher.

"You, you..."

Fu Guisheng was indignant, but at the same time, overcome with an overwhelming sense of fear. He didn't dare to make too much of a fuss, not when faced with such a fierce and robust thug like Feng Wuhen.

"Xiao Ruyi, look at the people you've invited. They're uncouth, and you can see that they're up to no good. Security, security!" the middle-aged man said with contempt, calling for security to drive Xiao Luo and his friends out. He made his disappointment with Xiao Ruyi very clear.

"Director, please don't call the security. Aiya, all this is just..." Xiao Ruyi said, stomping her feet anxiously.

"Sister Ruyi, what's the matter?"

Everyone turned to the direction of the voice. There stood Sun Yu. She was close by when she had heard the commotion and promptly came over. She had just finished putting on her makeup and costume backstage. Accompanying her was another lady who was also wearing a similar costume. They were going to be performing on the same stage later that evening.

"Let go of him!"

Zhang Dashan hurriedly called out to Feng Wuhen to let go of Fu Guisheng. As colleagues and part of Xiao Luo's group, every word and action would be scrutinized by everyone present. He couldn't afford to let Xiao Luo's image suffer in Sun Yu's presence.

Feng Wuhen nodded and did as he was told, then made his way back to his seat. Before sitting down, he shot Fu Guisheng a dark, threatening look. It meant that to convey that if he dared to insult them again, he would kill him!

"Little Sun, you're performing in the first program. What are you doing out here and not preparing yourself backstage?" the middle-aged man asked curiously.

Fu Guisheng fixed his collar and attempted a charming smile: "Yuyu, you're looking great in that costume!"

Sun Yu ignored Fu Guisheng and walked straight past him. She looked at Xiao Luo, then said to the middle-aged man: "Director He, they are all both mine and Sister Ruyi's friends. I know it's against the rules to invite them, but I do hope Director He could help by accommodating them this time."

On hearing this, both the middle-aged man and Fu Guisheng's expressions changed markedly.

Not waiting for the middle-aged man to respond, Fu Guisheng laughed: "Haha, Yuyu, you should have said so earlier they were friends of yours and Ruyi. We thought that they were just a bunch of gangsters here for free food and drinks." He smiled at the middle-aged man before continuing: "Director He, it's just a misunderstanding, just a misunderstanding. Since they are Yuyu's friends, what's wrong with letting them have a meal here, right?"

The middle-aged man shook his finger at Fu Guisheng without saying a word, and thought to himself, "The person who was asking me to chase them out was you, now the one asking me to let them in is also you. Do you have any opinions at all?

"Huh, you really...!"

After coughing a few times, he assumed the dignity of a director once again, and said in a friendly tone, "Since Guisheng said so, then stay. Ruyi, Little Sun, they are your friends, so on behalf of the hospital, do welcome them well!"

"Thank you, Director!"

Xiao Ruyi squinted her eyes and smiled, bowing to give thanks.

The middle-aged man patted Sun Yu on the shoulders, turned, and left.

However, Fu Guisheng did not leave. He kept ogling at Sun Yu, running his eyes all over her body with a creepy smile on his face.

"Old Xiao, from my seven to eight years of experience of picking up girls, this dirty little f*cker has some not-so-proper ideas for pretty girl Sun," said Zhang Dashan, whispering into Xiao Luo's ears.

Xiao Luo didn't answer him, but he did notice and felt a little uncomfortable with it.

The way Fu Guisheng stared at Sun Yu was a little disconcerting. Unless one were blind, it was clear to see that he was obsessed with Sun Yu. Otherwise, his attitude towards them wouldn't have changed so quickly.

"Ahem... Dr. Fu, don't you think you guys should return to your tables?"

Xiao Ruyi said, not hiding her disgust. Sun Yu was the girl that she had introduced to her brother, Xiao Luo. She had already regarded Sun Yu as her future sister-in-law, and Fu Guisheng's fawning gaze made her feel uncomfortable.

"Yuyu, please sit next to my brother!" With that, she took Sun Yu and placed her beside Xiao Luo.

With Sun Yu reseated at the other end of the table, there was no reason to stay on any longer. Fu Guisheng then returned to his place but kept turning his head over every so often. He couldn't help noting that the girl he adored was giving the person that he had splashed his beer on, warm, loving smiles "like the spring that came after winter."

Something seemed off!

He realized that Xiao Luo was his love rival!

He felt a tightness in his chest, realizing that he had allowed his love rival to stay on!

He seethed with resentment as he stared at the couple, gnashing his teeth incessantly. As he looked towards Sun Yu again, he told himself, "Now there is a girl that qualified to be my girlfriend.". Then, he clenched his fists tightly, as he saw her looking at Xiao Luo with those affectionate eyes. It drove him mad with jealousy.

"F*ck!"

Fu Guisheng was thoroughly distraught. He sat slumped in his chair with a dark and brooding face.

"Brother Fu, it looks like you have a serious competitor."

"Don't panic, wait until you show everyone what you've got on stage, then confess your feelings to her. The early bird catches the worm."

"Yes, yes, yes, exactly. We will coordinate with you from our table. Let the audience loudly shout 'say yes!' and Sun Yu will definitely agree. Then you can bring her home share your pillow tonight."

The men at the same table spoke words of encouragement one after another.

Fu Guisheng thought for a while, and realizing that what his friends were saying made sense, he drank the glass of wine in front of him and nodded: "Alright, we'll do just as you said!"𝒍𝓲𝒃𝙧𝓮𝙖𝒅.𝓬𝙤𝓶

Chapter 158

"Pretty girl Sun, wow, your costume looks great! It shows off your slim waistline and makes you look terrific." Zhang Dashan said, in blatant flattery, then immediately asked, "So, what's the name of the beautiful lady standing next to you? Please introduce her to everyone. Other than Old Xiao, the rest of us are bachelors." Zhang Dashan wiped his face with a paper towel as he took on the role of creating an amicable atmosphere at the table.

"It's fine. I'll introduce myself instead."

The girl cordially introduced herself, "I am Hu Shuirong. I entered this hospital in the same batch as Yuyu."

She didn't look as stunning as Sun Yu, but she was the sweet-looking and slender.

"That's a good name, 'Like a lotus flower breaking the water's surface.' I'm Zhang Dashan, what a pleasure to meet you." Zhang Dashan said, standing up and extending his hand to Shuirong.

Hu Shuirong shook his hand warmly and greeted him with a smile: "Hello, Brother Shan!"

The sound of "Brother Shan" pleased Zhang Dashan, appealing to his vanity and ego. He turned glancing over at Xiao Ruyi conspicuously, then said sarcastically, "Look, look how polite she is. She's unlike some people who give unpleasant nicknames all the time."

On hearing this, Xiao Luo and Sun Yu couldn't help but burst out in laughter.

Xiao Ruyi reacted [TN: the original phrase is an idiom that means "slap the table and stand] by throwing a chopstick towards Zhang Dashan in mock anger, saying, "Big-faced Zhang, it's like you want to get whacked again, right? What are you in trying to insinuate?"

"Oh my, little sis, I'm just saying this in jest! You know how helpless I am when you act like this?" Zhang Dashan said with a long, deliberate sigh, spreading out his hands.

"You...!"

Xiao Ruyi stomped her feet in a tantrum. As she couldn't win the verbal joust with Zhang Dashan, she decided to turn to her brother for help, "Brother, look at him, he's bullying your sister again."

Xiao Luo smiled and looked towards Tang Ren: "In such a situation, you should be looking to Tang Ren!"

On hearing his name called upon, Tang Ren put down the crab he was devouring, looking up with a dazed expression, "Brother, what's wrong, what happened?"

Everyone at the table broke out laughing as they looked upon the bewildered look on his face. 𝙡𝙞𝓫𝙧𝒆𝙖𝓭.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Xiao Ruyi pouted, sighing, "Look, I can't count on him at all." Afterward, she glared at Tang Ren and lamented how he was not up to her expectations. "Continue eating your crab and don't speak if you don't have to."

"Oh, okay, wifey!"

Tang Ren responded. Without arguing, he buried his head into his crab once again.

"Pshh!" Ruyi sneered.

Sun Yu was amused at the way Tang Ren reacted and let out a soft chuckle. When Xiao Luo turned to her, she added: "Brother Tang is so cute."

Xiao Luo glanced over at Tang Ren, nodding in partial agreement, and said: "Yes, he is, but just a little."

As he spoke, he noticed that Sun Yu was staring at him with her big, bright eyes, but he couldn't tell why.

"Brother Xiao Luo, you have something on your face. Don't move; I will help you to remove it," Sun Yu said, slowly moving closer to him and raising her hand towards his face.

Xiao Luo kept very still. As she reached out, he detected a faint fragrance on Sun Yu's wrist. He quietly looked at Sun Yu. She looked extremely focused, and her breath smelled like flowers. At that moment, he felt relaxed.

There was a sudden lull at the table. Everyone was watching Xiao Luo and Sun Yu with a smile on their faces as if they were watching an intimate scene in a romance movie with anticipation.

"Strand of hair?" Xiao Luo asked, eyeing the item pinched between Sun Yu's fingers.

"Hmm, yeah, looks like a girl's," Sun Yu said, giggling.

"Such a short strand of hair is definitely not from a woman. You're wrong, sister-in-law," Xiaowu said, in defense of Xiao Luo.

Zhang Dashan, Xiao Ruyi, and Hu Shuirong all glared at him, annoyed at his reaction.

"Gulp."

Xiaowu swallowed hard. He nervously looked at Feng Wuhen: "Brother Feng, did I... did I say something wrong?"

Feng Wuhen slapped him at the back of his head and chided him, "Damn it, of course, you're in the wrong. Brother Xiao and sister-in-law are talking about love, why are you interrupting? Not only did you take my line, but you also took Brother Xiao's lines. Do you think your' wings have sprouted and you can fly now'? Even when you're eating, you can't shut your mouth!"

Xiaowu looked to be almost in tears, not knowing how to react.

Sun Yublushed again. At this point, there was not much time left, and the gala was about to start. Being the first performance of the night, she rushed off backstage to prepare. As they were walking through the hotel lobby, she suddenly pulled at Hu Shuirong's arm, realizing she had left something behind.

"Wait, I haven't taken my bag!"

Hu Shuirong quickly returned to the table and retrieved the bag. But before she left, she took the opportunity to say to Xiao Luo, "Yuyu is a good girl. If you love her, take her far away because nursing isn't an easy profession. She often has to stay up late, and even young girls can turn old very quickly."

Having said that, she gave everyone a smile, turned, and left.

"Sister Shuirong is right, though the profession seems to be selfless and compassionate. Only they can understand how hard it is, isn't that right, Sister Luo?" Zhang Dashan said, continuing where Hu Shuirong left off.

"Right, you are right. From the time you entered this hall till now, it is the most factually accurate thing you've said!"

"Damn it, even when you're drinking you have to mock me!"

Zhang Dashan stood up and clinked his glass with Xiao Ruyi, and they both took a shot, downing the drink right down the gullet.

"That's enough for now. Eat, or else my husband will finish everything on the table," Xiao Ruyi said jokingly to everyone.

Zhang Dashan said without concern: "How much can Tang Ren eat? Brother Feng, come, show her your appetite, it will scare her to death!"

Spurt!

After hearing the phrase 'scare her to death,' Xiao Ruyi, laughing, almost spurting out her drink all over the table. Luckily, she turned quickly and directed it to the floor next to her. Otherwise, the food on the table would have all gone to waste.

Not long after, the gala performance commenced.

Sun Yu and Hu Shuirong, along with four other girls, walked to the center of the stage and began dancing to the soft music.

Xiao Luo didn't pay much heed to others. All his attention now solely focused on Sun Yu. Sun Yu danced beautifully to the music, moving smoothly with grace. Her slender form floated across the stage gently, her costume evoking images of shimmering butterflies as tiny petals floated down from above the entire scene. Her beauty was intoxicating.

Ta-thump. Ta-thump.

Xiao Luo could almost hear the sound of his heart beating faster. He sensed the blood rising to his head. He froze like an idiot just by watching Sun Yu dancing on stage.

"Brother, you're moved, aren't you? What are you waiting for, hurry up and take her, hehe..." Zhang Dashan had unknowingly crept next to him and urged him on.

Xiao Luo rolled his eyes at him, and said irritably, "Do I need you to teach me?"

"Damn it. I'm just worried about you!" Zhang Dashan said anxiously.

Chapter 159

Dancing elegantly, akin to how a swallow caresses its nest, yet swift like a magpie calling into the night. The beautiful troupe embraced the music in a dance that reflected its beauty and serenity, seeming to flow along with the wind.

Sun Yu's group received enthusiastic cheers from the entire audience. When their performance ended, they received thunderous applause.

"Brother, that's not a bad performance by Yuyu, right?" Xiao Ruyi said, glancing over at Xiao Luo with no other intentions.

"It's okay!" Xiao Luo said, nodding as he replied.

Xiao Ruyi's face beamed with a smile. It was as if he had just complimented her. Deep down, she knew that what he meant by "okay" was that it was excellent.

"I heard from her that you have a programme as well?" Xiao Luo asked curiously.

"I had one at the start, but I canceled it in the end. Preparing for a program is cumbersome and tiring, I don't want to waste my free time on such things."

Xiao Ruyi said, pouting, "Oh right, brother, I've mentioned this to you before, so you must pay heed. For a girl like Yuyu, who has such good qualities, not to mention that she's single, she has many suitors in the hospital. Fu Guisheng is one of them. He is, without a doubt, the most aggressive in his pursuits, and he gifts Yuyu with flowers once every three to five days."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Dashan slapped his thighs and said: "I've said this before, that guy definitely has some impure intentions about Pretty Girl Sun!"

"If he dares to fight over sister-in-law with Brother Xiao, then I'll kill him!" Feng Wuhen said, fiercely exclaiming as he took a sip of his alcohol. He turned his head towards Fu Guisheng.

"Who gave someone like him the right to fight over a woman with Old Xiao?" Zhang Dashan said scorning.

"Brother Zhang is right. That troublemaker is vastly inferior to Brother Xiao in all aspects."

Xiaowu said, waiting for the right time to jump into the conversation. Then, he took it upon himself to craft a plan for Xiao Luo, "To be honest, there is no need for any fancy tricks such as gifting bouquets and jewelry when trying to woo a lady. My dad told me that during the ancient times, when a man fancies a lady, all he had to do was knock the lady unconscious with a bat and drag her back home to make love to her. Real love is all that is needed, no need for anything complicated or fake."

Knocking someone unconscious with a bat and dragging them back?

Xiao Luo held his laughter and did not say a word.

On the other hand, Zhang Dashan started laughing until he was in tears. He had been continually raving over Xiao Wu's talents!

At that moment, Xiao Luo noticed someone familiar. It was the boss of Yingtong Plastic Factory, Jiang Yongchun.

A man with a cheerful disposition accompanied Jiang Yongchun. It was Director He, with whom they had the pleasure of meeting earlier.

"Ruyi, that person isn't a doctor in your hospital, right?" Xiao Luo asked, wondering how Director He had righteously mentioned that no outsiders were allowed in the premises. In the end, he seemed to have broken the rule.

As Xiao Ruyi traced Xiao Luo's line of sight, she also saw Jiang Yongchun. She explained: "That is the boss of a plastics manufacturing firm that supplies our hospital with plastic syringes. That fatty without a chin, He Ruanliang, has received many rebates from the firm, so he treats them as if they were his ancestors.

Xiao Luo raised his eyebrows and thought, so that's what it is. He also noticed that Xiao Ruyi had addressed her director as a "fatty without a chin," which he thought was quite an apt description.

"Why are we talking about your director. What I want to ask is that why hasn't Pretty Girl Sun returned after finishing her performance?" Zhang Dashan asked bellowing.

"Yuyu still needs to remove her makeup and change her clothes. Doesn't all that need time?"

Xiao Ruyi asked, placing both her hands on her hips and humming. "Tsk, why is the eunuch more anxious than the emperor? Even my brother isn't rushing, so what are you in a hurry for?"

"..." Zhang Dashan had no words to say in response.

...

One-by-one the performances continued throughout the mid-autumn festival gala. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the event and agreed that the various acts, dances, comic sketches, and singing, were exceptional.

Sun Yu was back in her usual clothes, and she sat beside Xiao Luo after Xiao Ruyi gestured for her to sit over there. She had on a loose-fitting pastel yellow blouse along with a tight-fitting dark denim jean that gave off a lovely and youthful vibe, capturing joy with her beautiful, moving smile.

"Brother Xiao Luo, my uncle mentioned something strange to me," Sun Yu said, initiating a conversation.

"What's the weird thing he said?" Xiao Luo asked.

Taking advantage of the loud music playing, Sun Yu boldly exclaimed: "He told me to hold on to you tightly!"

Her face immediately blushed a deep red after finishing her sentence.

Xiao Luo fixed his attention on her, but she turned her head away due to embarrassment and pretended to be appreciating the performances.

He smiled warmly and said: "Be my girlfriend."

Sun Yu was taken aback. Her heartbeat went so fast that she couldn't catch her breath, "racing as to how a little deer would leap wildly around." Was this a confession, was Xiao Luo confessing to her?

Her lips parted slightly, her beautiful eyes were wide open, and her cheeks were flushed.

Xiao Luo took a deep breath and repeated: "Sun Yu, be my..."

He had yet to finish when the emcee on stage excitedly announced with a piercing voice, which drowned out what Xiao Luo had intended to say.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the finale that we were all anticipating is going to be here soon. This is brought to you by our most handsome and youngest neurologist, Dr. Fu, and he will be performing the song 'Being Your Man.' Dr. Fu is multi-talented. Not only is he a core pillar of our hospital, but he also taught himself to play the piano.

Having passed the grade 7 examination of the musician's association, his musical talent is deemed to be extremely high. So let us welcome him with a round of applause. The Male God of all the nurses in the hospital, Fu Guisheng!"

A loud round of applause echoed throughout the hall. There were even many female audiences that were shouting "Dr. Fu!" loudly. The scene could be described as very lively.

In the spotlight, Fu Guisheng held the microphone and walked onto the stage. At the same time, a piano was brought out by the backstage crew.

"What the heck, this kid can even play the piano?"

Zhang Dashan's face was full of contempt. He looked at Fu Guisheng and said, "Can you believe this?"

Feng Wuhen shook his head: "No shit, I can't believe it!"

Zhang Dashan then turned towards Xiaowu and said: "Do you believe this?"

"If he can really play, then kill me by having someone flick my b*lls till I die," Xiaowu said firmly.

Xiao Luo said softly: "Didn't any of you notice his hands just now? His nails are short, and the flesh of his fingertips doesn't exceed his fingertips. Also, his fingertips are round, and his palms are wide. These are all characteristics of a typical pianist. Furthermore, the sense of self-confidence exuding from him means that he can play. However, whether he passed the grade 7 examination is another issue altogether."

This certainly gave Xiaowu a shock. If Fu Guisheng could play the piano, his b*lls were about to get flicked till he died!

Xiao Ruyi giggled and said: "My brother has an acute observation, unlike you old brutes. I'll be honest with you, Fu Guisheng does indeed have a trick or two up his sleeves. His voice is kind of similar to Zhang Xingzhe. It's gentle and nice, while his piano playing is also rather proficient. During past mid-autumn festival galas, he played Chopin nocturnes, which moved the audience greatly."

"Thump."

Xiaowu's forehead hit the table hard, and he showed a lifeless expression. He thought to himself, "Why did I have nothing better to do than to go curse myself!" 𝑙𝒾𝒷𝘳𝑒𝑎𝒹.𝑐𝑜𝓂

At that moment, Fu Guisheng who was on stage put on a charming smile, and said a few words, "Before I begin my song, I would like to say a few words to a certain girl, and I want all of you here to be my witness."

Chapter 160

A man holding a bouquet of roses walked briskly on to the stage. Just the audience was wondering what was going on, Fu Guisheng received the bouquet and got down on one knee. His deep gaze adoringly fixed on Sun Yu, who was seated below the stage.

"Yuyu, when I first laid my eyes on you, I was taken away by your beauty. From that moment forth, I had lost my soul, and you were the one who stole it away. I've been yearning to see you every day, and I dream of us walking together hand in hand into the sunset. I love you forever and ever, even until death!"

This emotionally charged confession amplified through the microphone and reverberated throughout the venue.

The crowd reacted immediately. It turned out to be a confession of love!

Many applauded with excitement when they saw the scene, some of the girls even screamed wildly without inhibition. They wished they were the target of Fu Guisheng's affection. The atmosphere in the venue became highly charged.

Striking while the iron was hot, Fu Guisheng smiled with satisfaction at the response, and continued, "Yuyu, I like you. Will you become the girlfriend of Fu Guisheng and let me pamper and dote over you? I want to make you the happiest woman in the world!"

Sun Yu was stunned and was at a loss. She had never expected Fu Guisheng would pull such a stunt.

Giving their raucous support and encouragement, Fu Guisheng's friends roared loudly in unison.

"Accept him, accept him!"

They quickly received support from others. After all, this was both a romantic and significant event, which the crowd had no reason not to join in to support this event. The noise quickly grew louder as wave upon wave of voices boomed across the venue, encouraging Sun Yu to accept the proposal.

"F*ck him and his love stealing act! That guy actually had such a cheap trick up his sleeve!"

Zhang Dashan was furious. Deep down, he knew how effective this trick could be, and many women out there would succumb to it. Truth be told, it was always going to be difficult with the crowd shouting "accept him!" and a man giving confession his love in public. No matter how strong-willed a woman was, they would be overcome with emotions and accept the proposal with open arms, especially when the proposing party was successful and wealthy.

Xiao Ruyi fumed and was absolutely disgusted. "Shameless!" She said out aloud.

Feng Wuhen stood up in a loud voice and said: "F*ck his grandmother! He's obviously trying to steal sister-in-law away. Brother Xiao... wait, where is Brother Xiao?"

After recovering from the initial shock, they came back to their senses. The seat that Xiao had occupied was now empty, and he was nowhere to be seen.

With Xiao Luo nowhere to be seen, Sun Yu's face gradually turned pale as she looked towards Fu Guisheng's longing, affectionate eyes. As the cheering continued in good voice from the hospital staff, she was at a loss of what to do.

To accept Fu Guisheng was out of the question. She simply did not like him. The one she was deeply attracted to was Xiao Luo.

But it seemed cruel to reject him in the presence of such a crowd and cause him to lose face. Nor did Sun Yu want to disappoint everyone during such a festive event.

What should she do?

Sun Yu panicked and was close to tears. The situation overwhelmed her, leaving her in a state of deep confusion.

Even as she grappled with her conflicting emotions, a lingering melody began to serenade the moment, as if timed and choreographed to elicit her final response of affirmation.

The rousing cheers suddenly came to a lull, and everyone's attention was drawn to a lone figure sitting in front of the piano. Nimble fingers danced gently across the black and white keys.

1A passionate melody played from the piano, echoing softly across the venue. The audience fell silent and listened in rapture.

"What piano piece is this? Why have I never heard it before?"

"It's truly amazing. Oh, I can even feel my ears getting pregnant."

"Stop talking and listen quietly."

In the crowd, music lovers whispered in admiration.

Even the ordinary folk unfamiliar with the genre was enchanted by the music. It seemed to have come from the soul, evoking emotions both tranquil and joyful.

Zhang Dashan and his companions were awestruck. They all sat in complete silence, staring at the stage, with mouths wide open. The lone figure at the piano was none other than his good brother, Xiao Luo!

"What the f*ck, are my eyes playing tricks on me? Old Xiao can actually play the piano!" He muttered in shock.

Xiao Ruyi echoed his thoughts, asking herself, "When did my brother learn to play the piano?"

Tang Ren, Feng Wuhen, and Xiaowu quickly came back to their senses and exclaimed excitedly, "Brother (Brother Xiao) is totally awesome!"

It was Xiao Luo! Sun Yu's emotions went from dazed, too surprised, and then turned to absolute joy!. She looked right into Xiao Luo's eyes and melted with deep affection.

Fu Guisheng's face twitched uncontrollably. How could this have happened? He had been careful to orchestrate his performance around his confession of love for Sun Yu. He had meant to take full advantage of the cheering crowd, as he had planned with his friends. This would put her in a position that would make it difficult to reject his proposal. In fact, he had already pictured himself rolling around in bed with Sun Yu that very night. He was only just a step away... but still, just one step too far!

As it turned out, it was "like a violent stream of water, encountering an unmoving mountain." His scheme was thwarted, and all now seemed lost.

What had irked Fu Guisheng most was that Xiao Luo had now taken the seat at the piano that was rightly his. When he first realized what had happened, he had immediately stormed towards the center stage. Then as a lingering melody of bright and joyous notes gently resonating across the stage, Fu Guisheng was stopped dead in his tracks. As an accomplished pianist himself, he naturally understood the subtleties and nuances in the piece Xiao Luo was playing.

The arrangement of the piece was nothing short of masterfully.

This man was actually a very talented pianist!

Fu Guisheng was in total shock. He couldn't believe it, and more than anything else, he couldn't accept it!

What no one had known was that Xiao Luo had a natural talent for music. Aside from singing, he was proficient in many musical instruments, including the piano.

As Xiao Luo sat at the piano, he carried himself elegantly with the style and cultured bearing of a professional pianist. He played with skill, and his nimble fingers evoked beautiful and bright sounding notes from the keyboard. He was indeed a joy to watch and listen to.

All who listened to his musical piece were transported to another dimension as the melody carried them through a musical journey of deep and personal emotions; The soulful sound of the introduction evoked, for some, old memories of their homeland and of long marches through wintery plains. As the music progressed, the tempo picked up, still slow but livelier, arousing images of cheer and revelry, of ripening fields in yellow and gold, and of newfound hope.

It was so beautiful!

Like pristine landscapes and fine vintage wine, it was at once both mesmerizing and intoxicating. No words could describe the magic and mystery of the musical composition that was played that night.

As the music neared its end, it took on a more energetic tempo that seemed to send its listeners soaring through mountains. Then it slowed again, descending to reverberate through the earth and along its running rivers. Then, as it lifted once again, arousing emotions of joy and attainment, it finally flourished into a crescendo, evoking images of a brilliant burst of fireworks illuminating the night sky.

Thunderous applause erupted when the music ended in a standing ovation by a very appreciative crowd.

It was simply, an auditory feast!

Chapter 161

After the music ended, the audience was in rapture, moved by the lyrical melodies, and lingering notes of the virtuoso pianist. Their souls seemed to have been soothed by the tune. For a moment, the entire gala was in complete silence, you could hear the sound of a pin drop.

Xiao Luo stood up, bowed to the crowd, and walked towards the dumbfounded host. He took the microphone from the host, and facing Sun Yu, loudly said: "Sun Yu, from today you are my woman!"

"Wh... what...?"

Sun Yu was bowled over. She was trembling, half in absolute joy, and the other half in jitters. She felt a sense of breathlessness as she heard him speak those words. The pleasure had come all too suddenly, and she had been caught entirely off guard.

Everyone else present was equally in a state of shock. What had just happened here? Why would two people confess their feelings to the same girl at the same time? No, this wasn't just a proposal to come together as one, nor was it merely a confession of love. It was an announcement, a straight-up, irrevocable declaration that Sun Yu was his woman.

What the f*ck!

"Old Xiao is just f*cking awesome, hahaha..."

Zhang Dashan said. He couldn't help himself, swearing was second nature to him. No embellishing or elegant words for him. There was nothing like a choice invective to get the point across. It was more direct, impactful, and efficient!

"Woah, what the f*ck, no wonder he is my older brother Xiao. Nobody can match his courageous spirit," Feng Wuhen said in his usual straightforward manner.

"My brother is way too bossy, but I like it, hehe..."

Xiao Ruyi said, smiling. Then, looking at Tang Ren, sitting right next to her, she reached out to pull his ear. Naggingly, she said, "Look! See how daring my brother is, why can't you be more like that?"

Tang Ren put his hand up to his ear, exclaiming in pain: "Wifey, it hurts, it hurts, it hurts! Let go, let go! If you don't, my ears will be ripped off!"

Xiao Ruyi let go, eyeing him with a look of resentment. Her look said it all, could her husband ever meet her expectations?

...

"You b*stard! Yuyu is my woman, what are you doing here?" Fu Guisheng, now on stage, shouted angrily, snarling at Xiao Luo like a wild dog on a leash.

"Everyone, listen up. This person is not from our hospital. He is deliberately here to cause trouble."

"Indeed, we don't have such a person in our hospital."

"Dr. Fu's planned confession has been disrupted because of him, everyone, quickly throw him out."

Fu Guisheng's cohort of rowdy friends was screaming with raised their fists from their table below.

Fu Guisheng's statement surprised everyone. Wasn't he from the hospital?

Rising up from his table, Director He Ruanliang, being the man with the highest authority in the hospital, echoed in support: "Colleagues, this person is indeed not an employee of our hospital. I don't know what his purpose here is. He has disrupted and jeopardized Dr. Fu's romantic confession, and I urge everyone not to be bought over by his ability to play such fine music. We must stand by our colleague and support Dr. Fu!"

It was apparent that this fat man without a chin was standing on the side of Fu Guisheng.

The audience listened, and several nodded in agreement. A few of the grumpy male doctors suddenly stood up, pointing and shouting at Xiao Luo, still on the stage.

"Who the hell are you? What are you doing here, sneaking into our hospital's gala? Is it for free food and drinks?"

"Why have you disrupted Dr. Fu's planned program? How could you do such a thing after he had confessed his feeling in public?. You better give us a proper explanation. Don't think that a tramp such as you can get out of here so easily."

"You better get off the stage now. The stage isn't a place for losers like you!"

Xiao Luo had now become the target of the crowd's wrath and was heckled from every direction.

Ignoring the din, he took to the microphone. Calmly, he looked directly at Sun Yu, standing just below the stage, then smiling softly he said: "Sun Yu, as long as you nod and agree, I will take you away immediately!"

He wasn't concerned about anyone else's opinion, he was only interested in what Sun Yu had to say. Even if the whole world had objected, he would still take her away from all this. She only needed to give him the nod.

"Yuyu, quickly agree to my brother!" Xiao Ruyi shouted eagerly.

Zhang Dashan, Feng Wuhen, and Tang Ren all looked anxiously at Sun Yu. They anticipated that she would nod and agree with Xiao Luo very soon.

Sun Yu felt like she were the happiest girl in the world. When she had first met Xiao Luo, he was a man of few words, the strong silent type. His handsome features had left an indelible impression in her heart. Later, when the two of them were eating roasted sweet potatoes and talking about their childhood, she realized that she had unconsciously fallen in love with this man. Every time she thought about moments she had shared with him, she would smile to herself, and at times, laugh dreamily

She often dreamed of him, snuggling up in his arms, and even holding his hand as they entered a wedding hall together.

Right here, and right now, this man was reaching out to her and asking her to be his woman.

It was as though she were drowning in a honey pot full of nectar. Beautiful and sweet.

"I ag..."

Sun Yu nodded in excitement, but before she could even begin to speak, a harsh voice rumbled next to her. 𝓵𝒊𝓫𝓻𝓮𝓪𝒅.𝓬𝓸𝙢

"Little Sun, have you thought about it clearly? Do you think you can rely on this man for the rest of your life?" The statement was a blatant warning, demanding she exercises caution on her part.

Sun Yu was taken aback. Turning around, she was met by a stern face. It was Director He Ruanliang.

"Director He, I..."

Sun Yu became hesitant. He Ruanliang's words seemed to have stirred her from her little fantasy. Her face now showed signs of doubt and confusion.

Just then, Jiang Yongchen stepped onto the stage. Without saying a word, he walked up to Fu Guisheng, grabbed his microphone, smiling, and said, "Let's not bash anyone indiscriminately. Love is a fair game for all. Does it mean that just because Dr. Fu had confessed to Sun Yu, then others are not allowed to do so? This is being unreasonable. It should depend on the girl who is being wooed and how she decides on whom she is willing to follow. We have no authority to interfere with this. It's her right and freedom to choose..."

He walked up next to Xiao Luo. "You people still don't know who he is, right? Allow me to make a grand introduction. He is none other than the current boss of Luo's Workshop. And the reason why he is here today is that I invited him. It has nothing to do with some of you have said about eating and drinking for free!"

What?

He... he is the boss of Luo's Workshop?

Jiang Yongchun's remarks had the effect of a bomb blowing up right there in the ballroom. Jaws dropped as they stared in disbelief at the tall, lithe figure of Xiao Luo on stage.

If anyone were to put a name to the most famous company in Jiangcheng, it would undoubtedly be Luo's Workshop. Despite having been in the shadow of Wei Lei since its incorporation, Luo's Workshop had suddenly risen and crushed its main competitor, all within a short time. It was rumored that the boss of Wei Lei, Fang Changlei, was now under investigation for unfair business conduct. On top of that, he was also being charged for other shady business dealings. Several hotels that were under his name were caught conducting indecent business. He was now behind bars and was awaiting trial. He probably could not avoid spending a few years in jail.

News of Fang Changlei's fall from grace made more people curious about who, and what sort of person the boss of Luo's Workshop was. How could he bring Luo's Workshop back to life and immediately outperform a competitor as strong as Wei Lei?

This very man was now present here, standing on stage!

"Such a young, courageous person, with the ability to play such beautiful music, this..."

Everyone was lost for words. They stood rooted to the floor. In their minds, they pictured Xiao Luo as a towering, immovable mountain that could not be passed.

The few grumpy old male doctors who voiced their dissent earlier now became embarrassed and quickly sat down.

Free food and drinks? Tramp? Loser?

Their faces turned red instantly upon being told the name of that enigmatic young man on stage – Xiao Luo!

Chapter 162

Having consumed the prescription Xiao Luo had given him for a while, Jiang Yongchun found that his energy had returned. What made him even more ecstatic was that his "little brother" who had for a time, not responded to the fairer sex, had finally risen from its long slumber! Although it did not return as gloriously as it had when he was younger, he could at least enjoy the intimate company with a woman.

He was very grateful to Xiao Luo and became an avid, loyal supporter of his.

Therefore, when he saw that those people were creating a scene and were running their mouths off to spurn Xiao Luo, he decided to stand up and disclose Xiao Luo's identity. His purpose was to put a stop to their evil intentions. He was a partner of the hospital, and many esteemed doctors and leaders recognized him, so whatever he said would carry weight.

The ones that were most shocked now were Xiao Ruyi and Tang Ren.

"My brother... my brother is the boss of Luo's Workshop?"

Xiao Ruyi looked at Zhang Dashan and asked in disbelief.

Zhang Dashan shrugged, spread his arms out, and said: "Yeah, I said that before. You're the one who didn't believe it. Both of us brothers are working for him."

Feng Wuhen and Xiao Wu nodded in unison.

"Oh my god, my brother is so powerful!"

Tang Ren was in disbelief. This was way beyond his imagination. He had never expected that he would have close connections with bosses having a net worth of hundreds of millions in this lifetime. After all, he was just an insignificant intern and had not even received his doctor's certification. He was a small fry. He did not expect that such a person, the boss of Luo's Workshop, with a net worth of a least seven to eight billion, was his wife's brother.

Sun Yu was stunned. She felt like she had lost the ability to control her actions and stood rooted to the ground where she stood. Her eyes stared at Xiao Luo, who was on stage. She murmured softly to herself: "So... so he is actually the boss of Luo's Workshop..."

This piece of sudden news took her by surprise and put her in a state of shock!

She finally understood why her uncle had asked her to hold on to Xiao Luo, but...

Sun Yu's lips were trembling. She sat on her seat as though she had lost her soul. This wasn't good news for her. She imagined an ever-widening gap between her and Xiao Luo that would be too broad to bridge. She likened it to Xiao Luo being in the sky, and she on the ground. He was a young entrepreneur and a promising boss of a well-known company, while she was merely a nurse from a humble background, holding a monthly salary of 3,000.

Suddenly, she felt embarrassed to be even associated with Xiao Luo due to the gap in identity and his social status.

"Beautiful Miss Sun Yu, would you be choosing Dr. Fu there or the young and promising President Xiao next to me?"

Jiang Yongchun's booming voice brought her back to reality.

All eyes fell on her at that moment. It felt like a gigantic, invisible wall had formed, and the pressure was crushing her.

Hu Shuirong's eyes were filled with hope and anticipation, and she was unafraid to show her emotions. From the corner where she stood, she shouted excitedly to Sun Yu, "Yuyu, choose Xiao Luo quickly! He can definitely take you out of this dirty hell hole!"

With all the attention on her, Sun Yu just sat in complete silence, staring blankly ahead. It seemed like Sun Yu was experiencing delayed stage-fright as a result of having been on stage earlier!

"I will not choose either!"

She suddenly stood up and announced aloud, before turning and running out the door.

Choosing neither?!

Jiang Yongchun was dumbfounded, Zhang Dashan was dumbfounded, Xiao Ruyi was even more so. She was shocked beyond disbelief.

The was an unexpected end to an eventful evening. Who would have thought that Sun Yu would choose neither!

"What's going on here?" Zhang Dashan asked. He looked at Xiao Ruyi, not understanding what had just happened.

Xiao Ruyi snapped back: "You're asking me? Then who should I ask!"

She had once asked Sun Yu about her feelings towards her brother in private before. From the way Sun Yu spoke, she was sure that Sun Yu liked her brother, but why would Sun Yu reject him so suddenly?

She was puzzled.

Xiao Luo was still staring at the door. Then he shook his head, put down the microphone, and walked straight off the stage.

Jiang Yongchun stood on the stage, not knowing what to do for a while. He wanted to perform a good deed for Xiao Luo, but who knew it would turn out this way? His plan did not turn out as expected, and he had now embarrassed Xiao Luo as well.

"Jiang Yongchun, what is your business here?"

Xiao Luo suddenly stopped as he was walking past the man, turned around, and directed that cold, hard question at him. Then he walked off the stage without looking back.

"President Xiao, this... I..."

Jiang Yongchun really wanted to slap himself right then and there. What a situation he found himself in, not only had he not gotten any merits, instead Xiao Luo now bore a grudge against him. Jiang Yongchun was dismayed and at a loss for words.

...

"Brother, are you... okay?"

Xiao Ruyi asked as she looked at Xiao Luo walk towards her coldly.

Xiao Luo patted her on the top of the head, smiled, and said: "What could happen to me."

"Uhm, brother, don't be sad. Yuyu was probably not prepared for everything that went on in there. I can guarantee that she definitely likes you," Xiao Ruyi said.

"Yeah, based on my seven to eight years of experience picking up girls, Pretty Girl Sun definitely has feelings for you. But I just can't figure out why she rejected you," Zhang Dashan said. As he thought about this, he was touching his chin once again, stroking his imaginary beard.

Xiao Luo smiled but did not speak.

He wasn't really disappointed. He just thought that Sun Yu seemed to be hiding something, especially after what Sun Yu's friend Hu Shuirong had said to them; take her far away.

It seemed as though she was hinting something to him.

"For me, what Xiao Wu said was right. Don't overthink these hypothetical possibilities; just knock her unconscious and bring her back." Feng Wuhen blurted out his opinion with a firm conviction.

Xiao Luo looked at him, speechless.

...

Sun Yu walked to a secluded corner, then leaning against a tree, she cried. She cried like a child who was lost at night.

"Yuyu!"

Hu Shuirong, who had been chasing after her, called out when she spotted Sun Yu.

Sun Yu began to sob. She tried to cover her pain with her hands, but those restraints were lost when Hu Shuirong rested her hands on her shoulders. She turned around, hugged Hu Shuirong and wept: "Shuirong, what do I do, what should I do? Sob, sob, sob..." 𝒍𝓲𝒃𝙧𝒆𝒂𝒅.𝓬𝙤𝒎

Hu Shuirong's eyes turned red as well, and she stroked the back of her shoulders gently: "Why don't you agree to go with him? I can tell that Xiao Luo is a good man."

"It's because he is too good, too outstanding, that's why I dare not promise him. You know, I am not a clean girl, if that thing [TN: like an asthma attack, but the author seems to be hinting at something more serious and its left vague] were to hit, I..."

Hu Shuirong could see the pain in her face and the inner struggle within. Sun Yu bit her lips hard and said: "I don't deserve him at all!"

"Don't be silly, this isn't your fault. It's all that b*stard's fault. He has hurt you, and he hurt me too. I got stuck too deep, I cannot turn back anymore, but you're not the same. You must strengthen your resolve and push on. You can no longer be controlled by him, so be brave and go together with Xiao Luo. That man can save you!" Hu Shuirong said, comforting her.

Sun Yu shook her head and said: "I don't dare to let him know!"

"Do you want to continue being tortured by that bastard?"

Hu Shuirong's emotions were out of control at this point, "He is just a beast. He has already harmed many young girls, I can no longer watch you get destroyed by him. So, I promise you, Xiao Luo, can take you away from all this."

"I... I want to think about it properly..."

Sun Yu lowered her head, her tears continued streaming down her face.

Chapter 163

It had been seven days since the Mid-autumn Gala.

Since then, Xiao Luo had not contacted Sun Yu, nor did she take the initiative to contact him. In all honesty, he had fallen in love with that girl, but after her rejection, he had not been in the right frame of mind, hardly speaking much, unless necessary.

...

...

Like Zhang Dashan, he had started to make a habit of watching blind dating programs in the evenings while sitting on the sofa with a can of drink. His mind was cluttered with conflicting emotions. He wondered if there were unspeakable hardships that Sun Yu had suffered, or if it was that he didn't know how to woo a girl and make a girl happy. The former seemed unlikely, but if it was the latter, he would probably be learning from these blind dating programs.

"Old Xiao, good news. Fang Changlei was arrested for the prostitution racket in his hotels. He has been sentenced to two years and eight months. Wei Lei is completely done for." Zhang Dashan said. He was sitting on the living room floor with Feng Wuhen and the rest of them, playing cards as they reported on the latest updates to Xiao Luo.

"Prostitution?"

Xiao Luo shook his head and chuckled softly, "In that case, he is really done for thanks to his own actions."

"Isn't it exactly like the saying on the net, 'No do, no die.' That idiot Fang Changlei really is living proof of this phrase."

Zhang Dashan slowly opened his three cards, and when he saw what they were, a twinkle gleamed in his eyes. All three cards were hearts, and it was a straight; that meant he held a straight flush. This would beat all the other suits. He then placed the cards on the floor in front of him, before calling his bet.

"Damn it, I call 500 bucks!"

Shouting loudly, he took out a 500 bill from his pocket and slammed it down loudly.

"Brother Zhang, you are too scary. We're only just starting the game, and you're playing so big," Xiaowu said, his usual blank expression changing slightly.

"Exactly, our salary isn't as much as yours, so don't play this big." The others began to complain.

Zhang Dashan retorted in a loud voice, "Stop talking nonsense, if you want to follow, then follow. If you don't want to follow, then fold your cards. It's as simple as that!"

Xiaowu looked at his own cards, his eyebrows knitted together. He said: "Forget it."

As he folded, the next three were still checking their cards in hand, then all three proceeded to place their hands face down, one after another. They were out of the game.

Feng Wuhen, on the other hand, decided to start with a "dark bet." He didn't even look at his cards before matching Zhang Dashan's bet. It would seem he had placed his faith entirely on luck.

"Ok. I'll follow!"

"Pa da~" he chimed as he put in his 500 dollar bet.

"Hehe, little guy, if you want to cross with me, it's ok. I'll bet 500 more," Zhang Dashan said, rolling up his sleeves and posturing like he was looking for a fight. Another 500 dollar bet was duly placed.

"I will continue to follow!"

Feng Wuhen was in the chase. He bet another 500, loving the thrill and excitement.

"Old Bro, you're too awesome. You're thinking of crossing swords with me without even looking at your cards?"

"Just putting up a fight, brother. Even a bicycle can beat a motorbike, and just with a simple bet, who knows, a trolley can become a BMW!" Feng Wuhen said, licking his lips and laughing.

"Don't end up losing your pants too!"

Zhang Dashan took a thousand from his pocket and threw it down, "A thousand!"

Looking at the red banknotes on the ground that were beginning to pile up like a small hill, Xiao Wu and the rest couldn't help but swallow hard. Their eyes were glued to the massive pile of cash. In their hearts, they wished that all that money was theirs.

Feng Wuhen began to hesitate and considered if he wanted to check his cards first.

"Why are you dilly-dallying, I am asking if you will follow or not?"

Zhang Dashan had no fear. He held a straight flush, and it was a winning hand. He needn't be afraid.

At that point, Xiao Luo came over and patted Zhang Dashan on his shoulders, "Why are you playing so big, are you treating my place like a casino?"

"Old Xiao, it's just two thousand dollars. It's not as if it's some big egg, it's just a small bet. I just felt like making small bets, you know? If you're not playing, then don't speak." Zhang Dashan said abruptly, then he pushed Xiao Luo away.

Xiao Luo smiled, and as he walked away, he stepped close to Zhang Dashan's cards. With a sleight of his feet, he swapped out Zhang Dashan's cards unnoticed. His movements were clean and precise. Having carried out the deed, he then promptly walked away, holding on to his drink as if nothing had happened.

Feng Wuhen had to make a big decision, and he declared bravely, "Alright, f*ck it, I'm going to risk it! One thousand, I want to see whose cards are bigger!"

He flipped his own three cards over. Damn it, a pair of threes and the old K as the extra card. He frowned, looking exactly like an emoji.

"Hahaha, little guy, that's what you get for crossing me. Here, let me show you what your brother's big cards are."

Zhang Dashan laughed endlessly. He picked up his cards from the floor and slammed them down with a forceful fling. "Seven, eight, nine; it's a straight flush. It's bigger than you imagined!" 𝓵𝓲𝓫𝒓𝓮𝙖𝓭.𝒄𝙤𝓶

On hearing Zhang Dashan declare his hand, Feng Wuhen and Xiao Wu, leaned back, feeling depressed as the thrill of the chase suddenly left them. Then glancing at the open cards, they burst out in laughter!

"Brother Zhang, what you have isn't even a straight flush."

"It's a six-eight-nine. Why, even the colors are different. Your high card is only nine."

Zhang Dashan, still in his victory pose, turned to glance at them in surprise. Then, he looked down.

What the... his cards really were six-eight-nine! The eight and nine cards were both hearts, while the six-card was a clubs. He stuttered, "This, this, this... what the hell is going on, where's my seven of hearts?"

Feng Wuhen, ignoring him completely, reached across for the money and grabbed it gleefully from the floor, "Hehe... Brother Zhang, I'm sorry, but all this money is mine!"

Xiaowu was really heartbroken, "If I had known earlier, he was scamming us. I wouldn't have folded my cards. Damn it, giving up like this, I really feel like going to eat sh*t."

"F*ck your sister, I really did have a seven-eight-nine straight flush. I couldn't be wrong. You guys better hurry up, go to the toilet and eat your shit. I just pooped, and it's still piping hot."

Aside from the dissatisfaction of losing that way, something else irked him, and he was utterly at a loss of how to explain it. In the end, he could only think of one possibility.

Frightened, he ran out to where Xiao Luo seated and said fearfully, "There's a ghost here, Old Xiao! Your rented house definitely has a ghost. It even changed my cards. Let's move out tomorrow; you have money now, so you don't have to squeeze yourself in here any longer."

Looking at his pale, frightened face, Xiao Luo couldn't help but laugh.

...

...

[Chongshan Pavillion]

Chu Yunxiong was walking beside Ge Zhongtian on the main road where their company office was located. They were breathing in the night air as they discussed all that had happened recently.

"Fang Changlei has been sentenced to jail for two years and eight months. Now that Luo's Workshop is in a stable position, they will be the leading company in Jiangcheng's baking industry," Ge Zhongtian said.

With a tone of concern in his voice, Chu Yunxiong said: "This Fang Changlei has been unlucky, however, while he has fallen, there is still another foe standing in the way of Little Luo."

"Boss Chu, are you talking about the Dragon Gang?" Ge Zhongtian asked, second-guessing his friend.

Chu Yunxiong nodded: "Even those hotels that were searched, they were Fang Changlei's in name only. Their real owner is actually Long Sankui. In addition to that, 30% of Wei Lei actually belongs to Long Sankui. With Fang Changlei's fall, it will have a direct impact on Long Sankui's interests. Knowing how petty Long Sankui is, one would not expect him to do nothing."

Ge Zhongtian exhaled deeply: "Yes, even if it has nothing to do with his interest, he would not let Xiao Luo go because Fang Changlei has helped him out of a predicament in his early years."

Fang Changlei helped Long Sankui out?

Chu Yunxiong smiled and said: "Those are merely rumors. Fang Changlei is merely Long Sankui's proxy. To put it another way, he is nothing more than Long Sankui's puppet. Losing a puppet won't hurt Long Sankui, but if his profits are threatened, he would not think twice taking action."

"It appears that Xiao Luo is in big trouble again," Ge Zhongtian said, expressing his sympathy for Xiao Luo.

"That might be true, but it's hard to say who's the one in big trouble, "Chu Yunxiong said, smiling.

Chapter 164

As Xiao Luo was standing on the top floor of his home enjoying the night view, his phone rang. It was his sister, Xiao Ruyi.

He picked up the call, "Ruyi."

"Brother, Sun Yu is not worthy of your affection. Don't contact her anymore. I must have been blind. I just can't believe that she's that kind of girl," Xiao Ruyi snarled. Xiao Luo could almost hear her grinding her teeth over the phone.

Close by, Tang Ren could be heard whispering from the side: "Wife, don't jump to any conclusions. We might be wrong, or it might not be what we think it is."

"What do you mean, it might not be what you think it is? She already went to the hotel with that fat man without a chin! Will you only believe it when you see them rolling around in the sheets?" Xiao Ruyi said. She was unable to control her emotions and lashed out at Tang Ren.

Checking into a hotel with someone else?

Xiao Luo's mood took a nosedive. He couldn't believe it, and even more than that, he couldn't accept it. Sun Yu couldn't possibly be that sort of girl!

"Are you sure it's her, sister?"

"I'm 200% sure! I even secretly took a picture of them, I will send it to you later."

Xiao Ruyi felt heartbroken at the unfortunate turn of events for her brother. She thought it was unjust! At the same time, she also blamed herself for encouraging them to be a couple. "Brother, don't be sad, she's just a flirtatious woman. She's not worth your sorrow! It's all my fault. I shouldn't have introduced you to her." She said, hoping it would somehow make him feel better.

COMMENT

"Old Xiao, what's going on?" Zhang Dashan asked curiously. He had just stepped in to catch Xiao Luo.

Xiao Luo nodded in response and replied quickly, "Hmm, I got it," and hung up.

Unable to calm his heart down, he searched for Sun Yu's contact information on his contact list to call her, only to find that Sun Yu's handphone was switched off.

Just then, a notification lit up on his WeChat, alerting him that he had received a new message. After clicking on it, it was the picture that Xiao Ruyi said she'd send over. The photo was taken outside the hotel, showing a man and woman about to enter the hotel. Although it was only a side view, one could tell at a glance that the woman was clearly Sun Yu.

Looking at the picture, Xiao Luo laughed coldly. He squeezed the can in his left hand with all five fingers, compressing it until it made a "clink" sound. The remaining fluid squished out through the small opening at the top of the can onto the floor.

Gulp.

Zhang Dashan, who was standing beside him, found it hard to even swallow down his saliva. He could feel a chill coursing down his spine then through his entire body. Xiao Luo had a cold, hard smile on his face; if one could call it a smile. But right now, Xiao Luo was in a murderous mood, and if looks could kill, Zhang Dashan felt he'd already been dead!

"Old Xiao, you..."

"I'm going out!"

Saying that Xiao Luo turned to leave, heading straight towards the corridor.

"Where are you going, Old Xiao? Drive my car there!" Zhang Dashan shouted after him.

"There's no need."

A voice that was clearly repressing anger came reverberating back from the corridor, as Xiao Luo stormed off.

Feng Wuhen and the rest of the blood-brothers came out to check what was going on, hearing the loud voices. When they found out that Xiao Luo had gone out, they expressed their concerns. Feng Wuhan asked, "It's already 10 pm, where is Brother Xiao going?"

"God knows!"

Zhang Dashan sighed, he looked concerned. Feng Wuhen looked at his face, his brows knitted in deep worry. He couldn't help it thinking it, but he somehow thought Zhang Dashan resembled a crumpled old rag. He kept his thoughts to himself. Zhang Dashan touched the side of his face and suddenly said, "Damn it, my eyelids keep twitching. It feels like something bad is going to happen soon..."

"Why don't we follow him and take a look too?" Feng Wuhen suggested.

"Follow your head! Didn't you see the look he had in his eyes earlier? It was as if he was going to kill someone. If you want to go, you can go yourself, but I'm not going!" Zhang Dashan said.

Recalling the murderous glint in Xiao Luo's eyes, he couldn't help but feel the chills run down his spine again. He turned around and walked back into the rented house. In his heart, he prayed silently, hoping that it was just his imagination and nothing more. Nothing was going to happen tonight.

Murderous eyes?

The four companions and Feng Wuhen looked at each other. They suddenly recalled the incident at the old warehouse at Jiangcheng pier the other night. They now pictured Xiao Luo in the fight against the members of the Dragon Gang. Bringing down his foes one slice at a time, it was like a blood bath. He was ruthless and methodical, like a bloodthirsty Death God. It was a vicious affair, bloody and horrifying!

At the thought of this, the five trembled and immediately dropped the idea of going out to take a look.

...

...

Xiao Luo had called for a taxi and was headed to the hotel shown in the picture.

He tried his best to calm himself down, but no matter how hard, he found it hard to control his bitterness and rising rage. It was like he was in the eye of the storm, swirling chaos around him, and the wall was closing in. It was beginning to overwhelm him, and he found it harder to control. He had a strong urge to smash the world with a single punch.

COMMENT

"Hurry up!"

"Big brother, this is the fastest I can go. Any faster and I'll get a speeding ticket," said the taxi driver as he looked through the rear-view mirror.

Xiao Luo swept aside those dissenting words, giving the man a dark stare with wolfish eyes. In a threatening voice, he shouted: "I want you to drive faster!"

The angry, commanding voice made it hard for the taxi driver to disobey.

The taxi driver got frightened and immediately increased his speed. The man was frozen in fear, and he couldn't help wondering if he was ferrying a dangerous criminal. With his mind in turmoil, he thought of calling the police but later thought against it as he saw that Xiao Luo had an honorable bearing and certainly did not look like a ruthless gangster. He hesitantly took his hand off the emergency police button that was installed on his dashboard.

He asked: "Brother, did something urgent come up?"

Xiao Luo remained silent and didn't say anything.

The taxi driver continued to question: "Brother, there are no obstacles you cannot overcome in this world. Let's remain calm. When you reach my age, you will come to realize a lot of things. 'People come when they cry and cry when they leave.' Eventually, we come from dust and to dust we will return. Think positively!"

Xiao Luo continued to remain silent.

Ahead at the traffic light junction, the red light came on, and the taxi driver stopped the car immediately.

"Drive past!" Xiao Luo said coldly.

This shocked the driver. He turned around: "Boss, it's the red light now!"

"I want you to drive!"

Xiao Luo raised his voice menacingly.

At this moment, the taxi driver was sure that he had come face to face with a gangster. He locked eyes with Xiao Luo, who returned the stare with eyes cold as frost. He had a strong feeling that if he had not followed Xiao Luo's instructions, he would die on the spot. Gritting his teeth, he geared up and floored the accelerator and rushed forward.

The taxi's dangerous maneuver angered the other vehicles abiding the traffic rules and keeping within the speed limit. When it stopped, all the other drivers pulled down their windows and began scolding.

"I know your license plate number. So if you don't want to cause trouble, take your hand off the alarm button!"

The taxi driver's actions did not escape Xiao Luo's eyes. These words put fear into the taxi driver, and he immediately took his hand off, as if he was shocked by an electrical current.

"Brother, it's not easy being a taxi driver, you... don't make things difficult for me..." said the taxi driver with a forlorn look.

"We came from dust, and to dust, we will return. Think positively!" said Xiao Luo softly.

The taxi driver was close to tears. He had uttered those words in goodwill, but he certainly did not mean for them to be applied to himself this night.

COMMENT

An hour later, before arriving at his destination, the taxi driver was already prepared for the worst. Death did not seem such a bad thing, after all. The number of red lights he had beaten could no longer be counted with his ten fingers. He was expecting to have to retake his driver's license, and on top of that, he would have to pay hefty fines on these offenses. It would just feel like going back to living a life in constant debt.

Xiao Luo's phone rang.

He took it out and saw Sun Yu's name.

Suddenly, everything changed. It was like gushing torrents of water crashing through a crack in a dam wall. Xiao Luo was taken by a great sense of urgency, but somehow, he managed to restrain himself. Calming himself down, he answered the phone.𝒍𝓲𝙗𝒓𝒆𝓪𝒅.𝙘𝒐𝓶

Chapter 165

Sun Yu donned a red hoodie and was sitting at the top of the hotel, looking out at the dimly lit urban city.

The wind blew strong, and it was a very chilly night, yet she didn't feel the cold. Perhaps her heart had already frozen. Tears poured out from the corner of her eyes and rolled down her delicate face, their trails reflected in the moonlit night.

She sat leaning against the wall, hugging her knees. She had her phone held against her right ear, waiting for a response. She was sobbing quietly like a lost child.

Xiao Luo answered the phone. When he heard her crying voice, his anger and was immediately replaced by a grave sense of dread.

He asked urgently, "Are you alright? What's with you?"

Sun Yu spoke in between sobs, "Brother Xiao Luo, that day when you announced to everyone that I was your woman, I so badly wanted to say aloud that I liked you too. When we first met, I was already strongly drawn to your charm. I am deeply attracted to you. I like your easy smile, I like looking at you, and I like the times I've spent with you."

Sun Yu didn't sound like her usual self. Her speech was giddy and incoherent, almost child-like. She was crying and laughing all at once; there was a touch of desolation in her sad voice.

"How I wish time could stop forever that night. On the night when we were eating roasted sweet potatoes together. You said to me that those times were best, remember? When we were kids with no troubles and no worries. Trying to touch fish in the stream, digging rat holes in the field, folding paper aeroplanes, and playing in the mud. I was always happy then. I still remember that nursery rhyme, Brother Xiao Luo, let me sing it for you if you're okay?"

Without waiting for Xiao Luo's reply, she started singing softly, and her sweet voice was pleasant in his ears.

"You clap once, I clap once, frequent showers frequent change of clothes. You clap twice, I clap twice, remember to bring a handkerchief every day. You clap thrice, I clap thrice, don't spit everywhere. You clap four, I clap four, kill the flies and the mosquitoes. You clap five, I clap five, exterminate bed bugs and mice..."

As she continued singing, tears began to flow down uncontrollably. The tears had long blurred her vision. She felt an emptiness within herself, she longed for a place where she could get away from all this...

By this time, Xiao Luo had arrived at the hotel's entrance. As soon as the taxi stopped, he immediately pushed the car door open and rushed out. Shouting desperately into the phone, he asked: "Where are you?"

"I am at home!"

Sun Yu's smiled a vacant smile and then took the phone closer to her, "Brother Xiao Luo, I've wanted to tell you these last few days that, in fact, I love you..."

"Beep... beep... beep..."

The cadence of the busy signal streaming out from Xiao Luo's receiver sent a sudden rush of panic through his very soul.

Just then, there was a commotion from the crowd on the street.

"Quick, look! Someone is jumping from the rooftop from above!" Sharp piercing cries and screams of panic came from all directions.

Xiao Luo turned towards the directions they crowd was facing, raising his head to scan the night. He focused his sight, and there, he saw a slight figure in a red hoodie jumping off the roof of the hotel. For a while, she appeared to float in the air like a drifting crimson rose, then suddenly plunged towards the ground at an alarming speed. She was falling with her back to the ground, staring up to the heavens, with her arms apart, no signs of fear or struggle, like she had a sincere wish to meet with death.

Sun Yu!

Call it intuition, but Xiao Luo knew that was Sun Yu, even without seeing her face.

There was not a second to spare. This was a matter of life and death!

In a flash, he bounded over in several powerful leaps with muscular feline grace. As he landed on his chosen spot, he planted his feet firmly, bent his strong legs, and leaped forward, high towards the falling body as it neared its point of impact. Stretching fully, he got his arms to her, pulled her into him even as they were airborne. Rotating himself forward while keeping her tucked in his chest, the entangled bodies were thrown in a lateral direction landing not far away from where she would have fallen. Xiao Luo broke the fall, rolling off his back, and the momentum caused him to rotate several times more. Sun Yu was flung from his grasp, landing not far away. But he had broken her fall, saving her from certain death. Without even reaching its terminal velocity, the impact still had a violent effect on Xiao Luo. His "Constitution of King of Mercenaries" skill was unable to bear the load of such a force.

Click... At the point of contact, Xiao Luo's arm had instantly been dislocated. It all happened in an instant. The pain flashed through the entire left arm, causing him to blackout for a split second. Intuitively, his body reacted in the way he had visualized, pulling her body into his own, and rolling over as he hit the ground.

Sun Yu, having been thrown from his grasp, fell a short away and remained unconscious. Fresh blood slowly flowed from where she lay.

Xiao Luo picked himself up and limped over desperately. Endured the pain in his left arm, he picked her up and returned to the waiting taxi.

Looking at Sun Yu covered in blood, the driver was in shock and turned pale, "Is this your... your friend?"

"Drive!"

Xiao Luo couldn't keep calm and roared at the driver to move that very instant.

Without further delay, the driver quickly put on his seatbelt and drove directly to the People's Hospital. They arrived within minutes.

...

...

The strong smell of disinfectant permeated the hospital air.

Sitting outside the trauma room, Xiao Luo stared at the dried blood stains from Sun Yu's injuries, still visible on the ground. He had reset his dislocated left arm himself. As long as he didn't exert any pressure, it would be fine. A few days of rest would suffice.

With his hands on his head, he sat there a despondent figure. There was so much going through his mind at the moment.

He kept recalling everything that happened since that night. From Hu Shuirong's reminder to Sun Yu's rejection... everything pointed towards a sinister intrigue that he needed to unravel. What kind of unspeakable suffering would make a girl choose to jump off the building to end her life?

Xiao Luo couldn't understand any of it. He only knew that He Ruanliang was involved in this somehow.

"Brother!"

After receiving the news, Xiao Ruyi and Tang Ren rushed over immediately. They were breathing hard by the time they got to him.

"Brother, what happened exactly? Why did Yuyu try to commit suicide?" Xiao Ruyi asked anxiously.

Xiao Luo did not answer her, but he immediately demanded of her, "Get Hu Shuirong over here!"

Despite not knowing what was going on, Tang Ren immediately replied, "I will get her."

Then, he turned and immediately left.

"How could this be, how could this be..."

Xiao Ruyi looked at the closed door of the trauma room and muttered to herself. Her mind was in total confusion.

...

...

Elsewhere, the site where Sun Yu had jumped off had been cordoned off by the Jingcha, specifically its investigation department.

"Team leader Gu, according to a certain taxi driver's account, the girl who jumped off the building has been sent to People's Hospital for treatment. He also responded to a situation in which a strange male passenger was ferried from Gong Village in Taihe District. The passenger's destination was this hotel. Also, the male passenger kept telling him to drive faster and even threatened him to run the red lights. He seemed to know the girl was going to jump off the building, and the girl was also taken to the hospital by this same male passenger."

J member Wang Hanxuan reported the situation to Gu Qianlin.

"Gong Village?"

Gu Qianlin raised her eyebrows in a dramatic arch. She was quite familiar with the name of that place. This was because the number one suspect of the "September 12 Incident", Xiao Luo, lived there. She then looked up at the hotel, it was a dozen floors high. She thought to herself, "jumping from the top of this building would have made anyone minced meat. Could it be possible to save anyone?"

"Have you checked the identity of the jumper?"

"Her name is Sun Yu, a guest of this hotel."

Wang Hanxuan nodded and replied, "She is a nurse in the People's Hospital. In addition, residual traces of crystal meth and other drugs were found in the room she stayed in."

"Crystal meth and other drugs?"

Gu Qianlin furrowed her brows intently. Drugs had always been the target of this country's crackdown. All law enforcement personnel were extremely sensitive to these words.

"That's correct!"

Wang Hanxuan said, "There was also a middle-aged man who had entered the room with her. The investigation team is looking for his information based on what we have picked out in the surveillance video. I believe there will be results soon. Something worth mentioning as well is that he has had sexual intercourse with the girl in the room. The woman who jumped off the building had likely exchanged her body for crystal meth and drugs from the middle-aged man."

Hearing this, Gu Qianlin, who was familiar with similar cases, immediately assumed the reason for the girl's suicide by jumping off the building.

The girl must have been addicted to drugs. Addicts usually appear to live a normal life and behave like the average person going about their daily lives, but once the drug craving kicks in, their torment would become unbearable. To satisfy their needs, they'd not only sell their bodies but would not hesitate to even break their arm in exchange for drugs. 𝘭𝘪𝘣𝑟𝘦𝘢𝒹.𝘤𝑜𝓂

Making the decision to commit suicide!

This only showed how desperate the girl to break free from her drug addiction. Unfortunately, each time the drug-induced craving came, she would sink again. Each time she fell, she would experience a deeper sense of guilt and shame. It was a continuous path down a dark, living hell.

No matter how hard they tried, they would not be able to break free from their habit.

Her eyes teared slightly and turned reddish. She knew the struggle and despair this girl had to endure.

Chapter 166

Hu Shuirong had just happened to be on the clock when she heard the news of Sun Yu's attempted suicide. She made her way back to the trauma room as fast as she could. When she arrived at its entrance, she broke down and cried in grief, falling to her knees.

Xiao Luo took a step up, looked coldly down on her from above, and said: "You should know the reason for this, now tell me!"

It wasn't a casual discussion with room for compromise nor a simple question. It was a command!

Hu Shuirong looked up, disheveled, and answered with a hiss: "It's He Ruanliang!"

Xiao Ruyi's expression changed slightly.

Tang Ren's eyes widened, and he couldn't believe that his own boss He Ruanliang had something to do with Sun Yu's incident.

Hu Shuirong lost her composure as tears ran down her face. Seething with hate and remorse, she cried: "He Ruanliang is not human, he's an animal! He tricked us, purposely got us addicted to drugs, and forced us to become his toys. Yuyu tried fighting back before, but every time her addiction kicked in, she couldn't help but beg him for more drugs. He hurt Yuyu and me, and he also hurt many young girls in the hospital."

What?!

The revelation was shocking, unbelievable. It stunned both Xiao Ruyi and Tang Ren. No wonder Sun Yu was willing to get a room with He Ruanliang at that hotel; no wonder Sun Yu started crying after a few words from He Ruanliang at the Mid-autumn festival Gala, rejecting Xiao Luo's proposal and running off. No wonder...these were the reasons for all her actions.

"So that's how it is, that's how it is..."

Xiao Luo lifted his head up, smiling darkly, he straightened his posture as he clenched his fists tight.

He suddenly asked: "Where does He Ruanliang live?"

Hu Shuirong's whole body trembled, she clearly saw the murderous intent in Xiao Luo's burning eyes.

"You should have been to his place before, right?" Xiao Luo questioned coldly.

Hu Shuirong nodded: "He has a house in Lishui Binjiang that he purchased without his wife's knowledge for..."

"What's the area code, building number, and floor number?" Xiao Luo interrupted her.

"Area C building 9, 7th floor."

"Where do he and his wife live?"

"Hongqi Park, area B, building 6, 3rd floor."

Xiao Luo turned and walked away as soon as he received the two addresses.

"Big brother, where are you going? Don't do reckless things!" Xiao Ruyi called to him while her heart jumped out of her chest.

Tang Ren added: "Let's call the police, let the JC handle this."

"Don't worry, I'm just going out for a walk."

Xiao Luo turned and gave them a smirk before leaving without a second word.

Deep down, Xiao Ruyi was still concerned. If her brother broke the law because of Sun Yu, she would never be able to forgive herself.

...

...

Gu Qinglin arrived outside of the trauma room not too long after Xiao Luo had left.

After seeing Xiao Ruyi, the sister of Xiao Luo recorded on visitors' log, and recalling the evidence given by the cab driver earlier, her speculation was proven correct; that strange passenger was indeed Xiao Luo.

"Where's your brother Xiao Luo?"

Gu Qinglin asked Xiao Ruyi directly as she arrived.

Xiao Ruyi was a little taken aback by the sudden question. She looked at her quizzically, wondering how this female cop knew who she was. Looking at the stern countenance of the JCs standing behind Gu Qinglin, she decided it would be best to cooperate: "He...he just left..."

"Where did he go?" Gu Qinglin questioned in a hurry.

"He went out for a walk." Xiao Ruyi said.

"For a walk?"

Gu Qinglin didn't believe this excuse and asked, "How did Xiao Luo act before he left? Anything strange, such as asking for the home address of the hospital director He Ruanliang?"

Xiao Ruyi and Tang Ren stood stunned in silence. Their minds raced as they questioned themselves about what exactly was going on. Why is the JC so familiar with their older brother as if they were keeping a close eye on him?

From the look of their eyes, Gu Qinglin got the answer she sought. 𝓵𝓲𝓫𝒓𝓮𝙖𝓭.𝒄𝙤𝓶

She immediately issued an order to Wang Hanxuan, "Inform headquarters to locate He Ruanliang's cellphone and find him as fast as they can."

"Understood."

Wang Hanxuan nodded and took out his phone as he turned around to carry out the order.

As a precaution, Gu Qinglin had already dispatched the junior officers to head out to He Ruanliang's residence in Hongqi Park immediately and ordered them to protect He Ruanliang as soon as they find him.

"What's your brother's cellphone number?" Gu Qinglin continued to ask.

Xiao Ruyi quickly found Xiao Luo's number on her cellphone. She had to do what she could to prevent him from walking down the wrong path, "Here it is."

Gu Qinglin dialed the number on her cellphone only to receive a notification that the phone was turned off.

"Damn it!"

She shoved her phone back into her pocket and left in a huff.

This was turning out to be a race between her and Xiao Luo to find He Ruanliang. Even though He Ruanliang deserved to die, he was still a key witness for their case. If they capture He Ruanliang before Xiao Luo finds him, they would have the evidence to destroy the entire illegal drug market within Jiangcheng. But regardless of that fact, she could not let Xiao Luo ignore the law and kill a man on a whim.

"Wait."

Xiao Ruyi rushed over to stop her, and said, "My brother is a good man. If he did end up breaking the law..." Her voice trembled a little, as she suspected that her brother was already on the JC's blacklist. It was very likely that he had already broken the country's law in some way. so she pleaded in a desperate tone, "I'm begging you all, please don't..."

"Nobody is above the laws of the nation!"

Gu Qinglin interrupted her. Even though she sympathized with Xiao Ruyi, she was still a law enforcement official and could never act on personal sentiments and bias. She would not let anyone breaking the laws walk free; it was her sworn obligation and responsibility. Nothing could change her mind.

Xiao Ruyi watched, slumped in despair, as she walked off with her team of JCs. Tang Ren walked up to her. She turned and hugged him tightly, and tears ran as she sobbed quietly.

"Oh. What should I do? If my brother really breaks the law, what am I supposed to do? Mom and dad, grandpa, and grandma would all be upset and hurt."

"Don't worry, big brother will be okay, these JCs must be mistaken about the whole affair." Tang Ren patted her back in consolation and said out the first thing that he thought would console her.

He was in a state of confusion and trepidation. He had not felt such a sense of dread and agony for some time. But he knew Xiao Ruyi needed him now, and he had to be strong for her sake. A man couldn't show his weakness in front of a woman.; he was still a man, and "a man couldn't show weakness in front of his woman," he used to be told.

...

...

"Captain Gu, we've tracked down He Ruanliang's cellphone through the GPS, and we've taken a man in. However, this person isn't He Ruanliang." Wang Hanxuan updated Gu Qinglin on the cop car.

Gu Qinglin raised an eyebrow: "What do you mean?"

"He's a petty thief. According to his account, he stole the phone from He Ruanliang at a bar." Wang Hanxuan let out a stiff chuckle. What are the chances?

Gu Qinglin clenched her teeth: "That sure is a coincidence!"

"I know, right? He just happened to steal it at a time when we're looking for He Ruanliang? It sure is hard to predict what will happen in this world of ours."

Wang Hanxuan said, "By the way, we've discovered something else. He Ruanliang doesn't only have one property in the Hongqi Park but also another house in Lishui Binjiang. He bought under his father's name. Apparently, his wife doesn't even know about this place, so I think it's very likely that's where he's keeping his drugs."

"Are teams 1 and 2 heading to Hongqi Park right now?" Gu Qinglin asked, a serious look on her face.

"They're on their way."

"Then, we'll go to Lishui Binjiang."

Gu Qinglin had a gut feeling that He Ruanliang wouldn't be returning to his home in Hongqi Park, and instead would head for Lishui Binjiang. She then ordered the driver, "turn around!"

Chapter 167

Midnight, 11:00 P.M.

A white Mazda slowly rolled along into the Lishui Binjiang residential area. Most of the residents were already in bed at this hour, but a few homes had their lights on. Distant sounds of gay chatter and laughter from young men and women could be heard now and then, breaking the lull of the night.

2He Ruanliang driving alone, in a pleasant mood, humming along to the tune of the music playing in the vehicle. He glanced over at the bags of powdery substance on the passenger seat. A thin smile flashed across his thick face as he recalled his intimate evening. At this time, he had not realized yet, that his handphone had been nicked.

"This thing sure is great!"

Ever since he got into selling meth, he had not had any problems with finding sweet, young girls to take advantage of. The hospital recruited several batches of young nurses annually; among them, there were many single girls, young and delicate... and those meeting these criteria would be subjected to his philandering ways. One could say that he had single-handedly pruned down the flower of the nursing corp!

If he failed to seduce these fair damsels, either by favors rendered or coercion, he would simply resort to using a more backhanded option. He'd only need to spike their drinks during the hospital's social events, and gradually they'd become dependent on the drug without their knowledge. Usually, within a matter of two months, they will become toys in his hands. It was indeed that simple because no matter how strong-willed the victims were, they couldn't possibly deal with the horrific symptoms of withdrawal when the urge kicked in.

"A beautiful scenery is no match for a dream, as grasses are scented in the dream..."

He Ruanliang swayed his body as he drove along, feeling uninhibited and elated with living the good life. Of late, he'd hardly gone back home; he didn't miss seeing the aged face of his wife, or that ugly old hag, as he'd called her.

Soon, the white Mazda arrived at its destination. It slowed down as it made its way into the underground parking garage...

Being an up-market residential area of Jiangcheng, the residents of Lishui Binjiang were from the wealthy upper crust. The parking garage was filled with expensive luxury cars that cost hundreds of thousands. He Ruanliang's white Mazda seemed out of place in this "pond of big fishes," but that would change soon, he thought to himself. 𝙡𝙞𝓫𝒓𝙚𝒂𝓭.𝓬𝒐𝓶

He Ruanliang was looking around for his handphone after he had parked his car, but it was nowhere to be found. He stepped out of the car, stuck half of his body back in with his butt sticking out, and searched thoroughly again inside the vehicle, but still found nothing.

He carefully retraced his activities that evening, and suddenly remembered that someone had bumped into him while he was casually moving about in the bar. He recalled, even yelling at the stranger for walking into him. He only realized now that his phone might have been taken by that pocket picker then.

"Sh*t!"

His pleasant mood immediately vanished in a puff. He Ruanliang yelled loudly in sheer frustration, kicking the tire of his car. He cursed the thief roundly, "Son of a b*tch, don't let me see you again! If I see you again, I'll kill you!"

He slammed the car door and pressed on his keys to lock his car.

Click. Click. Click.

Just then, the lights inside the underground car park went off, one by one. Before he could even take another breath, the entire car park was in total darkness.

Immediately, the emergency lights at the exits switched on automatically and glowed, allowing him to make his way around in the darkness.

Yet the darkness was all-pervasive, with the few exit lights appearing like insignificant support actors in a two-bit stage production. The unsteady glow they emitted made it feel like they could be snuffed out at any time.

In the darkness, an eerie air seemed to permeate across the vast, expansive parking area.

1Gulp!

He Ruanliang gulped again before getting some of his nerves back. He then cursed once more, this time in annoyance, "The electricity in this garage is having problems again, the service provider is really god*amn garbage, if I don't send a complaint to management tomorrow, I'm giving up my family name!"

He did not carry the composure of a hospital director right now, tossing away the façade, and revealing his true ugly nature.

"He Ruanliang!"

A voice suddenly rang out in the quiet darkness, echoing across the vast emptiness. That cold voice carried no emotions, it was cold and dark, seeming to have come from the underworld!

"W-who are you?"

He Ruanliang jumped up in horror, turning his head towards the direction of the voice.

In the dim light, he could make out a person wearing a grey coat, black pants, and white converse shoes slowly walked towards him. He played with a knife in their right hand, casually twirling it as the blade reflected in the dim glow.

A murderous intent!

His hair stood on end, and a cold sweat broke as he felt an overpowering sense of danger coming from the approaching figure.

Was he going to be murdered? He Ruanliang suddenly felt the temperature drop to a freezing point as he shook uncontrollably in fear.

He called out to the approaching man in a shaking voice: "Who...who are you? What are you planning on doing?"

He couldn't make out the person's face, still cloaked by the darkness.

The figure in the grey coat remained silent, but he now picked up his pace. Breaking through the darkness he charged, he came like a hungry wolf chasing down its prey.

In fear, He Ruanliang lost his composure, rooted to where he stood and unable to find the courage to defend himself. The swift figure appeared before him like a phantom.

Bang!

With a mighty leap, the figure bounded towards He Ruanliang, twisting around midair, and just as he landed on his feet, his knife hand swept in an arch, plunging the blade deep into He Ruanliang's left shoulder. In his mind, he pictured a great grey wolf, leaping through the darkness and sinking its foul fangs deep into his flesh. Would he succumb to this mortal wound?

Gash!

Fresh, bright red blood poured out of his wound, as an excruciating pain shot across his entire left side. The shock sent bright flashes of light to his head, and momentarily he was blinded. Even before he could react, the force of his attacker's momentum threw him back a long way, crashing into the ground.

Disorientated, He Ruanliang remained on the ground where he fell, the blade lodged in his shoulder. Crying in pain as he watched his assailant step slowly towards him. As the man came closer, He Ruanliang looked up, shaking. He tried to make out the man, then with eyes wide in fear and disbelief, his jaw dropped open as he recognized the face: "It ...it's you!"

Xiao Luo stood there, staring at He Ruanliang coldly without a word, his grim face did not hide his intentions.

He now kneeled next to the prone figure, then grabbed the handle of the protruding knife. He Ruanliang gasped, trying to plead for his life. Xiao Luo stared directly into his eyes as he slowly rotated the blade, first clockwise, then counterclockwise.

"Arrgh!"

The pain shot through He Ruanliang, and it was excruciating and unbearable pain. He kicked around, trying to break away. Xiao Luo grabbed his other hand as He Ruanliang attempted to get to the knife and pull it out. His left arm was frozen entirely from the pain, he could not feel his arm any longer, just the burning pain of his flesh being ripped to shreds.

As Xiao Luo paused, He Ruanliang, begged for his life, "Don't kill me, I...I can give you a lot of money, I can also give your Luo Workshop a lot of business..."

He never imagined that the owner of the Luo Workshop could be such a cold-hearted assassin. Had he known, he would never have laid even a finger on Sun Yu.

Xiao Luo leaned close to his thick, sweaty face, and slowly spoke into his ears, "I only want to skin you alive right now!"

He spoke softly, but every word conveyed his intention that this night would end with a horrible death for He Ruanliang.

He Ruanliang felt his soul leave him that very moment. His face was pale with terror, and grasping at the last strand of hope, he attempted to speak as calmly as he could, "I...I'm part of the Dragon Gang, if you kill me, you'll be facing the wrath of our gang. You will no longer have a place in Jiangcheng..."

"The Dragon Gang again!"

Xiao Luo laughed. A cold, cynical laugh.

Chapter 168

Lying there in the dark, He Ruanliang's rotund form was a bleeding mess, his wide eyes with fear as sweat ran down his thick, chinless face. He stared at Xiao Luo's depraved smile in abject terror, to the point he dared not even breathe. Those four short words from Xiao Luo told him everything he needed to know about what was about to happen to him. Wasn't this the man who single-handedly confronted the Dragon Gang in the September 12th incident? Gang enforcer, Guo Jianghu had led more than a hundred of his fighters against Xiao Luo. But the Red Cudgel was defeated and killed along with all his gang members that fateful night.

He had heard from an inside source he had in the JC that a single fighter had annihilated an entire group of gangsters in that incident. By some providence, he had been helped through certain actions taken by JC.

Could the twelve-nine incident have anything to do with this man?

Random thoughts flashed through his mind without any logical reason as he shrank in fear from the ominous presence of his tormentor, Xiao Luo.

Xiao Luo reached for the knife sticking out of He Ruanliang's left shoulder, gripped it tightly and yanked it out. As he did so, he said in that familiar cold voice, "Long Sankui gloats about his three thousand fighters. I'll arrange for him three thousand coffins!"

Without a further word, the blade came down and pierced He Ruanlaing's open palm, pinning it to the ground.

Aarrgggh!

The pain was unbearable! And the screams now unrestrained.

Xiao Luo smiled cruelly. He once again withdrew the blade from the impaled palm. His attention wandered to other parts of He Ruanliang's shivering body, as the fat man whimpered. Xiao Luo wielded his bladé like a surgeon's scalpel as he filleted the fleshy parts of his victim's torso, like a knife through butter. He Ruanliang lost control of all bodily functions, shamelessly discharging his fluids amid cries of pain and anguish. His screams echoed in the empty space.

In a matter of minutes, He Ruanliang had turned into a bloody mess of flesh and blood. Strips of flesh hung like ribbons where his shirt had been ripped off. Blood flowed copiously from his open wounds. What was left of his garments was stained in a morbid red. A gaping mark was drawn across his forehead, revealing the white bone of his skull. The cut was deep and continued down to the right side of his chin, causing his face to appear like it was falling off to one side.

He Ruanliang's body now twitched uncontrollably, as if in his last throes of death. His body was soon coming into a state of shock, and he only stared blankly at Xiao Luo. He was trying to speak. His mouth was opening and closing like a fish out of water, even as choked in his own blood. In his mind, he begging for his life. He couldn't have imagined he would die such a horrific death.

Xiao Luo finally stood up. He looked down at He Ruanliang with no emotion, as if admiring a piece of fine art.

Xiao Luo didn't plan on taking his life with a single strike, and he wanted to quietly watch this man suffer in pain and grow in despair before he finally died. He had no intention of giving this man a quick death. It would be a long and painful one.

Bang!

The high-pitched report of a handgun pierced the silence.

A single bullet sped through the darkness and found its mark, hitting Xiao Luo on the rear of his left shoulder. The impact from the low-velocity round threw him forward, almost tripping him over.

Within a split second, he had identified the direction of the shooter, and instinctively he immediately grabbed He Ruanliang off the ground. Xiao Luo pulled him up and held him like a human shield.

"Release him!"

Gu Qinglin held her piece in both hands aligned with her line of sight, as she quickly made her way over. She stood facing him now, in her shooting stance, her left foot slightly forward, dropping her cheeks close to her biceps lining up the gun with her eyes. With a stern voice, she warned him not to make a move.

Wang Hanxuan was positioned just behind her, with two other JCs as backups. Xiao Luo now held his knife against He Ruanliang's neck and faced the rescuers. For a brief, tense moment, there was complete silence, the officers stared in horror at what they witnessed. They felt their palms get sweaty as an unexplainable sense of that they had come face to face with a beast.

"He-help me..."

As adrenaline surged through his body, He Ruanliang's instinct for survival returned. He called out weakly for help when he saw the JC team right in front of him.

"Did you hear us? Release him."

Gu Qinglin repeated the order firmly. She wasn't sure if the perpetrator was Xiao Luo but had a reasonable suspicion that it was. If he really was Xiao Luo, then she now had an ID on his real face.

A chill shot through her spine as she looked at He Ruanliang, his face barely recognizable. He was soaked in blood, and his flesh virtually shredded. Whoever they were facing was a pro, an intelligent and steady, cold-blooded killer. He carried out his assault within such a short time, given that the JC was already on route to apprehend He Ruanliang. The fact that their opponent could react in such a short amount of time and held He Ruanliang hostage proved that this person was a real intelligent, cold-blooded, and calm killer. Even with her experience, Gu Qinglin felt goosebumps rise out of nowhere.

Xiao Luo kept hid behind He Ruanliang's body as a shield. Gu Qinglin's arrival had messed up his plan, so he might have to leave the man behind.

Without another word, Xiao Luo lifted He Ruanliang and carried him off like a beast towards another exit. He kept to the darkness as he made his way there. The pursuing JC team could see the knife pressed against He Ruanliang's neck as it glistened coldly under the dim light.

Gu Qinglin followed closely, waiting for a chance to take a shot at Xiao Luo.

The chance never came as Xiao Luo successfully reached the exit. The stalemate continued.

He Ruanliang now felt the knife pressing on his neck and knew that Xiao Luo was about to take his life. In fear and horror, he called out again, in a course guttural voice, "N-no. please don't..."

"Stop it, I'm telling you to stop, do you hear me?"

Gu Qinglin yelled; she could sense what would soon be happening. She cringed at the thought of a human life brutally taken, right in front of her.

Then, the sound of a grunt. The knife mercilessly sliced through He Ruanliang's throat, and blood oozed out in an instant.

"Damn it!"

Gu Qinglin lost control of her emotions and immediately opened fire.

Bang. Bang. Bang.

A volley of shots tore through the exit area. But Xiao Luo had already made his escape, and the bullets lodged harmlessly in the wall.

When they arrived at the spot, He Ruanliang was already lying dead in a pool of blood, his eyes open, staring blankly at the wall.

"He's brutal. A cold-blooded murderer!" Wang Hanxuan said, staring chillingly at the corpse.

Gu Qinglin was furious, clenching her teeth, she ordered, "Send a request to the headquarters immediately, get a warrant of arrest out for criminal suspect Xiao Luo!"

Committing a crime right before her eyes was not only an affront to her but more so an insult to the law. He must be captured at all costs; he cannot escape the long arm of the law.

"Understood." Wang Hanxuan nodded and acknowledged her order.

...

...

Xiao Luo arrived at the pavilion on the mountains in the Guangming Park. Even though Gu Qinglin's shot wasn't life-threatening, the bullet had lodged deep in his shoulder, causing hemorrhage and massive trauma to the affected area. The loss of blood dramatically affected his physical and mental state.

He slowly reached his hand back towards the injury and clenching his teeth, pushed his finger into the wound, attempting to dig the slug out.

A sharp pain flashed from the wound the moment his finger reached into the wound, his face to twisted in anguish. After what seemed like a long, agonizing time, he finally managed to extract the bullet from his injury.

He felt his legs giving and collapsed to the ground. The cold-blooded assassin rolled over and lay where he fell, his face a deathly pale.

Chapter 169

"Ding! Detected severe injury on the host, life energy rapidly decreasing. The system will automatically deduct 100,000 healing points from the host account." An emotionless, digital notification from the Genius System played inside his head.

As Xiao Luo was about to lose consciousness, he could feel a burning sensation from the injury on his back. It felt like it was a fire. However, it didn't hurt nor itch, but instead, it gradually began to feel quite comfortable, like a large and warm hand gently placed on the injury.

"What? Deduct 100,000 points for healing treatment?"

Xiao Luo laughed incredulously as he questioned how the system could forcibly deduct points without even getting his approval. He felt the urge to scorn loud. Though, on the flip side, healing a gunshot wound for only the cost of 100,000 was quite a steal!

It was way past midnight, and the mountains in the park were cold and silent. Even the path lights on the mountain trails were turned off to save energy.

Xiao Luo laid on the stone bench inside the pavilion with his eyes closed, allowing the system's healing function to do its job.

In the city, located a distance away, sounds of police sirens wailed as patrol cars drove by like a gust of wind. This didn't pose any threat to him because he had already had an escape plan even before he carried out his attack on He Ruanliang. The routes he planned to use would remain in the shadow of the Skynet system. The JC would not be able to track him from their surveillance cameras. His only worry had been the scar left by the bullet wound on his back.

He was high on the list of Gu Qinglin's suspects. The shot she fired prevented him from killing He Ruanliang outright, and it was also proof that he had been present at the scene of the crime. Gu Qinglin made the shot at his upper torso, safely away from the body's kill zone. By avoiding his vital organs, she clearly planned on keeping him alive.

"Will it leave a scar?" Xiao Luo asked.

The question was obviously directed towards the system that had already merged with his body.

"Ding! Injuries sustained by the host, including but not exclusive to bullet wounds, knife wounds, burns, and near-fatal injuries that do not pose a threat to the host's life, can trigger the automatic response of the healing function. Points will be deducted to initiate the healing process on the detected wounds. The healing function will result in a permanent recovery and will not leave any scars."

A permanent recovery that leaves no marks?

Xiao Luo couldn't help being sarcastic in responding to the notification, he remarked, "You say it like an advertisement."

The system didn't respond as if it couldn't give a proper response to this kind of command.

"What happens if you have less than 100,000 points?"

"Ding! The healing function will not be able to activate."

Precisely as he expected!

Xiao Luo stopped talking, losing the urge to continue the banter with like the System's AI.

Half an hour later, the treatment process was completed. 𝒍𝒊𝙗𝓻𝒆𝓪𝙙.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Xiao Luo recovered fully, feeling energized once again., He moved his shoulder around and couldn't even feel a hint of pain. He reached over to his back and touched the spot where the bullet had penetrated. What was earlier, an entry hole pouring with blood, was now smooth as new. Even without seeing it with his own two eyes, he could confirm that no trace of a scar was left.

"Good!"

Xiao Luo gave high praise to the system.

Just as he was getting ready to leave, he saw a couple making their way up the mountain. The man appeared to be leading the woman up the steep path, and then they headed towards the wooded area by the wayside. Not long after, he heard the coital sounds of soft moans and grunts from where the pair was last seen. They were clearly a young couple who had sneaked out in the middle of the night seeking temporary refuge to share a blissful moment.

Xiao Luo didn't walk in their direction to watch them on purpose, but as his eyes had already grown accustomed to the darkness. There he saw two white bodies in an intimate embrace. They were bare of any items of clothing, and not fearing the night chill.

Xiao Luo felt uncomfortable; he was no voyeur, unintentional or not, and turned around immediately. Before he left, he stealthily picked up the clothes the man had left close by and put it on himself. Along the way down, he tossed his grey coat in a nearby trash can.

...

...

"Captain Gu, we have located Xiao Luo. He's in the public hospital in the Guangming area." The voice of a subordinate announced on the comm speaker.

In the hospital?

Gu Qinglin immediately responded, "keep an eye on him, don't let him run, or you won't need to come to work tomorrow."

"Understood!"

The JC on the other end of the line realized the urgency of the matter and replied with clear affirmation.

"Startup the engine, we're going to the public hospital!" Gu Qinglin told the JC on the driver's seat.

The driver immediately tossed his half-eaten cup noodles into the trashcan outside the car, started up the engine, and sped towards the public hospital.

"Captain Gu, this isn't right. Why is Xiao Luo in the hospital, does he plan on turning himself in?"

Wang Hanxuan scratched his head and couldn't think of a logical reason behind this. The police were actively searching the residences, and keeping a close eye on the hospital as well.

"Who knows what a cold-blooded killer like him is thinking? Either way, we need to capture him this time." Gu Qinglin said, clenching her jaws.

Wang Hanxuan nodded in agreement. Recalling the horrific scene of He Ruanliang's murder at the underground parking in Lishui Binjiang, he shivered. If the criminal really was Xiao Luo, they would be walking into a perilous situation. He was a ferocious beast and not to be trifled with.

...

...

Back at the hospital, Sun Yu was still in the emergency room.

Outside, a group of about seven to eight JCs held up their J guns and kept them pointed at the approaching figure. It was a tense moment, everyone remained on their toes.

Xiao Luo held a paper cup in his hands and looked at them casually with no sign of panic on his face.

As Xiao Ruyi, Tang Ren, and Hu Shuirong looked on, they froze in panic, hold their breaths in anticipation of what would occur.

What happened?

Why are these JCs pointing their guns at Xiao Luo?

And why do these JCs look so nervous?

A host of questions ran through their mind right there and then. They saw this man before them, standing upright, showing no fear, and standing there perfectly calm. While at the other end, a squad of armed JC, on full alert with their guards up, pointing their guns at him! He was like a mystery of secrets waiting to unfold.

Xiao Luo shook his head, laughing softly to himself. He started to walk towards their direction.

"Don't move!"

The leader of the JC squad shouted aloud at Xiao Luo.

Xiao Luo shook the paper cup in his hands and said, "Don't worry, I'm just going to get a cup of water. It's in the corner, I won't leave your sights."

As he spoke, he continued towards the water dispenser in the corner of the room, not waiting for a response from the JCs.

The guns followed him as he moved past them. Some of the JCs had visible crops of sweat forming on their foreheads. From the information they received, Xiao Luo was a "Grade A: Dangerous person." To get a perspective of the situation, a bank robber would be labeled as Grade B. Therefore, the JC officers couldn't imagine just how dangerous this person before them was.

Xiao Luo placed his paper cup under the hot water dispenser spout and turned it on. As the cup filled, the sound of dripping water broke the monotony of the tense, quiet moment. He filled the cup half full and then brought it to his mouth; it felt a little too hot, so he added some cold water. When it was just right, he began to take sips out of the cup casually.

The JCs kept their eyes on him the whole time, looking on nervously.

The squad leader felt a deep sense of fear at the sight of this man, casually sipping his cup of water, even when there were guns pointed directly at him. He thought of what kind of person would have the mental strength to remain so calm. He could feel an aura of invincibility around the man.

Chapter 170

Gu Qinglin arrived at the scene just as Xiao Luo finished the water in his cup.

She had a fresh and neat look, and her slender body gave away hints of an active lifestyle. She kept her hair short and sassy, framing a pair of the loveliest light brown eyes. Gu Qinglin had a certain allure that drew eyes everywhere she went.

"Officer Gu, what's with all the flashy act you guys are putting on?" Xiao Luo spoke calmly to Gu Qinglin, turned around as he placed the empty paper cup inside the trash can next to him.

Gu Qinglin sneered in reply: "Xiao Luo, you don't need to pretend anymore. The person that killed He Ruanliang an hour ago in the underground garage of Lishui Binjiang was you! Admit it!"

What?

He Ruanliang was killed?

Listening in, the trio of Xiao Ruyi, Tang Ren, and Hu Shuirong, were shocked. They just stared wide-eyed at Xiao Luo, unwilling to believe that he had killed He Ruanliang.

Especially Xiao Ruyi. In her eyes, her brother was also an honest man that cared very much for his family, how could he possibly be the culprit? Her worst nightmare seemed to have come true and felt as if the whole world around her falling apart.

Xiao Luo lifted a faint smile and said: "Officer Gu, as a JC, you should be careful of what you say or be held responsible for your own words. If you don't have evidence to prove that I am a murderer, I can sue you for defamation."

"Are you threatening me?"

Gu Qinglin was furious, "You want evidence? Fine, can you take off your shirt and show us your back?"

The bullet wound on his back would be indisputable evidence. As long as she could confirm that he carried this wound, then Xiao Luo would indeed be the culprit that killed He Ruanliang. Is he trying to wiggle his way out with such threats? That won't work. She rated the arrest of Xiao Luo for his crimes as a more significant accomplishment, compared to losing her chance to completely destroy the entire drug market of Jiangcheng.

1Xiao Luo kept silent. His face was hard and impassioned, he stared at her without a word.

The cold silence created a rising tension that was felt by every single JC present.

The tense atmosphere vanished as soon as Xiao Luo smiled.

"Of course, I can."

Xiao Luo responded to Gu Qinglin's request, in a seemingly lightheartedly way, carefully unbuttoned his shirt, and turning to expose his back towards Gu Qinglin's team. He dropped his shirt down toward his waist and revealed his bareback before the entire group of JCs.

They were stunned. No sign of any wounds showed on Xiao Luo's back.

"There's no injury...how, how is that possible!?" 𝓁𝑖𝘣𝘳ℯ𝘢𝘥.𝒸ℴ𝑚

The person that spoke up was Gu Qinglin's assistant, Wang Hanxuan. He said in disbelief, "We certainly shot him, he can't possibly be unhurt..."

Gu Qinglin was taken aback. She was confident he was the man, and her confused look said it all. She even blinked a few times to make sure she wasn't dreaming, but there was still no wound to be found. She was absolutely dumbfounded.

"That's impossible, I clearly...did I run into a ghost?"

She muttered under her breath as she walked towards Xiao Luo and unconsciously reached out to touch his back, then carefully studied the front of his body as well. There wasn't even a hint of scarring or any marks on him, let alone a bullet wound. She couldn't help noticing how clean and taut his skin appeared.

Xiao Luo put his clothes back on and buttoned up his shirt: "Well, I'm sad to inform you that the person you're looking for isn't me." He readjusted his collar after he had buttoned up his shirt and said in an exaggerated whisper, "This is a hospital, we need to remain quiet. You should probably take your subordinates out of here soon."

He walked around Gu Qinglin towards Xiao Ruyi as he spoke.

Gu Qinglin refused to believe it, how was it not Xiao Luo?

She lost it. Her instinct as a JC told her that there was no doubt, the cold-blooded killer was Xiao Luo. However, if it really was Xiao Luo, how was it possible that he didn't carry the bullet wound on him?

There was no logical explanation!

"Captain Gu, it looks like we made a mistake, the killer isn't him."

Wang Hanxuan walked up to her and spoke to her quietly. He was, in a way, slightly relieved that he didn't see the wound on Xiao Luo's back. This meant they could clear Xiao Luo off the suspect list for the murder of He Ruanliang.

It's not him? How could it possibly not be him?!

Gu Qinglin could almost feel herself go insane. She had been working in the force for eight years now, and never had she been in a situation where her deductions and theories were so wrong. This had not only hurt her pride and confidence after such a long history of successfully solving cases, it even made her question her ability to carry on conducting future investigations.

He Ruanliang, the only person that could give them enough evidence to bring down the entire Jiangcheng's drug market, is dead. To add salt to injury, their investigation into the murderer had now faltered. Xiao Luo's relaxed silhouette walking away from her now was like a slap to her face. Gu Qinglin could feel her blood boiling as anger overcame her good sense. She clenched her fist tightly, and within a matter of seconds, the demure figure had reached Xiao Luo.

"Xiao Luo!"

Gu Qinglin screamed as she flew towards him without warning. She was onto him within seconds and threw her fist in a wide arch attacking his flank.

Xiao Luo reacted instinctively, without even looking. Sensing the oncoming attack, he instantly leaped away as he elegantly swiveled around, keeping his opponent in his sight. In one seamless motion, he had swept his right foot across the air in complete balance and control, intending to parry the blow.

Bang!

The insole of his foot met with the deadly incoming fist, and like "two roaring floods of water suddenly crashing," the fierce clash of threw both the fighters back.

Xiao Luo's right leg felt slightly numbed as he fell to the ground after losing his balance.

Gu Qinglin staggered a few steps back but stopped herself by stomping her right foot on the ground. Maintaining her composure, she settled into a low stance. She looked every bit like a ferocious predator protecting her young. Turning to a row of heavy-duty plastic seats attached to the wall, she stepped forcefully down on a single chair. The retaining bolt flew off, and the chair broke free from the metal brace that held it in place.

Clash—

Gu Qinglin lifted the broken chair in the air with a flick of her right foot, then hollering out loud, kicked her right leg out once again with the force of her whole body behind her.

She sent the chair hurtling towards Xiao Luo with incredible force. As the chair spun forcefully in its trajectory, it created a whooshing sound as it homed in towards its target.

A display of speed, power, and unbridled force. Such was the outcome of Gu Qinglin's explosive anger. Wang Hanxuan and the JCs watched in fascination and disbelief that a woman of her stature could generate such formidable force.

Xiao Luo's expression hardened as he tracked the incoming flying object, then he released a high roundhouse kick...

Fancy, sharp, and without hesitation!

Xiao Luo's reaction was timed to perfection, sending the chair crashing into the wall of the hallway.

Following up quickly, Gu Qinglin rushed in just behind the flying projectile. Leaping forward directly towards Xiao Luo, she fully extended her right knee outward to strike his upper section.

"That's enough!"

Xiao Luo had enough. A fierce aura formed around him as his anger rose. He shifted forward towards her left flank, breaking her momentum even as he struck out with his left arm. His striking hand, like cold steel, aimed at Gu Qinglin's neck.

Vicious and merciless, unparalleled, and powerful!

Chapter 171

Slightly stunned, Gu Qianlin instinctively crossed her arms to block the incoming strike.

"Bam!"

Yet another dull thud resounded in the hallway as the impact exploded through her defense, in an instant sending powerful shock waves right through her body.

Gu Qianlin's body flew backward uncontrollably, and a tingling sensation of numbness shot through both arms. Wang Hanxuan and several other police members reacted quickly enough to catch her, preventing the embarrassment of falling to the ground. She was both angry and surprised— she had not expected Xiao Luo to be this strong. Even with a sneak attack, and imparting all her strength, she was unable to come out with yet a slight advantage. Whether it was his reaction speed, fighting instinct, or power, Xiao Luo's ability exceeded any of the special forces soldiers that she had known.

He was a monster in human form!

"This brat assaulted a police officer! Hurry up and cuff him!" Wang Xanxuan barked out the orders, seeing that Gu Qianlin seemed to be bruised quite severely.

"Yes, sir!"

A team of tough-looking police officers pulled out their handcuffs and closed in on Xiao Luo.

"Just a minute!" Xiao Luo called out coldly, then pointed at a security camera fixed on the ceiling of the hallway, "it's been recorded here who clearly attacked first. So unless you want to say that our police officers somehow have special privileges to assault citizens, I'd say that would be a bad idea."

Hearing this, the police members all froze in their tracks, looking at each other in uncertainty, before turning to Gu Qianlin. They were waiting for her orders.

Gu Qianlin waved a hand and motioned for them to back off. Then, she walked to stand in front of Xiao Luo, her beautiful eyes glaring at him with steely determination, "Let me ask you, where were you an hour ago?"

Xiao Luo replied, "Taking a walk at the hospital."

Gu Qianlin pressed on, "Why did you turn off your phone to take a walk?"

"I wanted to be alone and did not want to be disturbed," Xiao Luo replied casually, "Is that a problem?"

The corners of Gu Qianlin's mouth shivered slightly, then issued a cold warning, "That's all the questions I have, but here's a phrase for you to keep in mind: 'The webs of the law might seem thin, but it never leaves anything out!' Anyone who breaks the law will receive their due punishment without exceptions!"

"Got it," Xiao Luo said, nodding his head slightly.

Xiao Luo fixed her eyes on him for a long while before calling out fiercely, "Dismissed!"

Although in her heart, she was sure that Xiao Luo was the one who killed He Ruanliang, and on top of that was a suspect in the 'Nine-twelve incident, she didn't have sufficient evidence. Even if she arrested him, he couldn't be tried, so it would just be a waste of time and effort.

1Gu Qianlin only turned to leave after the rest of her subordinates had gone out, but after taking only a few steps, she stopped. Turning back around, she said to Xiao Luo, "Ah, I forgot to tell you, you look absolutely terrible in those clothes!"

Saying that she left without a second glance.

Xiao Luo let out a small humph and ignored the comment.

"Brother!"

Xiao Ruyi ran up and hugged Xiao Luo tightly.

Tang Ren, on the other hand, stood haplessly without moving, still reeling from the shock from all that had just taken place. The police were pointing their guns, not at anyone else, but at his wife's brother! He really didn't know what to make of any of this.

"Brother, why were the police looking for you? Did you really kill He Ruanliang?" Xiao Ruyi asked worriedly.

Xiao Luo shook his head and patted her head and said convincingly, "No, they've got the wrong person."

He had no choice but to lie to put his sister at ease.

"Really?" Xiao Ruyi was still a little skeptical.

Xiao Luo gave her a gentle smile, "When have I ever lied to you? I really just took a walk at the hospital and got some fresh air."

...

...

"Team Leader Gu, if the perpetrator isn't Xiao Luo, then whom could it be? What if it was He Ruanliang's associates looking to silence him?" Outside the hospital, Wang Hanxuan was giving voice to his own speculations.

Gu Qianlin's eyebrows furrowed together as she gave him an unpleasant glare, "Associates looking to silence him? My intuition tells me that the perpetrator has to be Xiao Luo."

Xiao Luo?

Wang Hanxuan frowned, "But he doesn't have any wounds on his body, doesn't that clear him of any suspicion?" 𝑙𝑖𝑏𝓇𝘦𝑎𝒹.𝑐𝑜𝓂

Even a bulletproof vest couldn't completely block out gunshots. After being shot, there had to be a bruise or wound somewhere on Xiao Luo's body. This was common knowledge.

This was also precisely what Gu Qianlin couldn't figure out. She had definitely hit him, so why wasn't there a wound?

1There was nothing to prove that Xiao Luo was the perpetrator, and on the face of the current evidence had cleared him of any suspicion. But her intuition and judgment as a police officer told her that the perpetrator had to be Xiao Luo.

The contradiction that the two presented was making her head spin.

Suddenly, she grabbed hold of Wang Hanxuan's collar and demanded, "Do you think there's any kind of medicine in this world that could instantly close a wound?"

"What?"

Wang Hanxuan's mouth gaped open in shock. This question seemed a little childish, how could there be such miracle medicine in the world?

"What, your foot! Just answer the question!" Gu Qianlin barked.

Wang Hanxuan quickly said, "I've heard that there's a prescription of Yunnan Baiyao that could quickly stop bleeding to a wound, but the prescription's formula has been lost for a while now. The Yunnan Baiyao one can find in the market wouldn't have that effect."

Gu Qianlin's eyes lit up, "Then could it be that Xiao Luo just happened to have that prescription?"

1"Gulp..." Wang Hanxuan swallowed hard, wondering if maybe his boss had been possessed by the devil. It seemed that she would not stop until the crime could be connected to Xiao Luo. He shook his head and said, "That's impossible. And even with the prescription, there's no way the wound could close in such a short time, not to mention without a single scar."

1Hearing this, Gu Qianlin let him go reluctantly. She took one last look at the hospital behind them, then walked away.

...

...

After two full days since the rescue, Sun Yu's condition had stabilized. The doctors had successfully pulled her back from the brink of death.

Sun Yu's parents had also rushed from their hometown on the day of the accident. Upon seeing her daughter lying with an oxygen mask on the hospital bed, her face pale as a sheet, Mrs. Sun fainted right then and there. When Sun Jiannan arrived, his eyes also turned red, and he could not stop wiping tears from his face.

After a week, Sun Yu's condition had stabilized entirely...

However, the doctors had some bad news. Speaking in a concerned tone, he said, "The patient is already out of danger, and her body's condition has also stabilized. However, her intention to die is too strong. She doesn't want to wake up. We've done everything that we could do, but if the patient insists on dying, there's nothing we can do to help with that."

"Why is it like this, what exactly did Yuyu experience?" In anguish, Mrs. Sun rushed into the sickroom, tears pouring out, almost on the edge of swooning.

Mr. Sun also wiped tears from his eyes and walked shakily into the room with grief.

"Yuyu can't accept herself the way she is right now, and she also can't face Xiao Luo. She really just wants to die," Hu Shuirong was sobbing incessantly. As a victim herself, she understood very clearly what was going on in Sun Yu's head.

Xiao Ruyi's eyes reddened and pressed herself into Tang Ren's arms, sobbing softly.

Tang Ren didn't know what to say to comfort her, and just gently patted her back.

Chapter 172

In the sickroom, Sun Yu laid recuperating on the hospital bed, had her eyes shut. Her face was chalky and pale, and even then, she appeared like a tranquil sleeping beauty. The oxygen mask she had on did not, in any way, hide her exquisite beauty.

Xiao Luo was sitting by the side of her bed, flipping through the pages of a pink covered notebook, a page at a time.

This was Sun Yu's secret diary that Mr. Sun and Mrs. Sun had found at her house.

"I am finally heading off to the big city. I'm both so excited and exhilarated. Movie theaters, big shopping malls, beautiful parks...here I come!"

"I came to Jiangcheng filled with bright hopes for the future, but I didn't expect that this place would be so cold and vile. In the past half-year, not a single good thing has happened to me. It is like I have been falling into a bottomless pit. I'm struggling, and I'm fighting back... but more and more I feel that I will never be able to get past this."

"Filth is gradually filling up my body and corroding my soul. It is like there are thousands and thousands of ants crawling across my body, tearing and biting at my skin, and causing me so much pain that I want to die. I want to be rid of the devil's control, and yet every time I yield to this torment, I sink deeper... this is worse than death."

...

It was a large stack of paper, filled with the words of struggle, rebellion, and of drowning. Until, a page that is reached where the ink seemed a little fresher.

"I am very happy today. I've met a really cute guy, his name is Xiao Luo. He is Sister Ruyi's brother, and also my Big benefactor. He is clean, handsome, mysterious, like a bright ray of sunlight that's now shining through my dark life."

"I feel that I'm falling in love with him..."

"For him, I have to escape from the devil's control. I can do it, Big benefactor, you have to wait for me."

"Big benefactor finally confessed to me, but why did he have to be the owner of Luo's Workshop? He is so outstanding, and I am, on the other hand, so tarnished...Big benefactor, forgive me for rejecting you, but I don't deserve you!"

"The feeling of being bitten by bugs is swelling back up. What should I do? Big benefactor, what should I do?"

The journal came to an abrupt stop here, leaving Xiao Luo in an unusually dour mood.

He turned his head and looked at the ailing girl who was silently lying on the hospital bed. It was now clear to him that he was the main reason why Sun Yu had jumped off the building. If it was not for his rash confession and her knowledge of his true identity, even though she had not been able to escape from He Ruanliang's grasp, she would not have come to the ultimate decision of suicide.

Looking at her now, she seemed like a flower that was withering away, and Xiao Luo could not help the feeling of guilt.

"I never thought that my presence would have brought you so much pain. I just knew that, whenever I was together with you, I felt no pressure. In my eyes, you will always be a beautiful, kind, and tender girl. The dance that you performed at the Mid-Autumn party. It was lively, charming, and elegant, and you were like an angel that had descended to earth. At that very moment, my heart was captured, and it belonged to you. I wanted the whole world to know that you were my woman."

Xiao Luo, who was generally with a man of few words, suddenly flowed with expressions in that instant, as he sat alone with Sun Yu. They were all words from his heart.

But there was no response from Sun Yu, not even with the slightest twitch of her fingertips. She had sunk into a state of suspended animation. While her bodily functions were all working well, her consciousness continued to die. This was a natural instinct of self-preservation in human beings. When faced with unbearable realities, choosing to fall unconscious, to lie in a coma forever.

"Everything happened because of me, so I should also be the one to finish everything!"

Xiao Luo closed his eyes then came to a painful decision. The only way to save Sun Yu now was to have her forget about what happened in Jiangcheng. Everything, including himself.

"DING! Congratulations. You have redeemed the hypnotic master talent for 8000 points!" In his head, the system notification announced.

Xiao Luo gently pressed on Sun Yu's forehead with his index finger between her eyebrows and closed his eyes. Clearing his mind, he began feeling out for Sun Yu's subconscious world, the Id.

"Forget this pain. Return to the bright hopes for the future that you had, movie theatres, big shopping malls, parks...they are still things you can look forward to.

Everything that you have experienced was but a dream, and by the time the sun rises tomorrow, you will wake up from this dream. You will forget everything that happened in this dream. Those people and those events will slowly become blurry and blank, and your life will once again be filled with meaning!"

Xiao Luo used a deep, soulful voice to penetrate through Sun Yu's subconsciousness, causing significant parts of the memory in her subconsciousness to reform. This continued for a time, allowing her mind to slowly heal, removing those painful experiences of her past struggles.

It was a long process!

It was not until midnight that the hypnosis finally completed. Due to the long period of concentration, Xiao Luo was exhausted, feeling as if he had just recovered from an illness. He stood up, picked up Sun Yu's diary, and walked with slow, heavy steps to exit the sickroom. It was like he had lost a part of his soul.

...

...

"President Xiao!""Brother!"

In the corridor outside, Sun Jiannan, Xiao Ruyi, and Tang Ren hurried forward to support him.

Xiao Luo waved a hand gesturing for them to not worry about him, then turned towards Mr. Sun and Mrs. Sun, "When she wakes up tomorrow, transfer her to another hospital. Leave Jiangcheng, don't let her come back here ever, and don't ever mention anything about Jiangcheng."

After saying that, he turned and left without a second glance.

Zhang Dashan and Feng Wuheng were already waiting outside the hospital.

Xiao Luo got into the car without saying a word.

Adjusting his seat to lean farthest back, he laid down and closed his eyes. He was slowly recovering his strength, but at the same time, suffering through heartwrenching grief.

Although hypnosis would allow Sun Yu to forget about everything that happened in Jiangcheng, she could also never meet anyone she had seen in Jiangcheng again, especially him. Otherwise, the hypnosis would quickly lose its effect, and Sun Yu would once again remember everything.

Which meant that they could never meet ever again. This goodbye was an eternal one.

"Lao Xiao, are you alright?" Asked Zhang Dashan worriedly from the driver's seat.

Xiao Luo said, "Drive."

"Where are we going?"

"Anywhere."

Zhang Dashan let out a long sigh. It was the first time that he had seen Xiao Luo in such a depressed mood. He knew that it had something to do with Sun Yu, but there was nothing he could do. After hearing about what happened to Sun Yu, he could only offer his support and sympathies. 𝓁𝘪𝒷𝘳ℯ𝘢𝑑.𝒸𝘰𝑚

"Brother, you have to get yourself together," Feng Wuheng advised from the backseat, frowning.

"Yeah, the Dragon Gang is running rampant right now. They keep coming to destroy our Luo's Workshop storefront; you can't fall right now."

Xiaowu's words were like an elixir shot right into Xiao Luo's veins, making him sit up with a jolt.

"What are our losses right now?"

"Around 50 million."

Although he didn't know what state Xiao Luo was in and what he was thinking, Zhang Dashan still reported the total losses truthfully.

Chapter 173

"Madam Gu, Xiao Luo went to Long Sankui's Yellow Skies Casino."

As Zhang Dashan's white Corolla stopped at the Yellow Skies Casino's entrance, a black car behind them stopped not far away. The two plain-clothes police officers in the vehicle immediately reported the situation to Gu Qianlin. 𝑙𝑖𝘣𝓇𝑒𝒶𝘥.𝑐ℴ𝑚

To gather evidence of Xiao Luo's transgressions against the law, Gu Qianlin had placed him under strict surveillance, or as her subordinates put it, "the dumbest and most straightforward method." This meant monitoring around the clock; whenever Xiao Luo went or took action, a message would be passed to her immediately.

Holding the handphone at the other end of the line, Gu Qianlin took a moment to ponder, before giving the order. "Continue monitoring him, report to me at once if he does anything unusual!"

"Yes, madam!" came the reply.

The officer nodded forcefully and hung up the call.

However, the looks on both of their faces changed instantly as they saw that Xiao Luo and several men headed right their way after they alighted from their car.

Had they been found out?

The two exchanged glances and couldn't help noticing the shock in each other's eyes. As experienced plain-clothes cops, tracking and monitoring suspects were necessary surveillance skills they had been practicing for a long time. They've never been detected by their targets so far. It was a first for them and was totally beyond their expectations. They could almost feel their hearts leaping out of their throats.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

The knock on the car window resounded inside the vehicle. Both the cops turned to look, trying hard to appear disinterested only to see Xiao Luo's handsome, chiseled face staring indifferently at them. They did their best to appear nonchalant as he approached, as if unconcerned with the goings-on.

The plain-clothes cop sitting on the driver's seat warily rolled down the window and asked casually, "Is something the matter?"

Xiao Luo said impassively, "You have been following us all the way from the hospital. Gu Qianlin sent you all, didn't she?" He pointed at the handphone in the hand of the plain-clothes cop sitting in the passenger seat. "Call her, I'll have a word or two with her."

His words seemed to carry a finality in its tone as if something very terrible would happen if they refused. The two cops sat up straight, not even daring to breathe loudly. The plain-clothes police sitting in the passenger seat quickly dialed Gu Qianlin's number and passed the mobile phone over to Xiao Luo's waiting hand.

"Any new development? What's going on?" At the other end of the line, Gu Qianlin's spoke urgently.

Qiao Luo replied, "Officer Gu, this is Xiao Luo."

His voice stunned Gu Qianlin.

Recovering immediately, Gu Qianlin asked loudly, "What have you done to them?"

"They are perfectly fine, I just want to tell you that their surveillance skills are about as bad as it gets," Xiao Luo said coldly.

His words made the two plain-clothes cops lower their heads sheepishly, feeling immensely embarrassed. They had nothing to say, for the undeniable truth that they had been discovered.

"You..."

Gu Qianlin gritted her teeth in anger.

Xiao Luo snickered. "Officer Gu, you really are neglecting your duties. For the past days, the shops belonging to my Luo Company have been smashed up by scoundrels one after another." He added contemptuously, "I don't see you arresting them and compensating my losses. Instead, you are fixated on me, what happened to the justice you told me about a few days ago?"

"Xiao Luo, don't you dare stick labels on me as you please. There are clear divisions of responsibilities. There are other police departments in charge of the case involving your company's shops being smashed up, I am only responsible for my own," said Gu Qianlin.

Xiao Luo laughed mockingly, saying. "Your duty is to monitor my actions? Madam Gu, you really must have a lot of time on your hands."

"Stop waffling. We both know why I am monitoring your actions, you don't need me to explain that to you," Gu Qianlin replied, irked.

"It seems that there is no way to eliminate your suspicions of me," he said.

Xiao Luo raised an eyebrow and laughed lightly. "In that case, why don't you come over now. I'm preparing to make a scene at the Yellow Skies Casino. And without you, a police officer, to monitor my actions on site, I am worried that I might accidentally do something illegal."

Without waiting for Gu Qianlin to reply, he hung up and threw the mobile phone back at the plain-clothes cop sitting in the passenger seat.

"Old Xiao, what are you trying to do, asking the police to come and watch while you create trouble, did your brain just short-circuit?"

Zhang Dashan was both exasperated and puzzled over Xiao Luo's actions. He thought to himself, "other people would get it over and done with when they smashed other shops. And they would be far gone by the time the police arrived, but no, instead you told the cops in advance. What the heck can we still do?"

Xiao Luo shook his head and said with a smile, "Do you know why I let you represent Luo Company in court?"

Zhang Dashan couldn't answer, and he didn't get why Xiao Luo suddenly changed the topic to the public trial, which he was very proud of.

He nodded knowingly, humility not being his strong suit. "I know, I know, it is because I am someone you trust most."

"Other than that, there is one more thing of the utmost importance."

Xiao Luo looked at him and said thoughtfully, "It is to build your reputation so that others would have faith in you when you take over Luo Company in the future."

Zhang Dashan was stunned. He didn't expect Xiao Luo to make such plans for him.

"We have taken down Fang Changlei, and now we face Long Sankui. To deal with Long Sankui, we would need to use extreme measures for the most time. You will represent Luo Company's image in the future, and you mustn't be tainted by anything negative now. That is why I will be the one to carry out all these extreme measures," explained Xiao Luo.

"F*ck, what do you mean, you are casting me aside?" Zhang Dashan caught on to the hidden meaning in Xiao Luo's words.

Xiao Luo patted him on the shoulder. "I'm not casting you aside, it is called task division. Just like how Long Sankui has retreated to the backline and never takes charge of anything other than specifying the representatives for each of the assets under him. I am doing the same here and assigning you to be the representative of Luo Company. You will be in charge of the company's affairs, and I will be in charge of the rest, understand?"

"Understand my balls, what the heck..." Ummph!

Zhang Dashan was getting emotional as he couldn't shake the feeling that Xiao Luo was making arrangements for what would happen after his death. Before he could even finish his sentence, Xiao Luo kicked him in the crotch, making him double up from the agonizing pain. Zhang Dashan clutched at his groin, squeezing his thighs together, with a sorry expression on his face. He swore he heard a testicle pop!

He shouted at Xiao Luo, "F*ck you and your ancestors, why did you kick me in the b*lls?"

"You said it yourself that you wanted to understand your b*lls, how is it my fault."

Xiao Luo said in a deadpan as he cocked an eyebrow, as if what he had told justified his action. Then looking at Feng Wuhen, he said, "Wuhen, from now on, you and Little Five are to monitor Ruyi and Tang Ren round the clock, do not let them out of sight. Bring the boys with you. If there is anything unusual, report to me immediately."

He had learned this trick from Gu Qianlin very quickly. Since they were going to battle with Long Sankui, naturally, they must get rid of all the trouble back at home.

"Rest assured, Brother Xiao, leave it to us. "Feng Wuhen promised, patting a hand on his chest.

After giving the orders to Feng Wuhen, Xiao Luo returned his gaze to Zhang Dashan. "Are you feeling better? Don't play dead on me, I didn't use much force."

"Your ass. Why don't you let me kick you and see? F*cker, I'm dying from the pain here." Zhang Dashan's face was a dark red, and he felt as if his nuts had been crushed.

A black SUV drove towards them at high speed, then skidded a short distance in full control as its driver slammed on the brakes, stopping dead close to them. The door opened, and Gu Qianlin, dressed smartly, got out of the car.

"She's here, you all should leave first," Xiao Luo said to Zhang Dashan.

"You really want to cast me aside?" Zhang Dashan said, on hearing his words.

However, Zhang Dashan's expression did change, and at the same time, quickly turned sideways, just in case Xiao Luo sneaked another attack on him once more.

"F*ck, I have to give it to you, Old Xiao." Dashan, always one to have the last word, said before leaving. Then turning to the Feng Wuhen, he added, "Brother Feng, let's go, leave this b*stard to act all lovey-dovey with the policewoman. If his love affair ends up landing him in jail, I will immediately strike gongs, beat drums, and celebrate the incident by setting off firecrackers, f*ck!"

Zhang Dashan was really dispirited. He really wanted to fight alongside Xiao Luo. Even knowing what they were doing was illegal, they could just break the law and ride out to the sunset – he was that kind of a man. But Xiao Luo directly threatened him by kicking him in the b*lls, and Zhang Dashan had no way of dealing with that.

F*ck, it was too painful!

Chapter 174

Dressed in a white T-shirt and cropped skinny jeans, with a pair of white sports shoes to match, and an orangish-red cardigan draped over her, Gu Qianlin looked nothing like the fearsome, angry police inspector in her stiff uniform. Instead, she was trendy and had the fresh, raw beauty of a feminine young woman.

"Xiao Luo, what the heck are you trying to do?" Gu Qianlin asked assertively as she headed towards Xiao Luo in quick, urgent strides

Giving her nonchalant shrug, Xiao Luo said, "I'm worried that I might get beaten up after winning too much money, so I asked you to come over and protect me."

"Ask me to protect you?" she repeated his words.

What a joke! Gu Qianlin couldn't help a sneer, "Pah! You still need someone to protect you?"

Xiao Luo replied, looking very serious, like he meant it, "Yes, I do."

Having said so, he turned and walked into the Yellow Skies Casino.

Gu Qianlin stood contemplating, she had a bad feeling about this, as if being led into another of Xiao Luo's schemes. She glared at the two plainclothes cops in the black car, cringing as her eyes sending them angry messages, then turned and headed towards the Yellow Skies Casino. What on earth is Xiao Luo up to?

...

Xiao Luo exchanged cash for five million dollars worth of chips and headed for the dice games area directly.

"You ask me to come and watch you gamble?" Gu Qianlin snorted.

"Is there a problem?" he replied.

Xiao Luo eyes her with a raised brow. "I didn't say that I was going to stir up trouble. If you feel bored, you can go, but I might start stirring up trouble immediately after you leave? Don't regret it if you miss getting the evidence."

Gu Qianlin hissed through gritted teeth, "Enough of your tricks. Sooner or later, I will personally arrest and handcuff you."

"Officer Gu, why are you always prejudiced against me?" Xiao Luo asked.

"I don't think I need to answer your question. If you really are a law-abiding citizen, I think we can be friends. But it's hard to ignore your murderous qualities, and they have given you away. I was in the special forces and had personally subdued many despicable criminals, so I am confident of my intuition and judgment. So, I am sure that I am not misjudging you. You have definitely killed before." Gu Qianlin looked at Xiao Luo with scathing eyes.

Xiao Luo gave her a cynical smile. "I have indeed killed someone before, have you forgotten that I was the one who accidentally killed the mercenary you all were after? However, that does not constitute a crime, but on the contrary, I'd thought that the police should've awarded me a banner and prize money."

"Don't be so pleased with yourself. You will be monitored constantly until you give yourself away someday." Gu Qianlin snickered coldly.

"Fine, I'll be waiting then.".

Xiao Luo replied, nodding with a slight smile.

Before they knew it, the two were already standing in front of a gambling table. As always in casinos, the house was the dealer. Before casting the dice, the dealer would look at the gamblers around the table and wait for them to place their bets.

Without a second thought, Xiao Luo bet all five million dollars' worth of his chips on "Big."

Usual bets are worth a thousand or two, or at most fifty thousand. The fact that someone had suddenly put down such a large sum shocked not just the dealer and the gamblers gathered around them, but also Gu Qianlin. She had personally witnessed Xiao Luo pay for the chips with his card. What he threw down was not just the plastic chips they seemed to be, but actually five million dollars.

"You are really betting that?" she couldn't help asking.

"Surely, there isn't such a thing as a fake bet?" he shot back.

Gu Qianlin asked again, "You're throwing down five million dollars just like that?"

Xiao Luo nodded and repeated her words in affirmation, "I'm throwing down five million dollars just like that."

"Sorry, I had forgotten that you are a big shot, and you are rich enough to be extravagant."

Gu Qianlin retorted coldly in derision. She was determined that Xiao Luo was culpable of the unsolved crimes, and she could only feel enmity towards him. She was obsessed with finding the evidence that would finally expose him for what he was. 𝘭𝑖𝘣𝓇ℯ𝘢𝒹.𝘤ℴ𝘮

Xiao Luo did not answer her. He turned, his gaze on the dealer who had already shaken the dice, and urged, "Why haven't you showed us the dice? What are you waiting for."

The croupier looked horrified, in Xiao Luo's mind, he looked as if he had "eaten a pile of sh*t." On seeing Xiao Luo's face, he suddenly dared not to reveal the roll of the dice, as a deep sense of apprehension got to him. Xiao Luo's face was instantly recognizable as it was ingrained in all the croupiers' minds. He had come here a while back and won two million with just a capital of one hundred thousand dollars. Whenever he bet on "Big," that would be the outcome, and the same goes for when he bet on "Small." To them, Xiao Luo was a freak. Now that Xiao Luo had placed five million in a single, the croupier was shaking so hard that his legs trembled.

But, heckled by the gamblers around him, he had to reach out and lifted the top lid of the large bowl slowly. He was clinging on to a thin shred of hope and hoping that Xiao Luo wouldn't possibly make the correct judgment one hundred percent of the time. However, it was one thing to not believe, but the truth was another matter altogether. After lifting the lid, the three dice showed four-five-six.

BIG!

Xiao Luo's five million had now become ten million in the blink of an eye! The excited crowd began mumbling and gesturing around him, creating a deep, droning sound as more gathered to watch. It fed to the growing awe of the intrepid gambler.

...

"Manager Geng, we are in trouble, that fella from the last time is here again."

Upstairs, in the Yellow Skies Casino, a waiter burst into the manager's office, causing Geng Qiuxing, busy with a lady and fondling her all over, to startle and jump.

Geng Qiuxing, enraged, picked up the ashtray on the table and threw it hard at the waiter. "F*ck, why didn't you knock before coming it!"

The ashtray hit the waiter on the forehead, and he fell onto the floor, seeing stars. It was so throbbing with searing pain, and he almost teared up.

"Baby, leave us for a moment, I need to deal with some matters first." Geng Qiuxing sniggered lewdly at the lady.

"Alright, Manager."

The lady kissed Geng Qiuxing on the cheeks, then adjusted her wide-open collar, drew up her knickers from around her thighs, straightened her dress, and walked out. When she passed by the waiter, she stomped her feet and snorted angrily to express her annoyance at him. As she did so, the poor waiter couldn't help thinking about how she gave off incredibly sexy vibes.

Geng Qiuxing coughed dryly for a couple of times and glared darkly at the waiter lying on the floor after the door to the office closed. "Stop playing dead on the floor, get up now!"

The waiter hurriedly got off the floor, picked the ashtray, and put it onto Geng Qiuxing's table deferentially.

Geng Qiuxing put a cigar in his mouth, lit it, inhaled deeply, and said, "Go on, what's the matter?"

"Manager Geng, the fella who had won more than two million in our casino, is here again. At the moment, he had won almost 40 million," said the waiter.

"What?! 40 million?"

Geng Qiuxing shot up from his chair. The net profit of the casino over three months barely hit 40 million.

How could he possibly remain calm? He quickly strode out of the office to the corridor and looked down from the balustrade. At a glance, he immediately recognized Xiao Luo, who had a crowd gathered around him. Many gamblers and onlookers were loudly cheering him on and calling him the God of Gambling.

"F*ck, it really is him! I heard Master Long said that the gang had recently smashed up the shops belonging to Luo's Company. From what I see, he intends to get his own back from our casino."

"What should we do, manager, this guy is a freak, whatever he bets, comes out. If we let him continue betting, our casino would go bankrupt over one night," the waiter said, his face anguished.

"Follow the old rules, change the dealer, and change the dice, faster, go!"

Geng Qiuxing was anxious and became even more nervous when he saw that the chips in front of Xiao Luo had piled up into a small mountain, and it was at least 50 million as far as he could tell. If they allowed him to continue winning, the casino would face severe cash flow constraints, making it challenging to maintain capital turnover in the short run. Master Long would not show him any pity after knowing about it.

Chapter 175

"Three-four-five, BIG!"

When Xiao Luo won again! This time it was a 40 million dollar bet on "Big," and he duly received an 80 million dollar payout. As the stacks of chips continued to grow into skyscrapers in front of him, the excitement of the crowd had now turned into a carnival-like atmosphere with everyone enthusiastically shouting "God of Gambling." The noise and commotion attracted more and more onlookers, and the table quickly became the center of attention.

Gu Qianlin was in a state of total shock and awe! Winning four rounds in a row was simply just unbelievable.

At the moment, the croupier found an excuse to take his leave, and another replaced him.

The corner of Xiao Luo's mouth curled up in mockery. The old trick, again.

"Enough, I'll stop here today."

Xiao Luo asked a casino employee to cash in the chips and bank in the money to his account.

"Wait, since you are so lucky, isn't it a pity to not continue playing for a couple more games?"

Geng Qiuxing dashed down at almost the speed of a 100-meter sprinter. 80 million dollars were at stake. The casino was already making one hell of a loss, if the money was taken away just like that, Master Long would probably cut him up alive. So, it was definitely impossible for him to just stand aside and watch Xiao Luo leave.

"Can't I even stop if I don't feel like playing anymore?" Xiao Luo laughed coldly.

"Can, of course, you can. I just feel that you can play a couple more games since you are so lucky. It's a suggestion, just a suggestion!" Geng Qiuxing said with a smile. His face was all smiles, but his eyes were dark and gloomy.

"Officer Gu, what do you think?"

Xiao Luo turned to look at Gu Qianlin and asked with a smile.

Officer? Police?

Geng Qiuxing's expression changed slightly. With a cop here, it would really be quite hard for him to threaten Xiao Luo. But he couldn't just let Xiao Luo walk away with 80 million. He was conflicted and at a loss for a while, unable to decide on how to make his move.

Gu Qianlin was a good reader of vocal and physical expressions. She was immediately aware of the warnings and threats within Geng Qiuxing's words and gaze. Now, she finally understood why Xiao Luo had asked her to come over, and it was purely to use her for protection. Although she hated the casino's shady methods, she wasn't so sure if she now hated Xiao Luo even more for playing her like a fool.

Clearing her throat, she said, "I think you can play a couple more games."

Geng Qiuxing's expression relaxed, and he laughed sinisterly. "This beautiful lady here is right. Surely it is unreasonable to stop since you are so lucky."

"Then, I'll play a couple more games!"

Xiao Luo shrugged indifferently and sat back down at the table. "I'll stop when I have 100 million."

Hearing his words, Geng Qiuxing laughed to himself, as he thought, "You would be lucky enough to walk out of the casino with as much money as you came in with, and yet here you are, still wanting to make 100 million, in your f*cking dreams!"

As the new croupier took his position on the table, Geng Qiuxing gave him a meaningful look.

The croupier nodded in response, then deftly switched the three dice.

"Let's start." He smiled at Xiao Luo, then placed the lid over the bowl and prepared to start shaking.

"Wait!"

Xiao Luo directly reached out and grabbed the croupier's wrist. Before he could react, Xiao Luo had taken off the ring on the other man's finger. Xiao Luo then opened the dice casting bowl and waved the ring over the three dice. As the ring moved, so did the dice, which would allow the croupier to alter the dice roll at as he wished.

Xiao Luo gave an innocent, inquiring smile. "Pardon me for asking, is this considered cheating?"

The croupier's expression changed drastically, as a cold sweat broke out, and he couldn't believe that Xiao Luo saw through his trick.

Meanwhile, the gamblers around them, seeing what had happened, reacted immediately. They now understood why they had lost most of the time in this casino. Recalling how much money they had lost in vain, their anger surged all at once.

"Cheaters, there're cheaters here!"

"B*stard, you *ssholes, return me my hard-earned money."

"Everyone come and see this, the casino has cheated, the casino has cheated us of our money."

The crowd was furious. As more and more gamblers heard the commotion, they made their way over. After knowing what happened, they all joined the ranks of protestors against the casino. For a while, the shouts and protests were overwhelming. The offending croupier was beaten up outright by the crowd. A lot of the gamblers who had lost all of their cash and assets began smashing up everything in the casino. It started with only one person and quickly grew into a mob.

"Xiao Luo, you..."

Gu Qianlin had underestimated Xiao Luo. She knew that Xiao Luo had just intended to stir up some trouble in the casino, but now she realized he actually had a well thought out plan from the very start. The Dragon Gang had smashed up shops belonging to Luo's Company, so he used the fury of the angry gamblers to achieve his goal of smashing up the Yellow Skies Casino. And he got his vengeance without having to actually do it himself.

"I'm just letting everyone know the truth and help them quit gambling." Xiao Luo said in mock concern.

Gu Qianlin knew that he could not be reasoned with. Watching hundreds of gamblers madly smashing up the premises and beating up the casino employees, she took out her phone to contact the headquarters to send a team immediately. However, a protester knocked into her in the chaos, causing her handphone to drop, right under the feet of the stampeding gamblers. Broken, it could no longer be used.

Standing amid the mayhem, Geng Qiuxing was raging in a fury, his face ominous and dark. Xiao Luo had exposed the casino's hidden scams, and the casino's reputation would be destroyed, causing its business to plummet. How could he possibly stay calm with his casino being smashed up by angry gamblers?

"The casino is in trouble, send forty to fifty men over!"

He made the call, and in less than 10 minutes, 5 vans screeched to the front entrance of the casino. A cohort of burly men armed with long knives, axes, and iron rods alighted from the vehicles. In an instant, the doors of the casino burst open, and the armed men charged into the massed crowd of protestors, hacking them down with no mercy.

"Officer Gu, the villains are here, do hurry and arrest them. Look at them, how ferocious they are, hacking away at people." Xiao Luo said to Gu Qianlin, flashing a sardonic smile to her face.

"Shut up!"

Gu Qianlin's thoughts were in a whirl. She had long since known that the Dragon Gang members were ruthless, but seeing it with her own eyes, her understanding of "ruthless" took on a whole new meaning. Hacking away relentlessly with their weapons, how could these people do it to unarmed folk?

"Stop hitting me, we dare not continue, we dare not continue."

"I'm sorry, please don't kill me."

"Stop, don't kill me."

As the Dragon Gang hacked away, the gamblers in the casino cowered in fear and knelt down to beg for their lives.

"Everyone, f*cking get out and shut your mouth after getting out. Don't spread rumors, or I'll bury you all alive!" Geng Qiuxing roared fiercely as he issued his threat.

The gamblers were grateful to get away with their lives and promptly fled. It didn't take long before everyone cleared out, leaving only Xiao Luo, Gu Qianlin, and the fierce-looking members of the Dragon Gang in the casino. 𝘭𝘪𝑏𝑟ℯ𝒶𝑑.𝘤𝑜𝘮

"Little b*stard, don't you know what place this is! How dare you misbehave yourself here. I think you don't know how the devil looks like." Geng Qiuxing's expression was grotesque, and he bellowed in a cruel voice as if he wanted to swallow Xiao Luo alive.

Xiao Luo didn't answer him, but said to Gu Qianlin, "Officer Gu, surely you wouldn't stand aside and watch them hack me to death!"

Gu Qianlin knew that Xiao Luo had blatantly manipulated her, but at the moment, her sense of duty took precedence, and she suffered her angst in silence. She strode forward and pointed at Geng Qiuxing. "I am a Police Officer Gu, hurry up and ask your men to put down their weapons and plead for leniency, or else..."

"Else your head! Go and hack this b*tch and that little b*stard into a paste!" Geng Qiuxing was raging with fury." I couldn't care less if she was a cop, they can just f*cking die."

"You bunch of sh*t!"

As the Dragon Gang members swarmed towards them, Gu Qianlin rushed towards them in measured steps, and with a feint and a slap of her hand, she drove off the man at the front of the mob and skillfully snatched away his steel rod...

Chapter 176

Gu Qianlin was a former member of the special force and was highly trained and extremely skillful. As she quickly relieved the mobster of his iron pipe and was now armed for battle. She was fearless and brave as a lioness, but her responsibilities as a police officer discouraged her from being ruthless. Her techniques were flawless, and she sought only to knock her opponents back and disarm them, but they took the blows and kept coming back at her.

The Dragon Gang members, however, were no mere street fighters. They were relentless and attacked her incessantly like a pack of jackals. Within a short time, they had gotten through her defenses several times and drew blood. Gu Qianlin has been stabbed and sustained lashes on her back and lower torso. She looked powerless in the face of the concerted attacks, like a cornered tiger fending off a wolf pack.

Gu Qianlin's warning to the Dragon Gang to disarm had drawn all their attention and made her the sole target of their attack. No one took notice of Xiao Luo, who was seated at a nearby gaming table, somehow doing an excellent job of keeping him unnoticed. He was enjoying himself to a glass of orange juice he took from a tray left by the fleeing staff workers. He did not show any urgency nor inclination to go to Gu Qianlin's aid, seeming quite blasé about the goings-on.

At this point, Gu Qianlin had sustained multiple wounds that were sapping her energy levels, and with it her fighting spirit. The exhaustion and pain were beginning to tell on her, and she couldn't help feeling a sense of regret for being merciful to the gang members at the start. How quickly they overpowered her with their ruthlessness and relentless attacks.

She was faltering, and her resistance being overwhelmed. Her only option was to retreat to safer ground. Her clothes were now in shreds, and she was soaked in blood.

BOOM!

Two senior members of Dragon Gang broke through and struck squarely on her upper body.

These two were well-trained pugilists and regularly practiced their combined techniques for close street combat. The power and force they could unleash with their coordinated attacks were unparalleled. Gu Qianlin stood no chance. Her body was thrown back in the air, crashing heavily on the ground. She was in extreme pain as if her body was broken.

"Officer Gu, do you need help?"

Xiao Luo put down the empty glass and walked up with a smile.

Even in her state, Gu Qianlin was terribly infuriated, she only moved her eyes and stared at Xiao Luo clenching her teeth. She was silents, but her eyes burned with extreme hate.

"Don't have to show mercy to these people, the situation you're in now is the result of mercy. I'm forced to attack now, and you'll be my best witness. Who else could prove my innocence, right?" Xiao Luo smiled innocently.

To Gu Qianlin's eyes, his smile just seemed inappropriate for a time like this. It looked creepy.

Xiao Luo turned around and dropped his smiling countenance instantly. He took on a cold and ominous bearing, as he faced the group of armed Dragon Gang members. It sent a shiver down their spines.

"It's this son of the bitch, what're you guys waiting for? Charge, slash him into pieces!"

Geng Qiuxing roared. His casino was as good as gone, and Lord Long would never him go. Having to lose his fingers would be considered a light punishment, and all he could for. But he was afraid that would not be the case, expecting worse punishments and perhaps even slow death through decapitation, multiple stabs, or gunshots. As he thought about that, his hatred towards Xiao Luo grew, and he could not wait to witness Xiao Luo's death.

The men from the Dragon Gang pounced on Xiao Luo with murderously and with flashing blades they charged.

Xiao Luo did not retreat and instead advanced towards the mob. In a flash, he was in the air, and before anyone could move, a man was sent flying off like a missile from a single kick. The man crashed on the floor just before Geng Qiuxing. He let out a howl before fainting from the blow. The broadsword he wielded had fallen into Xiao Luo's hands.

With sword in hand, Xiao Luo gave out a haughty, murderous aura as he stared at across the hall. The Dragon Gang took a step back.

"Kill him, kill him at once!" Geng Qiuxing's roared loudly with his fists clenching tight.

Five men with long knives charged in, their blades slashing towards Xiao Luo in a frenzied manner.

Without any hesitation, Xiao Luo flicked his wrist and slashed horizontally with speed and balance.

The slash was swift, sharp, and precise. The five men only sensed a flashing arch of light before their eyes, before they realized their right hands had been decapitated cleanly at the wrist. The stumps now left behind had turned a bright red as blood was spurting out before the pain could even reach their brains.

Chopped off?

These were their hands, how could it be possible?

As with all fearsome fighters, the pain would not come immediately. The need to survive in a fight kept their minds numb to the pain and alert for new dangers. Then, after a moment, would the realization hit...

Arrgh!

They broke out in shrill screams of sheer pain, dropped to their knees, and holding onto the bloody stumps in agony.

Xiao Luo intensified his attack, slashing the broadsword in precise attack patterns without respite. He struck hard the nearest man in a single stroke, immediately putting him on the backfoot.

Taken by surprise at the speed of the attack, he raised his metal pipe to parry the next blow.

SLASH!

The metal pipe was sliced into half the broadsword came down hard and swift. As the blade cut through it was brought across horizontally and cut through the man's right wrist. Just like that, another hand was taken.

Spinning around, his sword in the high ready position, he charged into the mob as his blade slashed intricate patterns in all directions. Where he passed, hands were taken, and the sword had become a "hand reaper."

His techniques were flawless, and his execution fierce and unrelenting. Stronger than Gu Qinglin and undoubtedly more vicious – there could be no mercy in this fight.

The mob from the Dragon Gang was beaten. They were retreating in disarray and cowering from his advance. There was no way to retaliate, so complete was his dominance.

Gu Qianlin swallowed hard as her expression changed from anger to relief and then to terrified. She was first a pawn in Xiao Luo's scheme when he destroyed the reputation and the very survival of the casino. Then he allowed her to be the bait for the Dragon Gang's vengeance, where she nearly paid the price. Saving her at the eleventh hour only for her remain incapacitated, leaving her able to observe but not able to act. He finally exacted his revenge on the Dragon Gang by making them pay a bloody price, and he had done that in front of her. He had deliberately made her a witness of his act of self-defense against the Dragon Gang mob.

Step by careful step, he had cracked down on the casino, countered Long Sankui's aggressive attacks on Luo's Workshop assets, and escaped from the jurisdiction of the law.

Such shrewdness and scheming had her trembling, witnessing Xiao Luo slashing the Dragon Gang members like chopping cabbages, convinced her that Xiao Luo was that cold-blooded and cruel killer.

Ten minutes later, there was not a single standing member of the Dragon Gang. They were all moaning on the ground in pain, their right hands were chopped off and lay scattered across the halls. It was a shocking scene, and even Gu Qianlin, who was used to seeing bloody scenes, was Mortified.

The only standing person was Geng Qiuxing, who was now pale with fear and rooted to his spot.

Xiao Luo walked towards him with the bloodstained sword in hand, he looked just like an evil Asura [1] emerging from hell at this moment.

"You... you...I'm the Dragon Gang..." Geng Qiuxing could not even complete a sentence.

"Rest assured, I won't do anything to you. If I harmed you, then wouldn't it be excessive self-defense?"

Xiao Luo gave a soft smile and turned towards Gu Qianlin, "Am I right, Officer Gu?"

Gu Qianlin's entire body trembled, she was stunned by Xiao Luo's cruelty.

"Eighty million. I've won eighty million here in total, and your casino cannot repudiate this sum. You have to transfer the money to my account, understand?" Xiao Luo rested the sword on Geng Qiuxin's shoulder suddenly and said coldly.

"Understood, understood!"

Geng Qiuxin had lost his arrogance and kept nodding his head, nodding without stopping.

Chapter 177

Once the eighty million was banked into his account, Xiao Luo threw away the sword and said to Geng Qiuxing, "Tell this to Long Sankui on my behalf. It's time for a change of the black representative in Jiangcheng." 𝙡𝓲𝙗𝒓𝙚𝓪𝙙.𝒄𝒐𝙢

He patted Geng Qiuxing firmly on his shoulder, then turned around and walked towards Gu Qianlin. Geng Qiuxing was fear-stricken and had broken into a cold sweat. He remained standing, without moving an inch, his eyes were filled with despair.

Gu Qianlin was covered in wounds, as she saw Xiao Luo approaching her, she snapped coldly, "You're a demon!"

"I've just saved you, shouldn't you thank me?" Xiao Luo smiled.

He then squatted down and reached out to give her a hand. "What do you want?" Gu Qianlin looking at him cautiously.

"Bringing you to the hospital. You're the only eyewitness who could prove that I was forced to retaliate when faced with life-threatening dangers. On top of that, you are with the police force. So I have to ensure that you're safe and sound, if not I'd be in all sorts of trouble." Xiao Luo said softly.

He helped her to get up without too much bother.

"I'll surely bring you to justice!" Gu Qianlin glared at Xiao Luo; she was feeling both ashamed and angry.

"I shall wait for that."

Xiao Luo still gave her the same response.

...

...

"Boss, Xiao Luo stirred up some trouble, and a big fight broke out at Long Sankui's Yellow Skies Casino last night. All fifty-three of the Dragon Gang inner circle disciples had their one hand chopped off. Geng Qiuxing, the person-in-charge of Yellow Skies Casino, had himself escaped with ten million of money in fear of Long Sankui's condemn."

At the Chongshan House, Leng Zuo was reporting on the latest situation to Chu Yunxiong, who was seated comfortably with his friend, Ge Zhongtian, and playing a game of Go.

Ge Zhongtian responded to the report with shock, "Chopping off fifty-three people's hands, and how would the police be willing to let him go then? What was xiao Luo thinking, he has taken a path of self-destruction!"

Chu Yunxiong placed a stone thoughtfully and spoke softly, with a wizen smile, "Don't underestimate Xiao Luo. If he was daring enough to do that, he must have had ample preparation."

Leng Zuo nodded, "Gu Qianlin, the Criminal Investigation Captain from Jiangcheng Headquarter, was with Xiao Luo. She has given evidence that Xiao Luo's act was in self-defense. Besides that, the close-circuit television from the casino also recorded that a group of Dragon Gang members was hacking down the gamblers indiscriminately, and they eventually even threatened Gu Qianlin's life. It was Xiao Luo who came to her rescue at the critical moment. Jiangcheng Headquarter had issued a pennant of honor to Xiao Luo in gratitude of his service to the police force."

As Leng Zuo finished speaking, he felt elated at the news but, at the same time, felt a deep sense of horror; his expression turned out to an awkward one, seeming to laugh and cry both at once. He truly admired Xiao Luo from the bottom of his heart. Dragon Gang had a fearsome reputation. They had been smashing up a few outlets of Luo's Workshop, in retribution for his actions that incurred considerable losses to their organization. But as it turned out, Xiao Luo had just wrecked a profitable casino operation run by Long Sankui, and in the process, even chopped off the hands of fifty-three elite Dragon Gang enforcers. He exacted his revenge by way of blood and iron in protest of Long Sankui's excesses. He was indeed one fearless hero who was not afraid of anything.

"Haha...Bravo, if Xiao Luo had been born in the thirties a century ago, he'd definitely be an ambitious and famous hero of those troubled times. He has the courage, strategy, and even the ability to carry out his schemes without flaws."

Chu Yunxiong praised Xiao Luo generously, smiling, and then he sighed and continued, "But he's too visible and exposed, and this could trip him over. There are not many experts around him whom he can count on, and with his current ability, it is difficult to match up to Long Sankui. But he has done exceptionally well to take down Yellow Skies Casino.

However, I disagree with his approach. Long Sankui is a short-tempered, vicious man, and the Yellow Skies Casino was his jewel in the crown. With his prime asset destroyed and his pride trampled on, his revenge would come violently and strike across the board like a tsunami. Xiao Luo will not be able to face it at all. Having just recovered, Luo's Workshop will crumble again under the weight of Long Sankui's vengeance."

"Yes, Long Sankui is not easy to deal with, and he never acts with his own hands. In Jiangcheng, he's the living king of the hell, if he wants someone dead by midnight, that person would never live till dawn. As Xiao Long had now annoyed him, he can't possibly be living much longer." Ge Zhongtian sympathized with Xiao Luo.

Chu Yunxiong did not say anything but played another stone slowly with deliberate thought.

Ge Zhongtian studied the board and said with a surprise, "Triple Ko? It's a draw then."

"Yes, let's count it as a draw."

Chu Yunxiong laughed shrewdly, "I'll be the peacemaker this time."

Upon hearing that, Ge Zhongtian lifted his head up and looked into his eyes. Chu Yunxiong's words may be signaling his intention to support Xiao Luo, may it not? How could it be possible to quell Long Sankui's anger!

...

...

It was nightfall, and the outskirts of Jiangcheng was in dead silence.

Three black cars drove by and came to a halt in an open area free of vegetation. Their headlights exposed a light mist hanging over the ground and cast long shadows as they hit the nearby brush.

"Lord Long, I dare not anymore, never ever again, please spare my lowly life!"

A middle-aged man, tied up with thick ropes and was roughly bundled out of the first car by a few big men. His greasy hair was disheveled, and his face bruised from beatings. It was Geng Qiuxing, Yellow Skies Casino's manager who had absconded. He was no longer in high spirits but now resembled a drowning dog all beaten up and in a sorry plight.

He was kowtowing repeatedly to the black limousine, positioned between the other two vehicles. He kept banging his forehead to the ground in deep reverence, even in penance, and each kowtow accompanied by a dull thud as it struck the hard ground. His forehead was soiled with dirt and dead grass, and the skin on his forehead was scarred with abrasions, bleeding profusely.

Standing beside him, two large, hard-looking men who were digging a hole with shovels. They had no expression on their faces.

"Geng Qiuxing, Lord Long treated you fairly well and allowed you to manage the Yellow Skies Casino. Instead, you ran away with ten million of his money in the end. Hah, you've great courage!" A blond-haired individual spoke to Geng Qiuxing, as he stepped out the car. He was appeared to be around thirty years old and was dressed in a white jacket and trousers. He looked cruel, with brows that seemed perpetually raised, and creases on his forehead that added to his vicious countenance.

"Da Yuan, based on our past friendships, please help me with Lord Long, please help me with Lord Long!" Geng Qiuxing begged, his hands clasping onto his thigh.

Da Yuan laughed then put on a cold, dark expression. "F*ck off!"

He kicked Geng Qiuxing squarely in the face. A tooth flew out of his mouth as his head spun around from the force of the kick. Blood burst from his bruised mouth and poured profusely down his chin. As he lay prone, the dark, viscous fluid dripped steadily to the ground.

Geng Qiuxing fell to the feet of another man with a hook nose, wearing a black suit and his hair in a buzz cut.

"Hei...Lang..."

Geng Qiuxing looked at him pleadingly and called out his name in a hoarse, croaking voice.

Hei Lang glanced at him nonchalantly and hummed lightly, then kicked him to the next man, just like Da Yuan did before.

The third man wore a pair of gold-rimmed glasses and had a hair parted in the middle. His spectacles did not hide the cold and venomous look of his viper eyes, he was a frightening sight.

He grabbed Geng Qiuxing's hair tightly and lifted his head up. "I, Leng Bao, hate those who betray Lord Long the most."

He delivered a powerful kick that sent Geng Qiuxing sprawling to his side.

Then a man in a neat suit, with his shiny hair combed sleekly back, walked up, and as he adjusted his tie, he spat at Geng Qiuxing, "Trash!"

Grabbing a dagger from an underling, he grabbed Geng Qiuxing's hair, lifting his face up. And without any mercy, he slowly shoved the blade into Geng Qiuxing's left cheek all the way through until it protruded out from his right cheek. He released the dagger and left it there, making Geng Qiuxing's face looked just like meat on a skewer.

Arrgh! Arrgh!

Geng Qiuxing screamed and shook uncontrollably. He just kept screaming in a weird, throaty howl. There was blood pouring out from his mouth, it was all over his face, his whole body now soaked in blood.

"Han Mian, this stab was painful to watch even for me." The yellow-haired Da Yuan joked, sniggering heartily.

The man in suit wiped his hands with a handkerchief and said, "A trash like this deserves such punishment."

Chapter 178

Anyone from the underworld society would instantly recognize that these four men were the infamous Four Protectors of the Dragon Gang: Da Yuan, Hei Lang, Leng Bao, and Han Mian. They were the most capable of the men under Long Sankui. During the Dragon Gang's rise to prominence in the early years, these four had rendered him exceptional services time and time again. They were highly trained and skillful pugilists with extraordinary martial strengths.

Geng Qiuxing had been tortured dreadfully. He groaned in anguish, as deep, gurgling sounds emitted from his throat.

A hole, about two meters deep and one meter wide, had been dug, and Da Yuan kicked him directly into the waiting hole.

At that moment, the car door of the sedan in the middle opened. A gentleman dressed like someone from Shanghai in the 1930s walked out of the car. He was about the same age as Chu Yunxiong and wore a pocket watch hanging from the front of his chest. Judging by his demeanor, at first glance, he seemed more like an accomplished magnate than the bandit chief who would kill and plunder. He had salt-and-pepper hair and was slightly plump and rounded in shape.

Wearing a vintage jade ring on his left index finger, the man leaned on a dragon-headed stick and walked toward Geng Qiuxing in the company of a young woman.

The four protectors of the Dragon Gang saluted him in deference and addressed him as "Master Long."

In the hole, Geng Qiuxing stirred when he saw Long Sankui getting out of the car. Unable to utter any words coherently with his damaged mouth, he pleaded with his eyes and beseeched Long Sankui to let him live.

Frowning, Long Sankui made a face of regret like an elder who was disheartened by the actions of one from the younger generation. He let out a deep sigh and said, "Qiuxing, I'm very disappointed in you!"

Geng Qiuxing heard him, and his face was awash with despair. Crying like a child, he knew he wouldn't be able to survive this.

Long Sankui knelt down, stretched out his large hand and patted Geng Qiuxing on his head, then putting on a sad smile he said, "Don't blame me. Go to die peacefully. Rest assured, I will send your families to you to have a reunion very soon so that you won't feel lonely." Long Sankui stood up, waved his hand to the two men who were holding the shovels, and uttered two words in a muted voice, "Bury him!"

"Yes."

Two men nodded in response. They started to fill the hole with dirt and were burying Geng Qiuxing alive.

The sound of Geng Qiuxing struggling in panic grew louder as the hole began filling up shovel by shovel. It stopped abruptly when the dirt was high enough to cover his head, leaving only his forehead visible. Eventually, his entire body was buried under the ground with a small mound on top. The two men from the Dragon Gang pressed down and compacted the earth tightly with their shovels, leaving behind a low mound that looked like an unmarked grave.

The ordinary gang members of the Dragon Gang that witnessed it were shaken by the gruesome act of burying someone alive. The four protectors, however, didn't even frown. On the contrary, their faces were lit up with excitement as they each looked on with a cruel grin.

"Master Long, you can let me handle that young guy named Xiao. I will go chop off his head tonight!" Cupping his fist in the other hand before the chest, Da Yuan asked for instructions.

Long Sankui shook his hand and said, "We can't make a move on him yet."

The four protectors were all stunned. Da Yuan asked immediately, "Why?" Long Sankui waited a moment before he continued, "Based on our investigation, he is very likely to be the backstage manipulator. It was he who caused our enforcers to die at the hands of the police. He even seemed to be related to the destruction of our beggar's lair, the hideout controlled by Baldie. This guy is our sworn enemy."

"All you're saying is bullsh*t!"

Long Sankui knocked his stick harshly on the ground and bellowed, "He smashed my Yellow Skies Casino. I only wished that I could tear him to pieces alive myself. Much to my surprise, however, Chu Yunxiong is determined to protect him."

Chu Yunxiong?

Hearing the name, the look on the Four Protectors changed. As the representative of the circle of officials, Chu Yunxiong had significant influence.

In Jiangcheng, Chu Yunxiong was the de facto overlord!

They realized that the situation was not as straightforward anymore since Chu Yunxiong was now involved in it.

"Chu Yunxiong should just mind his own business. It doesn't seem he is abiding by the society's rules if he chooses to poke his nose into our Dragon Gang's affairs." Leng Bao spoke quietly.

Long Sankui uttered a soft snort and said, "He has a bigger fist. Of course, he will do whatever he wants." Pondering for a while, he continued, "He has set up a banquet at the Maple Leaf Hotel tomorrow night and invited me to attend. It appears that he wants me to reconcile with that young hooligan. Da Yuan, Leng Bao, you two go with me tomorrow night. Remember, take your cues from reading my face."

"Yes, Lord Long."

Da Yuan and Leng Bao bowed slightly.

"When there is someone I desire to kill, even Chu Yunxiong won't be able to change his fate." Long Sankui squinted with a vicious expression. His eyes were brimmed with menace.

...

...

The morning sun rose slowly above the horizon and woke the city up from its repose.

Zhang Dashan put on his suit and prepared to go to work at the Luo's Workshop. He had taken over from Xiao Luo and was now shouldering the responsibility of making executive decisions for the Luo's Workshop. Of course, when it came to matters of importance, he would still consult Xiao Luo, the real head of the Luo's Workshop.

"Try to go out as little as possible these next few days. Eat, sleep, and do whatever you need to do inside the company compound. I'm afraid the people from the Dragon Gang might attempt to harm you." Sitting on the couch and playing with his laptop, Xiao Luo reminded Zhang Dashan.

"F*ck off. Stop worrying about me. You should pay more attention to your own security." Zhang Dashan replied, somewhat annoyed.

Xiao Luo raised his head and shot him a glance, said, "Don't worry. I dare to provoke Long Sankui because I'm confident I'm able to protect myself. The most important thing is Ruyi, Tang Ren, and your safety. Long Sankui will try all means to tackle the people around me since he can't deal with me. Therefore, you had better listen to me and stay in the company compound. Don't come home for the time being."

"I really don't know where you got the courage and confidence. But I believe in you, and I will wait for you to crush Long Sankui under your feet." Zhang Dashan started to understand Xiao Luo's burden. He wasn't able to help him in any way and could only hide inside like a mouse.

Xiao Luo nodded and smiled at him.

"I'm going to work now. By the way, you can drive my crappy car for now. Do whatever you want with it. It would be best if you can scrap it. I don't have any outrageous demands. I'm only expecting you to buy a new sports car and when you decide to return it." Zhang Dashan said to Xiao Luo, indulging in a bout of wishful thinking.

Xiao Luo scowled at him and said, "F*ck off!"

"Hehe..." Zhang Dashan took to his heels.

Just then, Xiao Luo's phone rang with a new message notification.

He picked it up and saw that it was from Sun Jian'an and had a video attachment. He clicked the play icon. The video panned the balcony of a hospital ward. On the terrace, Sun Yu, awoken, was sitting in a wheelchair and basking in the warmth of the sun. She appeared to have fully regained her faculties. Wearing a hospital gown, she looked as beautiful as an angel when the sunshine poured over her bright face smiling like a blooming flower.

Xiao Luo beamed with a gratified smile. Looking at Sun Yu in the video, he said to himself, "you can start afresh now. A brand new life now. Even though I'm no longer in your world, I will be most contented as long as you can live a happy life. Farewell, Sun Yu!" 𝑙𝒾𝘣𝘳𝑒𝒶𝒹.𝑐𝘰𝓂

As he ended his words, his voice broke with emotions, he turned off the video and put his phone down.

All that he had shared with Sun Yu would now be sealed and stored as his most cherished memories.

Today was the beginning of her new life. As for Xiao Luo, it was the start of another journey. Now he could put aside all other thoughts and deal with the Dragon Gang in a fight to the finish.

Chapter 179

Xiao Luo took two eggs out of the fridge and fried them on a skillet. And breakfast was made.

He knew he couldn't deal with the Dragon Gang all by himself. He had to get help from somewhere.

The most potent and capable force in the Hua Nation was the government. That would mean leveraging on the government's resources was the most effective and straightforward way to combat and suppress underworld organizations like the Dragon Gang. Xiao Luo immediately browsed the official websites of police stations in every district in Jiangcheng. To his pleasant surprise, a small police substation in the Guangming District happened to be recruiting auxiliary police officers.

Age, education, background... Xiao Luo met all the requirements from the job description. He submitted his resume immediately and was ready to take on a new role.

After submitting his resume, Xiao Luo suddenly detected anomalies with certain activities on the internet. He launched his tor browser, typed in a series of codes, and entered the dark web. He stiffened when he realized the internet gateway and all major networks of Hua Nation were being subject to massive cyberattacks from several foreign hackers.

At the headquarters of the National Security Agency of Hua Nation, everyone was strenuously typing on their keyboards with unprecedented urgency. The clamor of hurried voices echoed across the large room incessantly. Everybody in the room was on edge.

"The southern internet battlefront is in a critical condition. Request for reinforcement." A distressed voice screamed out a cryptic warning.

This was a smokeless and borderless war. And the Hua Nation never lacked in enemies. The opposing states wouldn't dare to provoke Hua Nation in the open. Nonetheless, they had been building an army of black hat hackers to sabotage and attack the Hua Nation. With the pervasive adoption of the internet, the inherent risks of cyberattacks were always a thing waiting to happen. As soon as hostiles breached the network center and its gateways, the banking, transportation, national security, and all other infrastructure systems of Hua Nation would be compromised.

This would lead to a breakdown. The country could not run, its security would be compromised, ultimately leading to complete chaos. It was not hard to imagine: bank accounts suddenly being depleted, traffic lights switched randomly, and worst of all, unauthorized launching of missiles. The impact was devastating.

The unsuspecting population would continue with their daily lives, working hard for their tomorrows and persevering for their dreams, not realizing that a grave threat was looming...

The executives of the NSA looked overwhelmed and were breaking out in a cold sweat. They were swamped and reeling from the offensive.

All of a sudden, an excited shout pierced the air, "BaiLing's showed up!"

BaiLing?

On hearing that name, the head of NSA breathed a sigh of relief and was almost excited to tears. Who was BaiLing? No one knew, and the NSA only assigned a gender by virtue of name. She was a white hat hacker that went by the handle BaiLing. She surfaced unexpectedly three years ago and helped NSA fend off an attack by a foreign entity. For the past three years, whenever hostile powers from overseas launched attacks on Hua Nation, BaiLing had always shown up at the eleventh hour and beat them off. BaiLing was hailed as the protector of Hua Nation.

BaiLing's arrival signified doomsday for the attackers. This put the entire NSA back in an exalted mood.

...

...

Jiangcheng, Huaye University.

Bai Ling sat in the study room in the library. Her fingers were clicking away on the keyboards of the laptop in front of her. The corners of her lips lifted into a playful smile, a mischievous girl discovering something funny and exciting.

Her white fingers were like "little dragons dancing and serpents slithering. Sometimes they moved with overwhelming speed of a fierce tiger dashed down from the top of the mountain, yet sometimes they sauntered, meandering in a tranquil garden."

She had accessed the NSA, and their firewalls were quickly reconfigured to block the intrusions. Traffic was rerouted away from key nodes, malware identified and isolated, and this continued in a constant "cat-and-mouse" as she tried to stay a step ahead of the attackers.

"Bai Ling, what are you doing?"

Chu Yue took a peek. She craned her head over in curiosity, and all she saw was a screen full of codes, looking like DOS commands in the first few seconds when a computer boots up. As she kept typing, lines upon lines of codes filled her screen, as if being printed out by a printer.

"I'm just coding." Bai Ling turned her head and smiled at Chu Yue.

"Coding?"

Pursing her lips, Chu Yue was not entirely convinced. She said, "Alright. I will leave you to it. I'm going to continue cursing the pretentious d*ck."

She picked up the doll in front of her again, stuck a piece of paper with Xiao Luo's name on the doll's chest, then began to mumble in indignation, "Pretentious d*ck, I hope you can't find a girlfriend all your life. You will have a flat tire if you drive; your phone will ring loudly if you're in an important meeting; you will be stuck in a traffic jam if you're pressed for time. All the bad luck will keep pestering you..."

Bai Ling was at a loss whether to cry or to laugh at Chu Yue's curse. Ever since Xiao Luo left without saying goodbye, she found her best friend had been acting strangely. Besides shouting "pretentious d*ck" in her dreams from time to time, she had given up on her penchant for sweet things and occasionally would use a "voodoo" doll to put a jinx on Xiao Luo.

There was no way that she would believe Chu Yue did not like Xiao Luo!

But she couldn't be distracted now. The hostile forces were launching a massive cyberattack on Hua Nation, and the consequences would be dire if she didn't stay focused. "Looks like these guys have been well prepared this time!"

Bai Ling's expression turned grave. The blush on her cheeks made her look like a delicate porcelain doll.

She had rerouted a large portion of the attack to secondary firewalls within the NSA architecture, but the intrusions were overwhelming. She now deployed a library of tools and protocols that she had developed for remotely setting up virtual firewalls. As she now battled the black hats, she kept setting up these new firewalls, one after the other. Yet time and again, she was overwhelmed by the sheer weight of the attacks. As fast as she could set up firewalls, the intruders would breach them. She was one girl against a well-organized, concerted effort manned by an army of top-notched hackers. The NSA did not stand a chance, and unbelievably left it to her to withstand the offensive alone.

...

... 𝓁𝘪𝑏𝑟ℯ𝒶𝑑.𝑐ℴ𝘮

The headquarter of NSA.

The NSA experts were at their wits end. Their computers were compromised, and they were shut out of the battle. They could only monitor the situation helplessly.

These here were the elites in the field of information technology, yet they found no way to counter the massive cyberattacks. They were forced to depend on a mysterious master hacker, BaiLing, to defend Hua Nation's honor. It wasn't just embarrassing; it shameful!.

And yet, they were too busy to be ashamed of themselves. This virtual war was bearing upon the very foundation of the society and nation, and something had to be done. Under these grave circumstances, they did the only thing possible, they rooted for BaiLing in silence.

The situation, in reality, was turning a dark turn. The firewalls created by BaiLing were breached by wave after wave of relentless attacks across the entire network. The speed with which she could set up firewalls could not match their breaching speed of the intrusions. As this trend continued, it was only a matter of time before BaiLing would lose the rearguard action.

The nervous tension returned to the executives of the NSA. Even though BaiLing was not an employee of NSA, she was acknowledged as a computer genius. They couldn't think of anyone else capable of warding off this attack if BaiLing failed.

Was the eve of chaos upon them?

Many were now preparing for the worst. The very foundations of their society would be devastated. Life, as they knew, was soon cease to exist. Armageddon cometh!

...

...

Xiao Luo put down his unfinished drink and muttered to himself, "Let me help you guys!"

Before his voice even faded, his ten fingers were dancing on the keyboard as a pianist would, the piano. A string of codes was quickly sent into the dark virtual battlefield.

Chapter 180

[Inside the study room of the library of Huaye University]

A sheen of sweat reflected off Bai Ling's forehead and nose. She had been typing rapidly for quite some time and felt extremely tired. Her fingers were sore and tingling, as though they could turn numb at any minute.

She was wholly absorbed in the ongoing battle. There could be no distractions in her mind, not even for a split second. As it stood, she was already staring defeat in the face.

Despite her best efforts to stop the attack, the opposing forces were breaking through, bearing down menacingly across a broad front this time. The coordinated strike of their four top-class hackers could best be described as an unstoppable tsunami. Bai Ling suffered one defeat after another, steadily losing grounds. Her desperate rearguard action was to no avail. Her face grew grim, and she bit on the lips so hard that her delicate, red lips looked about to bleed.

...

...

"It's over. BaiLing has lost!"

In the headquarter of the NSA, everyone gasped with shock and anxiety. They could not accept that their enigmatic protector of Hua Nation had finally met with failure this time.

...

...

In the study room of Huaye University's library, Bai Ling stopped coding, she was utterly devastated and demoralized. She stared blankly in a stupor, unable to come to terms with what had just happened. Her face looked a deathly white as if her soul had left her.

She was defeated. She couldn't believe she really lost, not just the battle, but the war!

She had worked hard over the last three years specifically to prevent such an attack. Studying the attack patterns by opposing hackers, developing new tools and bots, testing her betas, enhancements. She had worked out simulations for future attacks and defense strategies strenuously and had been making continuous progress. All this effort just so that she could have the ability to help her nation ward off the neverending cyberattacks from hostile foreign powers.

She was raised with the idea of loving and serving her country, and she had taken it to heart. As soon as she realized she was especially gifted in information technology, she felt duty-bound to protect the internet frontier of Hua Nation. No one in the non-virtual, real-world, knew that she had been the key player in helping Hua Nation overcome more than a dozen cyber crises. Each of these attacks would have brought about catastrophic consequences.

No one knew, not even her best friend, Chu Yue. She led a double life, and she enjoyed it.

She was the proverbial silent profession, a covert life of never seeking glory for herself and never seeking public attention. Only she would know about each event, and these would be secrets she would cherish dearly for the rest of her life.

But in this life, there was only her. There was no one else she could depend on, no one else to seek solace from. When the defeat came, she felt a deep sense of, not just frustration, but emptiness. A void. Her dreams were now dashed, and she was feeling lost.

...

...

"BaiLing of Hua Nation has been finally defeated. From now on, Hua Nation will become our back garden where we can stroll in whenever we want. Hahaha..."

Somewhere on the globe, a group of blonde-haired men was in celebration. Everyone was exhilarated and shouting in excitement. Someone even popped a bottle of champagne. Breaching the internet of Hua Nation meant that they would have access to its networks, which means access to all of the country's information. She was entirely now at their mercy. It wasn't just the loss of hundreds of billions from the treasury and trade, but infrastructure, communications, and even defense would immediately be compromised. This was a disaster of biblical proportions!

As she sat staring blankly, she noticed a series of codes appearing rapidly on her screen. The unstoppable incoming flow of digital traffic through the main gateway seemed to have stalled. Packets of malicious data designed to corrupt and steal were being identified and neutralized across the networks. BaiLing switched to a graphic interface. A new firewall appeared to have been set up very quickly and acted like a deep chasm halted the hackers' offensive.

"What happened?"

Astonished, the group of hackers stopped their celebration and immediately started to analyze the event before launching another round of attack against the newly identified firewall.

They switched to graphics. An army of bots zeroed in on the new firewall, finding ways in through its defenses. Wonton and savage destruction everywhere. Much to their disbelief, the firewall had been written with a different set of codes, and their frenzied attack was only able to tear a small corner open. The moment they finally broke it through, another firewall rose up in front of them, blaring with red alarm and preventing them from advancing.

1"What the f*ck?"

The hackers' eyes widened in consternation. Not discouraged, they clenched their teeth and continued their attack.

...

...

The headquarter of the NSA of Hua Nation was in dead silence; the mood was despondent. Everyone looked dispirited and had their heads lowered. Suddenly, a heart-stirring cry broke out And broke the lull.

"It's not breached yet. A new firewall appeared and stopped those bastards outside of the border!"

The excited voice was infectious, and very soon, everyone was alive again. Everybody was either looking at the main screen or focused on the computers in front of them. They were speechless.

The executives of NSA were glued to their computers, cheering on incoherently.

"Haha... God bless Hua Nation. God truly blesses Hua Nation!"

A middle-aged man in a suit jumped up excitedly, crying out, "Look at those bastards! Don't they look like the zombies who were blocked by the Wall-nut in Plants vs. Zombies?" 𝒍𝒊𝒃𝓻𝒆𝓪𝙙.𝒄𝙤𝒎

A wave of laughter filled the room upon hearing his comment. It was indeed an apt analogy.

Nevertheless, the room quieted down again quickly. The foreign hackers had not given up yet. Gnawing at the firewall that blocked them, unlike the Wall-nut in the game, they were still persisting like a horde of zombies with a single-minded purpose of finding fresh blood and meat.

"This doesn't seem like to be BaiLing's firewall."

"Yes, the key feature of BaiLing's firewall is its ability to be rebuilt speedily. But the current firewall takes a much longer time for reconstruction. But it's unique for its sturdiness, and that has made it difficult for the attackers to penetrate the wall."

"Hmm, this can only mean one thing; someone else has joined in the battle."

The computer experts in the hall instantly spotted the new firewalls' uniqueness and exchanged their thoughts and opinions. They finally concluded that it could not be BaiLing but someone else who was defending Hua Nation against the hostile foreign hackers this time round.

What? There was another person?

The news was passed on to the executives of the NSA, and it immediately caused quite a stir. Did it mean that there was another computer genius besides BaiLing that was hiding in Hua Nation?

Most of the people present were shocked, several were excited, and some also felt personally responsible. They blamed themselves for failing to do justice to such talented people. No effort had been made to find gifted people and to nurture then so far. They came to deeply regret this, while at the same time wondered how many more geniuses were neglected in Hua Nation.

After convening a special meeting, the senior officials of the NSA reached a unanimous decision to consent to a mission to locate, support, and nurture these brilliant minds hidden among the population of Hua Nation. They would form the core of a future virtual space force that will defend the country for the next decades. a.

Five minutes later, rousing cheers and applause broke out from the hall.

"Retreated. The b*stards have retreated!"

"We won! Those bastards finally realized they couldn't move forward even an inch more when they went against the third firewall."

"Good job. How awesome!"

...

...

In the study room of Huaye University's library, Bai Ling's wide-eyed expression said it all. She continued to stare at the computer screen in disbelief. All the codes from attackers vanished in a flash. She imagined an impregnable firewall composed of new lines of codes was standing in between like the Great Wall. As she checked the networks, Bai Ling couldn't find any bugs or loopholes, at least not from the first look.

"Who is this person?"

Bai Ling was in awe and admiration for whoever had achieved this. It was overwhelming. She saw clearly how this person intercepted the fierce attackers with only three firewalls. The walls served collectively as a defense in depth. As the first wall breached, the second would be formed before the opposing force could breakthrough. As the second wall faltered, the third wall was raised to prevent further breaches.

How was it possible for a human's brain to figure out the millions upon millions of permutations needed to set up those firewalls, and code instructions to instantly locate and fix the breaches in the firewalls in such a short time?

Besides her deep admiration for this expert, Bai Ling's own ego as a hacker had also taken a blow. Overcome with curiosity and impatient to wait even a moment longer, she sent the person a message.

"Who are you?"

...

...

Xiao Luo received the question and countered with the same question, "Who are you?"

"BaiLing."

BaiLing?

Xiao Luo chuckled. He thought for a moment, then typed on the keyboard and replied, "Mie!"

The only reason he called himself Mie was that it was his generational name. This was based on the Xiao family's genealogical tree, and Xiao Luo's generation happened to have Mie as their name.

Chapter 181

Mie?

A voice exclaimed in surprise from among a group of executives at the headquarter of the NSA. If it was indeed another person, that would mean that there was another computer genius besides Bai Ling in Hua Nation – Mie.

BaiLing was burning with curiosity about the enigmatic Mie, who had repelled the massive cyberattacks launched by hostile foreign forces. She typed and asked, "What's your real name?"

Xiao Luo smiled and replied, "Is BaiLing your real name?"

He didn't say anything else and logged out of his browser after responding to Bai Ling.

"You rascal. How dare you drop out of our conversation like this."

Determined, Bai Ling immediately keyed in several more codes, trying to trace Mie's IP address. But a firewall instantly appeared and blocked her access. This same firewall that was used to thwart the massive cyberattacks on the national internet gateway. She couldn't find any backdoors to force her way through his security measures.

"I can't believe I can't bypass the firewall!"

Pursing her lips, Bai Ling kept trying to get around the firewall when she realized that people from the NSA were spying on her activities. She typed a line of words in vexation: "What are you looking at? Mind I don't infect all of your computers with a virus."

Then, she wiped out her digital footprint and went offline immediately.

... 𝙡𝒊𝓫𝓻𝓮𝙖𝙙.𝓬𝒐𝙢

...

The group of executives at the NSA was amused by her antics. A middle-aged man, bespectacled and dressed in a business suit, spoke up first, "This is obviously the temperament of a little girl. I bet you, BaiLing couldn't be more than 24 years of age."

"Chief, we already know that. After two years of investigation, our agents' findings have determined that BaiLing is currently a student at Huaye University. Her real name is Bai Ling, and she's only 21 years old. I believe the two agents we sent out should confirm if she is the one involved in this battle."

The person speaking was one of the six who were present in the room that day. The others smile derisively and couldn't help thinking to themselves how brazen the Chief was. He only made the statement about her age after their agents had already known BaiLing was a college girl. Wasn't he the wise man here.

ERRM...

The Chief motioned for everyone to get back to the topic of discussion and assumed a more serious expression, saying, "BaiLing's ability has been long known to us all. She is definitely a computer genius and one of the best in our Hua Nation. Now Mie is a new find and appears to be someone even more proficient than BaiLing. Both of them are invaluable assets to us. We must locate these two talents. With them, those foreign aggressors would never be able to breach our defenses again."

They all nodded in agreement.

"It seems to me that BaiLing is very interested in Mie. If we can confirm Bai Ling from Huaye University is BaiLing, I think we can possibly find Mie through her. She is the only one who is capable of finding Mie." Another person said matter-of-factly.

He was merely making an assumption, yet no one disputed his opinion, as they would be in no position to trace Mieif even BaiLing couldn't do it.

...

...

Xiao Luo had not expected to attract the attention of the NSA. He only got involved after detecting some anomalies when he submitted an application form on the government website. But ended up getting involved in an internet battle and easily beat back a massive cyberattack launched by the foreign agents. Otherwise, he would never have got involved. After all, he honestly didn't want to be in the spotlight.

After passing the screening test of the police substation at Guangming District that afternoon, he waited for a few hours before he finally sat before the interviewers.

A cliched but ever-popular question was asked, "Why do you want to be a policeman?"

The auxiliary police reserves were also addressed as police officers; however, their primary role was to provided assistance to the regular police force, and they would remain under the command and supervision of real police officers.

"To combat crime and protect justice!" Xiao Luo answered with a smile.

He did not believe that, of course. But these statements were necessary given his plan to get into the police force.

As Xiao Luo expected, the two policemen who were interviewing him exchanged looks, nodded, then made a checkmark on his form.

After the interview, a political appraisal would be conducted to vet the candidate's family background and examined if the person had taken part in any anti-social, disruptive activities in the past. Xiao Luo would then be called up for the auxiliary police officer training once he passed this political appraisal. This would take at least five days, and would then be followed the final physical test.

Wouldn't it indeed be a form of justice for him to crack down on illegal groups like the Dragon Gang after putting on his police uniform?!

...

...

Maple Leaf Hotel, at night.

It was already eight 0'clock at night when Xiao Luo arrived. He couldn't refuse Chu Yunxiong's kindness and good intentions. Besides, he had five more days to go before he could confirm if he'd been accepted for the auxiliary police officer training. It was not too bad of an idea to call a truce with the Dragon Gang during this time.

"Welcome!"

Wearing scarlet qipaos, several stunning women were in the lobby of the hotel waiting to usher arriving guests; they were a picture of charm and grace. Their gestures, posture, and even how they walked were exquisite and, along with the posh interior, provided the hotel with a more sophisticated and classy ambiance.

"Are you Mr. Xiao Luo?"

Shortly after Xiao Luo walked in and looked around, a slender woman welcomed him with a warm smile as if she was expecting him.

Xiao Luo nodded and answered, "I am."

"Mr. Chu has been waiting for you. Please follow me." The slender woman extended her left hand and led him forward.

Xiao Luo took the elevator and arrived on the third floor, where the slender woman brought him to the front of a wing-room. She opened the door, bowed slightly to Xiao Luo, then turned around and made her way back to the lobby.

"Here comes Luo. Sit!"

Chu Yunxiong was seated comfortably, having a conversation, and drinking tea. He looked a modest and unassuming man. The person he was talking to was none other than Long Sankui, head of the Dragon Gang.

Leng Zuo and Leng You stood respectfully on either side of Chu Yunxiong, while Da Yuan and Leng Bao stationed themselves just behind Long Sankui. The two camps, black and white, were strikingly different yet were drinking tea in harmony. It was quite a rare scene.

"Hello, Mr. Chu!"

Xiao Luo greeted Chu Yunxiong, walked in, and closed the door behind him.

Long Sankui pointed his chubby finger at Xiao Luo and looked over to Chu Yunxiong, said, "Mr. Chu, this is the rascal you want to protect? Such an effeminate boy would have the guts and ability to chop off my 53 people's hands?

I don't believe it."

Da Yuan standing behind Long Sankui stared at Xiao Luo with cruel, vicious eyes. He suddenly rushed out like a ferocious beast, striking without warning. Da Yuan moved with incredible speed and dexterity, flowing into his attack with graceful, yet deceptive movements. As he opened up Xiao Luo's defense, his exceedingly flexible body bent into an uncanny arc and delivered a swift kick towards Xiao Luo's face, with deadly force.

Xiao Luo kept his eyes fixed on his opponent and quickly shifted his body to his right, leaning back he shot his hand and struck at Da Yuan's ankle. The seemingly light tap transferred a penetrating force that and made Da Yuan lose balance. Xiao Luo immediately pivoted on his left leg, then snapped his right leg across striking Da Yuan on his arm like an iron whip.

Staggering back several steps, Da Yuan steadied himself against the wall.

The quick exchange left several marks on the wooden floor. A testament to the inner power both opponents had called upon.

"Mr. Long, please control your subordinates. I don't want to leave the floor bloody and disturb Mr. Chu's tranquil mood." Xiao Luo spoke coldly.

His words passed on a hidden warning to Da Yuan and kept him at bay.

"D*mn rascal, you really know your stuff!"

Long Sankui waved his hand and motioned Da Yuan to step back. He then rolled up his left sleeve and grunted irritably, "Making Mr. Chu and me wait. Who do you think you are? Do you think you have the stature to be so unrestrained and arrogant in front of me? You were still sucking on your mom's t*ts when I started to make my living!"

Chapter 182

Xiao Luo remained silent. He had taken notice of Chu Yunxiong's subtle gesture and his meaningful wink signaling for him to restrain himself for now. He walked towards the table, smiled courteously, and took a seat beside Chu Yunxiong.

The moment Xiao Luo sat down, Long Sankui turned to Chu Yunxiong, saying, "Mr. Chu, let's not to mince words. I know this d*mn rascal once protected your dear daughter. You intervened and mediated on his behalf because you owe him a favor." He said it in a seemingly harmless yet, in fact, menacing way. Having made his point, he continued, "But he cut off the hands of 53 disciples of mine and totally destroyed my Yellow Skies Casino, which I managed painstakingly for many years. This kind of debt can't be written off by a few words."

Chu Yunxiong put his teacup down and smiled calmly, said, "So what does Mr. Long think we should do?"

Long Sankui shot an angry glance at Xiao Luo and said in a threatening voice, "It's easy. He chopped off my disciples' hands, so now I want to cut off his right hand. He smashed my Yellow Skies Casino, so I will have to ask him to compensate for all of my losses. That is all."

"If you really wish to cut off his hand, wouldn't I have set up the banquet tonight in vain?" Chu Yunxiong answered with a sardonic smile, looking right into the eyes of Long Sankui.

Long Sankui backed off slightly, still wary of Chu Yunxiong. Although Chu Yunxiong might seem to be a gentle, harmless type, he had a reputation of being a brutal operator in his heydays. He'd use any means necessary to achieve his goals, and he was not one to trifle with, even to this day. Long Sankui considered himself above everything and everybody here in Jiangcheng, but not Chu Yunxiong.

Aggrieved by the stance Chu Yunxiong had taken, Long Sankui now vented his anger at Xiao Luo.

"You little rascal, you're truly a nasty son of b*tch. I would kill you now, if not for the due respect I'm giving to Mr. Chu's feelings. In Jiangcheng, I can destroy you as easy as squshing a bug!"

Long Sankui's expression changed abruptly into an angry scowl. He grabbed the bottle of wine in front of him to smash it over Xiao Luo's head.

Xiao Luo promptly raised his arm to parry, and the bottle exploded dramatically into myriad pieces, spilling its contents all over the floor.

"Hah, you d*amn rascal. How dare you block my blow?" Long Sankui bellowed in his rage.

Xiao Luo looked sternly at Long Sankui, his lips pressed tightly together into a thinly veiled smile, but his eyes remained cold. In an instant, he had a bottle of wine in his hand and smashed it on Long Sankui's head.

Long Sankui still retained his reflexes even with his age, quickly raising both his hand up to protect himself.

—CRASH!

The wine bottle broke against his arm, and both its shards and the spilling wine fell upon Long Sankui's garments.

Xiao Luo laughed and said, "Mr. Long, is one bottle enough? Do you need another one?"

Wah!

Leng Zuo and Leng You gasped in shock. They thought to themselves, "This young guy is really fearless. He is definitely the only person in Jiangcheng who would dare to smash a bottle of wine over Long Sankui's head!"

"You rascal, do you want to die?!"

Leng Bao and Da Yuan yelled out, snapping out of their momentary shock, and with fierce looks and their teeth gnashing, readied to rush in to strike Xiao Luo.

Long Sankui waved his hand and stopped his bodyguards. His eyes stared steadily at Xiao Luo, but could not stop his eyelids from twitching nervously. Suddenly, he burst into a loud laugh and said, "Plucky youngster! This d*mn rascal truly has b*lls!" He quickly turned to look at Chu Yunxiong and said, "You see Mr. Chu, did you see that? This rascal doesn't have a conciliatory attitude at all. It's not about the fact that he doesn't give face to me, he doesn't respect you!"

He was implying that while Chu Yunxiong was willing to protect Xiao Luo, yet he had not shown the due respect at all, in appreciation of the favor. Chu Yunxiong's kindness was instead taken for granted.

"Luo?"

Chu Yunxiong called out gently, his wizen eyebrows knitted together. He also sensed that Xiao Luo didn't appear to be interested in making peace. It almost seemed like he came here intentionally to pick a fight with Long Sankui for purposes only known to himself. Chu Yunxiong started to question if he was meddling unnecessarily.

"Mr. Chu, I have already accepted your proposal for conciliation by showing up here tonight. Mr. Long displayed his hostility to me explicitly from the moment I got here. But now this villain is making charges against his victim. Isn't he the one who really does not respect you?" said Xiao Luo.

"What a glib tongue. Why would I be here if I don't respect Mr. Chu?" Long Sankui pounded on the table and roared in rage.

Chu Yunxiong, seizing the opportunity, quickly articulated, "Since both of you have come here to make peace, why don't you show some good faith? Mr. Long, please alter your previous demand a little bit."

His commanding tone left little room for any discussion.

Long Sankui felt cornered, and the corner of his mouth again twitched nervously. He was not ready to have Chu Yunxiong saving Xiao Luo from right under his nose. As he turned the matter over in his mind, he happened to see two bottles of Moutai on the table. His eyes immediately lit up, and he quickly said, "Ok, Mr. Chu. I will do this favor for you. He can keep his hand and money, as long as he can drink up these two bottles of Moutai right now. I guarantee you that I will write off all the grievances between us once and for all!"

Leng Zuo and Leng You turned pale after hearing Long Sankui's words. Moutai was a powerful spirit with an alcohol level of 53% proof. Even drinking half the bottle would land a person in the hospital, needing to flush the gut to prevent alcohol poisoning. How would Xiao Luo be able to finish two entire bottles? How was this making peace at all? He clearly wanted Xiao Luo to die this very night.

1Chu Yunxiong's face darkened. He said, "Mr. Long, is your request in good faith?"

"Correct. This is indeed, my good faith. He mutilated my people and smashed up my casino. Mr. Chu, I would have to say you're biased if you cannot even see the fairness in my request." Long Sankui said, pressing the point with a mirthless smirk.

His play had put Chu Yunxiong on the back foot. Granted, his stature might fall a little short in comparison with Chu Yunxiong, but he was still a mafia head and controlled the entire underworld of the Jiangcheng. He was confident that Chu Yunxiong would not dare to start a war with him, especially not over this rascal. After all, they were not young anymore, and there more many other factors to consider.

"Mr. Long has an excellent point. It's just two bottles of Moutai. I will drink them up!"

Xiao Luo stood up and duly opened the caps of the Moutai. Raising his head back, he started to chug the baijiu directly from the bottle.

"Ding! Congratulations. The Host has mastered the Yi Jin Jing, system redeeming a hundred thousand points from host account!" 𝓁𝘪𝒷𝘳ℯ𝘢𝑑.𝒸𝘰𝑚

The digital voice chimed in Xiao Luo's head. The balance had now plummeted to a little over two thousand after spending a hundred thousand Points.

Xiao Luo felt a warmth running through his bones and internal passages as qi energy circulated throughout his body, rebuilding the cells. A surging wave washed through as the inner force, sequestered the baijiu that had been consumed, preventing it from being absorbed into his vital organs.

Seeing Xiao Luo gulping down the baijiu, everyone in the room was amazed.

"This d*mn rascal is really bold enough to drink it all?"

Long Sankui was in a stupor, then an insidious smile slowly formed on his face. So what that Chu Yunxiong was protecting him? He could still have the youngster die a violent death right here and now. Who could believe that Xiao Luo would still be standing even after drinking two bottles of Moutai baijiu? How could he now fend off an attack from his two henchmen?

Leng Bao and Da Yuan couldn't help sneering, "Turned out, he is just an arrogant fool!"

Chu Yunxiong remained still and was anxious for Xiao Luo, but he didn't have any excuse to stop it.

As soon as a whole bottle of Moutai was downed, Xiao Luo started to work on the next one. Long Sankui looked on, surprised that even after consuming large amounts of the alcohol, he was not showing any signs of succumbing to the potent baijiu. What was going on?

Xiao Luo quickly finished the second as well and placed the empty bottle on the table, wiped off traces of baijiu from the corner of his mouth, and exhaled a deep breath in delight, said, "Good liquor!"

Chapter 183

The entire wing-room was in dead silence, one could almost hear a pin drop. Both Long Sankui and Chu Yunxiong were amazed as they stared in disbelief at Xiao Luo. If they had not witnessed it themselves, they would never believe that a man could drink two bottles of Moutai baijiu with a 53% alcohol content, consecutively. Besides alcohol intoxication, his stomach would have been literally burnt through by the alcohol, making it impossible for him to remain standing.

"It's indeed a good liquor, I've never tasted such delicious liquor in my entire life." Xiao Luo glanced at Long Sankui meaningfully, aware of his devious scheme.

His words had infuriated Long Sankui to the extent of spitting out blood. If he had not detected the intense fragrance of the potent drink from the two empty bottles before him, he would have thought that Xiao Luo just had two bottles of water.

"F*ck, what the hell!"

Long Sankui was incensed and slammed hard on the table. Initially, he thought he could take on Xiao Luo with two bottles of liquor easily, but they did not seem to affect him after he comfortably poured them down his gullet. This was a monumental slap in his face for Long Sankui, especially as Xiao Luo praised the liquor's quality. He felt his cheeks burn like they were on fire. "You rotten *sshole! You truly are a freak!"

Chu Yunxiong smiled softly, "Boss Long, Xiao Luo had drunk two bottles of Moutai as you asked, so is the hatred between you and him considered..."

He did not finish the line and expected Long Sankui to get his meaning.

"Sure, I'm keeping my word, the resentment between this rotten *sshole is considered over and done with. My Dragon Gang will never lay a finger on him."

Long Sankui tilted his head slightly in acknowledgment, then turned back to Leng Bao and Da Yuan abruptly and said coldly, "Leng Bao, Da Yuan, you both are expelled from Dragon Gang from this day on. Cut every tie and connection you have with the Dragon Gang, and from hereon, everything you do has nothing to do with me, do you hear that?"

Upon hearing those words, Both Leng Bao and Da Yuan were stunned. Expelled and to cut all ties with Dragon Gang? This couldn't be happening.

"Lord Long, what have we done wrong? Why'd you expel us from Dragon Gang?"

Da Yuan bellowed loudly, deeply agitated. He could not accept the fact that he had been expelled from Dragon Gang. He had been serving the gang loyally for so many years, how was he expelled so suddenly?

"Da Yuan, let's go."

Leng Bao dragged out Da Yuan forcefully, as he was losing his composure.

"Why the f*ck'd you drag me, Lord Long's gone nuts, he actually expelled us from Dragon Gang, and you're not questioning him?" Da Yuan roared continuously.

Leng Bao adjusted his glasses, looking over its frame with his chilling, viper-like eyes, "Don't you see? Lord Long did not want to let the Xiao off, but he had already given his word to Chu Yunxiong that Dragon Gang would not lay a finger on Xiao. If you still cannot make sense of it by now, you're truly an idiot."

Since leaving the room, Da Yuan's face has been contorted with rage. But after hearing those words, he suddenly felt like he had "dispelled the clouds and seen the blue sky." The cold, insidious smirk returned to its rightful place in his countenance, as he merrily remarked, "He is a sage! Lord Long's move is unfathomable. So now that we're not part of Dragon Gang anymore, naturally, we could lay our fingers on that Xiao, hahaha..."

Leng Bao nodded and simply stared impassively in silence.

In the wing-room, Chu Yunxiong looked hard at Long Sankui and said coldly, "Boss Long, this is an excellent play by you!"

Long Sankui sighed in mock innocence, "Boss Chu, you are really joking, there's nothing such as a play here. Those brats had violated the rules set by me, and they must be expelled from Dragon Gang. This is Dragon Gang's affair, Boss Chu, you are not going to interfere, right?" His tone was enigmatic as he postured to leave, saying, "Alright, since we're done with the talking, I should be leaving. We meet again, Boss Chu." With that, he finished gulping down the cup of tea before him and stood up.

He held up his dragon-headed walking stick and stopped briefly beside Xiao Luo, giving him a pat on his shoulder, "You rotten *sshole, 'a storm may arise from a clear sky, and a man's fate remains uncertain like the weather,' take good care of yourself,haha..."

As he finished speaking, he laughed aloud and left the wing-room. 𝓵𝓲𝓫𝒓𝓮𝙖𝓭.𝒄𝙤𝓶

Chu Yunxiong finished drinking the last cup of tea and asked in genuine concern, "Xiao Luo, do you need some medication for a hangover?"

"Oh, no need." Xiao Luo shook his head.

Fortified by the System's Yijin Jing, the potency fo the moutai was effectively sequestered and released slowly, avoiding any damage to his vital organs.

"This did not go as expected, Long Sankui had only pretended to obey."

Chu Yunxiong held the teacup tightly, squeezing it between his thumb and index finger. Had Long Sankui dared to fool him in his younger days, he would have been strong-armed into accepting or faced destruction. However, things were different now. Many people were relying on him for their jobs. His daughter, Chu Yue, was the most important thing to him now, and he would ignore everything else for her sake. His wish was to give her a peaceful and harmonious life.

"As they say, 'The virtue is one span tall, and the devil is ten,' Long Sankui is exceptionally cunning, but I'm very thankful to Boss Chu for everything you've done for me today." Xiao Luo smiled, understanding his disappointment.

"You should be more careful from here on, both Leng Bao and Da Yuan are extremely skillful fighters."

Xiao Luo nodded.

"By the way, I came here for another important matter today."

He took out a bank card from his pocket as he spoke, passing it to Chu Yunxiong.

"This is?"

"The money I owed to you, everything's inside, including bank interest. The password is 888888." Xiao Luo smiled.

Standing close by, both Leng Zuo and Leng You were shocked but kept their composure. The deadline was supposed to be in one year, but Xiao Luo had cleared the debt of six hundred million in under three months. Although they knew Luo's Workshop's operation was in full swing and had captured a large chunk of the market in Jiangcheng, they were still surprised that he could return such a large sum to their boss in so short a time.

"Xiao Luo, I now realize that I have greatly underestimated your capability." Chu Yunxiong said, equally stunned as he stared at Xiao Luo.

"I'm just lucky."

Xiao Luo returned the compliment with a polite smile. Frankly, aside from Luo's Workshop's business performance, the other factors that allowed him to settle his debt so quickly were the indemnity from Fang Changleiand the eighty million he had just won at Yellow Skies Casino.

...

...

Perhaps it was the age difference, but Xiao Luo felt cautious when it came to communicating with Chu Yunxiong. He had always kept a respectful distance from Chu Yunxiong, or perhaps it was his pride that made him not want to owe a favor to a big shot such as Chu Yunxiong. He did not feel that he would cross paths with Chu Yunxiong too often in the future.

Xiao Luo drove Zhang Dashan's white Corolla towards home after he left the Maple Leaf Hotel.

The Yijin Jing he had just redeemed felt a little different than what he understood it to be. According to the system notification, Yijin Jing would give him full immunity to all toxins. Its inner power presence was endless, and he could sense it like a rushing river. He only needed to clench his fist lightly, he could feel a powerful force gushing out.

"How strong could I be now?"

To find his answer, Xiao Luo increased the pressure of his grip on the steering wheel lightly, and the aluminum-constructed steering wheel immediately shrunk and deformed. His ten fingers were stuck deep within.

Even mentally prepared for it, he was still taken aback by his newfound strength. He hardly applied all of his power, about ten to twenty percent. Even then, he easily deformed the steering wheel by merely squeezing into it.

As the car belonged to Zhang Dashan, it would be pretty embarrassing to return it with its steering wheel in such a state, so he immediately went looking for a car workshop to replace the damaged part.

Chapter 184

When the car slowed down, arriving at the junction, all seemed well. Then unexpectedly and without any warning, a huge truck sped over from its right, colliding with the white Corolla Xiao Luo in a horrendous crash. With force equivalent to the weight of a mountain, the accident would surely be fatal.

BANG!

Amid a deafening blast, the white Corolla was smashed entirely, its middle section caving in like cardboard. Glass fragments shattered into a thousand pieces littering the crash site.

The car was thrown about 40 meters from the point of impact, rolling several times before coming to a rest. A path of destruction was strewn with debris along where the vehicle was thrown. 𝒍𝓲𝒃𝙧𝓮𝙖𝒅.𝓬𝙤𝓶

On the empty street, the badly damaged car laid on its side, with its horn wailing incessantly in mourning, piercing through the quiet of the night.

The truck came to a stop, and both its doors opened. Two men alighted, hopping down from it. Da Yuan,blonde-haired, and Leng Bao, bespectacled, walked towards the white Corolla.

Da Yuan looked at his compatriot with a cruel smile on his face, "That rascal should be dead, right?"

"Yes, not far from it, even if he isn't," Leng Bao said solemnly while subconsciously adjusting his spectacles.

"Well, who cares. I'll go give that rascal another stab!"

Da Yuan chuckled savagely as he unsheathed a dagger from his waist and strode purposefully towards the broken Corolla.

As Da Yuan approached, a loud report came from the crumpled vehicle, just as its right front door flew open, thrust by a tremendous force. Xiao Luo emerged, grabbed the window frame with both hands, climbed out, and carefully hopped to the ground. He was bleeding profusely from cuts inflicted by the shattered glasses and soaked in blood.

"Huh, he's not dead yet!"

Da Yuan said, with a look of surprise on his face. Almost immediately, he began to laugh excitedly, "This is great. I can flex my muscles now, hehehe..."

From afar, Leng Bao intuitively sensed something amiss and warned, "Do not underestimate your enemies!"

"Relax, that rascal could barely even stand, to kill him will be a piece of cake," Da Yuan replied with a maniacal laugh.

It was true that Xiao Luo was severely injured, and would be in no state to resist. The truck's impact was devastating, and the force it had generated at that point should have killed anyone in the vehicle. If he hadn't redeemed the Yijin Jing skill from the system, he would have died instantly. As it turned out, Yijin Ying had shielded his heart and vessels with his inner power in the nick of time.

As he stood there watching Da Yuan approach, his inner power began circulating rapidly. His intent to kill began rising like a colossal tide.

Like a cornered beast, he gave Da Yuan a deadly gaze, as he said word by word, "You... will... die!"

A raging fury had manifested as he drew himself to his full height, he had only one thing in mind.

"Die? Huh! Even garbage like you dares to say that?"

Da Yuan flexed his lithe, muscular frame and entered into an attacking stance. In a series of quick, measured steps, he advanced toward Xiao Luo at a good speed. Before reaching striking distance, he suddenly lunged forward, his dagger slicing the air to strike the flank before he pulled it back and thrust the pointed tip of the blade to his opponent's throat in one swift motion.

As the blade was about to pierce its intended mark, a hand appeared out of nowhere. It gripped his hand above the thumb with strong, vice-like fingers. Da Yuan's striking hand pushed upwards to his left, bringing his right arm across his face, and exposing his upper body to a counter strike. When it came, the blow hit like a sled hammer as it pummeled into Da Yuan's chest.

KABOOM!

The deadly force reverberated through Da Yuan's crumbling body, in waves of excruciating pain.

NGGHH!

Da Yuan was thrown back, flying through the air uncontrollably, before crashing to the ground. He spat out a mouthful of blood and stared hard at Xiao Luo.

But Da Yuan was no ordinary street fighter and retained his fighting mettle. The trained pugilist had quite some moves in his repertoire, and his mind was already working out steps to defeat his opponent. He slowed his breath and blocked out the pain. He shifted his center of gravity and raised himself steadily on one knee. As he attempted to rise, he spat out another mouthful of blood, and an unbearable pain followed, emanating from his chest. He glanced down to his chest, his eyes widened, shocked at what he saw. Several ribs were protruding out, and his chest had collapsed inwards. Blood that was oozing out from his open wound, soaking his shirt red. From the bloody cavity, he could almost see his own heart thumping rapidly.

Da Yuan was horrified. He had practiced martial arts all his life and had cultivated his inner power to protect his body. How could his body be broken with a single punch, was this even possible?!

"Da Yuan, be careful!" Leng Bao cried out in panic.

Da Yuan lifted his head, only in time to see Xiao Luo moving in swiftly, on the balls of his feet, bounding forward a distance of more than 10 meters. Landing within striking distance, his weight was transferred to his left leg, he then executed a quick skip to channel the energy, to a frontal snap kick, extending the same leg upwards right into Da Yuan's exposed chin.

Swift, violent, without mercy!

UMPPH!

Da Yuan could almost feel the force smash into his brain, turning it to a slurry. His ears were buzzing, and before he could even shriek, he lost consciousness. He crashed into the ground some 20 to 30 meters away.

Blood oozed out from his nostrils and mouth. His chin was shattered. His left eyeball was dangling out from his eye socket due to the tremendous impact, lolling from side to side against his cheek as he lay on his side. He didn't look human anymore.

AIYAH!

Leng Bao gasped in terror as he stared at the bloody mess that was Da Yuan. From the moment Xiao Luo began until the moment Da Yuan was felled, everything happened in less than ten breaths. Leng Bao did not even get the chance to help him.

"It's your turn now!"

His voice was clear and cold, devoid of emotion, coming from the depths of the netherworld. Blood was dripping down from Xiao Luo's face, and his clothes were all torn, but he exuded a fighting intent that was ever so intense. In his burning eagerness to fight, the flames smouldering in his eyes appeared dark and sinister.

Leng Bao trembled in fear. He saw before him a ruthless beast from head to toe. He wasn't someone that could be fathomed, still possessing such immense powers when he should have died in the crash.

He did not answer the call of battle. After a quick moment of thought, he turned around, lifted Da Yuan's corpse, and hastily left the scene, succumbing to the call to retreat.

Xiao Luo gasped as he looked at Leng Bao scamper away. When he was no longer in sight, he closed his eyes and slumped onto the ground in a pile.

Even with Yijin Jing, he still sustained substantial injuries after being hit by a truck traveling at more than 90 miles per hour. His organs and blood vessels were shielded by his inner power, but the wounds inflicted on his outer body were severe. Pieces of glass fragments like parasites embedded in his flesh shimmered against the street light.

...

...

Xiao Luo regained consciousness, opened his eyes, and realized that he was in the hospital. He wanted to move but felt as if his limbs restrained. It was at that moment that he realized that there were bandages wrapped all around his body. The white bandage wrapped was around him made him look like a mummy.

At that moment, a man with a large body and chubby face walked in with a bowl of ravioli. When he saw that Xiao Luo had awakened, struggling on the sickbed, and he was shocked. He quickly put down his ravioli and went forward to calm him down, "Brother, you shouldn't be moving. You got more than 100 glass fragments removed from your body. The doctors went around the clock to stitch your wounds up. If you move, they'll crack open easily, and you'll have to suffer again."

"Who are you?" asked Xiao Luo.

"Me?"

The chubby-faced man was startled. Then, he grinned, "I'm Lei Feng, remember? I saw you lying unconsciously by the road. Nobody dared to save you, so I called 120 to get you to the hospital. I even took care of you for a whole day and night. Who could I possibly be if not Lei Feng?"

Chapter 185

Xiao Luo looked at the man from top to bottom. He was much chubbier than Zhang Dashan. There were evident signs of aging on his skin, especially the three conspicuous lines of wrinkles on his forehead. He put the man's age at around 45 years. Putting aside his thoughts, he quickly expressed his gratitude, "Thank you, old brother!"

Addressing him as 'Old Brother' was common courtesy, but little did he expect the reaction, when the man heard him. He flew into a rage and said, "What old brother? You are the old brother! Your whole family is an old brother! Let me ask you how old are you?"

Xiao Luo was confused. After some thought, he replied, "Twenty-six."

"You're twenty-six? I'm just twenty-two."

"You're twenty-two?"

Xiao Luo consciously kept his eyes from opening wide in surprise. He could not believe that this man, with the appearance of a middle-aged man in his forties, was still this young.

"You don't believe me?"

The man fumbled for his identity card, and finally, getting it out from the inner pocket of his shirt, held it in front of Xiao Luo's eyes, "See for yourself, am I twenty-two?"

Xiao Luo got a good look at his identity card. He was really twenty-two! He also had rather bumpkin-ish, yet down to earth name: Liu Tieguo. [1]

"See it now? Don't just simply call someone' old brother'. You are four years older than me. I should be the one calling you old brother," Liu Tieguo said with a snort of contempt., keeping his ID back in his pocket.

Xiao Luo was unsure whether to cry or laugh. When he looked at Liu Tieguo's overly mature appearance, he had to doubt whether his birth date was altered 20 years forward when he applied for his ID.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

A nurse appeared at the door, followed by two police officers alongside her.

"The one on the bed is the car owner that was sent to our hospital after the car crash last night," the nurse introduced to the cops.

The cops nodded, then stepped towards the bed. The male officer saluted Xiao Luo, "Good day, sir. Are you the owner of the car, C0019, Zhang Dashan?"

"No. I'm his friend," Xiao Luo answered honestly.

The other female cop hurriedly recorded the information.

The male cop asked again, "What is your name?"

"Xiao Luo."

"Can you still remember what happened yesterday?"

...

The two cops asked more than 10 questions consecutively. The scene of the car crash last night was at the blind spot of the surveillance cameras. They were unable to observe the entire incident through surveillance footage; hence, they could only question the people involved. Besides, based on their preliminary deduction, this car crash wasn't as simple as it looked. The truck that opened up its throttle from the incident yesterday was reported as scrap one year ago. Someone had deliberately fixed it to be used in the accident.

"Thank you for cooperating with us." The two police officers once again saluted Xiao Luo.

"My friend, I heard you said that the car accident last night was premeditated. What in the name of Heavens is going on?" Liu Tieguo asked curiously.

"It's nothing. Don't ponder on it. We'll investigate it thoroughly," the male cop said.

The other female cop echoed with a gentle smile, "Rest assured. We will definitely arrest the wrongdoers. Are you his father? Uncle, your son, is already past twenty, but you still look so young. You are really blessed."

As a woman, she was naturally better than the opposite gender when it came to comforting words. She was smiling pleasantly, and her words of comfort were from the depths of her heart. However, for Liu Tieguo, this wasn't comforting at all, this was blatant humiliation.

Liu Tieguo was once again piqued, "What blessed! You are the one who is blessed! Your whole family is blessed! Since when did I have such an old son? Maybe you can make one for me!" As he continued, he again took out his ID to show it to the female cop, "Look clearly, I'm only 22, don't think that you can just simply call other people uncle because you are a cop. You are humiliating me as a person, you know?"

Upon sighting the ID and getting a clear look at Liu Tieguo's date of birth, the female cop got really embarrassed. Her face immediately flushed liver red. She quickly apologized, "S-sorry, I-I misunderstood..."

"Hmmph!"

Liu Tieguo angrily returned his identity card to his pocket.

Xiao Luo was amused. He couldn't remember the last time he was mistaken for being the son of someone else.

At that moment, the male cop asked, "Mr. Liu, what is your relationship with Mr. Xiao?"

"We're totally unrelated. I'm just a passer-by. I sent him to the hospital as I saw him lying unconscious on the ground."

Liu Tieguo raised his chin to the left and snorted, "Oh yeah, since uncle cop, and aunty cop is already here, there will be no need for I, Lei Feng, to remain." He turned to Xiao Luo, "Old brother, the ravioli I bought you is on the table. Eat it while it's still hot. If it isn't convenient for you to do it yourself, ask uncle cop and aunty cop to feed you. You know, they are government servants. They should do this kind of stuff. I'm leaving, so bye!"

He had intentionally emphasized the words, uncle, and aunty. He was obviously just being sarcastic. Then, he turned away without looking back. He was in a mood of melancholy. He got called 'old brother' because his face looked like it was in a hurry to age, and what's worst, he got mistaken as the father of a 26-year-old man. What the hell was going on in his life?

The two cops took on an awkward expression, but they were thinking, "Well, you looked old, how could you blame us?"

...

...

Zhang Dashan rushed over as soon as he received the news. His rough voice preceded his entrance.

"Xiao Luo, Old Xiao..."

He pushed the door open. When he saw Xiao Luo, who was on the bed wrapped like a mummy, he ran over hurriedly, "Are you Xiao Luo?"

"Who else can I be?" Xiao Luo replied brusquely.

"What the f*ck, which quack wrapped you up like this? Aside from your mouth, nose, and eyes, you are all... wrapped up! How to pee and sh*t like this?" Zhang Dashan put down his briefcase, making a point to daringly yelled the word 'quack' inside the hospital.

"Shut up and pay up my medical bills," Xiao Luo said in mock anger.

"What's the hurry? Let me ask you, did the Dragon Gang did this?" asked Zhang Dashan.

Xiao Luo nodded.

"F*ck. I really want those bastard's dead!" Zhang Dashan gritted his teeth.

"Enough, just take care of Luo's Workshop for me, alright? Don't worry about the other stuff."

Xiao Luo advised him, knowing he meant every word of it. Then he was reminded of Feng Wuhen and his companions, "Consider Feng Wuhen and rest working for me. You mustn't mistreat them in terms of wages. When I finally destroy the Dragon Gang, you have to recruit them back to the company and give them a chance to train and improve themselves. Only in that way can they be given high posts when Luo's Workshop expands to the other cities."

"Old Xiao, you better settle these things yourself after you get better. Your priority now should be to take care of your injuries." Saying that Zhang Dashan took his briefcase and went to settle his medical expenses.

Funnily, Xiao Luo suddenly thought of Liu Tieguo, who had brought him to the hospital.

If he were to let Zhang Dashan know that there was someone with a bigger and chubbier face than him, he should feel very comforted.

Then his mind wandered to yesterday's car crash.

A cold glint emerged within Xiao Luo's eyes. Da Yuan was dead, and Leng Bao, who got away, had now made his way into his must-kill list.

Chapter 186

In the dimly lit room, Da Yuan laid face-up on the ground. His bloodied face was white as a sheet, and he was dead. Han Mian and Hei Lang stood at the side with solemn looks on their faces. They were incensed, deep in anguish.

Compared to the other two, Leng Bao appeared relatively calmer. He hadn't recovered from the fact that Da Yuan was kicked to death by Xiao Luo. When he remembered Xiao Luo's eyes brimming in a fury and on the warpath, an dark, unspoken emotion returned to haunt him.

Long Sankui was sitting on the master's chair, holding a cane, shaped like a dragon's head with his right hand, and playing with two bao ding balls [1] with his left. With aging eyes that were glowing like the stars in winter, he glared at Leng Bao, "He was kicked to death by that kid?"

Leng Bao wanted to answer no, but the fact was yes.

He nodded, "Yes."

"What the f*ck? Is that kid really so extraordinary?"

Long Sankui clenched his left hand. The two bao ding balls made of metal shriveled and deformed instantly like two clumps of plasticine being squeezed together.

Leng Bao adjusted his spectacles, then said, "We hit him with a truck. Even the car he was driving broke apart, but he was unscathed. Master Long, I suspect that he's a past master in martial arts with a, not at all weak, inner power."

"Bullsh*t. Even if his inner power is strong, he would still have suffered some serious injuries under the circumstance. Hence, the purpose of him wrapping up his fight with Da Yuan rapidly was to startle you. If you weren't startled back then, killing him will be like a cakewalk." Long Sankui quickly deduced Xiao Luo's thoughts during the incident, in a blink of an eye.

Leng Bao was slightly stunned. If what Master Long said was true, didn't he just missed a great chance to kill Xiao Luo?

After he carefully retraced the incident in his memory, he did indeed find some credence to the idea. When Xiao Luo confronted him, his intent to fight was intense, but he was covered in blood and was clearly not in good physical state. He was most probably an arrow at the end of its flight. Having thought about that, he immediately knelt on one knee, "I beseech your forgiveness, Master Long!"

"Forgive you? Hah! Get 10 of our greatest men and scour every hospital. The kid must be tending to his wounds in one of them. If you find him, chop him into eight pieces at once."

Long Sankui forcefully bashed the ground with his cane, "This is your chance to redeem yourself. Treasure it!"

"Yes."

Leng Bao nodded reverently, while his eyes hidden underneath his glasses emanated the cold glare of a venomous viper.

...

...

Xiao Luo was bandaged from head to toe. This was his fourth day in the hospital. His Yijin Jing was circulating unceasingly, and his wounds were healing at an accelerated rate. His King of Mercenary's physique was equally potent. Under their combined effects, his injuries were treated entirely.

Zhang Dashan didn't stay in the office like he ordered him to do. On this day, he came to visit Xiao Luo again. When he pushed the door open, he was astounded. He had witnessed something unbelievable! Crackling noises came from Xiao Luo, who was lying on the sickbed wrapped up like a mummy. Along with those sounds, the white bandages started to burst apart, and Xiao Luo came out from his cocoon like a butterfly who had completed metamorphosis.

When he saw Xiao Luo jumping down from the sickbed and all the bandages on his body falling off him like goose feathers, Zhang Dashan plopped his buttocks down on the ground out of sheer shock. For him, nothing in this world couldn't be described with "f*ckin hell." If there were to be something that couldn't, he would just describe it with two of them.

Xiao Luo was standing next to the bed, naked. Every inch of his skin was as fair and tender like a baby under the baptism of Yijin Jing. There were no scars on his body. His lines were distinct, just like a masterly carved sculpture.

"Motherf*cker, can you not point your dick at me?!"

Zhang Dashan calmed himself down and stood up, patting the dust off his buttocks. Now, he was almost immune to the incredible tales that had happened around Xiao Luo. Not to mention all of Xiao Luo's wounds healing within three to four days, it would have been acceptable for him even if Xiao Luo jacked off and shot down an airplane from the sky. His good old brother, Xiao Luo, could never be conjectured with common logic.

1Xiao Luo moved away from the sickbed unhurriedly and put on a jumpsuit.

"Why did you come again? Didn't I ask you to stay in the company compound while I deal with the Dragon Gang?"

"The heck Old Xiao. I'm not even this kind to my own girlfriend. Fools never know when they are well off, you know?" Zhang Dashan said disdainfully.

Xiao Luo buttoned-up one by one. He glanced at him, "You ever had a girlfriend?"

This directly pricked on Zhang Dashan's pain. His face flushed instantly, "You wanna rub it in, huh? Fine, fine. I'm not coming ever again! I'll just stay in the office with the ladies, alright?! F*ckin hell!"

He left mumbling to himself.

...

...

As night fell, the neon lights turned Jiangcheng into a sleepless city.

Leng Bao was very dispirited. In the last four days, he had deployed the men assigned to him to every single hospital in Jiangcheng City but had failed to find any patient by the name of Xiao Luo. Who would have expected that Xiao Luo was registered under the name of Liu Tieguo? Naturally, they wouldn't have gotten anywhere bandying the name of Xiao Luo.

He was sitting in the car and was feeling anxious, as if in need of a drug fix. When his men came back reporting to him that Xiao Luo was not in any of the hospitals that he had sent them to, he couldn't tolerate it any longer. He punched the car window, shattering the glass.

At that moment, his phone rang. It from an unknown number.

He adjusted his spectacles, forcing himself to calm down. He picked up his phone and answered the call, "Who's speaking?"

"I'm Xiao Luo!" On his phone, a chilling voice sounded.

Leng Bao immediately sat upright, "How did you get my contact?"

"This isn't important. You have been busy looking for me, don't you want to know where I am?" Xiao Luo said coldly.

"Where are you?"

"Look up."

Leng Bao reacted by raising his head at once. His pupils dilated adjusting to the darkened skies, and through the sunroof, he saw a car rolling off the adjacent building, more than ten-story high. It seemed to linger in the air for a while, then plummeted quickly, accelerating in speed with the momentum.

"Damn it!"

He broke into a cold sweat, momentarily frozen in the clutches of death. Leng Bao was terrified, pale with fear. He instantly regained his senses, and immediately tried to get out. But it was too late. Even as his hand was on the door handle, the falling car plunged straight into the roof of his vehicle, with unimaginable force.

BOOM!

A thunderous boom followed, shaking the ground around it and, the black car was gone, pulverized and crushed in an instant. All four wheels collapsed, its tires blown, and debris blasted in every direction, sending a wave of terror to all standing close by.

Leng Bao, trapped inside, was instantly squashed into minced meat. His blood seeped out along the gaps of the car door and dripped onto the ground.

The surrounding Dragon Gang members were stunned at what they had just witnessed. Their eyes fixated at the ghastly scene as they trembled. Then, coming out of their stupor, they called Long Sankui and reported, stuttering, "Master Long, Protector Leng... protector Leng is... is dead..."

Watching the scene from the top of the building, Xiao Luo dusted off his hands, turned, and walked away, like a trivial task had just been completed.

A tooth for a tooth, blood for blood!

Chapter 187

On the night on the fifth day, Xiao Luo received a call from the Ren Village police station located in the Guangming district. The caller had informed him to report himself at the branch station at 8 am on the next day. He was to participate in a medical examination and would commence the special training program alongside other recruited police trainees. The special training program would last for half a month, and it would be entirely based on military training. All activities would be carried out at the branch station's training base, and all trainees would be isolated from all communication with the outside world.

How very troublesome!

Xiao Luo furrowed his brows. Initially, he thought he could assume the role right after the medical examination, but it seemed that he was overthinking.

But it couldn't be helped. Dealing with the Dragon Gang didn't mean killing all their members. He would only become the Chinese government's primary target if he did that. He reminded himself that his goal was to annihilate all of the Dragon Gang's business.

A night of silence...

Xiao Luo woke up at 5 am, packed his clothes, and embarked on his journey to the Guangming District branch station.

It was already 7 am when he arrived at the branch station. After eating breakfast at a roadside stall, he walked into the police station. In the police station compound, Xiao Luo saw many prospective auxiliary policemen taking part in the medical examination and special training like him. There were both men and women, totaling about 20 people. Upon arrival, they presented their name seals and turned in their communication devices and personal belongings.

Two officers in uniforms were standing on the stage. They looked at their watches from time to time and regularly checked on the number of people who had arrived.

"How many haven't arrived?"

"One."

"It's almost eight, right?"

"Yes, soon."

"Eliminate that person when the time passes eight o'clock. People without the most basic concept of time aren't suited to be in the auxiliary police force."

The two were having a serious conversation, and everyone could hear them clearly. The trainees expressed sympathy for that unlucky person. That person would have gone through a long process before this and was actually going to be disqualified from becoming an auxiliary police officer just because he was late for one minute. He would definitely be so remorseful that his intestines would turn green.

"Bro, where are you from? What's your name?"

"Hello pretty ladies, did you both come together? What are your names? We'll become colleagues after this just so you know."

...

Seizing this opportunity, those with extroverted personalities became active, getting to know everyone by their names.

"Ahe-hem... alright, times up, queue up in two lines, and..."

Once eight o'clock struck, the middle-aged officer with a square jawline raised his voice and shouted but was interrupted by a loud duck-like voice.

"Wait! There's another one here!"

A man with a round face, average height, chubby cheeks, and enormous ears came rushing in from the station's entrance wearing a large-sized white shirt and jeans with a bootcut. He was gasping for air and perspiring profusely all over.

Liu Tieguo?!

Xiao Luo was startled. This man was the very same person who sent him to the hospital a few days ago, Liu Tieguo. It seemed that Jiangcheng City was pretty small for the two to have met again so soon. He initially thought of searching for him via his connections to thank him properly. However, it seemed like it wouldn't now be necessary.

"And you are?"

The officer with a square jawline looked at him from head to toe and asked.

Liu Tieguo saluted him, "Sir, I am Liu Tieguo, an auxiliary reserve policeman who came to attend the medical examination and special training."

"Is he really a recruit?"

The officer with a square jawline pointed at Liu Tieguo and looked suspiciously at the other officer.

The other officer looked at the name list, then nodded, "His name is on the list."

With that being said, he took out Liu Tieguo's resume and passed it to the officer with a square jawline. After the officer with a square jawline compared the photo on Liu Tieguo's resume with the person standing in front of him, he immediately frowned, "Why does your photo not resemble you at all?"

"Huh? Oh, it is because I was smiling in the photo. It will be the same if I smile."

Liu Tieguo smiled immediately. His eyes squinted into two lines resembling that of a Maitreya statue.

"But this... it doesn't feel right either. The man on the photo doesn't look so mature like you," the officer with a square jawline remained unconvinced.

Liu Tieguo quickly explained, "I do indeed look older, but my information is absolutely real, especially that photo of me. It is me, 100%. I just beautified myself with MeituPic [1], smoothened my skin, and added a magenta filter to make my appearance fit in better with my real age."

PFFT~

A girl couldn't contain her laugher anymore, "Uncle, are you sure that you're here to become an auxiliary policeman, not a comedian?"

Her sentence instantly tickled everyone and brought on waves of laughter.

Liu Tieguo was annoyed. He had faced the same thing repeatedly, and it really annoyed him a lot. He took out his identity card and said to the crowd seriously, "I am only twenty-two years old. I am not an uncle. I am still a young lad."

The crowd laughed even louder. Even the officer with a square jawline who had always kept a serious face couldn't help but chuckle for a moment. He immediately regained his composure afterward and shouted, "Enough, stop laughing. You will all be colleagues in the future. Mocking at your own colleagues isn't a noble thing to do."

Liu Tieguo was so touched that he almost teared up. He thought, "They are definitely fine servants of our society! They know what's right!"

"Liu Tieguo, queue up in line!" the officer with a square jawline shouted at him.

"Yes, sir!"

Liu Tieguo moved to the end of the first queue.

As soon as he got into position, he shrieked in bewilderment. Then, he pulled Xiao Luo's arm in front of him, "Old brother, why are you here? Wait, how did you get discharged so quickly? You were still being wrapped up like a mummy a few days ago."

"You know about my elder brother being hospitalized?" Xiao Luo turned around and asked, feigning to be surprised.

"Your elder brother?" Liu Tieguo was confused. He thought, "Are they not the same person?"

"Yea, the one in the hospital is Xiao Nai, my elder brother. I'm Xiao Luo," Xiao Luo smiled.

Liu Tieguo shook his head resolutely, "That can't be, he told the cops that he was Xiao Luo the last time around, not Xiao Nai."

Xiao Luo sighed. He pointed at his head and said whisperingly, "The car accident f*cked up his brain. He doesn't know how to differentiate his name and my name anymore."

Oh!

Liu Tieguo nodded in acknowledgement of the explanation. So, they were brothers. That would explain why they look so similar to each other. Then, he asked out of concern, "Is your brother alright?"

"Yea, he's fine. He was transferred to another hospital in another city. He should be able to recover in less than two months," said Xiao Luo.

"Ah, that's great," Liu Tieguo sighed out of relief.

Xiao Luo reached out his hands, "Hello, Brother Tieguo. My name is Xiao Luo. Turning twenty this year."

Liu Tieguo seemed like a middle-aged man to Xiao Luo, no matter which angle he looked at him from, so he couldn't just bring himself call him by his name. Besides, Liu Tieguo had saved his life; it was appropriate for Xiao Luo to address him as 'brother.' However, Xiao Luo emphasized that he was 20 to avoid Liu Tieguo from acting like a baby in front of him.

"Nice to meet you," Liu Tieguo chuckled.

"Oh yeah, Brother Tieguo, how did you know that my brother is in the hospital? Do you know my brother?" Xiao Luo asked.

"Ah, it's because..."

Liu Tieguo was about to tell him the truth, but then he stopped himself abruptly recalling the phrase "do good deeds without leaving a name." He therefore put on a sagely look and said, "Buddha said, I mustn't say anything, hehe..."

Xiao Luo almost lost it and nearly cracked up. He was trying so hard to contain his laughter and his shoulders from shaking.

Chapter 188

After the medical examination, Xiao Luo and the rest of the trainees were transferred to the training base of the Guangming District branch station. The base was located at a remote location at the foot of the mountain in the Guangming district. Although it was a training ground for the auxiliary police trainees to improve their physical condition, it looked more like a military camp.

"Wow, this is awesome! Look, there's a shooting range over there!"

"Yeah, there's also an obstacle course. OMG, this place is lit!"

"I think this training ground costs tens of millions to build."

When these auxiliary policemen trainees who were participating in the special training program entered the training camp, they were naturally inquisitive about everything there. The mud pools, sandpits, running fields... everything there got their hearts racing. Scenes of special forces training like those on television appeared in their minds. Thrilling and invigorating, everything was just so exciting for them.

"I think we'll shed a layer of skin here."

Liu Tieguo murmured quietly. He was the only person who wasn't too enthusiastic about the camp.

...

...

After changing into their uniforms at the training camp's dormitory, they regathered at the training grounds.

When they arrived at the ground, there were already two men in black singlets, camouflage trousers, and black boots standing inside the training grounds. The two were tall and buffed. Both were over 1.8 meters tall, tanned, had eyes that looked like a torch, and one of them was even wearing sunglasses. They seemed extremely grim by appearance.

The one wearing sunglasses had a toothpick in his mouth. He was standing upright with his arms firmly behind his back. He stepped forward and introduced to the crowd, "Let me first introduce myself. Surname, Yan; name, Wang. I am your instructor from today onward, in charge of your special training across a fifteen-day duration."

Yan Wang? The king of hell?

The crowd gossiped among each other as they were curious about their instructor's name.

"Silence!"

Yan Wang shouted, "Shout 'Report' before you say anything, and you may only speak when I allow you to do so, do you hear me?"

"We heard you!"

The crowd responded in unison.

"In the future, answer me with only 'yes' or 'no.' I don't wish to hear any other answers." There was an air of strength and manliness in Yan Wang's voice.

"Yes, sir!" the crowd answered in concert.

"Good. I believe we will have a great time together."

Yan Wang looked at everyone with his glistening eyes. He was stern, ruthless, and distant, "Deputy?"

"Yes, sir!"

The other man stepped forward and shouted with his chest out and head high.

"Let them move their muscles and bones," said Yan Wang.

"Yes, sir."

The deputy instructor turned to the crowd, "Everyone, turn right and start running. Go along the perimeter of the training ground. Do not stop until I give you the order to do so!"

Everyone abided by his orders and began jogging.

When they left, Yan Wang shook his head, "The requirements for auxiliary police trainees are really getting lower these days. Just look at them, they are as unrefined as homemade soup. None of them have a military background, and none of them are trained with that iron discipline. They are just some regular townsfolks. Making them competent for maintaining public security with just half a month of hasty training? If this isn't a joke, what is?!"

Deputy instructor Feng Zixiao offered his opinion, "Now, all stations are in short of active policemen. Besides, with Jiangcheng's continuous development and construction, our urban area is getting larger, so naturally, the demand for policemen is constantly rising. The higher-ups are also forced to recruit regular civilians because of that."

"Even if that's the case, this isn't the proper way to recruit candidates. The requirements are too low. It will drag down the overall quality of the auxiliary policemen, and proper law enforcement cannot be carried out. Have they not learned from the lessons of the past few years?" Yan Wang was very dissatisfied with the higher-ups.

Feng Zixiao sighed, "You're right. However..." He took out a girl's information sheet from his file and handed it to Yan Wang, "I don't know about the others, but this girl is definitely qualified in all aspects!"

"Gu Qianxue?" Yan Wang looked at the name on the resume.

Feng Zixiao nodded and explained, "She is the sister of Gu Qianlin, head of the Primary Taskforce of Jiangcheng District. Influenced by her sister, she vowed to become a police officer. What makes her different from her sister is that she became the disciple of the Lone Greybeard at Mount Tianshan when she was only ten years of age and has honed a good set of skills. After she left the mountain, she often followed Gu Qianlin to the large training grounds. Her marksmanship is top-notch, and her accuracy with rifles and guns cannot be questioned."

"Listening to what you said, I do feel that we have ourselves a treasure."

"Indeed, Gu Qianxue's achievements will definitely be greater than her sister's in the future."

Yan Wang flashed a toothy smile as his eyes settled on the well-limbed and elegant girl running at the front of the group.

Her expression was solemn. She had a pretty face, though she seemed somewhat aloof. Along with her attractive and confident demeanor, she had fair skin, her body was slender, her countenance was cold yet delicate, and her eyes were deep and gorgeous. Although she was dressed in a camouflage uniform just like the others, her appealing disposition made her stand out from the crowd, just like a white swam amidst a flock of ordinary ducks.

...

...

"Just when can we stop? My legs are falling off!"

"I know, right. We've just started, and these instructors are already making it so hard, I think they want us to die."

"That's true, what we see on television is all fake. There is no thrill or excitement here. If it goes on like this, I'll collapse for sure."

After running for five laps, the trainees were beginning to lose their intensity and presence of minds from the fatigue. Everyone was absolutely drained and struggling to carry on. They all had their eyes fixed on Feng Zixiao. At this point, they were earnestly longing for him to shout the word 'stop.'

Xiao Luo, on the other hand, wasn't feeling any discomfort. But to be less conspicuous, he had been running unhurriedly beside Liu Tieguo. Liu Tieguo was struggling and was unable to speak. He was totally exhausted and was panting like a dog, lolling his tongue out and desperately gasping for air.

"Run, speed up! Just look at yourselves, even a girl is ahead of you, don't you guys feel ashamed? Go faster, and do not stop! Whoever stops will get points docked off immediately!" Yang Wang yelled and press on. 𝓁𝒾𝒷𝘳ℯ𝘢𝑑.𝑐ℴ𝓂

It was only after hearing him that the crowd realized the person running at the front was a girl. Many male trainees, with masculine pride at stake, were gritting their teeth as they motivated themselves by shouting aloud that they would surpass her.

But each time when they were just about to overtake her, she would always hasten up and keep the lead. After several attempts, everyone was discouraged and gave up. At the same time, they all wondered, "Just who is this girl? Why does she have such great stamina?"

Xiao Luo was quite surprised as well. After carefully observing her, he discovered that her breathing was very stable. After running for five to six laps, she was hardly breaking a sweat, unlike the other trainees who already had their uniforms soaked to the skin.

"It looks like she had trained at this level before, and definitely not just casually," Xiao Luo evaluated in his heart.

"I-I can't... I can't go on..."

Liu Tieguo's lips were trembling and turning pale as he gradually slowed down to almost a halt. These were the signs of exhaustion.

Without saying a word, Xiao Luo supported him with his arms, "Brother Tieguo, you better don't stay up late so frequently. It's not good for your health."

When Xiao Luo first saw Liu Tieguo, he could already tell that his body was frail and that his old appearance was probably caused by him frequently staying up late. His frailness would not usually show, but all would be exposed during grueling and intensive activities. Even the other girls were still holding on, but Liu Tieguo, on the other hand, could no longer persist.

Chapter 189

Feng Zixiao only called in the auxiliary police trainees after 20 laps. They were all in sheer exhaustion, sprawling on the ground and gasping heavily for air. When the run ended, several of the girls even collapsed and were immediately sent to the dispensary. It was all in all, an eventful start to the special training program.

But, such was the effect he intended, it was to put the fear of God into every new recruit!

However, what had come as an incredible surprise to both him and Yan Wang was that other than Gu Qianxue, there was unexpectedly one other, and he happened to be standing right there now, showing no signs of exhaustion. He was looking perfectly fine.

"What's the background of this fella?"

Yan Wang turned to Feng Zixiao, taking off his sunglasses and pointing at Xiao Luo.

Feng Zixiao hurriedly flipped through the trainee profiles he had on hand and soon found what he was looking for. He handed it to Yan Wang and answered, "This person's name is Xiao Luo. His information sheet doesn't reveal too much about his background. He is from the Xi Province and worked for the Huahai Group Co., Ltd, until a few months ago. He is just a normal wage earner who has traveled south."

"If so, his physical fitness is impressive, huh... Interesting. It seems that this group of trainees may not be so boring after all." Yan Wang took a look at Xiao Luo's information sheet, and a conniving smile flashed on his face.

At the same time, Gu Qianxue had also been sizing Xiao Luo up. She was observing him with her curious, bright eyes, keen to know how Xiao Luo was able to push through the run, just like she did. She wondered if he had been through the kind of training that she had, but after a short while, she decided not to speculate too much. Still looking somewhat contemplative, she pouted slightly and shifted her gaze elsewhere.

...

For the next three consecutive days, the trainees were subjected to a regime of harsh physical fitness sessions. The strenuous and physically testing drills took its toll on everyone. At the end of each day, they had their hands on their knees, panting for breath, and their thighs were numb with soreness. Their legs were so sore that they even needed to hold on to something to squat down for a release, making every visit to the toilet a challenging process fraught with difficulty and pain. They had now lost their passion and the thrill for the military training they had so looked forward to. It now felt like purgatory itself.

Besides their daily physical fitness training, they had to study and memorize the regulations and guidelines on how police officers should conduct themselves. To add to their woes, Yan Wang would regularly quiz them on how they should handle a variety of situations as members of the auxiliary police force. Those unable to answer would immediately be subject to corporal punishment. For the men, this would mean a well-aimed kick up their rear; and for the ladies, a set of 15 sit-ups.

Usually, when the trainees got the answer wrong, Yan Wang would press them again for another answer, and if they got the next answer wrong as well, they would be punished for both. Earlier, poor Liu Tieguo had failed to answer 10 consecutive questions correctly, and as a result, his buttocks almost burst from Yan Wang's vicious kicks. The pain had been unbearable, and he howled out miserably a couple of times with tears in his eyes.

There was nothing Xiao Luo could do about it as well, such were the demands of special training. Surely, he couldn't rush to the front and send Yan Wang flying with a blow, though he wished it at times.

After the first few days, everyone had come to know about how ferocious and sadistic Yan Wang could be. He really was as ruthless as his namesake from Hell[1]. His name had now become synonymous with unpleasant things and was commonly paired with swear words in the trainees' daily speech at the camp., As an example, they would say something like "If I did indeed badmouth you, may I end up with a significant other exactly like that d*ckhead Yan Wang in the future!"

After five days, everyone had gradually acclimatized to the high-intensity physical training with, and before they knew it, they were to report to the gym.

There were many regular police officers in singlets and shorts working out in the gym, and they looked robust, buffed-up, and fit. As they filed in, they heard Yan Wang shouting at Feng Zixiao, "Get up!"

Feng Zixiao nodded and stepped up to the ring. Holding the ropes with both hands, he jumped over with both feet and landed into the ring like a swift swallow, his actions agile and graceful. As soon as he entered the arena, Feng Zixiao took off the instructor's uniform, revealing the black singlet and black shorts beneath. His muscles were well defined and evenly distributed all over his body, and he certainly cut a heroic figure. Although he was 1.8 meters tall, he didn't seem skinny; on the contrary, he was broad and strong and exuded a formidable aura.

"Combat is one of your core lessons. Learning combative skills ensures that you all are capable of defeating criminals when you run into them. So today, I will teach you all how to fight your enemies."

Yan Wang's steely voice rang out. With his thumb, he pointed at Feng Zixiao on the arena, a cheeky smile on his face. "Who here thinks that they are capable enough can go up and practice with him. If you can exchange 10 blows with him, you can have the day off and go have fun."

"Sir, can we go outside to have fun?" It was Liu Tieguo who asked in a loud voice.

"Of course," said Yan Wang with a laugh.

Liu Tieguo's eyes sparkled, and he replied, "Alright, I'll be the first to try."

Xiao Luo extended a hand and put it on his shoulder, shaking his head and motioning him not to go, because he was totally no match for Feng Zixiao.

"Brother, don't stop me. My video game addiction is acting up, it's too uncomfortable, and I haven't been sleeping for the past few days. For the sake of my dream of playing PUBG, I've decided to go and try. 10 blows, I should be able to withstand it," said Liu Tieguo.

Xiao Luo didn't attempt to stop him any further. After hanging out with Liu Tieguo over the last few days, he had found the reason behind Liu Tieguo's aged appearance. Liu Tieguo loved to stay up late to play games and smoke. These were had been his habits for some time now, so naturally, they took a toll on him.

As everyone looked on, Liu Tieguo walked into the ring.

He gave a Buddha-like smile and bowed to Feng Zixiao. "Instructor Feng, please be kind on me!"

Feng Zixiao returned a smile. "Sure!"

As soon as he said so, he shifted forward, the balls of his feet gliding over the ring floor and dashed towards Liu Tieguo as swiftly as a gust of wind. His right leg swept across from the trickiest angle imaginable, aiming right at Liu Tieguo's face.

BOOM!

Liu Tieguo didn't even have any time to react. He felt like his face had been struck viciously by a thick metal whip. He spun on the spot, twice, before falling to the ground. His head was rested on the floor, and his ears were ringing. He had lost all sense of direction as his face stung from the searing pain.

WAHH!

Everyone drew in a deep breath. Knocking out someone with a single kick was just unbelievable.

Xiao Luo laughed silently to himself, he had expected this to be the outcome.

"Don't think that this is cruel, Instructor Feng has deliberately let him off easy, but the ruthless criminals you meet in reality will not hold back at all. If you don't want to sacrifice yourself on the job, train properly and learn the skills well," said Yan Wang beside them with a reprimanding tone.

Inspired by his words, several of the more confident trainees challenged Feng Zixiao, but none of them lasted 10 blows. The one that persevered the longest endured a mere five blows.

After everyone's ambition was humbled, their opinion of Feng Zixiao was one of awe and respect, and they were wary. How could he even be human, he was clearly a machine designed for combat!

"It's too embarrassing, I'm the only one who didn't even last one blow." Liu Tieguo said dejectedly, holding his hand to his cheek, and still feeling an intense burning sensation.

"It's not embarrassing, there's no point for the pot to call the kettle black, you don't have to feel ashamed because of this." Xiao Luo spoke up to comfort him.

Liu Tieguo nodded.

"Any more challengers?"

Yan Wang asked loudly as he scanned the crowd with an intense gaze. Whoever caught his gaze quickly lowered their heads. That creature in the ring was a monster, who would dare to go up there?

"This alone is enough to intimidate you all? If so, when you start work and run into fearsome criminals, surely you would pee in your pants out of fright!" Yan Wang's voice was loud, and his cocky words echoed in the gym.

The cops who were practicing boxing and using the various fitness equipment couldn't help but snicker.

Chapter 190

Pee in their pants out of fright?

Even though those words stung, none of the auxiliary police trainees couldn't think of any rebuttal, and they simply looked down, their faces red from shame.

"Let me try!"

A steady and pleasant voice rang out.

Everyone looked towards the direction the voice came from. Gu Qianxue's long hair fell to her shoulders loosely. Against the light in the gym, her skin seemed to be glow healthily. With easy steps, she walked towards the ring. Her pretty face wore no makeup, but her cheeks were shiny and reddish, and she exuded a vibrant beauty.

This was something that Yan Wang was anticipating, and it showed on his face. Although it was only a combat training lesson, he badly wanted to find out about Gu Qianxue's true capabilities. Besides Gu Qianxue, Yan Wang was especially keen to discover more about another trainee, Xiao Luo. By carefully observing him over the past days, he noted that Xiao Luo seemed to be deliberately hiding his capabilities.

It made him even more curious to know what Xiao Luo was made of!

What he had observed was indeed true. Xiao Luo's only objective was to obtain a job as a nondescript auxiliary police officer and had decided that he would only put in a performance sufficient to get him through the training, without drawing too much attention to himself. He had maintained a low-key presence and only did what was absolutely necessary.

As she approached the ring, Gu Qianxue stepped up and leaped over the ropes in a single motion, landing lightly on the ring floor with feline grace.

"Why do I have a feeling that she may just beat Instructor Feng!"

"I have that feeling too, it is clear that she is of no ordinary talent from the way she leaped into the ring."

"Yeah, she looks she's skilled in the martial arts, like those kungfu masters who move around lightly in those television dramas."

All the trainees had their eyes glued to the ring, holding their breaths in anticipation. They all felt that Gu Qianxue could spring a surprise here.

"Oh, she is indeed pretty. Both her and her elder sister, Gu Qianlin, are so beautiful, a pair of attractive siblings." Liu Tieguo said, his mind veering towards inappropriate thoughts.

"Her elder sister is Gu Qianlin?" Xiao Luo was shocked.

Liu Tieguo winked. "Yeah, her elder sister is Gu Qianlin, the chief overseeing the whole of Jiangcheng. Everyone has already known about it for a long time. Did you finally get access to the Internet?"

This came as a surprise to Xiao Luo, and he didn't really know how to react. He hadn't paid much attention to the goings-on ever since he came to the training camp. He found it interesting that the girl standing there in the ring was Gu Qianlin's younger sister. Upon closer inspection, she did indeed look rather like Gu Qianlin. But compared to her sister, Gu Qianxue looked more innocent, which would be expecting, seeing that she's only just starting out in life.

"No matter where I go, I seem to constantly run into Gu Qianlin one way or the other, could this be my fate?"

Xiao Luo thought to himself and shook his head in resignation.

Gu Qianlin had put Xiao Luo under constant surveillance, and this had caused him unending consternation. This annoyed him so much that he decided to use the Dragon Gang to teach her a lesson at the Yellow Skies Casino not too long ago. At the moment, she was probably recuperating and wouldn't be harassing him for a while. But he clearly did not expect that her younger sister, Gu Qianxue, would suddenly show up and become an auxiliary police officer just like him, what a coincidence!

Cheered on by the rousing crowd of trainees looking on, Gu Qianxue stood in a relaxed, high stance as wide as her shoulders, evenly balanced with her left foot forward. She kept side-on and moved lightly across the floor, silently closing the distance with Feng Zixiao. Both opponents were sizing each other up, finding the right time to strike. Feng Zixian put his weight forward to draw a reaction, and just at that instant, Gu Qianxue brought her back foot across 180 degrees keeping low in a wide stance. In a flash, she struck out with her right leg channeling power from her core and sending a brutal kick towards Feng Zixian's left flank.

Feng Zixiao had been through countless fights, but he felt a considerable pressure in this bout. He had lost his focus, and his timing, and caught flat-footed, quickly moved into the kick to minimize its impact. He positioned himself to parried with both palms, aiming for just below her knee to avoid the full force.

POW!

Th kick came in a whistling gust of wind, swift and powerful. Feng Zixian was a fraction too slow, and the kick burst into him with a sickening thud, sending him staggering back to the ropes.

She had beaten Instructor Feng with one kick!?

Her fellow trainees were shocked, not expecting Gu Qianxue, gentle and demure, to possess such skill and power!

The regular officers working out in the gym stopped what they were doing to watch the fight. They were quite surprised, and not to mention amazed.

Yan Wang was taken aback but still pleasantly surprised. He looked on with a thin smile on his lips. "Interesting indeed!"

Feng Zixiao swung his arms around, circulating his blood flow to rid the numbness from the kick. He had learned not to take this girl lightly in the slightest. He acknowledged her move, "You are indeed the disciple of Old Man Dugu, you are decently skilled, let's continue!"

Feng Zixiao assumed a low attacking stance, feinted a kick with his front foot, before prancing forward and throwing his back leg into a roundhouse kick. As she stepped back, he suddenly pulled in his leg into his chest and spun a full circle in a somersault then unleashed a vicious kick downwards into Gu Qianxue. She did not anticipate the move.

She stepped to her right and parried the forceful kick with open palms.

BOOM!

Two tremendous forces slammed into each other, and the brutal impact threw both fighters back. Recovering quickly, the combatants immediately advanced to meet each other, both employing very different fighting styles. Gu Qianxue moved lightly and struck with her palms, and Feng Zixian relied on his strength techniques, smiting with heavy balled fists. As palms met fists, a storm brewed as gusts of wind swirled accompanying each blow.

"They are both masters of inner power!"

Xiao Luo was slightly surprised. Had he not redeemed the Yijin Jing, he would never have realized that the fight between Gu Qianxue and Feng Zixiao involved the use of inner power. Even an instructor at the training camp of a local police station was a master of inner power; would this mean that the country still had countless expert masters who had hidden their identities?

Gu Qianxue's fellow trainees were stunned to silence. They already had a measure of how skillful Feng Zixiao was when they faced him earlier. He was a combat machine whose every single blow could easily take a man down. But even as they watched, Gu Qianxue, a fellow trainee, had shown everyone she could best him. It was simply unimaginable!

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

The bout continued, as Gu Qianxue and Feng Zixiao exchanged more than ten blows in a short space of time. The gym was shaking as the sound of the blows reverberated from the ring. 𝓁𝑖𝘣𝑟𝘦𝘢𝒹.𝑐ℴ𝘮

Suddenly, Gu Qianxue gave out a piercing scream, for a brief instant, time stood still. A raging force seemed to emerge from within her slender frame, and instantly, the battle recommenced. Her open palm attacks, combined with deadly kicks, appeared like a whirl of arms and legs. They came relentlessly at Feng Zixiao, and he was overwhelmed and pushed back.

Feng Zixiao twirled his massive arms in an intricate pattern of circles in front of his frame, effectively blocking off the scathing attack, but one strike got through his defense. He was struck in his chest.

BOOM! It felt like a speeding truck had crashed into him, and his whole body was thrown backward. The force was so great that he would have flown off the floor, had it not been for the ropes to arrest his fall. But, Gu Qianxue did not stop there. In a single, swift motion, she had bounded forward and executed a kick aimed directly at Feng Zixiao's left temple.

It was swift, strong, and of unparalleled force!

When Feng Zixiao collected himself, he realized that Gu Qianxue's right leg had stopped short to the left of his head, no more than 10 centimeters away. The deadly kick blew a strong gust of wind into his face. He remained still as a shiver ran down his spine.

"This counts as a win for me?"

Gu Qianxue asked sweetly, her cheeks blushing, and she once again looked pretty and innocent.

Feng Zixiao had lost face. He had underestimated Gu Qianxue's ability despite knowing of her skills in combat. He had thought that as she was still a girl, there was no way she could defeat him, regardless of how skilled she was. But in the end, he was proven wrong and paid the price for his arrogance.

Besides the trainees, the regular officers training at the gym had also watched the bout. The shame was quite a burden to bear as Feng Zixiao tried to salvage what pride he had left.

CLAP. CLAP. CLAP.

Yan Wang clapped, and with a smile on his face, he said to Gu Qianxue, "Not bad, you have won indeed, you can relax for the rest of the day."

Gu Qianxue smiled, retracted her slender, long leg from Feng Zixiao's head, and casually leaped down from the ring. She then gathered her things without saying a word and headed off to go get some rest.

Chapter 191

"How impressive!"

"Yeah, she really is Gu Qianlin's younger sister, her capabilities are equally strong."

"She is definitely among the most outstanding in our batch of auxiliary police cadets. She would certainly emerge in the first place from the training!"

The group of auxiliary police cadets in training looked up to Gu Qianxue, not just with respect, but also fear. Not only did she exchange more than 10 blows with Instructor Feng, the combat machine, she also irrefutably defeated the combat Instructor. This really was a terrifying fact that made her feared among her fellow trainees.

"I feel like she could kill me with a single blow... "Liu Tieguo put his hands to his blushing face and said sheepishly.

Xiao Luo laughed but didn't make any comments. In his mind, he also appreciated Gu Qianxue's skills and thought her capabilities were indeed noteworthy.

"Is there anyone else who wants the day off?" Their attention returned back to training when Yan Wang asked again loudly in his steely voice.

No one dared to answer. The cadets did not possess the skills of Gu Qianxue, and going up to the combat training area was as good as getting beaten up. None of them could withstand 10 blows from Feng Zixiao.

Yan Wang's gaze landed on Xiao Luo, and he asked him with an encouraging smile, "Xiao Luo, why don't you give it a try?"

Some distance away, Gu Qianxue, who was about to leave, stopped in her tracks. She turned slightly, looking towards Xiao Luo, as her bright eyes seemed to be anticipating something.

The rest of the cadets all looked at Xiao Luo, their faces looking puzzled. 𝓵𝙞𝙗𝙧𝙚𝒂𝙙.𝓬𝒐𝒎

"Why did Instructor Yan ask him specifically?"

"I also don't understand. Had Instructor Yan not shouted his name, I wouldn't even know that there's this person was in our batch of auxiliary police."

"Shh... Don't discuss our colleagues behind their backs."

Some were discussing softly and whispering to each other, while others were advising them not to talk.

Xiao Luo himself didn't expect Yan Wang to call him out. He took a step forward and answered, "Sir, I won't be able to take 10 blows from Instructor Feng."

There was no need for him to showcase himself in the arena, it was meaningless to him.

"Oh? Do you not have confidence in yourself?"

Yan Wang looked at Xiao Luo, and said in his steely tone rather teasingly, "My intuition tells me that you can do it. Go up and give it a try."

Xiao Luo didn't answer him, but simply shook his head.

"What a coward and a wimp. The rest have all gone up and tried, but you fear for your life, are you sure you are here to become an auxiliary police officer?" Yan Wang's expression turned serious.

"Sir, one must have a good understanding of oneself, there is no need to try pointless stuff." Xiao Luo answered, showing little interest in proving himself.

Yan Wang laughed coldly. "If you don't even dare to try, what is the difference between you and a piece of salted fish."

"Xiao Luo, stop being evasive, if you are a man, come up and fight me!" From the arena, Feng Zixiao also spoke, attempting to agitate him.

Xiao Luo said, "Sir, I don't want to fight, is that alright?"

"Alright!"

Yan Wang said somewhat regretfully, "Never mind then since you are not willing to fight."

He put his sunglasses back on and turned.

However, at this moment, Yan Wang suddenly acted. He turned abruptly, his tense body rushing forward, like an arrow let loose and an eagle escaping its cage. Taking five quick steps, Yan Wang launched himself into the air, leaping a distance of four or five meters, and landing next to Xiao Luo. He swung his clenched fist, aiming it directly at Xiao Luo's face. It happened so quickly, and everyone could only watch with gaping mouths.

It was a combination of speed and force. The punch was strong and forceful, accompanied by a whistling gust of wind. If someone were to be struck by it, one could only imagine how severe the injury would be.

"Careful!"

Liu Tieguo was alarmed by the speed and force of the attack and shouted a warning.

At the same time, Xiao Luo had not expected Yan Wang to suddenly attack. He had no room to maneuver, and his only option was to cross his arms before his face in a hurry to protect his head. Yan Wang's punch landed squarely on where his arms crossed each other.

Boom!

The blow landed with a terrifying force. Xiao Luo's expression changed slightly, and he was knocked forcefully backward like a cannonball, almost slamming against the wall of the gym. There, Xiao Luo knelt on the floor on one knee.

Many people couldn't make sense of what they had just seen, as some stood wide-eyed in shock, while others were rubbing their eyes in disbelief. As they realized that beyond doubt that Xiao Luo had really been thrown back for four or five meters by a single punch from Yan Wang, they were then genuinely stunned.

"Old Yan..."

In the arena, Feng Zixiao's expression was one of confusion. He was not against trying to gauge the actual capabilities of Xiao Luo, but the punch that was thrown was too forceful. Yan Wang had even used his inner strength. So how could Xiao Luo withstand it?

Meanwhile, seeing that Xiao Luo was on the ground on one knee, kneeling in silence, Yan Wang frowned and muttered to himself, "Could it be that I've misread you?"

Just as he said that Xiao Luo suddenly wiped the dust off his arm and stood up.

He... he was fine?

The expressions of all the auxiliary police cadets in training changed.

From where she stood, Gu Qianxue also looked surprised.

"Do you really want to know my capabilities so badly?" A dark and cold voice rang out.

Xiao Luo said coldly, looking at Yan Wang as he lifted his head. His hitherto cultured and calm countenance suddenly took on a different air; he now looked grim and cold. He never wanted to be too visible among his peers, but that didn't mean that he didn't dare to speak out when pushed to the limit. Yan Wang's punch was unnecessarily forceful, so hefty was the blow that it could have broken the ribs of anyone else. So what if this man was an instructor? Xiao Luo's temper was now flaring, and in such a condition, he would fight back even if his opponent was the king of heaven or someone of the highest authority.

Yan Wang's expression changed, shocked by the dark and cold aura that Xiao Luo now exuded.

Then he smiled slightly. "Indeed I do, I hope that you can go all out to defeat me!"

"You sure?" Xiao Luo laughed coldly.

"Very sure. I have been staying at this training camp for too long, and I haven't met a decent opponent for a long time. I hope that you can give me a pleasant surprise."

Yan Wang removed his sunglasses and threw them aside. He had a deep suspicion that Xiao Luo was a beast, and his punch was intentionally meant to anger him. As the hunter, he felt an inexplicable sense of excitement rather than fear.

"I'll satisfy you!"

Xiao Luo snorted in reply, then straightening his body. He took four or five quick steps towards his opponent, his feet stomping on the floor violently, then leaped high into the air in his own unique style. He seemed to be moving at the speed of light. His sudden outburst and aggressive posture had surprised everyone present, and they all exchanged looks of shock.

Boom! Xiao Luo delivered a powerful punch with overwhelming force that bore down on Yan Wang like a mountain.

It was incredibly powerful and forceful!

Seeing the incoming strike, Yan Wang's expression changed drastically, and he immediately moved backward to avoid Xiao Luo's heavy punch.

His fist struck downwards slicing through layers of air, barely missing Yan Wang's chin, then slammed into the floor with great force. To the onlookers, it appeared like a shooting-star striking Earth!

His fist struck the in a loud crash. The impact threw debris into a cloud of dust and sand, spewing over everyone. The force of the blow pushed Yan Wang back four or five steps before he could steady himself. He took a good look at Xiao Luo, totally stunned. Xiao Luo's fist had smashed through the tiled floor, punching a hole the size of a bowl on the floor.

Gulp.

Yan Wang swallowed hard, a look of terror etched on his face. He thought to himself, "What the f*ck, is he really human?"

Liu Tieguo and everyone else stared, with their eyes and mouths wide open in utter amazement.

Gu Qianxue looked equally shock. She didn't expect Xiao Luo to be this powerful.

His punch having missed the target, Xiao Luo lifted his head, his eyes trained on Yan Wang like a predatory beast.

Yan Wang broke out in cold sweat. He had stayed in Shaolin Temple for some time and learned a set of boxing moves involving inner power. Even with his skills, he was sure that he was no match for Xiao Luo, so he quickly extended a hand to stop the fight. Laughing, he said, "Alright, alright, that's enough, I already have a preliminary understanding of your capabilities."

"Don't you want to understand it further?" Xiao Luo looked at him coldly.

Hearing those words, Yan Wang's face flushed red in anger, but he couldn't afford to lose face with other trainees around. So he forced himself to stay calm, coughed dryly once, and said resolutely, "No need, I have gained complete insight of your capabilities."

Chapter 192

What was his background? A monster?

Yan Wang cursed to himself as he witnessed Xiao Luo's forceful attack that was as powerful as a tiger and wolf. He had not expected this when he tested Xiao Luo, and it had shocked him deeply. Yan Wang regarded himself as skillful but wasn't a match for Xiao Luo, who had displayed extreme strength and skill. If he really did have to fight with Xiao Luo, he would obviously find himself in a compromising situation. His dignity as an instructor would have suffered considerably. 𝓁𝘪𝒷𝘳ℯ𝘢𝑑.𝒸𝘰𝑚

At this moment, he suddenly wished that he had not done this. Staying in the training camp for too long had made him feel invincible, and he looked down on the people outside the academy. This attitude had caused him to almost embarrass himself on his own territory.

Xiao Luo gave him a way out by not being overly aggressive. He had vented out much of his anger through that single punch he had thrown out.

Since he had already revealed his strength, there was no further need to display his talents. He turned away and left the gym. Nobody stopped him as his show of strength and skill deserved him a day off.

Gulp!

Only after he had left for some time, did the group of Auxiliary police reserves recover, blinking as the emerged from their stupor, their eyes still wide-opened in awe, and swallowing their saliva with great difficulty.

"S-so awesome..."

"He's not just awesome, he's like a beast!"

"It's terrifying, he smashed the floor to pieces with just one blow!"

Everyone looked at each other, still horrified as they recovered from their state of shock. Who would have thought that the unassuming guy whose performance had always been mediocre would turn out to be so fierce? Even Yan Wang had not dared to continue the fight and sought a peaceful settlement. They could not make sense of how such a terrifying, explosive force could be unleashed from such a slim and lithe figure.

Even Liu Tieguo, ss a colleague who was close to Xiao Luo, broke into a cold sweat. As he watched Xiao Luo leaving, he murmured to himself, "This brother's too fierce!"

...

...

After he left the gym, he looked out in the distance, scanning the surrounding landscape. Ahead of him, he could see the tall buildings rising from a nearby town,

one or two kilometers away. The mountain behind the training camp was about six hundred meters above sea level. The air blowing down from the mountain was refreshing, making him feel relaxed and joyful.

Xiao Luo was goofing around when he decided to visit Xiao Ruyi. She was living nearby at the Guangming District.

"Hey." Someone whispered.

He turned around and saw Gu Qianxue as she approached him, stepping lightly along the path. She had long, flowing hair that reminded him of a waterfall, she stopped about three to four meters away from him and stared at him curiously with her bright, shiny, without blinking.

Xiao Luo looked around and realized there was nobody around, so he pointed at himself and asked, "Are you calling me?"

Gu Qianxue nodded, "You were amazing, I want to spar with you."

Xiao Luo stunned, smiled apologetically, "Sorry. I'm not in the mood for this!"

He started to walk off as he said those words.

Gu Qianxue blinked then dashed in front of him, spreading her arms wide apart to block him. She remained silent as she gazed at him.

Xiao Luo shook his head and laughed, "Why must you spar with me?"

"It's because you're strong and skillful." Gu Qianxue answered, sounding serious.

I am strong and skillful?

Xiao Luo wanted to laugh as her reason made no sense. "Are all martial artists this competitive?: He thought to himself. Yan Wang acted like this, so did this little girl.

Hence he came up with a convenient excuse to dismiss her, "I'm in a rush, next time."

"When's the next time?" Gu Qianxue asked directly.

"Next time is next time, maybe in the afternoon, or tomorrow, or the day after tomorrow. I'll inform you if I'm free."

Although Xiao Luo did not favor Gu Qianlin, he did not want to give the wrong impression of himself to Gu Qianxue, the girl before him. It was hard to give her the cold shoulder, especially with her pair of unusually bright and lovely eyes, that lent to her appearance of inexperience and innocence.

He started walking back to the training camp dormitory after he had spoken. With Yan Wang's permission, he was finally allowed to retrieve his personal belongings. He took off his training suit, changed into his own clothes, and then prepared to leave the camp.

However, he had underestimated Gu Qianxue's persistence. She was right there in her camouflage suit, waiting for him again, as he exited the dormitory building.

She stood there, tall and upright, looking like a soldier. With a fresh face, she stared at him, cooly with an unflinching calm.

Xiao Luo chose to ignore her, walking directly towards the training camp gate. And, as he strode away, Gu Qianxue also followed closely, just like a little tail behind him. She kept her distance at about four to five meters, and whenever she saw Xiao Luo stopping, she would stop too.

After a while, Xiao Luo could not help but asked her, "Why are you following me?"

Gu Qianxue remained silent for a moment and then spoke out, sounding quite adamant, "I felt that you were avoiding me and did not want to spar with me at all."

"You could even realize that? What a good job you have done!"

Xiao Luo couldn't ignore the irony and intentionally spoke in a serious tone, "Sparring requires a good physical condition. After I have recovered to a better condition, I'll spar with you. Can you stop following me now?"

Gu Qianxue shook her head and said, "No. You're lying."

Xiao Luo was feeling a little awkward as nobody ever could determine if he was lying or telling the truth by reading the inflections in his tone and nuances of his facial expression. How could this little girl tell?

"How'd you know that I'm lying?"

"By feeling."

Gu Qianxue uttered the two words softly.

Xiao Luo was speechless, then spoke affirmatively, "I can honestly tell you that your feelings are wrong."

Upon saying that, he turned away and left.

However, Gu Qianxue was still trailing behind him and had been doing so ever since he left the training camp. She acted like a stubborn little wolf pup that had its eyes on its prey.

Xiao Luo stopped again, and feeling a little helpless, he said, "What do you want from me?"

"To spar with you." Gu Qianxue still said the same thing.

"Out here?"

Xiao Luo finally gave in to the little girl. It would make sense to spar in the camp, but to spar on the main road with this many busy cars passing would make people think that they were both nuts.

But Qu Qianxue nodded excitedly and said, "Yes."

Xiao Luo felt himself crumbling inside. Gu Qianxue resembled a blank sheet paper, but a very stubborn blank sheet of paper. He couldn't reprimand her loudly even if he wanted to, it wouldn't change anything. So, he finally thought of a way to deal with her.

"Okay, I accept your request. Do you want to spar? It doesn't have to be martial arts, we could compete for something else. Let's compete for speed now."

He pointed at the N-shaped building a fair distance away, and said, "If you reach there first, I'll spar with you, in terms of martial arts. If you lose, then stop pestering me and go back to the camp immediately, okay?"

Gu Qianxue glared at that building and carefully thought about it, then nodded and said, "Fine."

Xiao Luo got into the running position, ready to start, "Let's start!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Gu Qianxue, without wasting a second, rushed out towards that building like a gush of wind. As she ran past Xiao Luo, he caught a whiff of her fragrance. She was agile like a swallow, swift yet elegant.

2"She's just too gullible!"

Then it dawned on Xiao Luo, and it surprised him somewhat. It wasn't just silliness, Gu Qianxue was really like an innocent child, untainted by the ways of the world. She could be easily fooled by a simple trick.

He flagged down a taxi and then left in the opposite direction.

Chapter 193

Arriving at the People's Hospital of Guangming Region, Xiao Luo met Feng Wuhen and his companions.

"Brother Xiao!"

The five of them greeted him respectfully.

"Has Dragon Gang been trying to create trouble for Ruyi recently?" Xiao Luo asked.

"Not Dragon Gang but a reckless fuerdai[1] has been going after her like a 'Salonpas.'" Feng Wuhen said.

Xiao Luo frowned, "Fuerdai?"

His sister was already married to Tang Ren, and as a married woman, anyone who was after her was surely up to no good.

Feng Wuhen nodded, glancing at the hospital entrance, "Yup, I've confirmed that his name is Hua Haifeng. He got into a car accident recently, from driving recklessly. He has been recuperating at the premium VIP ward and has almost recovered fully, but he insisted on staying on in the hospital. He harasses Ms. Ruyi daily."

He had yet to know that the person who had offered twenty thousand to them to teach Xiao Luo a lesson was actually Hua Haifeng. He was indeed the real employer behind all these.

Hua Haifeng?!

Xiao Luo smirked, a cold smile as if he was about to face his enemy on a narrow road. He did not hold any grudges against Hua Haifeng for stealing Zhao Mengqi from him, as it was Zhao Mengqi's choice. However, Hua Haifeng had his sights on his sister now, and he was literally "probing at his reverse scale" [2].

"Got it."

"Good job for now." Xiao Luo gave a pat on Feng Wuhen's shoulder.

It was not an easy task to guard someone day and night. In fact, it was a long and tedious task, and would adversely affect one's sleep quality, among other things.

"Brother Xiao's too polite." Feng Wuhen, embarrassed, scratched the back of his head and said graciously.

"I'll around today, so you guys can go out to relax. Come back again tonight at 8 pm." Xiao Luo smiled.

"Got it, hehe..."

Feng Wuhen and his team of four had a twinkle in their eyes when they heard Xiao Luo say those words. It was indeed a time-intensive and challenging job, so having a day off to relax was exciting news.

...

...

At the hospital, a man, looking like a modern-day Cassanova dressed in fancy clothes, was strolling casually along the corridor with a bouquet. He had a high forehead, and the sparkling diamond ring on his finger flashed so bright, it almost blinded the nurses as he walked passed them. It was a brilliant piece of jewelry, and women who knew about such things naturally knew its worth. As for its bearer, he must come from a wealthy family.

"Leather wallet from Saint Laurent, trousers from Diesel Black Gold, Shoes from Ferragamo; all these items would cost more than ten thousand, and any girl who had the good fortune to date this man would surely have inexhaustible amounts of money to splurge." Several nurses were whispering among themselves, their eyes were gleaming as if they have discovered a mountain of gold.

To junior nurses working their way up from the bottom of the pile, such a dream of a man was no less than a Prince charming living in a grand palace. And if that prince fancied them, why, they would be transformed into distinguished princesses immediately.

However, what they did not realize was that this man was a scourge to countless girls with such sweet dreams, a heartless predator who had already despoiled the morals of many a fair maiden.

He was none other than, Hua Haifeng, the son of Huahai Corporation's chairman!

There was a man who looked to be in his fifties walking beside Hua Haifeng. His name was Guan Zhong, and he was the chamberlain of the Hua family. He was dressed in a gentleman's suit. After Hua Haifeng was injured, the chairman of Huahai Corporation sent him to look after Hua Haifeng personally.

Guan Zhong was greatly disappointed with his young master. Where previously, he used to fancy pretty girls whose cherries were ripe for the picking. These days his tastes favored married women. He let out a long sigh and cautioned him, "Young master, you should learn to grow up. The Huahai Corporation's bound to fall to you someday. But before that, you must prepare yourself to possess enough ability to carry the weight of its responsibilities."

"You better shut up, my Pops is not even bothering me, why are you so nosy? Do you really think being the chamberlain gives you the authority to manage everything in my life? You better always remember that you're nothing but a dog of the Hua family. You're a dog that dares to interfere in its owner's business. Is your brain having a stroke?" Hua Haifeng shot back viciously.

"I..."

Guan Zhong wanted to explain but had he decided it was best to remain silent.

Hua Haifeng completely ignored him as he approached the nurse's desk, where Xiao Ruyi worked.

" Heh heh...women in nursing outfits are sexy, they really make me want to conquer them..."

He stared at Xiao Ruyi sitting at the nurse's desk, she was busy at work with her head lowered. Watching her lewdly, Hua Haifeng could not help himself and swallowed his saliva.

He smoothed out his attire quickly, then acting the perfect gentleman, he walked up to her. "We meet again, Ruyi, my fair lady. These flowers are for you!"

His handsome face exuded with passionate fervor. 𝘭𝘪𝘣𝑟𝘦𝘢𝒹.𝘤𝑜𝓂

The nurses that were close by looked on in envy and perhaps a tinge of jealousy. A few of them even bit their lips so hard they were literally bleeding.

Xiao Ruyi looked up and said coldly, "Give the flower to someone else, I don't want my husband to misunderstand."

She might have been attracted to the likes of like Hua Haifeng when she was younger, but she was now no longer one of those innocent and demure little girls. She could tell that Hua Haifeng was a wolf in sheep's skin just by a single look. The unfortunate woman that fell prey to his ways would definitely be exploited thoroughly. If she hadn't been constrained by the fact that he was a patient there, she would have told him to get the f*ck out.

"These flowers represent my gratitude to you. When I was confined to my hospital bed, you were the shining light into my dimming world and allowed me to find the hope of living again. You're not just my angel in white, but the healer of my soul, so please accept this token of my gratitude towards you."

Hua Haifeng was exceptional when it came to flattering girls, and as he said those, the nurses and female patients swooned, they even began to feel jealous and envious to the point of hating Xiao Ruyi. They wished that it was them that Hua Haifeng was showing his gratitude to.

Xiao Ruyi looked at him disdainfully and said, "I'm a nurse, it's my job to look after the patients, you don't have to be thankful. I still have some work to do, you should get going. Please don't interfere with my work here."

"If Ms. Ruyi agrees to dine with me tonight, then I'll leave. The dinner will be a gesture of my gratitude, I hope you won't misunderstand." Hua Haifeng said.

"You better get..."

Xiao Ruyi's pretty brows furrowed in chagrin, and she almost shouted, "get lost", but quickly realizing that she needed to keep her excellent image as a nurse, she forcefully shut herself up.

"Honey."

At this moment, Tang Ren finally got the opportunity to leave his department after hearing that someone was harassing his wife. When he got there, he understood the situation immediately, seeing the roses in Hua Haifeng's hand. He grabbed the flower with a smile and replied politely, "You're here to thank my wife right, then I shall receive your gratitude on behalf of my wife. Hmm, the flower's pretty fresh and fragrant."

"Really, hubby?"

Xiao Ruyi purposely leaned towards Tang Ren teasingly, wrapping her arms around his affectionately. She did not think that Hua Haifeng could be so thick-skinned to continue harassing her after seeing this.

But of course, she had underestimated how persistent Hua Haifeng was. His mind was already twisted. It was at the point where he took pleasure and felt a sense of accomplishment by snatching what belonged to others. The more affection Xiao Ruyi showed towards Tang Ren, the more he wanted to obtain Xiao Ruyi excitingly.

Chapter 194

Hua Haifeng shot a sneering glance at Tang Ren, not in anger or animosity, but with unconcealed disdain. He then spoke politely, "Miss Ruyi is a fairy who should enjoy a true man's love and affection. A fairy should set herself high above the masses, rather than attending to other people in this place filled with the smell of disinfectant. I may not be brilliant, nor do I have hundreds of millions of dollars to burn, but my financial situation is not insignificant."

Turning to Ruyi, he declared," Ms. Ruyi, I can offer you a brand new life if you're so kind as to let me. You won't have to rush to get to work in time every morning, won't be a punchbag for patients, and you definitely won't need to stay in rented shabby rooms that cost a few hundred bucks every month. You will own your house and buy whatever you want. You will never need to consider the price when you shop in the mall. And your bank balance will never be less than seven digits."

He painted Xiao Ruyi an enchanting, dream-like life any girl would die for. The young nurses who heard his intoxicating words weakened at their knees, wishing they were the ones to whom Hua Haifeng was declaring his love. They would accept him in a heartbeat!

As mild-tempered as Tang Ren was, he couldn't accept that Hua Haifeng was professing his love to his woman in front of him.

Without so much as even a glimpse at Tang Ren, Hua Haifeng continued to pursue her with a wonton smile, "I wonder if Miss Ruyi would like a live a life like that?" He then stretched out his right hand like a gentleman inviting his partner for a dance, and said, "Miss Ruyi, you only have to nod slightly and give me your hand, life will open a new door for you."

"What's wrong with you? Seducing another man's wife! Have you no shame?"

Furious, Tang Ren roared at Hua Haifeng and raised his hand to push Hua Haifeng away. In an instant, Guan Zhong appeared like a ghost in front of Tang Ren, even before he could lay a hand on Hua Haifeng. His weathered fingers stretched out and grabbed Tang Ren's wrist like a pair of iron pliers. Tang Ren's face twisted in pain, and he immediately howled in agony as Guan Zhong locked him with a firm hold.

"What are you doing? Let him go. Did you hear me, you old fool? Let go of my husband!" Xiao Ruyi shrieked, her pretty face turning pale with anguish.

Hua Haifeng, a born philanderer, quickly took advantage of the opportunity to grab Xiao Ruyi in his arms tightly as she rushed forward. He said to her, "Miss Ruyi, this man doesn't deserve you at all. He will never be able to give you the life you want. Leave him and be with me. I will make your dreams come true. Even if you wanted the moon in the sky, I would figure out a way to get it for you."

"Hua, you bastard, what are you doing? Let me go!"

Xiao Ruyi struggled with all her strength and still couldn't get away Hua Haifeng's embrace. However, every rose has thorns, and with all her might, she stepped hard on Hua Haifeng's foot. Hua Haifeng screamed and jumped back in pain.

Xiao Ruyi didn't stop there. She dashed towards him, raised her right knee, and promptly slammed up on Hua Haifeng's crotch.

Aiyoh!

The watching crowd winched along with Hua Haifeng, almost like they felt the excruciating pain exploding in their groin areas. An image of breaking eggs and shattered eggshell flashed through their heads. It's too agonizing to picture.

Hua Haifeng clutched at his crotch, his legs squeezed together, and his body bent in sheer agony. With his face as red as a pig's liver, Hua Haifeng stomped his feet and shrieked in a screeching high-pitch, "F*UCK!"

"Young Master!"

Guan Zhong released Tang Ren and ran towards Hua Haifeng.

Hua Haifeng pushed him away frenziedly. He raised his head and pointed at Xiao Ruyi, yelling, "Guan Zhong, take this b*tch. She dared to kick my balls. I'm going to torture her to death!"

Hua Haifeng had lost his refined and courteous demeanor, and his gentleman's bearing was no more. Crying in absolute pain, his true colors were revealed. Bulging blue veins throbbed on the side of his forehead, stared hard at Xiao Ruyi as if he wanted to kill her.

"Yes, young master."

Following the order like a good soldier driven by blind loyalty, Guan Zhong raised his leathery hands, preparing to strike at Xiao Ruyi. The tips of his fingers were as sharp as blades, and they would leave frightening streaks where they hit. He turned and looked at Xiao Ruyi with no visible emotions.

Xiao Ruyi's face was as pale as a ghost, feeling as if she was about to be attacked by a beast. She broke out in a cold sweat with froze with fear.

"Don't touch my wife!"

Shouting and yelling, Tang Ren threw himself at Guan Zhong, completely disregarding his own safety. A hand was raised, and a man was down. Without even a blink, Tang Ren was knocked out cold by Guan Zhong.

"Hee-yah!" Right at that moment, a high-pitched screech pierced the air, coming from the distant hallway. Like a flash of lightning striking through the air, it was onto them in a split second. Appearing like a wraith, it spun like a shadow through the air, and without any warning of a foot flew at Guan Zhong's neck, with a swift and deadly intent.

The sudden attack took Guan Zhong by surprise. The menacing presence and the fierce strike of his unexpected opponent had put him under tremendous pressure.

He moved backward quickly. His left hand turned and clenched into a fist; from a low stance, he threw his fist wide, in an arch, towards his opponent's flank.

Bang!

His fist came into direct collision with a powerful and precisely timed kick, so forceful that it crashed through and plowed into the waiting body. The impact reverberated through Guan Zhong, like an angry tsunami. He was thrown in the air, appearing like a kite with a broken string. A mouthful of blood sprayed in an arch. He was landed hard on the floor with bloodstains on the corner of his mouth.

The darting figure spun in the air and landed on the ground nimbly. It was a handsome young man, he wore a grim and cold expression.

"Brother?"

Xiao Ruyi was surprised to see Xiao Luo, and immediately felt safe again and overcome with an intense feeling of joy. After helping Tang Ren get up, she flew into Xiao Luo's arms, soft and demure, like a beautiful butterfly.

Tang Ren's shoulder was still aching from Guan Zhong's blow. He walked over to Xiao Luo and called him "brother" affectionately.

All the onlookers in the room stared, wide-eyed, in astonishment. The scene they'd just witnessed was heart-stirring as if they were watching a wuxia TV drama. The racing pace, spinning, and kicking — everything happened in a flash. How amazing it was! Adding a twist to the plot, the person even turned out to be Xiao Ruyi's brother.

Xiao Lyo rubbed Xiao Ruyi's on the top of the head affectionately, grinned, and said, "I haven't seen you in days. You seem to be even prettier."

"Jerk. You're mocking me again." Xiao Ruyi said while pouting her lips.

"Xiao... Xiao Luo?"

Hua Haifeng stared at Xiao Luo, aghast and dumbfounded. The pain in his groin started to wear off, and he slowly stood up straight.

Xiao Luo's eyes glared at him coldly. A menacing look was pulsing deep inside his eyes like flame. He said, "Hua Haifeng, how dare you dally with my sister. It looks like you are really tired of living."

Guan Zhong sensed the threat in Xiao Luo's tone. Disregarding his pain, he struggled to get up and came before Xiao Luo. Cupping one hand over the other, in front of his chest, he bowed low to Xiao Luo and said deferentially, "Mr. Xiao, I'm ignorant and have no wisdom. I could only wish you would be lenient and give the wrongdoer a way out. I can promise that Hua Haifeng will never show up in front of Miss Ruyi's ever again!"

Cold sweat rolled down Guan Zhong's forehead. He had practiced martial arts for many years, and never had he experienced such a strong aura of death on anyone until today. His ominous presence made his soul tremble in fear. Adding to the fact that he was defeated with only one move, he realized that this man was an out-and-out killer.𝑙𝘪𝑏𝓇ℯ𝑎𝒹.𝒸𝘰𝓂

Chapter 195

A menacing force was crashing through the hallway like raging waves. It was an overpowering, otherworldly force that emanated from Xiao Luo. It was not visible or tangible in any way but could be sensed swirling around, formless, yet omnipresent. Everyone in the room felt the suddenly turn cold dramatically, and they shuddered in fear. 𝓁𝑖𝑏𝑟𝘦𝒶𝘥.𝒸𝘰𝑚

Even though Hua Haifeng was frightened and terrified by Xiao Luo, he was still the crown prince of the formidable Huahai Corporation and had been raised like an imperial heir to inherit the business empire. He had always been insolent and impertinent as a child. Although he had Guan Zhong, a martial arts master, he mostly counted on his father. Their wealth made them untouchable, and they were adept at securing personal gains. In his eyes, Xiao Luo looked nothing more than a catfish struggling in the slush at the bottom of the society. He had no reason to fear him.

"Xiao Luo, I have been looking for you for a long time. What a surprise. This Xiao Ruyi is your sister. I wouldn't fight for that b*tch Zhao Mengqi if I knew you have such a pretty sister. Your sister here is much hotter than that b*tch."

"Hua Haifeng, shut the f*ck up!"

Guan Zhong's face suddenly red with rage. He raised his hand and slapped Hua Haifeng on his face for making that offensive remark to Xiao Luo.

TWACK!

It was a harsh, heavy slap, and it echoed right across the hallway, loud and clear. Hua Haifeng spun back and crashed against the wall, the distinct weals of five fingers visible on his face.

Hua Haifeng's eyes widened. He covered his throbbing face and glared at Guan Zhong in anger, said, "Guan Zhong, you... you're f*cking crazy..."

He couldn't believe he was slapped by his steward.

Guan Zhong ignored his young master, whom he couldn't help thinking, was as stupid as a pig. He turned to Xiao Luo and made a profoundly courteous gesture, said, "Mr. Xiao, please spare his life. He only used some bad language; he doesn't deserve to die."

Guan Zhong's tone was sincere and earnest. He was running out of options, Xiao Luo's fighting spirit had sapped his vigor even as Xiao Luo's menacing force was manifested. Even though Xiao Luo might not kill his young master outright in front of all these people, Guan Zhong still feared for Hua Haifeng's life. After today, who would have the ability to protect him from here on now that he is on Xiao Luo's list?

Xiao Luo looked at him casually and said, "Ok. I will let today's incident go if one of his legs is disabled."

Xiao Luo's voice was rigid and cold, full of murderous intent.

Hua Haifeng was stunned upon hearing Xiao Luo's remark. He snarled like a crazy dog, "Xiao, who do you think you are. You're only a d*mn catfish at the bottom of the society. How dare you even think about breaking my leg. Believe it or not, I can put you in prison for a lifetime with one phone call."

Everyone now saw Hua Haifeng in his true colors. The fawning girls who were fooled by his glamorous facade earlier now showed nothing but disgust on their faces.

Guan Zhong still paid no heed to Hua Haifeng. He said with an awkward expression, "This..."

"Don't have the heart to do it?"

Xiao Luo uttered a snort with a disdainful look and said, "Then it looks like I have to do it on my own."

Xiao Luo was aware that laying a hand to Hua Haifeng would bring him trouble down the road. But the young fool had crossed the line, –threatening and causing harm to Xiao Ruyi and Tang Ren. Xiao Luo could never allow Hua Haifeng to walk out of this unscathed.

Looking at Xiao Luo moving closer and closer, Guan Zhong broke out into a cold sweat and clenched his jaw firmly he had to quickly weigh the advantages and disadvantages.

"There is no need to trouble yourself, Mr. Xiao!"

Guan Zhong made up his mind. He instantly turned around and bounded towards Hua Haifeng. As Hua Haifeng watched with startled eyes, Guan Zhong's right hand chopped on his left shin like a cleaver.

Crack! Aargh!

The sickening sound of breaking bone was immediately accompanied by a shrill, gut-wrenching cry of pain, making everyone's hair stand on end. The blow had caused Hua Haifeng's left shin to collapse inward into a V, snapping the shin bone in two.

Guan Zhong now looked toward Xiao Luo as though waiting for his ruling.

"You've acted ruthlessly enough to save your master's life. I will let this one slide. If this happens again, I guarantee that you will regret that you have ever been born."

Xiao Luo said to Guan Zhong coldly, then roared, "F*ck off!"

"Thank you, Mr. Xiao, for your mercy."

Guan Zhong returned a courteous gesture with his hands, then carried the shrieking Hua Haifeng on his shoulders and left the place swiftly as though they were granted a pardon.

Although his leg was broken, Hua Haifeng would be able to recover. If he was treated promptly, he wouldn't even suffer any long term effects. Guan Zhong was very confident of his own skill. He broke the shin bone cleanly to prevent any complications, so the treatment wouldn't be too complicated.

After Guan Zhong and Hua Haifeng left, everyone stared in awe at the slender figure standing in the middle of the hallway. They couldn't believe that the arrogant and nasty Guan Zhong would fear him so much that he even chose to break his own master's leg.

Who on earth was this person?

It was a question emerging in everybody's mind that very instant. With hithes ability to evoke such intense fear, this man was definitely not someone ordinary.

Xiao Ruyi and Tang Ren were also dumb stricken. They were more convinced now that their brother Xiao Luo was as mysterious as he was powerful. For example, they learned that Sun Yu totally forgot everything that happened in Jiangcheng. Her memory of it had been totally erased. Even her drug addiction had disappeared too.

They knew this wasn't due to the doctors, because of the dramatic change in Sun Yu only happened after their brother Xiao Luo spending a night in Sun Yu's ward. They couldn't believe that it had nothing to do with their elder brother Xiao Luo.

...

...

Guan Zhong carried Hua Haifeng directly into their company car. Howling the whole time, Hua Haifeng was furious and could not forgive Guan Zhong for breaking his leg.

"Young master, just put up with it for a little while longer. I will take you to the hospital immediately."

"You f*cking dead dog. I will ask my dad to cut you into pieces when I meet him."

Hua Haifeng scratched and pounded Guan Zhong like a crazy old woman and didn't stop yelling, "You dared to break my leg. I will bury your whole family alive!"

"That Xiao Luo was too terrifying. I have never met anyone who could manifest such a lethal force. You would probably have died in his hands if I didn't do this." Guan Zhong explained with patience and sincerity. He was genuinely distressed for having to break Hua Haifeng's leg.

"Haha... Is that right? Looks like I have to thank you now."

"I would never harm you no matter what I do."

Guan Zhong was like an old, kindly father giving guidance to his son.

He was paying attention to the road as he drove and didn't see Hua Haifeng stealthily taking out a knife. The blade, about ten inches long, gleamed coldly under the glow of the street lights outsides.

Hua Haifeng sneered viciously with these words, "Old Guan, I can't thank you enough!"

The knife in his hand was thrust into Guan Zhong's chest, the blood spurted out, soaking Guan Zhong's shirt.

"Young Master, you..."

Guan Zhong slammed on the brakes and tried to control the car while enduring the pain to avoid the vehicle turning over sideways.

Hua Haifeng's angry face looked deranged. His leg had been broken by someone that he had always considered to be a lackey. The deep humiliation made him lose all his senses.

"I was thanking you. What, old dog? You don't like my way of appreciation?"

As he spoke, he stabbed Guan Zhong a few more times.

Guan Zhong's chest was a bloody mess as blood poured out from stab wounds to his heart. It was a fatal attack even for a master of inner force.

Close to death now, Guan Zhongmanaged to bring the car to a halt safely. With his bulging eyes, and with his last breath, he grabbed Hua Haifeng by the hand and said, "Child... I... I'm not a dog. I... I'm your father..."

Hua Haifeng was stunned and then cursed, "Bullsh*t! My dad is Hua Guoming!"

Chapter 196

There was only the tenderness of a father's gaze in Guan Zhong's eyes, not a shred of resentment. He looked at Hua Haifeng with dull, opaque eyes as exhaled a deep, long sigh, "Your mother and I were childhood sweethearts. Hua Guoming took her away from me. I was not ready to accept the reality; therefore, I hid my identity and went to the Hua Family to be the family steward. I am your biological father. For the past 20 years, did you not feel my love for you?"

"Stop spewing nonsense, you worthless dog! Do you want to trick me? No way!" Hua Haifeng screamed furiously in rage.

"Kid, you can go back home and ask your mother. She will tell you the truth..."

"I don't believe it! Don't believe it! You are buillsh*ting me. My dad is Hua Guoming, president of the Huahai Corporation. How could a lowly dog like you be my father!"

Hua Haifeng was hysterical. He couldn't accept how he had now fallen from being the crown prince of the mighty Huahai Corporation to be a butler's son, not to mention an illegitimate son. How ridiculous and ironic. He lunged with his knife at Guan Zhong like a deranged madman and stabbed a dozen bloody holes on Guan Zhong's chest.

Bleeding from his mouth and nose, Guan Zhong started to convulse.

Hua Haifeng came back to his senses and realized he had killed someone. Panic-stricken, he pushed the car door open and ran out limping with his broken left leg.

A bitter smile formed on Guan Zhong's anguished face. He was killed by his own son. Could it really be karma?

He slammed the accelerator to the floor. The fancy business car darted forward like a sharp arrow and crashed into a tanker parked by the roadside. With a deafening explosion, the two vehicles were engulfed in flames. Destroying the evidence was the last thing he could do for his son. He couldn't let the cause of his death to hang over Hua Haifeng.

Hua Haifeng hadn't walked too far away. He was startled by the sudden sound of an explosion and fell to the ground. Maybe he could really felt the connection with his father. Perhaps he was only frightened. Tears welled from his eyes as he watched the raging flames shooting up into the air.

...

...

Xiao Luo spent the whole day with Xiao Ruyi and Tang Ren. They ate and drank and had a good time. Although Xiao Ruyi asked Xiao Luo about certain things, he didn't reveal too much. He only told her, "Anything at any time would not change the fact that I am your brother!"

These words were very sufficient to reassure Xiao Ruyi and Tang Ren.

It was almost nine o'clock at night when he returned to the training camp. Yan Wang and Feng Zixiao got hold of him and asked him with great urgency, "Xiao Luo, where is Gu Qianxue?"

Xiao Luo frowned a little and thought to himself: This young girl was not back yet?

As Xiao Luo expected, Feng Zixiao continued to say, "The guards saw you went out with her today. Why are you the only one who came back?"

An angry look showed on Yan Wang's face. He asked straightforwardly, "Did you sell her, you little rascal?"

How could that be possible!

Xiao Luo smiled bitterly, then related the story to the two training officers without reservation.

Yan Wang pointed at Xiao Luo right away and said in a disappointed voice, "You're in big trouble. Gu Qianxue moved to Mount Tianshan to be a formal apprentice of a teacher and only came out when she was 20 years old. It was clearly written on her file that she has no sense of direction and can't find her way in a busy city. She is definitely lost."

"Is that real?"

Xiao Luo was stunned. He would have created a big mess if that was true.

Thinking of Gu Qianxue's innocent face, Xiao Luo couldn't stand idly by. He turned around and ran out of the gate of the training camp.

"Where are you going?" Yan Wang shouted behind him.

"To find her and bring her back."

Without looking back, Xiao Luo ran out of the door and caught a cab to get to that N-shaped building. He planned to start his search for Gu Qianxue at the building in the center.

"Let's not stand here in a daze. Notify all the patrolling officers and ask them to help find Gu Qianxue. If anything happened to her, not only will Gu Qianlin make us feel sorry for it, the Lone Greybeard in Mount Tianshan would also tear us to pieces," Yan Wang said to Feng Zixiao in anxiety.

"Yes."

Feng Zixiao left to follow the order.

"F*ck, why is everything so crappy every day?"

Yan Wang knitted his brows tightly in deep thought. He truly regretted that he granted the free-to-leave privilege to Xiao Luo and Gu Qianxue.

...

...

When Xiao Luo arrived at the N-shaped building by cab, he immediately saw Gu Qianxue, who was sitting on the marble stairs at the entrance to the door of the building. A fountain was situated right in front of the steps. An array of colored lights had been switched on, and they lit up the water sprays in the hues of the rainbow.

Xiao Luo paid the fare and got out of the car before walking toward Gu Qianxue.

Wearing the camouflage training suit, she huddled to herself with her head lowered and her eyes staring still at the floor at the front. As beautiful as she was with jade-like skin and delicate eyes, she looked like a runaway kid, lonely and helpless.

Gu Qianxue raised her head when she saw a pair of foot appeared on the floor that she had been staring at. Her bright eyes were stiff for a moment before gleaming with anger when she discovered it was Xiao Luo. Biting her rosy lips, she grumbled, "You lied to me!"

She might be naive and unsophisticated, but not stupid. She knew Xiao Luo lied to her to get rid of her.

Before her voice faded, she leaped upward like a small and pretty snow leopard and struck at Xiao Luo's shoulder with her hand.

An unimaginably powerful impact surged from her seemingly soft palm. Xiao Luo was caught off guard.

Bang!

He staggered backward several steps like he had been struck by a thunderbolt. His left shoulder was in excruciating pain.

Before he realized what was happening, Gu Qianxue advancing towards him again. Every movement she made contained formidable offensive techniques. The most astounding thing was how fast her attack was.

Xiao Luo understood it was his fault, so he was merely dodging without fighting back. He tried to persuade Gu Qianxue while ducking her punches, "Stop. Stop hitting me. Training officer Yan and Feng are looking for you. You and I should go back as soon as possible."

Why would Gu Qianxue listen to Xiao Luo? He tricked her into coming here and made her sit here like an idiot all day without even one familiar face around. Right now, she only knew that she hated him with all her heart and wanted to strike him down.

However, Xiao Luo was able to evade all the punches except the first blow that was thrown at him unexpectedly. This infuriated her, but she was at a loss of what to do next.

"Xiao Luo, can you not dodge?"

Her words made Xiao Luo chuckle. Was she asking him to stand still for her to aim?

That was some wishful thinking.

Gu Qianxue finally stopped after ten more minutes. She sat back on the marble stairs and only spoke after a while, "Xiao Luo, I'm hungry!"

Rumbling...

With impeccable timing, her stomach started protesting too, right after she spoke.

With blushed cheeks, the young girl looked at Xiao Luo coyly. She looked at him with an unyielding stare, like an upset child who had to bend to an adult's will.

Xiao Luo didn't know whether to laugh or cry. She was attacking him just seconds ago. Now she told him she was hungry and probably was expecting him to treat her to a meal. It was pretty awkward, no matter how he thought about it.

Chapter 197

Xiao Luo reported back to Yan Wang and Feng Zixiao, who were at the training camp, that Gu Qianxue was with him. Then he took Gu Qianxue to a hotpot restaurant.

The young girl didn't even glance at the vegetables on the menu and only ordered meat. It made Xiao Luo feel like the two of them shared some common interest after all. They were both meat lovers.

After boiling a plate of shaved meat, Gu Qianxue started to eat straight away. She blinked her bright eyes and asked Xiao Luo, "What kind of meat is this?"

"Shaved lamb meat," Xiao Luo said.

"This is not lamb. I had lamb in the Mount Tianshan. It doesn't taste like this." Gu Qianxue took it very seriously.

Xiao Luo raised his eyebrows and thought to himself: There was so much shaved meat in hotpot restaurants. They claimed those were pork, beef, or lamb. But as long as it was edible, who would care what kind of meat it really was?

He changed the subject and said, "By the way, why didn't you go back to the training camp after finding out I played a trick on you?"

Gu Qianxue didn't respond straight away. She lowered her head and put some meat in her mouth with a fork. After a while, she said to Xiao Luo without raising her head, "I don't remember the way back."

It turned out she really didn't have any sense of direction!

Xiao Luo exhaled a sigh. How could such a directionally-challenged person be an auxiliary police officer? He couldn't help but start to feel suspicious about Gu Qianxue.

He then said, "You could have called your sister with your phone."

"No way. She would definitely come to take me back if she knew I signed up to be an auxiliary police officer."

"Even if you can't tell your sister, you could have asked the police for help. They would certainly take you back as soon as you tell them you're in the training camp," said Xiao Luo.

Hearing Xiao Luo's words, Gu Qianlin raised her head and took a brief look at him. A trace of disdain seemed to appear in her sparkling eyes. She said, "We are the police officers."

Xiao Luo was speechless. The auxiliary police were indeed part of the police. There was nothing wrong with what she said.

After the short conversation, Gu Qianxue continued to bury her head in the food. Starving, she didn't have the psychological burden of a pretty girl who was afraid of displaying such poor table manners. She gulped down meat and chugged water with the style of the martial ladies in ancient times.

Even though Xiao Luo had already taken dinner, looking at Gu Qianxue devouring food gave him an appetite once more. He picked up the chopsticks and was about to taste a slice of beef in the hotpot.

However, as he was about to put it to consume it, the slice of beef was snatched by Gu Qianxue, leaving him with a pair of empty chopsticks. She then duly brought to her own mouth that already looked oily from the food. She started to chew the beef with relish.

She glared at Xiao Luo and said, "These are all mine. You're not allowed to eat!"

What?

Xiao Luo furrowed his brows and thought, "This young girl had gone too far. I treated her with hotpot, yet she has hoarded all the food and wouldn't even allow me a slice of meat. How was this reasonable?"

He was not in the mood to give in to her ways and picked another slice from the steaming hotpot using his chopsticks.

Nevertheless, the chopsticks in Gu Qianxue's hand once again pouched the meat he picked like a snake springing at the prey. Prepared, Xiao Luo dodged immediately and made Gu Qianxue come away empty-handed. Gu Qianxue's knitted thin arched brows as she twisted wrist, and once again, the chopsticks in her hand shot at the piece of meat.

The back and forth between them looked like the typical chopstick fighting scene that was frequently shown in wuxia TV shows. Offense and defense. Advance and retreat. Sometimes the slice of beef would be flipped up in the air while their chopsticks fighting against each other. One pair would snatch the meat again when it fell, only to be retrieved by the other.

It was an excellent spectacle of skill!

Many guests and waiters craned their necks to watch.

"Look! A chopstick war!"

"How exciting! Who would think the actions in wuxia TV shows are not entirely nonsense at all."

"Could this be a performance of the hotpot restaurant for entertainment?"

When Gu Qianxue grabbed hold of the beef and put it in her mouth, the whole restaurant burst into thunderous applause.

Awesome!

Shouts of cheers went up as well.

Gu Qianxue rolled her eyes at Xiao Luo and said in a rude and unreasonable tone, "You're not a match for me. Don't waste your time!"

What?

Xiao Luo had never been dismissed like this in his life. He replied angrily, "Don't think you won that previous exchange. It was only because I didn't want to lower myself to your level in front of so many people."

Gu Qianxue ignored him and continued to eat the meat. The cloud of steam of the hotpot rose up to her face and made her naturally rosy cheeks even more ruddy.

...

...

The two left the hotpot restaurant after one and a half hours.

Xiao Luo was at a loss of whether to laugh or to cry. This little girl had a much better appetite than ordinary women. The hotpot cost him over 300 bucks, and he didn't get to eat even a slice of meat. Gu Qianxue finished all the food leaving him to only several cups of tea.

"Do you eat this much for every meal on the Mount Tianshan?" Xiao Luo asked curiously.

"Master said that a martial arts practitioner has to have a good stomach."

Gu Qianxue answered. After being treated by Xiao Luo for dinner, she was not as cold towards Xiao Luo as before.

"What do you usually eat on the mountain?"

"Meat."

Gu Qianxue thought for a while and added, "Snow deer meat. There is a lot of snow deer in Mount Tianshan."

"I heard that you spent ten years on Mount Tianshan. Have you ever attended any school?" Xiao Luo asked.

Gu Qianxue stared blankly in front of her, then clicked her tongue and said, "There is a school in the city at the foot of Mount Tianshan." 𝓵𝓲𝓫𝙧𝓮𝙖𝙙.𝒄𝓸𝙢

Alright!

Xiao Luo felt a little bit of awkwardness between them. He was the only one who was asking questions while she never initiated anything and immediately ended the conversation with a dead-end reply. He had to find a new subject just to keep the conversation going, which made it quite difficult for him to continue.

In the meantime, he couldn't help but sigh that he had actually met someone as cold as snow and with no idea how to hold a conversation with others. He thought he was terrible enough himself.

...

...

They finally went back to the training camp.

Yan Wang was fuming in anger, yelling at Xiao Luo and Gu Qianxue, "Do you really think the training camp is your home where you can come and go whenever you want? Do you know? You two are the worst auxiliary police candidates that I have ever trained. Motherf*cker. Go run ten laps, no, twenty laps as your punishment. You're not allowed to go to sleep before finishing your laps!"

The intended punishment was ten laps. But Yan Wang suddenly remembered that both Xiao Luo and Gu Qianxue had physical training before, so he doubled it, knowing ten laps would be too easy for them.

The two didn't explain themselves, nor did they complain; they just started to run on the track.

They were running fast, maintaining the sprinting speed of the average trainee. Yan Wang and Feng Zixiao were left open-mouthed when they realized that Xiao Luo and Gu Qianxue only took 20 minutes to finish the course. Those 20 laps were enough to break any other ordinary trainees.

One lap, two laps, three laps...

They didn't seem to be pressured at all as if they were running for fun. After the laps, they walked back to their dorms without saying a word to Yan Wang.

"Was my punishment too light?" Yan Wang took off his sunglasses and stood there, staring at them, wide-eyed, in astonishment.

"It's not that your punishment was too light. It's because these two are too sick."

Feng Zixiao gulped. Xiao Luo and Gu Qianxue's physical condition was much better than his, despite his credentials of being ex-special forces. He could only gasp in admiration.

Motherf*cker!

Yan Wang was beginning to feel his authority as the resident training officer slip. Thanks to these two, it was taking a devastating blow. He convinced himself that he needed to take action to restore his status.

Chapter 198

Thin streaks of clouds floated across the blue sky, as the sunlight spread a welcome warmth to the ground below.

In the training camp for the auxiliary police, Xiao Luo and the others formed a two-rank deep line and were maintaining a standing position. Yan Wang and Feng Zixiao stood at the head of the team. Wearing a pair of sunglasses, Yan Wang had on a stern expression. Feng Zixiao, on the other hand, was thoroughly inspecting the trainees in front of him with his gentle eyes.

"It's always this f*cking way!" Liu Tieguo muttered to himself.

Xiao Luo nodded with a smile and answered in agreement, "Indeed."

"What are you whispering about over there? Repeat it out loud!" Yan Wang looked in their direction and questioned reprovingly in a harsh voice.

Liu Tieguo was startled a little, then squared his shoulders, and threw back his head, said, "Sir! I was saying Officer Yan and Officer Feng are very handsome!"

"Xiao Luo, what about you?"

"Sir! I answered, 'they really are handsome'!" Xiao Luo also went against his conscience and lied.

"Don't think that I won't punish you guys just because you told the truth. Go. Run five laps before you come back." Yan Wang ordered, looking very serious.

Liu Tieguo regretted not being able to keep his mouth shut. He frowned and shot Xiao Luo a glance, trying to tell him that he was sorry for implicating him in this. Then he started to run around the training ground.

Xiao Luo didn't mind at all. Running five laps was barely an effort for him.

The other auxiliary police trainees couldn't help but snigger quietly. They thought Liu Tieguo and Xiao Luo deserved the punishment.

Yan Wang barked out another order, "All of you, turn right. Five laps of physical training. Run!"

The auxiliary police trainees turned pale with shock, surprised that they had to be punished with a five-lap run.

"What are you standing there for? How are you going to start the training for today without limbering up and stretching at all? Run now! I will start to kick your butts otherwise!" Yan Wang shouted, meaning every word he said.

The group had no choice but to break into their run, doing it with a degree of reluctance.

After they ran away, Yan Wang took out his phone from pocket and looked at himself with the selfie camera. Rubbing his stubbly beard on his chin, he said to himself, "Motherf*cker, how could I become more handsome? Don't I look like this all the time?"

Standing by his side, Feng Zixiao took a deep breath and rolled his eyes.

...

...

The auxiliary police trainees were all visibly excited when a row of firearms was brought up. Both men and women were curious about these high-powered weapons and eagerly anticipating learning to use them.

Of course, Gu Qianxue and Xiao Luo were not among those.

Because of her sister Gu Qianlin, Gu Qianxue had experience with firearms a long time ago. Xiao Luo, having the King of Mercenaries Constitution, and not only had the skills of mercenaries but also a thorough knowledge of firearms. He could say without exaggeration that he knew about weapons like the palm of his hand.

"You probably have guessed the content of today's lesson. You're right. It's firearms."

Yan Wang's loud and clear voice rang out, "You will be assigned a gun when you're on duty. You will make a laughing stock of yourself if you don't even know how to use it."

He picked up a black handgun and showed it to the auxiliary police trainees, asked, "Anyone knows what kind of the gun this is?"

Everyone looked at each other, but no one was able to answer. After all, as trainees, they had no previous knowledge about guns.

"It's a QSZ-92 pistol. It has a polymer grip, and the magazine holds either fifteen 9mm rounds or twenty 5.8mm rounds. The effective firing range is 50 meters." Gu Qianxue spoke in a soft voice.

Yan Wang looked at her in appreciation and nodded, said, "Correct. This is indeed a QSZ-92 pistol. The design started in 1987 and was officially submitted for production in 1994. The design for QSZ92-5.8mm and its ammunition was finished in 2000. Most of our police force is using this type of gun."

Yan Wang put down the QSZ-92 and picked up another gun that had a shorter barrel. He looked directly at Xiao Luo and asked, "Xiao Luo, do you know what this gun is?"

Xiao Luo shook his head and answered, "Sir. I don't know!"

He really didn't know. The King of Mercenaries Constitution only gave him knowledge of famous foreign firearms. The native guns of Hua Nation were nameless in his eyes. They were all the same to him anyway.

"Heh, ignorant, and incompetent."

Yan Wang scolded Xiao Luo, venting out his disappointment. He then looked at Gu Qianxue, said, "Gu Qianxue, what about you?"

Gu Qianxue's keen eyes shot a glance at the gun, and with an indifferent tone, she said, "Type 77 pistol. It utilizes a striker-fired single action firing mechanism. The user can single-handedly chamber a cartridge by pulling the trigger guard back or use the traditional manual safety that exists above the left grip panel on the frame. It uses a single stacked nine-round magazine, and the effective firing range is 50 meters."

Everyone was astounded by Gu Qianxue's answer and gasped in admiration. Not only did she know the type of each handgun, but she could also describe their functions and features. She was like a walking encyclopedia.

"Did you hear her clearly? She's right. This is a Type 77 pistol. Same as the QSZ-92, it's in widespread use across the country by our police force."

Yan Wang put down the handgun and walked to a line of rifles, said, "We have gone through these two kinds of the pistol. Now let's talk about this Type 79 submachine gun. It was designed in 1979 and went into production in 1983. The rate of fire is 1,000 rounds/minute. What does that mean? It means it can shoot a thousand bullets in a minute."

"Wouldn't a person be smashed by the bullets?"

"Yes. A thousand rounds per minute. How frightening."

"The power of destruction is unimaginable."

The trainees kept taking in large breathes of air every time a new weapon was introduced. It was hard to believe that this was the first time they saw these weapons up close, where before, they could only see them on TV.

Yan Wang was satisfied that he could intimidate the trainees. He looked at Xiao Luo and asked him sternly, "Xiao Luo, you tell us the other specifications of this submachine gun."

"Sir, I don't know." Xiao Luo answered.

"Heh, illiterate, and uneducated. Can you show at least a little bit of promise?" Yan Wang admonished him like a school teacher in ancient times.

Xiao Luo was speechless. He was sure that Yan Wang was bearing grudges against him because he scared Yan Wang with a punch in the gym the day before. Otherwise, Yan Wang had no reason to embarrass him in front of others.

Liu Tieguo showed some sympathy, however.

"Gu Qianxue, you tell us!" Yan Wang's eyes glanced at Gu Qianxue.

"Type 79 submachine gun. The caliber is 7.62mm. The gun with an empty cartridge weighs 1.75 kg. It has a 20-round box magazine and an effective firing range of 200m." Gu Qianxue replied clearly with everything she knew.

"Look, Look. You're worse than a girl. Xiao Luo, you truly disappoint me." Yan Wang wouldn't let Xiao Luo off so quickly.

Xiao Luo remained silent. It was just words. Words couldn't hurt, he kept telling himself.

...

...

After introducing the firearms, Yan Wang threw another question, "What should you do if the enemy is pointing a gun at close-range?"

Liu Tieguo immediately raised his hand in excitement and said, "I know, I know. If the bad guy is pointing a gun at us, we should quickly block the muzzle with our fingers. In this way, the bullets can't get out and will explode inside the barrel and hurt the bad guy instead."

Everyone laughed out loud upon hearing his answer. If that would work, maybe pigs could fly too.

Feng Zixiao was also amused. He failed to maintain his somber look and uttered a chuckle.

Yan Wang's face was impassive. He bawled out, "Motherf*cker, Liu Tieguo, are you f*cking nuts? Blocking the muzzle with your fingers? Is your head full of sh*t?"

Chapter 199

As expected, Liu Tieguo was given a few kicks in the butt by Yan Wang. It hurt so much that his eyes teared. Deep down, he still wasn't convinced. He thought to himself, "In those special forces movies, they always said that plugging the muzzle with your fingers could cause the enemy's pistol to explode!"

Xiao Luo was speechless when he heard Liu Tieguo say that. Of course, a finger would never prevent the bullet from discharging. To begin with, keeping a tight seal on the gun barrel itself would be a big problem. The recoil from a fired gun would be immense. Even if the finger could fit into the muzzle and plug it up completely, it could never keep the integrity of the seal intact after the trigger had been pulled. Hence, blocking a muzzle with a finger was impractical, and it was also, theoretically, not possible.

...

...

"Many people have an inexplicable fear of firing a gun, but as auxiliary polices, you must overcome this fear."

Yan Wang told the crowd solemnly, "Now, each of you will come forward one at a time and fire the gun!"

For the male auxiliary polices, although they were some trainees who were quite afraid in their first attempt to fire a gun, they just gritted their teeth and went ahead with it. Naturally, they wouldn't be scared anymore after that.

But things were a little different for the female auxiliary polices. They were beyond terrified. Some even had both of their hands trembling after they picked up the gun. Fortunately, under Gu Qianxue's aid and guidance, they finally pulled the trigger for the first time.

"Isn't it just firing a gun? What is there to be afraid of? Watch me."

It was now Liu Tieguo's turn. He strode forward, picked up the gun with one hand, aimed at a distant target in a way that he thought was very cool, and was ready to pull the trigger.

However, Yan Wang immediately stepped forward and snatched the pistol away from his hands, then giving him a kick. He berated Jiu Tieguo, "You d*mn redneck Liu Tieguo! Who allowed you to hold a gun with one hand? Didn't I make myself clear enough just now? The recoil force from firing a gun is too massive. You have to hold the gun firmly with both hands. You f*ckin ignored my words like passing wind?"

"Sir, I... I..."

"I... I... what are you trying to say, huh? Are you dumb or what, huh! Are you dumb or what?"

Yan Wang was infuriated, castigating, and going at him even as he ran for his life. It was so exasperating. He had already told everyone to hold the gun with both hands, but what did Liu Tieguo decide to do? He picked it up with one hand right away. He was so annoyed that his soul had literally left his body, wishing that he could rip Liu Tieguo's butt apart.

"Bang! A loud gunshot echoed across the firing range.

As if the rays of hope suddenly shone down upon him, Liu Tieguo, being pursued by Yan Wang, quickly pointed at Gu Qianxue and shouted, "Sir, look, she's using one hand!"

"The both of you are different! You wish to learn how to run without even knowing how to walk? Are you dumb or what? And what you said earlier? Plugging the muzzle with your finger? I f*ckin wish I could stuff your brain into a toilet bowl!" Yan Wang scolded.

Bang! Yet another ear-piercing shot.

Liu Tieguo was exhilarated. He pointed at Xiao Luo and said, "Sir, look! Xiao Luo used one hand as well..."

To save himself from Yan Wang's butt whacking, he betrayed Xiao Luo without much hesitation. He thought, "Yan Wang hates Xiao Luo. Now that he had violated the rules, I can seize this opportunity and get Yan Wang to unleash his fury on him instead!"

As expected, a look of spite and glee washed over Yan Wang's face. He spared Liu Tieguo for now and zeroed in for Xiao Luo.

"Xiao Luo, I have already said, use both hands to hold the gun when shooting. Did you hear me or not? Firing with one hand? Who do you think you are? Stallone in 'The Expendables'?"

He dashed forward and hurled his leg at Xiao Luo's butt. But how could Xiao Luo accept such a punishment? He leaned on one side and blocked Yan Wang's foot with his thigh.

"Sir, I didn't see you say anything to Gu Qianxue when she fired the gun with one hand. Why must Liu Tieguo and I be punished for the same feat? Your biasness in treatment is too obvious, is it not?" Xiao Luo said.

He hadn't wished to be conspicuous initially, but he really couldn't bear to see Liu Tieguo being treated so harshly, so the only thing he could do was to divert Yan Wang's attention to himself. But at the same time, he couldn't accept being kicked in the butt by Yan Wang, and that was why he alluded to Gu Qianxue.

"Have I done that?"

Yan Wang sneered while facing the crowd. He questioned, "Have I ever treat anyone of you differently?"

Persuaded by his authority, the auxiliary police trainees nodded in support. One man even took a big step forward and said in a pretentious and overbearing tone, "Report, Sir. You are fair to all of us! No discrepancy has ever taken place!"

"You heard him?" looking at Xiao Luo, Yan Wang said haughtily.

Xiao Luo turned around and asked, "You guys didn't see Gu Qianxue firing the gun with one hand?"

"Guo Qianxue didn't fire the gun with one hand. She used both hands while pulling the trigger," it was still the same man that said this with his chin up and chest out.

The other trainees shook their heads, implying that they didn't see it.

"What a flatterer!"

Liu Tieguo muttered to himself. But then he remembered, his name was Ma Pinjin, which literally means flatterer. He really did live up to his name.

"Ma Pinjin, rejoin the unit!" Yan Wang shouted to the man.

"Yes, sir!"

Ma Pinjin responded loudly and clearly, took a step backward, and returned to his line. Then, he put his hands behind his back and assumed a standing position.

"Xiao Luo, do you have anything else to say?" Yan Wang said teasingly.

Xiao Luo shook his head in resignation. He was speechless. He finally knew the man was lying through his teeth.

Just then, Gu Qianxue stepped up, "Report! I fired the gun with one hand just now."

When she said that, Yan Wang froze.

Feng Zixiao, from a short distance away, put his hand on his forehead. He thought, "Wang is so gonna get embarrassed."

Yan Wang took off his sunglasses and stared at her, "Gu Qianxue, are sure that you're telling the truth?"

Gu Qianxue nodded, "Yes, Sir. I fired the gun with one hand."

She didn't know how to take a hint; for her, one was one, and two were two. She was even confused about why everybody had said she fired the gun with both hands. She was dead sure that she used only one hand.

Xiao Luo smiled, "You heard her, sir?"

"Fuckin' redneck. You wanna go against me, is it? Gu Qianxue has been trained by her sister. Her proficiency with the gun is on par with mine, so I allowed her to use only one hand. But who do you think you are to fire a gun with one hand? Are you qualified to do so?"

Yan Wang criticized him loudly. For Gu Qianxue, he was willing to overlook anything for the sake of Gu Qianlin. There was also the fact that Gu Qianxue herself, was an attractive belle. As for Xiao Luo, he couldn't get himself to like him no matter how he tried.

"I think I am."

Xiao Luo had to say that. His pride would not allow him to be knocked down by Yan Wang.

Yang Wang was so infuriated that he began laughing sardonically, "I've seen imposters, but I've never seen a greater one than you!" 𝑙𝒾𝘣𝘳𝑒𝒶𝒹.𝑐𝘰𝓂

"Yeah, Xiao Luo, stop boasting about your abilities. Hurry up and apologize to Officer Yan and beg for forgiveness," Ma Pinjin piped in, true to form and once again performing his specialty.

Xiao Luo ignored him. He looked at Yan Wang and asked, "I wonder what I should do for you to recognize that I'm qualified enough?"

"Xiao Luo, very bold you are! Do you think you are invincible because you some petty skills?"

Yan Wang said chillingly, "Fine then. You want me to recognize you? I'll give you a chance."

Chapter 200

Yan Wang dissembled the handgun into separate parts, then looked at Xiao Luo, "Assembling a gun is a basic requirement. If you can assemble this gun, I will recognize that you are qualified to fire a gun with one hand."

Assembling a gun?

The auxiliary police trainees looked on, wide-eyed. They were all recruited from civilian society, and they knew very little about firearms. Besides, they have never handled a real gun by themselves. Assembling a toy gun may still be possible for them, but a real gun? That would be cracking up as an international joke; it would be absolutely impossible!

"Is there a time limit?" Xiao Luo asked.

Upon hearing this, the crowd was somewhat surprised and thought scornfully, "This guy really wants to challenge assembling a gun? He's hoping for too much, isn't he?"

Ma Pinjin coughed and said, "Xiao Luo, stop fooling around. Just hurry up and apologize to officer Yan, and don't embarrass yourself. This is a real gun. You think it's a toy for kids or something? It can't be assembled that easily."

"Can you stop talking?!"

The one who said that was Gu Qianxue. Every word Ma Pinjin said made her cringe, and she felt so annoyed that she knit her tattooed brows.

The stature that Gu Qianxue held had been evident to everyone for a while now. Although she was a great beauty, her prowess was not lesser than that of Yan Wang's. Ma Pinjin shut his mouth immediately, embarrassed.

"Are you sure you want to take up the challenge?" Yan Wang asked Xiao Luo as he squinted his eyes.

"Yes, sir."

Xiao Luo nodded. To avoid being kicked in the butt and lectured by Yan Wang, he had no other choice.

"Fine. You may begin now. There's no time restriction. As long as you could assemble the gun, I will overlook the fact that you've fired the gun with one hand."

Yan Wang's face was full of contempt. He had validated multiple times that Xiao Luo was someone born to a family of farmers in the Xi Province. His excellent physical abilities might have been nurtured by some past master living a reclusive life. However, he would know absolutely nothing about firearms, and there was no way he could ever reassemble the gun.

Without saying a word, Xiao Luo picked up the separate parts with both hands and begun assembling them together. The action, barrel, and frame... these parts were put together at rapid speed.

Yan Wang's trainees looked on in disbelief as they saw Xiao Luo take all three parts in his hands and assemble them together correctly, all in one motion.. Were they to do in his place, they would resort to the conventional method which would take three steps. In other words, Xiao Luo's single-step assembly was equivalent to their three-stepped process.

Whoosh...

Before anyone present could even react, the crowning moment arrived, when the magazine was slotted into the receiver, all done seamlessly and elegantly. A wholly assembled pistol was duly placed on the table. The total time taken to complete the task was no more than 10 seconds. Xiao Luo's actions were like "flowing clouds and water." He worked so fast that they couldn't even keep up with their eyes.

The group of trainees stood there, startled. Their brains were empty, in their minds, they asked themselves, "H-he's done with it? How is that possible?"

Ma Pinjin felt his face burning with envy as if a palm had forcibly slapped him across his face.

"Unbelievable!"

Feng Zixiao said in astonishment. He couldn't believe that Xiao Luo really did know how to assemble a gun and even do it at such astonishing speed.

Yan Wang was spellbound. He thought to himself, "What in the world am I witnessing? That kid has actually got it done."

"What were you doing before you came here," he looked at Xiao Luo, still unable to believe what he had just seen.

"It's clearly written inside my personal file. I'm unemployed. I came to serve as an auxiliary police officer for a stable life," Xiao Luo said faintly.

Unemployed?

Yang Wang was always skeptical about his identity.

"Xiao Luo, I want to compete with you in gun assembly," Gu Qianxue said out of the blue.

She was determined to get the first place, and Xiao Luo would undoubtedly hinder her path towards that achievement.

Xiao Luo looked at her and said earnestly, "This won't be tested in the assessment."

He had seen through Gu Qianxue's mind for some time now. She had the attitude of a straight-A student, so she definitely wished to get number one in everything.

After some thought, Gu Qianxue felt that he was right, and she said, "Then, let's shoot."

"Stop fooling around!"

Xiao Luo rejected her challenge without hesitation. He wasn't keen to mess around with this little girl.

However, just at that moment, Yan Wang meddled in, "Xiao Luo, I want you to compete with Gu Qianxue in a shooting contest. This is an order!"

Xiao Luo really cursed at him under his breath. 𝘭𝒾𝒷𝓇𝘦𝑎𝑑.𝒸ℴ𝓂

But he was the instructor, and an order was an order, so he had no choice but to follow it.

...

...

"Each one of you will fire 10 shots. Whoever obtains a higher score wins."

Yan Wang decided to make things more exciting and went on to lay out the rules for the contest, "And, since this is a contest, it shall have its rewards and punishment. On second thought, forget about the reward. The loser will be responsible for cleaning the public toilet at the dormitory for one whole week!"

He wanted to brutally bring Xiao Luo down every chance he got, and he would resort to any means at his disposal.

Feng Zixiao whispered by his ears to remind him, "There's less than a week before the special training ends."

"Until the special training ends then," Yang Wang said.

The rules of the contest Yan Mang set made it difficult for Xiao Luo to go easy on her even if he wished to. Besides, he couldn't bear having to clean the toilet even more, and that helped him make up his mind in the end.

"Yan Wang is obviously gunning for Xiao Luo," Liu Tieguo sighed in sympathy for his friend Xiao Luo.

Gu Qianxue went to the shooting range, picked up a QSZ-92 pistol, and accurately shot at the ten targets at 30 meters away. "am! Bam! Bam! Ten consecutive gunshots, clean, precise, and without hesitation. Using her inner power, she shot with only one hand, not even considering the use of both to ensure the best possible results.

Feng Zixiao walked downrange to check the targets, and despite being mentally prepared for it, he was still shocked when he confirmed the results.

"100 points!"

When Feng Zixiao announced the results, the crowd went silent. What in the world? She scored a 100 points? That meant that every bullet she fired landed right in the bullseye, 10 points for each shot. They looked at Gu Qianxue in telling reverence, absolutely convinced of her talent and abilities.

Even Yan Wang couldn't help staring in admiration, even wiping sweat off his brow. To say that she "pierced a willow leaf with an arrow from the distance of a hundred paces" was not be an exaggeration because that was what she was capable of.

Gu Qianxue winked cheekily, her bright eyes fixed on Xiao Luo, and she said, "It's your turn."

Is there even a need to continue this competition?!

In his heart, Liu Tieguo cried out miserably for Xiao Luo. There were 10 points for every single shot, so there was no way that Gu Qianxue could lose this contest.

The others reacted similarly, and even Ma Pinjin found his voice again, "Xiao Luo, you better admit defeat, there's no need..."

He stopped abruptly, as Xiao Luo raised the gun and pointed the barrel directly at him with clearly murderous intentions.

"Xiao Luo, what are you doing?"

"Redneck! Put the gun down!"

Yan Wang and Feng Zixiao broke out in cold sweat. If an incident were to happen inside the training camp, they would have to bear all the consequences.

Xiao Luo sneered when he heard Yan Wang's warning, then turned the gun the other direction, firing 10 consecutive shots at the newly set up targets. He shot with one hand just like Gu Qianxue, seeming like he was shooting to kill.

Bam! Bam! Bam!

After ten shots, he pushed back the safety lever of the gun and placed it down in front of him.

"Instructor Feng, please report my score," Xiao Luo said faintly.

Feng Zixiao ran over to check the targets. When he had a look at them, he was beyond amazed. His eyes opened so widely that his eyeballs nearly popped off! Like Gu Qianwue, Xiao Luo had hit the bullseye dead center with every shot; none were even a little bit off the mark.

"Xiao Luo... Xiao Luo's result is..."

"Stop repeating yourself, are you a parrot? Hurry up and announce his results!" Yan Wang shouted impatiently.

"Xiao Luo's also scores 100 points," Feng Zixiao said, finally getting it out from his mouth.

What?

100 points too?

Yan Wang thought he was hallucinating or having hearing problems. Gu Qianxue getting a result of 100 points was entirely possible, but what was going on with Xiao Luo? How could a mediocre lad born in an average family from Xi Province get ten consecutive hits without a hint of nerves?

It wasn't just Yan Mang; even the auxiliary police trainees were wondering if there was something wrong with their ears.

"Feng, are you mistaken?" Yan Wang asked.

"I've checked the targets again and again. I confirm that Xiao Luo's total score is 100. Every shot he fired hit the targets on the dime. There is absolutely no mistake," Feng Zixiao said in affirmation.

In the lull that followed, only the sound of whispering winds could be heard at the shooting range. Everyone silently looked at Xiao Luo like he was an alien.