《Top Grade Pure Beauty CEO》


 Chapter 1 - 1 Renting a House

    <h4>Chapter 1: Chapter 1 Renting a House</h4>


    In August in Ling City, the sun baked the earth like a raging fire.


    This was a season greatly preferred by men, for no woman who dared to walk the streets would be d in more than a scant three feet of fabric.


    Li Xiaoyao, who had spent a few years abroad as a mercenary before finally being discharged and returning to his home country, was standing beneath a utility pole in the city center at this moment. The pole had a paper sign on it with two big characters: "For Rent."


    Li Xiaoyao raised his hand to shield his eyes from the sun, cursed the damn weather, and then fished out his phone to call the number on the paper.


    "Hello, I saw your rental ad. Is the ce still avable?"


    A gentle and pleasant female voice came from the other end, "Not yet, if you have time right now you cane over. I happen to be at home."


    "Okay, I''ll be there shortly."


    After ending the call, Li Xiaoyao looked around to get his bearings and then set off.


    Half an hourter, Li Xiaoyao arrived at the upscale apartment building, registered his name, and took the elevator to the door of thedy''s home.


    Li Xiaoyao pressed the doorbell: "Ding dong!"


    "Coming." A woman''s voice came from inside, and Li Xiaoyao immediately recognized it as the same woman he had just spoken with on the phone.


    The door opened, and a young woman in home attire stood gracefully at the threshold.


    She had delicate red lips and wateryrge eyes that seemed as if they could speak. Her slightly chubby cheeks were irresistibly pinchable.


    Her figure was sensational, and the loose home attire couldn''t hide her lovely shape. The straight long legs under the hem of her skirt made one''s head spin.


    It only took Li Xiaoyao a second to survey the woman''s body from head to toe. He silently marveled at how the big cities were indeed filled with beauties. However, on the surface, he maintained a slight smile, disying the demeanor of an upright gentleman.


    The woman seemed somewhat shy as she looked down and asked, "Are you the one who called about the room?"


    Li Xiaoyao nodded and smiled, saying, "Yes, that''s me. My name is Li Xiaoyao."


    The woman brushed the hair from her forehead behind her ear and said, "Nice to meet you; I''m Tang Tiantian."


    Li Xiaoyao pointed at the room and asked, "May I see the room?"


    Tang Tiantian smiled sweetly, "Of course, pleasee in."


    Li Xiaoyao pretentiously inspected the apartment at a leisurely pace. Tang Tiantian initially followed him, but her phone suddenly rang. She walked to the side to take the call.


    The caller was a man who asked, "Tiantian, are you at home?"


    "How do you know where I live?" Tang Tiantian asked into the phone.


    The man confidently replied, "Heh, I can find out if I want to."


    "Please stop calling me. I don''t want to get to know you," Tang Tiantian said, somewhat angry, guessing that a colleague must have told this man about her.


    The man said, "Feisty, I like women like you. I''m already in the elevator. I''ll be there soon, so open the door to wee me."


    "Click!"


    The call suddenly disconnected, and Tang Tiantian looked toward the door anxiously.


    "Thump thump thump!"


    Someone was knocking on the door.


    Although Li Xiaoyao was looking at the apartment, he could hear everything from this distance; Tang Tiantian dropping something would be audible to him, let alone her phone call. He could even hear what the man calling Tang Tiantian was saying.


    As Tang Tiantian heard the knocking, her eyebrows furrowed, and a hint of unease appeared in her eyes.


    Tang Tiantian nced at Li Xiaoyao, and he looked back at her with a smile, asking, "Is that someone else here to view the room?"


    Tang Tiantian stared at Li Xiaoyao, her eyes suddenly brightened, and she asked, "Could you do me a favor?"


    Li Xiaoyao asked, "What kind of help?"


    Tang Tiantian''s cheeks were slightly flushed, and she said in a low voice, "There''s a man who keeps bothering me, can you pretend to be my boyfriendter and send him away?"


    After saying that, Tang Tiantian added, "If you help me out, I can give you a discount on the rent."


    Li Xiaoyao pinched his fingers, feeling the deal was very worthwhile, so he grinned, showing two rows of neat, white teeth, and said, "Deal."


    Li Xiaoyao walked over and pulled the door open, where a man in a suit and tie stood, holding a bouquet of roses. He had a smile on his face, but, seeing that the person who opened the door was a man, his smile instantly vanished.


    The man angrily yelled at Li Xiaoyao, "Who are you? Howe you''re at Tiantian''s ce? Where''s Tiantian?"


    Li Xiaoyao, hands in pockets, watched as Tang Tiantian, unnaturally, came up from behind and linked her arm through his, and said to the man, "Mr. Zhang, this is my boyfriend, Li Xiaoyao."


    The man, named Zhang Biao, had a mighty name but was as frail as a chicken.


    Zhang Biao red at Li Xiaoyao for a moment, then suddenly burst into loudughter and said, "Your boyfriend? Tiantian, you''re lying to me. Do you think I don''t know? I''ve already inquired with your colleagues; you don''t have a boyfriend at all. This guy, dressed like a bumpkin, how could he possibly be your boyfriend?"


    Tang Tiantian hadn''t expected Zhang Biao to be so observant and see through her ruse on the spot, causing her to feel a bit panicked, and her grip on Li Xiaoyao''s arm tightened slightly.


    Li Xiaoyao gently patted Tang Tiantian''s arm, gave a gentle smile, and said, "It''s okay, I''m here."


    Hearing this, Zhang Biao snorted withughter and spat, "Who the hell are you? If you know what''s good for you, get lost right away."


    After berating Li Xiaoyao, he turned to Tang Tiantian and said, "Tiantian, as long as you agree to be my girlfriend, I''ll buy you whatever you want."


    Suddenly, Li Xiaoyao said, "You have ten seconds to disappear from my sight."


    Zhang Biao raised an eyebrow and cursed, "You motherf***er think you''re tough?"


    "p!"


    Li Xiaoyao''s pnded on Zhang Biao''s face, and Zhang Biao, with his small frame, couldn''t withstand such a hit from Li Xiaoyao and was sent reeling.


    "Ah!" Tang Tiantian hadn''t expected Li Xiaoyao to actually hit someone. She watched as Zhang Biao spun around twice from the p and then thudded to the ground. Tang Tiantian covered her mouth in shock.


    Zhang Biao, holding his swollen half-face, red at Li Xiaoyao with resentment, "You dare hit me, you actually dare to hit me!"


    Li Xiaoyao feigned stepping forward, which scared Zhang Biao enough to scramble backwards in retreat.


    Li Xiaoyao looked at him with contempt and said, "I''ll count to three, and if you''re still here, I''ll make sure your other cheek swells up too."


    Zhang Biao cursed, "F*** y¡ª"


    Before he could finish, Li Xiaoyao''s cold voice rang out, "Curse once, I p you once."


    Zhang Biao immediately didn''t dare to make a sound, scrambled up, and ran away.


    Seeing Zhang Biao leave, Tang Tiantian said, "Thank you, thank you, it''s lucky you were here today, otherwise I really wouldn''t know what to do."


    Li Xiaoyao said, "It''s no big deal, just lifting a finger. If there''s nothing else, I''ll get going."


    Tang Tiantian was taken aback for a moment, then quickly asked, "Hey, aren''t you here to rent a ce?"


    Li Xiaoyao blinked and said, "I don''t have money."


    "What?" Tang Tiantian failed to respond at first, confused. No money? If you don''t have money, whye to look at the apartment? No money and yet you state it so confidently.


    Tang Tiantian was somewhat speechless, but considering Li Xiaoyao had just resolved the issue with Zhang Biao and he didn''t seem like a bad person, she couldn''t just kick him out.


    After wrestling with the thought, Tang Tiantian finally said, "Why don''t you just stay here for now? I happen to have a room avable."


    Li Xiaoyao immediately said, "Sure."


    Tang Tiantian: "..."


    [The new book has finally been released. Li Xiaoyao will embark on a new journey. I beg for rmendation tickets, rewards, andments¡ª I''m asking for everything!!!]

 Chapter 2: Winning Without Fighting

    <h4>Chapter 2: Winning Without Fighting</h4>


    "Li Xiaoyao, where do you work?"


    "Unemployed tramp."


    "...What can you do?"


    "Kill people."


    "..."


    There was no way the conversation could continue. In the beginning, Tang Tiantian felt somewhat bad about directly kicking Li Xiaoyao out, but after chatting briefly, Tang Tiantian realized that she might have made a very wrong decision.


    The apartment she was currently renting cost two thousand five hundred Xuan Country Currency a month, and her sry was just five thousand Xuan Country Currency a month. If it was just about providing shelter to Li Xiaoyao for a few days, that wouldn''t be a problem, since he had helped her out so much.


    But now, Tang Tiantian felt that this man seemed to be nning to stay for the long haul.


    Tang Tiantian decided that she had to make things clear to Li Xiaoyao. Even if she had to be blunt, she had to exin that he could stay at most for a week. After a week, either he had to pay rent or... hit the road.


    Just as Tang Tiantian was brewing up how to broach the topic, Li Xiaoyao suddenly spoke up.


    "I''ll go job hunting tomorrow, and I will definitely find a job within three days, then I''ll pay you the rent," he said.


    Tang Tiantian felt somewhat uneasy under Li Xiaoyao''s gaze, as if all the little schemes in her heart wereid bare. Guiltily, she waved her hands repeatedly and said, "There''s no need, you can take your time to find a job. Don''t worry about the rent for now."


    Li Xiaoyao smiled and said, "That won''t do. I am a man; how can I let a woman provide for me. Don''t worry, I will surely find a job."


    Li Xiaoyao''s voice was not loud, but it was filled with confidence. This air of self-assurance momentarily stunned Tang Tiantian.


    She found that even though this man wasn''t particrly handsome, he was very clean-cut, particrly his eyes, which shone like the stars.


    Tang Tiantian felt herself being drawn to Li Xiaoyao''s eyes and abruptly pulled her thoughts back. She picked up her phone, nced at it, and eximed, "It''s almost one o''clock, I need to go to work."


    Tang Tiantian hurried to her room, and ten minutester, she emerged dressed in professional attire.


    "Here are the keys to the house; I''m off to work," Tang Tiantian said as she handed the keys to Li Xiaoyao, then took her purse and left.


    Li Xiaoyao didn''t stay much longer and also left the apartment.


    After spending so many years abroad, Li Xiaoyao had be ustomed to a freewheeling lifestyle, which he found somewhat ufortable to adjust to now that he was back in his home country.


    Butfortable or not, he still needed to find a job.


    Due to some reasons, Li Xiaoyao only had a little over two hundred Xuan Country Currency on him, and the money he had earned as a mercenary had been swallowed by a despicable person.


    Shaking his head to clear it of distractions, Li Xiaoyao headed towards the city center.


    In truth, Li Xiaoyao was skilled in many areas; he could pretty much handle any physical or mental task.


    He had just a few criteria for the job he was seeking: first, it had to be easy; second, the sry had to be high; and third, the hours had to be flexible.


    Okay, these requirements were actually quite demanding, and most jobs didn''t fit the bill.


    Li Xiaoyao thought about it, turned around, and found an inte cafe. He searched online forpanies in Ling City, taking note of several major ones.


    Upon leaving the inte cafe, Li Xiaoyao went to a nearby print shop to print out several copies of his resume. Then, holding his resumes, he walked into a 5A-grade high-end office building.


    This building was named Pan-Lan International Group, and thepany upied the entire building.


    Li Xiaoyao entered the building and went straight to the reception desk, where several tall and beautiful women in ck business attire greeted him politely. "Hello, sir, how may I assist you today?" they asked.


    Li Xiaoyao smiled slightly and said, "I''m here to apply for a position."


    The receptionist asked, "Oh, may I ask which position you are applying for, sir?"


    Li Xiaoyao replied, "Marketing Department Director."


    A hint of disdain shed in the receptionist''s eyes, not that she was necessarily looking down on him; Li Xiaoyao''s dress was just too ordinary.


    A pair of faded jeans, amonce white shirt, and a pair of scuffed up Warrior sneakers.


    With such attire, he was telling people he hade to apply for a director''s position; the fact that they hadn''t called security to escort him out was already quite face-saving.


    The beauty asked, "Did you receive a notification for the interview?"


    Li Xiaoyao lied without blinking an eye, handed over his resume, and said, "Of course, your HR department called me specifically toe for the job interview."


    The beauty picked up the resume and nced at it. The disdain on her face immediately turned into surprise, then disbelief.


    No wonder the beauty was so flustered¡ªit was because Li Xiaoyao''s resume was simply too awesome.


    Education: PhD.


    Alma Mater: Yun Country''s Fri University.


    Work Experience: Wall Street XX Finance...


    Never judge a book by its cover, never judge a book by its cover, never judge a book by its cover!


    The beauty repeated to herself three times in her heart, then lifted her head again with a ttering smile on her face, and said, "Mr. Li, please go directly to the 28th floor. They''re holding interviews there. Just take your resume with you."


    "Thanks," Li Xiaoyao winked at the beauty and turned towards the elevator.


    Watching Li Xiaoyao''s retreating figure, the beauty suddenly thought those whitened jeans paired with a white shirt could actually look so dashing, especially those Warrior sneakers on his feet¡ªthey truly were the epitome of understated luxury.


    Given Li Xiaoyao''s skills at bluffing people, swindling a girl or two was definitely like taking candy from a baby.


    While riding the elevator, Li Xiaoyao noticed that almost everyone in it was holding a resume¡ªthey were all there for interviews.


    The elevator was very quiet; no one spoke.


    It wasn''t long before they reached the 28th floor, where everyone got off.


    Li Xiaoyao followed the crowd with his resume in hand, made his way to the corridor, and then a staff member said, "All applicants, please have a seat here and wait. We''ll call your name when it''s your turn."


    Everyone sat on the benches in the corridor waiting to be called for their interview.


    While resting, Li Xiaoyao took the opportunity to look around. It was his professional habit; whenever he arrived at a new ce, he always made a point to familiarize himself with the environment as quickly as possible. That way, if anything happened, he could make quick decisions and address them swiftly.


    Li Xiaoyao soon realized that there indeed were a lot of women in thispany, and they were all beauties.


    Oh, he remembered¡ªthis was an entertainmentpany. It was normal for there to be many beauties.


    He also quickly observed something else: all the job applicants were men, not a single woman among them.


    "Hey, bro, what position are you applying for?" Li Xiaoyao asked the man next to him.


    "Security guard."


    After chatting briefly with the man, Li Xiaoyao moved on to continue his questioning with the next one.


    After asking over a dozen men, Li Xiaoyao finally found his target.


    "Brother, are you also applying for the position of Marketing Department General Manager?" Li Xiaoyao looked at the man in front of him, excited as if he had seen his long-lost son.


    The man looked at Li Xiaoyao warily and asked, "Are you here to apply for the Marketing Department General Manager as well?"


    Li Xiaoyao nodded, handed over his resume, and said, "Yeah, we are really fated to meet here. However, I heard they''re only hiring one person for this position. Ah, it''s such a pity¡ªyou''ll have to continue job hunting."


    The man''s eyelids twitched, and he roared inside, is this how your mother taught you to speak? What do you mean I''ll have to continue job hunting? Are you so confident that you can beat me? If he weren''t waiting for an interview notification, he really wanted to p Li Xiaoyao right there.


    With anger in his heart, the man looked down at Li Xiaoyao''s resume. He wasn''t worried, but one look almost scared him to death.


    Shit!


    This guy is so damn impressive, this damn resume is ridiculously amazing!


    Seeing that the man had finished looking, Li Xiaoyao patted his shoulder and said, "It''s okay, failure is the mother of sess. Just experience it a few more times, and you''ll get there. Think of the interview as a training exercise, because you''re not going to get the job anyway."


    The man returned the resume to Li Xiaoyao, grabbed his own bag, stood up and headed towards the elevator.


    Li Xiaoyao watched the man''s forlorn figure with a satisfied smile on his face.


    Winning without fighting¡ªthat''s exactly what this was.

 Chapter 3: Do Not Hit Women

    <h4>Chapter 3: Do Not Hit Women</h4>


    "Zhang Daneng,e in for the interview!" A beauty called out from the conference room, but there was no response for a long time. The girl called out several more times, still with no reply.


    Li Xiaoyao hurried over and said with a smile, "Hello."


    The beauty looked Li Xiaoyao up and down and asked, "Are you Zhang Daneng?"


    Li Xiaoyao replied, "Yes, I am."


    The beauty frowned, nced at Li Xiaoyao, then at the photo on the resume, clearly noticing they were not the same person.


    "Howe you don''t look like your photo?"


    Li Xiaoyao answered, "That was when I was fat, now I have lost weight."


    The beauty didn''t think too much, probably not expecting someone to y tricks during an interview, and besides, he was the only one named Zhang Daneng here.


    Li Xiaoyao walked to the third room, pushed the door open, and entered. Inside the room were three interviewers, two men and a woman.


    Li Xiaoyao sat down casually in front of the three people. Just as he sat down, the man in the middle suddenly shouted, "Who told you to sit down?"


    Li Xiaoyao gave the man a look, ignored him, took out two resumes and handed them over, asking, "How should I address you all?"


    The man asked unhappily, "There''s three of us, and you bring only two resumes, what do you mean by that?"


    Li Xiaoyao smiled and said, "Because I don''t like you."


    The man raised his eyebrows and red, pointing to the door, "Get out, your interview is over."


    Li Xiaoyao leaned back slightly, crossed one leg over the other, and with a condescending expression, said, "Your position is as an administrative officer, and you''re now interviewing for the position of the marketing department''s general manager. If I were you, I certainly wouldn''t treat interviewees with this attitude."


    Of course, the man understood what Li Xiaoyao was implying with his words. He let out a coldugh and said, "Do you think you''re going to be epted?"


    Li Xiaoyao spread his hands and asked, "Why not?"


    The two beauties sitting beside them paid no attention to the exchange between the two men. They were looking down at Li Xiaoyao''s resume, initially somewhat disdainful due to his overly ordinary attire, but this disdain disappeared in an instant as they reviewed his resume.


    The beauty on the left was Zhuo Yi, the chairman''s assistant.


    The beauty on the right was Zhang Meng, the manager of the marketing department.


    Zhuo Yi put down the resume and, looking at Li Xiaoyao''s nonchnt face, her eyes sparkled with a hint of interest.


    "Our partners at Pan-Blue International span various industries. Suppose we need to promote a celebrity recently, what kind of model do you think would be good?"


    This was a question for Li Xiaoyao. If his answer satisfied them, then there would be no big problem in getting the job. But if his answer was average, no matter how good his resume looked, it would be pointless.


    Li Xiaoyao didn''t think much before saying directly, "Promoting celebrities has nothing to do with the position I''m interviewing for. I''m applying for the role of general manager of the marketing department, and marketing is about developing and maintaining partnerships. As for promoting and packaging celebrities, that''s the job of the nning department."


    Zhuo Yi didn''t expect Li Xiaoyao to speak so candidly and her impression of him improved slightly.


    Ten minutester, Li Xiaoyao walked out of the conference room. Just now, Zhuo Yi and Zhang Meng had shaken hands with him and informed him that they would notify him immediately once there were interview results.


    Li Xiaoyao could see from the expressions in the two beauties'' eyes that they were very pleased with him; basically, the job was as good as his.


    "Meng Meng, what do you think?" Zhuo Yi asked inside the conference room.


    Zhang Meng nodded and said, "He''s very impressive."


    The man seated in the middle snorted and said, "Impressive in what way? Anyway, I don''t think he is up to it."


    Zhuo Yi nced at the man without a word, then turned to the girl standing at the door and asked, "Who''s next for the interview?"


    The girl said, "Security department."


    A few secondster, a burly man came in.


    After a few minutes, the man went out, his face full of sighs andmentations.


    Li Xiaoyao didn''t rush to leave, he just sat in the hallway.


    There was free air conditioning and drinks here, and outside it was nearly forty degrees Celsius; Li Xiaoyao really didn''t want to go out and be scorched by the sun at this time.


    Li Xiaoyao was just dozing off with his eyes squinted when, out of nowhere, the sound of an argument broke out in the corridor.


    "Why can he be hired, and I can''t?"


    "Corruption, there must be corruption."


    "What happened to fairness?"


    Li Xiaoyao opened his eyes to look, and from these people''s cursing and shouting, he roughly understood what was going on.


    This time the security position was hiring only one person, and whether or not you were hired, you would be informed on the spot.


    As a result, more than twenty men came to interview for the security position, but in the end, to everyone''s surprise, a pretty boy was hired, which the applicants found uneptable.


    "Damn it, if I don''t get an exnation this time, I''m not leaving."


    "Shit, to think they''d let a pretty boy be a security guard."


    All the women on this floor were frightened by this scene. These job applicants were not very high-quality to begin with, and being upset, they suddenly saw a group of startled women, which immediately gave rise to some evil thoughts in their minds.


    "Heh heh, little sister, don''t be scared, big brother won''t do anything to you. Come on, let big brother give you a hug." A man walked up and reached out to touch the girl''s cheek.


    Seeing this, Li Xiaoyao''s eyebrows immediately furrowed. This was just too outrageous.


    Li Xiaoyao didn''t say anything like ''stop'' or other useless words. He stood up, picked up a hairpin from a girl''s hair nearby, and threw it at the man.


    "Whoosh!"


    The hairpin pierced through the man''s palm, sttering blood, and an agonizing scream erupted immediately.


    "Fuck, beat this kid up!"


    Other men pointed at Li Xiaoyao and yelled loudly.


    Then the women on this floor saw that more than twenty strong men, as if in a frenzy, surged towards Li Xiaoyao, surrounding him in just a few seconds.


    A big guy pointed at Li Xiaoyao and cursed, "You little bastard, you''re looking for death, aren''t you?"


    Li Xiaoyao lifted his eyelids, patted the girl who had just been frightened, and said to the men, "Whatever unfair treatment you''ve received, it''s not okay to hit a woman. I don''t have many good points, but I do like to stand up against injustice."


    "Yo, quite the big talker, liking to stand up against injustice, huh? Alright, let''s see how you''re going to do that today." The man turned vicious and shouted, "Get him, teach this kid a lesson."


    There wasn''t a trace of fear on Li Xiaoyao''s face. He said to the girl shaking with fear, "Don''t be scared, close your eyes, and when you count to 50, open them again."


    The girl obediently closed her eyes and began to count softly.


    Li Xiaoyao took a step forward, eyed a man rushing up to kick him, and a trace of ferocity shed through his eyes. He forcefully kicked the man on the calf, causing the man to lose his bnce, stumble forward, and face-nt onto the ground.


    Without pausing, Li Xiaoyao charged into the crowd, and wherever he went, screams of pain followed. In just about half a minute, more than twenty men were all lying on the ground, wailing.


    Thepany girls, after seeing Li Xiaoyao''s terrifying skills as if straight out of an action movie, had their eyes sparkling with excitement, looking at him with faces full of admiration.

 Chapter 4 - 4 Double Duty

    <h4>Chapter 4: Chapter 4 Double Duty</h4>


    "Wow, so handsome!"


    "Really handsome!"


    "I love the way he kicks, so cool!"


    "I love the way he fights."


    "I love his muscles."


    The women watched Li Xiaoyao, their eyes sparkling with stars as they fluttered.


    Li Xiaoyao pped his hands, looked down at the men, and said, "Okay, stop ying dead, all of you scram."


    When the men heard this, they swiftly scrambled up from the ground and ran off without a trace.


    Li Xiaoyao had held back when he started throwing punches; otherwise, with his strength, a single punch could kill a bull.


    In the chairman''s office, Zhuo Yi and Zhang Meng sat opposite the chairman and recounted what had just happened.


    The chairman was Lan Cai, the head of Pan-Blue International, with stunningly beautiful features and a temperament that seemed to elevate her above the mundane. In thepany, Lan Cai was known by a nickname, the "aloof female CEO."


    After hearing the two women''s ount, Lan Cai said, surprised, "One person took down more than twenty strong men? And this person came to interview for the position of marketing department manager?"


    Zhuo Yi nodded and said, "Mm-hm, everyone saw it. He took those men down with ease."


    Lan Cai asked, "With such an incident happening, where was the security department?"


    Zhuo Yi answered, "The security wasn''t there at that time."


    "So many people came for interviews and yet there was no security present to maintain order," Lan Cai''s eyes flickered with severity as she said, "Zhang Meng, go tell the HR department to pass on a message. Tell Security Department Chief Li Yong there''s no need for him toe in tomorrow."


    Zhang Meng simply nodded, not daring to ask more.


    Don''t be fooled by Lan Cai''s beautiful appearance; at her core, she was a decisive and swift woman who would easily fire anyone not taking their work seriously.


    With such a major incident urring today and the head of security not arranging for someone to maintain order on-site, the fate of the security chief was almost foreseeable.


    Zhuo Yi hesitated after hearing Lan Cai''s words, then said, "Director Lan, if we fire Li Yong now, there''ll be no one in charge of the security department."


    Lan Cai said indifferently, "Didn''t you just mention that man named Li Xiaoyao? He''s quite skilled at fighting, let him run the security department."


    Zhuo Yi and Zhang Meng said, "But he applied for the position of marketing department manager."


    Lan Cai said, "Let him manage both departments."


    "Ah?"


    The two women were stunned, at a loss for words.


    It was the first time they had heard of someone serving both as the marketing department manager and the head of the security department, two roles that were entirely unrted.


    "If there''s nothing else, you may leave now. Go and process Li Xiaoyao''s employment, and by the way, tell him that he''s only temporarily in charge of the security department. If we find a suitable candidateter, we won''t need him for that role. Oh, and include the sry for the head of the security department in hispensation."


    After the two women left, they looked at each other and both gave a bitter smile.


    Zhang Meng asked, "Do you think Li Xiaoyao will agree?"


    Zhuo Yi shook her head and said, "I don''t know, let''s talk to him first."


    Li Xiaoyao was still lounging on the hallway seat, enjoying the air conditioning, when the two women approached him. Opening his eyes, Li Xiaoyao cracked a slight smile and said, "If you''re here to thank me, then don''t bother. Heroes saving damsels in distress, oh wait, that''s not right¡ªit''s all in a day''s work for a hero like me."


    For some reason, both women felt their hearts inexplicably racing upon seeing the smile on Li Xiaoyao''s face.


    "Li Xiaoyao, thank you for what you did just now. Who knows what would have happened if it weren''t for you," Zhuo Yi said. "About your job, the upper management has made a decision. There are a few details we''d like to discuss with you. Let''s go to the conference room."


    In the conference room, there were two women and one man.


    Li Xiaoyao sat across from the two women, and when they mentioned putting him in charge of two departments, his eyebrows shot up in surprise. "What? You want me to manage the security department? No way, I don''t have the energy for that."


    Li Xiaoyao had been looking for aid-back job, and although he had never worked as head of security, he knew very well it wouldn''t be a breeze. Besides, they wanted him to manage two departments by himself.


    Li Xiaoyao''s outright refusal left the two women somewhat flustered, unsure of what to do next.


    Zhang Meng, with a pitiful look and watery, pleading eyes, said to Li Xiaoyao, "We''re only asking you to temporarily manage the security department. We''re currently in the process of hiring a new director for security. Once we find someone, you won''t have to handle it anymore. It''s just for a little while. Can you help us, please?"


    Zhang Meng spoke in such a vulnerable manner that it seemed as if tears might fall from herrge, watery eyes at any moment.


    Li Xiaoyao really couldn''t bear to see a woman cry in front of him, but the idea of managing two departments all on his own was a bit much to ask. He felt truly torn.


    Zhuo Yi added from the side, "Don''t worry, your sry will be doubled. You''ll be paid for being both the Marketing Department Director and the Head of Security."


    Upon hearing this, Li Xiaoyao immediately took on a nobler stance and said, "I am a man of principles, but since you both insist, it would be difficult for me to keep declining."


    The two women excitedly asked, "So you agree?"


    Li Xiaoyao nodded, then casually inquired, "How much does the Head of Security make a month?"


    The two women were taken aback, not quite used to Li Xiaoyao''s sudden change of subject.


    Zhuo Yi answered, "The Head of Security makes fifteen thousand a month. With full attendance and bonuses, ites to about twenty thousand. The base sry for the Marketing Department Director is eighteen thousand, and with performance bonuses, it adds up to around fifty or sixty thousand a month."


    Li Xiaoyao hadn''t expected the sry to be so high, and with delight he said, "Well then, let''s get that contract signed quickly."


    The two women couldn''t help butugh at Li Xiaoyao''s money-grubbing antics.


    Li Xiaoyao signed the contract quickly and would officially start work the next day. Before he left, a tailor came to take his measurements for a custom-made uniform.


    Li Xiaoyao left happily, but someone else was looking rather grim.


    That person was Li Yong, the current Head of Security.


    Li Yong couldn''t believe he was fired over such a trivial incident.


    He had nned to speak to Director Lan about the situation and convey his awareness of his mistake, promising it wouldn''t happen again, but Director Lan refused to see him.


    This made Li Yong''s anger surge within him. He''d been at thepany for a year or two and had solved many problems. He knew hard work wasn''t always recognized, but to be fired over something so minor was infuriating.


    Li Yong decided he simply could not tolerate this and came up with an idea.


    A strike!


    He nned to organize all the security personnel to strike, to show Lan Cai who really had control over the security department in thispany!


    As for Li Xiaoyao, after signing the contract, he shamelessly asked for an advance of ten thousand yuan from his sry.


    And Zhuo Yi, she even helped with his request, and damn it, his application was approved.


    Li Xiaoyao, holding ten thousand yuan in cash, did not squander it but went to the market to buy a bunch of groceries, then headed home to cook.

 Chapter 5 - 5 Zhang Biao鈥檚 Mischief

    <h4>Chapter 5: Chapter 5 Zhang Biao''s Mischief</h4>


    Tang Tiantian got off work, exhausted.


    That Zhang Biao from yesterday had called her again today, threatening her over the phone to be his girlfriend, or else he''d make sure she couldn''t keep working, couldn''t get by in this city.


    Tang Tiantian felt terrible. She was just a country girl who had worked hard to get into university, and now she had just graduated, found a job selling cosmetics at a counter, earning a decent sry, and rented a nice apartment. She had finally put down roots in this big city.


    She believed that with her own efforts, she could definitely have a home of her own in this city, and when the time came, she could bring her parents over to take care of them in their old age.


    Dreams are always beautiful, but reality is often cruel.


    Tang Tiantian ran into scum like Zhang Biao. He had taken a liking to Tang Tiantian the moment he saw her while shopping for cosmetics with his girlfriend, and since then, he had been delivering flowers every day.


    If Tang Tiantian had not seen him with his girlfriend previously, maybe she would have already been tricked by him, but the key point was, she knew Zhang Biao had a girlfriend.


    For this kind of man who has his eye on someone new while still eating from his own te, no matter how rich he was, Tang Tiantian was not interested.


    Tang Tiantian took out her keys to open the door, and as soon as she walked in, she smelled a delicious fragrance.


    Tang Tiantian looked towards the kitchen in surprise and saw Li Xiaoyao wearing an apron and cooking.


    Tang Tiantian walked to the table and, seeing the dishes already prepared, her surprise grew stronger.


    Li Xiaoyao turned off the stove and brought out thest dish. Seeing Tang Tiantian had returned, Li Xiaoyao said, "Go wash your hands, thene and eat."


    Tang Tiantian responded in a daze and went to wash her hands.


    At the dinner table, the two sat opposite each other, with dishes spreading an enticing aroma.


    Tang Tiantian eximed in surprise, "You can cook, too?"


    Li Xiaoyao smiled and said, "Cooking is quite simple."


    Li Xiaoyao took out an envelope and handed it to Tang Tiantian.


    Tang Tiantian asked curiously, "What''s this?"


    Li Xiaoyao replied, "I found a job today and got an advance on my sry¡ªthis is for the rent."


    Tang Tiantian suddenly felt a bit embarrassed, looking at the envelope being handed to her somewhat awkwardly.


    Li Xiaoyao picked some food with his chopsticks and said, "Try this, my cooking is delicious; not just anyone can get a taste."


    ...


    After dinner, Li Xiaoyao promptly went to wash the pots and pans thoroughly.


    Watching Li Xiaoyao''s busy figure, Tang Tiantian suddenly felt that having such a boyfriend wouldn''t be too bad.


    Once he finished, Li Xiaoyao was about to enter his room when Tang Tiantian suddenly asked, "What kind of job did you find?"


    Li Xiaoyao replied, "The head of the marketing department and the security department chief."


    Tang Tiantian paused, asking, "You found jobs at twopanies?"


    "Just onepany. It''s just that thepany is temporarily short of a security department chief, so they asked me to fill in."


    "Oh." Tang Tiantian hadn''t expected that this penniless man, in just one afternoon, would find a job¡ªand not just any trivial job.


    Li Xiaoyao took a shower, then returned to his room without making any particr effort to chat with Tang Tiantian.


    Li Xiaoyao''s attitude satisfied Tang Tiantian yet also left her with mixed feelings of contentment and apprehension.


    Tang Tiantian was pleased that Li Xiaoyao was a gentleman, but also wished he would talk to her more.


    Women, truly a strange creature.


    Li Xiaoyao returned to his room, locked the door from the inside, then sat on the bed and closed his eyes. After a while, he opened his eyes again, and at the same time, a strange old book appeared in his hand.


    Ever since Li Xiaoyao could remember, he had been living a life dodging bullets and gunfire abroad. And when he killed someone for the first time, an emotionless voice suddenly echoed in his head.


    "Congrattions, you have obtained 100 Spirit Stones!"


    After a long time, Li Xiaoyao finally understood something.


    In his body, there was a hidden System containing all sorts of strange items, and to obtain these items from the System, he had to purchase them with Spirit Stones.


    Spirit Stones were a unique thing, considered the virtual currency of the System.


    And obtaining Spirit Stones was quite simple, justplete the tasks issued by the System.


    Over the many years of survival abroad, Li Xiaoyao had umted tens of thousands of Spirit Stones, and this System was also an important reason why he was able to survive his mercenary life.


    Li Xiaoyao used Spirit Stones to buy a Cultivation Manual, just like the kind used by Cultivators in novels for cultivation.


    Li Xiaoyao had cultivated for many years and never disyed it in crowded ces, and all who had seen his abilities ended up dead.


    Li Xiaoyao was uncertain if he was the only person in the world who could cultivate, and if there was another group of mysterious people, hidden in the world, who could also cultivate, then Li Xiaoyao was in great danger.


    Therefore, unless it was absolutely necessary, Li Xiaoyao would not expose his ability to cultivate.


    Li Xiaoyao cultivated in his room with caution, while Tang Tiantian sat on the sofa reading a book, her phone suddenly rang.


    It was her colleague Lili calling.


    "Hello, Lili, calling me thiste."


    Lili asked, "Tiantian, what are you doing? Are you busy?"


    "Nothing much, what''s up?"


    Lili said, "Come out to y, we''re at Muse Bar."


    Tang Tiantian hesitated for a few seconds before responding, "I think I''ll pass."


    Lili became unhappy and said, "Are youing? You''ve missed several calls from me before, no, this time you have toe, otherwise I''ll ignore you in the future."


    Finally unable to withstand Lili''s persistently cajoling and badgering, Tang Tiantian reluctantly agreed toe over right away.


    She didn''t like bars because she found them too noisy, but since Lili had called her several times and she had never gone, if she didn''t go this time, Lili might really ignore her in the future.


    After changing into a skirt, Tang Tiantian left her room, looking at Li Xiaoyao''s room across the corridor, debating whether or not to let him know. After a few seconds of thought, she decided not to knock on the door.


    Li Xiaoyao had already sensed Tang Tiantian''s movements, her every action under his watchful eye. To Li Xiaoyao, a door might as well be non-existent, allowing him to clearly see the struggle and hesitation on Tang Tiantian''s face just moments ago.


    In the restroom of Muse Bar, Lili, wearing a short skirt and off-the-shoulder top, was doing something indescribable.


    A few minutester, Lili and a man came out of the restroom, ignoring the odd looks from others.


    Lili leaned on the man''s chest, looking blissful.


    The man took her out of the bar, pulled out a stack of cash from his wallet, and said, "When you get her drunk, let me know immediately."


    Lili took the cash, pouted, and said, "Biao bro, why don''t I serve you together with her tonight?"


    This man was Zhang Biao, the man who had pursued Tang Tiantian and ended up being pped away by Li Xiaoyao. He waved her off impatiently, "You''re like a damn public bus, don''t give me nonsense, just do what I tell you to."


    Lili wasn''t offended by his words, she tucked the money away, and with a big smile said, "Biao bro, don''t worry, I''ll definitely take care of Tiantian for you tonight."

 Chapter 6 - 6 Threats

    <h4>Chapter 6: Chapter 6 Threats</h4>


    Tang Tiantian took a taxi to the nightclub street, a ce she seldom visited, and after walking for a while, she finally found the Muse Nightclub that Lili had mentioned.


    At this point, Tang Tiantian was still unaware that a conspiracy targeting her was unfolding.


    "Hey, Lili, I''m here, uh, right at the entrance of the nightclub. Where are you? At seat A7? Oh, I''ll be right there." After hanging up the phone, Tang Tiantian walked into the nightclub.


    As soon as she entered the nightclub, the overwhelming noise wrinkled her pretty brows.


    The nightclub was packed with people; it was a crowd everywhere. It was with difficulty that Tang Tiantian located Lili, only to see her, dolled up, drinking with a few other female colleagues.


    Seeing Tang Tiantian arrive, Lili picked up a ss of alcohol and handed it over, saying, "I''m treating today, so drink up."


    Tang Tiantian shook her head. "I don''t drink."


    Lili seemed a bit unhappy. "How can youe to a nightclub and not drink? Tiantian, it''s no fun this way."


    The others also said, "Yeah, Tiantian, we work so hard during the day, it''s rare to have time at night to rx. We''re all girls; even if we get drunk, it''s okay."


    Tang Tiantian didn''t know how to refute them and had no choice but to drink the alcohol in front of her.


    After the first ss came the second, and Tang Tiantian could only try to stay as sober as possible.


    So many girls drinking quickly attracted the attention of some men.


    A few handsome men came over, made small talk, and started drinking with them.


    One of the men approached Tang Tiantian and lifted his ss, "Beauty, what''s your name?"


    Tang Tiantian hadn''t been approached by someone in a nightclub before and was a bit cautious, replying, "Tang Tiantian."


    "What a lovely name, I''m Liu Yi."


    Liu Yi was a seasoned yer in the field of romance and effortlessly got Tang Tiantian to drink several sses.


    Soon, Tang Tiantian felt dizzy and knew she couldn''t drink anymore.


    Liu Yi saw Tang Tiantian''s condition, a glint of slyness in his eyes, and he reached out to support her waist, whispering, "Do you feel like throwing up? Let me take you to the washroom."


    Tang Tiantian, hardly conscious, just went along with whatever Liu Yi said.


    When Lili saw Liu Yi trying to take her away, she immediately grabbed Tang Tiantian''s hand and said to him, "Handsome, this is my little sister. Don''t you dare think about taking advantage of her."


    Liu Yi frowned, annoyed at seeing his sure catch about to slip away.


    Worried something might go wrong, Lili leaned in close to Liu Yi, tempting him with a sultry tone, "Handsome, my sister is a married woman. If you mess with her tonight, her husband wille looking for you tomorrow. If you''re feeling lonely, go wait in the bathroom for me. I''ll get her into a car and thene back for you."


    Liu Yi sized up Lili; although she wasn''t as pretty as Tang Tiantian, she had a good figure, especially in her scanty attire, those long legs particrly eye-catching.


    Liu Yi licked his lips and smirked, "I''ll wait here for you. Remember toe back after you''ve taken care of your sister."


    Lili gave him a seductive nce and left the nightclub with the staggering Tang Tiantian.


    As soon as they stepped out of the nightclub, a breeze hit them, and Tang Tiantian couldn''t hold it in any longer, squatting on the ground and vomiting.


    After throwing up for a while, Tang Tiantian''s awareness began to return somewhat.


    Lili patted her back with feigned concern, "Tiantian, are you okay?"


    Tang Tiantian shook her head and replied, "It''s okay, don''t worry about me, I''m going home now."


    Lili was sending a text message to Zhang Biao while saying, "That won''t do, I can''t rest easy with you like this. How about this, I''ll stay here with you to hail a cab."


    Tang Tiantian couldn''t argue with Lili and had to let her stay and help her hail a taxi.


    The two women stood by the roadside for a while when an Audi sedan pulled up and stopped in front of them.


    Zhang Biao got out of the car, smiling, "Isn''t this Tiantian and Lili? What''s up? Waiting for a cab? Don''t wait, get in my car, I''ll take you guys home."


    As soon as Tang Tiantian saw it was Zhang Biao, she kept shaking her head and stepping back, "No need, I''ll hail a cab myself."


    Lili, feigning surprise, said to Zhang Biao while holding onto Tang Tiantian, "Oh, it''s you, Mr. Zhang? What a coincidence. I was worried about Tiantian going home alone by taxi, it''s unsafe. It''s good that you''re here." Then she turned to Tang Tiantian who kept trying to leave and said, "Tiantian, it''s Mr. Zhang, the one who often sends you flowers, he''ll take you home."


    Tang Tiantian, who was quite drunk, had no strength and couldn''t break free from Lili''s grasp. She kept saying, "No, no..."


    Zhang Biao took Tang Tiantian from Lili''s hands, "It''s okay, I''ll take her home, you go have fun."


    Lili said with a smile, "Mm, then I''ll trouble Mr. Zhang." After speaking, she said to Tang Tiantian, "Tiantian, I''m going to y then, text me when you get home."


    Lili acted as if she hadn''t seen the panic and resistance on Tang Tiantian''s face, and turned back into the bar.


    "Hehe, Tiantian, don''t be afraid, I''ll be very gentle," Zhang Biao''s smile raised fear in Tang Tiantian''s heart.


    Tang Tiantian wanted to back away in fear, but she couldn''t muster any strength in her body and could only let Zhang Biao toss her into the backseat of the car, then lock the door.


    For some reason, at that moment, the image of Li Xiaoyao suddenly shed through Tang Tiantian''s mind. She bit her lip, took out her phone from her bag, and called Li Xiaoyao.


    Zhang Biao saw her actions, immediately pulled open the car door, and tried to snatch her phone.


    Tang Tiantian hugged her phone to her chest, curled up, and prayed for the call to connect quickly.


    Although she knew that even if the call connected, Li Xiaoyao couldn''t appear instantly, she felt that just hearing his voice would bring herfort.


    Zhang Biao eventually snatched the phone from her hand, and seeing the outgoing call, anger surged onto his face: "Li Xiaoyao, huh? Calling your boyfriend, are you?"


    Zhang Biao not only didn''t hang up the phone, but actually waited for it to connect.


    Li Xiaoyao was surprised to receive a call from Tang Tiantian, but he answered it nheless.


    Li Xiaoyao asked, "Hello, what''s up?"


    Zhang Biao''s voice came through the phone, "Nothing, just wanted to let you know, Tiantian won''t being home tonight."


    Li Xiaoyao immediately recognized Zhang Biao''s voice. He frowned, wondering why Zhang Biao would call him on Tang Tiantian''s phone for no apparent reason.


    Tang Tiantian''s weak voice came through the phone, "Li Xiaoyao, save me..."


    Zhang Biao mmed the door shut, and Li Xiaoyao''s ice-cold voice said, "You''re Zhang Biao, right? I recognize your voice."


    Zhang Biao sneered, "So what if you recognize it? Let me tell you, Tiantian is mine tonight, and I haven''t forgotten you beat me upst time. After I''ve had my way with Tiantian, I''lle for you, so you''ll learn there are some people you can''t afford to mess with!"


    Li Xiaoyao replied coldly, "Let me make myself clear, I don''t care who you are, but if you dare touch a hair on her head, I''ll take your life!"


    Zhang Biao spat forcefully, "Oh, threatening me now, are you? What a big shot you are. I''ve already touched her¡ªwhat can you do about it?"


    Li Xiaoyao stood up from the bed and said, "I suggest you stay right there. If you don''t leave, whatever happens tonight is on you alone. But if you leave, it will bring cmity to your whole family!"


    Li Xiaoyao hung up the phone. Zhang Biao stood by the car door, still processing Li Xiaoyao''s words, and for some reason, a chill ran from the soles of his feet up to the top of his head.

 Chapter 7 - 7 Fourth Brother

    <h4>Chapter 7: Chapter 7 Fourth Brother</h4>


    Li Xiaoyao stood in the room, closed his eyes, and a thought instantly emanated, covering an area of ten miles. Currently, Li Xiaoyao''s telepathic range could only cover this distance. Ten miles was already the limit.


    Li Xiaoyao didn''t know where Tang Tiantian was; he had no choice but to risk using telepathy to search for her location.


    On the other hand, Zhang Biao carelessly tossed his phone onto the passenger seat, turned to look at Tang Tiantian struggling to get up in the back seat, and cursed, "Fuck, daring to threaten me, I''ll fix you up right now. Let''s see what your man can do."


    After saying this, Zhang Biao directly climbed towards the back seat, lunging at Tang Tiantian.


    ...


    Li Xiaoyao suddenly opened his eyes, having found Tang Tiantian''s location.


    Li Xiaoyao opened the room''s window, leaped out with a jump, and quickly disappeared into the darkness.


    In the parking lot outside the nightclub, a glossy ck Audi car was gently rocking; men and women walking by merely nced and turned away.


    "Youngsters these days are really full of fire, can''t hold back at all."


    The passersby shook their heads, not finding the urrence particrly strange.


    Such incidents outside nightclubs were all toomon.


    Inside the car, Zhang Biao''s hands were ripping at Tang Tiantian''s dress, Tang Tiantian fighting back with all her might, but he pinned down her hands.


    "At this point, still trying to y the innocent, what''s there to pretend!" Zhang Biao cursed while reaching for her clothing.


    Tang Tiantian''s eyes reddened, tears of humiliation running down.


    Just as Zhang Biao was about to rip off Tang Tiantian''s dress, a sudden sound of shattering ss echoed from behind.


    "Smash!"


    Zhang Biao was startled; someone had smashed his car window, and shards of broken ss covered him.


    Coming to his senses, Zhang Biao immediately turned around and cursed angrily, "Fuck, who the hell smashed my car?"


    After swearing, he turned around only to see a familiar face¡ªit was Li Xiaoyao!


    Zhang Biao froze for several seconds before he realized what was happening.


    Li Xiaoyao descended like a divine weapon, shattering the car window, then merely applying slight force on the car door handle to pull it open.


    In his heart, Zhang Biao cursed to himself, damn it, this guy couldn''t have been at the nightclub all along, could he? Otherwise, how did he show up here just after I had called him?


    Zhang Biao deeply regretted not driving to the riverside earlier.


    He didn''t know that even if he fled to the riverside, Li Xiaoyao would have appeared all the same.


    Li Xiaoyao grabbed Zhang Biao''s hair, lifted him out of the car like toting a dead dog, and casually threw him to the ground.


    A crowd had gathered around, all there to watch the excitement.


    They had seen many cases of men fooling around with women, but a woman''s rescuer breaking the car window was truly a first for them.


    Li Xiaoyao gave Zhang Biao a kick, then bent down to lift the disheveled, tearfully heartbroken Tang Tiantian out of the car.


    When Tang Tiantian realized her rescuer was Li Xiaoyao, she cried even harder, tightly wrapping her arms around his neck, sobbing, "I was so scared, so very scared."


    Li Xiaoyao stroked her hair and said, "It''s okay now, I''m here, no one dares to bully you anymore."


    "What''s going on here? Who''s causing trouble?" A dozen nightclub bouncers came over, the men with crew cuts and fierce faces, all with rubber truncheons tucked on their belts, clearly not to be trifled with.


    Struggling to his feet while clutching his stomach from Li Xiaoyao''s kick, Zhang Biao saw the men and immediately approached, saying, "My name is Zhang Biao, a sworn brother of Fourth Brother; is he around?"


    As soon as the men heard he was a brother of Fourth Brother, they smiled and said, "Fourth Brother is busy in the restroom, what''s happening?"


    Other than men and women getting busy, what else could be happening in the restroom?


    Zhang Biao, upon finding out his Fourth Brother was there, had all his fear instantly vanish and, pointing at Li Xiaoyao, who was holding Tang Tiantian, said, "This punk smashed my car and stole my girl; you guys help me teach him a lesson."


    "No problem, no problem. Since he''s Fourth Brother''s buddy, he''s our buddy too." The thugs sneered as they looked over at Li Xiaoyao, walked up, and immediately surrounded him, tapping a rubber baton lightly in their left hand before suddenly shouting, "Hit him!"


    At themand, more than a dozen thugs rushed him, and the onlooking men and women let out excited screams.


    Li Xiaoyao was holding Tang Tiantian, so it wasn''t convenient to use his hands, but no matter, he still had his legs.


    A thug with a scar on his face charged at him first, swinging the rubber baton towards Li Xiaoyao''s head. But before the baton struck, Li Xiaoyao raised his leg high and urately hit the thug''s left face. The thug''s hands went limp, the rubber baton dropped, and he was kicked flying away.


    "Damn, he''s tough!" shouted the thug who seemed to be leading, "Everybody get him!"


    All the concerted effort was useless. In the face of absolute strength, a mob is just trash.


    More than a dozen thugs charged at him together; Li Xiaoyao swung a leg and knocked three flying, quickly followed by kicking out two more. Seeing the bad turn of events, one thug turned and ran. In less than two minutes, all the remaining thugs were lying on the ground.


    The onlooking men and women were stunned; it was like watching a martial arts action movie, with all moves performed with his legs, as if Bruce Lee hade back to life.


    After dealing with the thugs, Li Xiaoyao, still holding Tang Tiantian, walked up to Zhang Biao who was now scared stiff.


    Li Xiaoyao grinned, showing off his white teeth, and said, "Brother Biao, let''s talk about tonight''s events."


    Zhang Biao''s legs quivered uncontrobly as he watched Li Xiaoyao with fear, his voice trembling, "What do you want to do? What do you want to do?"


    Before Li Xiaoyao could speak, suddenly a voice rang out not far away.


    "Who dares to cause trouble on my turf?"


    The neer was not tall, only about one hundred sixty-seven centimeters, wearing beach shorts, flip-flops, and a floral T-shirt.


    Though not tall, his body was robust, making him seem like a block of stone.


    As soon as the man appeared, the thugs lying on the ground scrambled up, crying out, "Fourth Brother!"


    Fourth Brother, one of the several leaders of the bars in this area.


    Fourth Brother walked over, nced at the people getting up from the ground, and frowned as he asked, "What happened?"


    Upon seeing Fourth Brother arrive, Zhang Biao quickly jogged over, all smiles: "Fourth Brother, I''m Zhang Biao."


    Fourth Brother looked at him and asked, "Which Zhang Biao?"


    Zhang Biao''s smile froze, then he quickly added, "I was with Brother Hu when he came for drinks a few days ago."


    Fourth Brother gave a grunt of acknowledgement and said, "Don''t remember."


    His men stepped forward and recounted the entire incident from start to finish. As Fourth Brother heard how Zhang Biao had used his name to order his men around, his face turned dark. His expression changed again when he learned that the man holding a woman had single-handedly knocked down more than a dozen men; his eyes suddenly brightened.


    After his men finished exining, Fourth Brother fell silent for a while.


    Zhang Biao knew Fourth Brother had clout in this area and, like a fawning dog, said, "Fourth Brother, that punk is too arrogant. He beat me and beat yours too. If you¡ª"


    "Smack!"


    A very loud p rang out. Fourth Brother pped Zhang Biao across the face, sending him staggering several steps. Zhang Biao''s already swollen face swelled up even more.


    After pping him, Fourth Brother backhanded him with another p.


    "Smack!"


    Fourth Brother grabbed Zhang Biao by the hair and snarled, "Beating people up in my name, you think you''re tired of living, huh?"


    Zhang Biao begged for mercy, "Fourth Brother, I didn''t, I know Brother Hu, and I just had drinks with you and Brother Hu."


    Fourth Brother, still gripping his hair, delivered a few ps and said, "Using Brother Hu to press me? Who the hell do you think you are? Even if Brother Hu were here today, I''d still p you the same!"


    While holding onto Zhang Biao''s hair, Fourth Brother approached Li Xiaoyao, applied force to his hand, lifted Zhang Biao''s head up, and said to Li Xiaoyao, "Brother, the fault lies with me today. My men didn''t understand the situation. Here, I ''m offering you an apology, and this man, I''m handing him over to you. You deal with him as you see fit."

 Chapter 8 - 8 Security Minister Li Yong

    <h4>Chapter 8: Chapter 8 Security Minister Li Yong</h4>


    ```


    The turn of events was beyond everyone''s expectations, and the onlookers had thought that with the arrival of the Fourth Brother, he would certainly seek revenge for Zhang Biao by beating Li Xiaoyao to a pulp. The oue, however, turned out to be something no one had anticipated.


    Li Xiaoyao looked at the Fourth Brother and smiled faintly, noting that this man knew how to read the room and how to act ordingly. Aware that he was not someone to be trifled with, the Fourth Brother had decided to curry favor with him instead.


    When others showed respect, Li Xiaoyao naturally epted it. He said, "Alright, thanks, Fourth Brother."


    The Fourth Brother replied with a smile, "Just for calling me ''Fourth Brother'' today, we''ll have to have a drink togetherter."


    Li Xiaoyao responded, "I''m afraid that won''t be possible today, as I''m holding a girl in my arms. How about this¡ªwhen I''ve got time, I''ll treat you."


    The Fourth Brother wasn''t displeased and pulled out a business card, saying, "Sure, my phone number is on here. We''ll be in touch."


    Li Xiaoyao freed up one hand to take the business card and said, "Definitely."


    Zhang Biao knelt before Li Xiaoyao, kowtowing and begging for mercy. He could never have imagined such an ending.


    Li Xiaoyao nced down at Zhang Biao, while the Fourth Brother stood by, watching with a smile without a word.


    Li Xiaoyao gently tapped the back of Tang Tiantian''s neck, and she slowly drifted off to sleep.


    With an indifferent gaze, Li Xiaoyao looked at Zhang Biao and asked, "Do you remember what I said to you on the phone?"


    Zhang Biao''s body shuddered as he stammered, "I remember."


    "Congrattions, you didn''t run away. Therefore, you alone will bear the consequences of tonight''s incident¡ªyour family won''t get hurt," Li Xiaoyao dered. Then he suddenly lifted his foot, fiercely pinning Zhang Biao''s right hand to the concrete floor.


    "Ahh!" A piercing scream erupted from Zhang Biao''s throat, sending shivers down the spines of those who heard it.


    Li Xiaoyao shifted his foot onto Zhang Biao''s wrist and applied a bit more pressure. A sickening crack sounded as Zhang Biao''s wrist snapped.


    Li Xiaoyao proceeded to break Zhang Biao''s other hand and both legs. During all this, the onlookers silently watched until Li Xiaoyao retracted his foot and looked around. Those who made eye contact fled in terror.


    Writhing on the ground, Zhang Biao''s body convulsed and his voice had gone hoarse from screaming.


    Li Xiaoyao gave the Fourth Brother an apologetic smile, "Sorry to make a mess on your turf, Fourth Brother."


    The Fourth Brother didn''t expect Li Xiaoyao to be so ruthless, leaving Zhang Biaopletely incapacitated, but it was done, and on his territory, he could handle even a dead body.


    The Fourth Brother asked, "What do you n to do with him?"


    Li Xiaoyao replied, "I''ve vented my anger. I''ll spare his life, but I''ll need your help to kick him out of Ling City. Otherwise, I fear I won''t be able to hold back if I see him again."


    "It''s no trouble at all," the Fourth Brother said and turned to his dumbstruck subordinates, "What are you waiting for? Come and carry this man away."


    The subordinates came forward and carried Zhang Biao away, casting cautious nces at Li Xiaoyao, realizing that he had restrained himself when dealing with them previously.


    The Fourth Brother asked, "Brother, what should I call you?"


    Li Xiaoyao answered, "Li Xiaoyao."


    The Fourth Brother''s eyes lit up, "Good name, it means ''carefree and at ease''."


    Li Xiaoyao chatted amiably with him for a while, but noticing it was gettingte, he said, "I won''t join you for a drink tonight, Fourth Brother. I need to get her home."


    Seeing Li Xiaoyao hailing a cab by the roadside, the Fourth Brother said, "Don''t bother with a taxi, I''ll arrange a ride for you."


    The Fourth Brother provided a BMW to take Li Xiaoyao home.


    Back at home, he turned on the light andid Tang Tiantian on the couch, supporting her chin with his left hand while his right hand gestured in the air above her mouth.


    A waft of alcohol immediately emanated from Tang Tiantian''s mouth towards the palm of Li Xiaoyao''s hand. In no time, the alcoholic fumes transformed into a water sphere.


    ```


    This, was the alcohol in Tang Tiantian''s body.


    After the alcohol in Tang Tiantian''s body was expelled, herplexion looked much better.


    Li Xiaoyao didn''t wake her up, he carried her into the room, tucked her in, and then retreated.


    The next day, early morning.


    Li Xiaoyao got up early, performed a set of boxing exercises, and then went to the kitchen to make breakfast.


    When Tang Tiantian opened her eyes, seeing the familiar room and quilt, she thought for a moment that what happenedst night was just a dream.


    But when she lifted the quilt and saw the torn dress on her body, she realized that everything that had happenedst night was real.


    "I remember, Li Xiaoyao seemed to havee?" Tang Tiantian sat on the bed, recallingst night''s events.


    A fragrant smell wafted in through the crack of the door, Tang Tiantian got up to open it, and when she walked to the living room, she saw Li Xiaoyao frying eggs in the kitchen.


    Li Xiaoyao, sensing some movement, turned back and smiled at Tang Tiantian, "You''re up? Go brush your teeth and wash your face, thene over for breakfast."


    Tang Tiantian looked at all this and suddenly felt very unreal.


    The man before her had somehow be a part of her life.


    During breakfast, Li Xiaoyao asked, "How did you end up at the bar yesterday?"


    Tang Tiantian said, "A colleague had invited me several times, but I had never gone before, and this time she invited me again. I felt that it wouldn''t be nice if I didn''t go, so I went."


    Li Xiaoyao always felt thatst night''s events were too strange, as if they had been premeditated. Otherwise, how could it have been such a coincidence?


    After breakfast, the two of them left the house together. While taking the elevator down, Li Xiaoyao asked, "Where do you work?"


    Tang Tiantian replied, "At the cosmetics counter on the first floor of the Central Mall."


    Li Xiaoyao was familiar with that ce; the Central Mall was not far from the Pan-Blue International Building.


    Li Xiaoyao said, "I work nearby, it''s on the way, let''s go."


    Li Xiaoyao didn''t take the subway but instead took a taxi to first drop Tang Tiantian off at the mall, and then he continued on to hispany.


    Li Xiaoyao was still wearing jeans and a white shirt today, but his physique was excellent. Standing at one-eighty-five and with a well-proportioned body, he exuded a special charm even in simple clothes.


    Security Department Director Li Yong was sitting in the security department meeting room at the moment, along with four or five dozen sturdy men in security uniforms.


    Li Yong said, "You must have all heard, I''ve been dismissed. As for the reason, you all know¡ªit''s because of yesterday''s incident."


    "How I, Li Yong, have treated you brothers on normal days, you all know in your hearts. Today, I just have one thing to ask you," Li Yong''s eyes swept across each person''s face, and he said, "Those willing to help me, Li Yong,e downstairs with meter to protest with banners."


    Someone asked softly, "What if we get fired for doing this?"


    On a normal day, if someone dared to question him to his face, Li Yong would have cursed them out already. But not today. He couldn''t afford to berate them, because he needed these security guards to help him.


    Li Yong said, "That won''t happen. With so many of us protesting together, the chairman wouldn''t dare to fire us. If he fired everyone, who would maintain the order in thepany?"


    Seeing that there were still doubts among the crowd, Li Yong promised, "I''ll promise everyone here, if you help me, afterwards, I''ll give each person an extra five hundred yuan as a bonus!"


    The crowd thought it over and felt that Li Yong was right. With so many of them protesting together, the chairman definitely wouldn''t dare fire them. There''s safety in numbers, and that was exactly the case here.


    The security guard who was closest to Li Yong, called Dog, said, "Brother Yong, I heard that someone named Li Xiaoyao has been sent from above to take over the security department."


    "Li Xiaoyao?" Li Yongughed, he had also heard about this. He pondered for a moment, suddenly having an idea, and said, "Go and see if this Li Xiaoyao hase to work yet. If he has, call him over, tell him I have something to discuss with him."

 Chapter 9: Li Yong Plays Tricks

    <h4>Chapter 9: Li Yong ys Tricks</h4>


    Li Xiaoyao sat in his office, legs propped up on the desk, looking out of the floor-to-ceiling windows at the scenery, in an exceptionally good mood.


    Life, he thought, should be like this, not spent fighting and killing¡ªthat''s just boring.


    "Thump thump thump!" Someone knocked on the door.


    Li Xiaoyao put his feet down and shouted to the door, "Come in."


    The door opened, and a man dressed in a security uniform walked in. He saw Li Xiaoyao and showed no sign of respect, standing at the door with an arrogant demeanor, and said, "You must be the new guy, huh? Li Xiaoyao, right? Li Yong is looking for you. Come see him."


    Li Xiaoyao paused only for a moment but quickly gleaned useful information from the man''s clothes.


    A junior security guard, daring to be so arrogant with him¡ªit must be because he had suddenly be the head of the security department.


    Li Xiaoyao asked, "Li Yong? Who''s that? Never heard of him."


    The security guard snorted and said, "Li Yong, the head of the security department."


    Li Xiaoyao let out a long "Oh," saying, "Li Yong? I remember he was fired, wasn''t he? Howe he''s still here?"


    The security guard scoffed, "Fired? Hah, we don''t agree. No one''s going to fire Li Yong without our say-so. Hey, stop with the nonsense and juste with me."


    Li Xiaoyao chuckled and said, "So you are still supporting a fired department head. It seems that this Li Yong has treated you guys pretty well."


    The security guard, impatient, blurted out, "Are you done asking your questions? If so, hurry up and follow me!"


    Li Xiaoyao''s smile turned cold as he said, "Go back and tell Li Yong to get out of thepany before I lose my temper; otherwise, don''t me me for being rude."


    The security guard was taken aback, not expecting Li Xiaoyao to suddenly make such a statement. For a moment, he didn''t dare to retort.


    He had thought that this new department head would be terrified by a few threatening words from him. But it seemed that this new boss was not someone to be trifled with.


    With his tail between his legs, the security guard walked out, while Li Xiaoyao resumed propping up his legs, stroking his chin and contemting whether he should take care of this matter.


    After all, he was now sort of the head of the security department. Since he''d taken the paycheck, it was only natural to defuse the situation.


    "Thump thump thump!" Knocking sounded again.


    "Come in."


    The door opened, and Zhang Meng rushed in nervously. Seeing her like this, Li Xiaoyao was a bit surprised and asked, "What''s wrong? Why are you in such a panic?"


    Zhang Meng said, "Li Yong is leading a group of security guards in a strike at the entrance. They''ve even put up a banner."


    After hearing this, Li Xiaoyao felt somewhat surprised. He hadn''t expected that Li Yong would be so scheming.


    Li Xiaoyao dismissively said, "If he wants to put up a banner, let him. With this weather, they won''tst half an hour before they get heatstroke."


    Zhang Meng anxiously said, "No, we can''t let that happen. If Director Lan saw it, you''d definitely be fired, and the rest of us would be punished too."


    Li Xiaoyao didn''t care about being fired himself, but he couldn''t drag Zhang Meng into it. After thinking for a moment, he said, "Take me downstairs to have a look. Just a bunch of grasshoppers; no matter how much they jump, they''re still just grasshoppers."


    Li Xiaoyao stood up, and he and Zhang Meng took the elevator downstairs.


    Outside thepany building, more than forty security guards were holding a banner and had blocked the entire entrance.


    The employeesing to work were stuck outside, unable to enter at all.


    "Hey, let us in, we have to get to work," an employee shouted, but the security guards were unmoved.


    Li Xiaoyao and Zhang Meng came out of the main gate. Li Xiaoyao looked around at the faces of the security guards and asked, "Which one of you is Li Yong?"


    Zhang Meng shook her head and said, "Li Yong is no fool. He must have instigated these security guards, but he definitely won''t show himself. If he does, it will be an admission that he organized this, and he would never be able to stay in thepany."


    Li Xiaoyao curled his lips into a smile and said, "This Li Yong does have some tricks up his sleeve."


    Zhang Meng had a worried frown on her face, and at that moment, Zhuo Yi also came out. She immediately saw Li Xiaoyao and the other, walking over quickly with an equally troubled expression on her face, "What are we going to do? Director Lan is on the way and will be at thepany in no more than ten minutes. If she sees this scene, she''ll definitely be very angry."


    As the two women were at a loss, Li Xiaoyao snapped his fingers and said, "Leave it to me."


    The two women anxiously asked, "What can you do?"


    Li Xiaoyao replied, "There is always a way. Just watch."


    "Meng Meng, take out your phone and follow me," Li Xiaoyao called out.


    Zhang Meng was stunned for a while before she realized Li Xiaoyao was calling her, and her cheeks flushed slightly at the thought that this scoundrel was actually calling her Meng Meng. But now was not the time to worry about this. Although she had no idea why Li Xiaoyao wanted her to take out her phone, she did as she was told.


    Li Xiaoyao, with his hands behind his back, sauntered to the front of the forty or so security guards and said to Zhang Meng at his side, "Follow me, use your phone to take pictures of each of them, don''t talk, just keep taking pictures."


    "Okay," Zhang Meng obediently nodded.


    Except for the dog who had gone to the office to find Li Xiaoyao, none of the other security guards recognized him. They watched as Li Xiaoyao and Zhang Meng approached, clueless about what they intended to do.


    Li Xiaoyao said with a smile, "Let me introduce myself. I''m Li Xiaoyao, head of thepany''s Marketing and Security departments. I had nned on having a meeting with everyone today to have a good chat, but I never expected to encounter such a terrible incident as soon as I arrived at thepany."


    While Li Xiaoyao was speaking, Zhang Meng was by his side, taking photos of the security guards with her phone.


    Li Xiaoyao continued, "How thepany has treated everyone on normal days, you all know in your hearts, so I won''t say much. I just want to ask one question, do your actions today do justice to thepany that has been paying your sries? Do they honor your wives, children, and girlfriends?"


    The security guards were all stunned, feeling guilty towards thepany made sense, but what did this have to do with their wives, children, and girlfriends?


    Li Xiaoyao pointed his finger at one of the security guards, his gaze sharp, and asked, "Tell me, how much is your monthly sry?"


    The guard humbly replied, "3300, plus attendance and bonuses, I can make 5000 a month."


    "5000 yuan! And all you have to do is walk around each day, and you can earn so much in a month, do you feel thepany has wronged you?"


    The guard hesitated and then shook his head, "No."


    Li Xiaoyao looked at him and said, "This sry, in the whole of Ling City, is definitely at the top. Thepany is so good to you, but look at what you''re doing now. Isn''t this biting the hand that feeds you?"


    The faces of the security guards turned red with shame, and they looked down, unable to speak.


    Li Xiaoyao said, "Alright, if you feel thepany has not treated you well enough, then fine, all of youe with me. I will take you to the HR department, and everyone will leave."


    As soon as Li Xiaoyao said this, the security guards immediately panicked.


    They were here to strike for the extra five hundred yuan promised by Li Yong; they had never considered resigning.


    Seeing the expressions on the security guards'' faces, Li Xiaoyao knew where their painy.


    Strike the snake at its vital point, Li Xiaoyao''s mouth curved into a smile, thinking to himself, a dismissed head of security wants to y tricks on me? That''s just courting death!

 Chapter 10 - 10 On the Brink

    <h4>Chapter 10: Chapter 10 On the Brink</h4>


    The security guards were frightened by Li Xiaoyao''s words and began to hesitate in their hearts.


    Standing aside, Gouzi saw this and immediately jumped out, pointed at Li Xiaoyao and said, "Don''t be rmist here, we just want Director Lan to hear our voices, hoping that Director Lan would let Brother Yong continue as the head of the security department, instead of letting a frail pretty boy like you take Brother Yong''s ce."


    Li Xiaoyao looked at Gouzi with a smile and said, "ording to thepany''s rules and regtions, those who strike without authorization will have three days'' wages deducted; those with an attitude problem will be fired on the spot. Looking at you, it seems you no longer want to stay here, right? Well, I hereby announce, from this moment on, you are no longer an employee of Pan Lan International. You''re fired!"


    Gouzi was stunned, speechless for a long while.


    Li Xiaoyao then looked at the others, still smiling, and said, "If you put away the banners now and return to your posts, I''ll pretend today''s incident never happened. Of course, if any of you want to stay, I''m also weing that. I believe a job paying 5000 a month will have quite a few people scrambling for it."


    After Li Xiaoyao finished speaking, the security guards turned around and headed into thepany, taking down their banners as they went.


    They were very clear about how many people were eyeing the job of security at Pan Lan International; if they were really fired, they would cry for three days and nights.


    As the security guards left, the employees that had been blocked outside also entered thepany, and as they passed by Li Xiaoyao, they subconsciously gave him a nce.


    Thepany''s employees were mostly female, each girl more beautiful than thest, each with a better figure. They had just witnessed the new leader easily resolve a crisis with a few words, and to them, Li Xiaoyao seemed to have more vor than those pretty boys.


    Zhang Meng and Zhuo Yi, seeing Li Xiaoyao had resolved the issue so easily, let out a sigh of relief and thanked him, "Thank you, Li Xiaoyao. If you hadn''t been here today, the consequences would''ve been unimaginable."


    Li Xiaoyao put on an air of arrogance and smiled, "It was just a small matter, no big deal."


    Zhang Meng burst outughing, her light punchnding gently on Li Xiaoyao''s shoulder, "Look at how proud you''re acting."


    But Zhuo Yi didn''t seem too happy; instead, there was a worrisome look on her face as she said, "Li Yong is someone who holds grudges. Although you''ve solved the problem for thepany today, you''ve also offended him."


    Zhang Meng huffed and said, "So what if he''s offended? It was fundamentally wrong of him to instigate the security guards to strike first."


    Zhuo Yi shook her head and said, "I''ve heard that Li Yong has some influence in society; you should be careful about him seeking revenge on you."


    Revenge?


    Li Xiaoyao had never been afraid of anyone, not even when he was abroad shing with other mercenary groups, exchanging gunfire¡ªhe had never been afraid.


    A man who is not afraid of death, would he be afraid of a security guard?


    "You go ahead with your work, I''m going to check on the security department," Li Xiaoyao said as he walked into thepany with the two women, heading toward the security department.


    Inside the security department, Li Yong''s face was gloomy as he looked at the returning security guards and bellowed, "You useless lot, what good are you to me? I asked you to hold up a banner and you didn''t even have the guts to do that, what use are you?!"


    No one dared to speak because they all knew that Li Yong was acquainted with some thugs; they still remembered when a security guard had a dispute with Li Yong and got shed on the way home from work at night.


    Everyone knew for sure it was Li Yong who had someone sh that security guard.


    Now, their thoughts were clear; since Li Yong was about to leave, let him curse if he wanted to¡ªendure it for a while, and it would pass.


    After cursing for a while, Li Yong also calmed down, knowing that his yelling was of no help.


    *Creak~*


    The door to the meeting room opened, and everyone turned to look as they saw Li Xiaoyao, wearing a smile, leisurely strolling in from outside.


    Li Yong had never seen Li Xiaoyao before and didn''t know what he looked like; upon seeing a strange man walking in with a silly grin, he immediately exploded.


    "Who the hell are you? Who let you in here?" Li Yong red at Li Xiaoyao and bellowed.


    The other security guards said nothing, just quietly watching.


    Li Xiaoyao didn''t get angry and pulled up a chair to sit down, patted a security guard beside him, and asked, "Got a cigarette?"


    The security guard hurriedly took out a cigarette from his pocket and handed it over with a bit of embarrassment, "Director Li, my cigarettes are a bit low-end."


    Li Xiaoyao took the cigarette and smiled, "As long as it smokes, it''s fine."


    After lighting the cigarette and blowing out a puff of smoke, Li Xiaoyao looked at Li Yong with nted eyes, "You''re Li Yong, right?"


    Li Yong narrowed his eyes, and a cold light shed from the corners as he asked, "Are you the new Security Director, Li Xiaoyao?"


    Li Xiaoyao nodded, "Yes, that''s me."


    Li Yong hadn''t expected Li Xiaoyao to daree to him directly. He sneered and said, "Since you and I share the same surname, I''ll give you a choice. Resign on your own at Director Lan''s."


    Li Xiaoyao feigned surprise, "Why should I resign?"


    Li Yong snorted, "Because you''re in my way."


    "Oh~" Li Xiaoyao pretended to suddenly understand, "Then, I''m sorry, but you''ll have to find a way around."


    A glint of murderous intent shed in Li Yong''s eyes as he said, "It seems you want to oppose me."


    Li Xiaoyao smoked leisurely, with not a hint of fear due to Li Yong''s tone.


    Li Yong raised his hand, "Hold him down."


    Li Yong thought that after hismand, these security guards would obediently hold Li Xiaoyao down, but none of them moved.


    Li Yong became furiously embarrassed and cursed, "You bunch of bastards, are you not listening to me anymore?"


    Li Xiaoyao gently tapped his fingers on the table and said to Li Yong, "You''re no longer part of thepany, why should they listen to you?"


    "Damn it!" Li Yong cursed and quickly stood up, walking up to Li Xiaoyao, pointing his finger at his nose with a fierce look, "Kid, you''re pretty arrogant. Do you know what happens to the people who offend me? If you don''t want to spend the rest of your life lying in a bed, do as I say."


    Li Xiaoyao chuckled and offered, "I''ll give you two choices: leave on your own, or I''ll throw you out."


    After hearing Li Xiaoyao''s words, Li Yong let out a cold, sinisterugh, "I offered you face and you refused it, so don''t me me."


    The security guards, looking at Li Yong''s menacing appearance, shuddered with fear. They quietly mourned for Li Xiaoyao in their hearts.


    Without any warning, Li Yong''s right hand shot out like lightning, aiming for Li Xiaoyao''s hair.


    Li Xiaoyao seemed to casually raise his hand but, under Li Yong''s horrified gaze, he urately seized his wrist.


    Li Yong tried to pull his hand back but was shocked to find that Li Xiaoyao''s grip was as tight as a vice, rendering him unable to break free.


    Li Xiaoyao caught his wrist and pressed it against the table in front of him, then slowly crushed the spent cigarette on the back of his hand.


    "Sizzle~"


    The cigarette''s ember made contact with Li Yong''s skin, and immediately a scent like cooking meat arose.


    "Ahh!!" Li Yong screamed in pain, but no matter what, he couldn''t free his hand, only to let the burning ember scar his back with a cigarette burn.


    Li Yong raged, "I''ll kill you!"


    A great battle was about to erupt!

 Chapter 11 - 11 Just a Dog

    <h4>Chapter 11: Chapter 11 Just a Dog</h4>


    Li Yong clenched his left fist and smashed it toward Li Xiaoyao''s head.


    Li Xiaoyao didn''t even try to dodge; he grabbed Li Yong''s wrist and with a slight effort, a cracking sound was heard¡ªLi Yong''s wrist had been broken by Li Xiaoyao.


    "Ah!" Li Yong cried out in agony.


    Li Xiaoyao''s foot kicked the wheel of the chair, and suddenly the chair slid backward from under him, mming into Li Yong''s belly, bending his body and draining him of strength.


    Turning around, Li Xiaoyao delivered a kick to Li Yong''s lower leg, and Li Yong fell to his knees with a thud.


    Li Xiaoyao grabbed Li Yong by the hair and dragged him out of the meeting room like that.


    The room full of security guards wore faces of disbelief.


    Li Yong was an ex-serviceman with a not-so-weak set of skills, but in Li Xiaoyao''s hands, he couldn''t even withstand a single move.


    Watching Li Xiaoyao beat Li Yong so badly excited everyone in the room.


    Li Yong had thought this new manager was an easy target, but who could have imagined that this new manager, once he started to fight, would be so ruthless?


    Li Xiaoyao held onto Li Yong''s hair, dragging him all the way to the elevator.


    Along the way, the employees who saw this scene stopped in their tracks and looked over in surprise.


    Anger surged in Li Yong''s heart; today was a huge loss of face. He hadn''t expected this pretty boy to actually be skilled.


    Li Yong tried to pick himself up from the ground but found eerily that he couldn''t move his body at all.


    Of course, he couldn''t move; Li Xiaoyao had sealed all his acupoints.


    With his body stiff, Li Yong was dragged by Li Xiaoyao into the elevator, where there were a few people already inside. They looked at Li Yong lying motionless on the floor, first in surprise, then with schadenfreude expressions.


    "Ding!"


    The elevator arrived, and Li Xiaoyao walked out to face them, but he was a bitte and the elevator doors closed momentarily, catching Li Yong''s head.


    "ng!" There was a loud noise as Li Yong was caught quite hard.


    Stepping out of the elevator, Li Xiaoyao came face to face with Zhuo Yi, who was standing beside another woman¡ªa cold-faced beauty.


    Li Xiaoyao''s gaze lingered on this woman for a couple of seconds before he greeted Zhuo Yi and was ready to leave.


    Zhuo Yi called out to Li Xiaoyao and introduced the beauty beside her, "This is Director Lan."


    Director Lan?


    Li Xiaoyao paused for a moment, he remembered¡ªthe chairman of Pan International had the surname Lan, right?


    He had always thought the chairman of Pan International was a man, but now Zhuo Yi was telling him that the chairman was a woman, and not just any woman¡ªa great beauty!


    Li Xiaoyao casually dropped Li Yong on the ground and extended his right hand, saying, "Hello, Director Lan."


    Lan Cai nced at Li Xiaoyao, didn''t shake his hand, looked down at Li Yong on the floor, and asked, "What''s going on here?"


    Li Xiaoyao retracted his hand with a smile and said, "A stray dog barged in, I was just about to throw it out."


    Li Yong on the ground was furious, this brat dared to call him a stray dog.


    "Director Lan, he hit me, you must stand up for..." Li Yong didn''t get to finish, as Li Xiaoyao had already stuffed a shoe into his mouth.


    "Director Lan, I''m off to chase away the dog, goodbye."


    After saying this, Li Xiaoyao grabbed one of Li Yong''s legs and dragged him towards thepany''s exit.


    Lan Cai watched Li Xiaoyao''s retreating figure and asked softly, "Is he Li Xiaoyao?"


    Zhuo Yi tried to read her response but couldn''t make out any emotion on Lan Cai''s face.


    She nodded and said, "Mm-hmm, it''s him."


    "Oh." Lan Cai turned and walked toward the elevator, without even asking why Li Xiaoyao had hit Li Yong.


    ...


    Li Xiaoyao threw Li Yong out of thepany, released his acupoints, and said, "Remember, from now on, this is my territory. You show up once, I will hit you once. Got it?"


    Li Yong really wanted to talk tough, but thinking of Li Xiaoyao''s eerie and terrifying skills, he chickened out. Before leaving, he dropped a tough line, "Li Xiaoyao, I''ll remember you. Just you wait, I will find someone to kill you."


    Li Xiaoyao chuckled disdainfully, he didn''t take such scum seriously at all.


    Li Xiaoyao didn''t go straight back to his office but headed to the security department instead.


    He noticed that the flunky who was close to Li Yong was still there and gave him a particr look. When the flunky saw Li Xiaoyao looking over, he immediately lowered his head.


    With Li Yong dealt with by Li Xiaoyao, the flunky certainly didn''t have the nerve to challenge him.


    Li Xiaoyao didn''t n to deal with him just yet; what he needed to do now was to sort out the atmosphere in the security department.


    Li Xiaoyao walked to the front of the conference table and pped his hand on the table with a "smack." The sound was loud enough to startle everyone into looking over.


    Li Xiaoyao said, "Starting today, I will temporarily take over the work of head of the security department. Until thepany recruits a new head, you all must report to me with any issues. Did you hear me?"


    The security staff responded, "Heard you!"


    Li Xiaoyao said, "What, are you alldies? That''s so quiet. Answer me loudly, did you hear me?"


    The security staff shouted at the top of their lungs, their faces red and necks swollen, "Heard you!!!!"


    Li Xiaoyao nodded, "Good. Now, all of you will introduce yourselves, so I get to know you."


    From left to right, it took over an hour for the forty-something security guards to finish introducing themselves.


    Li Xiaoyao beckoned to two of the security guards, "Come with me."


    Li Xiaoyao led the two security guards to the corridor and said, "Give me a smoke."


    Uncertain of Li Xiaoyao''s intentions, the guards passed him a cigarette and lighter.


    Li Xiaoyao exhaled a puff of smoke and said, "I can''t stand that flunky."


    The security guards exchanged nces, and one of them gritted his teeth and said, "Director Li, what do you want us to do? As long as it''s not illegal or against the rules, I''ll definitely help you."


    Li Xiaoyao smiled satisfactorily, patted his shoulder, and said, "Don''t be nervous, I definitely won''t do anything illegal. I guess that flunky usually bullies you guys, and I, for one, hate such people." Li Xiaoyao paused, then asked, "By the way, we have to punch in when we arrive and leave work every day, right?"


    The guard quickly agreed, "Everyone has to punch in."


    Li Xiaoyao said, "Alright, you guys keep an eye on that flunky over the next few days. If he''ste or leaves early, take note of it for me. If he pulls any tricks during work hours, also record it for me, and it''s best if you can get it on video with your phones."


    The two guards immediately understood what Li Xiaoyao was nning; he was going to get rid of the flunky through proper and above-board means.


    The guards said excitedly, "Director Li, rest assured, we will definitelyplete the task you''ve given us."


    Li Xiaoyao patted their shoulders, "Stick with me, and you won''t miss out on the good life."


    The two young security guards'' faces were filled with excitement as they nodded vigorously.


    Li Xiaoyao said, "Go and let the brothers know, everyone should stay a bit after work tonight, I''ll treat everyone to a meal."


    The guard was somewhat incredulous; back when Li Yong was the head, he had never offered to treat them to anything.


    Even if there was an asional meal out, he never paid his share.


    And now this new director was actually going to treat them to a meal. In that moment, the two guards felt as though springtime wasing to the security department.

 Chapter 12 - 12 Drinking Alcohol

    <h4>Chapter 12: Chapter 12 Drinking Alcohol</h4>


    Li Xiaoyao returned to the office, and just as he had sat down for a few minutes, a knock on the door woke him up.


    "Come in."


    Zhang Meng pushed the door open and walked in, upon seeing Li Xiaoyao resting with his leg crossed, she couldn''t help but feel speechless. The general managers she had encountered were always impably dressed. Li Xiaoyao, with his disheveled appearance and leg propped up at work, was definitely a first for her.


    "Yo, Meng Meng, what brings you here?" There was a hint of a smile on Li Xiaoyao''s lips as his eyes casually swept over her.


    This girl was very clean-looking, with equally clear eyes. In this somewhat impetuous society, such girls were a rare sight.


    When Zhang Meng met his gaze, her pretty face turned crimson for some reason.


    Zhang Meng had a good impression of Li Xiaoyao; she thought this man was quite different from others. He didn''t look at her with the lustful gaze of other men, and talking to him felt as wonderful as chatting with the boy next door.


    Li Xiaoyao coughed and withdrew his gaze, asking, "What do you need?"


    Zhang Meng pouted, "Can''t Ie to see you if there''s nothing wrong?"


    Li Xiaoyao touched his nose, wondering what was up with this woman and why she had so much resentment.


    Li Xiaoyao said with a smile, "Of course, you can. If you like it here, you can even work in this office from now on."


    Zhang Meng hmphed lightly and walked over, "The general manager of Tianhai Company wants to invite you for lunch. Do you have time, Director Li?"


    "If someone''s treating me to lunch, I''ve got plenty of time," Li Xiaoyao stated and then asked, "Tianhai Company, what do they do? Why are they inviting me to lunch out of the blue?"


    Zhang Meng replied, "It''s a cosmeticspany."


    Li Xiaoyao uttered an "Oh," and Zhang Meng continued, "Their cosmetics are endorsed by artists from ourpany; they are a smallpany and can''t afford big stars."


    "So it''s just the routine lunch to maintain rtions, right?" Li Xiaoyao had pretty much understood the situation.


    Zhang Meng shook her head, "They rarely invite us for lunch. I don''t know why they suddenly invited you today."


    Li Xiaoyao checked the time, "It''s almost lunchtime, and I''m actually quite hungry. Call them and ask where they''ve booked."


    Zhang Meng felt a bit helpless; the more she dealt with Li Xiaoyao, the more she realized the yful nature of this man.


    Zhang Meng took out her phone and made a call. The other party had already booked a hotel, just opposite thepany, a luxury five-star one at that.


    Li Xiaoyao apanied Zhang Meng to the appointment and arrived at the reserved private room.


    Li Xiaoyao''s suit wouldn''t be ready for a few more days, so he was wearing jeans and a white shirt, exceptionally casual.


    A long-legged beauty in a dress led the way ahead, guiding the two to the private room.


    Zhang Meng nced sideways and noticed Li Xiaoyao was staring at the beautiful woman''s back, and she couldn''t help feeling speechless.


    "Wearing such short skirts, I don''t know what this hotel is thinking," Zhang Meng muttered as if talking to herself.


    Li Xiaoyao heard her and chuckled, "It''s hot these days to wear long dresses, Meng Meng, how about you wear a long dress tomorrow too?"


    Zhang Meng''s face flushed red, and she retorted irritably, "Thepany doesn''t allow long dresses."


    Li Xiaoyao said, "I''m now your direct superior, I approve you to wear it."


    Zhang Meng was at a loss for words, "Long dresses are too expensive, I can''t afford them."


    Li Xiaoyao patted his chest and said, "After dinner, I''ll take you shopping. For a woman, the most important thing is image. If you have a good image, it represents thepany."


    Zhang Meng decided that no matter what Li Xiaoyao said, she wouldn''t speak.


    When they entered the private room, there were already three men inside, along with four or five women, all long-legged and busty beauties.


    One of them, about forty years old, dressed in a ck T-shirt, with an average build and bald, rose from the sofa and came over with a smile, looking at Li Xiaoyao and asking, "This must be President Li, right? Hello, hello, I am the general manager of Tianhai Company, Wang Jin." He then introduced the two men beside him, "These two are also from mypany, Little Zhang, Little Liu."


    Li Xiaoyao shook hands with Wang Jin, "Hello, President Wang."


    "Come on, don''t stand, have a seat," Wang Jin hospitably invited Li Xiaoyao and Zhang Meng.


    Several people sat on the sofa, and Wang Jin broke out two decks of ying cards; they started to y.


    While ying cards, Wang Jin chatted.


    When the game was almost over, the food arrived, and they switched battlegrounds, starting to eat and drink.


    The women Wang Jin brought over sat down beside each man. One of them tried to sit next to Li Xiaoyao, but Zhang Meng chased her away.


    Li Xiaoyao touched his nose, initially wanting to let the girle back, but upon seeing the murderous look in Zhang Meng''s eyes, he gave up the idea.


    Wang Jin ordered some liquor. Li Xiaoyao said he didn''t drink. Wang Jin urged him a few times, but Li Xiaoyao still refused, and Wang Jin''s face grew unsightly.


    Just as he was about to continue pressing him to drink, before he could speak, his assistant Little Liu suddenly said, "President Li, show some face, just have a little. Look, you drink one, I''ll drink two."


    Li Xiaoyao looked at him, smiled, and said, "I don''t drink."


    It wasn''t that Li Xiaoyao didn''t drink; he just didn''t want to drink with these people.


    Even though it was said that there was no doing business without drinking, Li Xiaoyao was determined to break that rule. I simply won''t drink; what can you do about it?


    "President Li, you''re really spoiling the mood," Little Liu suddenly stood up from his chair, carrying a bottle of liquor and his own ss over to Li Xiaoyao''s seat. Then, he filled his ss right in front of Li Xiaoyao. He also grabbed the liquor bottle and put two drops in Li Xiaoyao''s ss.


    Holding up his ss, Little Liu looked at Li Xiaoyao with a hostile gaze, "President Li, give some face, you drink this much, I''ll drink three."


    Wang Jin watched from the side without speaking.


    Li Xiaoyao had figured it out; the boss of Tianhai Company inviting him to dinner today seemed not so much about bonding as it was about putting him in his ce.


    Li Xiaoyao pushed the ss away, leaned back slightly, looked at Wang Jin, and said, "President Wang, your assistant is quite spirited, huh?"


    Wang Jin smiled and said, "Don''t be upset, President Li. Little Liu just likes a drink or two. Be understanding."


    Li Xiaoyaoughed twice, nodding, and asked, "Alright, he likes to drink, right?"


    Li Xiaoyao beckoned to a waitress, "Bring over a case of liquor."


    The waitress was stunned for a second, then quickly fetched a case of liquor.


    Li Xiaoyao pointed at the case of liquor andmanded, "Open them all."


    Wang Jin and hispanions didn''t know what Li Xiaoyao was up to, and Zhang Meng also looked at Li Xiaoyao in confusion.


    The waitress opened all the bottles and neatly ced them on the table.


    Li Xiaoyao picked up a newly opened bottle of liquor and ced it in front of Little Liu. He then took the ss with two drops of liquor and said, "You like to drink, right? Come on, I''ll drink with you. But, I''ll set the rules: I drink one drop, you drink one bottle."

 Chapter 13: Security Department Dinner

    Liu heard this and his face changed on the spot. One drop for one bottle? If he really drank that, his stomach would surely get burned through.


    Wang Jin could tell Li Xiaoyao was angry and quickly tried to smooth things over, "President Li, let¡¯s not do this. It¡¯s our first time eating out together, goodwill is good for business, goodwill is good for business."


    Li Xiaoyao sneered twice and didn¡¯t even bother with Wang Jin. He drank the two drops of white liquor swiftly, then pointed at the bottle and said, "I drank. Your turn."


    Liu¡¯s eyes shed with violence, he couldn¡¯t hold back and cursed, "What the fuck are you? Calling you fat and you¡¯re huffing and puffing? Fuck, what garbage..."


    Li Xiaoyao didn¡¯t wait for him to finish, reached out and grabbed his neck, pulling down sharply, smashing his head onto the table.


    Liu¡¯s head hit the table with a "bang!"


    This sudden move from Li Xiaoyao shocked everyone, no one had expected Li Xiaoyao to suddenly be physical.


    Liu struggled continuously, but how could he be a match for Li Xiaoyao? He was pinned to the table by Li Xiaoyao with one hand, unable to move at all.


    Li Xiaoyao pried his mouth open and, with his right hand holding the white liquor, poured directly into it while saying, "You like drinking, right? Come on, you¡¯re not leaving today until you finish this case of liquor."


    Wang Jin and Zhang Meng were shocked stiff. After snapping out of it, they immediately rushed forward to pull Li Xiaoyao away.


    "President Li, I¡¯ll apologize on behalf of Liu. He¡¯s young, doesn¡¯t know better, please don¡¯t take it to heart."


    After Li Xiaoyao finished pouring the bottle of liquor, he didn¡¯t continue. He looked at Wang Jin, sneered and said, "Since President Wang has asked for mercy, I¡¯ll let this slide."


    Li Xiaoyao released his hold and sat back down casually, picking up his chopsticks to eat as if nothing had happened.


    The girls that Wang Jin brought were terrified by Li Xiaoyao¡¯s recent actions and didn¡¯t dare make a sound, afraid to anger the man.


    Liu waspletely drunk after that one bottle of liquor and was taken away by Zhang Meng first.


    After the meal, Wang Jin seemed to have something to say to Li Xiaoyao, but he hesitated because of Zhang Meng¡¯s presence.


    Taking advantage of the moment Zhang Meng went to the restroom, Wang Jin sat down next to Li Xiaoyao and said, "President Li, about what just happened, I¡¯m truly sorry. You¡¯re the bigger person, please don¡¯t hold it against Liu."


    Li Xiaoyao said, "President Wang, I dislike dealing with people who beat around the bush. If you have something to say, say it. If not, I¡¯m leaving."


    Wang Jin said, "You mentioned having something, and as it happens, I do need your help with a matter."


    Wang Jin took out a cigarette, lit one for Li Xiaoyao, and one for himself. After taking a puff, he said, "You see, I have a friend, his son has taken a liking to a girl in yourpany. He¡¯s looking for someone to help them meet up."


    Li Xiaoyao furrowed his brow, "A blind date?"


    Wang Jin nodded repeatedly, "Yes, you could say that."


    Li Xiaoyao said, "You shouldn¡¯t being to me for a blind date. Your friend¡¯s son likes the girl, let him chase her on his own merit. Nobody is stopping him."


    Wang Jin seemed to have an unspeakable difficulty, "His son is rather shy; otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have asked me to inquire on his behalf."


    Wang Jin paused, "President Li, how about this, you help me arrange the meeting, and I¡¯ll give you a hundred thousand yuan."


    Just then Zhang Meng came out of the restroom. Li Xiaoyao smiled at Wang Jin and got up heading towards Zhang Meng, "Let¡¯s go."


    Wang Jin watched Li Xiaoyao¡¯s retreating back, his eyebrows tightly knitted together.


    Upon leaving the hotel, Zhang Meng said, "Wang Jin¡¯s assistant was really out of line today."


    Li Xiaoyao said, "It was obviously intentional."


    Zhang Meng asked in surprise, "Why would he do that?"


    Li Xiaoyao said, "First they push hard, then soften up. He¡¯s asking for my help with something. Initially, he wanted to test my limits, but as soon as I got tough, he caved."


    Zhang Meng asked, "Wasn¡¯t he just trying to cultivate a rtionship with you today?"


    Li Xiaoyao said, "He¡¯s taken a liking to a girl from ourpany and wants me to introduce her."


    As for what Wang Jin said about helping a friend¡¯s son get introduced, Li Xiaoyao didn¡¯t believe it at all.


    However, there was something Li Xiaoyao didn¡¯t quite understand. If Wang Jin wanted to y around with women, he could simply spend money to make it happen. With money, the girl would be moved, and if there was mutual attraction, they could do whatever they pleased, and no one would interfere. Why go through the trouble of taking such a big detour and asking for his help to act as a go-between?


    Not thinking too much about it, on his way back to thepany, he saw a girl in a long dress walk past him; then he said to Zhang Meng, "I almost forgot, let¡¯s go to the mall."


    Zhang Meng was puzzled, "What are we going to the mall for?"


    "To buy you a long dress."


    Zhang Meng: "..."


    Half an hourter.


    Standing in front of the mirror in a purple high-slit long dress, Zhang Meng looked like a Heavenly Immortal descended to earth. Every frown and smile was full of nobility, leaving Li Xiaoyao staring, almost in a daze.


    Li Xiaoyao bought the long dress for Zhang Meng on the spot. Zhang Meng felt somewhat embarrassed and said, "I¡¯ll treat you to dinner tonight."


    Li Xiaoyao shook his head, "I can¡¯t tonight, I have to treat the guys from the security department to dinner."


    Zhang Meng was surprised, but then she realized what was going on and said, "Oh, I get it now, you¡¯re gathering support."


    Li Xiaoyao smiled and patted her head, "You¡¯ve gotten smart, quickly catching on."


    Zhang Meng brushed his hand away, pouting a little unhappily, "Don¡¯t touch my head."


    Li Xiaoyao pretended not to hear and asked, "If you¡¯re free tonight,e along."


    Zhang Meng blinked her big eyes and asked, "Will there be alcohol?"


    Li Xiaoyao said, "Choose between beer and soft drinks."


    Zhang Meng stayed in the office for a while longer before leaving. Li Xiaoyao spent the afternoon resting in the office.


    Although he held positions in two departments, Li Xiaoyao didn¡¯t feel tired at all. On the contrary, he found the job to be damn easy.


    He didn¡¯t have to do anything all month, just sit and get paid.


    After work, Zhang Meng ran to the office and said, "Mr. Li, I¡¯m going to go change clothes first. Send me the addresster on my phone."


    It was a dinner party for the security department, and with Zhang Meng being the only girl, she felt she had to dress up nicely to score more impression points in Li Xiaoyao¡¯s mind.


    She didn¡¯t quite understand why, but ever since she started interacting with Li Xiaoyao, she felt an indescribable sensation towards him. A voice inside her told her that Li Xiaoyao was her fated one.


    After Zhang Meng went to change clothes, Li Xiaoyao headed to the security department where all the guards were waiting for him.


    Li Xiaoyao didn¡¯t beat around the bush and directly asked, "I¡¯m treating tonight, everyone speak up about what you want to eat, don¡¯t try to save me money."


    With just one sentence, the atmosphere became lively. Everyone understood that this new manager waspletely different from the previous one, Li Yong.


    Someone suggested, "Let¡¯s go for barbecue."


    "I think that¡¯s a good idea, barbecue is great, no too many rules."


    "There¡¯s a barbecue ce near the West Bridge, theirmb is particrly authentic, and they have draft beer that¡¯s delivered directly."


    The suggestion to eat barbecue and drink beer was immediately met with everyone¡¯s approval.


    [Come on, let¡¯s get those rmendation votes rolling~]

 Chapter 14: Settle Private Grievances Under the Guise of Public Duty

    Li Xiaoyao swept his hand grandly, "Let¡¯s go, we¡¯re off. Everyone get into groups of four and take a taxi. Get reimbursed for the taxi fare at my ce tomorrow."


    The security guards exchanged nces, all feeling that this new manager was a pretty good guy and reliable in getting things done.


    Just as the security guards stood up to leave, suddenly someone said, "Oh no, we can¡¯t all go; there¡¯s no one left to stand guard."


    Li Xiaoyao asked, "How many people are needed for guard duty?"


    The guard replied, "Usually three, but at the very least one."


    Li Xiaoyao nodded, not asking who was supposed to be on duty that day, but directly pointed at Gouzi by the door: "Today, you stay and stand guard."


    Gouzi felt a surge of anger when Li Xiaoyao pointed at him, knowing that Li Xiaoyao was definitely targeting him on purpose.


    "It¡¯s not my turn to be on duty today!" Gouzi red at Li Xiaoyao and said.


    Li Xiaoyao smiled and said teasingly, "Can¡¯t you understand what I¡¯m saying?"


    Gouzi shouted angrily, "You¡¯re just taking personal revenge!"


    Li Xiaoyaoughed and said, "You can eat whatever you want, but you can¡¯t just say anything."


    Gouzi retorted, "I¡¯m not talking nonsense. You are taking personal revenge, and everybody here can prove it."


    Li Xiaoyao nced at the other guards and asked, "Does everyone think I¡¯m taking personal revenge?"


    The security guards, in a show of solidarity, said loudly, "No!"


    Gouzi almost spat blood when he heard the response.


    Li Xiaoyao swept his hand again, "Then it¡¯s happily decided; Gouzi, you stay on guard duty, everyone else, let¡¯s go for the barbecue."


    The group set off in high spirits, while Gouzi stared angrily at Li Xiaoyao¡¯s retreating back, his hands clenched into fists. If looks could kill, Li Xiaoyao would have been sliced into pieces by now.


    The three bodyguards sharing a taxi with Li Xiaoyao expressed their concerns, "Manager Li, treating Gouzi like that, he¡¯s surely going to seek revenge on you."


    Li Xiaoyao said unconcernedly, "With his guts, even if he borrows twice the courage, he wouldn¡¯t dare."


    The guard continued, "Manager Li, you¡¯ve just joined thepany and you¡¯re not very familiar with many people. Gouzi is really close to Li Yong, and they both know quite a few people from the underworld. You¡¯ve beaten up Li Yong today and then treated Gouzi like that just now, you definitely must be careful of their revenge when you go to and from work."


    Li Xiaoyao knew his own abilities; forget Li Yong and Gouzi, even if they were multiplied by ten, Li Xiaoyao could handle them with ease. But these guards didn¡¯t know he had this capability, so they were genuinely worried for him.


    If it weren¡¯t for Li Xiaoyao¡¯s personality being to their taste, they would not have bothered to express their concern for him.


    "I¡¯ll definitely be careful, thank you," Li Xiaoyao said to the three with a sincere smile.


    The three felt the difference in Li Xiaoyao once again. Although he was a manager, he didn¡¯t look down on them due to the hierarchical rtionship.


    Half an hourter, more than forty security guards had all arrived.


    The owner of the barbecue restaurant was stunned at the sight, thinking someone hade to wreck the ce.


    Li Xiaoyao patted a guard by his side, "Tell the owner, we¡¯re booking the whole ce today."


    After the guard conveyed the message, the owner was somewhat reluctant but seeing the crowd, he knew that even if he didn¡¯t book the whole ce, there would be no room left for anyone else once these men sat down.


    Having no choice, the owner let them book the entire venue.


    The night in August was still very cool. Most of the security guards were strapping young men in their early twenties; some were middle-aged men who had already started their own families, but whether young or old, they shared onemon trait: they had all served in the military.


    Pan-Blue International set high standards when hiring security guards, and all of them had to have military experience.


    When soldiers gather together, there¡¯s never a shortage of topics to chat about. A bunch of grown men, either wearing boxer shorts or flip-flops, each one of them took off their shirts and sat at tables on the open ground, chatting loudly.


    The beer arrived in big jugs, one bowl for each person, filled to the brim. Then everyone turned their gaze to Li Xiaoyao.


    Li Xiaoyao stood up, looked around the circle, nced at everyone¡¯s face, and then said, "Today is the first time our security department has had a dinner together. From now on, I¡¯ll organize a few every month. Everyone should keep in touch and share their feelings. If you have any issues, tell me in time and I¡¯ll surely help out if I can. Of course, you¡¯ll also have to cooperate with my work. Alright, that¡¯s it, let¡¯s drink!"


    "Wait for me!" A girl in a long purple dress, with long legs and a slim waist, her long hair flowing, walked over in high heels while shouting from a distance.


    The eyes of the security guards instantly fixated on the girl in the long dress, their Adam¡¯s apples bobbing.


    Upon seeing the girl, Li Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes immediately lit up. It was Zhang Meng, who had actually gone home to change into a long dress.


    It has to be said, Zhang Meng¡¯s figure was truly explosive, especially her "white rabbits" in front, at least an F-cup, and a pair of long legs that were both slim and straight. Just those legs alone, when walking down the street, would attract a lot of stares.


    Zhang Meng approached and, faced with so many security guards staring at her, she didn¡¯t show any sign of shyness. The security guard sitting next to Li Xiaoyao was very perceptive and stood up, offering his stool: "Sister-inw, please take a seat."


    Sister-inw?


    Zhang Meng, who wasn¡¯t shy in front of some forty-odd bare-chested security guards, turned as red as an apple upon hearing this "Sister-inw."


    Li Xiaoyao said with a smile, "This is Zhang Meng from the marketing department, not sister-inw, don¡¯t shout nonsense."


    Upon hearing Li Xiaoyao¡¯s rification, Zhang Meng felt a slight sense of disappointment deep inside. She had rather hoped Li Xiaoyao wouldn¡¯t correct them, letting the guards misunderstand.


    Zhang Meng took a cup, poured herself some beer, and raised her ss: "Cheers!"


    Li Xiaoyao nced at her and said loudly, "Cheers!"


    The security guards all stood up, lifting their bowls: "Cheers!"


    ...


    Since arriving at thepany today, Tang Tiantian had been ignoring Lili, remaining silent no matter what Lili said.


    Lili looked a bit pale today and still had a smell of alcohol on her.


    Seeing Tang Tiantian show up at work safe and sound, Lili guessed that Zhang Biao must have failedst night. She tried calling Zhang Biao, but his phone was turned off.


    Lili became somewhat panicked and kept pressing Tang Tiantian with questions, pretending to be clueless, trying to pry from her what had happened the previous night.


    Tang Tiantian didn¡¯t know thatst night¡¯s incident was a setup by Lili and Zhang Biao, but what happened made it so that she couldn¡¯t feel good whenever she saw Lili.


    After work, Lili stopped Tang Tiantian and asked, "Tiantian, what¡¯s wrong with you? Why haven¡¯t you said a word to me all day?"


    Tang Tiantian took a deep breath and said, "Do you know what happenedst night? Why did you leave me with Zhang Biao? If it weren¡¯t for some ident, I would have been bullied by Zhang Biao!"


    Lili pretended to be ignorant and said with a face full of apology, "How could this happen? Tiantian, I really didn¡¯t know; I thought he was a good guy."


    Tang Tiantian said, "Please move, I want to get off work."


    Lili grabbed her hand and said, "Tiantian, I¡¯m sorry, really sorry. I truly didn¡¯t know. Can I make it up to you by taking you out to dinner, is that okay?"


    Tang Tiantian shook her head and said it wasn¡¯t necessary, but Lili insisted on treating her to dinner. Since Tang Tiantian was a soft-hearted woman and couldn¡¯t withstand her pleading, she reluctantly agreed.


    The restaurant where Lili invited Tang Tiantian to dinner was the same ce where Li Xiaoyao was having barbecue.


    As Tang Tiantian and Lili sat down, Lili ordered a lot of dishes as a way to express her apology.


    The restaurant was on the second floor. Tang Tiantian nced down through the ss window and just happened to see Li Xiaoyao eating barbecue below.

 Chapter 15 - 15 Li Yong鈥檚 Revenge

    Tang Tiantian was somewhat surprised; she had not expected to encounter Li Xiaoyao here.


    Suddenly, she saw Zhang Meng, who was seated next to Li Xiaoyao.


    Zhang Meng was wearing a form-fitting long dress, her enticing long legs and her ample bosom were enough to make anyone¡¯s heart race, but most importantly, this woman was sitting right next to Li Xiaoyao.


    Clearly, Tang Tiantian saw Zhang Meng asionally nce up at Li Xiaoyao, herrge eyes filled with a hint of adoration.


    Tang Tiantian¡¯s expression dimmed slightly; this woman seemed very intimate with Li Xiaoyao. What exactly was their rtionship? Were they a couple?


    "Tiantian, what exactly happenedst night? Tell me all about it. What happened to Zhang Biao in the end?" Lili¡¯s curious voice rose beside her ear.


    ...


    In a restaurant, a table was filled with people¡ªabout twelve of them. Each one looked fierce and brutish with dragons and tigers tattooed on their bodies, thick gold chains around their necks, holding a cup of alcohol in the left hand and a cigarette in the right.


    One of them was Li Yong, and the others had been invited by him for the evening.


    Li Yong had been beaten by Li Xiaoyao that day, and he was determined to get his revenge. He invited these friends from the underworld for dinner precisely for that reason.


    Li Yong poured everyone a drink, then lifted his cup saying, "Brothers, let¡¯s take a shot."


    After a few drinks, someone asked, "Hey, Yongzi, what happened to your face?"


    Li Yong touched his face, a cold gleam in his eyes. He grabbed the cup and downed it in one go, saying, "Actually, I invited the brothers over today because of this injury on my face."


    Right then, Li Yong exaggerated the story of Li Xiaoyao beating him. After he finished talking, the thugs were visibly enraged.


    "Damn, he beat you up? Motherfucker, who is this kid? He¡¯s got some nerve!"


    Li Yong said, "Just a pretty boy, probably has connections with some leaders."


    The thugs beside him heard this and stood up, mming the table, "A pretty boy, damn, I fucking despise those. Yongzi, do you know where that kid is right now? Let¡¯s go fuck him up!"


    That was the reaction Li Yong was looking for. He took out his phone and said, "Hold on, let me make a call to ask."


    Li Yong called Gouzi: "Hey, Gouzi, do you know where that son of a bitch Li Xiaoyao is?"


    Gouzi was on night shift at thepany, smoking when he received Li Yong¡¯s call. Upon hearing his question, his eyes lit up and he asked, "Yongge, are you looking for trouble with that kid?"


    Li Yong replied, "I¡¯m nning to teach him a lesson tonight."


    Gouzi, picturing the scene of Li Xiaoyao being stomped on the ground by Li Yong¡¯s underworld friends, felt a thrill and said, "He went to Western Bridge for barbecue; he should still be there now."


    After hanging up, Gouzi suddenly remembered, Li Xiaoyao didn¡¯t go for barbecue alone; he was with the entire security department, over forty people.


    Gouzi thought about calling Li Yong back to warn him, but then he considered that, although the security department had many people, those security guards were extremely timid. Facing Li Yong and the thugs of the underworld, they would probably be scared out of their wits.


    The scene shifts to Li Yong.


    After hanging up, Li Yong said, "At Western Bridge!"


    The thugs responded, "Let¡¯s go, to Western Bridge, fuck him up!"


    Li Xiaoyao, who was enjoying his barbecue, was oblivious that Li Yong was on his way there.


    Zhang Meng had already downed two bottles of beer, but showed no sign of intoxication. Li Xiaoyao remarked in surprise, "I didn¡¯t see iting; you hold your liquor pretty well."


    Zhang Meng¡¯s eyes grew brighter as she drank, looking at Li Xiaoyao and said, "Ever since I was a child, my dad dipped chopsticks in white liquor for me to drink. My tolerance was built up from a young age."


    Li Xiaoyao¡¯s gaze moved from her chest to her stomach, saying, "Aren¡¯t you afraid of getting a beer belly?"


    Zhang Meng lifted her chin, saying, "I work out every day, I have a great figure, I even have abs."


    Li Xiaoyao smiled, without speaking.


    Zhang Meng stared at Li Xiaoyao and asked, "Don¡¯t you believe me? I really do have abs."


    As she spoke, Zhang Meng stood up to show off her abs.


    Li Xiaoyao took the opportunity to grab her hand, patting her on the head, "Look at you, iming you can hold your liquor, but you¡¯re already tipsy after just two bottles of beer."


    Although Li Xiaoyao was flirtatious, he was never sleazy, taking advantage of a drunk woman was something he could not do.


    Zhang Meng giggled, looking somewhat drunk indeed.


    With one hand propping up her chin, Zhang Meng tilted her head to look at Li Xiaoyao and asked, "Boss Li, would it be okay if I call you ¡¯Big Brother Li¡¯ from now on?"


    "You can call me whatever you like," Li Xiaoyao thought to himself, but he knew he would probably have to personally take this girl home tonight, because the way she was, she could be taken away by any man if she went back alone.


    "Big Brother Li, Xiaoyao brother, ah, which one should I choose? Hmm, let¡¯s go with Xiaoyao brother," Zhang Meng seriously considered before asking, "Xiaoyao brother, when you were in college in Yun Country, you must have had lots of girls chasing after you, right?"


    Li Xiaoyao and Zhang Meng chatted back and forth, the intoxicated Zhang Meng was exceptionally talkative, but Li Xiaoyao was not annoyed at all.


    From a seat by the window in the upstairs restaurant, Tang Tiantian was keeping an eye on Li Xiaoyao.


    After hearing Tang Tiantian¡¯s story, Lili became certain that Tang Tiantian was extremely lucky yesterday to have run into the man she was sharing an apartment with, which saved her from being taken away by Zhang Biao.


    But this was of little concern to Lili; her rtionship with Zhang Biao was purely financial. She had helped Zhang Biao ask Tang Tiantian out yesterday, and Zhang Biao had given her ten thousand yuan. Whether it was sessful or not, it didn¡¯t really matter to Lili.


    What Lili was truly preupied with now was the handsome guy she met at the barst night; after frequenting the bar so many times, he was the highest-quality guy she had seen.


    Tang Tiantian, looking down at Li Xiaoyao and Zhang Meng, suddenly heard the sound of a screeching brake at the entrance to the alley. Tiantian looked over and was terrified. Although she was on the second floor, witnessing such an event firsthand still paled her face.


    Outside the BBQ stall, Li Xiaoyao also noticed the situation. He nced over and suddenly recognized Li Yong among the group of men.


    Li Xiaoyao immediately guessed that these people must have been brought by Li Yong to cause him trouble.


    Not only did Li Xiaoyao notice, but the security guards who were eating barbecue also did, and they immediately stood up, grabbing beer bottles from the table, and all stood beside Li Xiaoyao.


    Forty or so tall and sturdy security guards stood next to Li Xiaoyao, forming an impregnable wall.


    When Li Yong saw Li Xiaoyao, he pointed loudly at him and shouted, "Over there!"


    The thugs turned their heads and saw, to their astonishment, that there were over forty brawny men standing beside Li Xiaoyao, and they were momentarily stunned.


    Li Xiaoyao turned his head and looked around at the faces of the security guards, asking, "Are you afraid?"


    Under normal circumstances, the group of security guards would be scared, but not now.


    For one, they had drunk quite a bit, emboldened by the alcohol, and secondly, Li Xiaoyao had treated them well, they felt that if they just watched Li Xiaoyao get beaten up by thugs, they would truly be inhuman.


    "Not afraid!" the security guards yelled with a thundering voice.


    Zhang Meng had drunk a bit too much and was currently lying on the table asleep, oblivious to the scene.


    Upstairs, Tang Tiantian, seeing that the thugs had actuallye for Li Xiaoyao, immediately tensed and clenched her hands nervously.


    [Rmendations, rewards,ments~~]

 Chapter 16: Police Woman Zhu Xiaoyue

    Li Yong caught sight of the multitude around Li Xiaoyao and was taken aback, but upon closer inspection, he realized these men were allpany security guards, and his expression instantly rxed.


    Li Yong stepped to the front, brandishing his knife at the security guards, cursing, "Anyone who doesn¡¯t want to die, get lost; I¡¯ll let you off today in light of our past work rtionship. Now scram!"


    The security guards instantly grew furious; they had tolerated Li Yong for a long time. They used to fear him and dared noty a hand on him, but now, they weren¡¯t afraid, at least not in this moment.


    One particrly hot-blooded young security guard grabbed a beer bottle and strode forward, cursing fiercely as he went, "Motherfucker, I¡¯ve tolerated you for long enough!"


    The guard hurled the bottle at Li Yong, who dodged by tilting his head. The guard charged up andnded a punch directly onto his face.


    This action set off Li Yong and the hooligans, who instantly surrounded the guard.


    When Li Xiaoyao saw this, he waved his hand and eximed, "Brothers, go!"


    The security guards surged forth like a tidal wave, for whom taking on small-time hooligans was a piece of cake.


    Aside from their tattoos and machetes, these thugs practically had no realbat ability¡ªthey were trash.


    Li Xiaoyao stood stock-still and watched as the normally oppressed security guards unleashed their fury on the hooligans, venting the frustrations and anger that had umted over time.


    The hooligans were inwardly crying out in misery, their drunken courage knocked right out of them.


    Who the fuck are these people, and why are they going harder than professional thugs like us? They just brandish their knives for show, but these guys actually wrested the knives from their hands and used them on them, gashing up their flesh.


    Now, it was four security guards to one thug, with the hooligans curled up on the ground, protecting their heads as punches and kicks from the guards rained down on them.


    Li Yong got the worst of it since he had always left a terrible impression on the guards.


    The security guards now realized that Li Yong wasn¡¯t so tough; he just knew these hooligans. With this insight, they went all out, pounding him until he was ck and blue.


    People in the vicinity who were eating stared, dumbstruck by the sudden group fight unfolding before them.


    As for the brawl, the spectators would remember the gruesome scene vividly for years toe.


    It was truly disastrous; the aggressive hooligans had no power to counter the attack and were beaten like dogs.


    Someone called the cops, and just as the two sides finished fighting, several police cars arrived at the scene.


    Upon hearing the police sirens, the little bit of impulse left in the security guards¡¯ minds vanished in an instant, leaving only fear.


    Fighting in public is a serious offense.


    Confounded, the security guards all turned to Li Xiaoyao for guidance.


    Li Xiaoyao also frowned¡ªhe hadn¡¯t expected to attract the police. But it was no big deal; it was just the cops, and he could handle them.


    Li Xiaoyao turned to the security guards and said, "Everyone, sit down and eat. Leave the rest to me."


    This sentence made the security guards¡¯ fondness for Li Xiaoyao shoot straight up.


    The police barricaded the exit of the street, and a dozen armed officers quickly arrived, only to see a scene of more than ten hooligans lying on the ground, wailing in misery.


    Seeing the police, the hooligans cried out, begging for help, "Police, uncle, please save us, please take us away!"


    The police were at a loss for words. Judging by the situation at the scene, this gang looked like troublemakers, but now, they were on the receiving end of the injuries, which was just too bizarre.


    A young policewoman stepped forward and asked, "What happened here?"


    The thug with a swollen cheek pointed at Li Xiaoyao and his group, who were sitting down and eating barbecue as if nothing had happened, and said, "It was them, they beat us up like this."


    Li Xiaoyao put down his skewer of meat, gave the security guards a look, signaling them to keep quiet and eat, then stood up and walked over. He red at the thug and said, "You can eat whatever you want, but don¡¯t talk nonsense. I have over forty customers eating who can prove that my friends and I were just eating barbecue."


    The policewoman frowned and asked, "Then what about the injuries on them?"


    Li Xiaoyao spread his hands, looking innocent, and said, "They turned on each other. Just like in the movies, they were shing each other with knives."


    The policewoman red at him and said, "Are you insulting my intelligence?"


    Li Xiaoyao smiled at her uniform and said teasingly, "Officer, your uniform doesn¡¯t quite fit."


    The policewoman¡¯s face turned angry, her right hand lightly brushed her waist, and she took out her handcuffs. With her left hand, she grabbed Li Xiaoyao¡¯s wrist.


    With two "clicks," Li Xiaoyao was handcuffed.


    Li Xiaoyao¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change; he still had a jesting smile as he said, "Officer, handcuffing me without reason like this, be careful, I might file aint."


    The policewoman said emotionlessly, "I¡¯m Zhu Xiaoyue, badge number 9527. Go ahead and file aint if you want, but before you do that, I¡¯m taking you back to the police station."


    Li Xiaoyao wanted just that. He didn¡¯t care about being taken to the station; he was sure he could handle these cops. But if those security guards were taken in, it was questionable whether they coulde out unscathed.


    Tang Tiantian upstairs saw the police handcuffing Li Xiaoyao. Excited, she stood up from her seat and quickly ran downstairs.


    Li Xiaoyao turned his head and shouted to the security guards, "Remember to take Zhang Meng home and send me a text when you get there."


    The security guards looked at Li Xiaoyao worryingly but nodded vigorously after hearing his words.


    Zhu Xiaoyue directed the other officers, "Take all these thugs back. I¡¯ll interrogate them myself."


    Just as Zhu Xiaoyue was about to escort Li Xiaoyao to the car, a woman suddenly ran over from the side; it was Tang Tiantian.


    Tang Tiantian ran over, stood beside Li Xiaoyao, and said to Zhu Xiaoyue, "Officer, he is innocent. It was the thugs who started it."


    Li Xiaoyao looked at the suddenly appearing Tang Tiantian, quite surprised, and asked puzzledly, "What are you doing here?"


    Tang Tiantian replied, "I was eating next door."


    Zhu Xiaoyue asked, "Did you see everything that happened?"


    Tang Tiantian nodded vigorously, "I saw everything."


    Zhu Xiaoyue said, "Then youe with me too, to assist with the investigation."


    And so, Li Xiaoyao and Tang Tiantian were taken away by the police, along with Li Yong and a dozen thugs.


    [Please rmend and reward~~ If you think it¡¯s good after reading, cast a couple of votes on your way out]

 Chapter 17 - 17 Li Yong Turns Over a New Leaf

    In the police station, Li Xiaoyao and Tang Tiantian sat in the interrogation room, with the policewoman Zhu Xiaoyue in front of them.


    Zhu Xiaoyue asked, "Exin what happened in detail."


    Li Xiaoyao said, "Li Yong brought over a dozen hoodlums to give me trouble, each of them wielding knives. They were originally supposed to chop me, but somehow they ended up fighting each other."


    Zhu Xiaoyue frowned and red, "Mind your attitude, do you think I¡¯m an idiot? Why would they start chopping each other out of the blue?"


    Li Xiaoyao spread his hands, "So, you think I single-handedly took them all down? Do you think I¡¯m capable of that?"


    Zhu Xiaoyue had seen individuals capable of fighting off a dozen people, but she did not believe that someone like Li Xiaoyao had the ability to fight ten, especially when the others were armed with machetes.


    Zhu Xiaoyue looked towards Tang Tiantian and asked, "Tell me what you know."


    Tang Tiantian nced at Li Xiaoyao and said, "I was upstairs eating when I saw those bad guys get out of the car with knives and run over here quickly. But for some reason, when they reached halfway, they suddenly started shing at each other."


    Zhu Xiaoyue¡¯s chest heaved, her breathing slightlybored, her face changing between shades of dark and light.


    "Smack!" Enraged, Zhu Xiaoyue mmed her hand onto the table and shouted at the two, "Do you take me for a fool?"


    Zhu Xiaoyue called out to the door, "Bring Li Yong in!"


    Li Yong, bruised and swollen, was pushed in by a policeman, sitting next to the table.


    Li Yong gave Li Xiaoyao a vicious nce. Li Xiaoyao smiled back at him, a sh of purple glinting in his eyes, and upon seeing this, Li Yong¡¯s gaze momentarily stalled.


    Zhu Xiaoyue asked, "Narrate what happened tonight."


    Li Yong¡¯s expression was dull as he mechanically said, "Tonight, I invited my brothers from the streets to drink and eat, nning to ask them to give Li Xiaoyao a good lesson. But when we got there, my brothers went crazy and started shing each other."


    Zhu Xiaoyue stared at Li Yong, dumbfounded, not understanding why he would say such a thing. Didn¡¯t he know that saying this would be detrimental to him?


    Equally astonished was Tang Tiantian; she saw Li Yonge in and knew that the lie she had just told was about to be exposed, but why would Li Yong tell the same lie?


    Li Xiaoyao sat to one side, smiling breezily. What a joke¡ªLi Xiaoyao was now half a cultivator, and to control the thoughts of an ordinary person with his mind was mere child¡¯s y for him.


    Zhu Xiaoyue smacked the table and red at Li Yong, "Do you realize what you¡¯re saying? This is a police station, everything you say will be recorded!"


    Li Xiaoyao added, "Officer, what do you mean by that? Don¡¯t you allow a bad guy to repent and speak the truth?"


    Zhu Xiaoyue red at Li Xiaoyao, "Shut up, did I ask you to speak?"


    Li Xiaoyao spread his hands, "Fine, I¡¯ll be quiet."


    Li Xiaoyao hummed softly in his heart and started to make mischief. He issued an order to Li Yong, and the next moment, Li Yong suddenly stood up from his seat.


    Zhu Xiaoyue asked, "Li Yong, who told you to stand up? Sit down!"


    Li Yongpletely ignored her and lunged at Zhu Xiaoyue. Caught off guard, Zhu Xiaoyue was tackled to the ground along with her chair by Li Yong.


    Hearing themotion, police officers outside tried to push the door open, but for some reason, the iron door was locked from the inside and wouldn¡¯t budge.


    Zhu Xiaoyue struggled on the ground, but Li Yongy on top of her like a bear.


    Tang Tiantian watched the scene in shock, not understanding why Li Yong would suddenly do something like this.


    Li Xiaoyao, deciding he had taught the lesson well enough, rose from the chair, reached out to grab Li Yong¡¯s hair, and with a yank backward, pulled Li Yong away.


    Zhu Xiaoyue¡¯s police uniform had several buttons ripped open by Li Yong, making her look disheveled.


    Li Xiaoyao kicked Li Yong, knocking him to the ground, preventing him from getting up, then turned and walked over to Zhu Xiaoyue and started taking off his clothes.


    Zhu Xiaoyue, seeing Li Xiaoyao¡¯s actions, was startled, covered her chest with both hands, and yelled loudly, "What are you trying to do?"


    Li Xiaoyao sneered, threw the shirt he had taken off to her, and said, "Put this on, or else you might have an idental exposure."


    Zhu Xiaoyue, looking at the shirt Li Xiaoyao tossed to her, spaced out for a moment, suddenly feeling that the man might not be as despicable as she had imagined.


    Zhu Xiaoyue stood up, turned her back to wear Li Xiaoyao¡¯s shirt, then turned around and said, "Thank you."


    Li Xiaoyao waved his hand dismissively and asked, "Well, since Li Yong has confessed everything, can you let us go now?"


    Zhu Xiaoyue nodded, "Wait a moment, I¡¯ll go out and talk to the captain."


    As Zhu Xiaoyue turned to leave, she kicked the unconscious Li Yong on the ground to vent her anger.


    The police outside had been knocking on the door continuously, Zhu Xiaoyue opened the door, and the male police officer, seeing the white shirt on Zhu Xiaoyue, paused for a moment, and asked, "Xiaoyue, are you okay?"


    Zhu Xiaoyue resumed her icy policewoman demeanor, shook her head emotionlessly, "I¡¯m fine."


    The male police officer stared at the departing figure of Zhu Xiaoyue, and the police uniform that was clearly torn under the white shirt, as well as the shouts that had juste from the room, causing his eyebrows to instantly furrow.


    The male police officer entered the interrogation room and immediately noticed the shirtless Li Xiaoyao, while the unconscious Li Yong lying on the floor was automatically ignored.


    Fire shed in the male police officer¡¯s eyes, suspecting that this man must have done something to Zhu Xiaoyue just now.


    The male police officer pulled out his baton from his waist and strode forward,manding coldly, "Stand up!"


    Li Xiaoyao looked at him and asked, "Officer, is there a problem?"


    The male police officer¡¯s voice suddenly rose several decibels, and he yelled, "I fucking told you to stand up, are you deaf or just can¡¯t hear?"


    Li Xiaoyao nced at the male police officer and slowly stood up from the chair.


    A vicious look shed in the male police officer¡¯s eyes as he grabbed the baton and swung it down toward Li Xiaoyao¡¯s head.


    Li Xiaoyao reached out and grabbed the baton, staring coldly at the male police officer.


    The male police officer, seeing Li Xiaoyao daring to resist, became furious, "Fuck, you dare to block?"


    Cursing, the male police officer lifted his foot and kicked toward Li Xiaoyao.


    Li Xiaoyao didn¡¯t dodge this time, letting the male police officer kick him, but instead of knocking Li Xiaoyao down, the kick caused the officer to lose his bnce and stumble several steps backward.


    "Motherfucker," the male police officer cursed, and quickly stepped forward intending to continue his lesson on Li Xiaoyao.


    Zhu Xiaoyue suddenly came back, witnessed the scene, and shouted angrily, "Dong Haoran, what are you doing?"


    [Let¡¯s have a round of rmendations and tickets~]

 Chapter 18 - 18 Zhuo Yi Makes a Request

    Zhu Xiaoyue ran up and stood in front of Li Xiaoyao, ring angrily at Dong Haoran.


    Dong Haoran shrugged and said, "The kid bullied you, I was just teaching him a lesson for you. There¡¯s no need to be kind to such scum."


    By now, Zhu Xiaoyue had changed into new clothes. He returned the shirt to Li Xiaoyao, apologized, and then said to Dong Haoran, "My matters don¡¯t need your interference, please leave."


    Dong Haoran smiled and said, "Xiaoyue, do you know what I like about you the most? What I like most is your personality."


    With that, Dong Haoran turned and left the room.


    Zhu Xiaoyue watched Dong Haoran coldly and then turned to Li Xiaoyao and Tang Tiantian, "You can go now."


    Li Xiaoyao got dressed, and he and Tang Tiantian left the interrogation room. When they were exiting the police station, they happened to run into Dong Haoran.


    Dong Haoran didn¡¯t care about Li Xiaoyao at all. Although he had misunderstood Li Xiaoyao earlier, he had no intention of apologizing. In his eyes, everyone who gets brought in is trash, so what was wrong with kicking them a few times?


    However, Dong Haoran did take notice of Tang Tiantian beside Li Xiaoyao. After waiting for Zhu Xiaoyue to leave, he also left the police station, approached Tang Tiantian, and said, "Beauty, where do you live? Let me give you a ride. It¡¯s not safe for a woman to be out alone at night."


    Tang Tiantian was startled by the sudden advance from Dong Haoran and instinctively hid behind Li Xiaoyao.


    Dong Haoran nced at Li Xiaoyao and said, "Go wherever you¡¯re supposed to go, and stop being a nuisance here."


    A strange smile appeared on Li Xiaoyao¡¯s face; he had been nning to find an opportunity to teach this cop a lesson in due time, but now, it seemed he wouldn¡¯t have to wait that long.


    Li Xiaoyao said, "Thanks for the offer, Officer, but we live together, so no need to trouble you."


    Dong Haoran¡¯s face darkened as his eyes narrowed at Li Xiaoyao, "Kid, can¡¯t you understand what I¡¯m saying?"


    Li Xiaoyao ignored himpletely and said to Tang Tiantian, "Let¡¯s go."


    As Dong Haoran reached out to grab Li Xiaoyao, suddenly, the sound of police dogs barking erupted from the station.


    Dong Haoran instinctively looked back, only to see four or fiverge police dogs crazily bursting out the doors and lunging at him.


    Tang Tiantian watched dumbfounded, unable to understand how such a situation could happen out of nowhere.


    Dong Haoran was knocked to the ground by the big dogs, screaming incessantly as his clothes were quickly torn to shreds.


    "Woof, woof, woof!"


    The five big dogs, as if maddened, bit Dong Haoran. Li Xiaoyao smiled and said, "Let¡¯s leave."


    Tang Tiantian uttered an "Oh," came to her senses, and walked away with Li Xiaoyao.


    By the time the police within the station rushed out, Dong Haoran had been bitten all over, his body covered in blood.


    The officers quickly separated the dogs and took them back, then drove Dong Haoran to the hospital.


    Lying on the hospital bed, Dong Haoran had regained consciousness. He asked the officer standing by, weakly, "What¡¯s with those dogs?"


    The officer replied with a wry smile, "We were about to take the dogs out for a walk, and I don¡¯t know what happened, but as soon as we untied them, they ran out. By the time we got out, you¡¯d been bitten and knocked unconscious."


    Dong Haoran angrily said, "What¡¯s the reason for biting me? No, these dogs must be put down."


    The officer shook his head, took out a small stic bag containing several yellow pills, and said, "This was found on you. These are all drug detection dogs, it must have been this stuff on you that attracted them."


    Seeing the pills, Dong Haoran immediately turned pale with fright.


    Seeing Dong Haoran¡¯s expression, the officer smiled and said, "I was the one who found these pills, don¡¯t worry, the captain and the others don¡¯t know anything."


    Upon hearing this, Dong Haoran let out a sigh of relief and said, "Brother, thanks. When I get out of here, I¡¯ll take you to the bar for a full service."


    ```


    ...


    Li Xiaoyao and Tang Tiantian took a taxi home. When they arrived, Li Xiaoyao said, "You should go take a shower and get to bed early. You still have to go to work tomorrow."


    Tang Tiantian asked, "Why did Li Yong bring people to beat you up?"


    Li Xiaoyao nced at her, then smiled and replied, "He was the head of the security department. After I arrived, he wasid off, so he held a grudge and took revenge on me."


    Upon hearing this, Tang Tiantian looked worried and said, "Doesn¡¯t that mean you¡¯re in great danger? Once he gets out of the police station, he¡¯ll certainly seek revenge again."


    Li Xiaoyao replied, "That won¡¯t happen, don¡¯t worry. Besides, even if he really doese after me, I¡¯m not afraid of him."


    Tang Tiantian thought about the fate of Li Yong and those thugs today and felt slightly relieved.


    Tang Tiantian didn¡¯t continue to ask questions and obediently went to take a shower and then to bed.


    The night passed without incident.


    The next day, Li Xiaoyao was up early, as usual, and had prepared a delicious and ample breakfast.


    Tang Tiantian was gradually getting used to these wonderful mornings where Li Xiaoyao would wake up early to make breakfast and eat with her.


    After breakfast, they took a taxi to work as they always did.


    On the ride, Tang Tiantian whispered, "Taking a taxi every day is such a waste of money."


    Li Xiaoyao thought about it, not because he felt it was a waste of money, but because he found taking taxis to be inconvenient. He said, "How about we buy a car?"


    Tang Tiantian thought he meant an electric bike and nodded, "Yadea¡¯s are pretty good. I¡¯ll have a look after we get off work. We can ride an electric bike to work in the future."


    Li Xiaoyao looked at Tang Tiantian and thought to himself, I was talking about a car. But on second thought, it seemed he didn¡¯t have the money to buy a car.


    Upon reaching thepany, Li Xiaoyao received a call from Zhang Meng who said she was taking the day off and would note to work.


    From Zhang Meng¡¯s voice, Li Xiaoyao could tell she had not fully sobered up fromst night¡¯s drinking and said, "You should rest well."


    Sitting in the office, for the first time, Li Xiaoyao felt it was time to seriously consider his financial situation.


    Although he was a cultivator and could engage in cultivation, not requiring the ordinary needs of mortals, here in the secr world, after all, he, Li Xiaoyao, was just an ordinary person.


    Now that he had the ability, he naturally wanted his life to be better. At least, he should have his house and car, of course, and not to mention, a woman.


    As Li Xiaoyao was contemting ways to make money, a knock suddenly came at the door.


    "Knock knock knock!"


    "Come in," he said.


    The person knocking was Zhuo Yi, the secretary of Chairman Lan Cai. On a regr basis, she carried out Director Lan¡¯s orders and coordinated between various departments.


    Herplexion did not look good, with heavy dark circles, but even so, her delicate features and well-proportioned figure could not be concealed.


    Zhuo Yi was entirely different from Zhang Meng. If Zhang Meng was a cute young girl, then Zhuo Yi was an intellectual beauty.


    Zhuo Yi was about one seventy meters tall, with impossibly long legs, and exuded azy charm.


    At that moment, Zhuo Yi stood in front of Li Xiaoyao¡¯s desk, looking somewhat weary and said, "Mr. Li, could you do me a favor?"


    [Please rmend, reward, and leave a message~]


    ```

 Chapter 19 - 19 Pretend Boyfriend

    Li Xiaoyao asked curiously, "What¡¯s going on? Why do you look so pale?"


    Zhuo Yi gave a wry smile and shook her head, "I didn¡¯t sleep all night, so I¡¯m not feeling great."


    Upon hearing this, Li Xiaoyao knew something must have happened to Zhuo Yi and asked, "Do you want my help with something? Just say it, as long as you¡¯re not asking me to pluck the stars from the sky, I¡¯m good."


    After hearing his words, Zhuo Yi couldn¡¯t help butugh and said, "It¡¯s not that difficult, I just want you to pretend to be my boyfriend to deal with someone."


    Li Xiaoyao asked in surprise, "You don¡¯t need me to deal with your parents, do you?"


    Zhuo Yi shook her head, "My ex-boyfriend."


    Well, this was gettingplicated, but Li Xiaoyao quite liked it.


    He had always thought that Zhuo Yi, like Zhang Meng, was single, but it turned out she already had a boyfriend. However, that wasn¡¯t an issue since she was asking him to pretend to be her boyfriend, which meant she was looking to break up.


    How great was that? Li Xiaoyao liked to flirt with these girls whenever he could, and it was guilt-free when they were single.


    Li Xiaoyao stood up and said, "As a man, it¡¯s my duty to help a beauty in need. Tell me, what do you need me to do?"


    Zhuo Yi replied, "Just apany me to have lunch with himter at noon, that¡¯s all."


    Li Xiaoyao asked, "Is that guy still clinging to you and refusing to break up?"


    Zhuo Yi hesitated for a few seconds, nodded, and then said, "I¡¯ll head to work first. I¡¯lle get you at noon."


    After Zhuo Yi left, Li Xiaoyao went back to mulling over how to make money.


    His sry wasn¡¯t low, earning twice as much as an individual, which added up to sixty or seventy thousand.


    But Li Xiaoyao felt that it was still not enough. Back when he was a mercenary abroad, he could easily make millions, and that was in Yunuo currency.


    It¡¯s easy to adapt from frugality to luxury, but hard to revert to frugality from luxury.


    As he pondered about making money, time passed, and before he knew it, it was already half-past eleven in the morning.


    Zhuo Yi knocked and entered the room. She had changed into a deep blue dress that entuated her figure.


    Zhuo Yi forced a smile and said, "Director Li, shall we go?"


    Li Xiaoyao waved his hand and said, "Don¡¯t call me ¡¯Director Li.¡¯ Just call me by my name, or you can call me Brother Li if you prefer."


    Zhuo Yi¡¯s cheeks reddened slightly as she said, "You¡¯re a year older than me, so I¡¯ll call you Brother Li."


    Li Xiaoyao smiled and stood up, saying, "Let¡¯s go."


    Seeing that Li Xiaoyao was still wearing the jeans and white shirt from the time of his job interview, Zhuo Yi felt a bit speechless, thinking that he should dress better now that he was at least at the general manager level.


    However, Zhuo Yi didn¡¯t want to say it outright, so she gently suggested, "Aren¡¯t the clothes thepany ordered for you ready yet?"


    Li Xiaoyao let out an ¡¯Oh¡¯ and said, "You didn¡¯t remind me, I totally forgot. The clothes were delivered early and are in the closet."


    Zhuo Yi asked, "Why don¡¯t you change into it? Director Lan pays a lot of attention to personal appearance in thepany. If she sees you not in formal attire, she¡¯ll definitely have some thoughts."


    "Director Lan is quite demanding, huh," Li Xiaoyao muttered, "Let¡¯s go have lunch first, I¡¯ll change when wee back."


    The two left the office, took the elevator downstairs, and Zhuo Yi drove Li Xiaoyao to a Western restaurant.


    Zhuo Yi¡¯s car was a bright red Volkswagen CC, a model with soft lines and a very feminine design. But Li Xiaoyao felt that Zhuo Yi would be more suited to something like a Land Rover or Jeep, the kind of off-road vehicle.


    With her figure and temperament, driving that kind of car would probably feel more fitting.


    Half an hourter, the car stopped at the entrance of a Western restaurant.


    Both of them got out of the car, and Li Xiaoyao had only walked a few steps when Zhuo Yi suddenly came up to him and took his arm.


    Li Xiaoyao looked at Zhuo Yi in surprise, and Zhuo Yi gave him a slight smile, saying, "Let¡¯s go all out in our act."


    Li Xiaoyaoughed, thinking this woman was quite interesting.


    From the moment the two got out of the car, a man sitting at the table by the ss window on the second floor of the restaurant had been watching them.


    When they went upstairs and arrived at the window seat, Zhuo Yi softly introduced to Li Xiaoyao, "This is Liu Ming." Then she turned to Liu Ming and said, "This is Li Xiaoyao, my boyfriend."


    Liu Ming was about one meter eighty, with a muscr build that suggested he worked out regrly. He was handsome, and at the moment, his eyes bore a hint of anger when he looked at Li Xiaoyao.


    Li Xiaoyao merely nced indifferently at Liu Ming and, after sitting down with Zhuo Yi, chuckled softly and said, "So you¡¯re Liu Ming? I¡¯ve heard Zhuo Yi mention you. There¡¯s something I came here to discuss today."


    With a frosty expression on his face, Liu Ming asked, "What is it?"


    Li Xiaoyao poured himself a cup of tea leisurely and said, "Starting today, stop contacting my Zhuo Yi. I don¡¯t care what your past was like, but from now on, I hope you¡¯ll stop harassing her."


    Liu Ming¡¯s face grew even more furious as he said, "I¡¯ll give you a choice, too. Stand up from your seat now and get out immediately, or else..."


    Li Xiaoyao asked with a smile, "Or else, what do you n to do?"


    A cold glint shed in Liu Ming¡¯s eyes, "Otherwise, I¡¯ll have you lying in the hospital for a few days."


    Li Xiaoyao suddenlyughed, "Quite the big talk."


    Liu Ming red at Li Xiaoyao and said, "You can try me and see if I¡¯m all talk."


    Zhuo Yi, seeing that the two men might start fighting at any moment, quickly stood up and said to Liu Ming, "You see, I already have a boyfriend now, so please stop contacting me in the future."


    After speaking, Zhuo Yi took Li Xiaoyao¡¯s hand with a clingy look and said, "Let¡¯s go back."


    Li Xiaoyao gave Liu Ming a look that clearly said, "You think you canpete with me for a woman?"


    The two left the restaurant, and Liu Ming sat upstairs, watching through the ss as Zhuo Yi drove away, with the anger in his eyes peaking. Clenching his teeth, he muttered, "If I can¡¯t have her, nobody else can either."


    In the car, Li Xiaoyao asked, "How did you two meet?"


    Zhuo Yi answered, "Online, he¡¯s the one who added me."


    Li Xiaoyao asked, "How long have you known each other?"


    "Two months."


    "Then why did you break up?"


    Zhuo Yi sighed and said, "One day, I was driving past a hotel and saw himing out with a girl. I followed them and eventually saw him drop the girl off at the subway station and give her a big stuffed doll. Then I broke up with him."


    Li Xiaoyao really wanted to ask if they had ever slept together, but after some thought, he decided not to. He felt Zhuo Yi was quite a conservative girl, and it was unlikely that she would sleep with a man after only two months of acquaintance.


    Moreover, if they had really slept together, Zhuo Yi wouldn¡¯t have broken up with him so resolutely.


    Li Xiaoyaoforted her, "There are so many good men in the world, you¡¯ll meet one."


    Zhuo Yi managed a weak smile, "I hope so."


    [Vote, vote, vote~]

 Chapter 20 - 20 Fourth Brother Has a Request

    In the afternoon, Li Xiaoyao made a trip to the security department, where, on that particr office floor, only three guards were present as the others had been assigned to stand guard at different floors.


    For apany as big as Pan-Blue Company, having just over forty guards wasn¡¯t much at all considering that thepany had nearly thirty floors, and the allocation for security didn¡¯t even amount to two per floor.


    Li Xiaoyao chatted with the guards for a bit, and seeing him able toe to work safe and sound that day, each guard also breathed a sigh of relief.


    Li Xiaoyao said, "Yesterday, Li Yong and his crew ruined my mood. Wait for me to get my paycheck, and I¡¯ll treat you all to a drink."


    The young guardughed and shook his head, "Manager Li, that¡¯s not right. We can¡¯t always let you foot the bill, next time it¡¯s our turn to treat you."


    Li Xiaoyaoughed and patted the young guard on the shoulder, "Your sries aren¡¯t as high as mine. Making you treat would be cutting into your paychecks. No more arguing, from now on, whenever we go out to eat, it¡¯s got to be on me."


    The guard couldn¡¯t outtalk Li Xiaoyao and scratched his head somewhat embarrassedly, "Manager Li, you are really good to us."


    Hearing this, Li Xiaoyao felt extremelyfortable inside.


    When it was time to clock out, Li Xiaoyao was nning to stop by the market to buy some groceries, but he hadn¡¯t walked far when he received a phone call.


    "Hello, little bro, it¡¯s me, Zhao Si." Zhao Si, also known as Fourth Brother, was the same person he had met that night at the bar.


    Li Xiaoyao was quite surprised, for although Zhao Si had left his business card with him that night, he had not given his phone number to Zhao Si. But upon reflection, he let it go, knowing that for someone who mingled in those circles, digging up a phone number was a cinch.


    Li Xiaoyao smiled and said, "I¡¯m really sorry, I¡¯ve been so busy these past few days that I forgot about the drink I promised you."


    Zhao Si chuckled, "Little bro, are you free tonight? How about a drink?"


    Li Xiaoyao didn¡¯t have any ns for the evening, so he replied, "Sure, Fourth Brother, you pick the ce."


    "Let¡¯s hit up the same bar we went tost time. Just text me when you¡¯re almost there."


    Li Xiaoyao took out his phone and sent a message to Tang Tiantian, "I¡¯ve got a social engagement tonight, will be backte."


    On her way from work, Tang Tiantian saw the message from Li Xiaoyao and felt a sweetness in her heart.


    The truth was, their living arrangement was simply that of roommates. There was really no need for Li Xiaoyao to inform her about when he¡¯d return, so this act of sending a message made Tang Tiantian secretly think that Li Xiaoyao cared about her. Perhaps, he even had a bit of a liking for her.


    Li Xiaoyao didn¡¯t think that much into it; he simply didn¡¯t want Tang Tiantian to think he was a night owl and risk her wanting him to move out.


    He really liked the ce they were sharing ¨C it was clean, quiet, and thendlord was a great beauty.


    At seven in the evening, Li Xiaoyao arrived at the Muse Bar.


    Zhao Si was waiting for Li Xiaoyao personally at the entrance of the bar. Upon seeing Li Xiaoyao, Zhao Si walked up and gave him a warm hug, "Little Li,e on in."


    Seeing Zhao Si waiting for him at the entrance to the bar, Li Xiaoyao knew that Zhao Si definitely had something more than just a drink in mind for the evening; he surely needed help with something.


    The two entered the bar and sat down in the best booth.


    Zhao Si ordered the best foreign liquor and had several stunning girls with fiery figures and delicate faces to apany them for drinks.


    Zhao Si leaned back on the sofa, clinked sses with Li Xiaoyao, and said loudly into his ear, "Little bro, you see these women?"


    Li Xiaoyao nodded, and Zhao Si winked at him, disying a smile that any man would understand, "Take your pick, and head straight to the restroom with her, do whatever you like."


    Li Xiaoyao smiled but said nothing.


    All men love beautiful women, and Li Xiaoyao was no exception.


    The only difference was, Li Xiaoyao wasn¡¯t into ying with these kinds of ¡¯public buses¡¯.


    Zhao Si saw that Li Xiaoyao was only somewhat amused, so he stopped talking and signaled the hostesses with his eyes. Understanding the hint, the women pressed their bodies closer to Li Xiaoyao, wriggling around and constantly rubbing against his arm, throwing him coquettish nces from time to time.


    Li Xiaoyao smiled faintly, as these women did not interest him much; otherwise, with his looks, he could easily pick up someone at any bar.


    The drinking session stretched on until eleven o¡¯clock, by which time most of the hostesses were quite drunk, passed out on the sofa.


    Zhao Si sat next to Li Xiaoyao and asked, "Brother, interested in making some money together?"


    Li Xiaoyao looked up and asked, "Brother Si, do you have a scheme?"


    Zhao Siughed, "Brother Si has all sorts of schemes. The first time Iid eyes on Brother Li, I felt you were my kind of guy. Now, there¡¯s a rather profitable deal I¡¯d like to get into with you. If you¡¯re interested, we can partner up. If it seems like a hassle to you, that¡¯s okay too."


    Li Xiaoyao, full of interest, asked, "What kind of deal is Brother Si talking about?"


    Zhao Si put down his ss and dipped his right index finger into it to moisten it with alcohol. Then, he drew a circle on the ss coffee table and said, "This is the bar street." He drew another circle beside it and added, "And this is San Tiao Alley."


    Li Xiaoyao asked, "What is San Tiao Alley?"


    Zhao Si replied, "Restaurants, bars, underground gambling dens¡ªeverything¡¯s there."


    Li Xiaoyao asked, "Brother Si wants to take it over?"


    Zhao Si smirked, "San Tiao Alley is Hu Zhi¡¯s turf."


    Before Li Xiaoyao could ask who Hu Zhi was, Zhao Si went straight on, "Remember Zhang Biao, the guy you taught a lesson at the bar entrance the other day? He¡¯s one of Hu Zhi¡¯s men."


    Li Xiaoyao understood that Zhao Si wanted to use him to help take over San Tiao Alley.


    However, Li Xiaoyao hadn¡¯t really considered relying on this for a living, but the idea of owning one or two high-end restaurants or bars was quite appealing.


    Pretending not to know, Li Xiaoyao asked, "What does Brother Si want me to do?"


    Zhao Si answered, "You don¡¯t really have to do much, just invite Hu Zhi out for a meal; we¡¯ll join him and have a good chat."


    Li Xiaoyao said, "I¡¯ll give you an answer tomorrow."


    Zhao Si looked at Li Xiaoyao and after a few seconds, nodded, "Okay, I¡¯ll wait for your call."


    ...


    When Li Xiaoyao left the bar, his mind was crystal clear, the alcohol had no effect on him; he easily dispelled it with his inner power.


    About the matter of San Tiao Alley, Li Xiaoyao felt it was worth a try, but first, he needed to secure terms that satisfied him.


    Therefore, he nned to visit San Tiao Alley tomorrow before making his demands to Zhao Si.


    When Li Xiaoyao got home and turned on the lights in the living room, he discovered Tang Tiantian had actually fallen asleep on the sofa.


    "This woman really doesn¡¯t know how to take care of herself," Li Xiaoyao shook his head, walked over, and gently shook her, but Tang Tiantian was sleeping so soundly she wouldn¡¯t wake up.


    With no other choice, Li Xiaoyao shook his head, picked up Tang Tiantian gently, and carried her into the bedroom.


    He ced Tang Tiantian on the bed, and she showed no signs of waking up.


    Li Xiaoyao tucked her in and then left the house.


    As soon as he had gone and closed the door, Tang Tiantian on the bed opened her eyes, aplex expression in them¡ªthere was loss, and there was happiness.


    [Thank you to "Yao Wang Bei Jiang 1888" for the reward, seeking rmendation tickets~]

 Chapter 21 - 21 Zhuo Yi in Trouble

    ```


    The next day, early in the morning.


    Li Xiaoyao, as usual, got up early to practice boxing and cook breakfast.


    After the events of the previous night, Tang Tiantian¡¯s fondness for Li Xiaoyao had grown further, finding this man to be especially dependable. During breakfast, she couldn¡¯t help but steal additional nces at him.


    Li Xiaoyao had long noticed her looking at him, but he didn¡¯t ask. It was better not to embarrass the girl with a bashful disposition.


    After breakfast, the two left to hail a taxi. As they neared Tang Tiantian¡¯s workce, she suddenly asked, "What would you like for dinner tonight? I¡¯ll cook."


    Li Xiaoyao paused for a moment, then replied with a smile, "Whatever is fine, I¡¯m not picky about food."


    Tang Tiantian smiled sweetly, "You said it, you¡¯re not allowed toin about my cooking being bad."


    "I won¡¯t, I won¡¯t. Even if it¡¯s bad, I¡¯ll eat it," Li Xiaoyao sensed that her affection for him seemed to have deepened.


    Tang Tiantian got out of the car, and Li Xiaoyao arrived at hispany.


    He had barely stepped into the office and warmed his seat when Zhang Meng rushed in through the door in a flurry.


    "Big brother Xiaoyao, something¡¯s happened," said Zhang Meng, her phone in hand and panic written across her face.


    Seeing her frantic state, Li Xiaoyao quickly asked, "What happened?"


    Zhang Meng¡¯s eyes were wild with confusion and distress, "It¡¯s Sister Zhuo, she¡¯s in trouble."


    "Zhuo Yi?"


    Zhang Meng nodded repeatedly, "Mhm, it¡¯s Sister Zhuo."


    Li Xiaoyao came out from behind the desk and seated her on a chair, "Don¡¯t panic, tell me slowly, what¡¯s happened to Zhuo Yi?"


    Zhang Meng took a while topose herself before she finally calmed down.


    She took out her phone and said, "Right when I got to thepany, I received a text message from Sister Zhuo."


    Li Xiaoyao took the phone and saw the message Zhuo Yi had sent: only two words, "Save me!"


    Li Xiaoyao and Zhuo Yi weren¡¯t particrly close, but after pretending to be her boyfriend the day before, they had be much more familiar with each other. Zhuo Yi would never joke about such a matter; she must have been in extreme danger to have found the chance to send that message.


    Li Xiaoyao looked at the time the message was sent; it was ten minutes ago.


    The discovery was very timely. Li Xiaoyao looked at Zhang Meng and said, "Meng Meng, go to work, leave this matter to me. I¡¯ll definitely find Zhuo Yi."


    Although Zhang Meng was worried, she nodded and said, "Big brother Xiaoyao, I believe in you."


    After Zhang Meng left, Li Xiaoyao closed the door to his office, shut his eyes, and released his thoughts from his mind, instantly covering a radius of ten miles.


    Li Xiaoyao searched the nearby area, but he couldn¡¯t find Zhuo Yi anywhere. This meant that she was not within this range.


    Li Xiaoyao opened his eyes, his brow furrowed.


    He didn¡¯t know what exactly had happened to Zhuo Yi, whether she had been kidnapped or had encountered some other danger.


    Li Xiaoyao dialed the security department¡¯s number and said once the call connected, "Ask Xiao Quan toe to my office."


    Xiao Quan had been a scout, and when it came to tracking, he was definitely more professional than the others.


    Soon enough, Xiao Quan knocked and entered, appearing somewhat reserved as he faced Li Xiaoyao, "Director Li, you were looking for me?"


    With time of the essence, Li Xiaoyao skipped the pleasantries and got straight to the point, "Xiao Quan, I need your help with something."


    Xiao Quan immediately stood at attention, "Director Li, just say the word!"


    Li Xiaoyao said, "Xiao Quan, please investigate someone for me, a man named Liu Ming."


    ```


    Xiao Quan asked, "Minister Li, do you have a photo?"


    Li Xiaoyao thought for a moment and said, "Follow me."


    Time waits for no one, and Li Xiaoyao had to find Zhuo Yi in the shortest time possible.


    Zhuo Yi¡¯s life was very regr, with few friends and even fewer enemies, yet now, she was in trouble.


    Li Xiaoyao¡¯s first instinct was that this was the doing of Zhuo Yi¡¯s ex-boyfriend, Liu Ming!


    Li Xiaoyao asked Xiao Quan to go back and change into his clothes, then they took a taxi to an underground ck market together.


    The so-called underground ck market was a ce where anything could be sold, many of which were illicit goods.


    Li Xiaoyao was here to buy two fake IDs.


    After leaving the underground ck market, the two continued non-stop to the Western restaurant where Zhuo Yi had taken Li Xiaoyao to meet Liu Ming the day before.


    Before entering the restaurant, Li Xiaoyao whispered a reminder, "Don¡¯t talkter, just stand by my side and look serious."


    Xiao Quan¡¯s heartbeat sped up. Since leaving thepany, Li Xiaoyao had taken him to buy two fake police badges, and now they were at this restaurant. Xiao Quan, being a former scout, put these details together and suddenly guessed what Li Xiaoyao nned to do.


    The two entered the restaurant, and Li Xiaoyao swaggered directly to the cashier¡¯s counter.


    The waiter smiled and asked, "What can I do for you, sir?"


    Li Xiaoyao took out a police badge from his pocket and shed it, "Police investigation, we need your cooperation."


    The waiter immediately became nervous and nodded repeatedly, "Officer, what do you need us to do?"


    Li Xiaoyao said, "The surveince footage from the second floor from 11:30 to 12:30 yesterday, bring it to me."


    Without dy, the waiter brought up the surveince footage, and Li Xiaoyao gave Xiao Quan a look, "Watch carefully."


    Li Xiaoyao adjusted the angle of the surveince footage and finally pointed at Liu Ming on the screen, saying, "Remember this man, it¡¯s him."


    Li Xiaoyao took a photo of Liu Ming with his phone, then he and Xiao Quan turned and left the restaurant.


    Li Xiaoyao took Xiao Quan back to the underground ck market, and Xiao Quan curiously asked, "Minister Li, why do we keeping here?"


    "You can buy anything in this ce." Li Xiaoyao shook his phone and said, "I need to look up Liu Ming¡¯s detailed information."


    Li Xiaoyao led Xiao Quan into a small shop, and five minutester, they came out.


    Li Xiaoyao held a stack of papers in his hand, all of which contained information about Liu Ming.


    Walking next to Li Xiaoyao, Xiao Quan asked, "Minister Li, where are we going now?"


    "Stop calling me minister, it sounds awkward, just call me Brother Li." Li Xiaoyao hailed a taxi, "We¡¯re going to find Liu Ming."


    Xiao Quan still hadn¡¯t figured out why Li Xiaoyao was looking for Liu Ming, but seeing him both buying fake IDs and adjusting surveince footage, Xiao Quan guessed that Liu Ming must have offended Li Xiaoyao in some way.


    The information Li Xiaoyao bought showed that Liu Ming¡¯s home was in a civilian house in the suburbs of Ling City.


    After getting out of the car, Xiao Quan looked around at the shabby surroundings and smacked his lips, "This ce is pretty run-down."


    Li Xiaoyao was also surprised. When he talked to Zhuo Yi about her ex-boyfriend the previous day, he had heard from Zhuo Yi that her ex-boyfriend came from a wealthy family and had both a house and a car.


    But now, it seemed that wasn¡¯t quite the case.


    Li Xiaoyao and Xiao Quan searched for the house where Liu Ming lived, and while they were looking for Liu Ming, not far from them, a policewoman in uniform was also searching for Liu Ming.


    If Li Xiaoyao saw this policewoman, he would be able to recognize her at a nce; she was Zhu Xiaoyue, the officer who had brought him back to the station for assistance with the investigation that evening.


    [Please rmend, reward, and leave messages of support~]

 Chapter 22 - 22 Surprise Attack [Seeking Recommendation Tickets]

    Zhu Xiaoyue was working on a case, a serial kidnapping case.


    Every victim was a young woman, and justst week, another woman had been abducted.


    After reviewing the surveince footage, Zhu Xiaoyue discovered that the kidnapped woman was forcefully taken away by a van at the subway exit.


    Before the woman was abducted, she had seen a man at the subway entrance who had given her a particrlyrge doll.


    Not long after the man left, the woman holding the doll was kidnapped.


    Instinct told Zhu Xiaoyue that there was something very wrong with this man.


    She investigated the man¡¯s identity and learned that his name was Liu Ming, a non-local who used to be a bricyer at a construction site in Ling City, but for some unknown reason had stopped working, and till today when Zhu Xiaoyue came looking for him, he was still unemployed.


    Zhu Xiaoyue walked through an alley and looked up to see the house right in front of her.


    "Knock knock knock~" Zhu Xiaoyue knocked on the door, and soon a man¡¯s voice sounded from inside.


    "Who¡¯s there?"


    Zhu Xiaoyue said, "Police, I need your assistance with an investigation."


    There was no sound from inside, Zhu Xiaoyue pressed her ear against the door for a while, frowned, and called out, "Mr. Liu, please open the door."


    "Cough cough." A few coughs came from inside, followed by footsteps approaching, and the door opened. Liu Ming stood at the doorway, nced at Zhu Xiaoyue, and asked with a bewildered face, "Officer, how can I help you?"


    Zhu Xiaoyue quickly sized up Liu Ming. He was wearing a set of pajamas, his eyes bleary, obviously just woken up.


    Moreover, she had been observing Liu Ming closely since he began speaking and noticed the tone of his voice, his look of confusion, as if he truly knew nothing.


    Zhu Xiaoyue walked into the house, which was in disarray. She found a chair to sit down on and asked, "Do you know Xiao Yu?"


    Liu Ming nodded, "I¡¯ve seen her a few times."


    Zhu Xiaoyue asked, "How did you get to know Xiao Yu? What is your rtionship?"


    Liu Ming seemed slightly embarrassed, and after a while, he responded, "Met at a bar, stayed together twice."


    Zhu Xiaoyue was taken aback for a moment, then realized that the two must have had some kind of rtionship.


    Seeing that she was silent, Liu Ming hurriedly asked, "Officer, what happened to Xiao Yu?"


    Zhu Xiaoyue stared at him and said, "She¡¯s been kidnapped."


    Liu Ming eximed in surprise, "Kidnapped!"


    Zhu Xiaoyue was certain that this man genuinely did not know about Xiao Yu¡¯s kidnapping. She stood up and said, "Come back with me and tell me everything you know."


    Liu Ming nodded repeatedly, "Okay, but I need to change my clothes first. Officer, wait for me here for a moment."


    Zhu Xiaoyue nced at the room and said, "I¡¯ll wait for you outside."


    Just as Zhu Xiaoyue was about to step out of the front door, she suddenly felt a gust of wind behind her head. She instinctively tried to dodge but still didn¡¯t manage to avoid it.


    Before losing consciousness, Zhu Xiaoyue saw Liu Ming standing behind her with a stick in his hand, his face expressionless.


    After knocking Zhu Xiaoyue unconscious, Liu Ming put down the stick and sneered, "Not bad-looking; she should fetch a good price. But before I sell her, I¡¯ll have a good time first."


    Liu Ming stooped to lift Zhu Xiaoyue, and as he turned to enter the room, a voice suddenly came from outside the door.


    "Assaulting a police officer, eh? You¡¯ve got quite the nerve."


    Liu Ming¡¯s body instantly tensed up; he put down Zhu Xiaoyue, and wrapped his arm around her neck, turning to face the front door.


    Two men stood in the doorway, one of whom was Li Xiaoyao.


    Liu Ming¡¯s pupils shrank; he had not expected Li Xiaoyao to actually show up at his door.


    Liu Ming tightened his grip around Zhu Xiaoyue¡¯s neck and bellowed, "Don¡¯te any closer, or I¡¯ll kill her."


    Li Xiaoyao smirked, clearly unconcerned by Liu Ming¡¯s threat, and said, "Go ahead and kill her if you want; after all, the one who will be killing a cop is you, not me."


    Liu Ming¡¯s eyes darted around as he asked, "Why are you in my house?"


    Li Xiaoyao cursed, "Don¡¯t y dumb with me; just tell me, where have you hidden Zhuo Yi?"


    "How would I know where she is? Get the hell out of here and don¡¯t force me to act," Liu Ming said with a ferocious look on his face.


    Seeing this scene, Xiao Quan, who was by Li Xiaoyao¡¯s side, was shocked. What on earth was going on? How had this man knocked out a police officer?


    "It seems like you won¡¯t give up until you¡¯re at the end of your rope, alright then, I¡¯ll just have to ask in a different way," Li Xiaoyao said, turning to Xiao Quan, "Go shut the door and wait for me outside."


    "What?" Xiao Quan thought he had misheard. In this situation, wasn¡¯t it advantageous to have more people?


    But seeing Li Xiaoyao¡¯s expression, Xiao Quan knew he was not joking. He uttered an acknowledgment and left the room, closing the door behind him.


    Liu Ming didn¡¯t know what Li Xiaoyao was nning, but with only one opponent left, Liu Ming felt significantly less pressure.


    Li Xiaoyao took steps towards Liu Ming, who raised his voice and said, "Don¡¯te any closer, or I will actually break this cop¡¯s neck."


    Li Xiaoyao revealed a sly smile and whispered, "Are you threatening me? I really detest being threatened by others."


    Liu Ming saw that Li Xiaoyao continued to approach and shouted louder, "I told you not toe over, can¡¯t you f***ing understand humannguage?"


    Li Xiaoyaopletely ignored Liu Ming¡¯s rage, watching as the distance between them shrunk from five or six meters to just two.


    "Damn it!" Liu Ming cursed, his palm squeezing Zhu Xiaoyue¡¯s neck, a ruthless gleam shing in his eyes as he prepared to twist her neck.


    But just as Liu Ming was about to act, he was horrified to find that he couldn¡¯t move his body at all.


    Li Xiaoyao walked up to him and asked with a grin, "Does your body feel very stiff?"


    "What¡¯s happened to me?" Liu Ming asked himself in shock, then looked at Li Xiaoyao with fear, "What the hell did you do to me?"


    Of course, Li Xiaoyao wasn¡¯t going to tell him that he had used telekinesis to immobilize him.


    Li Xiaoyao took Zhu Xiaoyue from Liu Ming¡¯s hands. Upon close contact, Li Xiaoyao noticed the police officer¡¯s delicate appearance; her skin was fair and flushed, as if the slightest touch could bruise it, though her uniform still didn¡¯t fit well.


    Li Xiaoyao was no gentleman, but he would certainly not take advantage of someone in peril. He ced Zhu Xiaoyue in a chair beside him, then released Liu Ming.


    Feeling that he could move again, Liu Ming no longer cared about Zhu Xiaoyue as he turned and ran into the house.


    "Trying to run away!" Li Xiaoyao sneered, reached out to grab Liu Ming¡¯s hair, and with one strong pull, sent Liu Ming tumbling backward onto the floor.


    Li Xiaoyao stepped on Liu Ming and called out to the outside, "Xiao Quan."


    "Bang!"


    Xiao Quan kicked open the front door, only to see the scene of Liu Ming being stepped on by Li Xiaoyao.


    [Please take a moment to add this book to your shelf, and also vote for it with a rmendation ticket~]

 Chapter 23 - 23 Ten Fingers, Ten Questions

    Li Xiaoyao pointed to Zhu Xiaoyue, who had been knocked out on the chair, and said, "Wake her up."


    "Okay." Xiao Quan walked over to Zhu Xiaoyue, shook her shoulder a few times, and shouted loudly in her ear. In a few seconds, Zhu Xiaoyue opened her eyes.


    "It hurts." Zhu Xiaoyue touched the back of her head and spoke softly.


    Li Xiaoyao asked, "Are you all right?"


    When Zhu Xiaoyue heard this voice, she suddenly remembered that she seemed to be in Liu Ming¡¯s house. She immediately reached for her gun and pointed it in the direction of the voice.


    But when Zhu Xiaoyue raised her gun to aim, she saw that the speaker was the man who had been captured that night. Zhu Xiaoyue remembered this man; his name was Li Xiaoyao.


    "Why is it you? What are you doing here?"


    Li Xiaoyao stepped on Liu Ming and said, "Like you, I¡¯m here to find him."


    Zhu Xiaoyue frowned and asked, "Why on earth would you want to find him?"


    Li Xiaoyao pointed to the gun in his hand and said, "Can you put away the gun before we talk?"


    "Ah? Oh, I¡¯m sorry." Zhu Xiaoyue¡¯s face turned red, and she put away the gun. She got up and walked over, asking, "What are you doing here?"


    Li Xiaoyao did not directly answer her but instead said to Xiao Quan, "You can go back to thepany first."


    Xiao Quan was very obedient. After giving Zhu Xiaoyue a nce, he nodded his head and turned to leave.


    After Xiao Quan left, Li Xiaoyao said, "My friend has been kidnapped."


    Zhu Xiaoyue blinked and immediately looked at Liu Ming, asking, "Did he do it?"


    Li Xiaoyao nodded and said, "I wasn¡¯t sure at first, but now, I can confirm that it was indeed him."


    Zhu Xiaoyue asked, "Is your friend called Xiao Yu?"


    "Xiao Yu?" Li Xiaoyao was taken aback by Zhu Xiaoyue¡¯s question. He shook his head and said, "Her name is Zhuo Yi. She went missing this morning. It was only after I received her text message that I knew something had happened to her."


    Zhu Xiaoyue took a deep breath and red angrily at Liu Ming, who was under Li Xiaoyao¡¯s foot, demanding, "Spit it out, where on earth have you taken these women?"


    Li Xiaoyao also sensed there was a problem. It seemed that this Liu Ming had abducted more than just Zhuo Yi.


    Liu Ming had blood spilling from his mouth from being stepped on by Li Xiaoyao, but he sneered and said, "If you have the guts, kill me."


    Zhu Xiaoyue was infuriated by Liu Ming¡¯s arrogant attitude and cursed, "Shameless!"


    Li Xiaoyao then released his foot and said, "Hard to see, you¡¯re still tough. Fine, you want to die? That¡¯s easy, I¡¯ll grant your wish."


    When Liu Ming heard Li Xiaoyao¡¯s words, he was taken aback; damn it, wasn¡¯t he supposed to be beside himself with rage? Why was he so calm? And was he actually going to kill him?


    No, that can¡¯t be.


    Liu Ming inwardly shook his head, believing that Li Xiaoyao definitely didn¡¯t dare to actually kill him. He must just want to scare him.


    Hmph, he wouldn¡¯t fall for such a simple trick.


    Li Xiaoyao wasn¡¯t in the mood to observe Liu Ming¡¯s thoughts; he looked around and eventually found a hammer in the corner.


    Li Xiaoyao picked up the hammer and walked over, squatting beside Liu Ming.


    He stretched out his hand and pressed Liu Ming¡¯s left hand onto the ground, then with eyes full of murderous intent, he stared at Liu Ming and said, "You¡¯re not afraid of death anyway, so let¡¯s y a game."


    "Li Xiaoyao, what time is it now? Do you still have the mood to y games?" Zhu Xiaoyue said, both angry and anxious.


    Li Xiaoyao gave her a wink and said, "Don¡¯t worry."


    Zhu Xiaoyue had many questions in her heart, but her instincts told her that she should trust Li Xiaoyao.


    Li Xiaoyao continued to gaze at Liu Ming, smilingly said, "This game is very simple. Look, you have two hands, ten fingers. Me, I will ask you ten questions, one finger for each question. If you answer correctly, I won¡¯t knock, but if you answer wrongly, I will smash it to break."


    After listening to Li Xiaoyao¡¯s words, a chill rushed from the soles of Liu Ming¡¯s feet to his forehead.


    Zhu Xiaoyue frowned, she was a policewoman, and Li Xiaoyao was actually implementing vignte justice right in front of her. She really wanted to stop Li Xiaoyao, but she also knew that to deal with scum like Liu Ming, Li Xiaoyao¡¯s method might be more effective.


    "The first question, where is Zhuo Yi?" Li Xiaoyao lifted the hammer in his hand and asked.


    Liu Ming decided, no matter what Li Xiaoyao asked, he would just clench his teeth and remain silent.


    Li Xiaoyao stared at Liu Ming and, seeing that he wouldn¡¯t speak, nodded smilingly and said, "You think I have no way if you don¡¯t talk?"


    No sooner had his voice trailed off than Li Xiaoyao lifted the hammer and violently smashed it down on Liu Ming¡¯s thumb.


    With a dull "thud," Liu Ming¡¯s left thumb was crushed into a pulp, blood and flesh blurred.


    "Ahhh!" Liu Ming screamed miserably, his body struggling violently, only to be knocked back to the ground by Li Xiaoyao with a punch to the head.


    Zhu Xiaoyue was also frightened by Li Xiaoyao¡¯s sudden hammering, even having a couple of drops of fresh blood sshed onto her.


    Zhu Xiaoyue turned her head away, not looking at Li Xiaoyao, nor paying attention to Liu Ming¡¯s screams.


    Liu Ming cursed loudly, "Motherfucker, I¡¯m going to file aint."


    Li Xiaoyao tapped his face with the hammer and said, "I¡¯m afraid you won¡¯t have the life to file anyints."


    "Continue answering my first question, where is Zhuo Yi?"


    Liu Ming still said nothing, and Li Xiaoyao said, "Don¡¯t think that I have no way to make you talk if you remain silent. I¡¯m not a patient man, I¡¯ll give you ten seconds. If your answer doesn¡¯t satisfy me, I will smash the rest of your nine fingers just like your thumb."


    "1, 2, 3, 4, 5¡­" Li Xiaoyao began to count, his voice very steady, as if doing something trivial.


    Liu Ming¡¯s eyelids trembled relentlessly. If at first he had scorned Li Xiaoyao¡¯s threat, then after Li Xiaoyao smashed his thumb, he was utterly convinced that this man was definitely not just joking around.


    "7, 8, 9¡­" With thest number remaining, Li Xiaoyao had already lifted the hammer again.


    "I¡¯ll tell you!" Liu Ming shouted loudly.


    "Thud!"


    Without any hesitation, the hammer came down, and Liu Ming let out a squeal like a pig being ughtered.


    Li Xiaoyao looked down at Liu Ming with an apologetic face, "Sorry, it was too smooth, I just couldn¡¯t stop in time."


    Liu Ming, tears and snot streaming down, twisted and turned as if cramping, cursing inwardly, "Motherfucker, ¡¯smooth¡¯, ¡¯smooth¡¯ your grandpa ah, my fingers..."


    Li Xiaoyao stepped off his hand and pulled up a chair to sit in front of him, and asked, "Tell me, where is Zhuo Yi?"


    Liu Ming knew that if he didn¡¯t speak today, he definitely wouldn¡¯t be able to leave safely. Clenching his teeth, he uttered a name, "Wang Ru¡¯an."


    "Wang Ru¡¯an? Who is that?"


    Liu Ming said, "A rich man. He gave me five hundred thousand to take Zhuo Yi to the subway station."


    "Is it that simple?" Li Xiaoyao was skeptical of the truthfulness of Liu Ming¡¯s words.


    Zhu Xiaoyue suddenly turned around, her eyes shining, and said, "I¡¯ve got it!"


    Li Xiaoyao raised an eyebrow at her, "You got what?"


    Zhu Xiaoyue said, "I understand what¡¯s going on here."


    [Please vote for rmendation]

 Chapter 24: Buried with the Dead

    Zhu Xiaoyue exined, "There have been a total of seventeen kidnapping cases in Ling City, including Zhuo Yi, that makes eighteen."


    Li Xiaoyao grunted, pulled out a cigarette, lit it up, and listened quietly.


    Zhu Xiaoyue went on, "These abducted people have three things inmon; first, they are all women."


    Li Xiaoyao rolled his eyes, thinking what the hell kind ofmonality that was.


    "Second, they were all abducted at subway entrances or bus stations," Zhu Xiaoyue¡¯s emotion intensified as she spoke, "Third, when they were abducted, they were all holding a big doll in their arms."


    As Li Xiaoyao listened, he found it quite interesting. He nced at Liu Ming and noticed Liu Ming¡¯s expression was ugly, which meant themonalities Zhu Xiaoyue mentioned must be important.


    Li Xiaoyao threw the cigarette butt on the ground and kicked Liu Ming, "That Wang Ru¡¯an guy, who is he? Where does he live?"


    Liu Ming answered honestly, "He owns a chain of hotpot restaurants, very rich."


    Li Xiaoyao said impatiently, "Don¡¯t fucking gasp while talking. Tell me everything at once."


    Fearing that Li Xiaoyao might smash his remaining fingers in anger, Liu Ming quickly said, "Wang Anru¡¯s son diedst month..."


    At that point, Zhu Xiaoyue couldn¡¯t help interrupting, asking, "What does his son¡¯s death have to do with you kidnapping girls?"


    Li Xiaoyao said, "Let him finish, don¡¯t interrupt."


    Zhu Xiaoyue red at Li Xiaoyao; this guy actually spoke to her in that tone and told her not to interrupt.


    Hmph, right now the priority is the business at hand. I¡¯ll tolerate this slight. Once we rescue those girls, I¡¯ll settle the score with you.


    Liu Ming continued, "Wang Ru¡¯an¡¯s son pursued Zhuo Yi while he was alive. Now that his son is dead, he wants to find a wife for him."


    "Fuck!" When Li Xiaoyao heard this, he couldn¡¯t help but swear aloud.


    "Motherfucker, finding a wife? The guy¡¯s dead and still wants a wife, so this is to make Zhuo Yi join him in death, eh?" Li Xiaoyao was furious; he was truly shocked. He had thought it was just an ordinary kidnapping but didn¡¯t expect such an atrocious act.


    Li Xiaoyaoshed out and kicked Liu Ming, cursing, "Fuck, are you even a man? Selling your ex-girlfriend off for someone else¡¯s burial? You fucking piece of shit!"


    Li Xiaoyao¡¯s kicks were exceedingly fierce, and with each blow, there was a loud thumping sound, asionally apanied by the sound of Liu Ming¡¯s bones breaking.


    "Stop hitting him." Zhu Xiaoyue ran over to pull Li Xiaoyao away, genuinely afraid Li Xiaoyao would beat Liu Ming to death.


    Although Li Xiaoyao was very angry, he knew he could actually kill Liu Ming if he continued like this.


    Li Xiaoyao stepped back and sat down in the chair, took out another cigarette, and finished it in a few puffs.


    With a cold look in his eyes, Li Xiaoyao stared at him and asked, "Where is Wang Ru¡¯an?"


    Liu Ming was so battered he could hardly breathe. He weakly said, "He lives in Ling City..."


    Li Xiaoyao wrote down the address, kicked Liu Ming in the head, and turned to walk outside the house.


    Zhu Xiaoyue ran up to hold him back, "Li Xiaoyao, don¡¯t be impulsive, I¡¯m going to call for backup now, to get a rescue mission underway."


    "You guys work too slow, I only trust myself." Li Xiaoyao shrugged off her arm and walked away.


    Zhu Xiaoyue turned to look at the unconscious Liu Ming, hesitated for a moment, then jogged over and kicked him hard in the head twice more, before following after Li Xiaoyao.


    Zhu Xiaoyue ran after Li Xiaoyao while taking out her phone to call the station.


    "Hello, Chief, it¡¯s me. I¡¯ve caught the kidnapper. Yes, I¡¯m all right. Hurry over, I¡¯ve knocked him out. You can take him away when you arrive. The address is..."


    There wasn¡¯t a taxi in sight, so Li Xiaoyao grabbed a motorcycle from someone¡¯s house, and the owners pulled on him, refusing to let him go.


    Zhu Xiaoyue rushed over, shed her police badge, and threw her wallet over: "I¡¯m a cop. My ID is in the wallet. I need tomandeer your vehicle. I¡¯ll leave the wallet with you, and when I¡¯m done with the bike, I¡¯lle back for it."


    After she spoke, Zhu Xiaoyue swung her leg over and mounted the motorcycle behind Li Xiaoyao, wrapping her arms around his strong waist, and said to a somewhat stunned Li Xiaoyao, "Stop dawdling and get moving."


    Li Xiaoyao twisted the throttle, and the motorcycle roared to life, shooting off like an arrow from its bow, leaving a trail of dust behind.


    Li Xiaoyao made a call to Zhang Meng while riding: "Meng Meng, head to security now. Have them dispatch ten people to a location to wait for me."


    Zhang Meng bombarded him with questions from the other end of the line, but Li Xiaoyao simply told her to get to security immediately to call for help.


    In times of need, Li Xiaoyao suddenly realized he really should have some people he could call on at any moment.


    Though he could mobilize these security guards as well, after all, they worked for thepany. They were ordinary people and, like today¡¯s incident, if Li Xiaoyao had his own people, he would have sent them straight into Wang Anru¡¯s house to subdue him.


    But he couldn¡¯t do that with these guards. For a simple reason: they wouldn¡¯t dare do something like breaking into a residence.


    Li Xiaoyao throttled the motorcycle to the max, reaching the city center in half an hour, then drove straight to the residential area where Wang Anru lived.


    As they reached the entrance of the residential area, Li Xiaoyao saw the young security men from the department standing outside the area.


    "Boss, the property management won¡¯t let us in," the guards said, approaching Li Xiaoyao as they saw him arrive.


    Li Xiaoyao nced at Zhu Xiaoyue, who knew what he meant. She pulled out her police badge and showed it to the property manager, saying, "Police investigation, open the gate."


    The property manager, seeing Zhu Xiaoyue¡¯s badge looked legit and also not wanting any trouble in theplex, obediently opened the gate.


    Li Xiaoyao smiled for a change: "The police badge is quite useful, though it¡¯s really just for scaring the ordinary folks."


    Zhu Xiaoyue red at him: "What are you trying to say? Who¡¯s scaring anyone?"


    Li Xiaoyao nced at her chest and kindly reminded, "Officer, don¡¯t get mad, but your button¡¯s about to pop off."


    Zhu Xiaoyue red at Li Xiaoyao angrily: "Li Xiaoyao, you¡­"


    "Enough with the yous, let¡¯s move. Catching the criminal is more important."


    Zhu Xiaoyue watched Li Xiaoyao¡¯s back, irritated to the point of gritting her teeth, thinking that after this incident, she must give him a lesson and show him she wasn¡¯t so easy to bully.


    The residentialmunity was an upscale vi area, with Li Xiaoyao leading the security guards and Zhu Xiaoyue quickly toward one of the vis.


    The vi¡¯s interior wasvishly decorated in the ssical style of Xuan Country.


    In the vast living room of the vi, there sat a corpulent man on the sofa, with a woman lying at one side of the couch.


    The woman¡¯s hands and feet were all bound. She looked pale and frightened as she watched the man.


    [Everyone gets rmendation tickets every day. Please cast your tickets for me. For those waiting for updates, you can check out my other work "Top Grade Special Forces," a 3.4 million-word novel that¡¯s enough for several days of reading.]

 Chapter 25 - 25 Can鈥檛 Help It, Too Charming!

    Wang Ru¡¯an held a photograph in his hand, a young man was pictured, and this young man was his son.


    Unfortunately, his son died in a car crash while street racingst month.


    His son was getting on in years and had yet to marry, so Wang Ru¡¯an thought about finding a wife for his son.


    Finding a wife for a dead person is known as a "ghost marriage."


    But this was something he couldn¡¯t do by himself. However, he knew someone who had done such things, and that person was Wang Jin, the general manager of Tianhai Company who had invited Li Xiaoyao to dinner that day.


    On the surface, Wang Jin was the general manager of Tianhai Company, but in secret, he was the head of a human trafficking organization.


    Such organizations usually kidnap people from nearby viges or national highways, those walking alone or with mental issues. After the buyer selects a "ghost marriage" candidate, they would bring the person to the prearranged location and kill them on the spot with poison.


    This organization never uses knives because that would damage the corpse, discouraging buyers from paying.


    It¡¯s a very lucrative and perverse industry.


    Normally, the gang would only traffic kidnapped individuals, but Wang Ru¡¯an approached them, specifically requesting Zhuo Yi by name.


    The true purpose of that day when Wang Jin invited Li Xiaoyao to dinner was to get Li Xiaoyao to introduce Zhuo Yi to him, but they didn¡¯t expect Li Xiaoyao to outright refuse and even got into a conflict with them.


    However, no matter, Wang Jin had another trick up his sleeve, and that was Liu Ming.


    Liu Ming was a "hunter" trained by Wang Jin. A so-called hunter would meet young girls in bars or over the inte, invite them out for meals, drinks, and fun, then take them to a hotel. Once he got to know them better, Liu Ming would follow Wang Jin¡¯s instructions and bring the girls to the subway station, giving them arge doll.


    At the same time, Wang Jin had arranged for several other people to drive a van to the subway station and kidnap the girls holding dolls.


    That was the entire process.


    "What exactly do you want to do?" a frightened Zhuo Yi asked.


    Wang Ru¡¯an put down the photograph, smiled at the girl, and said, "My son likes you, so I n on having you marry my son."


    Zhuo Yi was dumbstruck after hearing this. What kind of reason was that?


    It was her first time encountering such a forced marriage scenario.


    But before she had time to think further, with a loud "bang," the door to the vi was smashed open.


    A dozen figures appeared outside the vi¡¯s door, startling Wang Ru¡¯an, who was on the couch. He stood up from the couch and saw clearly the people outside.


    Li Xiaoyao immediately saw Zhuo Yi lying on the couch, and Zhuo Yi also saw him, with tears streaming down her face in an instant.


    Zhu Xiaoyue drew her gun on the spot, aimed at Wang Ru¡¯an, and shouted, "Wang Ru¡¯an, raise your hands and kneel on the ground, or I¡¯ll shoot."


    Wang Ru¡¯an didn¡¯t understand why the police hade for him, but with a gun pointed at him, he was terrified and promptly knelt down.


    Li Xiaoyao waved his hand, "Tie up this fatso."


    The security guards filed in and promptly tied Wang Ru¡¯an up tightly, while Li Xiaoyao went over and gently untied the ropes from Zhuo Yi¡¯s hands and feet.


    "Wuu wuu~" Zhuo Yi burst into tears; she was a woman of strong character, buting face to face with a kidnapping scenario that normally only happened in movies, she waspletely frightened.


    Zhuo Yi thought she was doomed this time, but in thest moment, Li Xiaoyao appeared, and she felt that he was like the Prince Charming from her childhood dreams.


    "It¡¯s okay now, it¡¯s all right," Li Xiaoyao patted Zhuo Yi¡¯s hair,forting her.


    Wang Ru¡¯an was arrested, and Liu Ming, who arrivedter, was also captured by the police and taken back to the station. Based on the clues provided by Wang Ru¡¯an and Liu Ming, they managed to arrest Wang Jin and several others from Tianhai Company as well.


    Outside the police station, after giving their testimonies, Li Xiaoyao and others were preparing to leave when Zhu Xiaoyue suddenly came over.


    "Li Xiaoyao, thank you for everything this time," Zhu Xiaoyue said with heartfelt gratitude.


    Li Xiaoyao subconsciously looked at her chest, and said, "Just saying ¡¯thank you¡¯cks sincerity. How about something more substantial?"


    Zhu Xiaoyue raised an eyebrow and replied, "Li Xiaoyao, don¡¯t think that just because you got lucky and helped solve the case, you can take undue advantage."


    Li Xiaoyao said, "I was just asking if there is a reward for acts of bravery. Is that going too far?"


    "Oh, so you¡¯re just after the reward money?" Zhu Xiaoyue felt somewhat embarrassed. She had thought Li Xiaoyao was trying to take advantage of her.


    Li Xiaoyao rolled his eyes: "No kidding. Which do you think is more tempting, your ¡¯thank you¡¯ or some cash reward?"


    Grinding her teeth, Zhu Xiaoyue wished she could bite Li Xiaoyao. This jerk was actuallyparing himself to a reward? Did she rank lower than Renminbi in his heart?


    Zhu Xiaoyue took a deep breath and told herself not to get angry with this kind of person.


    "There is indeed a reward offered by the city bureau for this series of kidnappings, and since you helped crack the case, naturally you¡¯re entitled to the money. Rest assured, once we get through this busy period, the reward will be distributed to you," she exined.


    Li Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes suddenly sparkled: "There really is a reward? How much, how much?"


    Seeing Li Xiaoyao¡¯s greed, Zhu Xiaoyue felt even more annoyed. Was this jerk really so money-obsessed?


    Zhu Xiaoyue replied irritably, "Two hundred thousand."


    Hearing this figure, Li Xiaoyao immediately felt disappointed and said, "Only two hundred thousand? You police sure are stingy."


    "Fine, talk to me about the reward once it¡¯s ready. You have my number. Remember to call me. I¡¯m leaving now, no need to see me off," Li Xiaoyao said, waving his hand as he walked off with Zhuo Yi and the security guards.


    Zhu Xiaoyue, staring at Li Xiaoyao¡¯s retreating figure, muttered resentfully, "This bastard, don¡¯t let me catch you slipping."


    "Xiaoyue, what¡¯s wrong? You seem really upset," a voice chimed in. It was Dong Haoran, who had been bitten by a dog a few days earlier.


    Following Zhu Xiaoyue¡¯s gaze, Dong Haoran recognized the back of one of the men¡ªjust as the man was getting into a taxi and showed his face. It was Li Xiaoyao.


    Dong Haoran couldn¡¯t hate Li Xiaoyao enough, although it was his pills that attracted the dog¡¯s bite, he transferred his anger to Li Xiaoyao.


    There are people in this world who, when they encounter setbacks, invariably disce their frustrations onto someone else.


    Dong Haoran was unquestionably one of those people.


    ¡­


    Zhuo Yi had been kidnapped in the morning, but by the afternoon, Li Xiaoyao had rescued her. Even though it was only a few hours, Li Xiaoyao knew that if he had been a few hourster, Zhuo Yi might have been killed and buried as a sacrifice.


    "Thank you, Brother Li," Zhuo Yi said quietly, expressing her gratitude. Just now, at the police station, she fully realized how serious the events of the day had been. One could say that the man by her side gave her a second chance at life.


    "No worries. Saving a beauty in distress is my duty. If it really bothers you that much, you could always marry me," Li Xiaoyao teased her.


    Zhuo Yi¡¯s face turned red as she retorted, "I certainly don¡¯t want that."


    Li Xiaoyao just smiled and said nothing more. Meanwhile, Zhuo Yi periodically stole nces at Li Xiaoyao, thinking he looked more handsome and manly than other men.


    Zhuo Yi startled herself with her thoughts and inwardly asked: Zhuo Yi, could it be that you¡¯ve fallen for Li Xiaoyao?


    If Li Xiaoyao knew Zhuo Yi¡¯s thoughts at that moment, he would surely shamelessly respond: Can¡¯t help it. I¡¯m just too charming.


    [Please vote for rmendation tickets]

 Chapter 26 - 26 Director Lan is Looking for Me [Vote for Recommendation]

    Li Xiaoyao personally escorted Zhuo Yi home. As he was leaving Zhuo Yi¡¯s ce, Li Xiaoyao received a call from Zhang Meng.


    "Hello, Meng Meng, what¡¯s up? Have you missed me that much, just from not seeing me for a morning?" Li Xiaoyao teased.


    Zhang Meng snorted: "You only know how to flirt with me, you¡¯re so annoying."


    "Meng Meng, do you mean that I should spread the love and flirt with other girls too? That¡¯s tough for me, you know. I¡¯m a man of pure heart; flirting with girls just isn¡¯t something I can do." Li Xiaoyao said yfully while hailing a cab.


    "Brother Xiaoyao, you¡¯re really glib. Oh no, you¡¯ve made me forget what I was going to say." Zhang Meng blushed and then said, "Director Lan wants you to stop by her officeter when you get to thepany."


    "Director Lan is looking for me?" Li Xiaoyao felt like this was quite a sudden shift; how did the topic jump straight to Director Lan?


    Zhang Meng said: "Hmm, it seems to be about Sister Zhuo¡¯s business."


    Li Xiaoyao thought for a moment and said, "Okay, I¡¯lle byter, but I might be a bitte. I¡¯ve just taken Zhuo Yi home and there¡¯s some traffic on the way."


    Li Xiaoyao was telling a bald-faced lie; the main road was smooth and not congested at all.


    However, he had a reason for lying, because he needed to make a trip to San Tiao Alley.


    Last night, he discussed matters rted to San Tiao Alley with Brother Chu, but at the time, Li Xiaoyao did not give an immediate response because he needed to go and check the ce out firsthand, and then see what good spots San Tiao Alley had.


    After inspecting, Li Xiaoyao would be in a better position to discuss terms with Brother Chu.


    Li Xiaoyao quickly arrived at San Tiao Alley, which, despite its name, was actually a broad street that stretched for a kilometer and was nked by bars, restaurants, shops, and some brand-name stores.


    Even though it was just one street, it was fully stocked with goods and especially bustling with people.


    Li Xiaoyao could almost imagine the crowded, lively scene here at night, with the music ring and people swarming.


    Li Xiaoyao paid special attention to several bars and restaurants, and among these bars, one called ¡¯Gone with the War¡¯ left the deepest impression on him.


    Though it was just a lounge bar, its poprity was incredible. Keep in mind, it was three in the afternoon, yet people were drinking at the bar, and it wasn¡¯t even a regr one at that.


    After taking a walk around San Tiao Alley, Li Xiaoyao took a cab back to thepany.


    On the ride back, Li Xiaoyao pondered all the way and couldn¡¯t think of any reason for Director Lan to call for him out of the blue.


    It seemed like he had only met Director Lan once before, and during that one time, he had merely greeted her with no further interaction.


    Confused, Li Xiaoyao arrived at Director Lan¡¯s office.


    Just as a girl walked out from Director Lan¡¯s office, she saw Li Xiaoyao and whispered to him, "Mr. Li, do you want to change your clothes first?"


    Li Xiaoyao was puzzled: "Change clothes? What clothes? Does Director Lan want me to dress sexier or something?"


    Upon hearing Li Xiaoyao¡¯s words, the girl rolled her eyes and said helplessly, "Mr. Li, you¡¯re now the General Manager of the Marketing Department. Of course, you need to dress more formally to meet Director Lan."


    The girl was undoubtedly kind-hearted; she wouldn¡¯t have offered to help just anyone. She had given Li Xiaoyao the friendly reminder because, on the day of the interview, he had seen off those troublemakers, leaving her with a very good impression of him.


    Li Xiaoyao recognized the goodwill in the girl¡¯s voice and smiled at her, saying, "Thank you, miss, but I¡¯ll just stay as I am. These clothes are morefortable to wear."


    "Alright then." The girl pouted, seeming a bit unhappy that she couldn¡¯t be of help to Li Xiaoyao, but her eyes suddenly lit up as she said, "Oh right, when you talk to Director Lanter, make sure not to stare at her. Director Lan doesn¡¯t like being stared at, especially by men."


    Li Xiaoyao nodded and said, "Got it, thank you."


    "No need to thank me, Mr. Li. I just wanted to ask..." The girl blushed and asked hesitantly, "What¡¯s your phone number? Can you tell me?"


    Li Xiaoyao was taken aback and felt a bit embarrassed. Is she... asking for my number?


    Li Xiaoyao stared at the girl¡¯s face, taking another look. He realized she was actually quite beautiful and had a nice figure too, petite and delicate.


    Li Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t remember his own mobile number. He searched his pockets and then remembered that his phone was charging in the office. He apologized, "Sorry, I¡¯ve just changed my SIM card and can¡¯t remember the number, and my phone is charging in the office."


    The girl, seeing that Li Xiaoyao¡¯s expression didn¡¯t seem deceitful, felt disappointed but could only say, "Oh, then I¡¯ll get going. Goodbye, Mr. Li."


    "Goodbye." Li Xiaoyao waved his hand at the girl, filled with regret inside. Here he had a girl throwing herself into his arms, and he missed the opportunity because he couldn¡¯t remember his phone number. What a grievous error, a grievous error indeed!


    Li Xiaoyao was a normal man; he had physical needs as well. But he was a man of principles; he would never coerce a woman into doing something she didn¡¯t want to do. Affairs between men and women should be consensual, after all, forced melons are never sweet.


    If that girl had been willing to engage in a special friendship with Li Xiaoyao, he certainly wouldn¡¯t have minded.


    But Li Xiaoyao also saw clearly that such a woman could be a part of his life as a diversion, but she could never be the main course.


    Li Xiaoyao knocked on the door.


    "Come in." Director Lan¡¯s voice was ethereal and pleasant to hear.


    Li Xiaoyao pushed open the door and walked in, his eyes meeting a spacious area.


    Director Lan¡¯s office was exceptionallyrge, spanning over two hundred square meters.


    The office¡¯s decor was simple and elegant. Near the door, a set of sofas faced a wall, and above the sofas hung andscape painting. At first nce, the painting¡¯s grandeur and atmosphere forced out an involuntary exmation of admiration!


    Beside the sofas, there was a dark wood table adorned with the Four Treasures of the Study. Yellow rosewood made up the desk by the window, and behind it sat a woman, beautiful as a picture.


    The woman had half her long hair draping over her back, and she was wearing a tailored suit that entuated her figure. Right now, she was looking down at documents in her hand, not even lifting her head as Li Xiaoyao entered.


    Li Xiaoyao walked up to the painting and stood still, with his hands sped behind him, quietly appreciating thendscape. Since Director Lan was busy, he thought he might as well enjoy the painting for a while.


    Lan Cai wasn¡¯t actually reading the documents; she was pretending to while surreptitiously sizing up Li Xiaoyao.


    Under normal circumstances, Li Xiaoyao would have noticed right away, but now, he was captivated by the painting, not sparing too much thought for Lan Cai.

 Chapter 27 - 27 Lan Cai鈥檚 Reward [Seeking Recommendation Tickets]

    Lan Cai set down the document in her hand and looked towards Li Xiaoyao. From this angle, she could clearly see the profile of his face.


    Li Xiaoyao¡¯s posture was elegant, and even though his attire was quite ordinary, there was an extraordinary air about him.


    For a moment, Lan Cai grew curious about Li Xiaoyao. Before she called him in, she had already reviewed his resume. Even Lan Cai had to admit, if Li Xiaoyao was truly as his resume stated, he was indeed remarkable.


    Lan Cai didn¡¯t grow impatient with Li Xiaoyao looking at thendscape painting; instead, she sat in her office chair, quietly observing him. She wanted to see just how long Li Xiaoyao could keep looking.


    "Tsk, tsk." Li Xiaoyao shook his head lightly and smacked his lips, eximing, "What a good painting!"


    "What¡¯s good about it?" Lan Cai¡¯s voice suddenly rang out.


    Li Xiaoyao turned his head, saw Lan Cai looking at him, and didn¡¯t show the restraint or panic that subordinates often did when facing their leader. Instead, he grinned and said, "Good is just good, there¡¯s no need for so many reasons."


    Lan Cai was slightly taken aback, clearly not expecting such an answer from Li Xiaoyao.


    Lan Cai didn¡¯t continue discussing thendscape painting, but instead pointed to a chair in front of the desk and said, "Mr. Li, please take a seat."


    Li Xiaoyao walked over and sat down in front of her confidently, locking eyes with her without a hint of evasion.


    Lan Cai found this man somewhat unusual, but that was all.


    Dispensing with the niceties, Lan Cai got straight to the point, "The police department contacted me, they thanked you for your assistance in solving the case."


    Upon hearing this, Li Xiaoyao immediately understood. So that was it, it was about the case.


    Li Xiaoyao said, "It¡¯s only right to cooperate with the police."


    Lan Cai said, "Your help with solving the case has brought ourpany a good image. I¡¯ve already spoken with the finance department to give you a bonus."


    Li Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes lit up, there was even a bonus involved. He quickly asked, "How much?"


    Lan Cai was somewhat speechless; she had never encountered an employee like Li Xiaoyao before.


    Ordinary employees, if they met her, would be somewhat flustered or would bow their heads, not daring to meet her gaze. Even if she was giving them a bonus, their first reaction would be gratitude. But this Li Xiaoyao, upon hearing about a reward, immediately asked about the price. This was really...


    With a bit of resignation, Lan Cai said, "100,000."


    Li Xiaoyaopared the amount in his mind and muttered softly, "Only 100,000, the police department¡¯s bonus is 200,000."


    Lan Cai heard him, but still asked knowingly, "What did you say?"


    Li Xiaoyao shook his head and smiled, "Nothing much, I¡¯m just thinking about how to thank Director Lan."


    Lan Cai gave a cold chuckle, thinking to herself, you think I didn¡¯t hear what you just said?


    Returning to her usual detached expression, Lan Cai said, "Alright, go to finance to get your bonus."


    Li Xiaoyao didn¡¯t care about Lan Cai¡¯s attitude towards him; as long as there was money to be had, that was all that mattered.


    Watching Li Xiaoyao leave the office, Lan Cai¡¯s eyebrows involuntarily furrowed. This Li Xiaoyao, not even a word of farewell when leaving, was truly impolite.


    Lan Cai shook her head. With anyone else, she would have immediately notified the HR department to have them fired, as she ced special importance on employee-leader rtionships. But with Li Xiaoyao having just helped the police solve a significant case and earning thepany considerable reputation, she would have to tolerate him for now, even if she didn¡¯t like him much.


    "Once this period is over, if he¡¯s still the same, I¡¯ll have him fired," Lan Cai thought to herself.


    After leaving the office, Li Xiaoyao immediately went to the finance department. The finance manager was a woman in her thirties, wearing sses. She handed a form to Li Xiaoyao with an expressionless face and said, "Sign here."


    Signing chump change, Li Xiaoyao understood that process well.


    But just as Li Xiaoyao was about to sign, he suddenly noticed that the amount that should have been 100,000 had inexplicably changed to 50,000.


    Li Xiaoyao¡¯s brow instantly furrowed, and he threw the pen down, looking down at the old woman from above and asked, "Director Lan promised me a bonus of 100,000, why does the form only show 50,000?"


    The old woman looked up at Li Xiaoyao, her tone still lukewarm, "It¡¯s only 50,000, take it or leave it."


    Li Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t help butugh at the old woman¡¯s attitude. An idea struck him immediately; he slipped his left hand into his pocket, swiftly turned on his phone¡¯s recording function, and then rapped on the desk, saying, "I¡¯ll give you a friendly reminder, you¡¯d better give me the full 100,000 Xuan Country Currency that Director Lan awarded me. Don¡¯t even think about docking a single Xuan Country Currency, or you¡¯ll bear the consequences."


    The old woman put her file down, turned her chair to face Li Xiaoyao, and the rest of the people in the office, upon hearing Li Xiaoyao¡¯s words, also turned their attention to him.


    Inrgerpanies, it was quitemon for superiors to allocate funds and for subordinates to skim off the top.


    Li Xiaoyao certainly knew this unwritten rule, but he didn¡¯t care. It didn¡¯t matter when it didn¡¯t affect him, but if this old woman thought about skinning him, she had picked the wrong person.


    The old woman said, "It¡¯s only 50,000, you can choose to leave it."


    Li Xiaoyao stared at the old woman gravely for a moment, then smiled. Everyone turned to gaze at Li Xiaoyao as he took out his mobile phone from his pants pocket.


    Li Xiaoyao shook his phone at the old woman with a sinister grin, "I¡¯ve recorded everything we¡¯ve just said, and I think if Director Lan hears this, your loss would be much more than 50,000, wouldn¡¯t it?"


    Fear shed across the old woman¡¯s face, and the others in the office were astonished as well. They hadn¡¯t expected Li Xiaoyao to be so cunning, to record their conversation beforehand.


    This man¡¯s actions were utterly ruthless, but they couldn¡¯t help but admire how capable Li Xiaoyao truly was.


    The old woman¡¯s face darkened as she took out another piece of paper from a file bag and begrudgingly handed it to Li Xiaoyao, "I handed the wrong one earlier, this is the correct one, have a look, and sign if there¡¯s no issue."


    Li Xiaoyao nced at the paper, which showed the award amount of 100,000, and only after confirming there were no issues did he sign.


    After signing, Li Xiaoyao immediately asked, "In cash or transfer?"


    "Transfer." The old woman didn¡¯t want to talk to Li Xiaoyao for another minute.


    Transfer was actually quite troublesome, because Li Xiaoyao didn¡¯t have a bank card. He thought for a moment, then took out his phone and dialed Tang Tiantian.


    Without time to exin much, Li Xiaoyao simply said, "Tiantian, send me your bank card number."


    Tang Tiantian didn¡¯t ask many questions and just sent Li Xiaoyao her card number.


    Li Xiaoyao wrote down the card number and gave it to the financial old woman, saying, "Transfer the money to this card."


    The old woman originally wanted to say: I can¡¯t transfer it if it¡¯s not your card.


    But thinking that this man didn¡¯t y by the rules, she didn¡¯t say it. Better to avoid more trouble, lest it caused any more issues.


    The old woman transferred the money quickly, and Tang Tiantian¡¯s call came right through.


    "Li Xiaoyao, did you send me money?" Tang Tiantian¡¯s voice carried a hint of panic, because just now, she had received a bank text message informing her that 100,000 Xuan Country Currency had been deposited into her ount.


    100,000 Xuan Country Currency was an enormous sum for Tang Tiantian. Although her sry was not low, she had a brother in university, so she would send part of her sry to him every month. Over time, she had not saved much money.


    But now, her bank ount suddenly had an extra 100,000 Xuan Country Currency. There was no need to question it; the money definitely came from Li Xiaoyao.


    What Tang Tiantian couldn¡¯t understand was, why would Li Xiaoyao send her money?

 Chapter 28: The Money Has Arrived

    Li Xiaoyao only said one sentence to Tang Tiantian on the phone, "Let¡¯s talk when we get home."


    Although Tang Tiantian was full of curiosity, she still suppressed her doubts.


    With the money in his ount, Li Xiaoyao naturally didn¡¯t want to continue staying in the olddy¡¯s office.


    Just as he walked out of the finance room, he saw Zhang Meng running towards him excitedly, then she suddenly grabbed Li Xiaoyao¡¯s arm.


    Li Xiaoyao stared at her chest and said, "Meng Meng, how can you take advantage of me in public under the gaze of everyone?"


    Zhang Meng hummed softly, but soon, she looked at Li Xiaoyao with fiery eyes, her voice filled with irrepressible joy, "Brother Xiaoyao, good news has arrived."


    Li Xiaoyao raised an eyebrow and said, "Good news? Could it be that you¡¯re offering yourself to me? Oh dear, that puts me in a tough spot, although you¡¯re pretty and have a great figure, Meng Meng, I am a gentleman and not the type to loaf about with just anyone."


    Zhang Meng¡¯s face turned red with what Li Xiaoyao said, she bit her lip, hit him lightly with her small fist, and said shyly, "Brother Xiaoyao, what are you talking about? Who¡¯s offering what."


    Li Xiaoyao feigned confusion, "Not offering yourself? Then what¡¯s this good news you mentioned?"


    "Aiya, you¡¯re so bad, who said good news is offering oneself, Brother Xiaoyao, you¡¯re really bad." Zhang Meng¡¯s small fists kept falling, but when they hit Li Xiaoyao, it felt asfortable as a massage on the shoulders.


    Li Xiaoyao heheughed and said, "Tell me, what is it?"


    Zhang Meng saw that her colleagues were looking in their direction, coughed softly, and let go of Li Xiaoyao¡¯s arm, saying, "The police brought you money, supposedly for assisting in solving a case."


    Li Xiaoyao suddenly understood; he had just been thinking about the reward money, and the police had delivered it immediately, their efficiency was quite high.


    "Let¡¯s go, get the money."


    The two police officers who came to deliver the reward were a man and a woman. The male officer was older with a higher rank, and the female officer was the well-endowed policewoman Zhu Xiaoyue.


    Aside from the two officers, Director Lan was also in the meeting room, as well as a few reporters.


    Seeing the setup, it seemed like quite a big deal.


    As Li Xiaoyao and Zhang Meng entered the meeting room, the male officer immediately smiled and said, "This must be Mr. Li Xiaoyao, am I correct?"


    Li Xiaoyao extended his hand and shook hands with the male officer, saying, "Hello, officer, I am Li Xiaoyao."


    The man had been a police officer for many years and had long since acquired Fiery Eyes Golden Gaze; he could tell that this man was no ordinary individual.


    The male officer said, "Mr. Li, on behalf of the police, I thank you for this kidnap case. Additionally, the police have brought you a silk banner and a bonus!"


    From the moment he entered the room, Li Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes had been searching for the reward money, eventually settling on a leather bag on the table. As for the silk banner next to the bag, Li Xiaoyao didn¡¯t even nce at it.


    "Thanks, officer," Li Xiaoyao saidughingly as he yed along.


    Next came the formalities. The male officer presented the silk banner to Li Xiaoyao, with Lan Cai standing to the left of Li Xiaoyao and the male officer to the right. A few reporters snapped away with their cameras, and it was almost predictable that these photos would make the front page of the newspaper the next day.


    Zhu Xiaoyue, who hade with the male officer, was silent from the beginning to the end, only asionally ncing at Li Xiaoyao. But whenever Li Xiaoyao looked her way, she would quickly avert her eyes, as if she was afraid to make eye contact with him.


    Li Xiaoyao¡¯s lips curved into a slight smile; this Zhu Xiaoyue was indeed quite a goddess when she was quiet.


    Once the reporters had finished taking pictures and were leaving, and the male officer was also preparing to leave, Director Lan suddenly addressed Li Xiaoyao, "Officer Zhang has made a special trip here; Mr. Li, please make sure to be a good host tonight, and don¡¯t neglect him."


    Li Xiaoyao didn¡¯t react for a moment, and it took him several seconds to realize that Lan Cai¡¯s "Mr. Li" was referring to himself, and he promptly responded, "Certainly."


    Officer Zhang smiled slightly, not declining the invitation.


    Lan Cai nced at her watch and apologized to Officer Zhang with a smile, "I¡¯m sorry, Officer Zhang, I have another meetingter and really can¡¯t spare the time."


    Officer Zhang was very understanding and said, "Director Lan has a lot on her te, I understand."


    After exchanging pleasantries, Lan Cai left.


    Li Xiaoyao checked the time, and it was only four o¡¯clock. It was too early to eat, and the key point was he wasn¡¯t hungry at all. Moreover, Li Xiaoyao had promised Tang Tiantian that he woulde home for dinner that evening, and he also needed to exin the one hundred thousand Xuan Country Currency to her.


    But on Officer Zhang¡¯s side, it was personally assigned by Lan Cai; he couldn¡¯t just drive him away immediately after Lan Cai just said to take good care of him, could he? Besides, he came to deliver money. It was only right, both emotionally and rationally, to treat him well.


    Having made up his mind quickly, Li Xiaoyao turned his head to Zhang Meng and said, "Meng Meng, book a table at the hotel we went tost time. Let¡¯s head over now."


    Zhang Meng immediately took out her phone to reserve a private room, while Li Xiaoyao led Officer Zhang and Zhu Xiaoyue outside.


    Fortunately, the hotel was not far away, just a ten-minute walk. Otherwise, Li Xiaoyao, a man without a car, couldn¡¯t possibly hail a taxi on the roadside. How embarrassing would that be? It would be embarrassing not just for him, but also for thepany.


    The four of them quickly arrived at the hotel. The dishes were ordered by Zhang Meng¡ªwho was more than capable of handling these matters, so Li Xiaoyao didn¡¯t have to worry at all.


    "Director Li, we really owe you a lot for this case. Without you, who knows how many women would have been harmed," Officer Zhang sincerely thanked him.


    Zhu Xiaoyue gave Li Xiaoyao a nce from the side, then suddenly stood up and walked out of the private room.


    Officer Zhang called out, "Xiaoyue, where are you going?"


    Zhu Xiaoyue replied, "Restroom."


    Officer Zhang didn¡¯t ask further but shook his head somewhat helplessly.


    Li Xiaoyao, feeling an urgent need to pee, stood up and said, "I¡¯m also going to the restroom."


    When Li Xiaoyao came out of the restroom, he happened to bump into Zhu Xiaoyueing out of thedies¡¯ room.


    Li Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes involuntarily drifted towards Zhu Xiaoyue¡¯s chest. Zhu Xiaoyue noticed his gaze and immediately red up, ring at him, "Where are you looking?"


    Li Xiaoyao casually replied, "It¡¯s so beautiful, am I not allowed to look?"


    "Jerk, if you keep looking, I¡¯ll gouge out your eyes," Zhu Xiaoyue threatened, raising her hand.


    Li Xiaoyao chuckled and said, "Officer, is it a crime to appreciate too?"


    Zhu Xiaoyue huffed angrily and turned to walk back to the private room.


    Li Xiaoyao quickly caught up, saying, "Hey, don¡¯t be mad, don¡¯t be mad, next time I won¡¯t look at you, okay?"


    Zhu Xiaoyue slowed down, her expression softening a lot, and asked, "Do you mean that?"


    Li Xiaoyao nodded repeatedly, his gaze drifting towards her butt, "I¡¯ll just look somewhere else next time."


    "Li Xiaoyao, you big jerk!" Zhu Xiaoyue immediately flew into a rage, taking swings at him, which he deftly caught by grabbing her wrist.


    Li Xiaoyao dropped his joking demeanor and looked at her seriously, saying, "Alright, no more teasing, let¡¯s go. We shouldn¡¯t keep Officer Zhang waiting too long."


    After Li Xiaoyao spoke, he headed back to the private room, leaving Zhu Xiaoyue standing there somewhat dazed.


    Just now, Li Xiaoyao¡¯s voice had been gentle, and the look in his eyes when he saw her was especially tender¡ªso tender that it gave Zhu Xiaoyue an odd sensation.


    [Please vote for a rmendation]

 Chapter 29 - 29 Treating Illness

    Li Xiaoyao really hadn¡¯t noticed that Officer Zhang was such a chatterbox; after settling down at the table, he barely stopped talking, essentially carrying the conversation on his own.


    Li Xiaoyao and his friends had their meal especially early, and judging by the pace, he estimated they would finish eating around 5:30 PM. However, Li Xiaoyao still sent a message to Tang Tiantian, telling her he was at a social engagement and would probably be homete, advising her to eat on her own and not wait for him.


    Several minutester, Tang Tiantian replied with a simple "Oh."


    Li Xiaoyao put away his phone and continued to drink and boast with Officer Zhang, while Zhu Xiaoyue chatted with Zhang Meng.


    The girls¡¯ conversation, as they sat together, revolved around things like makeup, handbags, shoes, and the like.


    At 5:30 PM, when Li Xiaoyao saw that the eating and drinking were nearly finished, he said, "Officer Zhang, you¡¯ve had quite a bit to drink tonight, you should head to bed early."


    Officer Zhang waved his hands and said, "It¡¯s fine, I¡¯m used to staying upte, suddenly going to bed this early would feel strange."


    Li Xiaoyao responded, "It¡¯s not often you can get home early, don¡¯t keep your wife waiting too long."


    As soon as Li Xiaoyao said this, Officer Zhang¡¯s face suddenly darkened, and Zhu Xiaoyue looked at Li Xiaoyao with a reproachful expression.


    Li Xiaoyao didn¡¯t realize what he had said wrong, but Officer Zhang seemed not to mind and stood up, saying, "It¡¯s gettingte, let¡¯s go."


    Li Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t have been more eager to leave earlier. He asked the waiter to print the bill and settled the meal, then all four of them headed out of the private room together.


    As the four of them were waiting for the elevator, they suddenly heard a series of shouts behind them.


    "Dad, please be okay, you must be okay."


    "Call an ambnce, quick!"


    Turning around, they saw a man in his fifties suddenly copse on the ground, his limbs convulsing as he spat out something continuously from his mouth.


    A few people surrounded the man; among them, a young woman knelt beside him, crying bitterly.


    The waiter, already frightened by the scene, reacted quickly and immediately took out their phone to dial for an ambnce.


    Officer Zhang had a serious look as he quickly approached and stood in front of the people, asking, "What happened to him?"


    The crying woman looked at Officer Zhang and said with a choked voice, "My dad has a strange illness that many doctors haven¡¯t been able to diagnose. I brought him to Ling City to see a famous doctor. I just wanted to take him out for a meal, but didn¡¯t expect that he would have an attack again, sob~"


    After hearing her, Officer Zhang fell silent, recognizing it was an illness that even ordinary doctors couldn¡¯t diagnose. He was only skilled at catching criminals and felt helpless against disease; he stood by in silence.


    Zhu Xiaoyue also walked over; she had learned first aid and now knelt to pinch the casualty¡¯s philtrum.


    Zhang Meng stood next to Li Xiaoyao, watching the man continue to convulse pitifully, and said, "He¡¯s really unlucky."


    As he watched the suddenly sick man and the crying woman, Li Xiaoyao felt a surge ofpassion.


    Zhu Xiaoyue repeatedly pinched the philtrum, but it was utterly ineffective; the man¡¯s mouth foam increased, and his convulsions grew more intense.


    Many people gathered around, all anxious in their hearts, yet none possessed a solution.


    Suddenly, a man stepped forward and said, "Let me take a look."


    Everyone turned their attention to this man, as did Zhu Xiaoyue, who looked up and realized it was Li Xiaoyao.


    Zhang Meng gripped Li Xiaoyao¡¯s arm tightly and said, "Xiaoyao, don¡¯t mess around."


    Zhu Xiaoyue also frowned, "Li Xiaoyao, this is no joke."


    Li Xiaoyao, with a serious expression, looked towards the crying woman and said, "I¡¯ve learned some folk remedies that might be of some use, but I can¡¯t guarantee they will definitely work. If you¡¯re willing to let me try, I can take a look at him, but if anything happens, I won¡¯t be responsible."


    Li Xiaoyao had made it very clear. He only knew folk remedies, he couldn¡¯t guarantee they would work, and if anything went wrong, it wasn¡¯t his responsibility.


    At this point, the woman couldn¡¯t care about anything else. As long as there was a chance to save her father, even the slightest hope would do.


    With clenched teeth, the woman said, "Then please trouble yourself."


    Li Xiaoyao squatted down, nced at Zhu Xiaoyue, who was looking at him seriously and said, "I hope your method really works."


    "I wouldn¡¯t joke about someone¡¯s life." Li Xiaoyaoid the man t on the ground and gently ced his fingers on the man¡¯s pulse.


    Everyone watched Li Xiaoyao nervously, finding it hard to trust this barefoot doctor. Li Xiaoyao was simply too young, and the woman had just said that her father had a strange illness, one which so many hospitals hadn¡¯t been able to diagnose. They couldn¡¯t believe that this young man, who imed to know a bit of folk medicine, would be able to see any issues.


    Li Xiaoyao closed his eyes, his consciousness entering the man¡¯s body, which appeared transparent, revealing everything to Li Xiaoyao¡¯s mind.


    Li Xiaoyao quickly found the problem. In the man¡¯s stomach was a silver needle about the length of a finger.


    Li Xiaoyao immediately confirmed that someone had deliberately inserted the silver needle.


    It was truly malicious. Li Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t imagine how deep the grudge must be to take such a vicious action.


    "Can you actually figure out what¡¯s wrong or not?"


    "These young people nowadays, they just like to show off in front of their girlfriends. But do they even consider that one should not show off with matters of life and death?"


    "Let¡¯s just wait for the ambnce."


    Li Xiaoyao ignored the crowd¡¯s murmurs. Suddenly opening his eyes, he asked a nearby waiter, "Do you have any tweezers?"


    "Yes, yes, yes," the waiter answered repeatedly.


    "Bring them to me, and also a jar of alcohol," Li Xiaoyao requested.


    The waiter immediately went inside to fetch the tweezers, while the onlookers were somewhat puzzled. How could tweezers be used in treating an illness? Could tweezers actually cure diseases?


    An older man advised, "Young man, you better not mess around, just wait for the ambnce. What will you do if you make his condition even worse?"


    By that time, the waiter had returned, handing the tweezers and alcohol to Li Xiaoyao. Li Xiaoyao took out a lighter, ignited the alcohol, and the tweezers glowed red-hot.


    Li Xiaoyao looked up at Officer Zhang Meng, whose brows were deeply furrowed, and said, "Officer Zhang, Officer Zhu, please help me hold him down. He¡¯s going to struggle."


    Officer Zhang didn¡¯t move but instead looked at Li Xiaoyao and asked, "Are you sure about this?"


    Li Xiaoyao knew that if he admitted any doubt, Officer Zhang wouldn¡¯t just refuse to help but would also immediately stop him.


    "I¡¯ve already found the cause of his illness. Now, if you help me hold him down, I can treat him," Li Xiaoyao said with a tone full of conviction, leaving no room for doubt.


    Officer Zhang looked deeply into Li Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes, which were clear and bright. The copious amount of alcohol he¡¯d drunk at the dinner table seemed to have no effect on him at all.


    "I¡¯ll trust you this once," Officer Zhang crouched down, holding the man¡¯s arms, and said to the still dazed Zhu Xiaoyue beside him, "Come over and give me a hand."


    [Seeking for rmendations]

 Chapter 30 - 30 Li Xiaoyao is a Miracle Doctor!

    Zhu Xiaoyue clenched her teeth, squatted down to hold down the man¡¯s legs, and stared at Li Xiaoyao with an intense gaze, saying, "If he dies because of you, I will personally arrest you."


    Li Xiaoyao let out augh, his gaze involuntarily drifting toward her chest. Noticing Zhu Xiaoyue¡¯s eyebrows raise, he quickly shifted his attention to her buttocks.


    "Officer Zhu, I¡¯m only trying to help. If you threaten me like this, then maybe I won¡¯t save him." Though his words said so, Li Xiaoyao was merely speaking rhetorically.


    After a chuckle, Li Xiaoyao lifted the man¡¯s shirt, pressed his left hand on the man¡¯s stomach, pushed gently downward, and grasped the tweezers in his right hand to stab towards the stomach area.


    The tweezers, scorched by a fierce fire, glowed red hot. The moment they touched the man¡¯s skin, they pierced in.


    Everyone present held their breath at that moment, having not expected Li Xiaoyao to use the tweezers in such a way.


    Li Xiaoyao¡¯s hand was steady, his movements swift. As soon as the tweezers pierced the skin, he squeezed them slightly and immediately pulled them out.


    "Done!" Li Xiaoyao watched the silver needle being pulled out by the tweezers and softly announced.


    Everyone turned to look at the tweezers in Li Xiaoyao¡¯s hand. As they drew closer, they could see a silver needle attached to the tip of the tweezers!


    "So there was a needle in his stomach!"


    "That¡¯s really amazing!"


    "This young man is incredible, a true miracle doctor!"


    "A miracle doctor for sure, to be able to find the position of the silver needle just by taking the pulse, and even extracted it with such precision."


    The crowd that had previously been skeptical of Li Xiaoyao nowpletely changed their attitude, giving him thumbs up and praising him loudly.


    At that moment, Li Xiaoyao¡¯s forehead was covered in sweat. To others, it might have seemed like an easy job, but only he knew how nervous he had been while making the move.


    Even with the aid of his thoughts, at the end of the day, it was still Li Xiaoyao¡¯s first time doing something like this.


    With the removal of the silver needle by Li Xiaoyao, the man stopped convulsing and vomiting and quickly regained consciousness.


    The woman looked at the man who had opened his eyes and asked in surprise, "Dad, how do you feel?"


    The man sat up from the ground, checked his body, and said, "Veryfortable, I feel much lighter than before."


    The woman immediately recounted everything that had happened to her father, and after listening, the man was astonished.


    The man grasped Li Xiaoyao¡¯s hands tightly and thanked him, "Thank you, I am really grateful."


    "It¡¯s just a helping hand, I just happened to be here," Li Xiaoyao handed over the silver needle, saying, "This is the needle I¡¯ve removed from your body."


    The man took the silver needle, not examining it closely, but held it in his hand.


    "Young man, you¡¯ve saved my life today, and I must thank you." The man, with white temples, exuded the aura of someone from the Upper Position, clearly someone of wealth and status.


    One could guess with their butt, if this man were a poor person, who would bother to harm him with a needle?


    Li Xiaoyao shook his head, indicating that thanks were not necessary, but the father and daughter were very insistent about showing their gratitude.


    In the end, Li Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t withstand their persistence and reluctantly left them his cellphone number.


    Exiting the hotel, it was six o¡¯clock, but the sky was still bright.


    "Why are you all looking at me with those weird gazes? Do you have some improper thoughts about me?" Since taking the elevator down, Officer Zhang, Zhu Xiaoyue, and Zhang Meng had been looking at Li Xiaoyao with extremely strange stares, making him feel rather ufortable.


    Zhu Xiaoyue asked, "Do you really know how to treat illnesses?"


    Zhang Meng also asked, "Xiaoyao brother, do you really understand medical skills?"


    Officer Zhang didn¡¯t ask, but the look in his eyes said it all when he looked at Li Xiaoyao.


    Li Xiaoyao scratched his head, how the hell was he supposed to exin this?


    As for medical skills, he knew jack shit; he was just cheating with his mind, but obviously, he couldn¡¯t tell them that.


    "I know a little, but they are all folk remedies, and I can¡¯t cure every disease. It just so happened today that I came across one that I could treat," Li Xiaoyao lied.


    After hearing Li Xiaoyao¡¯s words, Zhu Xiaoyue nced at Officer Zhang.


    Officer Zhang¡¯s brows were tightly furrowed, as if he was struggling with something in his mind. After a few seconds, he seemed to have made up his mind and said, "Mr. Li, I would like to ask for your help with something."


    Li Xiaoyao, seeing his expression, roughly guessed what it was; probably Officer Zhang either had an illness himself or someone he knew did.


    "If I can help, I definitely won¡¯t shirk my responsibility," Li Xiaoyao didn¡¯t give a definitive answer.


    Officer Zhang said, "My wife has contracted some strange illness, and I would like to ask you to have a look at her."


    Li Xiaoyao was startled inside, so it was his wife who was sick.


    Li Xiaoyao thought for a moment and said, "Officer Zhang, I can have a look for you, but let me be clear upfront, don¡¯t get your hopes up too high. I really don¡¯t know how to treat illnesses. Tonight was just a fluke."


    Officer Zhang gave a carefree smile, nodded, and said, "It¡¯s okay, you shouldn¡¯t feel any pressure. Just have a look for me, and if you can cure her, I¡¯ll repay you however I can, even if I have to sell everything I own. And if you can¡¯t, it¡¯s also fine."


    Li Xiaoyao shook his head and said, "Officer Zhang, if I can cure her, I definitely will, but let¡¯s not talk about money. I don¡¯t treat illnesses for money."


    Officer Zhang was stunned for a moment, thenughed, pped Li Xiaoyao on the shoulder, and said, "You should head back and rest early. Give me a call whenever you have time in the next few days."


    Li Xiaoyao said, "Alright, then wait for my call."


    Officer Zhang took a taxi and left first. Zhu Xiaoyue stood beside Li Xiaoyao and said, "Li Xiaoyao, I beg you, you must cure my sister-inw. Captain Zhang is a very good police officer, and my sister-inw is a very good woman."


    Li Xiaoyao looked at Zhu Xiaoyue in surprise; this was the first time he noticed that this woman also had such a vulnerable side.


    "If I am capable, I will definitely cure her!" Li Xiaoyao looked into Zhu Xiaoyue¡¯s eyes, extremely serious and earnest as he spoke.


    "Thank you."


    ¡­


    By the time Li Xiaoyao got home, it was already past seven o¡¯clock, not particrlyte, but not early either.


    There were dishes prepared on the dining table in the living room, but they had gone a bit cold, while Tang Tiantian had fallen asleep on the couch.


    Li Xiaoyao tried to be as quiet as possible, but Tang Tiantian was a light sleeper and still woke up.


    Upon seeing Li Xiaoyao¡¯s return, Tang Tiantian greeted him with a tender smile, "You¡¯re back."


    "Didn¡¯t I tell you not to wait for me toe back for dinner?" Li Xiaoyao sighed helplessly; this girl was too stubborn.


    Tang Tiantian smiled and said, "I wasn¡¯t very hungry, so I thought I¡¯d wait for you." At the end, she added, "I promised I¡¯d cook dinner for you tonight."


    Hearing this, Li Xiaoyao suddenly felt very warm, the warmth of home.


    [Let¡¯s have a rmendation ticket, please.]

 Chapter 31 - 31 Splitting the Money

    Tang Tiantian reheated the meal, and the two of them sat face to face at the dining table, with Tang Tiantian continuously putting food into Li Xiaoyao¡¯s bowl.


    Watching Li Xiaoyao eat quickly and with apparent relish, Tang Tiantian asked quietly, "Is it good?"


    "Delicious, your cooking skills are really great," Li Xiaoyao praised enthusiastically, causing Tang Tiantian¡¯s face to turn red.


    Li Xiaoyao wasn¡¯t just saying it, the dishes Tang Tiantian made were indeed delicious, having appearance, aroma, and vor all in one, indicating she cooked regrly.


    Li Xiaoyao had arge appetite. Ever since his body had mutated, his appetite had soared. Despite having eaten at the hotel earlier, he hadn¡¯t actually been satisfied.


    The spread of dishes Tang Tiantian had prepared was wiped clean by Li Xiaoyao in less than half an hour, leaving her staring in astonishment.


    After eating their fill, Li Xiaoyao rested on the sofa while Tang Tiantian went to wash the dishes. Their actions made them seem like a young married couple.


    Once she had finished cleaning up, Tang Tiantian sat beside Li Xiaoyao and asked, "Why did you transfer so much money to me?"


    "That was a bonus from thepany. I don¡¯t have a bank card, so I let the finance department transfer it to your card first," Li Xiaoyao exined.


    Tang Tiantian was somewhat surprised. She racked her brain but couldn¡¯t figure out how Li Xiaoyao could have received a bonus after only a day or two at work. At the same time, she felt moved that Li Xiaoyao trusted her enough to temporarily keep the hundred thousand Xuan Country Currency in her bank ount.


    Could it be that he likes her?


    Tang Tiantian¡¯s face was slightly flushed as she asked, "Aren¡¯t you afraid I¡¯ll keep your money for myself?"


    "You¡¯re not that kind of woman."


    Li Xiaoyao was very urate in assessing people. Although he had only known Tang Tiantian for a few days, he already had a detailed understanding of her character and many aspects of her personality.


    First of all, Tang Tiantian was definitely not the type to be vain or to disdain the poor and love the rich, which was evident from her rejection of Zhang Biao.


    "So, what kind of woman am I?" Tang Tiantian asked with a bit of yfulness, batting her eyshes.


    Li Xiaoyao replied, "Beautiful, kind, not petty, open and hearty."


    Tang Tiantian was touched. She didn¡¯t expect Li Xiaoyao to think so highly of her, but with the ttery came a hint of sadness as she said, "I¡¯m not as perfect as you think."


    "There are no perfect people in the world, only rtive perfection. Alright, it¡¯s gettingte, let¡¯s rest," Li Xiaoyao said as he stood up and headed for the room.


    "Li Xiaoyao," Tang Tiantian suddenly called out to him, then handed him a bank card, saying, "All your money is in this card, the PIN is on the back."


    Li Xiaoyao took the card, smiled, and said, "I¡¯ll treat you to a big meal in a few days."


    Tang Tiantian smiled sweetly, "Okay."


    After taking a bath, Li Xiaoyao sat cross-legged on the bed, feeling the inside of his body.


    Since he began cultivation, Li Xiaoyao had distinctly felt a great change in his body. First, he had developed the ability to find anyone within a ten-mile radius withplete uracy, as long as he had seen the person before, that is.


    Secondly, he had acquired the ability to be invisible and also had x-ray vision.


    Li Xiaoyao thought that just with these abilities, he could be invincible in this world.


    But Li Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t be sure whether he was the only one in the world with such fantastic powers.


    If there were others with these abilities, it was uncertain whether this would be a good or bad thing for Li Xiaoyao.


    The night passed without incident.


    Li Xiaoyao arrived at thepany and pulled open the drawer of his office desk, where a leather bag containing the 200,000 reward money brought by Officer Zhang yesterday was stored.


    Li Xiaoyao picked up the telephone and called the security department, asking for the ten guards who had gone to Wang Ru¡¯an¡¯s house and Xiao Quan toe to his office.


    The security guards arrived quickly, standing erect in the office as if waiting for a Military Governor¡¯s inspection.


    Li Xiaoyao looked at the guards, standing tall like pine trees, and said, "Don¡¯t stand like that, rx a bit, we¡¯re not having a meeting."


    The guards exchanged nces, chuckled, and smiled. They liked a boss with Li Xiaoyao¡¯s personality¡ªno airs about him, publicly spirited, and generous.


    Li Xiaoyao tossed the leather bag onto the table, and the guards¡¯ eyes instantly followed it. When Li Xiaoyao unzipped the bag, revealing the red bills inside, the guards were stunned.


    "Hiss~"


    The guards sharply inhaled, marveling at therge bag full of money¡ªhow much was in there?


    Most importantly, they didn¡¯t know why Li Xiaoyao was showing them so much money. Was he going to hand out sries?


    But that wasn¡¯t right; sries were always distributed by the finance department.


    Watching the bewildered looks on the guards¡¯ faces, Li Xiaoyao leaned against the office desk and called out, "Mosquito,e here."


    The guard nicknamed Mosquito walked over with confusion, and watched as Li Xiaoyao pulled a stack of bills from the bag. There were twenty stacks inside the bag, each stack amounting to ten thousand Xuan Country Currency.


    Li Xiaoyao ced a stack of crisp bills into Mosquito¡¯s hand and said, "Take it."


    Mosquito¡¯s palms trembled, and he shook his head, "Boss, I can¡¯t take this money."


    Li Xiaoyao held his hand, smiled, and said, "Don¡¯t be hasty to refuse. Wait till I¡¯ve exined, and if you still don¡¯t want it then, you can give it back to me."


    Li Xiaoyao patted the leather bag and continued, "There¡¯s two hundred thousand in here. This money was brought by Officer Zhang from the police station. He gave it because we assisted with a case."


    "The case was solved, and you contributed to that sess, so I can¡¯t keep all this money for myself," Li Xiaoyao exined. With a teasing smile, he looked at Mosquito, "Do you still not want the money? If you don¡¯t, give it to me."


    Mosquito immediately clenched the money tightly, holding it in his embrace, and grinned, "Boss, you¡¯re really good to us. Actually, on that day, we didn¡¯t do much, just stood by the door for a while."


    Li Xiaoyao took out another stack of bills and handed it to another guard, saying, "If you worked hard, you definitely deserve to be paid."


    The guards felt a surge of excitement upon hearing this.


    They had only stood at the vi¡¯s entrance for a few minutes, and while they hadn¡¯t yed a significant role in solving the case, Li Xiaoyao distributed the bonus to them, giving each one ten thousand.


    It must be said that Li Xiaoyao was indeed very considerate, and the guards truly respected him.


    After distributing a hundred thousand Xuan Country Currency, Li Xiaoyao said, "The rest of you can go back now; Xiao Quan, stay behind."


    The guards left, leaving only Li Xiaoyao and Xiao Quan in the room.


    Xiao Quan knew that being kept back by Li Xiaoyao meant he was definitely going to receive money as well.


    Mosquito and the others were given ten thousand for just standing outside the vi for a few minutes. However, he had apanied Li Xiaoyao running around so much and even posed as a police officer. Xiao Quan surmised that Li Xiaoyao would give him more than just ten thousand.


    Under Xiao Quan¡¯s expectant gaze, Li Xiaoyao began to take money out of the leather bag.


    [Please rmend this story]

 Chapter 32 - 32 Fourth Brother Has an Appointment

    Li Xiaoyao took out fifty thousand from his bag and ced it on the table.


    Xiao Quan looked at the five neat stacks of red banknotes and felt his heart was about to jump out of his throat.


    Li Xiaoyao said, "You¡¯ve been with me through so many ces, and there¡¯s still one hundred thousand left. Let¡¯s split it, fifty thousand each."


    Xiao Quan swallowed hard and said, "Boss, I can¡¯t take this money. I hardly did anything. You¡¯re the one who cracked the case. I was just running errands. If you really give me this much money, I won¡¯t feel right about it."


    Li Xiaoyao said, "Enough, stop the chatter, acting like a woman, all hesitant and whiny. Find a bag to put the money in and deposit it in the bank."


    Xiao Quan wanted to say more, but Li Xiaoyao said, "If you don¡¯t take it, don¡¯t expect to be called the next time something goodes up."


    Xiao Quan opened his mouth, but Li Xiaoyao¡¯s tactic was just too effective. Feeling helpless and with a slightly resentful look towards Li Xiaoyao, he said, "Boss, that¡¯s really not cool to bully me like this."


    Xiao Quan took the money and left. Li Xiaoyao nced at the remaining one hundred thousand Xuan Country Currency in his bag, thinking that now he had the initial capital, it was time to figure out a way to make money.


    But Li Xiaoyao thought long and hard and still wasn¡¯t sure what to do. Starting a business now wasn¡¯t as simple as it was ten years ago. Plus, no matter what you do, you definitely need to invest a substantial amount at the beginning, but the returns in theter stage are not guaranteed.


    For Li Xiaoyao, killing people and setting fires was definitely simple, but asking him to invest and start a business, that really put him in a difficult position.


    Around noon, Li Xiaoyao received a call from Zhao Si, his lips curling into a smile. This Zhao Si really seemed to value him quite a bit; it had only been one day, and he was already eager to call.


    "Hello, Brother Si."


    "Little brother, are you free for lunch? Let¡¯s have a meal together," Zhao Si said cheerfully.


    Li Xiaoyao thought for a moment and said with a smile, "If Brother Si is treating, I have to go even if I¡¯m busy."


    "Haha, little brother is truly cultured, way better at talking than this uncouth person like me. Alright then, I¡¯ll send you the address."


    After hanging up the phone, Zhao Si¡¯s text message quickly came through, the location being a five-star hotel.


    Close to the end of the workday, Zhuo Yi suddenly knocked and entered. Li Xiaoyao noticed herplexion was significantly better than the day before.


    "Do you have time after work today?" Zhuo Yi wore a confident smile as if she had regained her usual strong-woman persona.


    "It really is unfortunate, but I don¡¯t have time today," Li Xiaoyao said and then asked, "How are you doing with¡­"


    Before he could finish, Zhuo Yi interrupted him, "I¡¯m fine. I¡¯ve put everything from yesterday behind me."


    Tsk tsk, such a strong self-regting woman.


    Most women would make a big scene over such matters, and if it was serious, it would take at least a year and a half to move past the trauma.


    But Zhuo Yi hadpletely recovered in just one night.


    Whether Zhuo Yi was just pretending to be calm or had truly let go, at least her resilience was something Li Xiaoyao admired.


    "Then when you have time, let me treat you to a meal," said Zhuo Yi with a smile to Li Xiaoyao, then turned and left the office.


    No sooner had Zhuo Yi left than Zhang Meng followed in.


    Li Xiaoyao was just heading out, and upon seeing Zhang Meng, he said, "I have an appointment at noon, we can talk about anything when I get back."


    Zhang Meng now quite resembles Li Xiaoyao¡¯s half-secretary, and in fact, that was nearly the case since they were both from the same department, and Zhang Meng¡¯s job itself was to assist Li Xiaoyao. Therefore, she would notify Li Xiaoyao about anything at the earliest opportunity.


    Upon hearing that Li Xiaoyao was leaving, Zhang Meng immediately grabbed him, pouting and saying, "Brother Xiaoyao, a marketing manager of a real estatepany wants to invite you to lunch at noon. Thatpany is an important partner of ours."


    Whether it was important or not didn¡¯t really matter to Li Xiaoyao, and he replied, "I¡¯ve already made ns for lunch, and besides, you didn¡¯t mention this to me earlier. How about this¡ªyou handle the lunch. Just say I¡¯m sick and currently in the hospital, and that I¡¯ll invite him to eat once I¡¯m discharged."


    Zhang Meng pouted unhappily, "I¡¯m just a junior manager; I¡¯m hardly qualified to invite their marketing manager to lunch. If I really went by myself, they¡¯d definitely think we¡¯re not taking them seriously."


    Li Xiaoyao thought for a moment, his eyes suddenly lighting up. "How about this, let Zhuo Yi go with you. Zhuo Yi is thepany secretary; that should be a sufficient show of consideration for them, right?"


    Seeing no better solution, Zhang Meng nodded in agreement.


    Li Xiaoyao called Zhuo Yi, who had left no more than a few minutes ago and hadn¡¯t gone far. When she received Li Xiaoyao¡¯s call, she turned back.


    Li Xiaoyao briefly exined the situation to her. Zhuo Yi was clearly reluctant, but out of consideration for Li Xiaoyao, she agreed to go with Zhang Meng.


    With thepany¡¯s business sorted out, Li Xiaoyao went downstairs, ready to head to the hotel for his appointment.


    The hotel wasn¡¯t too far away, so instead of taking a taxi, Li Xiaoyao chose to walk there.


    ¡­


    After finishing up her work, Lan Cai¡¯s phone that was ced on the desk happened to ring, disying the caller ID: Lin Yuanyuan.


    "Hello, Yuanyuan."


    "My little Cai¡¯er, are you done with work?" came a pleasant female voice from the other end of the line.


    Lan Cai shook her head somewhat helplessly and replied, "Done, done¡ªI¡¯m about to head over now."


    "My little Cai¡¯er works every day, you¡¯re really hardworking. Hurry over; I want to pamper you thoroughly, help you rxpletely. I need to take good care of my little Cai¡¯er."


    "What pampering? You silly girl, just wait and see how I take care of youter." Lan Cai huffed and then hung up the phone.


    Lin Yuanyuan was Lan Cai¡¯s best friend; their rtionship was even closer than sisters, but the two girls were vastly different in personality.


    Lan Cai was more mature and steady, while Lin Yuanyuan was carefree and unconcerned with minor details, spouting risqu¨¦ jokes that could sometimes make even men blush fiercely.


    Today was Lin Yuanyuan¡¯s birthday, and even though there might be important business at thepany, Lan Cai decided to put it aside and celebrate the birthday for her dear friend Lin Yuanyuan.


    The birthday gift prepared by Lan Cai was a diamond ne, very expensive and exquisitely designed.


    Lan Cai left thepany and was driving towards the hotel when she suddenly noticed a flower shop on the roadside. So, she stopped the car and walked towards the flower shop with her wallet in hand.


    She wanted to buy eighteen roses with the intention of gifting them to Lin Yuanyuan, the number eighteen symbolizing her wish for Lin Yuanyuan to stay forever young.


    But just as Lan Cai had gotten out of the car and hadn¡¯t walked more than a few steps, a man suddenly rushed from the right side of the road. He ran past her like the wind and snatched the wallet from her hand.


    Lan Cai was startled and quickly chased after him, but after only a few steps, she twisted her ankle in her high heels. Lan Cai cried out in pain and sat down on the ground, her brows furrowed, indicating that her ankle was badly sprained.


    [Ask for rmendation tickets~ more tickets mean more updates]

 Chapter 33 - 33 Lan Cai Borrows Money

    Li Xiaoyao turned a corner and walked for a few minutes when he suddenly saw a woman in a blue dress squatting on the road ahead.


    Li Xiaoyao looked at the woman and felt that she looked very familiar. When he got closer, he immediately recognized her¡ªwasn¡¯t that Lan Cai, Director Lan?


    Lan Cai did not see Li Xiaoyao. Her right foot was injured, and she was lowering her head, gently rubbing her ankle with her palm.


    Without giving it much thought, Li Xiaoyao quickly walked over and asked, "Twisted your ankle?"


    Hearing the voice, Lan Cai looked up and when she saw the man standing before her was Li Xiaoyao, she also appeared somewhat stunned, and then her face flushed with embarrassment. Such an embarrassing scene was actually witnessed by her subordinate; it was simply too mortifying.


    Li Xiaoyao saw that Lan Cai didn¡¯t speak and that her cheeks were blushing, and he guessed perhaps she had also twisted her head.


    Li Xiaoyao squatted down, took a look at Lan Cai¡¯s ankle, and saw that it indeed was twisted¡ªand pretty badly at that, with the whole ankle swollen up considerably.


    Li Xiaoyao nced at Lan Cai, who was tightly pressing her lips together, seemingly trying hard to suppress the paining from her twisted ankle.


    "Where do you need to go? I¡¯ll take you there," Li Xiaoyao offered.


    Regardless of whether this woman was Li Xiaoyao¡¯s boss, at this moment, she was just a woman with a twisted, injured ankle.


    Li Xiaoyao felt that if he just walked away now, it would be truly unmanly.


    Lan Cai suddenly remembered she still needed to buy flowers for Lin Yuanyuan, yet her purse had been stolen by a thief right on the street, and now she seemed to have no choice but to ask Li Xiaoyao for help.


    After a few seconds of internal struggle, Lan Cai said, "My purse was just stolen, can you lend me some money?"


    Her purse was stolen?


    Li Xiaoyao gave her an odd look, thinking the luck of this beautiful CEO was really terrible. After all, the public safety in Ling City was known to be several times better than in other cities.


    Being robbed on the street in such a low-probability event had actually happened to Lan Cai.


    "You can¡¯t walk in your current state. How about this, tell me where you need to go, and I¡¯ll take you," Li Xiaoyao suggested after a brief thought, feeling it was safer to apany her.


    Lan Cai was silent for a few seconds, then nodded and said, "I¡¯ll trouble you, then."


    "It¡¯s no trouble at all," Li Xiaoyao extended his right hand, and Lan Cai hesitated for a moment before also reaching out her hand.


    Li Xiaoyao grasped Lan Cai¡¯s palm and with a slight effort, he pulled her up from the ground.


    Lan Cai¡¯s palm was very soft and a bit cold, veryfortable to hold.


    Lan Cai grasped Li Xiaoyao¡¯s palm, using his strength to stand up unsteadily.


    "I need to go to the flower shop across the street and buy some flowers," Lan Cai dered.


    "What kind of flowers do you want? I¡¯ll get them for you," Li Xiaoyao offered.


    Lan Cai shook her head, saying, "I want to pick them out myself."


    Without asking for a reason, Li Xiaoyao helped her walk toward the flower shop.


    Upon entering the flower shop, the female shop owner greeted them and then, after seeing Lan Cai¡¯s stunning face, couldn¡¯t help but stare in amazement before saying cheerily to Li Xiaoyao, "Sir, you are really lucky to have such a beautiful girlfriend."


    Li Xiaoyao hadn¡¯t had a chance to exin when Lan Cai, blushing, interjected, "We are not boyfriend and girlfriend."


    The shop assistant paused for a moment, then had a sudden realization and eximed, "Ah, no way, you two are already married? I really couldn¡¯t tell."


    Lan Cai¡¯s face flushed, and she lowered her head to choose flowers, pretending not to hear what the shop assistant had said.


    Li Xiaoyao was also speechless. This curious florist was truly nosy, but he knew she was just trying to make conversation. Seeing Li Xiaoyao and Lan Cai, who were of simr ages, it was easy for someone to mistake them as a couple.


    Since Lan Cai didn¡¯t exin, Li Xiaoyao also didn¡¯t bother to rify. After all, they were just buying flowers.


    Lan Cai bought arge bouquet of red roses, and after Li Xiaoyao paid for them, he took the initiative to carry the flowers and then helped Lan Cai out of the door with his left hand.


    Lan Cai handed the car keys to Li Xiaoyao and said, "My car is parked across the street, could you please drive me to the Ritz-Carlton Hotel?"


    Li Xiaoyao¡¯s eyebrows twitched. What a coincidence, she was also going to the Ritz-Carlton Hotel? That was the same hotel where Zhao Si had arranged to meet him.


    However, Li Xiaoyao did not speak. He quickly brought the car over, then helped Lan Cai into the passenger seat and drove towards the hotel.


    "Does your foot still hurt?" Li Xiaoyao struck up a conversation while driving. Otherwise, the atmosphere in the car was just too awkward.


    Lan Cai paused for a moment, making sure Li Xiaoyao was talking to her before nodding her head and saying, "It hurts."


    Li Xiaoyao said, "You should actually go to the hospital to have it checked out now. Otherwise, if you miss the optimal treatment time, it might affect youter."


    Lan Cai¡¯s face changed slightly, and her eyes showed some conflict and hesitation.


    On the way to the hotel, there were too many cars, and Li Xiaoyao and Lan Cai ended up stuck in the middle of the road.


    Lan Cai asked, "Is there a hospital nearby?"


    Li Xiaoyao gave a wry smile and said, "I¡¯m not familiar with Ling City."


    Lan Cai¡¯s face darkened, and Li Xiaoyao suddenly had an idea and said, "I have learned some medical skills. If you don¡¯t mind, I can take a look at it for you."


    Lan Cai looked up at Li Xiaoyao, and in his eyes, she saw a clear gaze. She thought that this man simply wanted to check her sprain, and after hesitating slightly, she said, "Then I¡¯ll trouble you."


    The car was stuck just in time, and Li Xiaoyao had enough time to check it for her, so he said, "It¡¯s no trouble at all, just lift up your foot."


    With her face blushing and her head bowed, Lan Cai slowly lifted her left foot.


    Beauty is beauty, even the posture of lifting a foot was so graceful and moving.


    When Li Xiaoyao reached out and held Lan Cai¡¯s ankle, he could clearly feel a slight tremor in her body, she was nervous.


    Lan Cai was indeed nervous. She had never had such close contact with another man before in her life. The palm of Li Xiaoyao that held her ankle was warm andfortable.


    Li Xiaoyao gently held her ankle and, after feeling it with his intention for a while, discovered that the bone in her ankle was dislocated.


    The dislocated bone was easy to handle, as long as the force was controlled properly, and twisted back into ce.


    "Hmm, it¡¯s not a big problem, but it¡¯s going to hurt a bit. If you¡¯re afraid of pain, just yell out," Li Xiaoyao looked at Lan Cai and said.


    "Go ahead," Lan Cai braced herself as if facing a great enemy.


    Li Xiaoyao smiled, took hold of the dislocated spot, and gently twisted with a bit of force. Lan Cai only felt a numbness in her ankle, followed by a warm flow that enveloped her ankle. Surprisingly, there was no pain at all. Instead, there was a tingling sensation that was quitefortable.


    "There, it¡¯s done," Li Xiaoyao reluctantly let go of Lan Cai¡¯s foot.


    Lan Cai looked at her ankle in surprise, touched it with her hand, and it didn¡¯t hurt at all. The swollen ankle, which was swollen just moments ago, hadpletely subsided, as if it had never been sprained.


    "You really know medical treatment?" Lan Cai was somewhat incredulous.


    Li Xiaoyao grinned, "What do you mean, really know? If I didn¡¯t know, could I have healed your foot? Or do you think I imed to know just for the chance to touch your foot?"


    Lan Cai felt embarrassed. Li Xiaoyao had already cured her sprained foot, yet she still voiced such a skeptical remark, which was indeed not very appropriate.


    "That¡¯s not what I meant." Lan Cai wanted to exin but didn¡¯t know how. She then suddenly wondered why she felt the need to exin herself to him. He was her subordinate, wasn¡¯t it only natural for her to say and do as she pleased?


    With that thought, Lan Cai immediately put on a stern face.


    [Vote for rmendation tickets~]

 Chapter 34 - 34 Overbearing Subordinate Li Xiaoyao

    Ten minutester, the car arrived at the hotel. Li Xiaoyao pulled out the keys before staring intently at Lan Cai.


    This woman had a great figure, light makeup, and a natural look. There was a faint scent of perfume on her, a fragrance Li Xiaoyao liked.


    With her head down, Lan Cai could feel Li Xiaoyao¡¯s overly direct gaze. She felt a twinge of annoyance and suddenly looked up at Li Xiaoyao as if to catch him red-handed.


    However, to her surprise, she did catch him in the act. Li Xiaoyao was indeed staring at her. What left Lan Cai speechless was that even after being caught, he didn¡¯t look away but kept on watching her.


    "What are you looking at?" Lan Cai exhaled and asked with irritation.


    "Guess!" Li Xiaoyao replied, winking at her.


    "Guess?" Lan Cai was almost driven mad by Li Xiaoyao¡¯s words. You¡¯re looking at my face and asking me to guess? This man is truly shameless.


    If it weren¡¯t for the fact that Li Xiaoyao had just helped her, she would have fired him from thepany right then and there.


    Li Xiaoyao tossed the car keys to Lan Cai and said, "We¡¯re here. Let¡¯s get out."


    Li Xiaoyao picked up the bouquet of roses from the back seat and walked beside Lan Cai.


    Lan Cai reached out to take the roses, saying in a not-so-pleasant tone, "I can go up on my own."


    After speaking, Lan Cai walked towards the elevator with the roses in her arms.


    Lan Cai had her principles. Although Li Xiaoyao had teased her in the car, he had also helped her today. If not for him, her ankle injury wouldn¡¯t have healed so quickly. Therefore, regarding Li Xiaoyao¡¯s flirting, Lan Cai decided to let it slide this time.


    But if he continued this behavior when they met in the future, Lan Cai wouldn¡¯t let him off so easily.


    "Ding!"


    The elevator arrived. Lan Cai stepped in, and just as the doors were about to close, a foot suddenly wedged itself in, prompting the doors to reopen. Lan Cai then saw Li Xiaoyao following her into the elevator.


    Lan Cai¡¯s eyebrows furrowed but then rxed. She guessed that Li Xiaoyao was probably concerned about her recent ankle sprain, so he hade into the elevator to protect her.


    Lan Cai didn¡¯t speak and kept some distance from Li Xiaoyao.


    Once they reached the top floor, the two stepped out of the elevator. Li Xiaoyao looked around and realized the entire floor was an open terrace.


    It seemed someone was celebrating a birthday, as there were balloons and "Happy Birthday" signs all around.


    As soon as Lan Cai left the elevator, her phone rang. It was Lin Yuanyuan calling.


    "My little Cai¡¯er, where are you?"


    "I¡¯ve arrived," Lan Cai said, scanning the area.


    "Arrived? Oh, I see you! Don¡¯t move, I¡¯ming to get you right now."


    Lin Yuanyuan, in her super short skirt and off-the-shoulder top, didn¡¯t let Lan Cai wait for long. She walked over with her long legs showing.


    Li Xiaoyao was searching for Zhao Si on this floor when his gaze shifted and caught sight of a stunning beauty scoring full marks in every category, walking towards him with an enticing smile on her face as if saying, "Handsome,e y."


    Li Xiaoyao licked his lips, thinking the girl had an eye for talent, spotting him out of the crowd at a nce.


    When the beauty was two meters away from Li Xiaoyao, she suddenly spread her arms and walked up to him with a giggle, saying, "My little Cai¡¯er, you finally made it."


    Li Xiaoyao blinked, "What? Little Cai¡¯er?"


    The beauty walked straight past Li Xiaoyao and then, under his gaze, hugged Lan Cai tightly beside her.


    "Damn, it¡¯s a good thing I didn¡¯t just go for a hug, that would have been so embarrassing."


    This beauty was none other than Lin Yuanyuan, Lan Cai¡¯s best friend.


    Lin Yuanyuan caught sight of Li Xiaoyao at once, hugged Lan Cai¡¯s slender waist, her beautiful willow brows slightly raised as she sized up Li Xiaoyao from head to toe.


    "Cai¡¯er, who is this guy? He¡¯s not your man, is he?" Lin Yuanyuan had a threatening tone in her voice.


    Lan Cai¡¯s cheeks flushed, she shook off Lin Yuanyuan¡¯s hand, and said, "Don¡¯t talk nonsense, he¡¯s an employee from mypany. We just had a little ident on the road, and he gave me a ride here." Then, turning to Li Xiaoyao, Lan Cai said, "Thank you for today, you can go back now."


    Li Xiaoyao, observing Lin Yuanyuan¡¯s actions and the way she looked at him, thought to himself, "Do these two have some sort of a problem with their orientation?"


    If that was true, it would be such a waste, such high-quality girls being lesbians is such a pity.


    Lin Yuanyuan, noticing Li Xiaoyao¡¯s strange gaze, raised an eyebrow and demanded, "What are you looking at with those dog eyes?"


    Li Xiaoyao replied with a sneer, "Beauty, can you speak human? What do you mean dog eyes? Do you think dogs can judge people?"


    Li Xiaoyao¡¯s mouth really was sharp, and Lin Yuanyuan was so angered by his words she burst out, "You dog ve, how dare you insult me!"


    Li Xiaoyao scoffed. She was pretty but her personality left much to be desired. This kind of woman must have been spoiled since childhood, probably has no clue about respect.


    Li Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t be bothered with her and turned to walk away.


    "Stop, who allowed you to leave?" Lin Yuanyuan shouted from behind, "Besides, this is not a ce you should be at, hurry up and leave!"


    Lan Cai tugged at Lin Yuanyuan, reprimanding a bit, "Yuanyuan, don¡¯t talk to him like that, he¡¯s actually a nice person."


    "What? He¡¯s nice? My Cai¡¯er, didn¡¯t you hear how he insulted me just now?" Lin Yuanyuan looked at Lan Cai with a face that suggested she¡¯d seen a ghost, and after a few seconds said, "Ah! Cai¡¯er, you couldn¡¯t possibly like this guy, could you?"


    Lan Cai¡¯s cheeks were so red they could drip blood, and she pped Lin Yuanyuan¡¯s arm lightly, saying, "What nonsense are you talking about?"


    Lin Yuanyuan chuckled, winking at her and said, "But this subordinate of yours really does have a personality, daring to insult me. He¡¯s the first man I¡¯ve encountered who would do that."


    Watching Li Xiaoyao move around, Lin Yuanyuan smirked and said, "He wouldn¡¯t be trying to scrounge food and drinks, would he?"


    Lan Cai also frowned; she had already made it clear to Li Xiaoyao to leave the ce, after all, today was Lin Yuanyuan¡¯s birthday. And indeed, this was not the kind of event he should attend.


    Just as Lan Cai was about to go over and talk to him, she saw Li Xiaoyao sit down confidently, facing another man who seemed to be in a very friendly conversation with him, as if they had known each other for a long time.


    Lan Cai was slightly stunned, suddenly realizing she had misunderstood something.


    Li Xiaoyao wasn¡¯t there just for her; he had already made ns to meet a friend there.


    Lan Cai felt her face heat up, while also feeling a bit annoyed with Li Xiaoyao for not being clear about his ns from the start.


    Lin Yuanyuan also noticed and said, "So he isn¡¯t here to freeload after all, I underestimated him. Hey, Cai¡¯er, what does your subordinate do? He¡¯s dressed so casually, I remember you¡¯re quite strict with your employees. With such standards, how could you let him into yourpany?"


    Lan Cai shook her head, changing the topic, "It¡¯s your birthday today, you¡¯re the star, don¡¯t stay here, go over there quickly."


    [Rmendation tickets, rmendation tickets]

 Chapter 35: Having Money is Remarkable

    The rooftop terrace had been half rented out by Lin Yuanyuan for her birthday party, while the other half remained unchanged.


    Li Xiaoyao sat at a table by the edge of the terrace, nced around, and said, "The view here is nice, Zhao Si really has taste and ss."


    Zhao Siughed heartily and replied, "I¡¯m just a simple man, I don¡¯t know anything about taste or ss, the main thing is that this ce is expensive, and the price represents sincerity."


    Li Xiaoyao, of course, could hear the underlying message in Zhao Si¡¯s words¡ªwas he ready to make a decision about taking over San Tiao Alley?


    Li Xiaoyao had visited the day before, and sure enough, San Tiao Alley was a prime spot. If he could secure a few venues, he wouldn¡¯t have to worry about food and drink, and he could even support a few subordinates.


    However, Li Xiaoyao hadn¡¯t yet made up his mind because he wasn¡¯t too keen on getting involved in the messy affairs of society; his current goal was to make big money, the more the better.


    Li Xiaoyao changed the subject, and Zhao Si also realized that Li Xiaoyao hadn¡¯t made up his mind yet, so he didn¡¯t push any further.


    This kind of thing required Li Xiaoyao to think it through clearly. Rushing him would be futile and could even cause resentment.


    The reason Zhao Si valued Li Xiaoyao so highly was not only because Li Xiaoyao could fight, but more importantly, because he saw in him a temperament unique to a strong leader.


    He could feel that Li Xiaoyao was destined for great things.


    Even if this cooperation with Li Xiaoyao didn¡¯t go smoothly this time, it was okay. As long as he could maintain contact and cultivate their rtionship regrly, Zhao Si would have achieved his goal.


    Li Xiaoyao and Zhao Si got along well. One had been a mercenary, and the other was mixed up in the underworld. It wasn¡¯t strange at all that these two had a lot inmon.


    Zhao Si had thought Li Xiaoyao, an educated intellectual, wouldn¡¯t have much inmon with his rough-and-tumble self, but as the conversation deepened, he was surprised to find that Li Xiaoyao was actually quite familiar with the rules of the underworld.


    The scene shifted to the other side, to today¡¯s birthday girl, Lin Yuanyuan.


    Lin Yuanyuan¡¯s birthday party had many guests, primarily the sons and daughters from official and business circles.


    After all, Lin Yuanyuan¡¯s status meant that the people in her circle were bound to be rich or of high status.


    Guests continued to approach Lin Yuanyuan to offer toasts. She was an open and direct woman, refusing no one who came to toast.


    A few men stood not far away, their gaze fixated on Lan Cai standing next to Lin Yuanyuan.


    One of the men said, "That woman isn¡¯t bad, do you know her?"


    "Never seen her before, but since she¡¯s attending Lin Yuanyuan¡¯s birthday party, she must be somebody."


    "She¡¯s really something. If you guys aren¡¯t going to make a move, I won¡¯t hold back," said the man with the long face, tall and skinny, with deep-set eyes, like a vampire from Western mythology.


    The man with the long face picked up a ss of red wine and walked towards Lan Cai.


    "Hey, beauty, let¡¯s get to know each other, my name is Lian Ping," he said, extending his hand.


    Lan Cai shook hands with him, forcing a small smile, "Hello, I¡¯m Lan Cai."


    Lian Ping stared into Lan Cai¡¯s eyes, and upon closer inspection, was even more stunned by her beauty. In terms of appearance, among all present, only Lin Yuanyuan, the birthday girl, couldpare.


    Raising his ss, Lian Ping said, "Miss Lan, let¡¯s have a drink."


    Lan Cai shook her head, "I don¡¯t drink alcohol."


    Lian Ping said, "Miss Lan, that¡¯s no fun. It¡¯s Yuanyuan¡¯s birthday today. How can we not drink?"


    At this moment, Lin Yuanyuan was busy dealing with other people toasting her and had no time to pay attention to this situation.


    However, Lan Cai was not a greenhorn, faced with Lian Ping¡¯s offensive, she gave a faint smile and said, "I don¡¯t drink alcohol."


    The look on Lian Ping¡¯s face turned sour. Since his birth, he had never been rejected by a woman before. Lan Cai was the first.


    Right at that moment, a waiter carrying a tray walked by from the side. When he reached Lian Ping, he identally slipped and the drinks in the tray spilled, sshing onto Lian Ping.


    "Are you fucking blind?" Lian Ping¡¯s eyes bulged as he lifted his hand to p the waiter.


    With a particrly loud "p," the waiter was struck and bowed his head, repeatedly murmuring apologies in fear.


    Not feeling vindicated with just a p, Lian Ping was about to hit again when Lan Cai suddenly shouted, "Stop!"


    Lian Ping stopped his movement and turned his head towards Lan Cai. His eyes shifted, and with a sinisterugh, he said, "I can stop, but you have to drink a few rounds with me. Just keep mepany to my satisfaction, and I¡¯ll let this kid off."


    Lan Cai¡¯s Xiubrow furrowed as she nced at the scared-looking waiter and said, "He just identally dirtied your clothes. How much is your outfit? I¡¯llpensate on his behalf."


    Lian Ping said, "Miss Lan, it¡¯s not about how much money it is. This kid can¡¯t watch where he¡¯s going and has ruined my mood. When I¡¯m in a bad mood, I feel like hitting someone. If you won¡¯t drink with me, I¡¯ll break both of this kid¡¯s hands. Choose for yourself."


    Lan Cai was furious upon hearing Lian Ping¡¯s words. Did this man truly believe he could act with impunity just because he had money? Did he think his wealth granted him the right to do whatever he wanted?


    The waiter, hearing Lian Ping¡¯s words, was very scared. He understood that anyone who could afford toe and go from a five-star hotel was either rich or noble, and the man he had inadvertently offended today seemed young, very likely a second-generation rich or official. If he got beaten up here today, it would just be a beating for nothing.


    The police would never touch these rich seconds and official seconds.


    With a furrowed brow, just as Lan Cai was about to agree to Lian Ping¡¯s demand, a familiar figure suddenly appeared before her.


    "She won¡¯t drink. If you want someone to drink with, I¡¯ll keep youpany," said Li Xiaoyao. He had noticed the situation when Lian Ping had started to p the waiter earlier. As for Lian Ping¡¯s recent words, he had heard them loud and clear.


    This Lian Ping, undoubtedly rich or noble, took pleasure in bullying others because of his status.


    What surprised Li Xiaoyao was that Lan Cai actually stepped forward to intervene. He had thought that an ¡¯iceberg beauty¡¯ like Lan Cai would certainly remain indifferent, but she had chosen to help.


    Li Xiaoyao could guess that if he hadn¡¯t shown up, Lan Cai might really end up drinking with Lian Ping.


    Lian Ping eyed the suddenly appearing Li Xiaoyao and quickly assessed that the total worth of Li¡¯s clothes did not exceed two hundred Xuan Country Currency. His confidence surged and he sneered, "Who the fuck are you? Is there a ce for you to speak here? Country bumpkin!"


    Lan Cai had not expected Li Xiaoyao to suddenly turn up. When she heard him say that "she won¡¯t drink," she felt a touch of emotion.


    "Li Xiaoyao, you should leave now. You can¡¯t afford to offend the people here," Lan Cai whispered in Li Xiaoyao¡¯s ear.


    Li Xiaoyao smiled and asked, "Are you worried about me?"


    Lan Cai blushed, slightly annoyed, and said, "I just don¡¯t want to see my subordinate get hurt."


    Li Xiaoyao said, "Don¡¯t worry, there¡¯s no one in this world I¡¯m afraid to provoke."


    His voice was not loud, but it was filled with confidence. At that moment, even Lan Cai was astounded by the source of Li Xiaoyao¡¯s self-assuredness.


    [Please vote for rmendation]

 Chapter 36 - 36 He is My Younger Brother

    Li Xiaoyao looked at Lian Ping and said, "Apologize to him andpensate the medical fee, and this matter will be over."


    Lian Ping had an expression as if he had seen a ghost, then burst intoughter and said, "Apologize? Compensate? Kid, are you sure you¡¯re not here to joke around?"


    Li Xiaoyao gave a coldugh. If Lian Ping apologized and paidpensation, today¡¯s matter would be settled, but it seemed that Lian Ping had no intention of apologizing. Therefore, Li Xiaoyao decided not to be polite to him.


    Li Xiaoyao never showed mercy to scum like this.


    Li Xiaoyao sneered as he looked at Lian Ping and said, "You just hit my younger brother. I¡¯ll give you two choices, first, apologize and pay up, second, I¡¯ll return the favor exactly how you hit my brother."


    "Younger brother?" Lian Ping paused for a moment, then looked at the server, who also had a dumbfounded expression. Since when did he have an elder brother?


    Seeing the server¡¯s expression, Lian Ping immediately understood that Li Xiaoyao was making up excuses. But Lian Ping was not worried, it didn¡¯t matter whether he hit a server today, even if he crippled the server, there would be no consequences for him.


    As for the man who had suddenly appeared, he did not take him seriously. In his view, this man¡¯s actions were nothing but an attempt to extort his money.


    Lian Ping said, "Kid, you¡¯re pretty arrogant. Let me tell you, your brother stained my clothes, and this shirt is worth 100,000. Either let your brotherpensate, or I will break both of your brother¡¯s arms."


    Li Xiaoyao sneered, "100,000, is it?"


    "Yeah, 100,000," said Lian Ping, certain that the man in front of him, whose clothes didn¡¯t even cost 200 Xuan Country Currency, could nevere up with that much money.


    Li Xiaoyao nodded, pulled out a card, and told the server, "Little brother, go to the bank and withdraw 100,000. I¡¯ll wait for you here."


    The server, holding the bank card with panic on his face, wanted to speak, but Li Xiaoyao smiled at him, "Don¡¯t be afraid. Your big brother is here today, no one will dare to touch you. Go quickly."


    As the server was about to leave, Zhao Si, who had been sitting in the distance, suddenly walked over. He had heard the conversation between Li Xiaoyao and Lian Ping, and seeing that the server was about to withdraw money, he said, "Younger bro, don¡¯t let him withdraw money. Going back and forth is quite time-consuming. Just wait, I¡¯ll have someone bring the money over directly."


    Li Xiaoyao nced at him, knowing that Zhao Si was offering his friendship, and didn¡¯t refuse.


    Lian Ping, listening to what Li Xiaoyao just said, and seeing the suddenly helpful Zhao Si, a sneer of disdain appeared on his face, mocking, "You¡¯re putting on quite the show, but I bet your kind of bumpkins haven¡¯t even seen 100,000 Xuan Country Currency in your lifetime. Since you¡¯re so keen on acting tough, then I¡¯ll just stand here and watch. I¡¯ll make it clear today, if you can¡¯t produce the 100,000, none of you are going to leave through that door!"


    Zhao Si gave Lian Ping a look and said, "Young man, don¡¯t talk big and don¡¯t go too far. I advise you to just apologize and pay the money. Otherwise, you won¡¯t be able to settle this peacefullyter."


    "Hahaha!" Lian Pingughed uproariously, "Country bumpkins, you¡¯re really hrious when you talk. You think you can speak to me like that? Fine, I¡¯ll just wait here and see what you can do."


    Lan Cai furrowed her brows tightly at the side, not expecting the situation to escte like this.


    Other young masters and misses who hade for Lin Yuanyuan¡¯s birthday banquet heard themotion here and also gathered around.


    Several of Lian Ping¡¯s friends came over and asked, "What¡¯s going on?"


    Lian Ping lit a cigarette, exhaled two streams of smoke through his nostrils indifferently, and said, "This little chicken spilled wine on me, so I pped him. Then this country bumpkin came over saying the server is his brother and wanted me to pay up. Isn¡¯t that just trying to extort money, damn it! Daring to shake me down for money, they¡¯re really courting death."


    Lian Ping¡¯s friends also sized up Li Xiaoyao and Zhao Si, noting their ordinary attire, andughed, "How are you nning to resolve this?"


    A cold light shed in Lian Ping¡¯s eyes as he said, "Either produce 100,000 or today I¡¯ll make them all leave lying t."


    Lin Yuanyuan also learned of the situation here, but she didn¡¯t n on helping. In her view, Li Xiaoyao was simply overreaching himself. However, she was definitely going to help the server.


    She knew that Lian Ping was the kind of second-generation rich kid who loved to bully others, and she despised such people. She hadn¡¯t seen him p the server before, but now that she knew, she definitely wouldn¡¯t stand by and just watch.


    Zhao Si made a call, and within less than ten minutes, a man carrying a briefcase came out of the elevator.


    Standing at the elevator doors, the man looked around, saw that the banquet hall¡¯s center was crowded with people, and walked over.


    He squeezed through the crowd and immediately spotted Zhao Si in the middle. He walked up and called out, "Brother Si!"


    Seeing the man had arrived, Zhao Si took the briefcase and passed it to Li Xiaoyao.


    "Thanks, Brother Si."


    Zhao Si patted his shoulder, "We¡¯re all brothers, no need for thanks."


    Li Xiaoyao ced the briefcase on a nearby table, instantly drawing the attention of everyone around; they were curious to see if this man really had one hundred thousand yuan.


    As Li Xiaoyao opened the case, neatly stacked red bills were revealed, causing the onlookers to be slightly surprised.


    Lan Cai and Lin Yuanyuan were also somewhat taken aback, with Lin Yuanyuan asking, "Cai¡¯er, what exactly does your subordinate do? One hundred thousand isn¡¯t a lot, but to get it so quickly, he must have some clout."


    Lan Cai shook her head with a wry smile, "I really don¡¯t know."


    Meanwhile, Lian Ping, who had been ready to mock Li Xiaoyao, turned pale when he saw Li Xiaoyao actually produce one hundred thousand yuan.


    Li Xiaoyao ced the case on the table and walked toward Lian Ping with a cold smile, "Let¡¯s have a proper talk. My brother dirtied your clothes, and now here¡¯s the one hundred thousand yuan. The clothes issue is settled, now let¡¯s discuss the matter of you hitting my brother just now."


    Upon hearing these words, everyone tensed up, knowing that Li Xiaoyao was about to settle scores.


    Lian Ping, trying to put on a brave face, said, "So I hit him, what are you going to do about it? He¡¯s just a stinking waiter. Even if I cripple him today, nothing will happen. Do you believe me?"


    A terrifying smile suddenly broke across Li Xiaoyao¡¯s indifferent face. He moved in a sh, grabbed Lian Ping¡¯s hair, and pressed down hard while simultaneously lifting his knee and ramming it into Lian Ping¡¯s face.


    "Crack!"


    A crisp sound of a bone breaking echoed as Lian Ping¡¯s nose bone was instantly shattered, blood spraying out and staining his face red.


    The onlookers didn¡¯t expect Li Xiaoyao to act so swiftly and without warning, and his attack was brutally ruthless.


    Lian Ping¡¯s friends stood frozen, not daring to step forward.


    They were just fair-weather friends, not the kind to stand up for justice when trouble arose.


    Li Xiaoyao grabbed Lian Ping¡¯s neck and hoisted him up, then began to p him back and forth across the cheeks.


    "Smack! Smack! Smack!"


    With each p, a crisp sound echoed, sending shivers down the spines of the onlookers.


    So merciless, truly merciless!


    [Please vote for rmendation]

 Chapter 37 - 37 Li Xiaoyao鈥檚 Chivalry

    Lian Ping¡¯s head was swimming from the beating by Li Xiaoyao. At first, he thought of resisting, but after a while, he didn¡¯t even have the strength to dodge.


    Li Xiaoyao casually threw the disfigured Lian Ping to the ground; Lian Ping¡¯s face was as swollen as a pig¡¯s head.


    Li Xiaoyao looked down at his blood-stained clothes, squatted down, and said, "You¡¯ve dirtied my clothes."


    Seeing Li Xiaoyao squat down, Lian Ping was startled and instinctively stepped back, fearfully saying, "Don¡¯t hit me, don¡¯t hit me."


    Lian Ping waspletely scared by Li Xiaoyao. Li Xiaoyao patted his shoulder and said, "Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m a reasonable person, I won¡¯t just hit anyone."


    The onlookers heard Li Xiaoyao¡¯s words and found it extremely odd.


    You call that reasonable? You call this not hitting anyone at the drop of a hat?


    The man has been beaten into a pig¡¯s head, and you still have the nerve to say that?


    Li Xiaoyao pointed at the fresh blood on his clothes and said, "See this? This is your blood. You¡¯ve dirtied my clothes, now you have to pay up."


    Lian Ping¡¯s voice trembled as he said, "I¡¯ll pay."


    Li Xiaoyao nodded, clearly satisfied, and dered, "This piece of clothing isn¡¯t expensive, it¡¯s just 300,000."


    To treat others with their own methods is the principle Li Xiaoyao lives by.


    You charge 100,000 for a piece of clothing? Then I¡¯ll charge even more!


    Hearing Li Xiaoyao say a piece of clothing was 300,000, Lian Ping nearly spat out blood. The surrounding onlookers were also speechless.


    However, once they learned the entire background of the incident, they didn¡¯t dislike Li Xiaoyao¡¯s tant extortion.


    On the contrary, they felt it was entirely brought about by Lian Ping¡¯s own doing.


    In the face of Li Xiaoyao¡¯s outrageous demand, Lian Ping dared not resist andplied, "I¡¯ll give, I¡¯ll give, but I don¡¯t have that much cash on me."


    Li Xiaoyao pointed to the briefcase on the table that contained 100,000 and said, "I¡¯ll keep this 100,000 first. For the remaining 200,000, write me an IOU."


    While Li Xiaoyao was talking, Zhao Si had someone bring over paper and pen. Li Xiaoyao threw the pen and paper to Lian Ping and instructed, "Write it, and put your thumbprint on it after."


    Lian Ping didn¡¯t dare to refuse. He crouched on the ground, writing out the IOU for 200,000 word by word, then signed his name and stamped his thumbprint.


    Li Xiaoyao pocketed the IOU and said, "You have three days toe up with the money. Now, you can roll out of here."


    Lian Ping dragged his broken, battered body and fled the ce as if escaping.


    The matter was resolved, and Li Xiaoyao had also extorted an extra 200,000; this deal wasn¡¯t a loss.


    The onlookers, seeing no more excitement, dispersed. Lan Cai stood beside Lin Yuanyuan, frowning at Li Xiaoyao.


    Lin Yuanyuan, however, looked at Li Xiaoyao with ardent admiration, "Cai¡¯er, you have such a bold subordinate, daring to beat up the young master of the Lian family and extorting 200,000. What kind of background does your subordinate have?"


    Lan Cai said dejectedly, "I don¡¯t know either."


    Lin Yuanyuan¡¯s eyes grew brighter as she spoke, "He really is an interesting person."


    Li Xiaoyao paid no attention to Lan Cai and the others; he closed the briefcase on the table and waved at the beaten waiter. The waiter came over and thanked Li Xiaoyao, "Thank you."


    "Don¡¯t thank me. I just can¡¯t stand animals who think they can treat people like dirt just because they have a little money," Li Xiaoyao shoved the briefcase into his hands, "After this incident, you obviously can¡¯t keep working here. Take this money, find a new ce, and get a new job."


    The waiter shook his head repeatedly, "I can¡¯t take this money."


    "If I told you to hold it, just hold it. Don¡¯t dawdle like a nagging woman." Li Xiaoyao stuffed the suitcase into his hands, patted his shoulder, and asked, "By the way, what¡¯s your name?"


    The server was moved, and his eyes reddened slightly. Hearing Li Xiaoyao¡¯s question, he said, "Ye Qiusheng, my name is Ye Qiusheng."


    Li Xiaoyao stroked his chin and smacked his lips, "That¡¯s a good name. Your parents must be cultured people."


    Ye Qiusheng looked down at the leather suitcase full of money and asked, "Big brother, what is your name?"


    "Li Xiaoyao, the ¡¯Xiaoyao¡¯ that means free and unfettered."


    Ye Qiusheng nodded vigorously, gazed firmly at Li Xiaoyao, and said, "Brother Li, I¡¯ll definitely pay you back this money. The kindness you showed today, I¡¯ll also repay it, without fail!"


    Li Xiaoyao looked at the young man, somewhat surprised, and with a smile, he patted his shoulder and said, "Alright, I¡¯ll wait for you. But for now, you better leave quickly. The guy I beat up is probably no ordinary person. Once hees, it won¡¯t be easy for you to leave."


    "What about you?" Ye Qiusheng asked worriedly.


    Li Xiaoyaoughed, "He wouldn¡¯t dare do anything to me, don¡¯t worry about me."


    "Brother Li, then I¡¯m off." After speaking, Ye Qiusheng picked up the leather suitcase and quickly left.


    Li Xiaoyao watched Ye Qiusheng leave. Zhao Si was standing by, having overheard the entire conversation between the two, and then he remarked, "You¡¯ve really got a knightly spirit, little brother."


    Li Xiaoyao, watching Ye Qiusheng¡¯s retreating figure, said, "As a person, you always have to do something. Even knowing that what you do may bring some trouble, you can¡¯t just avoid it because it¡¯s troublesome. Otherwise, I wouldn¡¯t be me."


    Zhao Si¡¯s eyes lit up upon hearing Li Xiaoyao¡¯s words, and he said, "Well said, brother. Those words resonate with me. Let¡¯s go, let¡¯s find another ce to continue drinking. This ce is too upscale, can¡¯t really enjoy the drinks."


    Li Xiaoyao also smiled. He thought Zhao Si was an interesting person, very much to his liking.


    Lan Cai had always been observing Li Xiaoyao from a distance, her understanding of him only beginning today. Yet, she could distinctly feel that Li Xiaoyao was a very responsible man.


    He might be somewhat flippant with his words, but he had a very upright heart and carried an aura of an honorable warrior.


    In these restless times, it¡¯s rare to see someone who would draw their sword to help at the sight of injustice.


    But Li Xiaoyao still carried that righteousness within him.


    This was a rare quality, and it was because of this warrior¡¯s spirit that Lan Cai held Li Xiaoyao in high regard.


    "Cai¡¯er, what are you daydreaming about? Come on, help me cut the cake," Lin Yuanyuan said, taking Lan Cai¡¯s arm affectionately.


    Her train of thought interrupted, Lan Cai smiled helplessly and said, "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll help you cut."


    Lin Yuanyuan, holding Lan Cai¡¯s hand, came to a towering cake surrounded by well-wishers.


    Lin Yuanyuan closed her eyes to make a wish. After a few seconds, she opened her eyes, bent slightly, and blew out all the candles on the cake.


    Lan Cai whispered in her ear, "What wish did you make?"


    Lin Yuanyuan smiled slyly, "Guess."


    Lan Caiughed, "Definitely to find a boyfriend soon, right?"


    "Nah, I¡¯m not that clich¨¦. My wish, you see, is for you to find a boyfriend soon," Lin Yuanyuan said, giggling.


    Lan Cai shook her head, "I don¡¯t want to rush into a rtionship so early."


    Holding her hand, Lin Yuanyuan said, "I know you¡¯re a busy woman, sacrificing love for your career. Oh, by the way,e to my roomter, I have something cool to show you."


    [During the new book period, I urgently need everyone¡¯s support. Please cast a few rmendation votes after reading the new chapter each day. Once it gets rmended, I¡¯ll add more chapters! For now, I am stockpiling manuscripts.]

 Chapter 38 - 38 Who Did You First Think Of?

    The birthday party continued into the evening, and Lin Yuanyuan and Lan Cai had left early.


    Lin Yuanyuan had booked a presidential suite at the hotel, and she was now lying on the soft king-sized bed with Lan Cai.


    Lan Cai tilted her head and asked, "You said you had something to show me, what is it?"


    "Knew you¡¯d ask, just wait," Lin Yuanyuan chuckled, climbed out of bed, ran to the living room, and rummaged through a pile of gifts to find a beautifully wrapped box.


    Lin Yuanyuan violently tore open the box, then looked at Lan Cai with a mysterious expression.


    Lan Cai curiously watched her holding the box and then saw Lin Yuanyuan take out a deck of cards muchrger than ying cards.


    "What is this?" Lan Cai asked curiously.


    "Tarot cards, haven¡¯t you seen these before?"


    "How do you y with these?"


    Lin Yuanyuan took out the tarot cards and said, "These are magical. I spent a lot of money to learn just a little bit. Here, let me give you a reading."


    "I don¡¯t want to, I don¡¯t believe in this stuff," Lan Cai shook her head.


    Lin Yuanyuan pouted and said, "Cai¡¯er, you¡¯re not scared, are you?"


    Lan Cai stubbornly said, "Of course not, why would I be scared?"


    Lin Yuanyuan said, "Then give it a try. Tell me, what do you want to know about?"


    By now, Lan Cai wasn¡¯t as resistant as she had been at the start. She looked at the tarot cards and hesitated for a few seconds before saying, "Then, let¡¯s do love."


    With the air of someone experienced, Lin Yuanyuan said, "I knew you¡¯d ask about that."


    Lin Yuanyuan¡¯s hands moved skillfully, spreading the tarot cards one by one on the bed, then looked at Lan Cai and said, "Draw one at random. While you draw, imagine a man in your mind."


    "Imagine a man?" Lan Cai frowned and said, "But I don¡¯t know whom to think of."


    Lin Yuanyuan asked, "Tell me, who was the first man you thought of when I said that to you just now?"


    After hearing this, Lan Cai¡¯s cheeks suddenly turned red, but she did not tell Lin Yuanyuan. Instead, she asked, "What about you? Who would you imagine?"


    As Lin Yuanyuan undressed, she said, "It¡¯s strange, guess who I just thought of?"


    Lan Cai said, "Could it be Li Xiaoyao?"


    Lin Yuanyuan had a ghost-seen expression on her face as she stared at Lan Cai, "You thought of him too?"


    The two women caught each other¡¯s gaze and immediately looked away.


    Lin Yuanyuan was unusually shy as she said, "It¡¯s strange; I can¡¯t believe I would think of him."


    Lan Cai didn¡¯t speak, but she herself knew that the first man who had appeared in her mind just then was Li Xiaoyao.


    ¡­


    After leaving the hotel Li Xiaoyao and Zhao Si went to an ordinary little restaurant, ordered several substantial dishes, and two cases of beer.


    After eating and drinking their fill, the two men went their separate ways, and that afternoon, Zhao Si never brought up the matter of San Tiao Alley again.


    He knew Li Xiaoyao had his own ideas, and since he was not determined to help, no matter what Zhao Si said, Li Xiaoyao wouldn¡¯t agree.


    Conversely, if Li Xiaoyao wanted to help, Zhao Si wouldn¡¯t need to say much; Li Xiaoyao would certainly help.


    Upon leaving the restaurant, Li Xiaoyao received a call from Zhang Meng.


    "Xiaoyao brother,e quick, hurry up, they won¡¯t let me and Zhuo Yi leave," Zhang Meng¡¯s voice carried a hint of crying.


    Hearing Zhang Meng¡¯s nervous and fearful voice, any drunkenness Li Xiaoyao felt sobered up instantly. He quickly asked, "What¡¯s the matter? Meng Meng, don¡¯t panic, speak slowly."


    "Zhuo Yi sister and I were dining with the marketing manager of Fei Yang Real Estate Development. At first, everything was fine, but after they drank some alcohol, they changed, as if they becamepletely different people. They¡¯re trying to harass us, wuwu~, Xiaoyao brother, pleasee quickly, I am so scared."


    It turned out to be the same partner who had arranged to have lunch with Li Xiaoyao at noon, daring to provoke trouble right under his nose.


    After Li Xiaoyao got the address, he said, "Hold on for a few more minutes, I¡¯m nearby, I¡¯ll be right there."


    The hotel where Zhang Meng and Zhuo Yi were having their meal was not far from Li Xiaoyao¡¯s location, a ten-minute walk at most. But now that Zhang Meng and Zhuo Yi were in trouble, Li Xiaoyao put all his effort into running, taking only three minutes to reach the hotel lobby.


    Zhang Meng was hiding in the bathroom, shivering. She heard Zhuo Yi¡¯s cries from outside.


    Zhuo Yi thought this meal with the partner was just a simple business courtesy, but unexpectedly, the son of the Fei Yang Real Estate Company¡¯s chairman also arrived.


    This chairman¡¯s son was in his twenties, quite young, and veryscivious. As soon as he saw Zhuo Yi and Zhang Meng, his eyes immediately lit up with lecherous intent.


    He began to incessantly urge them to drink at the table, trying to inebriate Zhuo Yi and Zhang Meng in order to take advantage of them.


    Fortunately, both women were on guard and didn¡¯t fall prey.


    However, the women did not expect that rather than restraining himself, this rich second-generation tried to force himself on them.


    This rich second-generation, named Long Zaitian, which means aspiring to be as grand as a dragon in the sky.


    Long Zaitian grabbed Zhuo Yi¡¯s hands, pushed her onto the sofa, while all others stood outside the private room waiting.


    Initially, when the hotel¡¯s waiter heard screamsing from inside, he intended to go in and check, but he was stopped by Long Zaitian¡¯s men.


    Fearing a big trouble, the waiter alerted the hotel manager, who rushed over. After seeing two tall men standing at the door, even the manager felt apprehensive.


    "Good evening, sir, may I ask what happened inside?" the manager asked with a smile.


    The tall man gave him a cold nce and said, "None of your business."


    The manager swallowed, sensing the menacing aura emanating from the two tall men. He believed that if he forced his way in, the result would be disastrous.


    "Let me go, let me go!" Zhuo Yi¡¯s screams again emerged from the private room.


    The manager heard it loud and clear, and steeled himself to say to the men, "Sir, if you don¡¯t step aside, I¡¯m going to call the police."


    Upon hearing the manager mention calling the police, the two men immediately surrounded him, threatening, "You can try calling the police, but believe me, if you do, the consequences for you will be very grim."


    Threats, tant threats!


    [Vote rmendation please~]

 Chapter 39: Discarding

    "Rip~"


    With a slight force, Long Zaitian tore a long slit into Zhuo Yi¡¯s dress.


    Licking his lips and with a green gleam in his eyes, Long Zaitian said with a wicked smile, "Stop screaming, even if you scream your throat raw, no one wille to save you."


    "You bastard, let me go, let me go!" Tears hung at the corners of Zhuo Yi¡¯s eyes as she struggled forcefully, yet she couldn¡¯t escape Long Zaitian¡¯s grasp no matter what.


    Long Zaitian snorted and said, "Acting all pure in front of me? The women of Pan-Blue Company are nothing but a bunch of hookers, yet they still fucking pretend to be innocent."


    Biting her lip, Zhuo Yi tried not to cry out loud. This detestable bastard was insulting her like this, and she had already decided that if she were truly vited by this shameless bastard today, there would be no point in living on.


    Hiding in the restroom, Zhang Meng heard Zhuo Yi¡¯s cries and suddenly a surge of courage welled up inside her; she pulled open the door of the restroom and dashed out quickly.


    Seeing Long Zaitian ripping at Zhuo Yi¡¯s clothes filled Zhang Meng with a burst of rage. She didn¡¯t know where the courage came from, but she grabbed a vase from nearby and tiptoed behind Long Zaitian, raising the vase high and smashing it down hard on the back of Long Zaitian¡¯s head.


    "Crack!"


    The vase shattered securely on the back of Long Zaitian¡¯s head, breaking into countless pieces that fell onto the carpet.


    "Fuck!"


    Long Zaitian lurched forward from the blow, clutching his head, and angrily cursed. He slowly moved the hand that was covering the back of his head to his eyes, and seeing the fresh blood on his palm made his eyes widen.


    Zhuo Yi, pinned down by Long Zaitian, was also startled by the sudden turn of events and momentarily forgot how to speak.


    "Drip~ Drip~"


    Blood dripped from Long Zaitian¡¯s palm, falling drop by drop onto Zhuo Yi.


    After smashing the vase, Zhang Meng stood aside, her wide eyes trembling slightly.


    Looking at the bloodied Long Zaitian, Zhang Meng suddenly felt very afraid. His horrifying appearance frightened her and she kept backing away.


    "You little slut, dare to hit me? Motherfucker, I¡¯ll see how I deal with you today!" Long Zaitian roared and stretched his hands to grab Zhang Meng.


    Meanwhile, the two men outside the door heard the loud noise followed by Long Zaitian¡¯s cursing from the room, and a look of anxiety crossed their faces as they reached to push the door open.


    But just as they were about to push the door, a man appeared behind them like a ghost and tapped their shoulders.


    Turning around with furrowed brows, they saw a young man who had appeared behind them at an unknown time.


    The neer was Li Xiaoyao, who had rushed over at top speed after receiving a call from Zhang Meng.


    Li Xiaoyao also heard the noise from inside the door just now and guessed that Zhang Meng and Zhuo Yi must have been resisting, and that the man intent on misdeed probably hadn¡¯t seeded yet.


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    "Who are you?" the two men asked impatiently.


    Li Xiaoyao revealed a cold smirk, and unease sent a chill through the men¡¯s hearts, but before they could react, Li Xiaoyao had already made his move.


    Moving like Running Thunder, Li Xiaoyao delivered a short punch to a man¡¯s stomach. The man emitted an "Ergh~" sound and then fell to the ground, unable to get up.


    Following that, Li Xiaoyao chopped with his hand to the neck of the other man, who also copsed instantly.


    The hotel manager and waiter stood to the side, watching as Li Xiaoyao struck with lightning speed and effortlessly knocked down two burly men, and they couldn¡¯t help but swallow their saliva in unison.


    It was indeed, too violent.


    "Call the police immediately!" After saying this to the hotel manager, Li Xiaoyao reached out and pushed open the door of the private room.


    Long Zaitian had already pinned Zhang Meng down on the table, his right hand reaching under to grasp her skirt and yanking it forcefully.


    Zhang Meng¡¯s eyes brimmed with tears as she tried to resist, but her strength was limited, and she was no match for Long Zaitian.


    "Big Brother Li!" Zhuo Yi, slumped in a corner of the private room, saw the suddenly appearing Li Xiaoyao, who seemed like a Celestial God descending, and a surge of excitement filled her heart.


    Each time, whenever she encountered trouble, this man would always appear like a savior. Sometimes, even Zhuo Yi would wonder, could it be that she and Li Xiaoyao were truly fated?


    "It¡¯s all right, I¡¯m here," Li Xiaoyao said to her gently, then quickly walked towards Long Zaitian, grabbed him by the hair, and yanked it hard backward.


    Long Zaitian didn¡¯t yet understand what was happening when he suddenly felt his hair being pulled back by a force, and then, that force grew stronger, lifting his body off the ground before violently smashing him down to the floor.


    With a "bang," Long Zaitian crashed to the ground, and even though the carpet provided some cushioning, the rapid descent still jarred his insides violently.


    Long Zaitian retched, cursing as he tried to get up, but Li Xiaoyao suddenly appeared in front of him, lifted one foot, and stomped heavily on his chest.


    Looking down from above, Li Xiaoyao coldly regarded Long Zaitian beneath his foot and said, "Quite bold, daring to touch my woman?"


    Long Zaitian was filled with rage in his heart. He didn¡¯t know the identity of this man who had suddenly appeared, but no matter who he was, today he would have to face his wrath.


    Long Zaitian had thought that he could have his way with these two women today, but he hadn¡¯t anticipated that their resistance would be so fierce, and that in the end, he would be hurt.


    This might have been bearable, but just as he was about to deal with one of the women, a man had popped out of nowhere. Moreover, this man, without a word, had beaten him up.


    In all his years, Long Zaitian had never suffered such a loss.


    "You will pay for your actions today," Long Zaitian said with a gloomy face, angrily, "Kid, I don¡¯t care who you are, but all you need to know is that you¡¯ve offended someone you shouldn¡¯t have, and cannot afford to offend."


    "It seems you still don¡¯t understand the situation you¡¯re in," Li Xiaoyao sneered, applying a little pressure with his foot, and Long Zaitian immediately grimaced, issuing cries of agony.


    Zhang Meng approached from the side, tightly hugging Li Xiaoyao¡¯s arm. Her cheek bore five distinct fingerprints and her clothes were already torn, revealing fair, tender flesh underneath.


    "Brother Xiaoyao, I¡¯m scared," she said, her voice trembling with fear.


    "Don¡¯t be afraid, I¡¯m here, no one can hurt you," Li Xiaoyao gently stroked Zhang Meng¡¯s hair, and her frail and pitiable appearance stirred intense anger in him.


    Li Xiaoyao slowly moved his foot between Long Zaitian¡¯s legs. Long Zaitian felt the movement and his body instantly stiffened, his face no longer showing the arrogance and insolence it had before, reced by panic and bewilderment.


    "Don¡¯t, please don¡¯t..."


    Li Xiaoyao looked at the fear and pleading on his face, the corners of his mouth turning up slightly in a chilling curve, as he stepped down with force between Long Zaitian¡¯s legs.


    Following Li Xiaoyao¡¯s stomp, a pitiful scream erupted from Long Zaitian¡¯s mouth.


    [A new week, dear readers, please cast your rmendation tickets for this beauty, and those waiting for updates can check out thepleted works of the beauty, "Top Grade Special Forces"]

 Chapter 40: The Second Entry into the Palace

    Li Xiaoyao only meant to teach him a lesson, but he never thought about taking his life. Even if he really wanted his life, it wouldn¡¯t be now.


    Long Zaitian passed out from the pain, his body convulsing unconsciously.


    Li Xiaoyao lifted his foot, his shoe smeared with blood, and casually wiped it on the man¡¯s clothes before turning around and saying to the stunned Zhang Meng in his arms, "Let¡¯s go."


    Zhang Meng trembled with fear and said, "Xiaoyao brother, we should leave here quickly, hurry up, you need to leave fast, go hide in another city for a while."


    Li Xiaoyao stroked her hair and said, "Don¡¯t be afraid, it¡¯s okay."


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    Zhang Meng was close to tears. How could this be okay? Long Zaitian was the son of the chairman of Feiyang Company. Li Xiaoyao had crushed his manhood into mush, and he still said it was okay.


    Zhuo Yi also came over at this time. She had just witnessed Li Xiaoyao¡¯s rather violent act, and she said with a worried face, "Big Brother Li, Meng Meng is right, you really need to get out of here and hide for a while."


    "Why should I hide?" Li Xiaoyao genuinely didn¡¯t understand what these girls were worried about.


    Zhuo Yi said, "Long Zaitian is the only son of the chairman of Feiyang Company. Now that you have crippled him today, his father will definitely not let you off, and I¡¯ve heard that Long Zaitian¡¯s father has a big backer in the underworld."


    Li Xiaoyao smiled and said, "Don¡¯t worry about me. Since I dared to cripple him, I am not afraid of their revenge. Rest assured."


    Seeing how stubborn Li Xiaoyao was, and useless it was no matter what they said, the two girls grew even more concerned.


    "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll take you two home to rest first. I will handle this matter, don¡¯t worry," Li Xiaoyao reassured the two girls.


    But the two girls were anxiously concerned and said, "But how are you going to handle it? You¡¯re a stranger here, no match for the Long Family."


    Just as the two girls were persuading Li Xiaoyao to go and hide somewhere, a team of police suddenly burst in from outside.


    The leader was a policewoman, and Li Xiaoyao took one look and, hey, it was the familiar face of Zhu Xiaoyue.


    After receiving the emergency call, Zhu Xiaoyue had immediately brought a team over. She pushed the door open and saw Li Xiaoyao, pausing in surprise.


    "What happened?" Zhu Xiaoyue asked with a frown.


    Li Xiaoyao pointed to Long Zaitian on the ground, who was convulsing, and said, "This animal tried to rape my colleague. I was defending myself, so I fought back."


    The police officer behind Zhu Xiaoyue stepped forward and carefully examined Long Zaitian¡¯s injuries, then suddenly widened his eyes in shock and eximed, "Holy shit, this guy was too cruel, his dick has been stomped into mush!"


    Zhu Xiaoyue, hearing those two sensitive words, blushed slightly, but then immediately red at Li Xiaoyao and demanded, "Is this what you call self-defense?"


    Li Xiaoyao spread his hands innocently and said, "He wanted to rape my two beautiful colleagues, ah, I got agitated in the moment, and identally destroyed his tool formitting the crime. Who knew it was so fragile to stomping."


    Zhu Xiaoyue¡¯s face turned even redder, while the male officers beside her were speechless, cursing inwardly, how could it possibly withstand being stomped on!


    Zhu Xiaoyue waved her hand, "Take them all back."


    The male officer looked at Long Zaitian on the ground and asked, "What about him?"


    Zhu Xiaoyue replied irritably, "What else, send him to the hospital."


    Li Xiaoyao and the two girls were all taken back by the police, along with Long Zaitian¡¯s two bodyguards and rted hotel staff for questioning.


    Sitting in the police car, Li Xiaoyao suddenly gave a wry smile and said, "Really unlucky, it¡¯s only been a few days, and I¡¯m back in the pce again."


    Last time, he¡¯d been taken in for making a statement after a group fight when dining out with the security guards for barbecue.


    Zhu Xiaoyue sat beside him, heard Li Xiaoyao¡¯s words, and snorted loudly, her gaze full of disgust, "Scum like you should be locked up in a cell forever."


    "How dare you insult Xiaoyao brother?" Zhang Meng immediately got upset and red at Zhu Xiaoyue as she questioned her.


    Zhu Xiaoyue was taken aback by Zhang Meng¡¯s gaze, about to retort, when Zhuo Yi also said, "Officer, you should be responsible for what you say. I don¡¯t know what problems you have with Big Brother Li, but please don¡¯t talk nonsense without understanding his situation. If it weren¡¯t for Big Brother Li¡¯s timely arrival today, Meng Meng and I would have been ruined by that animal. If you think that a man injuring an animal in the process of saving two women is the act of a scumbag, then I have nothing more to say."


    Zhu Xiaoyue felt somewhat ashamed by what the two women said; she was a police officer, and indeed an officer with a strong sense of justice. She detested animals like Long Zaitian who assaulted women at will. But simrly, she had no fondness for slick-talking men like Li Xiaoyao.


    In fact, Zhu Xiaoyue didn¡¯t believe what Li Xiaoyao had said earlier. She didn¡¯t believe this man was capable of good deeds, which was why she had spoken as she had.


    However, after hearing the slightly angry words from Zhuo Yi and Zhang Meng, Zhu Xiaoyue realized that what Li Xiaoyao had just said was true.


    The atmosphere in the car grew awkward, Zhu Xiaoyue stopped talking, only asionally ncing at Li Xiaoyao out of the corner of her eye, her movements careful, like a child who had done something wrong and was afraid of being discovered.


    Half an hourter, the car entered the police station courtyard.


    A police officer pulled the car door open from outside and said, "Everyone get out."


    Li Xiaoyao hopped out first, then helped the two girls down from the car.


    Zhu Xiaoyue was thest to get out. She said to the police officers beside her, "Take them to the interrogation room, I¡¯ll be there in a moment."


    Zhu Xiaoyue¡¯s police rank seemed to be fairly high, probably something like a squadron leader; at any rate, the officers below her all obeyed hermands.


    The police took the three to an interrogation room, while Long Zaitian¡¯s two bodyguards and the hotel staff were taken to another interrogation room.


    And this scene was just witnessed by Dong Haoran as he passed by. Dong Haoran had a particrly strong impression of Li Xiaoyao, who had been present thest time he was bitten by a dog.


    Dong Haoran¡¯s heart red with anger when he thought of being bitten by the dogst time, but he had nowhere to vent his anger.


    Yet just now, he saw that Li Xiaoyao had been brought back to the police station again. Regardless of the reason for his arrest, at least he had a ce to vent the anger that had been weighing on his heart.


    [Please vote for rmendation tickets, rmendation tickets~ To rify, the old book "Top Grade Special Forces" with 3.4 million words is alreadyplete, and this is the only book Jia Ren is currently writing.]

 Chapter 41 - 41 Being Prudent

    Dong Haoran arrived outside the interrogation room where Li Xiaoyao and the two women were being held. He handed a cigarette to the police officer standing outside and asked, "Hey, what did these people do?"


    The police officer epted the cigarette, lit it up, and took a drag before answering, "You know about the young master of the Long Family, right?"


    Dong Haoran nodded, "I do, the Longs from Flying Dragon Properties."


    Exhaling a puff of smoke, the officer said, "That¡¯s right, it was them. Let me tell you, that kid inside had some nerve, he actually smashed the Long family young master¡¯s manhood into mush."


    "What!" Dong Haoran¡¯s body jolted, shocked by the sudden news.


    The police officer cracked a smile, "Can¡¯t believe it, can you? Just like us when we first got there, nobody believed it, but I checked, and the young master Long¡¯s thing down there is truly ruined. It was already like an earthworm, now it¡¯s not even a match for a toothpick."


    "Holy shit, this kid is ruthless!" Dong Haoran smacked his lips, a flurry of thoughts racing through his mind.


    It was well known that Flying Dragon Properties was an entity of substantial scale. Its chairman, Long Feiyang, wielded considerable influence in society as well.


    Although Dong Haoran¡¯s family did have some money,pared to Long Feiyang, it was like heaven and earth apart.


    The powerful Long Feiyang would absolutely not allow Li Xiaoyao, who had crippled his son, to continue living safely.


    Dong Haoran decided he needed to act before Long Feiyang did, to be the icing on the cake and take control of Li Xiaoyao first.


    "You keep smoking, I¡¯m going in to see what this kid who dared to cross Young Master Long looks like." Dong Haoran tossed aside his cigarette butt and pushed the door open to enter.


    Inside the interrogation room, Li Xiaoyao and the two women were seated in front of a metal table. Li Xiaoyao kept telling the women jokes to lighten the somewhat oppressive atmosphere of the room. Find exclusive content at §Þ??


    Upon entering, Dong Haoran saw Li Xiaoyaoughing and telling jokes, his face turned stern as he snorted, "What¡¯s all this noise? Quiet down!"


    The two girls jumped at the sudden outburst, while Li Xiaoyao furrowed his brows at him.


    Li Xiaoyao had a good memory and recognized this male officer as the same person who had made things difficult for himst time.


    Walking over, Dong Haoran nced at the two women, his eyes suddenly lighting up.


    Zhang Meng and Zhuo Yi were both stunning beauties, and their clothing was somewhat torn, which only added to their allure. Dong Haoran couldn¡¯t take his eyes off them.


    "You two, what did you do to end up here?" Dong Haoran plopped himself on the metal table, staring intently at the ripped parts of their clothing that exposed their flesh.


    The two women felt ufortable under his gaze, arms wrapped around themselves. Before they could speak, Li Xiaoyao intervened, "Officer, you don¡¯t even know the case, what are you asking about?"


    Dong Haoran cursed, "Did I ask you? Why are you butting in? Go squat in the corner."


    Li Xiaoyao leaned back in his chair,pletely ignoring him.


    Dong Haoran snapped, "Kid, who do you think you are? This is the police station, my turf. Let me tell you, you better behave yourself, or I¡¯ll make your life a living hell."


    Li Xiaoyao let out a coldugh. Nowadays, even among the police, there were good and bad ones. Clearly, Dong Haoran in front of him was scum of the police force!


    Li Xiaoyao never hesitated to teach a lesson to such scum.


    With a sneer, Li Xiaoyao said, "Looks like the ce where the dog bit you has healed."


    At those words, Dong Haoran¡¯s eyelids twitched violently. He pulled out his police baton and swung it at Li Xiaoyao¡¯s head.


    The two women were petrified by the sight.


    But Li Xiaoyao remained calm, leaning back in his chair, without a single move.


    This was the interrogation room, and Li Xiaoyao was not foolish enough to openly assault a police officer there. That would be assaulting an officer!


    Although he could not directly draw his hand and strike him, Li Xiaoyao had other means.


    One could only see Dong Haoran tightly grasping the baton in his right hand, raising it high above his head, and forcefully smashing it down on Li Xiaoyao. However, just as he swung his arm down, he suddenly lost his bnce, as if he had stepped on a banana peel, slipping forward and plummeting face-first to the ground.


    "Bang!"


    Dong Haoran¡¯s entire body mmed into the floor, the baton slipping from his grip and flying high into the air, then swiftly descending,nding precisely between his two buttocks halves.


    "Pfft~"


    The baton fell from the sky with tremendous force.


    "Ah!"


    Dong Haoran clutched the ground with both hands, arching his neck and letting out a painful roar.


    Zhang Meng and Zhuo Yi were stunned as they watched from the side; this was simply too unbelievable.


    The police outside heard themotion, immediately pushed the door open, and then saw Dong Haoran lying t on the ground in a spread-eagle position.


    The policemen were baffled, what was going on? Wasn¡¯t it just an interrogation? How did it turn into this?


    "Fuck!"


    Two policemen immediately ran in, surrounded Li Xiaoyao, and said with a grim expression, "You dare to assault an officer!"


    Li Xiaoyao helplessly spread his hands, "I didn¡¯t, he fell by himself."


    The policeman snorted, "Do you think we are idiots? Are you saying the baton impaled itself?"


    Li Xiaoyao replied, "Who says it didn¡¯t? Even I am amazed at the uracy of the officer, just a casual toss and itnds so precisely. I really admire such skill."


    "Motherfucker, quit ying slick with me," the policeman cursed, raising his hand to strike Li Xiaoyao.


    A glint of cold light shed in Li Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes, ready to teach the policeman a lesson, when an angry voice rang out from the door.


    "Who allowed you toe in? Get the hell out!"


    The one cursing was Zhu Xiaoyue, the buxom officer who had just gone to the restroom and was now finally back.


    Zhu Xiaoyue was very angry. She had clearly told those policemen that they must leave the interrogation to her. But when she came back, she found several people in the interrogation room, one of them lying on the ground with a baton stuck in his ass. What the hell was going on?


    The policeman who was ready toy hands on Li Xiaoyao, hearing the angry outburst, quickly turned around and saw Zhu Xiaoyue¡¯s furious face. He hurriedly put on a smile, exining, "Boss, this kid assaulted an officer, I was just about to cuff him."


    Zhu Xiaoyue gasped at the sight and looked towards Li Xiaoyao, "Assaulting an officer?"


    Li Xiaoyao still spoke in that indifferent tone, "I didn¡¯t assault him, he fell down by himself. There is surveince in the interrogation room, just check it and you¡¯ll know if what I¡¯m saying is true or false."


    Although Zhu Xiaoyue had no particr regard for Li Xiaoyao, through the previous event with the kidnapper Liu Ming, she had gained a general understanding of Li Xiaoyao, knowing this man acted with restraint and would never do something like assaulting an officer.


    "Take him out, and without my permission, no one is allowed in," Zhu Xiaoyue ordered the two policemen.


    The two policemen voiced their assent, one lifting by the hands and the other by the feet, they carried Dong Haoran out.


    And as they lifted Dong Haoran, a small vial of medicine slid out of his pocket and fell to the ground.

 Chapter 42 - 42 Director Lan is Occupied with Important Matters

    ...............


    Zhu Xiaoyue bent over to pick up a small medicine bottle, which contained yellow, round pills. Upon seeing these pills, Zhu Xiaoyue¡¯srge eyes immediately narrowed into a dangerous curve.


    Without a change in expression, Zhu Xiaoyue pocketed the small medicine bottle, took a deep look at Dong Haoran being carried out, and then turned to approach Li Xiaoyao and the other two.


    Zhu Xiaoyue thought her movements had been inconspicuous, but unbeknownst to her, they had been clearly witnessed by Li Xiaoyao.


    Li Xiaoyao recognized at a nce that the yellow pills in the bottle were a type of addictive drug.


    He hadn¡¯t expected this guy to be a junkie.


    "Let¡¯s talk about what happened today," said Zhu Xiaoyue as she sat down, addressing the three of them.


    Zhang Meng and Zhuo Yi had been frightened out of their wits today, and their thoughts were still somewhat chaotic. They told their version of the events intermittently but in full.


    After listening, Zhu Xiaoyue¡¯s eyebrows were tightly furrowed, and her beautiful eyes were filled with anger.


    "This beast!" Zhu Xiaoyue cursed angrily. Naturally, the beast she referred to was Long Zaitian.


    Having understood the whole story, Zhu Xiaoyue¡¯s perception of Li Xiaoyao underwent a direct change. She felt that Li Xiaoyao¡¯s kick was extremely satisfying. Such scum deserved to have his manhood crushed, so he could never harm other girls again.


    However, as gratifying as it was, Long Zaitian¡¯s father, Long Feiyang, wielded no small amount of power in Ling City. By crippling Long Zaitian in a moment of satisfaction, Long Feiyang would definitely not let Li Xiaoyao go.


    Zhu Xiaoyue could almost predict Li Xiaoyao¡¯s fate from then on.


    "Officer Zhu, may we leave now?" asked Li Xiaoyao.


    Zhu Xiaoyue looked at Li Xiaoyao with rare seriousness and said, "Do you realize who Long Zaitian, the man you offended today, is?"


    Li Xiaoyao replied indifferently, "I have no interest in understanding a beast."


    On any other day, Zhu Xiaoyue would have been infuriated by Li Xiaoyao¡¯s attitude, but not now. She admired Li Xiaoyao¡¯s righteousness and wanted to help him as much as she could.


    "Long Zaitian¡¯s father is Long Feiyang, the chairman of Ling City¡¯s Feiyang Real Estate Company!" Zhu Xiaoyue exined patiently. "Long Feiyang has only one son, Long Zaitian. Your actions today have essentially condemned the Long Family to end their lineage. I can tell you with certainty that Long Feiyang will not let you off the hook. The moment you step out that door, you will face his retribution!"


    Li Xiaoyao smiled and said, "Thank you for the warning, Officer Zhu. May we leave now?"


    Exasperated by Li Xiaoyao¡¯s nonchnt attitude, Zhu Xiaoyue mmed the table and said forcefully, "Li Xiaoyao, do you have any idea how serious this is?"


    Li Xiaoyao looked at Zhu Xiaoyue, surprised, but he felt touched. Although this busty female cop had a bit of a temper, she was kind-hearted.


    Li Xiaoyao said, "You¡¯ve said it yourself, Long Feiyang holds sway over Ling City. Even if I were worried, what good would it do? Since it hasn¡¯t happened yet, worrying about it prematurely is less useful than going home to sleep in."


    Zhu Xiaoyue sighed and stopped trying to persuade Li Xiaoyao. She realized that Li Xiaoyao was not at all concerned about these things. If he wasn¡¯t worried, why should she bother?


    "Let¡¯s go," said Zhu Xiaoyue as she stood up.


    "Wait a moment," Li Xiaoyao suddenly said.


    Zhu Xiaoyue looked at him puzzledly. Li Xiaoyao spoke to Zhuo Yi, "Call Director Lan and tell her what happened today."


    Following Li Xiaoyao¡¯s instruction, Zhuo Yi called Lan Cai.


    Lan Cai was currently in the hotel¡¯s presidential suite with Lin Yuanyuan, chatting about the things that had happened today.


    The two of them were lyingfortably on the bed, music ying, their red lips humming a pleasant tune when the mobile phone on the bedside suddenly rang, giving both of them a start.


    Lin Yuanyuanined, "Cai¡¯er, why are you so busy?"


    Lan Cai picked up the mobile phone, a somewhat helpless wry smile on her face, "Thepany has a lot of things going on, many of which I need to handle personally."


    "I know, you¡¯re a busy person."


    Lan Cai rolled her eyes at her in a teasing manner and answered the call, "Hello, Zhuo Yi, what¡¯s up?"


    Zhuo Yi, because her thoughts were a bit jumbled, spoke in a somewhat confused manner until Li Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t bear it anymore and said, "Give me the phone."


    Li Xiaoyao took the phone, "Director Lan, it¡¯s me, Li Xiaoyao."


    Lan Cai was holding the phone to her ear with her left hand, about to change position and lean back on the bed.


    "Mm~"


    Li Xiaoyao, hearing that slightly enervating sound from the phone, also paused for a moment.


    What the hell was going on? Why was it this sound?


    Li Xiaoyao turned his head to look at Zhuo Yi, then at the name disyed on the phone screen, which was indeed Director Lan¡¯s, confirming he had not called the wrong number.


    But why on earth would Director Lan be making that kind of sound?


    That¡¯s not right, it¡¯s only the afternoon, Director Lan should still be at her best friend¡¯s birthday celebration.


    "Cough cough, Director Lan, am I disturbing you?" Li Xiaoyao asked considerately.


    After Lan Cai made that sound, she immediately realized it and her cheeks blushed furiously.


    She red at Lin Yuanyuan with a look of annoyed reproach, but Lin Yuanyuan showed no sign of guilt and made a funny face at her with a yful grin.


    "Cough cough, Director Lan, you go ahead with your business, I¡¯ll call you backter." Li Xiaoyao felt it wasn¡¯t quite appropriate to intrude at such a time.


    But just as Li Xiaoyao was about to hang up, Lan Cai suddenly said, "I¡¯m not busy, go ahead."


    Li Xiaoyao even asked one more question, "Are you sure you¡¯re alright?"


    Biting her lip, Lan Cai knew that the strange sound she had just made must have induced some unsavory thoughts in Li Xiaoyao.


    "Go ahead, what is it?" Lan Cai deliberately made her voice sound a bit colder.


    Li Xiaoyao then recounted to Lan Cai the events that had taken ce at the hotel that day, and after finishing, he said, "Director Lan, Zhuo Yi and Zhang Meng were harmed because of thepany and have also offended Long Feiyang. I¡¯m worried that they might be subjected to Long Feiyang¡¯s retaliatory actions in the next couple of days. If possible, I hope you could send someone to protect them."


    Indeed, the reason Li Xiaoyao told Zhuo Yi to make this call was to seek Lan Cai¡¯s help.


    He may not fear Long Feiyang¡¯s retaliation, but Zhang Meng and the otherdy certainly couldn¡¯t handle it.


    If Lan Cai were to step in, then even if Long Feiyang wanted to make a move on the two women, he would have to consider whether it was worth the trouble.


    ...............


    [Double chapter release, please vote for rmendations~]

 Chapter 43: The Gun-Slinging Policewoman

    Lan Cai sat up from the bed as soon as she heard Li Xiaoyao¡¯s words, her face turned serious, "Where are you now?"


    Li Xiaoyao said, "Xinmin Road Police Station."


    Lan Cai said, "Wait there for me, I¡¯m on my way."


    After hanging up the phone, Lan Cai hurriedly got out of bed, but having yed a bit too hard, her legs felt weak, and she momentarily lost her bnce, staggering before she managed to stand up.


    Lin Yuanyuan asked, "What¡¯s wrong?"


    Lan Cai said, "There¡¯s some trouble at thepany, I have to go."


    Driven by curiosity and after getting the details, Lin Yuanyuan said, "Feiyang Real Estate¡¯s Long Family? I think I¡¯ve heard of them, just a smallpany, do you really need to go yourself?"


    In Ling City, Feiyang Real Estate was a major taxpayer, butpared to Lin Yuanyuan¡¯s family, it indeed was nothing but a small fry.


    Lan Cai said, "I¡¯m worried they might face retaliation, I need to go pick them up. Tomorrow I¡¯ll find someone to handle this."


    "I¡¯lle with you. What if something happens to you when you¡¯re alone? You don¡¯t even have a bodyguard by your side." Lin Yuanyuan was genuinely concerned for her best friend and knew that Lan Cai disliked hiring bodyguards. Although Ling City was safe on the surface, no one would care about her status if something actually happened.


    ...


    Li Xiaoyao returned the phone to Zhuo Yi, "Just wait a bit, Director Lan will be here soon."


    Knowing that Director Lan wasing in person, both women were a bit surprised. However, they also knew that Lan Cai was actually a warm person beneath her cool exterior.


    Li Xiaoyao felt that it was only right for Lan Cai toe in person since Zhuo Yi and Zhang Meng were injured for the sake of thepany. As the chairwoman, if Lan Cai didn¡¯t even show her face at this time, it would truly be disheartening and uneptable.


    Zhu Xiaoyue spent over half an hour sitting with the three in the interrogation room, during which the girls chatted and hit it off surprisingly well.


    "I know there¡¯s a great hotpot restaurant at Xinjie Mouth; let¡¯s go together next time," Zhang Meng suggested with the expression of a foodie, seemingly having forgotten she was in an interrogation room.


    Zhuo Yi¡¯s phone rang; it was a call from Lan Cai.


    "Hello, Director Lan, yes, we¡¯re in the interrogation room. Okay, we¡¯reing out now." After hanging up, Zhuo Yi said, "Director Lan is here."


    Li Xiaoyao stood up and said with a smile to Zhu Xiaoyue, "Officer Zhu, we¡¯ll be leaving now."


    Zhu Xiaoyue gave him a nce and huffed, then said to the two women, "I¡¯ll walk you out."


    Great, the well-endowed policewomanpletely ignored him.


    As they were leaving the interrogation room, Dong Haoran was heading their way, stumbling oddly as he walked.


    Seeing Li Xiaoyao, Dong Haoran red at him angrily, "You dare to hit me!"


    As he said that, Dong Haoran raised his fists and rushed forward.


    Zhu Xiaoyue moved quickly, standing in front of Li Xiaoyao, and stared down Dong Haoran with a displeased face, "Dong Haoran, what do you think you¡¯re doing?"


    "Xiaoyue, step aside. This kid hit me; he assaulted an officer!" Dong Haoran shouted angrily.


    Zhu Xiaoyue frowned and said, "Think before you speak, there¡¯s surveince in the interrogation room."


    Dong Haoran was taken aback for a moment, then red at Li Xiaoyao through gritted teeth, "Kid, one day you¡¯ll end up in my hands."


    Li Xiaoyao kept his hands in his pockets, smiled, and said, "Officer, are you threatening me? Be careful, or I might file aint against you."


    "Damn!" Dong Haoran couldn¡¯t stand Li Xiaoyao¡¯s nonchnt attitude, but he knew he couldn¡¯t teach him a lesson today, so he just pointed at Li Xiaoyao in the air and then turned and left.


    "Ignore him, let¡¯s go," Zhu Xiaoyue led the three of them out of the police station.


    As they exited the main entrance of the police station, they saw two ck Land Rovers parked outside, with Lan Cai and Lin Yuanyuan standing at the door, nked by four tall and sturdy bodyguards.


    Zhu Xiaoyue hesitated for a moment before looking back at the two women. Zhuo Yi took the initiative to introduce, "This is ourpany¡¯s chairman, Director Lan, and this is Officer Zhu."


    In the presence of outsiders, Lan Cai resumed her usual stern expression, but now she offered Zhu Xiaoyue a slight smile and extended her hand to shake Zhu¡¯s, saying, "Hello, Officer Zhu, thank you for your assistance with today¡¯s issues."


    "No need to mention it, it¡¯s all part of our job."


    After the pleasantries, Lan Cai told Zhuo Yi and Zhang Meng to get into the car.


    Li Xiaoyao, who had been standing by, noticed that Lin Yuanyuan was staring at him nonstop, and what was most important was that the look in her eyes seemed somewhat lecherous.


    Feeling ufortable with her gaze, Li Xiaoyao directly asked, "Hey, beauty, what are you staring at? Do you want to see me strip?"


    Far from getting angry, Lin Yuanyuan continued to stare at Li Xiaoyao with a grin, "Yeah, I do want to see what you look like underneath those clothes. Why don¡¯t you strip for mommy to have a look?"


    Li Xiaoyao replied, "My body is for women to see only."


    Lin Yuanyuan was taken aback for a moment but then became furious, "You bastard, are you saying I¡¯m not a woman?"


    Li Xiaoyao spread his hands, "I didn¡¯t say that, you said it yourself."


    "Bastard, bastard!" Lin Yuanyuan pointed at one of the bodyguards, giving an order, "Number Three, beat him up for me. Let this jerk know whether mommy is a woman or not."


    Li Xiaoyao looked at her chest and butt and said, "If you want me to find out whether you¡¯re a woman or not, all it takes is a try."


    Number Three walked up to Li Xiaoyao, a cold and emotionless expression on his face, and reached out to grab Li Xiaoyao¡¯s head.


    Lan Cai wanted to intervene but it was toote; she watched Li Xiaoyao with concern and with a hint of reproach said, "Yuanyuan, tell your bodyguard to stop."


    Lin Yuanyuan snorted and lifted her chin, "He brought it on himself by saying I¡¯m not a woman. I¡¯m going to teach him a lesson."


    With a helpless sigh, Lan Cai could only pray that Li Xiaoyao wouldn¡¯t be hurt too badly.


    Li Xiaoyao didn¡¯t take the bodyguard seriously at all. Despite the bodyguard¡¯s strong physique, Li Xiaoyao could knock him down with just a flick of his finger if he really wanted to fight.


    However, before Li Xiaoyao could make a move, Zhu Xiaoyue suddenly let out a soft shout, drew her gun from her waist, pointed it at the bodyguard, andmanded, "Step back, or I¡¯ll shoot!"


    With Zhu Xiaoyue¡¯s gun drawn, everyone at the scene froze.


    Even Li Xiaoyao was startled by Zhu Xiaoyue¡¯s action of drawing her gun.


    "This is a police station, not a bar strip. If you want to fight, go home and do it. Dare to cause trouble in my jurisdiction, and I¡¯ll shoot you dead without anyone to im your body!" Zhu Xiaoyue spoke very rudely, and her angry tone immediately subdued the group.


    Listening to Zhu Xiaoyue¡¯s words, Li Xiaoyao felt a hint of warmth in his heart; although the woman spoke harshly, he knew she had drawn her gun to protect him.


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    Lin Yuanyuan hadn¡¯t expected the policewoman to draw a gun and was at a loss about how to resolve the situation.


    As for Lan Cai, relieved that someone had stopped the bodyguard, she breathed a sigh of relief, called off the bodyguard, and then said to Li Xiaoyao, "Come with me."


    Li Xiaoyao shook his head and was about to decline when Zhu Xiaoyue suddenly walked past him and headed towards a car across the street, saying, "Come with me."


    Lan Cai frowned, sensing that this policewoman seemed to be deliberately targeting her.


    Or, rather, she was too concerned about Li Xiaoyao.


    "Director Lan, please take good care of Zhuo Yi and Zhang Meng. I won¡¯t be going back with you," Li Xiaoyao said before following Zhu Xiaoyue.

 Chapter 44 - 44 I Can Tell Fortunes

    Lan Cai watched Li Xiaoyao¡¯s departing figure, pursed her lips, then gently stamped her foot and muttered under her breath, "Humph, who said I wanted to take you back? Wishful thinking."


    After Lan Cai and Lin Yuanyuan left, Li Xiaoyao followed Zhu Xiaoyue to a ck BMW sedan, then watched as Zhu Xiaoyue pressed the car key and the BMW blinked twice.


    "Wow, a BMW, I had no idea you were such a rich cop, Xiaoyue!" Li Xiaoyao eximed as he sized up Zhu Xiaoyue from head to toe.


    An ordinary police officer driving a BMW to and from work, even a blind person could guess that this cop¡¯s identity was no ordinary matter.


    Zhu Xiaoyue ignored him, pulled open the door, and said, "Get in."


    Li Xiaoyao walked to the passenger side, opened the door, and sat down inside.


    Zhu Xiaoyue dyed in starting the car, and didn¡¯t even insert the key.


    After waiting for two minutes, Li Xiaoyao couldn¡¯t hold back any longer and asked, "Say, Officer Zhu, you¡¯re not nning to do something to me in the car, are you? I¡¯m a bit timid, so if you have any improper thoughts about my body, just let me know in advance, and I¡¯ll undress myself."


    Li Xiaoyao¡¯s words left Zhu Xiaoyue stunned for a moment, and after she came to her senses, she was both angry and embarrassed, with her cheeks flushing red as she said, "What nonsense are you spouting? Who has improper thoughts about you?"


    Li Xiaoyao blinked at her and said, "A man and a woman alone in a car, don¡¯t tell me you don¡¯t want to... you know? But I¡¯ll have you know, I¡¯m not that kind of man."


    Zhu Xiaoyue retorted angrily, "And I¡¯m not that kind of woman!"


    Confused, Li Xiaoyao asked, "Then why aren¡¯t you driving?"


    Zhu Xiaoyue¡¯s gaze passed through the car window toward the police station entrance and said, "Waiting for someone. I need to follow him and gather evidence."


    Li Xiaoyao immediately understood and said, "You¡¯re waiting for that guy who was bitten by a dog, aren¡¯t you?"


    Zhu Xiaoyue turned her head, looking at Li Xiaoyao in surprise, "How did you know?"


    Li Xiaoyao gave a smug smile and pinched his fingers together, saying, "I can tell fortunes."


    Zhu Xiaoyue gave him a skeptical look, to which Li Xiaoyao asked, "You don¡¯t believe me?"


    Zhu Xiaoyue shook her head, skepticism clearly written all over her face.


    Li Xiaoyao huffed and said, "It seems I must show some real skills today to impress you."


    "Keep on pretending," Zhu Xiaoyue said disdainfully, not believing for a second that Li Xiaoyao could tell fortunes.


    Li Xiaoyao chuckled and said, "Whether I¡¯m pretending or not, you¡¯ll know soon enough."


    Li Xiaoyao closed his eyes, pretentiously pinching his fingers with his left hand, and slowly said, "You¡¯re wearing a ck bra today, pink socks, huh, you got your period, and..."


    "Shut up!" Zhu Xiaoyue¡¯s cheeks turned beet red as she red at Li Xiaoyao in a mix of embarrassment and anger.


    She had no idea how Li Xiaoyao could possibly know these personal secrets of hers, the color and style of her underwear, which no one other than herself would know.


    Most importantly, her menstrual cycle had only started today, yet this jerk knew about it, too.


    Could it be, he really could tell fortunes?


    Zhu Xiaoyue had never believed in such things as fortune-telling, but after Li Xiaoyao spoke those words, she suddenly felt like the mysterious art of fortune-telling might actually exist.


    Otherwise, she had no way of exining how Li Xiaoyao knew these intimate details about her.


    Of course, Li Xiaoyao knew; though his eyes were closed, he had scanned Zhu Xiaoyue¡¯s entire body with his mind, leaving no part unseen by Li Xiaoyao¡¯s eyes.


    "Now do you believe?" Li Xiaoyao looked at Zhu Xiaoyue with a smile in his eyes.


    Zhu Xiaoyue returned his gaze with aplex expression and asked, "Can you really tell fortunes?"


    Li Xiaoyao feigned seriousness and said, "It¡¯s not fortune-telling, it¡¯s the art of divination and character-reading."


    Zhu Xiaoyue was a little flustered by Li Xiaoyao¡¯s solemn and serious tone, and her respect for him grew as she spoke with reverence, "Then, could you do it for me?"


    Zhu Xiaoyue had just personally experienced Li Xiaoyao¡¯s divination skills and did not doubt his uracy in the slightest.


    Li Xiaoyao pretended to be troubled and said, "You do not understand divination, so you don¡¯t know how much it drains my energy, spirit, and vitality. With my current abilities, I can perform it only once a day. The uracy of one session can reach ny-nine percent, but if I force a second session, it not only consumes my vitality but may also be less urate."


    Hearing how serious Li Xiaoyao made it sound, Zhu Xiaoyue treated him with even greater respect and said, "Then will you do it for me tomorrow?"


    "Well..." Li Xiaoyao did not agree immediately; he suddenly realized that it was quite entertaining to y along with Zhu Xiaoyue.


    He had no clue how to do any actual divination. He was just fooling the youngdy with his thoughts.


    Zhu Xiaoyue thought Li Xiaoyao¡¯s hesitation was due to the issue ofpensation and said directly, "I¡¯ll pay you, you won¡¯t have to do it for free."


    "It¡¯s not a matter of money," Li Xiaoyao shook his head, then he sighed and said, "Well, if we¡¯re fated, and since you wish for it, I¡¯ll do it. Tell me, what do you want to know about?"


    Zhu Xiaoyue blushed and said, "Marriage prospects."


    Li Xiaoyao, adopting the manner of a wise sage, said, "Left hand."


    Zhu Xiaoyue extended her hand, still puzzled, and said, "Isn¡¯t it the left for males and the right for females?"


    Li Xiaoyao scoffed and said, "That¡¯s just a rumor spread by the masses. In divination, there¡¯s no distinction between men and women. The left hand represents your life from birth until now, while the right hand predicts the fortunes that follow today."


    Zhu Xiaoyue did not understand any of this and only felt that Li Xiaoyao spoke with profound mystery, appearing very impressive, which made her believe even more in his fortune-telling identity.


    Li Xiaoyao held Zhu Xiaoyue¡¯s left hand and kept feeling it.


    This chick¡¯s palm was really soft, delicate as if it had no bones, making him wonder how she managed as a police officer, handling a gun every day, yet without a single callus on her hands.


    Zhu Xiaoyue felt awkward as Li Xiaoyao touched her, and when he remained silent, she finally couldn¡¯t stand it anymore and said, "Are you done feeling?"


    "Not yet... cough, I¡¯m feeling the bones," Li Xiaoyao exined.


    But Zhu Xiaoyue looked at him skeptically, "Is feeling the bones necessary for reading palms?"


    "How else would I know about your fate without feeling the bones?"


    Zhu Xiaoyue fell silent, and Li Xiaoyao also stopped feeling her hand, thinking if he continued, she would probably explode.


    "Your marriage prospects, well, they¡¯reing soon." After a long pause, Li Xiaoyao finally said something so vague it was as good as saying nothing.


    "Really? Where is he? Is he tall or short? Fat or thin?"


    Li Xiaoyao swayed his head from side to side and said, "Far in the horizon, yet close before your eyes."


    "Far in the horizon, yet close before your eyes?" Zhu Xiaoyue repeated, then suddenly it clicked, and she red at Li Xiaoyao with fury. She pulled out her gun and pointed it at him, "You bastard, you¡¯re tricking me again!"


    [I¡¯m away on a business trip these days~~ The update schedule isn¡¯t fixed, but there will be two chapters posted back-to-back. Everyone, please keep the rmendation ticketsing.] Discover more stories at NovelBin.C?m

 Chapter 45: The Magnanimous Li Xiaoyao

    ```


    Li Xiaoyao saw Zhu Xiaoyue reach for her gun and couldn¡¯t help feeling a bit resigned. Although this woman was kind-hearted and upright, she had a penchant for drawing her gun at the drop of a hat¡ªa habit that was truly not good.


    "Can you please put the gun away?"


    Zhu Xiaoyue snorted but put away her gun. After a few seconds, she asked, "How did you guess?"


    "Guess what?"


    With a red face, Zhu Xiaoyue whispered, "Guess¡­ what I¡¯m wearing."


    Li Xiaoyao pursed his lips and said, "I did tell you I can tell fortunes."


    "You¡¯re lying!"


    Li Xiaoyao shrugged, "Believe it or not."


    "Jerk, you lecherous scoundrel," cursed Zhu Xiaoyue.


    Li Xiaoyao didn¡¯t respond; after all, he had the upper hand.


    The two sat in the car for another ten minutes, and Li Xiaoyao just couldn¡¯t sit still any longer.


    "Hey."


    "What?" Zhu Xiaoyue snapped back, still wrestling with how Li Xiaoyao could possibly know the color of her underwear and the details of her menstruation.


    Li Xiaoyao pointed outside and said, "It¡¯s only five o¡¯clock. Isn¡¯t it a bit early for you to be waiting now?"


    Zhu Xiaoyue nced at the still-lit sky and felt that Li Xiaoyao made some sense, but she retorted, "None of your business."


    "I don¡¯t want to meddle, so you can wait here if you want, but I¡¯m leaving." Li Xiaoyao opened the car door, ready to get out.


    "Where are you going?"


    "Anywhere is better than waiting here like an idiot." Find exclusive stories on NovelBin.C?m


    Zhu Xiaoyue grabbed his arm and said, "You can¡¯t leave."


    Li Xiaoyao stared at her hand and said, "Hey, officer, men and women shouldn¡¯t touch; if you keep taking advantage of me like this, be careful, I might use you of harassment."


    Zhu Xiaoyue was so angry she gritted her teeth. Li Xiaoyao was truly shameless, but even though he was shameless, she couldn¡¯t just watch him walk away. She knew that having offended the Long Family, they certainly wouldn¡¯t let him off easily. If he walked the streets now, he would definitely be captured by Long Feiyang¡¯s men.


    "If you go back now, Long Feiyang¡¯s men will definitely grab you right away."


    Li Xiaoyao knew the Long Family would seek revenge, but he wasn¡¯t worried in the slightest. Let them seek revenge. One Long Family was not enough to make him fearful or wary.


    "Officer Zhu, I know you¡¯re worried about me facing retaliation from the Long Family. But have you thought about this? You have to work as well. Can you protect me all the time?" Li Xiaoyao posed a very practical question since, after all, if the Long Family wanted revenge, he could avoid them for a while, but not forever.


    Zhu Xiaoyue understood this as well but letting Li Xiaoyao go now, and watching him suffer Long Feiyang¡¯s revenge, was something she could not bring herself to do.


    "Anyway, you can¡¯t leave now," Zhu Xiaoyue said, holding onto his hand, word by word, very firmly.


    If Li Xiaoyao really wanted to leave, nobody could stop him. However, the situation was that Zhu Xiaoyue meant well, and if he insisted on leaving, it would be too insensitive.


    "I don¡¯t want to stay here waiting like an idiot either, and it¡¯s about time to eat. Let¡¯s find a ce to eat," Li Xiaoyao said as he sat back down.


    Zhu Xiaoyue thought for a moment and then said, "I¡¯ll make a call."


    Zhu Xiaoyue took out her phone and dialed someone. It connected quickly. She said, "Xiao Hu, keep an eye on Dong Haoran for me. Call me when he gets off work."


    After hanging up, Zhu Xiaoyue looked at Li Xiaoyao and asked, "What do you feel like eating?"


    ```


    "Whatever, I¡¯m not picky," Li Xiaoyao said as he sneakily nced at Zhu Xiaoyue¡¯s chest.


    Zhu Xiaoyue¡¯s eyebrow shot up as she cursed, "Take your pervy eyes off me, or I¡¯ll gouge them out."


    "I¡¯m merely admiring, don¡¯t think so dirty," Li Xiaoyao shook his head with a look that said you wouldn¡¯t understand.


    "Hmph!" Zhu Xiaoyue couldn¡¯t be bothered to argue, so she started the car and left the police station.


    Zhu Xiaoyue picked a regr restaurant, and once they were seated, a waitress came over with the menu.


    "You order, I¡¯m treating you today," Zhu Xiaoyue said.


    Li Xiaoyao smiled and said, "For real? Careful that I don¡¯t eat you out of house and home."


    Zhu Xiaoyue snorted, "As long as you can finish it, order as much as you want, but if you can¡¯t finish and waste a single dish, I¡¯ll shoot you."


    Li Xiaoyao pursed his lips, unfazed by her threat, opened the menu, and said, "This one, and this one." After he finished, he closed the menu, which made Zhu Xiaoyue feel embarrassed.


    "Why did you only order two dishes? I was just kidding earlier, you can order more, it¡¯s okay if you can¡¯t finish them." Zhu Xiaoyue felt a bit embarrassed inside, thinking Li Xiaoyao ordered only two dishes because of her, but when she heard what he said next, she realized that she had overthought it.


    "Besides these two dishes, bring one of everything else," Li Xiaoyao handed the menu back to the waitress and turned to Zhu Xiaoyue, "What was that you said? I didn¡¯t hear you."


    Zhu Xiaoyue¡¯s eyelids twitched, and it took her several seconds before she replied, "Nothing."


    The dishes were served quickly, and almost with each new dish that was served, Li Xiaoyao polished one off.


    Li Xiaoyao could really eat; since he had started his cultivation, he became quite the foodie. Not to mention a dozen dishes, even if there were a dozen more, it wouldn¡¯t be a problem.


    Zhu Xiaoyue was shocked by Li Xiaoyao¡¯s capacity; she had initially thought he ordered so much just to spite her, but who would have guessed this jerk could really eat that much.


    By the time Li Xiaoyao stuffed thest dish into his stomach, Zhu Xiaoyue was at a loss for words.


    Other patrons were also looking over in surprise, some even taking out their phones to snap pictures. If Zhu Xiaoyue hadn¡¯t been giving them the evil eye, some might have evene over to ask for a photo with him.


    After eating his fill, Li Xiaoyao belched contentedly, wiped his mouth, and dered, "I¡¯m full!"


    "Buzz~"


    Suddenly, Li Xiaoyao¡¯s phone in his pocket rang. He took it out to see it was a call from Tang Tiantian.


    Li Xiaoyao casually nced at the time; it was only six o¡¯clock. Could she be calling to ask when he¡¯d be home?


    After answering the call, Tang Tiantian said, "Hey, Li Xiaoyao, I might be homete tonight, so don¡¯t wait for me for dinner."


    "You have something on tonight?" Since thest incident, Li Xiaoyao had been somewhat worried about Tang Tiantian, this woman seemed to have some not so reliable friends around her.


    Tang Tiantian nodded, "Yeah, having dinner with my brother."


    "Oh, okay, got it." After hanging up, Li Xiaoyao noticed Zhu Xiaoyue looking at him, and he asked, "Why are you looking at me like that? Got a crush on me?"


    "I¡¯d have to be blind to have a crush on you," Zhu Xiaoyue rolled her eyes and took out her phone, checking it now and then, wondering why Xiao Hu hadn¡¯t called her yet.


    Normally, Dong Haoran would have finished work by now, but he still hadn¡¯t today, which was unusual.


    As Zhu Xiaoyue¡¯s mind was racing, her phone suddenly rang. It was Xiao Hu.


    "Hello, Sister Zhu, Dong Haoran has left the office".


    Zhu Xiaoyue¡¯s eyes lit up, and she said, "Got it."


    [Please vote for me with your rmendation tickets~~~]

 Chapter 46: Chapter 46 The Addict

    Zhu Xiaoyue hung up the phone and said, "Let''s go!"


    After paying the meal, the two left the restaurant. Zhu Xiaoyue walked briskly towards the BMW. As she started the car, she realized that Li Xiaoyao was standing outside the car and didn''t get in.


    Zhu Xiaoyue called out, "Get in the car."


    Li Xiaoyao asked, "Does Dong Haoran recognize this car?"


    Zhu Xiaoyue was taken aback for a moment; she clearly understood what Li Xiaoyao meant.


    Li Xiaoyao said, "Even if he doesn''t recognize it, don''t you think driving a BMW to tail someone is too conspicuous?"


    Zhu Xiaoyue indeed hadn''t thought about that problem and frowned, "But, in such a short time, I can''t find another car."


    Li Xiaoyao nced around and his gaze settled on a man on an electric bike who had just stopped and was about to lock his vehicle.


    Li Xiaoyao walked to the car window, pointed at the man, and said to Zhu Xiaoyue, "Aren''t you a cop? Go,mandeer his bike."


    Zhu Xiaoyue frowned and said, "Wouldn''t an electric bike be even more likely to expose us?"


    Li Xiaoyao pped his forehead, "I''ve been negligent, let''s take a taxi then, no one will suspect a thing with a taxi."


    Zhu Xiaoyue nodded, got out of the BMW, and, with Li Xiaoyao, hailed a taxi. As soon as they got in, without waiting for the driver to speak, Zhu Xiaoyue took out her police badge and said, "Police, drive!"


    The driver was startled for a moment, then said in panic, "Officer, I''m an honest person, really conscientious, I''ve nevermitted a crime."


    "Driver, we''re not after you. We need your cooperation for an operation. We''re about to catch a criminal, but our car is too conspicuous, so we have to bother you to help us by driving to tail the suspect. Don''t worry, you''ll still be paid by the mile," Li Xiaoyao exined from the side, pointing at Zhu Xiaoyue''s BMW nearby.


    The driver nced at the BMW, then at Li Xiaoyao, and said, "Police civilian cooperation, I understand, I''ll definitely cooperate. Officer, where are we heading?"


    Zhu Xiaoyue replied, "To Xinmin Road Police Station."


    This driver was also an experienced one; he started the car in third gear and the vehicle shot out like an arrow released from the bow.


    The scene switches to Xinmin Road Police Station.


    Dong Haoran finished work a bitter today. He had been lying on the upper floor for a good while, feeling that there probably wouldn''t be any issues, and then he left the office.


    As Dong Haoran reached the door, he received a phone call from a policeman at Zhongxin Road Police Station, Wang Min.


    "Hello, Old Wang, what''s up?" Dong Haoran asked, wiggling his butt as he slowly walked towards the exit.


    "Let''s have a drink tonight, Chaotic Beauty in San Tiao Alley," Wang Min''s voice came through the phone.


    "Sure, I''ll be there shortly," Dong Haoran said cheerfully after hanging up the phone.


    Wang Min, like him, was an auxiliary policeman, only Wang Min worked in a different area. He usually hung around San Tiao Alley, and it was said he had quite a good rtionship with some of the local heavyweights.


    An auxiliary policeman is like a temporary worker. However, Wang Min was savvy, and since he had a good rtionship with several officers in Zhongxin Road Police Station, his influence was not insignificant, despite his status as an auxiliary policeman.


    Last time, which wasst week, Wang Min had taken him to San Tiao Alley and he had met those heavyweights. To speak unpleasantly, those guys were just better-off hoodlums, but at their core, they were still hoodlums, and that couldn''t be changed.


    Nevertheless, these hoodlums were rich and had considerable power in the underworld.


    Dong Haoran knew why Wang Min had pulled him into acquaintance with them; it was nothing but mutual benefit.


    That time, under the arrangement of a few key figures, Dong Haoran had his way with a young lead dancer at a bar. He still remembers how tempting that girl''s fiery and unrestrained figure was.


    Of course, he also knew that without those key figures, he himself would never have been able to get a girl of such quality.


    If it had been someone else, they might not have fallen so quickly, but Dong Haoran would definitely have given in immediately. The reason was simple; Dong Haoran was an addict.


    The big shots in San Tiao Alley gave Dong Haoran a way to make money. They allowed him to peddle goods in all the bars of San Tiao Alley, and the profit he made from peddling did not have to be shared with the bouncers. He got to keep all the profit.


    This was a considerablyrge profit. The first time Dong Haoran peddled goods, he made thirty thousand in cash. You have to understand, he made thirty thousand in just one night!


    It was for these reasons that Dong Haoran made up his mind to join forces with those key figures and wallow in the mud with them.


    Dong Haoran left the house and got into a ck Passat, which was his father''s car. His father was a man who sold sunflower seeds, and the car was bought for him by his dad, who sold their house to afford it.


    Dong Haoran didn''t care at all if his own dad would starve to death or be homeless; he only cared about his own life.


    This was the typical unscrupulous beast without a conscience.


    Dong Haoran got in the car and drove directly to San Tiao Alley. All along the way, he fantasized about his future life. He imagined himself living in a grand vi, driving luxury cars, bedding different women every night, and reaching the pinnacle of life!


    Zhu Xiaoyue sat in the passenger seat of a taxi when suddenly, a ck sedan came driving head-on towards her. Zhu Xiaoyue recognized the license te of the ck sedan at a nce.


    "Turn around, follow that Passat!" Zhu Xiaoyue shouted to the taxi driver.


    The taxi driver hurriedly made a U-turn and followed closely behind the Passat.


    Zhu Xiaoyue''s eyes were fixed on Dong Haoran''s car, while Li Xiaoyao said, "Driver, don''t follow too closely, or we''ll be spotted."


    "Oh, okay." The taxi driver was somewhat nervous, "This is my first time doing this, not used to it."


    The driver followed for over twenty minutes and finally saw Dong Haoran''s car stop outside a bar in San Tiao Alley; he also stopped not too far away.


    Li Xiaoyao gave the driver a hundred Xuan Country Currency, saying, "Thanks, driver."


    The two got out of the taxi, and Zhu Xiaoyue asked, "What do we do now?"


    Li Xiaoyao was full of ck lines on his forehead and said, "What to do? You''re asking me? Sister, you''re the cop here."


    Zhu Xiaoyue''s face turned red as she honestly said, "It''s my first time tailing someone."


    Li Xiaoyao shook his head helplessly and walked towards the bar.


    Zhu Xiaoyue followed beside Li Xiaoyao and asked, "Where are we going?"


    Li Xiaoyao rolled his eyes and said, "We''re tailing someone, so of course we have to follow them inside!"


    "Oh..." Zhu Xiaoyue was also tailing someone for the first time. She decided to follow Dong Haoran today because she picked up a bottle in the interrogation room, a bottle she saw fall from Dong Haoran''s person.


    She had a feeling that Dong Haoran was hiding some secret, which led to tonight''s surveince.


    Zhu Xiaoyue was a woman with a strong sense of justice. She would never allow a cancerous crook to hide within the police force, so she had to get to the bottom of this matter tonight.


    If Dong Haoran really was an addict, she would personally make sure he was caught and taken to the station.


    [Please rmend.]

 Chapter 47 The Good Family

    Dong Haoran walked into the bar and headed straight for a booth he knew well; three men were already sitting on the sofa.


    "Yo, Little Dong is here,e sit down," said the man with bulging arms and a Ban Chun haircut. Though he didn''t try to show it off, his demeanor still exuded an aura thatmanded respect.


    Dong Haoran didn''t presume to act superior. Although the others were gang members and he was a police officer, Dong Haoran acted very much like a junior in their presence.


    "Brother Hu, sorry to have kept you waiting, I just finished up with some stuff on my end," Dong Haoran said with a beaming smile.


    Brother Hu, the man with the imposing presence, was one of the few leaders in San Tiao Alley.


    Brother Hu was smart and ferocious. It took him only five years to rise from a petty thug to a leader in San Tiao Alley. This fact alone showed that Brother Hu was no ordinary man.


    The other two men sitting beside Brother Hu were Wang Min, who had called Dong Haoran, and Huo Yuan, the manager of the bar.


    Huo Yuan was from Zhu Ind City and owned a bar chain in Xuan Country named "Troubled Beauty."


    Huo Yuan knew how to y his cards right. He was familiar with the street rules, so when people came to his bar demanding protection fees, he went straight to their boss to negotiate a profit-sharing arrangement. That way, his bar wouldn''t have to deal with any other thugs asking for protection money again.


    This sort of arrangement was simr to the Sects of Zhu Ind City, but itcked their level of order.


    However, Huo Yuan didn''t care about that. He was only concerned with his bar''s business. As for those demanding protection fees, as long as they didn''t affect his business, he let them be.


    Dong Haoran and Brother Hu drank a few sses together and soon loosened up.


    Huo Yuan, being the boss, couldn''t stay there the whole time. After a few drinks, he left.


    Brother Hu patted Dong Haoran on the shoulder, pointing to the men and women in the bar flirting over drinks, and said, "See any girl you like? Pick anyone; it''s on me."


    Although "Troubled Beauty" was a bar that didn''t serve hard liquor, it had the highest number of visitors among all the bars in San Tiao Alley every day.


    Since "Troubled Beauty" was more upmarket, most of the patrons, both men and women, were city-dwelling white-cor workers.


    Dong Haoran knew that Brother Hu had significant influence in this area. Having offered him a choice, any woman he set his eyes on would be his, willing or not, because Brother Hu could make them willing.


    "I don''t know about that, Brother Hu," Dong Haoran feigned hesitation.


    Brother Hu''s face turned stern, "What''s there to think about? I said pick anyone you like. Choose a girl, and after we finish our drinks, you can take her away. With me here, nothing will go wrong."


    Dong Haoran''s heart soared with joy, "Well then, thanks in advance, Brother Hu."


    Brother Hu was willing to invest so much in Dong Haoran for a reason.


    Brother Hu was no longer content with just ruling San Tiao Alley; he wanted to expand his territory. To achieve this, he needed support.


    Although Dong Haoran was just a local patrol officer, that was fine. Brother Hu could use him to make connections with higher-ups.


    Dong Haoran continued drinking while scanning the bar for beautiful women, searching for his prey for the night.


    All these were decent women; no need for protection when ying with them, Dong Haoran thought excitedly.


    Suddenly, Dong Haoran spotted someone familiar. He stared at the woman for a few seconds before finally remembering where he had seen her.


    Just a few days ago, this woman was brought to the police station with Li Xiaoyao, and Dong Haoran was about to approach her when he got bitten by a dog.


    This woman was Tang Tiantian.


    Tang Tiantian seldom came to bars, but today she had to because her younger brother, Tang Youde, had his heart broken.


    Tang Youde was a college junior, and his girlfriend of three months had cheated on him, leading to their breakup.


    Tang Youde was feeling down, so he called his older sister to unload his troubles. After Tang Tiantian took him for a bite to eat, she brought him to a bar.


    "You De, don''t be sad anymore," Tang Tiantian advised, "A woman like that isn''t worth your affection."


    Tang Youde chuckled with a hint of drunkenness, "Sister, she doesn''t actually like that man, she just likes his money. That man is a second-generation rich kid, changing girlfriends every single day."


    Tang Tiantian said, "Since you know this, what''s there to hold on to?"


    "I can''t ept it, why should someone with money be able to steal my girlfriend?" A frustrated Tang Youde grabbed his ss and downed it in one go.


    While Tang Tiantian was consoling her brother, she was unaware that Dong Haoran had set his sights on her at this very moment.


    Meanwhile, Li Xiaoyao and Zhu Xiaoyue had also entered the bar.


    Zhu Xiaoyue looked around, searching for Dong Haoran''s figure.


    Li Xiaoyao, holding her hand, headed towards an empty table and whispered in her ear, "We''re following someone, not catching them. Looking around like this, it''s easy to be spotted."


    Zhu Xiaoyue sat down at a spot against the wall as Li Xiaoyao directed. He pointed in a direction and said, "Stop searching, he''s over there."


    Following the direction of Li Xiaoyao''s pointing, Zhu Xiaoyue indeed saw Dong Haoran and two other men sitting on a sofa, drinking and chatting.


    Zhu Xiaoyue asked, "What do we do now?"


    Li Xiaoyao''s cheeks trembled as he said, "You''re asking me what to do? I want to ask you what to do. Big-chested sis, you''re the cop, I''m just a regr person. Do you think it''s appropriate to ask me about this?"


    "What did you call me?" Zhu Xiaoyue immediately frowned and red.


    "Ahem, older sister..."


    Zhu Xiaoyue''s expression softened a bit, her eyes fixed on Dong Haoran, who was drinking.


    Seeing her at a loss, Li Xiaoyao said, "He''s just drinking, not doing drugs right now, so it wouldn''t be right to go up to him directly. Let''s wait here for a bit. If he really is a drug addict, then after he''s done drinking, he''s bound to look for a woman to hook up with."


    "Why does he need to hook up? Isn''t he supposed to be doing drugs?" Zhu Xiaoyue asked, puzzled.


    Li Xiaoyao rolled his eyes, unable to refrain from cursing, "He''s not going to use drugs alone, damn it, he''s sure to find a woman to do it with him. Don''t you even know that?"


    Zhu Xiaoyue blushed, looked at Li Xiaoyao and asked, "How do you know so much about this? Have you done it yourself?"


    Li Xiaoyao''s cheeks puffed out, his eyes narrowing as he stared at her delicate face, "I''ve never done it before, but if you''re interested, I could make the noble sacrifice and let you have some fun at my expense."


    Zhu Xiaoyue''s eyes shot daggers, she spat out one word: "Scram!"


    Zhu Xiaoyue and Li Xiaoyao bickered while drinking and asionally nced towards Dong Haoran.


    The two waited until nine o''clock when Dong Haoran had drunk quite a bit. Brother Hu asked him, "Seen any girl you fancy?"


    Dong Haoran smiled and pointed towards a booth not far away, at Tang Tiantian, who was speaking with Tang Youde, "That girl is not bad."


    Brother Hu nced over, his eyes lighting up instantly. Tang Tiantian was the type of girl who looked like the girl-next-door. From this angle, one could see her profile and half of her body. It was clear that this girl had a great figure and was beautiful.


    Brother Huughed and said, "Nice taste, little bro. Alright, go wait in the hotel room next door, I''ll have someone send her over to you in a bit."


    Dong Haoranughed contentedly, already fantasizing about galloping across the soft hotel bed with Tang Tiantian tonight. However, suddenly, his expression froze as he patted his pocket¡ªthe pills were gone.


    [Please vote for rmendation~~]

 Chapter 48 Spending Money

    Dong Haoran frowned, thinking, could it have been lost? But when had it gone missing?


    Brother Hu had already risen and left to make arrangements for Tang Tiantian.


    Wang Min, sitting beside him, saw his expression and asked, "What''s wrong?"


    Dong Haoran replied, "Brother Wang, do you have any medication on you? I left mine at home."


    "You kid,ing to me even for a few pills," teased Wang Min with a smile as he pointed at him.


    Dong Haoran chuckled, "I really did forget to bring them."


    "I don''t have any Ecstasy pills, but I''ve got something even better," Wang Min said with a mysterious smile, pulling out a zip-seal bag from his pocket. Inside the bag was a white powder.


    Taking it in his hand, Dong Haoran asked, "What is this?"


    Wang Min replied, "Good stuff, it''s more effective than pills. This is enough for you to enjoy all night."


    Without another word, Dong Haoran stowed the item and said, "Thanks, Brother Wang. I''ll treat you to a mealter."


    Zhu Xiaoyue, who had been observing Dong Haoran from a distance, saw him take a bag of white powder from Wang Min and was about to rush over to catch him red-handed, but was quickly pulled back by Li Xiaoyao.


    Li Xiaoyao red at her, "Are you crazy?"


    Zhu Xiaoyue shook off his hand and said, "Why are you holding me back? Didn''t you see what he just took in his hand?"


    Li Xiaoyao said, "What''s the rush? He''s not going anywhere. Let''s wait and see where he''s headed."


    Zhu Xiaoyue suppressed the urge to rush forward and arrest him, and sat at a table with Li Xiaoyao, pretending to be a couple.


    Once Dong Haoran got up and left the bar, Li Xiaoyao and Zhu Xiaoyue also followed him out.


    The two of them watched as he entered a hotel next to the bar, exchanged a nce, and followed him in.


    They waited outside the hotel for ten minutes, until Dong Haoran hadpleted the check-in process, then pushed the door and went in.


    "Damn, we don''t know which room he''s in," Zhu Xiaoyue said with a frown.


    Li Xiaoyao replied, "I know."


    Zhu Xiaoyue looked at him curiously. Li Xiaoyao had already walked up to the front desk and said, "I''d like a room, 403, please."


    The room was prepared quickly, and Li Xiaoyao, holding the room card, waved it in front of Zhu Xiaoyue, saying, "Don''t just stand there, let''s go."


    Once inside the elevator, Zhu Xiaoyue couldn''t help but ask, "How do you know which room he''s in?"


    Li Xiaoyao, of course, wouldn''t tell her about his telepathy. He said, "I asked around when I went to the restroom just now. Hey, you''re not doing a very good job as a cop. Not knowing this basic information and just blindly tracking people."


    Zhu Xiaoyue''s face reddened, but she stubbornly replied, "Who says I don''t know."


    Li Xiaoyao looked at her with a smile. By then, the elevator had reached the fourth floor. Li Xiaoyao stepped forward to exit, but Zhu Xiaoyue grabbed him.


    Zhu Xiaoyue whispered, "Be careful, let''s first see if he''s out there."


    Li Xiaoyao looked helpless, "There''s no one out there."


    Zhu Xiaoyue looked puzzled, "How would you know that?"


    Li Xiaoyao lied without blinking an eye, "And you call yourself a cop, all those things they taught you in the police academy, forgotten already? This hotel is so small, you can hear everything."


    As he spoke, Li Xiaoyao walked out of the elevator. Using his telepathy, he had already locked on to Dong Haoran''s room.


    Li Xiaoyao ced his index finger to his lips and went "shush," saying, "Don''t talk."


    The two of them walked to room 403 with light steps and swiped the card to enter the room.


    Sitting on the bed, Li Xiaoyao pointed to the wall behind the bed, "He''s in the next room."


    Zhu Xiaoyue took a paper cup, pressed it against the wall, and then ced her ear against the cup, listening to the movement in the next room.


    Li Xiaoyao, meanwhile,y on the bed with his eyes closed, resting, as every action of Dong Haoran''s yed out in his mind; now, he was just waiting for him to take drugs, and then Zhu Xiaoyue could apprehend him.


    At that moment, Dong Haoran sat on the bed, took out a sealed bag, and looked at the white powder inside, licking his lips. He didn''t realize at all that he was being tracked.


    In the bar, Tang Youde had already gotten drunk, and Tang Tiantian was preparing to take him away, but just then, a man approached her.


    Tang Tiantian looked up, thinking he was just trying to hit on her, and didn''t pay him any attention.


    Tang Tiantian, supporting the drunken Tang Youde, got up to leave.


    The man took out a bulging envelope, ced it on the table, and said, "This is your fee for the night."


    Upon hearing this, Tang Tiantian visibly froze, then, enraged, said, "I''m not a prostitute, get out of my way."


    The man smiled faintly, not surprised, and said, "My boss has taken a fancy to you, he needs you to serve him for the night, and this is yourpensation."


    Tang Tiantian felt a surge of anger inside. She couldn''t believe that someone would brazenly try to buy a woman''s chastity in such a manner.


    Tang Tiantian was a woman with boundaries and dignity; she would not sell her chastity for money.


    "You really make me sick!" Tang Tiantian said angrily, looking at the man, then helped Tang Youde towards the door.


    The man, watching the defiant Tang Tiantian, smiled faintly and said, "Interesting."


    Tang Tiantian, supporting Tang Youde, left the bar, but as soon as they stepped out, a group of tall men surrounded them. Several men snatched Tang Youde from her hands, while a few others grabbed and took her away.


    Tang Tiantian was frightened. She wanted to call for help, but before she could make a sound, her mouth was covered.


    ...


    Li Xiaoyao, lying on the bed, moved his ear; he heard the elevator doors open.


    Li Xiaoyao expanded his consciousness, covering the entire hotel, and with such detailed coverage, immediately saw a woman being carried up to the fourth floor by several men.


    Li Xiaoyao frowned; he felt the woman looked very familiar.


    Upon closer inspection, Li Xiaoyao''s eyes suddenly shot open.


    "Damn it!" Li Xiaoyao cursed under his breath. He realized the woman being held by the men was Tang Tiantian.


    "What''s wrong?" Zhu Xiaoyue asked curiously, looking at him.


    Li Xiaoyao didn''t speak; his face grim, he walked to the door, pretended to look through the peephole, and said, "They''ve captured a woman."


    Zhu Xiaoyue''s eyebrows raised, "Kidnapping!"


    Li Xiaoyao was waiting for just that response. He pulled open the door and swiftly exited.


    Tang Tiantian struggled violently, but the men, each big and burly, immobilized herpletely.


    Tang Tiantian''s eyes reddened as tears of fear rolled down.


    She had a clear idea of what these bad men wanted to do, and she couldn''t imagine living on if she were dishonored.


    At this moment, in Tang Tiantian''s mind, the image of Li Xiaoyao unexpectedly surfaced.


    If only he were here, she thought to herself.


    And just as she was thinking of Li Xiaoyao, a familiar voice suddenly arose from behind.


    "Put her down!"


    Li Xiaoyao stood outside the door, looking at the men with a cold gaze, his seemingly calm voice filled with anger.


    [Please vote for rmendation]

 Chapter 49 The Brazenness Under Broad Daylight

    The men watched the man who had suddenly appeared, puzzled, wondering from where had this man emerged?


    The burly man scoffed in disdain and said, "Kid, this has nothing to do with you, scram."


    Zhu Xiaoyue quickly ran out after him, and when she saw Tang Tiantian being grabbed by the hands and feet by several men, she instantly became furious.


    In this day and age, people dare to kidnap young women in broad daylight.


    "Police!" Zhu Xiaoyue took out her police badge and ordered, "I suspect you''re involved in a kidnapping, put the person down, and all of you, with your hands on your heads, squat down!"


    After Zhu Xiaoyue announced her police identity, the men were momentarily stunned and then looked at each other before saying, "Where did this cope from?"


    "Who cares where she came from, tie her up too."


    Zhu Xiaoyue, hearing their dialogue, became even more angered in her heart. These bastards, knowing her police identity, not only weren''t afraid but also arrogantly wanted to tie her up as well.


    Two of the men stepped forward, rubbing their fists and palms together, and sneered, "The officer has a pretty good figure, this uniform really gets my blood boiling. Want big brother to make you a woman?"


    The man''s exceedingly lewd words made Zhu Xiaoyue tremble with rage.


    "Bastard!" Zhu Xiaoyue cursed and drew her service pistol from her waist, pressed it against the man''s forehead, and pushed hard as she yelled, "I told you to put your hands on your head and squat. Can''t you understand?"


    The lewd smile on the man''s face froze instantly, his throat bobbed, and his eyes showed fear.


    The other men were also frightened by Zhu Xiaoyue''s action of drawing her gun. The man with the gun to his head shed a vicious look in his eyes and growled, "You think you''re so great because you''re a cop? I''m aw-abiding citizen. What does my standing here have to do with you?"


    Zhu Xiaoyue had never encountered this situation before. She had thought drawing her gun would deter these bastards, but she didn''t expect this man to be so defiant, spouting obscene words even with a gun to his head.


    Li Xiaoyao was not as polite as Zhu Xiaoyue. He walked straight over, grabbed the man''s hair with his left hand, and delivered a hard punch to the man''s sr plexus with his right fist. The man''s body instantly curled up like a shrimp and he copsed to the ground.


    Li Xiaoyao continued to move forward, and when the remaining men saw Li Xiaoyao take action, they cursed and yelled, "Damn, take him down!"


    One man stayed behind, holding onto Tang Tiantian, while the other three charged at Li Xiaoyao to teach him a lesson.


    Tang Tiantian took the opportunity to see who hade, a man and a woman. The woman was Officer Zhu, and the man, it really was Li Xiaoyao!


    He truly appeared, at the most critical moment, he was there!


    At this moment, Tang Tiantian was even more convinced that Li Xiaoyao was her destined true hero!


    No matter how tall and muscr these ruffians were, in front of Li Xiaoyao, they were like paper mach¨¦, utterly defenseless.


    Li Xiaoyao strode forward andnded a punch on one man''s face, "crack," the man''s nasal bone instantly shattered, and he fell backward.


    Following that, Li Xiaoyao delivered another whip kick that took down another man. Thest man rushed from the side, trying to grab Li Xiaoyao, but as Li Xiaoyao turned around, he threw a cannon punch with such force that it sent the man flying through the air for over ten meters before crashing against the wall, making a loud thud, and sliding down to the ground against the wall.


    The man holding Tang Tiantian saw Li Xiaoyao''s fierce prowess and shook all over in fear.


    Zhu Xiaoyue was also astonished inside, not expecting that Li Xiaoyao possessed such impressive martial skills.


    Li Xiaoyao took step by step until he was in front of Tang Tiantian, merely giving the man a cold nce, causing the man holding Tang Tiantian to shudder and release her, turning to run away.


    Li Xiaoyao quickly stepped forward, reaching out to grab the man''s cor from behind, and with a gentle tug, the man lost his bnce and toppled backward.


    With all the men dealt with, Li Xiaoyao turned and walked towards Tang Tiantian. Before he could even speak, Tang Tiantian had already opened her arms and hugged him tightly.


    Tang Tiantian''s body trembled lightly as she wept, gripping Li Xiaoyao tightly and said, "I was so scared."


    Li Xiaoyao patted her, reassuring, "It''s okay, it''s okay, I''m here."


    Zhu Xiaoyue was on the phone contacting the station, but when she saw Li Xiaoyao and Tang Tiantian embracing, for some reason, her heart felt a strange difort.


    After hanging up with the station, Zhu Xiaoyue walked over and asked, "What should we do with these people?"


    Li Xiaoyao looked at the four men lying on the ground and said, "Contact the hotel staff, have theme over to help keep an eye on them, and I''ll apany you inside to catch Dong Haoran red-handed."


    Zhu Xiaoyue pointed at Tang Tiantian and asked, "What about her?"


    Tang Tiantian''s emotions were slowly stabilizing. Suddenly, she remembered her brother and didn''t know where those men had taken him. She quickly grabbed Li Xiaoyao''s arm and pleaded, "You De was taken away by them. Li Xiaoyao, can you please save him?"


    Li Xiaoyao asked, "Who is You De?"


    Tang Tiantian answered, "My brother, Tang Youde."


    Only then did Li Xiaoyao remember to ask, "How did you end up being brought here?"


    Tang Tiantian shook her head, looking bewildered, and said, "I don''t know. When You De and I were about to leave the bar, a man came over, gave me money, and asked me to... to..."


    Tang Tiantian couldn''t finish her sentence, but Li Xiaoyao and Zhu Xiaoyue could guess what had happened.


    Li Xiaoyao asked, "And then you were brought here?"


    Tang Tiantian nodded and said, "Yes, they took You De away, and then they brought me here."


    Li Xiaoyao roughly understood what had happened. It must have been Dong Haoran who had set his sights on Tang Tiantian in the bar and then had someone kidnap her.


    Outrageous, truly outrageous!


    Li Xiaoyao patted Tang Tiantian''s back and said, "Don''t worry, your brother will be fine."


    Li Xiaoyao crouched down, grabbed a man by the hair, yanked it forcefully, and pped him across both cheeks. The man was immediately pped awake.


    "What are you going to do?" the man said, scared and backing away. Li Xiaoyao applied some force, and the man felt as if his hair was about to part from his scalp.


    Li Xiaoyao looked at him with an indifferent gaze and stated, "I ask, you answer."


    The man snorted angrily, "Kid, you''ve got guts, causing trouble on Tiger Brother''s turf."


    "Smack!"


    Li Xiaoyao raised his hand andnded another p.


    "You..."


    "Smack!"


    Li Xiaoyao pped him again with the back of his hand.


    The man shut his mouth, not daring to speak any further.


    "I ask, you answer. If you utter one unnecessary word, I''ll give you a p," Li Xiaoyao said. His voice wasn''t loud, but it carried an undeniable power to the man''s ears.


    The man nodded repeatedly.


    Li Xiaoyao asked, "There was another man with her; where did you guys take him?"


    The man immediately said, "We left him outside the bar."


    Tang Tiantian breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed that their target was only her, and Tang Youde was simply in the way.


    [Please rmend]

 Chapter 50 No Need to Be Polite with Scum

    Li Xiaoyao took sheets from the room, tied up all four men, and left them in the corner.


    Zhu Xiaoyue called over the hotel staff and asked for their help in watching the men, telling them that the police would arrive soon.


    Tang Tiantian sat in the room Li Xiaoyao had rented, with two attendants keeping herpany.


    After making these arrangements, Li Xiaoyao and Zhu Xiaoyue walked to room 404, which was Dong Haoran''s room.


    The two exchanged a nce, and Li Xiaoyao, holding a hotel-provided keycard, lightly swiped it across the door.


    Dong Haoran was taking a shower, thinking that by the time he was done, the person would more or less be delivered.


    Li Xiaoyao pushed open the door, swaggered into the room, while Zhu Xiaoyue, with her right hand on the grip of her gun, looked ahead vigntly, nking Li Xiaoyao to his right and left.


    The room was empty, no one was there, only clothes and pantsy quietly on the bed.


    Zhu Xiaoyue frowned, "Where is he?"


    Li Xiaoyao pointed towards the restroom, "With the shower so loud, can''t you hear it?"


    Zhu Xiaoyue''s face turned red; she had been too nervous and really hadn''t heard the shower.


    Now that Li Xiaoyao mentioned it, she looked over and indeed saw the silhouette of someone showering through the frosted ss.


    "Arrest him!" Zhu Xiaoyuemanded, charging toward the bathroom. She kicked open the door to find Dong Haoran showering, startled, clutching his privates, and leaning against the wall while the shower head continued to spray water down on him, making him look utterly pathetic.


    After a moment of shock, Dong Haoran recognized the intruder as Zhu Xiaoyue!


    A sense of rm rushed through Dong Haoran''s heart, wondering if his cover was blown.


    "What the hell do you want, Zhu Xiaoyue!" Dong Haoran yelled angrily, regardless of whether he was exposed or not, now the situation was simply Zhu Xiaoyue trespassing into someone''s home.


    Zhu Xiaoyue snorted, "Dong Haoran, I suspect you of drug use and trafficking. I''m officially arresting you now."


    Upon hearing Zhu Xiaoyue''s words, Dong Haoran''s mind buzzed¡ªthe secret was out. But Dong Haoran was not about toply so easily. He stiffened his neck and said, "Zhu Xiaoyue, don''t talk nonsense without evidence. We''re both cops; you understand, and I understand. Be careful or I''ll sue you."


    Zhu Xiaoyue sneered, "You call yourself a cop? You''re just a temp worker, not even formally employed. Our police force would never have a cop like you. I''ve already captured you on camera at the bar trading narcotics. Whether you''re wronged or not, we''ll find out with an investigation."


    Dong Haoran''s face turned pale. Seeing only Zhu Xiaoyue in the room, wicked thoughts shed through his mind.


    Suddenly, Dong Haoran let go of his privates. Zhu Xiaoyue, caught off guard by his action, closed her eyes and cursed loudly, "Dong Haoran, you shameless jerk!"


    "Being shameless is better than going to jail," Dong Haoran snickered maliciously. "Xiaoyue, I''ve wanted to do this to you for a long time with no chance. Today, since you''vee to me, I won''t be polite."


    As Dong Haoran spoke, he lunged at Zhu Xiaoyue.


    However, just as he was about to pounce on Zhu Xiaoyue, Li Xiaoyao suddenly entered the restroom, lifted his foot, and kicked Dong Haoran urately in the stomach, sending him flying back and crashing into the bathroom wall.


    Struggling to get up, Dong Haoran saw Li Xiaoyao approach quickly, grabbed his hair, and dragged him out of the restroom.


    Dong Haoran, seeing Li Xiaoyao, who had been in and out of detention twice, now in front of him and having turned the tables by hitting him, felt a surge of anger.


    "Li Xiaoyao, you dare assault an officer!" Dong Haoran growled through clenched teeth.


    Li Xiaoyao grabbed his hair, yanked it up, and greeted him with several ps.


    Dong Haoran, stunned by Li Xiaoyao''s blows, heard Li Xiaoyao say smilingly, "Officer Dong, quite the dark horse, involved in both drug use and trafficking."


    Coming to his senses, Dong Haoran cursed, "Don''t you dare frame me."


    Li Xiaoyao pulled a sealed stic bag from his pocket, which contained a white powder.


    Pinching the stic bag between his fingers, Li Xiaoyao waved it in front of him and said, "Officer Dong, do you recognize this? Caught red-handed, and you still have the nerve to deny it?"


    Dong Haoran red at the stic bag, stubbornly retorting, "That''s not mine. Hmph, you just bring something and im it''s mine. Do you think I''m an idiot?"


    From the side, Zhu Xiaoyue angrily interjected, "Dong Haoran, your denial is useless, there are your fingerprints on the sealing tape."


    Li Xiaoyao chuckled, "No need to be reasonable with such a person."


    Dong Haoran eyed Li Xiaoyao warily and asked, "What are you nning to do?"


    "What am I going to do? You''ll find out soon enough." Li Xiaoyao''s sinister smile sent a chill down Dong Haoran''s spine.


    The next moment, Li Xiaoyao suddenly grabbed Dong Haoran''s mouth and forcefully pried it open. Then he poured all of the white powder from the stic bag into Dong Haoran''s mouth.


    Dong Haoran''s eyes bulged in panic as he struggled wildly, but Li Xiaoyao''s strength was too great for him to resist. He could only watch helplessly as Li Xiaoyao dumped the white powder into his mouth.


    Zhu Xiaoyue stood by, frowning deeply as she observed Li Xiaoyao''s actions but did nothing to stop him.


    After doing all this, Li Xiaoyao let go of him, dusted off his hands, and stood to the side.


    Dong Haoran reached into his throat, desperately trying to scoop out the white powder, which had already dissolved on contact and mixed with his saliva, sliding down into his stomach. No matter how much he wed, he could not get it out.


    "Li Xiaoyao, I''ll fucking kill you!" Dong Haoran lunged toward Li Xiaoyao like a madman.


    Li Xiaoyao, unruffled, raised his hand and delivered a p, hitting his face urately and sending him flying back onto the bed.


    Lighting a cigarette, Li Xiaoyao sat beside Dong Haoran and said, "In no more than five minutes, you''ll be hallucinating. Officer Dong, I have some good news for you¡ªI called the police. So by the time they arrive, they''ll just happen to see you freaking out on drugs."


    Dong Haoran''s face turned to fury¡ª if he had a gun on him, he would have shot Li Xiaoyao dead on the spot.


    He would have never imagined that one day he would fall into the hands of a man who had been behind bars.


    Without waiting too long, Dong Haoran started to enter a state of delirium, beginning to giggle and talk to the wall.


    Zhu Xiaoyue voiced her concern, "He won''t be in any trouble, will he?"


    Shaking his head, Li Xiaoyao replied, "He won''t."


    Grabbing Dong Haoran''s hair, Li Xiaoyao pushed down forcefully, yet Dong Haoran didn''t feel any pain; instead, he made a sound offort.


    "Who gave you this stuff?" Li Xiaoyao stared at Dong Haoran''s dted pupils and demanded in a deep voice.


    Under this state, Dong Haoran had no will of his own, and he would answer any question put to him.


    "Wang Min gave it to me."


    "Who is Wang Min?"


    "A temporary police assistant, my buddy."


    Li Xiaoyao exchanged a nce with Zhu Xiaoyue, whose eyes showed a grave seriousness, faintly sensing the severity of the situation.


    Fortunately, both were just auxiliary police, and since the matter had been discovered early, dealing with it now shouldn''t lead to any major issues. At least, it wouldn''t cast any negative impact on their police station.

 Chapter 51: Chapter 51 A Fire is Burning

    It turned out that not just one police officer was involved in this affair, but Li Xiaoyao had already guessed as much, so he wasn''t particrly surprised when he heard it.


    Li Xiaoyao continued to ask, "Who is your supplier? Who wants to capture Tang Tiantian?"


    Dong Haoran said, "Brother Hu is my supplier. He wants to expand his influence, so he takes good care of me. He gives me whatever I want. He even gave me the distrubutionwork for ''Beauty in Troubled Times''. Any girl I take a liking to, he''ll find a way to bring her to me."


    The truth of the matter became clear. That''s how it was.


    Brother Hu was not content with the forces in San Tiao Alley; he wanted to grow stronger. So, he wooed Dong Haoran, attempting to coborate both internally and externally, paving the way for the expansion of his power.


    If Li Xiaoyao hadn''t appeared, Brother Hu''s ns would have progressed step by step, but unfortunately, Brother Hu captured someone he shouldn''t have, provoking Li Xiaoyao.


    "Brother Hu?" Li Xiaoyao narrowed his eyes, this name was far from unfamiliar to him.


    Zhao Si had sought him out before, hoping that he would help take down San Tiao Alley, and one of the several big shots in the Alley was Hu Zhi.


    Li Xiaoyao had intended to deal with his immediate concerns before helping Zhao Si deal with Hu Zhi, but now, Li Xiaoyao felt there was no need to wait.


    "I''ve heard of this Brother Hu. There are three well-off guys in San Tiao Alley, and Hu Zhi is one of them. He is also the most sessful among them," Zhu Xiaoyue said.


    Li Xiaoyao nodded and said, "You take care of him, I''m taking Tang Tiantian and leaving first."


    "Okay." Zhu Xiaoyue paused for a few seconds as she watched Li Xiaoyao, then suddenly said, "Thank you."


    "Police-citizen coboration, right? Ie as a good citizen," Li Xiaoyao waved his hand and exited the room.


    Zhu Xiaoyue watched Li Xiaoyao''s retreating figure, feeling profoundly grateful. She was well aware that if Li Xiaoyao hadn''t been there today, it would''ve been extremely difficult for her to step foot into that room on her own. The four men outside were trouble enough for her to handle.


    Li Xiaoyao walked into the next room and waved to Tang Tiantian, "Let''s go, we''re heading back."


    Tang Tiantian hurriedly stood up and walked towards Li Xiaoyao, gripping his arm tightly. The two, appearing like a couple, stepped into the elevator.


    ¡­


    Hengtian Golf Vis is a wealthy neighborhood in Ling City, home to the rich and the noble.


    Brother Hu, relying on the enterprises of San Tiao Alley, had bought a vi here in just five years, tentatively stepping into the circle of the elite.


    Brother Hu was sitting on the couch, d in breathable, light clothes and perusing through a stack of ount books.


    The sound of footsteps approached from the doorway, prompting Brother Hu toy down the ount book and look up.


    A young man came over, his expression slightly troubled, said, "Brother Hu, Dong Haoran has been arrested."


    "Oh? What happened?" Brother Hu wasn''t perturbed. He picked up a cigar from the box on the table, smelled it gently beneath his nose, then used a cigar cutter to trim off the cap. Striking a match, he lit the cigar evenly.


    Brother Hu initially didn''t enjoy smoking these things, finding cigars too much trouble, but after meeting with some rich folks during business, he noticed that they all liked to smoke cigars, and he gradually developed a taste for them too.


    "A man and woman abruptly broke into the hotel; the woman is a cop, and the man''s identity is currently unclear. Now, Dong Haoran has been subdued by the cop, and at the time of his capture, he had already been using drugs," the man said with concern. "Brother Hu, what do we do now?"


    Brother Hu exhaled a cloud of smoke, a glint of cold light flickered in his eyes, he said, "Find out that man''s identity. As for Dong Haoran, have someone send him a message: don''t talk about what he shouldn''t; if he talks recklessly, no one can save him."


    The man nodded, "Got it, Brother Hu."


    Brother Hu set aside the cigar and added, "Those twin sistersst time were quite nice, have theme over."


    Brother Hu was feeling agitated and in urgent need of release.


    After hearing that, the man took out his phone and began to arrange it.


    Within half an hour, a business van delivered a pair of twins to the vi.


    The twins appeared to be no older than eighteen or neen, yet they were well-developed, especially in their short skirt school uniforms, which made Brother Hu feel as though he had returned to his teenage years.


    Brother Hu waved his hand, instructing the others to leave the room.


    Now alone with the twins, the fear on their faces was evident; they seemed very afraid of Brother Hu.


    Brother Hu leaned back on the couch and beckoned to the girls with his finger, "Come here."


    ¡­


    After leaving the hotel, Li Xiaoyao and Tang Tiantian arrived at the entrance of the bar, looking for Tang Youde.


    Tang Youde was discarded by the roadside in a flower bed; when Li Xiaoyao found him, he was sound asleep.


    In the living room, Tang Youde, wearing only his underwear, was tossed onto the couch by Li Xiaoyao.


    Tang Tiantian, sitting on one end of the couch, said to the bustling Li Xiaoyao, "Thank you, Li Xiaoyao."


    Li Xiaoyao waved his hand and responded, "Don''t be polite with me. Life is not easy for anyone out there; it''s only right to lend a hand to each other."


    Tiantian was touched but didn''t know what to say or how to express her gratitude.


    One could say that Li Xiaoyao saved her today. Without him, she would have already been defiled by Dong Haoran.


    Such a debt of gratitude, even offering oneself in return would hardly be an exaggeration.


    "You should go get some sleep; you have work tomorrow," Li Xiaoyao pointed at Tang Youde on the couch and added, "I''ll sleep in the living room tonight, and I''ll take care of your brother."


    "Okay," Tang Tiantian nodded, stood up to go to her room, and after a while, she took some clothes and entered the bathroom.


    The sound of the shower running caught Li Xiaoyao''s attention, making him look up.


    Li Xiaoyao had drunk some alcohol earlier in the evening, but given his cultivation level, alcohol no longer affected him.


    Wearing only a pair of boxer shorts, Li Xiaoyao sat in the living room. The faint sound of a door opening in the middle of the night woke him up.


    The noise wasing from Tang Tiantian''s room. Li Xiaoyao looked over and saw Tang Tiantian standing at the bedroom doorway, softly calling out, "Li Xiaoyao, are you asleep?"

 Chapter 52: Chapter 52 Palpitations

    .........


    "Li Xiaoyao, are you asleep?" Tang Tiantian''s voice was light.


    "Not yet." Li Xiaoyao stared straight at Tang Tiantian. The evil fire in his belly had finally subsided, but there she was again, seemingly determined not to let him sleep.


    "Can you...e in and talk with me? I''m afraid to be alone." Tang Tiantian said timidly. When she spoke these words, her cheeks blushed like two red apples, thankfully unseen in the unlit room.


    "Oh, sure, wait for me a moment." Li Xiaoyao stood up from the chair, stretched his body, twisted his neck, and slowly walked toward the room.


    In the bedroom, Li Xiaoyao sat on the edge of the bed while Tang Tiantiany on it. The two of them quietly looking at each other created a momentarily awkward ambiance, tinged with ambiguity.


    "Is work tough?" Tang Tiantian broke the silence, asking softly.


    Li Xiaoyao smiled and said, "Not tough, quite rxed actually. I just sit in the office every day without needing to do anything and get my sry at the end of the month."


    "Oh." Tang Tiantian fell silent again.


    Li Xiaoyao asked, "How about you? How''s work going?"


    "It''s enough to support myself, and each month I''m able to save a little for You De." Tang Tiantian''s smile was somewhat bitter, but her eyes were filled with hope. "You De does really well in school. Once he graduates, he''ll definitely find a good job. By then, I''ll save some more money to buy him an apartment in the city."


    Li Xiaoyao looked at her and suddenly felt that this woman was truly kind-hearted. It didn''t matter if she lived a lessfortable life, as long as her brother had a good one, she would be happy.


    "I feel like I can''t sleep anymore, Li Xiaoyao, do you want to drink some wine?" Tang Tiantian sat up on the bed, and without waiting to see if Li Xiaoyao wanted to, she stood up and went to the living room to fetch a bottle of red wine, saying, "Can you join me for a bit?"


    Li Xiaoyao smiled and said, "How could I refuse such a beautiful request?"


    Tang Tiantian''s cheeks turned a light pink. She pulled out the cork but realized she had forgotten to bring a wine ss. Shaking her head, she decided not to bother and directly took hold of the red wine, her red lips touching the bottle opening, and drank a couple of sips.


    After she finished, she handed the red wine to Li Xiaoyao. He took it and also drank two sips.


    That''s how the two of them went on, one sip after another, focusing solely on the wine, not speaking a word.


    Soon, the bottle was empty. Tang Tiantian didn''t hold her liquor well and now felt a bit dizzy.


    "Li Xiaoyao, why are you so nice to me?" Tang Tiantian tilted her head and gazed at Li Xiaoyao. Her eyes, clouded with intoxication, looked at him with an enticing haziness.


    Li Xiaoyao knew she was drunk. He put the empty wine bottle on the floor, touched her hair with his hand and gently said, "It''ste, you should go to sleep."


    But to his surprise, Tang Tiantian suddenly hugged him. Her soft body pressed against Li Xiaoyao''s, her subtle, sweet scent filling his nostrils and momentarily making him lose himself.


    Damn it, she was trying to make himmit a crime.


    Li Xiaoyao thought darkly, yet his hands involuntarily grasped her tender wrists.


    Tang Tiantian''s eyes held a deep affection as she slightly closed them, leaning her upper body forward, the very picture of someone ready to be embraced.


    "I like you."


    This deration,den with deep emotion, was like a fuse that instantly ignited the feelings Li Xiaoyao had suppressed in his heart.


    Li Xiaoyao''s arms gently tightened, and he pulled her into his embrace.


    "Mmm~" Tang Tiantian let out softly, and her body was immediately embraced tightly by Li Xiaoyao.


    Li Xiaoyao lowered his head, seized her red lips, and kissed her domineeringly. Chapter Explore:


    Tang Tiantian had never had such intimate contact with a man before, and the feeling Li Xiaoyao gave her was incredibly wonderful, as if having this man by her side gave her an infinite sense of security.


    A night of spring breeze, a house full of the colors of spring.


    Daylight arrived.


    Tang Tiantian was awakened by the sunlight that streamed in from outside, groggily opening her eyes, and her head gradually cleared as she turned to nce at Li Xiaoyao beside her.


    Tang Tiantian looked at his sleeping face and a satisfied smile appeared on her face.


    This man might have some ws she didn''t know about, maybe she still didn''t understand him enough, but Tang Tiantian had no regrets about what happened yesterday.


    Li Xiaoyao was an upright man, this Tang Tiantian knew better than anyone else.


    And with Li Xiaoyao by her side, Tang Tiantian always felt especially at ease, especially secure.


    Tang Tiantian wriggled her body, leaning into Li Xiaoyao''s embrace, her heart filled with happiness.


    Tang Tiantian stretched out her hand, her two fingers lightly tracing lines on Li Xiaoyao''s firm chest.


    "What are you doing, little girl?" Li Xiaoyao, who had woken up at some unknown time, suddenly spoke and gave Tang Tiantian a start.


    "Nothing much." Tang Tiantian was still somewhat shy, not daring to look at Li Xiaoyao.


    Li Xiaoyao looked at her, and with a naughty smirk, said, "Not being honest, huh?"


    Tang Tiantian, somewhat panicked, twisted her body and said, "Stop it now."


    Li Xiaoyao was no stallion, and upon hearing this, he simply embraced her gently and said softly, "Don''t go to work today. Stay home and rest well. I''ll cook for you."


    "Mmm." Tang Tiantian nodded shyly and buried her head in his embrace.


    She really liked this feeling, believing Li Xiaoyao to be a man worthy of her trust, but she was also a bit worried, afraid that she might not be able to hold on tightly to such a good man as Li Xiaoyao.


    "Sis."


    Suddenly, a man''s voice came from outside the door.


    Tang Tiantian lifted her head, stunned for a few seconds, then said anxiously, "It''s You De, get up quickly, otherwise he''ll see us."


    Li Xiaoyao, holding her waist, said, "Let him see, it''s also about time he gets to know his brother-inw."


    The word "brother-inw" made Tang Tiantian''s heart flutter with embarrassment and joy.


    Li Xiaoyao threw off the covers, got out of bed, and stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, stretching his arms vigorously.


    Tang Tiantian gazed at Li Xiaoyao''s perfect body, each inch of muscle contained boundless strength, and thinking aboutst night made her cheeks flush with heat.


    ...¡­

 Chapter 53 Broke but Spunky

    Li Xiaoyao put on his clothes and walked out of the room.


    Tang Youde, wearing only a pair of boxer shorts, stood at the door. He ended up not waiting for his sister but encountering a strange man instead.


    For a brief moment, Tang Youde froze for two to three seconds.


    "Who are you?" Tang Youde asked with his eyebrows furrowed in suspicion.


    Li Xiaoyao quickly sized up Tang Youde from head to toe. Tang Youde had been drunkst night, so Li Xiaoyao couldn''t take a good look then. Now upon inspection, Li Xiaoyao found that Tang Youde was a quite handsome young man, probably around six feet tall, just a bit on the skinny side, suggesting ack of regr exercise.


    "I''m your sister''s boyfriend, Li Xiaoyao."


    "My sister''s boyfriend?" Tang Youde looked at Li Xiaoyao skeptically, clearly not quite believing him. He remembered his sister had always been single, never mentioning a boyfriend. How could he not be skeptical when suddenly a boyfriend appeared out of the blue?


    Seeing his disbelief, Li Xiaoyao didn''t bother to exin further. He simply headed to the living room and said, "Your sister is still sleeping, don''t disturb her now,e on, let''s go out for some breakfast."


    Still half dazed, Tang Youde followed Li Xiaoyao downstairs. When Li Xiaoyao was buying breakfast, he texted Tang Tiantian to ask what she wanted to eat.


    Li Xiaoyao bought three baskets of soup dumplings, a pot of rice porridge, a jin of sesame-seed cakes, over ten sticks of fried dough, and another jin of potstickers. The two men carried a whole pile of breakfast upstairs.


    Tang Youde eximed in surprise, "This is too much, it will be a waste if we can''t eat it all."


    Li Xiaoyao replied, "It won''t go to waste."


    By the time they got back, Tang Tiantian had already washed up and was sitting on the sofa in her lounge clothes. Seeing the amount of food they brought, she was genuinely astonished.


    "Why did you buy so much?" Tang Tiantian asked as she helped them move the breakfast onto the table.


    Li Xiaoyao said, "It''s not too much, sit down and eat."


    Once everything was ready, the trio started eating.


    Tang Youde nced at Li Xiaoyao and asked, "Sis, are you in a rtionship?"


    Tang Tiantian''s cheeks flushed, she nced at Li Xiaoyao, who was gobbling down his food, nodded, and hummed softly in acknowledgment.


    Halfway through breakfast, Tang Tiantian suddenly received a call from herpany. After hanging up, she said, "Two of my colleagues are sick today, I can''t ask for a leave, I have to go to work."


    Having said that, Tang Tiantian stood up and walked into her room to change clothes.


    Li Xiaoyao set down his chopsticks, wiped his mouth and followed her into the room. Chapter Discover:


    Inside the room, Li Xiaoyao casually shut the door, walked up to Tang Tiantian and said, "Don''t go to work, I''ll support you."


    Tang Tiantian was stunned for a moment, then smiled happily. She tiptoed to kiss Li Xiaoyao on the cheek and said, "Thank you, Xiaoyao, but I don''t want to be a woman who only knows how to spend money."


    Li Xiaoyao scratched his head¡ªhe had only wanted Tang Tiantian not to have to work under someone''s gaze; he hadn''t thought too much beyond that.


    However, since she wanted to work, Li Xiaoyao wouldn''t stop her.


    As Tang Tiantian changed clothes, Li Xiaoyao''s eyes never left her. Under his brazen gaze, Tang Tiantian hardly dared to look up at him.


    When she had finally changed, Tang Tiantian fled the bedroom as if escaping.


    After Tang Tiantian left for work, Li Xiaoyao returned to the living room and finished off the rest of the breakfast, leaving Tang Youde agape with amazement.


    "Li... Li Xiaoyao, how can you eat so much?" Tang Youde wasn''t sure how to address him. Calling him brother-inw felt awkward and he couldn''t quite get used to it in just a moment''s time.


    Li Xiaoyao nced at him and asked, "What are you calling me?"


    Tang Youde felt that Li Xiaoyao wasn''t quite like other people, but couldn''t put his finger on what exactly was different.


    "Brother-inw," Tang Youde mustered his courage to call out.


    Li Xiaoyao smiled and said, "Your sister has told me about your situation, heartbroken, right?"


    Tang Youde scratched his head bashfully and nodded.


    Li Xiaoyao asked, "What was the reason for the breakup?"


    Tang Youde subconsciously reached into his pocket, but it was empty. Li Xiaoyao pulled out a cigarette and tossed it to him.


    Tang Youde thanked him, lit the cigarette, took a couple of puffs, and said, "A rich kid at our school bought her a bag, and she broke up with me."


    Li Xiaoyao wasn''t too surprised; there were so many gold-diggers these days, bumping into one or two was pretty normal for Tang Youde.


    "So then you dragged your sister out to the bar to drown your sorrows?"


    Tang Youde, somewhat embarrassed, said, "I just felt it wasn''t worth it."


    Li Xiaoyao asked, "Have you ever slept with that girl?"


    "What?" Tang Youde didn''t expect Li Xiaoyao to ask something so direct and crude. Blushing, he hesitated for over ten seconds before shaking his head and saying, "No."


    "Not even slept with her? That is a bit of a shame." Li Xiaoyao patted his shoulder and said, "No worries, being in university is about dating around. Otherwise, it wouldn''t be aplete college experience. Come on, let''s go out."


    Tang Youde asked, "Where to?"


    Li Xiaoyao pointed to his clothes reeking of alcohol and said, "To get you a change of clothes."


    Stepping out, Li Xiaoyao realized even more how inconvenient it was to be without a car, which firmed up his intention to buy one.


    They took a taxi to a high-end downtown mall. As soon as they got out, Tang Youde grabbed Li Xiaoyao, who was about to enter the mall, and said, "Brother-inw, let''s go somewhere else."


    Buying an outfit from this mall would cost at least tens of thousands. Tang Youde was just a poor student, he couldn''t afford it.


    Li Xiaoyao said, "Come on, you think I''d let you pay for clothes? That would be a p in my face."


    Tang Youde shook his head and said, "I can''t use your money."


    Li Xiaoyao smiled, somewhat surprised, this kid actually had principles.


    "My money is your sister''s money. Don''t overthink it,e with me inside." Li Xiaoyao''s tone left no room for debate as he led Tang Youde into the mall.


    Li Xiaoyao actually only had a few thousand yuan on him, and if they went by high standards, he definitely couldn''t afford it.


    He had nned to spend just two or three thousand, which should have been enough, but after casually checking the price tags on a few pieces of clothing, Li Xiaoyao suddenly realized that the money in his card probably wouldn''t be enough to buy even a pair of pants.


    It was his first time taking his brother-inw clothes shopping, and he couldn''t lose face. Without changing his expression, Li Xiaoyao confidently said, "Put together an outfit for my little brother-inw. Nothing too old-fashioned, keep it youthful."


    The attendants working in such high-end stores might not have Fiery Eyes Golden Gaze, but they definitely knew how to size people up with impressive uracy. However, the attendant found Li Xiaoyao enigmatic; although he was dressed inly, there was an unfathomable aura about him.


    "Of course, sir, rest assured, I will make your brother-inw look stunningly handsome," said the sweet-talking salesgirl.


    Li Xiaoyao looked around and asked, "Where''s your restroom?"


    The salesgirl pointed in a direction and said, "Over there."


    Li Xiaoyao nodded and made a beeline for the washroom.


    [It''s Monday, folks! Throw your rmendation tickets to the beauty, more tickets mean group creation and a photo st from the beauty.]

 Chapter 54 Current Boyfriend and Ex-Girlfriend

    Li Xiaoyao stood in the restroom, peeing while calling Zhao Si.


    At that moment, Li Xiaoyao could only think of Zhao Si.


    Actually, Li Xiaoyao felt quite depressed. He truly had never thought that one day he would lose so much face over money, having to humbly ask someone for a loan.


    Although, if he just opened his mouth, Zhao Si would definitely send the money over without a second word, but as soon as he opened his mouth to borrow money, he would owe Zhao Si a favor.


    However, Li Xiaoyao really had no other option at this point¡ªscrew it, he thought, I''ll just owe him a favor. With the incident involving Tang Tiantianst night, Hu Zhi had already offended him; even if Zhao Si didn''t ask for his help, he nned to deal with Hu Zhi.


    Zhao Si had a habit of practicing his punches every morning. He had just finished a set of punches when he received Li Xiaoyao''s call.


    "Hello, little bro, why think of calling me early in the morning?" Zhao Si said with a chuckle, though he felt a little excited inside. Could it be that Li Xiaoyao had made a decision? Was he ready to help him take down Hu Zhi?


    Li Xiaoyao said, "Brother Si, I need your help with something."


    Zhao Si was taken aback for a moment, thenughingly said, "Between brothers, there''s no bother or not. Just say what you need. If I can help, I will; if I can''t, I''ll find a way."


    If you asked Li Xiaoyao what he liked best about Zhao Si, it was definitely the strong aura of the jianghu that Zhao Si carried, which especially appealed to Li Xiaoyao.


    "I''m a bit tight on cash. Could you lend me some money?" Li Xiaoyao said directly without caring about losing face.


    So it was about borrowing money. Zhao Si breathed a sigh of relief; he had indeed feared that Li Xiaoyao had encountered some serious trouble.


    "Little bro, let''s not talk about borrowing or not between us. Just tell me how much you need, and I''ll have someone send it to you right away," Zhao Si dered generously.


    "One hundred thousand will do. If it''s convenient, just transfer it directly to my bank card."


    "Fine, then send me your card number in a bit, and I''ll have someone make the transfer immediately. It''ll definitely be in your ount within ten minutes."


    Whether Zhao Si was intentionally trying to win over Li Xiaoyao or not, Li Xiaoyao certainly couldn''t pretend not to see this favor. Moreover, at Lin Yuanyuan''s birthday partyst night, Zhao Si had also given him a hundred thousand in cash. Together, he owed Zhao Si a total of two hundred thousand now.


    For someone he had met less than three times, lending him two hundred thousand showed that Zhao Si was a man of great boldness.


    "Brother Si, if you have time tonight, let''s go out for a drink," said Li Xiaoyao.


    He had decided that tonight, he would rify the matters regarding the redistribution of benefits in San Tiao Alley after getting rid of Hu Zhi.


    Zhao Si naturally understood the implication in Li Xiaoyao''s words. He was overjoyed; his two hundred thousand had finally paid off.


    "If little bro is treating, I''ll definitely have time. Let''s meet at the bar. Call me when you arrive," Zhao Si hung up the phone happily.


    Putting away his phone, Li Xiaoyao immediately sent the bank card number that Tang Tiantian had given him. In just a few minutes, he received a text message from Zhao Si with just four brief words: "Money has been transferred."


    Meanwhile, outside, Tang Youde had finished trying on his clothes. The outfit fit well, giving him the refined air of a noble son. It must be said that the Tang siblings truly had good genes. With their looks and figures, if thrown into the entertainment industry, they would absolutely be weed as fresh young celebrities.


    The clothing salesgirl asked with a smile, "Sir, are you satisfied with this outfit?"


    Tang Youde nodded, not uttering a word.


    He was certainly satisfied, but the price was just too high. When he was secretly changing clothes inside, he sneaked a peek at the tag¡ªthe total for the clothes, trousers, and shoes came to more than ten thousand yuan.


    For Tang Youde, clothing at this price point was simply unimaginable in his everyday life. In his opinion, as long as clothes were wearable, that was enough. There was no need to spend so much money on a few pieces of fabric.


    Li Xiaoyao hadn''te back yet, and this was Tang Youde''s first time entering such an upscale mall. He felt somewhat out of ce and didn''t know what to say.


    The salesgirl, keenly observing his behavior, thought to herself, could he be a broke guy who tries on clothes without buying?


    Just then, another couple came into the store.


    And what a coincidence it was¡ªthe couple was known to Tang Youde.


    The woman, named Wu Yuan, was Tang Youde''s girlfriend, or to be precise, his ex-girlfriend.


    The man was called Zhang Daneng, a rich second-generation, and was Wu Yuan''s current boyfriend.


    Wu Yuan held Zhang Daneng''s arm, resting her head on his shoulder, looking the very picture of a doting girlfriend.


    As soon as they entered the store, Wu Yuan noticed Tang Youde. She was surprised and hadn''t expected to encounter Tang Youde in such a high-end mall.


    Zhang Daneng also recognized Tang Youde. To win over Wu Yuan, he had done his homework well and naturally knew that the man before him was Wu Yuan''s ex-boyfriend.


    Zhang Daneng hadn''t expected to run into his current girlfriend''s ex the day after stealing her from someone else¡ªthe surprises of life were truly everywhere.


    Wu Yuan frowned at Tang Youde, saying, "Tang Youde, what''s the point? We''ve already broken up. Why are you still following me?"


    Zhang Daneng looked at Tang Youde with a mockingly smile, "Yo, Tang ssmate, feeling fancy today, visiting such a high-end ce to shop? A single piece of clothing here is worth your whole year''s tuition, isn''t it?"


    Tang Youde''s face turned from green to white. He had just been considering whether or not to greet Wu Yuan, but unexpectedly, this was how she spoke to him.


    Upon hearing Zhang Daneng''s words, the salesgirl frowned immediately. Just as she had suspected, this man was a broke guy who couldn''t afford the clothes. She regretted taking the time to carefully pick out and coordinate his outfit, all for nothing.


    Zhang Daneng ced his right hand on Wu Yuan''s waist, caressing it brazenly and said with disdain, "Yuanyuan, you really should see this clearly. Your ex-boyfriend here is just a country bumpkin. No matter how hard he tries, he''ll never be able to afford a set of clothes here. If you had stuck with him, imagine the hardships you''d have faced."


    Wu Yuan twisted her waist coyly, "I know, that''s why I broke up with him."


    Zhang Daneng pped her bottom and chuckled, "I rescued you from his clutches; shouldn''t you properly thank me tonight?"


    Her cheeks blushing, Wu Yuan whispered, "How do you want me to thank you?"


    With a triumphant gaze, Zhang Daneng gave an angry Tang Youde a nce, "Let''s go to the Hilton tonight, book a room, and discuss how you''ll thank me." Chapter Find:


    Wu Yuan yfully pped his chest, "Stop it."


    "Youde, how does the suit fit?" Just then, Li Xiaoyao''s voice came from behind.


    [Everyone, I need your rmendation votes~~ A single tap of your finger can cast your vote, the uing plot is exciting! Also, the book is now recruiting extras, those who are interested should leave a message in the review section.]

 Chapter 55 The Country Bumpkin [Seeking Recommendation Tickets]

    Tang Youde was nearly driven insane with anger, these two, a dog and a bitch, were actually discussing such matters right in front of him, as if he didn''t exist.


    Tang Youde realized that he had truly been blind in the past, how could he have fallen for such a vain woman.


    But at the same time, he became even more aware that money was the ultimate power, with money, you could get the girl.


    Li Xiaoyao walked over at that moment, nced at Wu Yuan and Zhang Daneng, and asked, "Your friend?"


    Before Tang Youde could speak, Zhang Daneng had already snorted and said, "What a joke, how could this country bumpkin possibly be my friend?"


    "Country bumpkin?" Li Xiaoyao narrowed his eyes, looking at Tang Youde, and asked, "You De, do you know these two?"


    Tang Youde exhaled a breath of stale air, nodded, and said, "Her name is Wu Yuan, my... ssmate."


    Although he said that, Li Xiaoyao immediately guessed that the woman leaning on Zhang Daneng must be Tang Youde''s ex-girlfriend, the materialistic girl who, for the sake of a designer handbag, had immediately dumped him for another man.


    Li Xiaoyao ced a hand on Tang Youde''s shoulder and said, "In the future, associate less with these kinds of people, they will lead you astray, by the way, how did trying on the clothes go? Like them?"


    "Damn it!" Zhang Daneng exploded with rage upon hearing Li Xiaoyao''s words and cursed, "Can you even talk? Who the hell do you think you are? Damn country bumpkins, pretending to be big shots in front of me? Believe it or not, one phone call from me and you''ll be leaving here on stretchers?"


    Li Xiaoyao raised an eyebrow, turned slowly to face Zhang Daneng, his gaze ice cold, and said, "Kid, watch your mouth, in consideration of you and You De being old ssmates, I''ll pretend I didn''t hear what you just said, now, you can take your woman and get lost."


    "Hahaha, how amusing, I couldn''t have heard wrong, could I? This country bumpkin actually talked to me in that tone?" Zhang Daneng exaggeratedly poked a finger in his ear and said, "What''s with the act? And buying clothes here, you think you can afford the clothes here?"


    Li Xiaoyao looked at him with a cold gaze and said, "I gave you a chance, it seems you don''t cherish it."


    Zhang Daneng was convinced that Li Xiaoyao was just posturing, and crossing his arms, he said, "So what? You want to hit me?"


    Li Xiaoyao took out a bank card and handed it to the clothing salesgirl, saying, "Swipe the card."


    The salesgirl was stunned for a moment, she didn''t expect that this man was really going to buy clothes here, but once she regained herposure, a smile spread across her face. Whether Li Xiaoyao was buying clothes to save face or really had the money, all she cared about was that the clothes were sold and how muchmission she would earn.


    The salesgirl swiftly swiped the card and handed it back to Li Xiaoyao, who then said to the still dazed Tang Youde, "Let''s go."


    "Ah? Oh," Tang Youde followed closely behind.


    Zhang Daneng evidently hadn''t expected Li Xiaoyao to actually have the money to buy the clothes here, but soon he let it go, figuring that Li Xiaoyao spending over ten thousand Xuan Country Currency on clothes here must be for the sake of saving face.


    But before he could think any further, Li Xiaoyao already said to him, "Weren''t you going to teach me a lesson? Come on down, let''s have a chat."


    Zhang Daneng immediately flew into a rage, but he wasn''t a fool, Li Xiaoyao was much taller and bigger than him, if it really came to blows, he would definitely be at a disadvantage, so he said, "Don''t try to act tough with me, if you have the guts, just wait for me to call people."


    Li Xiaoyao scoffed and said, "Half an hour, you call people, I''ll call people, let''s see whose crowd is bigger."


    "Fuck, stop fucking pretending with me!" Zhang Daneng pulled out his phone and began making a call.


    Wu Yuan looked on worriedly from the side. She hadn''t expected that Tang Youde actually knew such a person, who could casually spend over ten thousand Xuan Country Currency without even blinking an eye.


    Moreover, she had also figured out that Tang Youde hadn''t been following her on purpose. Their encounter here waspletely coincidental.


    Tang Youde walked over to Li Xiaoyao and whispered, "Brother-inw, let''s go. His family is very rich; we can''t afford to offend them."


    Li Xiaoyao smiled and said, "It''s fine, now that we''ve bumped into them today, your brother-inw will definitely help you get back at them."


    Tang Youde wanted to say more, but Li Xiaoyao had already started making a call.


    "Brother Si, I need to trouble you with something." Since Li Xiaoyao had decided to help Zhao Si deal with Hu Zhi, asking for help again wasn''t weighing on his mind at all.


    "Little brother, you just tell me." Zhao Si wouldn''t find it bothersome. On the contrary, he''d wish Li Xiaoyao needed his help every day, because only then would their rtionship continuously deepen.


    Li Xiaoyao said, "I need to borrow some men to put on a show for me at Deji za."


    Zhao Si asked, "Who''s giving you trouble?"


    "It''s a small matter, embarrassing to speak of. It''s my brother''s rival in love; just ran into him at the mall and had a little conflict. I thought to let it go, but the kid on the other side is quite arrogant, wanting to stand up against me. Thus, I can only rely on Brother Si to lend me some muscle to make a point, at least to save face."


    Zhao Si said, "Deji za, right? Okay, I''ll bring people over. It''ll take at most twenty minutes, just wait."


    Li Xiaoyao quickly said, "Hey, don''t bother, Brother Si. It''s just a small thing; just send a few brothers over. It''s really just for show."


    Zhao Si was just too enthusiastic, making Li Xiaoyao somewhat embarrassed.


    "Then all right, I''ll send people over immediately."


    After hanging up, Li Xiaoyao saw Tang Youde looking at him with a worried face and couldn''t help but smile, "It''s nothing. Your brother-inw I know a few people; only that kid wille out on the losing end today."


    Zhang Daneng had already made four or five calls to some riffraff he knew in society. They usually hung out together drinking and chasing girls. They weren''t close friends, at most drinking buddies. But these drinking buddies all knew Zhang Daneng was a rich second generation and were willing to hang out with him.


    Today, when they received a call from Zhang Daneng, these friends agreed very readily. It was just a lesson for a country bumpkin, after all, a simple task.


    After making the calls, Zhang Daneng sneered at Li Xiaoyao, saying, "Kid, strut around now. You''ll be cryingter." He then looked at Tang Youde, unable to hide the disdain on his face, and said, "A country bumpkin is still a country bumpkin. Acting all high and mighty here with me; I''ll show you soon enough who the fucking grandson is!"


    Tang Youde, fuming, wanted to charge up but was held back by Li Xiaoyao.


    "Let the rabid dog bark all it wants; there''s only one way to deal with a rabid dog, to beat it hard, until this dog doesn''t dare to bark anymore!" As Li Xiaoyao spoke, his icy gaze was fixed on Zhang Daneng, with each word forceful and clear.


    [If there are enough rmendation tickets, there will be an update tomorrow at dawn]

 Chapter 56 A One-Sided Power

    Stray dog, he actually called himself a stray dog!


    Zhang Daneng felt he couldn''t bear it any longer; he had decided that once his people arrived, he would definitely teach this bastard a lesson and let him know that in this world, there are some people you just can''t provoke.


    Thinking about Li Xiaoyao pleading on his knees beneath his feet, Zhang Daneng couldn''t help but let out an unpleasantugh.


    In less than half an hour, about twenty minutes, Li Xiaoyao received a call from a stranger.


    "Hello, is this Boss Li?" A rough voice came from the other end of the line.


    "Mhm, it''s me." Li Xiaoyao knew that Zhao Si''s men had arrived.


    "Boss Li, we have arrived, right beneath the shopping mall."


    Li Xiaoyao said, "Alright, I''ming down now."


    Ironically, Zhang Daneng''s phone rang at the same moment.


    "Hello, good, you''re almost here? Okay, I''lle down right now." Zhang Daneng hung up the phone, looked at Li Xiaoyao, and said, "Kid,e down with me."


    Li Xiaoyao smiled at him, thinking to himself that there were really too many fools these days who didn''t know their own strength, thinking that by knowing a few gangsters they were invincible, oblivious to the fact that there are skies beyond skies, and people beyond people.


    When they all descended, Zhang Daneng got to the lobby and saw through the ss that there were over a dozen ck sedans parked in the za outside.


    A look of delight immediately appeared on Zhang Daneng''s face, thinking that his fair-weather friends were really reliable. With just one call from him, so many people had shown up, really boosting his face.


    Zhang Daneng looked at Li Xiaoyao with pride, only to find Li Xiaoyao''s expression very calm, showing not the slightest fear.


    "Keep pretending," Zhang Daneng snorted, thinking Li Xiaoyao''s calm demeanor was just an act.


    Li Xiaoyao walked out of the mall with a nervous Tang Youde, looking at the sedans parked outside.


    Just as Li Xiaoyao looked out, a tall, bald man wearing sunsses stepped out of the lead car.


    "Brother-inw, let''s go," Tang Youde, thinking these cars were all summoned by Zhang Daneng, was scared out of his wits.


    Li Xiaoyao said, "The people have arrived? Why leave?"


    Zhang Daneng, thinking these people had alle for him, walked up with a smiling face and confident strides.


    Zhang Daneng approached and asked, "Are you all Er Dan''s brothers?"


    The bald man gave him a puzzled look and asked, "Are you Mr. Li?"


    "Mr. Li?" Zhang Daneng blinked, his face a picture of confusion.


    The bald man realized this wasn''t the person he was looking for and stopped paying him any attention.


    Meanwhile, Li Xiaoyao had already approached, with Tang Youde following behind him, trembling with fists clenched, ready to make a move at any moment.


    "Did Brother Si send you guys?" Li Xiaoyao asked proactively.


    Upon hearing this, the bald man knew he was speaking to Li Xiaoyao and squeezed out a smile, saying, "Mr. Li, hello, I''m Heizi, Brother Si sent me."


    "It''s really quite embarrassing to call you all over here in the early morning; after this is over, none of you go anywhere. I''ll host, let''s have a good meal." Li Xiaoyao said with a smile, patting Heizi on the shoulder.


    Seeing Li Xiaoyao was acquainted with these men from the Sect, Tang Youde felt the heavy stone hanging in his heart drop to the ground, and he was also astonished. He never expected that his brother-inw would have such influence.


    At least fifteen cars are gathered here, and if each car has four people, that''s sixty people.


    Li Xiaoyao made a call and within less than twenty minutes, had summoned sixty people. What kind of power is that?


    By now, even a fool could see that Li Xiaoyao was no ordinary person.


    Zhang Daneng realized he got the wrong impression of someone. Initially, there was some awkwardness, but as he found out these people were called by Li Xiaoyao, his heart sank.


    Zhang Daneng keptforting himself that it was no big deal, it was just a few people called over, right? After a while, his own friends from the streets would arrive, and he was sure their numbers wouldn''t be fewer than Li Xiaoyao''s.


    Heizi was chatting andughing with Li Xiaoyao, asionally ncing at Zhang Daneng, who looked anxious by their side, and asked, "Brother Li, how do you want to deal with this guy?"


    Heizi''s voice was not low, and Zhang Daneng could hear every word clearly from not too far away. Hearing the opposing side talk about dealing with him sent shivers down his spine and made the hair on his back stand on end.


    Li Xiaoyao seemed to notice Zhang Daneng''s nervousness andughed a few times, "Don''t worry, just wait. He also called people over. I want to see what kind of people this kid can summon."


    After hearing this, Heizi nodded and fell silent.


    It was about five minutester when three ck Hyundais drove over in this direction.


    The cars stopped right next to Zhang Daneng, and upon seeing only three vehicles arrive, his face soured immediately.


    The other party had called over a dozen cars with one phone call, whereas on his side, only three cars showed up. There really was noparison.


    Once the cars stopped, five or six young men, dressed in a ruffian style, got out and said with a menacing look to Zhang Daneng, "Old Zhang, which stinking brat dares toy a hand on you? I''ll cripple him!"


    These young men thought that Li Xiaoyao and the other cars were called by Zhang Daneng, so they spoke without restraint.


    Zhang Daneng didn''t dare look at Li Xiaoyao; he could tell that Li Xiaoyao was tough and simply not someone he should mess with. At this point, he was quite scared, wondering how he could get Li Xiaoyao to let him off the hook.


    When Heizi heard the ruffians'' words, he didn''t wait for Li Xiaoyao to speak and just waved his hand.


    And with Heizi''s gesture, the doors of the fifteen cars opened in unison, and more than fifty men in shy shirts, tattoos, and sunsses stepped out, lining up behind Heizi.


    The few ruffians were stunned for a moment, and then Heizi''s voice turned icy as hemanded, "Hit them!"


    In an instant, the fifty-plus men surrounded the five ruffians and, without a word, began to pummel them. The ruffians cried and screamed, begging for mercy.


    A few minutester, Li Xiaoyao said, "That''s enough."


    Heizi raised his hand, "Stop!"


    The men immediately withdrew and stepped back.


    Zhang Daneng and Wu Yuan, who had been standing in front of Li Xiaoyao all this time, were already terrified with their legs shaking, too scared to move an inch.


    A rank smell of urine wafted to Li Xiaoyao''s nose; he wrinkled his brow and traced the smell, finding that Zhang Daneng had wet himself!


    Li Xiaoyao walked over, patted Zhang Daneng on the face, and said, "Kid, today, I''ll not beat you up. I don''t want to be used of bullying a child, it''s not good for my reputation."


    "Thank you... Thank you, Brother Li. I was blind today, I''m sorry, so sorry." Zhang Daneng pped his own face while stuttering out his apology.


    Li Xiaoyao really wasn''t interested in bullying Zhang Daneng. The reason he called Si Ge to borrow some men today was just to show support for Tang Youde and to let Zhang Daneng know that Tang Youde was not someone he could afford to provoke.


    [Votes, votes, votes for the lovely readers~]

 Chapter 57 The Siblings Who Do Not Adore Vanity

    Tang Youde felt incredibly excited and thrilled, he knew his brother-inw was someone who could aplish great things. Although he wasn''t clear on the specifics of what his brother-inw did, based on the events of today, he at least understood one thing¡ªthat his brother-inw had underworld connections.


    Tang Youde greatly admired his brother-inw and wanted to be a man like him someday, someone who could summon a dozen cars and fifty or sixty people with just one phone call.


    He clearly remembered the frightened expression on Zhang Daneng''s face, as well as the regretful and resentful look in Wu Yuan''s eyes.


    And all of this had been brought about by his brother-inw.


    Originally, Li Xiaoyao had intended to treat Heizi and his group to a meal and drinks, but Heizi had declined, iming that he needed to leave immediately.


    Li Xiaoyao didn''t insist, only mentioning that they should have a drink together when the opportunity arose.


    Li Xiaoyao, with his background as a mercenary, had noticed something special about Heizi the first time he saw him.


    This tall, bald man with a lively spark in his eyes definitely possessed impressive martial skills.


    Those who practiced martial arts moved with agile yet stable steps and had prating or restrained gazes. This Heizi was clearly a trained fighter, and his skills were certainly not shallow.


    It seemed that this person must be one of Zhao Si''s most trusted aides, and the fact that he was willing to lend such an adept fighter to him for the day was a clear sign of his esteem.


    In the taxi, Li Xiaoyao asked, "What do you feel like eating for lunch?"


    Still caught up in his excitement, upon hearing Li Xiaoyao''s question, Tang Youde said, "Let''s buy some groceries and go home to cook. Everything is quite expensive in Ling City."


    Li Xiaoyao looked at Tang Youde in some surprise. He didn''t expect this young college student to be so thrifty. This pleased Li Xiaoyao as he had thought Tang Youde, after witnessing his capabilities, would start thinking of him as a rich man and begin asking for money, but it turned out he was mistaken.


    It had to be said, Tang Tiantian and her brother were not people who chased after vanity.


    If Tang Youde had just expressed a desire to dine at some five-star hotel, Li Xiaoyao wouldn''t have said anything out loud but his impression of him would definitely not be good.


    "Cooking takes time, and there''s no need to go back. Come on, let''s go find your sister and eat out," Li Xiaoyao said.


    "Sure, brother-inw, it''s your call," Tang Youde nodded obediently.


    The taxi stopped outside the shopping mall where Tang Tiantian worked. Li Xiaoyao and Tang Youde went into the mall, and Li Xiaoyao took out his phone to call Tang Tiantian when he noticed several missed calls on his mobile.


    Upon checking, they were all from Zhuo Yi and Zhang Meng.


    Li Xiaoyao had set his phone to silent, so he didn''t hear the iing calls. He called Zhang Meng back and after only one ring, she picked up.


    "Xiaoyao brother, are you alright?" Zhang Meng asked anxiously.


    Li Xiaoyao was taken aback and asked, "Why wouldn''t I be?"


    "You didn''te to thepany this morning, and Zhuo Yi and I thought that you had been retaliated against by the Long Family. We even called the police, but they said they don''t file a case unless it''s been twenty-four hours," Zhang Meng said, relieved to hear that Li Xiaoyao was fine and then reproached, "Really, Xiaoyao brother, you should at least have called in sick if you weren''ting to work in the morning. Director Lan was also worried about you."


    "Director Lan was worried about me? Is that true?" Li Xiaoyao knew that woman, always so cold and expressionless as if everyone owed her money.


    "Really, when Zhuo Yi and I saw that you hadn''te, we told Director Lan, and she even made several phone calls."


    "I overslept this morning and just didn''t make it. Forgot to call. Can you tell Director Lan for me that I''m taking the day off and will be back at work tomorrow?" Li Xiaoyao knew he couldn''t go to thepany now; after lunch, he still needed to meet Zhao Si to discuss dealing with Hu Zhi.


    After ending the call, the two of them arrived at the counter where Tang Tiantian worked, but Tang Tiantian was not there.


    Li Xiaoyao and Tang Youde stood in front of the counter, and another female employee approached them, smiling, "Gentlemen, may I ask which makeup product you would like to know about?"


    Li Xiaoyao said, "I''m looking for Tiantian, is she here?"


    The woman paused for a moment, then replied, "Oh, Tiantian went to the manager''s office, she''ll be back in a bit."


    Li Xiaoyao nodded his head and waited with Tang Youde at the counter for her.


    About ten minutester, Tang Tiantian returned. Li Xiaoyao, who was watching from afar, noticed that Tang Tiantian''s expression seemed off, with some redness around her eyes.


    Li Xiaoyao immediately frowned with concern, and at this moment, Tang Tiantian also saw them and walked over quickly.


    "Why are you here?" Tang Tiantian asked, puzzled yet happy.


    Just the night before, she had opened up to Li Xiaoyao, offering her first time to him, and now Li Xiaoyao hade to her workce at noon, which touched her deeply.


    "Sis, have you been crying?" Tang Youde also noticed that something was amiss with Tang Tiantian.


    Tang Tiantian forced a smile and said, "I''m fine, what brings you here?"


    Seeing that Tang Tiantian was reluctant to borate, Li Xiaoyao didn''t ask further. He knew her character well; although gentle and kind, she was stubborn at her core. If she wanted to talk, she would do so without hesitation, but if she chose not to, no amount of questioning would change that.


    Li Xiaoyao asked, "When do you get off work? Let''s go out for dinner together."


    Tang Tiantian nced at her phone for the time and said, "I''ll be off in fifteen minutes. Please take a seat over there and wait for me."


    Not wanting to disturb her at work, Li Xiaoyao and Tang Youde went to the rest area of the shopping mall to wait.


    About ten minutester, close to Tang Tiantian''s finishing time, a man in his thirties wearing a suit and tie suddenly walked up to the counter and spoke a few words to her. While talking, Tang Tiantian''s expression was a mix of anger and helplessness.


    Li Xiaoyao had been keeping an eye on Tang Tiantian and, noticing this, promptly approached them.


    Li Xiaoyao respected Tang Tiantian, and he wouldn''t pry into matters she chose not to discuss, but he absolutely could not tolerate seeing his woman being aggrieved.


    Li Xiaoyao had already extended his mind over the counter area, and he overheard the content of the conversation between the man and Tang Tiantian.


    "You are on duty this noon." The man was Tang Tiantian''s manager, and suddenly, just before the end of her shift, he approached her to demand that she take the duty shift, which was clearly a deliberate attempt to target Tang Tiantian.


    Tang Tiantian immediately objected, saying, "It''s not my turn to be on duty today, and I''ve already made ns."


    The manager smiled and said, "Tiantian, I''m the manager. If I say you are on duty today, then you are on duty. Of course, you can choose not to be, but if you leaveter, I''ll consider it absenteeism for today."


    Tang Tiantian''s lips were pressed tightly together, trembling slightly from anger.


    "You''re despicable!"


    The manager did not care, his eyes leering at Tang Tiantian as he said, "Tiantian, think carefully about the proposal I made to you before."


    [Dear readers, your strong rmendations have brought an update in the wee hours of the morning, and if you continue to show your support today, I''ll update again tomorrow at dawn!]

 Chapter 58: Chapter 58 Brother-in-law

    Tang Tiantian''s heart was seething with anger, her chest rising and falling, breathing uneven, a mist of tears beginning to fill herrge, watery eyes.


    Li Xiaoyao had already walked over; he stood behind Tang Tiantian, his right hand naturally slipping around her waist, gently pulling her into an embrace, and then he looked at the manager and said, "I''m very curious, what kind of proposition did you make to my girlfriend earlier?"


    "Girlfriend?" When the manager heard this, and saw Li Xiaoyao''s intimate gesture, he was momentarily dumbfounded, then his eyes started to panic, and he said, "It''s nothing, just work-rted matters."


    After saying that, he quickly added, "Tang Tiantian is still on duty right now, I hope you won''t disturb her work."


    Li Xiaoyao smiled and said, "If I''m not mistaken, she''s already off work."


    "Sorry, Tang Tiantian has to work overtime today," the manager said with a huff.


    "Oh? Is that so?" Li Xiaoyao looked at Tiantian in his arms and asked, "Tiantian, are you on duty today? I seem to remember you were not supposed to be on duty today."


    Tang Tiantian bit her lip and gave the manager a resentful nce, deciding in her heart that even if she quit this job, she would not tolerate this treatment any longer.


    "He asked me to work overtime at thest minute," said Tang Tiantian, her voice seemingly calm, but filled with anger inside.


    "Last-minute overtime?" Li Xiaoyao raised his eyebrows and said to the manager, "Sorry, my Tiantian can''t work overtime, you''ll have to find someone else to cover the shift."


    Having said that, Li Xiaoyao ignored the manager''s ugly expression, wrapped his arm around Tang Tiantian, and walked away.


    After leaving the mall, they found a restaurant, sat down, and Li Xiaoyao began to order dishes.


    He ordered a dozen dishes in one go, put down the menu, and Li Xiaoyao noticed that Tang Tiantian''s mood was very low, probably still worried about what had just happened.


    Li Xiaoyao thought for a bit and then asked, "Does your manager have a problem with you?"


    Tang Tiantian shook her head but did not exin anything.


    Seeing he couldn''t get anything more out of her, Li Xiaoyao stopped asking, only saying one sentence.


    "If you''re not happy with your job, then don''t do it. I can support you," he said.


    Tang Tiantian looked at him, a sweet smile appeared on her face, she leaned closer to Li Xiaoyao''s ear, and said, "I know you''re a very capable man, but I don''t want to be a woman who only knows how to spend money."


    Li Xiaoyao''s eyebrows twitched, and he whispered in her ear, "Oh? I''m very capable, huh? Which aspect are you referring to?"


    Tang Tiantian''s cheeks instantly reddened, while Tang Youde, sitting opposite, bowed his head and fiddled with his phone, pretending he hadn''t seen anything.


    After lunch, Tang Tiantian went back to work, and Tang Youde returned to school.


    Li Xiaoyao transferred ten thousand Xuan Country Currency to Tang Youde''s ount and told him that if he ran out of money, he shoulde to him, and from now on he would take care of his living expenses and he shouldn''t ask his sister for money anymore.


    Tang Youde initially refused because he couldn''t just ept money from Li Xiaoyao.


    But soon, he was persuaded by Li Xiaoyao and had no choice but to take it.


    Li Xiaoyao only said one thing.


    "You call me ''brother-inw'', so I can''t let that be in vain. If you need money,e to me, otherwise don''t call me brother-inw in the future," he told Tang Youde.


    ...


    When Tang Tiantian returned to the mall, she ran into the manager, who told her she didn''t need toe to work that afternoon.


    Tang Tiantian''s anger, which had been building up all morning, finally erupted, and she had a big argument with the manager before going home.


    Tang Tiantian was furious; the manager had overstepped his bounds. He was already married with children, but he had wanted her to be his mistress. Tang Tiantian would never agree; it wasn''t only a matter of him being a mere manager ¨C even if he were the chairman, Tang Tiantian would never consent to being someone''s mistress.


    So she declined, but she also knew that her days at thepany were definitely not going to be easy from now on, he would surely trip her up. However, it didn''t matter, Tang Tiantian had already decided to change jobs, and as soon as she found a new one, she would immediately quit her current one.


    After sending Tang Youde off, Li Xiaoyao contacted Zhao Si, telling him he was on his way now.


    Zhao Si couldn''t wait to meet with Li Xiaoyao sooner, so they could discuss the important matters as soon as possible.


    Riding in a taxi to the bar, Li Xiaoyao felt increasingly that he should buy a car. In this day and age, not having a car was really inconvenient.


    To buy a car, one needed money, and what Li Xiaoyaocked most now was money.


    Earning a fixed sry was the slowest way to make money.


    If he could take over San Tiao Alley, Li Xiaoyao would have an additional way to earn money. However, how much benefit San Tiao Alley could bring him would depend on the oue of the conversation he would have with Zhao Si in a while.


    Hu Zhi had to die, whether he helped Zhao Si or not, Li Xiaoyao was determined to deal with him. The reason was simple, because Hu Zhi dared to hurt Tang Tiantian.


    The car stopped outside the bar, Li Xiaoyao paid the fare and got out, ncing around.


    The bar street was deserted during the day; when Li Xiaoyao walked into the bar, he rarely felt the peaceful atmosphere.


    Zhao Si was still sitting on the same sofa asst time, with various drinks and fruit tes set out on the coffee table, and there was no one else around.


    As soon as Li Xiaoyao entered the bar, Zhao Si noticed and stood up to wee him, saying, "Little brother, you''re here."


    Li Xiaoyao approached with a smile, "Brother Si, you''ve booked the whole ce to wee me, I''m truly ttered."


    Zhao Si got straight to the point, "Let''s skip the formalities and talk directly, what are your thoughts?"


    Li Xiaoyao liked talking to people like Zhao Si. When it was time to talk about money, they talked about money; when it was time to discuss favors, they discussed favors.


    Li Xiaoyao sat down, opened a bottle of beer, took a few sips, and said, "Leave Hu Zhi to me, dead or alive, you don''t have to worry about it. In short, Ling City will no longer have a person named Hu Zhi."


    Zhao Si was stunned for a moment, then overjoyed. He wouldn''t be foolish enough to ask Li Xiaoyao how he would deal with Hu Zhi. Just like what Li Xiaoyao said, dead or alive, it wasn''t his concern, as long as Ling City would no longer have a person by that name.


    After Li Xiaoyao finished speaking, he looked at Zhao Si, waiting for him to speak.


    Zhao Si, of course, knew what Li Xiaoyao was waiting for, so he said, "All earnings from San Tiao Alley, a fifty-fifty split."


    A fifty-fifty split was an arrangement Li Xiaoyao could ept, and Zhao Si''s willingness to part with half of the profits was indeed quite unexpected.


    Li Xiaoyao made a request, "Give me ''Gone with the Wind'', I like that bar."


    Zhao Si asked, "You n to distribute goods there?"


    Li Xiaoyao shook his head, "I want to run it."


    Zhao Si frowned and said, "The owner of that bar is from Zhu Ind City. Generally speaking, we just charge protection fees and distribute goods in the bars. If you want to run it, you''ll have to buy it."


    "Then let''s buy it." Li Xiaoyao had his eyes set on that bar anyway. As for the idea of buying it, he hadn''t even considered it, because he had no money on hand at all.


    But it didn''t matter, money could be earned, and buying it didn''t necessarily mean paying all at once. It could be paid in installments.


    Li Xiaoyao said, "The matter with Hu Zhi, give me a maximum of half a month. After it''s settled, I''lle find you."


    Having said this, Li Xiaoyao left the bar.


    [A little announcement about the rules for adding more chapters: for every 100 rmendation tickets daily, an extra chapter will be added, and for every 10,000 coins donated, another chapter will be added. Rmendation tickets are free, so everyone go ahead and smash that button. Once we hit the target, an extra chapter will be added, only until September 15th.]

 Chapter 59 Beauty Secretly Photographed

    Li Xiaoyao could have dealt with Hu Zhi today, but he didn''t n to do so.


    Li Xiaoyao was in desperate need of personnel by his side, the kind that could be trusted.


    However, recruiting such people was very difficult.


    The young men from thepany''s security department were not bad, but they were too young. There were also older ones, but they all had families, and he couldn''t drag them into trouble. After all, getting involved was easy, but extricating oneself from itter would not be.


    Li Xiaoyao had originally nned not to go to thepany today, but he felt bored in the afternoon and ended up going anyway.


    On the way to thepany, Li Xiaoyao sat in the taxi, resting with his eyes closed, unaware that a nondescript ck sedan was following right behind.


    Inside the sedan were two men with crew cuts, their expressions stern.


    The man in the passenger seat was watching the taxi intently. He took out his mobile phone, dialed a number, and after getting through, said, "Director Long, he''s gone to Pan Lan International. Looks like he''s back to work."


    Director Long, Long Feiyang.


    That is, Long Zaitian''s father, the chairman of Feiyang Real Estate Company, Long Feiyang.


    "Keep following him," said Long Feiyang, hanging up the phone after uttering just that one sentence.


    Upon learning that his son''s manhood had been ruined, Long Feiyang was furious. In his entire life, he only had this one son, and now, that only son had been crippled by someone.


    After such an incident, it was natural for Long Feiyang to be unable to tolerate it. He originally intended to capture everyone who was there that day, but early this morning, he received a call from Lan Cai.


    Lan Cai spoke diplomatically, but her message was very clear and direct. The incident had nothing to do with Zhuo Yi and Zhang Meng, and if he intended to trouble these two girls, it would mean crossing Pan Lan International.


    Naturally, Long Feiyang knew the immense power of Pan Lan International, and Lan Cai was the chairman of Pan Lan International.


    The assets owned by Long Feiyang were negligiblepared to the Lan Family. As a result, Long Feiyang also assured Lan Cai that he would definitely not touch the two girls, but for the man who had crippled his son, he would never let him off.


    Li Xiaoyao didn''t take crippling Long Zaitian seriously at all, so he never considered that he might be followed.


    He arrived at thepany and called Zhang Meng directly to his office.


    "Xiaoyao brother, didn''t you take leave? Why did youe back to work?" Zhang Meng, wearing professional attire, had a face that usually appeared quite youthful, but now carried an added touch of maturity and vigor.


    Li Xiaoyao stared at her for a moment, ufortable with the contrast, and asked casually, "Is the security department short-staffed?"


    Zhang Meng thought for a second and said, "Hmm, there should be quite a shortage. Ourpany is so big, and we only have around forty security guards; that''s certainly not enough. If we calcte ten guards per floor, we need to recruit at least another hundred people."


    Li Xiaoyao waved his hand dismissively. This girl really didn''t understand management. Even if thepany had dozens of floors, it wouldn''t require ten guards per floor.


    Li Xiaoyao had just calcted roughly that a total of about eighty guards would be just right for thepany. Any more would be a waste.


    "So, get the HR department to post recruitment ads," he instructed.


    "Recruiting security guards?" she inquired.


    Li Xiaoyao nodded and said, "Security guards, even the head of security."


    Zhang Meng looked at him, surprised, "Xiaoyao brother, are you sure you want to recruit a head of security?"


    Li Xiaoyao, somewhat baffled by her question, said, "Of course, why else would I say it if I weren''t serious?"


    Zhang Meng replied, "But if you recruit a head of security, you won''t get that sry anymore."


    Li Xiaoyao suddenly realized that this was what the girl was concerned about; he was somewhat touched that her first thought was about his interests.


    Li Xiaoyao said, "It''s no big deal, just a few tens of thousands of Xuan Country Currency."


    Zhang Meng pouted and said, "Xiaoyao brother, you really throw your money around."


    "I don''t care about that amount of money. Go and talk to the HR department for me. Let me know immediately if there are any applicants, and it would be best if we could decide within the next few days."


    "Okay, I got it." Zhang Meng nodded and said, "By the way, Director Lan mentioned that if youe to thepany, you should look for her. She seems to have something to tell you."


    "Alright, I know," he replied.


    After Zhang Meng left, Li Xiaoyao also stood up and walked to the wardrobe. Opening it, he took out a set of professional attire that thepany had custom-made for him.


    Li Xiaoyao immediately took off his clothes and changed into the new outfit.


    Hand-tailored trousers and a white shirt, along with two ties and a suit jacket.


    However, Li Xiaoyao didn''t put on a tie or the jacket¡ªit was warm enough for a shirt alone.


    Dressed in formal attire, Li Xiaoyao left to see Lan Cai.


    Without much thought, Li Xiaoyao knew that Lan Cai must be looking for him because of yesterday''s incident.


    Walking through thepany, the beautiful female employees saw Li Xiaoyao from a distance. Originally, they were all sitting in their chairs, ying with their phones orputers, but as soon as Li Xiaoyao appeared, they all pretended to have something to do and stood up to walk towards him, and when they got close, they greeted him with a "Good morning, President Li."


    Some bolder girls, carrying documents, would pretend to twist an ankle or drop a file next to Li Xiaoyao, hoping for a chance to have their first close encounter with him.


    Li Xiaoyao felt quite speechless inside. He could never have imagined his charm in thepany was so great, attracting the girls like flies to dung.


    It was unavoidable, though, as after that one impressive disy, all the female employees in thepany had taken a liking to him.


    The various departments of Overflowing Group each had a Weixun group, all privately set up by the staff.


    In recent times, photos of Li Xiaoyao from all sorts of angles, sneakily taken, had already spread throughout all department Weixun groups.


    Just moments ago, photos of Li Xiaoyao changing into a new suit appeared right away when a girl sneakily captured them and sent them to the Weixun group.


    "I just sneakily captured some private photos of President Li, who wants to see?"


    "Send them quick, send them quick." Upon hearing about Li Xiaoyao''s private photos, all the lurking female colleagues immediately cropped up.


    The girl who took photos of Li Xiaoyao sent over a dozen pictures all at once, all featuring him dressed in the handsomebination of a white shirt and ck trousers.


    "Wow, so handsome."


    "Truly stylish."


    "Our President Li is just so dashing, it''s my first time seeing him dressed so officially. But why do I feel he has an air of wild unruliness about him?"


    "Hmph, that''s my President Li, not yours."


    "I really want to see the muscles under President Li''s clothes."


    "It seems President Li doesn''t like wearing shirts much, huh? After work, he should change clothes. Everyone wait, I''ll go sneak some photos when we''re off."


    "Yes, yes, do that!"


    Li Xiaoyao, already at the door to Lan Cai''s office, was still unaware that he had be the object of thepany girls'' attention. If he had known, he would certainly have hesitated none to take off his clothes for them to photograph, but with one condition¡ªthey must pay, a hundred Xuan Country Currency per photo.


    [Please give a rmendation ticket~]

 Chapter 60: Chapter 60 Borrowing a Knife to Kill Someone

    "Knock, knock, knock~"


    Li Xiaoyao knocked on the door, and inside Lan Cai''s voice came through, "Pleasee in."


    He pushed the door and entered, finding Lan Cai still dressed in professional attire, her smooth long hair draped over her shoulders, giving her an ethereal beauty.


    For a moment, Li Xiaoyao''s eyes were fixated, captivated by Lan Cai''s stunning beauty, which exuded an effortless charm that nearly prevented him from looking away.


    Li Xiaoyao promptly redirected his gaze, asking, "Did Director Lan summon me?"


    Lan Cai looked up at Li Xiaoyao, her eyes showing a hint of surprise. Li Xiaoyao was dressed in a simple white shirt paired with ck trousers that day, abination that entuated his entire demeanor. The slightly mischievous yet earnest smile ying at the corners of his mouth made Lan Cai''s heartbeat quicken when she saw it.


    She quickly averted her gaze, concealing the unusual feelings inside her, and said with feigned indifference, "Mr. Li, please, have a seat."


    Li Xiaoyao sat down across from her, and Lan Cai said, "Regarding yesterday''s incident, I''ve already spoken to Long Feiyang over the phone. He won''t cause any trouble for Zhang Meng and Zhuo Yi."


    From her statement, Li Xiaoyao immediately detected an underlying message. Not causing trouble for Zhang Meng and Zhuo Yi meant that the trouble was meant for him, right?


    Lan Cai continued, "However, he might seek revenge against you."


    Before Lan Cai could finish, Li Xiaoyao said, "Director Lan, I won''t make things difficult for you. I''ll submit my resignationter. The incident yesterday was because of me. If the Long Family wants revenge, let theme after me."


    After hearing his words, Lan Cai suddenly pped the table, her voice raised several notches as her eyes widened slightly, "Li Xiaoyao!"


    The shout from Lan Cai jolted Li Xiaoyao, who then asked, "Director Lan, what''s wrong?"


    Lan Cai was breathing heavily with annoyance. This jerk, he actually thought she was going to fire him, this jerk!


    "When did I ever say I was going to fire you?" Lan Cai''s tone had returned to its calm state.


    "Not firing me?" Now it was Li Xiaoyao''s turn to be surprised and confused. Logically speaking, having offended the Long Family, he had inadvertently drawn an enemy to Lan Cai. The best course of action would be to fire him and disassociate from him.


    Lan Cai said, "You should hide out in Yun Country for a while. I''ve already bought your ne ticket."


    She didn''t ask if Li Xiaoyao had a passport or visa, as his resume included a record of studying abroad in Yun Country, meaning he surely had both.


    Li Xiaoyao blinked, disbelief on his face. Was Lan Cai really nning to send him off to Yun Country to escape trouble?


    This woman, she was actually nning on protecting him.


    Truth be told, Li Xiaoyao and she shared nothing close to kinship, having met just a handful of times. She had no obligation to do any of this for him.


    Yet, she had done so, and this touched Li Xiaoyao''s heart a little.


    She was a woman with a cold exterior but a warm heart.


    "Thank you, Director Lan, but you don''t have to worry about this matter. I''ll handle it." Li Xiaoyao said.


    Lan Cai meant well, no doubt, but Li Xiaoyao had no intention of running off to Yun Country, not now at least. Besides, he didn''t consider the Long Family to be such a great threat.


    Lan Cai felt somewhat angry, thinking Li Xiaoyao was being incredibly arrogant. Who did he think he was? He was just an ordinary person, while the Long Family had considerable influence in this city. Yet, he believed he could solve the issue himself.


    "Suit yourself. I just didn''t want to see you beaten to a cripple by the Long Family, that''s all. Now, if there''s nothing else, you may leave." If Li Xiaoyao could not recognize her goodwill, Lan Cai certainly wasn''t going to chase after him with more.


    Li Xiaoyao said, "Director Lan, I had the HR department release a recruitment ad. I''ve done some research and found that ourpany''s security department is understaffed."


    Lan Cai replied with her usual calm, "As the Head of Security, you''re free to make those decisions on your own."


    Knowing that she must be upset with him for not agreeing to go to Yun Country, Li Xiaoyao didn''t linger any longer and stood up to leave.


    As soon as he returned to the office, Zhang Meng entered and said, "Xiaoyao Brother, someone ising for a job interviewter."


    Li Xiaoyao was somewhat surprised and asked, "So soon?"


    "Yeah," Zhang Meng nodded and said, "Ourpany offers some of the best security packages in Ling City, and a lot of people are just waiting for us to post job ads."


    Li Xiaoyao said, "Okay, when theyeter, just send them straight to my office."


    Zhang Meng acknowledged and then left.


    About ten minutester, there was a knock on the door; it was still Zhang Meng.


    Zhang Meng was holding a resume in her hand, which she ced on the table and said, "The person is outside, shall I let him in now?"


    "Yeah, let him in," Li Xiaoyao picked up the resume to have a look, and didn''t think much of it until he took a nce and was immediately captivated.


    The man who came for the interview today was Zhao Ge, 28 years old. On the resume, only five words were written under one section: "Retired Special Forces."


    Those who could enter the Special Forces were undoubtedly tough individuals, and now a retired Special Forces soldier wasing to his doorstep looking for a job?


    Li Xiaoyao in fact liked the idea of former soldiers working as security; first, the job nature was a good match, and second, soldiers were generally more disciplined. But, at the same time, it was usually hard for regr people to manage former soldiers.


    The knock sounded again, and a man about one meter eighty in height entered. The man was well-built, wearing tactical pants and a camouge tank top, with hair standing up like steel pins, exuding a strong military temperament from head to toe.


    The man walked with a steady pace, and aftering over, he said expressionlessly, "Hello, President Li, my name is Zhao Ge."


    Li Xiaoyao nodded inwardly; this Zhao Ge was no ordinary person. It seemed that the title of retired Special Forces on his resume was not written carelessly.


    "Sit."


    Facing each other, Li Xiaoyao asked, "As far as I know, it''s quite rare for Special Forces to retire."


    Zhao Ge nodded, speaking concisely, "I killed someone in the army."


    Li Xiaoyao''s eyebrows raised slightly, killed someone? Interesting.


    "For what reason?"


    "During a drill, my younger brother was killed by him," Zhao Ge said in his usual indifferent tone and expressionless face, but a sh of murderous intent passed through his eyes as he spoke these words.


    Li Xiaoyao did not ask further. He put down the resume and said, "Congrattions, you''re hired."


    Zhao Ge was somewhat taken aback and surprised. He didn''t understand; Li Xiaoyao had only asked him two questions since he entered, and despite knowing that he had killed someone, he was still hired. This truly baffled Zhao Ge.


    Zhao Ge looked at Li Xiaoyao with aplex gaze and asked, "Why are you hiring me?"


    Li Xiaoyao knew that this was Zhao Ge''s upational military vignce kicking in ¨C when something happened that he couldn''t control or foresee, he became wary.


    Li Xiaoyao said, "Because you''re a soldier, because you''re Special Forces, and because thepany is in need of a strong security manager."


    "But I''ve killed someone," Zhao Ge looked directly at Li Xiaoyao.


    "You also said that there was a reason you killed, and you didn''t go to prison afterward, just retired, which means you killed under permissible rules. Am I right?" Li Xiaoyao said, smiling as he made eye contact.


    Zhao Ge took a deep breath. Li Xiaoyao was right; indeed, he killed that animal within the allowed rules.


    Every ce has its rules, but as long as there are rules, there are loopholes. Zhao Ge had found a loophole in the military, taking the opportunity during a mission to kill through another''s hand!


    [A new month, seeking rmendation tickets]

 Chapter 61: Chapter 61 Is it not?

    Zhao Ge was hired just like that, still feeling the whole thing was unreal.


    You have to know, during his previous job interviews, as soon as he mentioned that he had killed people, thosepanies wouldn''t wait for him to say anything else and would ask him to leave.


    But today, the situation took aplete turnaround.


    When he said that he had killed people, this man, without any hesitation, hired him on the spot.


    It was truly fantastical.


    Li Xiaoyao had his reasons. First, this man was a retired special forces soldier, a background that was absolutely rare.


    Secondly, there was nothing wrong with this man''s character, since he knew how to exploit military loopholes to kill, it showed he was a smart person.


    Lastly, he didn''t hide the fact that he had killed, indicating he was an honest man.


    Taking all this into ount, Li Xiaoyao felt if he didn''t hire him, it would be a true waste of talent.


    "Ourpany is still in need of many security staff, andpared to others, the treatment for security can be considered white-cor. If you have friends who are unemployed, feel free to refer them," Li Xiaoyao said.


    Zhao Ge nodded, saying, "I have somerades who have been unable to find jobs since they were discharged."


    Li Xiaoyao''s eyes lit up; Zhao Ge''srades might not be special forces, but they definitely wouldn''t be weak. If he could recruit a group of formidable veterans, Li Xiaoyao felt that even paying them a higher sry wouldn''t be a problem.


    "That would be great, where are yourrades now?"


    Zhao Ge said, "Because they can''t find jobs, they all went back home."


    Li Xiaoyao said, "As long as their characters are good, I''ll take as many as you bring, starting sry three thousand five, with a full attendance bonus every month."


    Zhao Ge nodded, with a hint of excitement on his face, saying, "Okay, I''ll contact them as soon as I get back."


    Li Xiaoyao checked the time, which was about right, and said, "We can do the entry procedures tomorrow, let''s go eat first, my treat."


    Zhao Ge, not a man of many words, understood human rtionships, and immediately upon hearing Li Xiaoyao''s invitation to dine, he said, "No, Director Li, I should treat you today."


    Li Xiaoyaoughed heartily, stood up and patted his shoulder, saying, "Youing to work takes a load off me, there''s no way I can let you pay for the meal, alright, let''s go."


    The two left the office and made their way to the elevator. When they stepped out of the building, thepany''s girls all turned to stare at him, even Zhao Ge drew their attention.


    Zhao Ge probably had never been looked at by so many women with such naked gazes before; he felt utterly ufortable all over.


    Li Xiaoyao, with his thick skin, naturally didn''t feel ufortable. He even lent a hand to a few girls who pretended to fall in front of him, taking the opportunity to cop a feel of their chests or backsides.


    Finally, they reached the ground floor, and Zhao Ge let out a quiet sigh of relief. Being surrounded by so many beauties had been truly ufortable for him.


    Li Xiaoyao was about to take Zhao Ge to a five-star hotel for a meal when his phone suddenly rang; it was a call from Zhang Meng.


    "Hello, Xiaoyao brother, where are you?" Zhang Meng asked.


    Li Xiaoyao answered, "What''s up?"


    Zhang Meng said, "Director Lan''s driver had a car ident, he is in the hospital, and the car is sent for repairs. Director Lan asked specifically for you to drive her home."


    "You want me to give a lift? There are so many people in the security department, just call any of them, right? I don''t have time," Li Xiaoyao tly refused, joking aside, his time was too precious, plus, it was already after work hours.


    Zhang Meng was in a tight spot and sounded a bit urgent as she said, "Xiaoyao Brother, Director Lan specifically named you to do it. If you don''te, Director Lan will me me, definitely dock my pay, and might even fire me, sob sob~"


    Hearing Zhang Meng was almost crying, Li Xiaoyao suddenly found himself without a strategy. This girl had pinpointed Li Xiaoyao''s weakness¡ªknowing that he couldn''t bear to see a girl cry, she had used that tactic.


    And, unfortunately for him, Li Xiaoyao fell for it every time.


    Li Xiaoyao rubbed his teeth, said, "Alright, stop ying the pity card, I''ll be right there."


    After hanging up the phone, before Li Xiaoyao could say anything, Zhao Ge was already speaking, "Mr. Li, you go ahead with your business. I''ll treat you next time."


    "I''m really sorry about today. The chairman''s driver was in a car ident and was hospitalized. They asked me to fill in for him." After exchanging a few words with Zhao Ge, Li Xiaoyao turned and went upstairs.


    Li Xiaoyao was annoyed. What was all this about? Even if the driver had been in an ident, that shouldn''t mean he had to be the one to drive her.


    Annoyed as he was, thinking back to Director Lan saying she would send him to Yun Country toy low for a while, Li Xiaoyao felt that driving her once wasn''t a big deal.


    The office was empty after hours. When Li Xiaoyao went upstairs, there were only a few people scattered around the office.


    "Knock, knock, knock!"


    "Come in."


    Li Xiaoyao pushed the door and entered. Lan Cai had already changed her clothes. Seeing Li Xiaoyaoe in, she said, "The driver had an ident, so I have to trouble you."


    Li Xiaoyao was quite chatty, and although he didn''t mind driving her, he couldn''t help but to grumble, "Director Lan, why didn''t you ask someone else to drive? Just give a shout to any of those strapping youngds in the security department."


    Lan Cai looked at him and asked, "You don''t want to drive me?"


    Li Xiaoyao curled his lips and answered honestly, "I just recruited a head for the security department and was about to treat him to dinner. Then your call came, and I had to blew him off."


    Lan Cai was slightly amused as she asked, "So, you''re ming me?"


    "I wouldn''t dare. You''re the chairman; how could I possibly me you?" Though he said so, Li Xiaoyao still felt slightly miffed.


    Not fussing over it, Lan Cai said, "Take me hometer, and then you can stay over at my ce tonight."


    Li Xiaoyao''s brain froze for a moment. What? She wants me to stay at her ce? Isn''t this changing the subject way too fast?


    Li Xiaoyao eyed Lan Cai with a strange look and coughed lightly, "Director Lan, this... this is a bit inappropriate, isn''t it?"


    "Inappropriate?" Lan Cai''s brows furrowed slightly as she asked, "What''s inappropriate about it?"


    The moment the question came out of her mouth, Lan Cai understood what Li Xiaoyao meant by inappropriate. Her lips parted slightly, and as a blush crept over her impably white cheeks, she said with a touch of annoyance, "Li Xiaoyao, what are you thinking? Do you think I''m inviting you to stay at my ce for... for something else?"


    Li Xiaoyao looked at her and asked, "Isn''t it for that?"


    Lan Cai''s face was so red it seemed about to drip water, her heart filled with embarrassment and indignation, particrly at Li Xiaoyao''s words: "Isn''t it for that?" It inted her urge to annihte Li Xiaoyao right then and there.


    "I''m worried that Long Feiyang will retaliate against you, so I''m letting you stay at my ce for a while, that''s all!" Lan Cai enunciated each word, nearly through clenched teeth, and after speaking, she huffed and swiftly left the office, leaving behind a bewildered Li Xiaoyao.


    [Thanks to Qin Rui for the support of 999 book coins, and also looking for a wave of rmendation tickets~ The next chapter will be very exciting]

 Chapter 62: Chapter 62 Elevator Accident

    Li Xiaoyao was dumbfounded; he couldn''t have imagined that Lan Cai made him drive just to ensure his safety.


    After understanding the reason, Li Xiaoyao felt somewhat ashamed. He quickly caught up with her and within a few strides, joined Lan Cai in the elevator.


    It was just the two of them in the elevator, and Lan Cai was silent with a cold expression on her face, apparently still angry.


    It wasn''t surprising that Lan Cai was upset; after all, Li Xiaoyao''s thoughts had been rather inappropriate, assuming that Lan Cai invited him to stay at her ce for... that sort of reason.


    After hesitating for a few seconds, Li Xiaoyao decided to apologize to her.


    "Um¡­ Director Lan, I''m sorry, I didn''t know you were¡­"


    Before Li Xiaoyao could finish, Lan Cai cut him off, saying, "The car I usually use was sent for repairs. You will drive another car to take meter, the keys are in the second drawer of my office; you go get the keys, I will wait for you in the lobby downstairs."


    Great, she hadn''t mentioned the key thing just before, but waited until they were in the elevator to do so. It was clear she wanted to give Li Xiaoyao a little punishment.


    However, Li Xiaoyao wasn''t angry. It was his own fault for speaking out of turn.


    "Okay, wait for me a moment," Li Xiaoyao nodded, waiting for the elevator to reach the ground floor, then he would go up to get the keys.


    But just as the elevator reached the 12th floor, there was a sudden jolt, the lights in the elevator flickered twice, and then it came to a stop.


    "What''s happening?" Lan Cai was a bit scared. She had never encountered an elevator malfunction before.


    Li Xiaoyao nced at her and said, "It seems to have malfunctioned."


    As he spoke, Li Xiaoyao stepped forward and pressed the emergency button in the elevator, but there was no response from the other end.


    Li Xiaoyao frowned, wondering if the emergency contact room was unattended?


    That shouldn''t be the case; even after working hours, there should be staff on duty.


    Seeing that there was no response after pressing the emergency button, Lan Cai became even more anxious and afraid. She took out her phone to make a call, only to find there was no signal in the elevator, which caused her to panic and ask, "What do we do?"


    "Wait a bit, the staff might have gone out for a meal. When theye back and find out, they will probably send someone to fix it." As Li Xiaoyao spoke, his thoughts had already extended outwards, covering the entire building.


    Under the reach of his thoughts, Li Xiaoyao spotted several men with suspicious behavior in the elevator control room.


    In the control room, three men were staring at the screen, clearly showing Li Xiaoyao and Lan Cai trapped in the malfunctioning elevator.


    One of the men asked, "What should we do?"


    Another replied, "Cut the power supply, make it look like an idental death."


    "Don''t rush it, let''s make a call and ask first."


    Upon hearing their conversation through his thoughts, Li Xiaoyao''s eyebrows shot up. He had assumed the elevator malfunctioned due to normal reasons, but it turned out to be sabotage.


    Moreover, from the conversation of these men, it was clear they intended to kill.


    The first person Li Xiaoyao thought of was Long Feiyang; he believed it was Long Feiyang''s retaliation.


    Now, Li Xiaoyao was feeling tense. If it were outside, even in the face of a barrage of gunfire, he would not be afraid. But in apletely sealed elevator, even though he had some level of cultivation, he was still just a beginner.


    He had telepathy butcked abilities like passing through walls.


    An enclosed elevator had reduced Li Xiaoyao''s ability by ny percent.


    "I can''t keep waiting like this, or those three will cut the power to the elevator and from twelve stories high we''ll crash down. I might not die, but Lan Cai definitely won''t survive!" Li Xiaoyao made up his mind, a determined look shing in his eyes. He said to Lan Cai, "Director Lan, move back."


    "What are you going to do?" Lan Cai looked at Li Xiaoyao with confusion.


    Li Xiaoyao didn''t speak; he merely stretched out his hand to pull Lan Cai behind him, then walked to the front of the elevator and forcefully pried the elevator doors apart with both hands.


    Lan Cai was frightened by Li Xiaoyao''s action and asked with a trembling voice, "Li Xiaoyao, what are you doing?"


    Li Xiaoyao didn''t answer. He exerted a slight force with his arms and easily pulled the elevator doors open.


    With the elevator doors open, they found themselves between the 12th and 11th floors, with only a dark wall outside the elevator doors.


    Li Xiaoyao stuck out half of his body and looked around before turning to Lan Cai, who was already dumbstruck, and said, "Come here."


    "Li Xiaoyao, what are you doing? It''s just a malfunction, don''t mess around, we''re on the 12th floor, it''s very easy to get hurt," said Lan Cai with a face full of concern.


    Li Xiaoyao nced at the elevator''s surveince camera and said, "Director Lan, don''t you find it strange?"


    Lan Cai was stunned and asked, "Strange? What''s strange?"


    Li Xiaoyao spoke quickly, "Thepany''s elevators are regrly inspected and maintained. Moreover, this is a branded elevator, it absolutely should not malfunction so easily, and even if there is a malfunction, there should always be someone in the elevator control room. But now, the elevator has malfunctioned for no reason, and there''s nobody in the control room. Isn''t that strange enough?"


    After hearing what Li Xiaoyao said, Lan Cai felt a chill down her spine.


    Indeed, for the elevator to malfunction at this particr time, out of the blue, and for the control room to be coincidentally unmanned, was all too coincidental.


    "So you... What do you think is the reason?" Lan Cai asked somewhat fearfully. After all, she was a woman, and despite showing the aura of a strong woman in thepany, when faced with danger in private, she couldn''t help but reveal a woman''s vulnerability.


    Li Xiaoyao spoke in a deep voice, "I offended the Long Family yesterday, and today the elevator malfunctioned. If I''m not mistaken, someone must have taken control of the elevator control room."


    "Ah!" Lan Cai was startled. She couldn''t imagine that the Long Family would be so bold as toe to herpany and do such a thing.


    Li Xiaoyao said, "Now, our most urgent priority is to escape from here."


    "But, we''re on the 12th floor, how do we get out?" Lan Cai Xiubrow asked softly with a slight frown.


    Li Xiaoyao bent down with his back to her and said, "Get on my back."


    Lan Cai clearly didn''t understand why Li Xiaoyao was doing this, but he didn''t exin further. Instead, he just said, "Don''t ask too many questions, get on quickly. The longer we stay here, the more dangerous it is."


    Lan Cai hesitated for two seconds before finally gritting her teeth, stepping forward, and lying on Li Xiaoyao''s back.


    Li Xiaoyao only felt a light and soft body covering his own.


    He took a deep breath, steadied his mind, supported her calves, and walked towards the elevator doors.


    Li Xiaoyao stood at the elevator doors, turned his body around, and lightly tapped his feet, leaping into the air in an instant. His right palm grabbed the upper edge of the elevator, his arm forcefully pulling up, and his whole body jumped up, feetnding firmly on top of the elevator.


    Lan Cai''s arms tightly wrapped around Li Xiaoyao''s neck, fear apparent in her watery eyes. She bit her lips tightly, not letting herself make a sound. Dozens of meters below her was open space, and she was afraid that her screams might cause Li Xiaoyao to falter. If that happened, they would both fall and be smashed to pieces.


    [Send your rmendation tickets to the lovely one¡ªsmash them this way~~]

 Chapter 63: Chapter 63 Escape

    In the control room, a man was on the phone. Once the call connected, he asked, "Are the people trapped in the elevator now? What should we do?"


    "Create an ident and kill them," came an icy voice from the phone.


    "I know what to do." Hanging up the phone, the man said, "Cut the power and let the elevator plummet."


    As the man uttered this coldmand while staring at the screen, at that moment, he suddenly saw Li Xiaoyao in the elevator, staring at the surveince camera with eyes cold to the bone.


    Facing those eyes, the man couldn''t help but shiver, then he immediately pulled the plug on the power.


    Right at that moment, Li Xiaoyao had already put Lan Cai on his back and escaped from the elevator.


    After the power was cut off, there were a few dozen seconds of transitional buffering time. During this interval, Li Xiaoyao, carrying Lan Cai on his back, jumped on top of the elevator.


    But just as he had steadied himself, the elevator beneath his feet began to shake violently. The cable fixed at the top of the elevator suddenly loosened, and the entire lift plummeted downward in an instant.


    "Ah!"


    Lan Cai couldn''t help but scream, her hands slipping at that moment, and she was on the verge of tumbling off Li Xiaoyao''s back.


    In the nick of time, Li Xiaoyao hooked his left hand around her arm, steadying her securely against his back.


    Li Xiaoyao''s body was bent slightly, squatting on the rapidly falling elevator, and the wind generated by the descent howled past him.


    12 floors high, the elevator plunged. In at most ten seconds, it would crash to the ground.


    Lan Cai clung tightly to Li Xiaoyao''s neck, and due to her nervousness and fear, she didn''t even care about Li Xiaoyao''s hand on her bottom.


    "Are we going to die?" Lan Cai''s voice didn''t seem particrly scared, and Li Xiaoyao even detected a hint of relief in it.


    Li Xiaoyao frowned and said, "With me here, we won''t die."


    Lan Cai let out a light snort and said, "Actually, death isn''t so bad; then there''d be nothing to worry about."


    "Shut up, if I say we won''t die, we won''t die," Li Xiaoyao suddenly roared, startling Lan Cai with his outburst.


    Carrying her on his back, Li Xiaoyao slowly stood up and said, "Hold on to me tight."


    As his words fell, Li Xiaoyao''s feet pushed hard against the top of the elevator, and like a cheetah, he leaped towards the protruding ledge on the opposite wall.


    Li Xiaoyao''s left hand supported Lan Cai''s bottom to prevent her from falling off, while his right hand grasped the ledge. He hung there, like a huge gori, one-armed on the wall.


    If it were just Li Xiaoyao alone, he could have relied on his Cultivation Level to fly through the air.


    But not now, because Lan Cai was with him, and he couldn''t reveal his abilities, so he had to resort to this most foolish method.


    Li Xiaoyao was physically strong; even if he hung there for a day and a night, it wouldn''t be a problem.


    But to Lan Cai, it looked like a desperate struggle, an act of sheer willpower. She felt like a burden, and without her, Li Xiaoyao would definitely be able to escape more easily.


    Lan Cai whispered into Li Xiaoyao''s ear, "I''m sorry."


    Li Xiaoyao was taken aback, wondering what was getting into this girl. Why apologize at this time?


    Thinking Li Xiaoyao was angry because he didn''t respond, Lan Cai whispered, "I''m sorry. If I hadn''t asked you to drive for me, you wouldn''t have been trapped in this elevator. I''m sorry, it''s all because of me."


    "Cough, cough, Director Lan, this incident is not rted to you. To be honest, the one who should be saying sorry is me. If I hadn''t offended Long Feiyang, none of this would have happened; I''ve dragged you into this mess," Li Xiaoyao said with a wry smile.


    Lan Cai shook her head and said, "No matter what, you saved me. If we can get out of here alive, I will definitely repay you."


    In Lan Cai''s view, both she and Li Xiaoyao were responsible for what happened today.


    "Repay me? How? Don''t tell me, Director Lan, you''re thinking of offering your hand in marriage?" The rascal started to bber again.


    Director Lan''s cheeks blushed, and for some reason, she suddenly thought of the time she and Lin Yuanyuan yed a game in the hotel yesterday, and the first person she thought of was Li Xiaoyao.


    "What do you mean by offering my hand in marriage? Don''t spout nonsense," Director Lan said with a hint of annoyance.


    Li Xiaoyaoughed twice, finding himself to be a chatterbox who spoke for momentary pleasure, and then he felt slightly regretful after. Lan Cai was the chairman, and he was merely her employee; how could he tease her like that.


    "Bang!"


    Suddenly, a thunderous noise came from the bottom of the elevator shaft. It was the sound of the elevator crashing to the ground.


    Lan Cai turned her head to look down, watching as a cloud of dust rose from the darkness below. Her cheeks turned slightly pale as a wave of fear washed over her.


    If it weren''t for Li Xiaoyao''s timely jump, two more bodies would be buried in the rubble below.


    Lan Cai asked softly, "What do we do now?"


    "Hold on to me tightly," Li Xiaoyao just said these words.


    Lan Cai didn''t know what he was going to do, but still obediently clung to him.


    Although the elevator had crashed, the cable was still intact. Li Xiaoyao tightened his grip on the edge of the wall with his right hand, his waist taut, and with a gentle push of his legs against the wall, he used the recoil to leap nimbly backward.


    Li Xiaoyao''s eyes were fixed on the cable as his right hand urately grabbed onto it.


    Even though he caught the cable, Li Xiaoyao still swayed a bit from the momentum before finally steadying himself after a while.


    Lan Cai had remained still throughout, afraid that even the slightest movement might affect Li Xiaoyao.


    After stabilizing himself on the cable, Li Xiaoyao said, "Hold on to me tightly, I''ll go down slowly."


    "Mhm." Lan Cai hugged him tightly and obediently hummed in response.


    At this moment, in this confined and narrow elevator shaft, only Li Xiaoyao could provide her with enough sense of security. Watching him move with celestial grace in what seemed like a certain death trap, Lan Cai was incredibly amazed.


    Li Xiaoyao felt Lan Cai''s hands around his neck tighten. He slowly and carefully withdrew his left hand that was supporting her, making sure she wouldn''t slip off his back, and then began carefully gripping the cable with both hands, sliding downward bit by bit.


    They were now at the height of the sixth floor, which wasn''t considered high for Li Xiaoyao.


    Li Xiaoyao''s hands were steady, but carrying a person on his back, and even though Lan Cai wasn''t heavy at nearly a hundred pounds, meant his hands meeting the cable, which was riddled with burrs, soon showed bloodstains from the friction.


    Lan Cai''s head rested on Li Xiaoyao''s shoulder, and she could clearly see the bloodstains on his hands and the blood that seeped out.


    Lan Cai turned her head to view Li Xiaoyao''s sharply defined face, his eyes full of unyielding determination, and his lips firm like a de''s edge. Each feature made her heart race a little faster.


    [I slept in a bit more this weekend. Dear readers, cast your rmendation votes for the diligent writer who still persists in writing over the weekend.]

 Chapter 64: Chapter 64 The Target is Lan Cai

    Li Xiaoyao clenched the rope and descended bit by bit. Approximately five minutester, Li Xiaoyao finally reached the ground. He stood below the elevator shaft, while in front of himy the crashed elevator.


    Lan Cai dismounted from his back and, looking at his hands covered in blood, said, "You need to stop the bleeding immediately."


    "Let''s get out of here first," Li Xiaoyao was not the type to be fussy, and a minor wound like this really didn''t mean much to him.


    Li Xiaoyao walked up to the ground floor elevator doors and gripped the seam between them, pulling them apart with force. With a cracking sound, he managed to pry the elevator doors apart by sheer brute force.


    Stepping out, Li Xiaoyao discovered that he was in an underground parking lot. He instantly understood that the very bottom of the elevator shaft would indeed lead to the parking lot.


    Li Xiaoyao extended his hand to Lan Cai behind him and said, "Come on out."


    Lan Cai quickly stepped forward and looked around, asking, "We''re in the parking garage?"


    "Mhm," Li Xiaoyao nodded. His consciousness had already covered the entire building, allowing him to clearly see that the three men were currently descending the fire stairs and had reached the seventh floor.


    Li Xiaoyao said, "Let''s go upstairs."


    But Lan Cai grabbed him, "No, you need to go to the hospital."


    "Now is not the time to go to the hospital. If we go to the hospital now, we might as well let those murderers escape," Li Xiaoyao looked at her and continued, "Do you really want to see those bad guys get away with their crimes?"


    Lan Cai hesitated, ncing at Li Xiaoyao''s bloodied hands and then frowning in a conflicted manner as if weighing what was more important, capturing the criminals or Li Xiaoyao''s injuries.


    Li Xiaoyao, however, had no time to waste with her. He simply picked up Lan Cai and put her on his back. Caught off guard, Lan Cai gasped in surprise.


    "I can walk by myself," Lan Cai struggled, attempting to get down.


    Li Xiaoyao ignored her and carried her swiftly towards the stairs.


    Li Xiaoyao''s physical condition was exceptionally strong; carrying someone didn''t slow him down. Within seconds, he was already on the first floor.


    The security guards on duty today were Mosquito and Xiao Quan. They were shocked to see Li Xiaoyao, disheveled, carrying Director Lan out of the fire escape.


    The two quickly approached and asked, "Boss, what happened?"


    Li Xiaoyao put Lan Cai down and told them, "You two protect Director Lan, I''m going to catch some small-time crooks."


    Before either could ask anything, Li Xiaoyao had already turned and sprinted towards the fire stairs.


    Lan Cai knew that anything she said now would be futile, but she was still worried about Li Xiaoyao''s safety.


    Lan Cai told Mosquito and Xiao Quan, "Call the police!"


    ¡­


    Li Xiaoyao''s speed was incredibly fast; each time his feet kicked off the ground, he shot up five or six steps like an arrow released from a bow.


    In just a few breaths, Li Xiaoyao had reached the third floor.


    Through his expanded consciousness, he could clearly see that the three men were leisurely walking down, now on the fourth floor.


    A cold, murderous intent covered Li Xiaoyao''s face. Whoever they were, since they wanted to kill him, he couldn''t let them go.


    Li Xiaoyao was never one to be easily bullied. Anyone who wished to bully him had to be prepared for his retaliation.


    The three men,ughing and talking, had no idea of the rapidly approaching danger.


    As they reached the fourth floor, they suddenly saw a man in disheveled clothes standing at the staircase entrance, looking at them with a cold and indifferent gaze.


    The three men were momentarily startled before one of them eyed Li Xiaoyao and said, "Good dogs don''t stand in the way, kid, get lost, and don''t block my path."


    Another muttered quietly, "Why does this guy look so familiar?"


    Li Xiaoyao stared at the three men coldly, his voice even colder, "Was it Long Feiyang who sent you?"


    The trio was taken aback, instinctively responding, "Long Feiyang? Who is Long Feiyang?"


    Li Xiaoyao was somewhat surprised, then furrowed his brows. So it wasn''t Long Feiyang who sent them? Who could it be?


    Plus, judging by the trio''s expressions, they did not seem to recognize him.


    If the Long Family had sent people to deal with him, they would have definitely investigated him thoroughly beforehand. There would be no absurd circumstance of them not recognizing him.


    Thus, it appeared that these three men were not sent by the Long Family but by someone else after Lan Cai.


    As this thought passed through Li Xiaoyao''s mind, a sh of murderous intent glinted in his eyes, "Tell me, who sent you to kill Lan Cai?"


    When Li Xiaoyao uttered those words, a hint of surprise flickered in the men''s eyes, and the man who had previously thought Li Xiaoyao looked familiar suddenly widened his eyes, pointing at Li Xiaoyao and shouted loudly, "It''s him, it''s him! The man in the elevator with Lan Cai, he didn''t die! How is it possible that you''re still alive?"


    The other two men, hearing his cry, were taken aback, then looked at Li Xiaoyao in surprise, knitting their brows tightly, "He actually escaped!"


    "So, Lan Cai didn''t die either?" The three men''s eyes filled with murderous intent as they asked harshly.


    Li Xiaoyao sneered. These men were excessively confident, seemingly thinking that their numerical advantage could put pressure on him.


    "Since you''re here to trouble Lan Cai, let her ask you herself." Having said that, Li Xiaoyao''s figure dashed forward like lightning.


    Seeing Li Xiaoyao about to make a move, the man at the front snorted coldly and lifted his foot to kick.


    Li Xiaoyao quickly stepped forward, grabbed the man''s ankle, and yanked down. The man lost his bnce and tumbled down the stairs.


    Easily dealing with one, Li Xiaoyao followed up with a heavy, ruthless cannon punch.


    "Bang!" The man was mmed against the wall with that punch, rolled his eyes, and passed out cold.


    Thest man gaped, clearly frightened. He kept backing away, pleading, "Don''te any closer, don''te any closer."


    Li Xiaoyao kicked him to the ground, stepping on his head, then fetched his phone and called Xiao Quan.


    Li Xiaoyao asked directly, "Did you call the police?"


    "Yeah, I''ve called the police."


    Li Xiaoyao said, "Have Mosquito wait for the police downstairs. You bring Director Lan up here to the fourth-floor fire escape."


    What Li Xiaoyao intended to do was to pry open these men''s mouths before the police arrived, to let Lan Cai know exactly who wanted to kill her.


    Xiao Quan quickly brought Lan Cai over, and Li Xiaoyao said, "You go back first. Call me when the police arrive."


    Xiao Quan left, and Lan Cai looked at Li Xiaoyao and the three men lying on the ground with a puzzled face.


    Li Xiaoyao kicked the man underfoot hard and said, "They aren''t from the Long Family; they''re here to kill you."


    Lan Cai''s pupils shrank, clearly startled, and she gasped, "To kill me?"


    Li Xiaoyao nodded, stepping on the man''s chest, and demanded, "Speak up, who sent you?"


    [Vote for rmendation tickets~]

 Chapter 65 Zhang Qingfeng!

    The man was almost spitting blood from the force of Li Xiaoyao''s kick, but he still gritted his teeth and said, "I''m a man of my word; I took the money to ward off disaster for others. I won''t talk. If you have the guts, just kill me."


    Li Xiaoyao suddenly revealed a bloodthirsty smile and said, "Don''t worry, I won''t kill you, but believe me, I have a hundred ways to make you talk."


    The man snorted and still clenched his teeth tight, refusing to speak.


    Li Xiaoyao nced at Lan Cai and said, "Director Lan, you might want to turn around, what I''m about to do might make you ufortable."


    "Li Xiaoyao, what are you going to do? You mustn''t do anything illegal," Lan Cai said, her eyes filled with worry as she looked at Li Xiaoyao.


    Li Xiaoyao shook his head with a smile and said, "Of course not, how could I possibly do anything illegal?"


    Lan Cai was half-convinced, half-doubtful when Li Xiaoyao urged, "Director Lan, turn around quickly, please. If the police arrive, I won''t have time to question him. If they take him before we get the information, you might never know who tried to kill you today."


    Lan Cai knew what Li Xiaoyao meant and, after a moment''s hesitation, slowly turned away.


    Li Xiaoyao then crouched down, stepping on the man''s wrist with one foot, his voice sounding as if it came from Hell itself, "I''ll give you onest chance. Tell me everything you know, and I will hand you over to the policepletely. Of course, you can continue to y tough, but I too can resort to some special methods to make you talk, though I think you might not like those special methods."


    The man still didn''t speak, and Li Xiaoyao, done with the small talk, grabbed one of his fingers and twisted it back forcefully, the crisp sound of snapping bones going "crack crack".


    "Ah!!!"


    The man''s screams were heart-wrenching, echoing throughout the hallway.


    Lan Cai covered her ears with her hands, refusing to listen to his agony.


    Li Xiaoyao continued to apply more force, a wicked smile on his face as he bent the man''s finger into an unnatural arc.


    After crippling one finger, Li Xiaoyao calmly grabbed another and without a word, twisted it back.


    "Ah!!!"


    The man''s screams continued, while the other two lying on the ground, upon hearing the painful cries, could not help but tremble. Li Xiaoyao finished with the second finger, then immediately grasped a third, never once asking the man if he would talk.


    Just as Li Xiaoyao had grabbed the third finger, the man could no longer withstand the pain and shouted loudly, "I''ll talk, I''ll talk."


    However, Li Xiaoyao didn''t stop. He went on to break the rest of the man''s fingers then stood up, his gaze icy as he looked at the man nearly unconscious from the pain, "Whether you talk or not doesn''t matter to me. Out of three men, even if two die, it''s no issue."


    After hearing Li Xiaoyao''s words, the man trembled all over. The other two men, frightened by Li Xiaoyao''s statement, didn''t wait for his inquiry and immediately burst out, "I''ll talk. Whatever you want to know, I''ll tell you."


    Li Xiaoyao fished a pack of cigarettes from the pocket of the man beneath him, lit one, and sat on the man, saying, "Then go ahead and talk. Tell me everything you know."


    The other two men, flustered, were just about to speak when Li Xiaoyao suddenly said, "Wait a second."


    Not knowing what Li Xiaoyao was going to do, they obediently shut their mouths.


    Li Xiaoyao stood up, walked over to one of the men, and as the man watched in terror, Li Xiaoyao kicked his head and the man passed out immediately.


    After doing all this, Li Xiaoyao looked at thest man, smiling, and said, "You talk first, then I''ll wake him up to tell his version. If what you say matches, I''ll deliver you to the police station in one piece. But if you''ve lied, he''ll be your preview," indicating the man with all ten fingers broken.


    The remaining man gulped, shook his head repeatedly, and said in a trembling voice, "I won''t lie, I''ll tell you everything."


    Li Xiaoyao asked, "Who sent you?"


    "Zhang Qingfeng, he said his name was Zhang Qingfeng," the man quickly replied.


    Zhang Qingfeng!


    Lan Cai''s heart was hugely shocked. How could it be him?


    Li Xiaoyao turned his head toward Lan Cai, and, seeing the change in his expression, guessed that he must have heard the name before.


    "Who is Zhang Qingfeng?" Li Xiaoyao asked.


    Lan Cai shook his head and did not answer Li Xiaoyao''s question, instead saying, "Thank you, Li Xiaoyao."


    Seeing she didn''t want to talk, Li Xiaoyao did not press further. He just waved his hand and said, "No need to thank me, it would have been impossible to leave you behind in that situation."


    Just then, Li Xiaoyao''s phone rang. It was Xiao Quan calling.


    "Boss, the police are here."


    "Got it, let theme up."


    It took only two or three minutes for a group of police officers to rush up from below. Taking the lead was Officer Zhang, who had given Li Xiaoyao the bonus and the bannerst time, and following behind Officer Zhang was the buxom police woman Zhu Xiaoyue.


    "You''re here too?" Officer Zhang was surprised to see Li Xiaoyao and Lan Cai.


    Zhu Xiaoyue also curiously nced at Li Xiaoyao, then furrowed her brows. She found that Li Xiaoyao seemed to get into trouble quite easily. It had only been a few days, and he was already ''summoned to the pce'' three times?


    At the police station, it was still the same interrogation room, but this time only Li Xiaoyao was in there. As for Lan Cai, she had been ced in a better environment and had awyer apanying her.


    In the interrogation room, Zhu Xiaoyue asked, "Tell me what happened."


    Li Xiaoyao sinctly recounted the whole incident.


    After he finished, Zhu Xiaoyue, astonished, covered her mouth and said, "You''re really lucky to have escaped that."


    Li Xiaoyao shrugged his shoulders and replied, "I guess I have a tough life. It''s not easy to kill me."


    Zhu Xiaoyue gave him a look and asked, "Has the Long Family given you any trouble?"


    "Not yet, but it should be soon." Li Xiaoyao asked, "Can I go now?"


    "Yes." Zhu Xiaoyue nodded, and Li Xiaoyao began to rise from his chair to walk outside. As he reached the door, Zhu Xiaoyue suddenly called out, "Hey, Li Xiaoyao!"


    "Hmm?" Li Xiaoyao turned around to look at her.


    Zhu Xiaoyue walked up to him and said, "Do you have time tomorrow?"


    Up close, Li Xiaoyao''s eyes involuntarily fell on her chest. Noticing this, Zhu Xiaoyue immediately reached for her service weapon at her side.


    "Cough, cough, I should have time. What''s up?" Li Xiaoyao quickly shifted his gaze, genuinely fearful of her trigger-happy nature.


    Zhu Xiaoyue snorted and said, "If you have time, I''ll take you to Officer Zhang''s house tomorrow."


    Li Xiaoyao looked confused and asked, "Why are we going to Officer Zhang''s house?"


    Zhu Xiaoyue replied somewhat angrily, "His wife has a strange illness. Didn''t I tell you about it before? You didn''t forget, did you?"


    Suddenly, Li Xiaoyao had a realization¡ªhe remembered. Indeed, there had been such an incident. He would havepletely forgotten if Zhu Xiaoyue hadn''t mentioned it today.


    To the friends urging an update~ Move your fingers, cast your rmendation votes for me, I am now going to work hard on writing today''s second update~~

 Chapter 66: Chapter 66 The Dog Servant

    Li Xiaoyao felt a tinge of guilt; he had promised Officer Zhang to check on his wife, but had nearly forgotten if not for Zhu Xiaoyue''s reminder.


    Li Xiaoyao patted his head and said, "Call me tomorrow, oh, do you have my number?"


    Zhu Xiaoyue snorted, "I''m a police officer, finding your number is easy."


    Li Xiaoyao rolled his eyes, "Do you have to be so aboveboard about it?"


    Shrugging, Li Xiaoyao turned and walked out the door.


    Lan Cai had alreadypleted the paperwork and was waiting outside the interrogation room.


    When Li Xiaoyao stepped out, he saw the worried face of Lan Cai and next to her, a man dressed in a sharp suit.


    "Did they give you a hard time?" Lan Cai asked with deep concern. After tonight''s incident, Li Xiaoyao''s image in her mind was undoubtedly reshaped.


    Li Xiaoyao shook his head, "It''s all right now. Let''s go, I''ll take you home."


    The man beside Lan Cai said, "Director Lan, since tonight''s matter has been resolved, I''ll be heading back first."


    "Thank you for your trouble, Ji Lushi."


    After Ji Lushi left, Li Xiaoyao and Lan Cai also started walking towards the exit.


    Upon exiting the police station''s main door, they saw three luxury cars parked at the entrance, with a long-legged beauty in a short skirt sitting in the middle car, while bodyguards filled the cars in front and behind.


    Li Xiaoyao recognized at a nce that the woman sitting in the middle car was Lin Yuanyuan.


    Lan Cai''s close friend, Lin Yuanyuan.


    Upon receiving a call from Lan Cai and learning that someone wanted to kill her, Lin Yuanyuan nearly exploded with rage. She summoned all the bodyguards in her house and rushed over as fast as she could.


    "That''s my close friend, Lin Yuanyuan. You''ve met her," Lan Cai told Li Xiaoyao.


    At that moment, Lin Yuanyuan pushed the car door open and briskly walked to Lan Cai''s side, scanning her up and down before finally exhaling a long breath, saying, "Thank goodness, my little Cai''er, thank goodness you''re alright."


    Lan Cai replied helplessly, "What could possibly happen to me?"


    "I was worried you might be hurt," Lin Yuanyuan said with a caring tone, then turned to Li Xiaoyao, her face full of arrogance, "You dog servant, you didn''t do too badly this time. In the crucial moment, you saved my little Cai''er. Don''t worry, I will definitely reward you. Hmm, let''s say one million."


    Li Xiaoyao gave Lin Yuanyuan a look reserved for idiots, while Lan Cai had a ming look on her face, with a hint of anger in her voice, "Yuanyuan, what are you saying? Li Xiaoyao is my lifesaver; how can you insult him by calling him a dog servant?"


    "Dog servant, huh," Li Xiaoyao let out a coldugh, and with a chilling gaze, he looked at Lin Yuanyuan. She felt a twinge of fear from his stare but still retorted stubbornly, "Dog servant, what are you looking at? Keep staring and I''ll gouge out those dog servant''s eyes of yours."


    Li Xiaoyao said, "It seems your parents never taught you to respect others, calling people ''dog servant'' with every other word. Today, I''ll stand in for your parents and give you a good lesson."


    Lin Yuanyuan gritted her teeth and snorted, "What are you? Just a dog servant, and you think you''re qualified to teach me a lesson?"


    "Number one, number two, number three..." Lin Yuanyuan called out more than a dozen codes, then pointed at Li Xiaoyao, "Beat him up for me, teach him a good lesson."


    The bodyguards from the two cars quickly surrounded Li Xiaoyao.


    Lan Cai grabbed Lin Yuanyuan''s arm, anxiously saying, "Yuanyuan, make them stop."


    Lin Yuanyuan ignored her and instead watched Li Xiaoyao being encircled by the bodyguards, saying, "Dog servant, you think you''re so tough. Keep acting tough; I''ll show you what happens when you anger this miss. Hmph, give him a good lesson, let him learn the consequences of provoking me."


    After Lin Yuanyuan finished speaking, the group of bodyguards immediately took action.


    Li Xiaoyao felt a me burning in his heart, this Lin Yuanyuan, she really was spoiled rotten.


    Li Xiaoyao didn''t have a habit of hitting women, but today, he felt an impulse to teach Lin Yuanyuan a lesson.


    Both were rich heiresses, but Lan Cai''s character was countless times better than hers; the difference was like heaven and earth.


    As for the bodyguards, Li Xiaoyao didn''t take them seriously at all.


    The bodyguards didn''t take Li Xiaoyao seriously, either. At Lin Yuanyuan''smand, several of them made their move, reaching out to grab Li Xiaoyao''s hair.


    But before they could grasp it, they felt a powerful force strike their shoulders or cheeks.


    The next moment, this force sent them crashing down, their heads spinning, temporarily losing consciousness. Until they passed out, they still didn''t understand what had happened.


    Lin Yuanyuan, who had been ready to enjoy the show, was shocked to find her bodyguards copsed on the ground, one after another.


    Lin Yuanyuan stared with wide eyes at her bodyguards groaning on the ground, while Lan Cai, looking worried, was too surprised to speak upon seeing the scene.


    Looking at Li Xiaoyao''s indifferent face, Lan Cai remembered that Li Xiaoyao might not be an ordinary person.


    Could an ordinary person have escaped from a falling elevator? And not only that, but while carrying another person?


    Li Xiaoyao looked at Lin Yuanyuan with an indifferent gaze and started walking towards her step by step.


    Lin Yuanyuan was so frightened by Li Xiaoyao''s gaze that she kept backing away, her voice trembling, "What do you think you''re doing, you dog servant? Get lost, don''te near me."


    Li Xiaoyaopletely ignored her cries. He grabbed Lin Yuanyuan''s wrist with his left hand, and with a firm push of his right hand on her waist, he hoisted her up in a fireman''s lift.


    "Ah!!!"


    Lin Yuanyuan trembled like a leaf in terror, screaming nonstop.


    "I''m the dog servant, and the dog servant is now going to properly punish you, the uncultured rich girl," Li Xiaoyao said with a cold smile. Holding Lin Yuanyuan, he walked over to the front of the car, turned her over, ced her on the hood, then raised his hand and pped her perky butt.


    "Smack!"


    "Smack!"


    "Smack!"


    Li Xiaoyao put a lot of force into it.


    "Ah!" From Lin Yuanyuan''s mouth came cries, filled with anger and grievances, but to Li Xiaoyao''s ears, they were full of temptation.


    Li Xiaoyao did not stop his hand, continuing to p her butt constantly.


    In the beginning, Lin Yuanyuan''s cheeks were flushed with humiliation and anger; no man had ever dared to touch her butt, which made her feel shy and furious.


    But soon, she didn''t have time to care about shame, because Li Xiaoyao was hitting hard, making her feel a fiery pain in her buttocks.


    With her eyes quickly reddening, tears inevitably began to stream down Lin Yuanyuan''s face. With a sobbing voice, she said, "You jerk, how dare you hit me, you dog servant, boohoo~ dog servant, dog servant~"


    Seeing Lin Yuanyuan actually crying, Lan Cai intervened, "Li Xiaoyao, don''t hit her anymore."


    Li Xiaoyao hadn''t expected Lin Yuanyuan to cry; he was just trying to give her a small lesson.


    [Request for rmendation votes~~ Those who don''t vote will get their butts smacked by the dog servant~]

 Chapter 67 The Long Familys Revenge, Its Here!

    Li Xiaoyao''s palm paused, and he looked into her eyes, asking, "Are you done swearing at me?"


    Lin Yuanyuan''s eyes were red as she red at Li Xiaoyao, defiantly saying, "I will swear! I will! You''re nothing but a dog''sckey, a dog''sckey, a dog''sckey..."


    Li Xiaoyao curled his lips, speaking viciously, "It seems the lesson wasn''t enough."


    As he spoke, Li Xiaoyao rubbed his palms together, saying, "Try swearing at me one more time? If you dare to swear, I''ll let you experience the consequences of being spanked again."


    Lin Yuanyuan cried out, "You wouldn''t dare!"


    Li Xiaoyao, smiling mischievously, stared at her, saying, "You can try it and see. If you don''t believe me, go ahead and swear at me again, and see if I dare."


    Lin Yuanyuan had never been threatened before and, although she was afraid Li Xiaoyao might really continue to discipline her, she still cursed to save face, saying, "Dog''sckey!"


    Li Xiaoyao showed no courtesy this time, grabbing her and flipping her onto hisp, and raised his hand to deliver a spanking.


    Neither Lin Yuanyuan nor Lan Cai had expected Li Xiaoyao to truly dare to hit them, and they were both utterly stunned.


    Li Xiaoyao said, "Go on, keep swearing. I spanked you over your clothes this time, but next time you won''t be so lucky."


    Lin Yuanyuan was furious, her cheeks so flushed with shame they appeared almost bloody, saying, "You wouldn''t dare!"


    Li Xiaoyaoughed, saying, "I wouldn''t dare? Then keep going, try me. I''m actually looking forward to it."


    Lin Yuanyuan didn''t dare to swear anymore. Li Xiaoyao had just spanked her bottom, and she knew this man was bold; probably there was nothing he wouldn''t dare to do.


    Li Xiaoyao, seeing Lin Yuanyuan''s resentful and angry eyes, didn''t care, saying, "Show respect to others, and they will respect you. Girls like you from rich families have never suffered a loss. Don''t think just because your family has some money you own the world. I have a good temper, but if you met someone with a bad temper, with the things you just swore, they''d rape and kill you first, then dump your body in the Yangtze River."


    Having said this, Li Xiaoyao turned and walked away.


    Lan Cai stopped him, asking, "Where are you going?"


    "Where can I go? Of course, I''m going home."


    Lan Cai shook her head, saying, "The Long Family must be looking for you. It''s very dangerous for you to go back now. It''s better if youe back with me."


    "It''s a society ruled byw now. Even if the Long Family wants to take revenge, they have to respect thew," said Li Xiaoyao, just to put Lan Cai at ease. As for that dog''s droppings of aw, not even he believed it when he said it.


    Lan Cai wanted to persuade him further, but Lin Yuanyuan had already climbed down from the hood of the car, one hand covering her bottom, gritting her teeth and saying, "Cai''er, why care about his life or death? He''s so badass, he even hits women. Is he going to be afraid of the Long Family? Humph!"


    Li Xiaoyao looked at Lin Yuanyuan with a smile, asking, "Does your bottom itch again?"


    "You!" Lin Yuanyuan waited for Li Xiaoyao, cursing, "You''re shameless!"


    "Am I shameless? Howe I don''t feel it?" Li Xiaoyao retracted his gaze, saying, "Alright, don''t worry about me. Oh, and I''m not going to work tomorrow. I''m taking a day off."


    After speaking, without waiting for Lin Yuanyuan to respond, Li Xiaoyao had already left.


    Lan Cai watched Li Xiaoyao''s disappearing figure, and for some reason, she felt a hint of loss in her heart.


    Lin Yuanyuan, hand covering her bottom, stood beside Lan Cai, huffing, "That stinking bastard, daring to hit someone, and even hitting someone''s bottom! What a jerk. I will definitely teach him a good lesson!"


    Lan Cai gave a wry smile, saying, "Yuanyuan, you were wrong to begin with. Who told you to swear at him first?"


    "Cai''er, you''re actually taking his side?" Lin Yuanyuan looked at Lan Cai in surprise, outraged, saying, "That stinking bastard hit me, he hit my bottom, Cai''er, how can you side with him? And, he''s your employee, what''s wrong with me calling him a dog''sckey?"


    "Alright, alright, let''s not talk about him anymore. Is that better?" Lan Cai, helplessly shaking her head, reached out to support her, saying, "You should know, although Li Xiaoyao is my employee, he''s a man with a lot of backbone."


    "Hmph, so much for spine," Lin Yuanyuan sneered, "Cai''er, go fire him tomorrow. I''d like to see if he''s still got any backbone then."


    "He won''t care about the job. Besides, I have no reason to fire him. He saved me today. If it weren''t for him, I''d be dead by now," Lan Cai spoke up for Li Xiaoyao nonstop.


    Lin Yuanyuan was silent for a few seconds, then relented, "Fine, since he saved you, we won''t fire him. But although we''ll spare him the death penalty, we can''t let him offpletely. He bullied me today; I must teach him a lesson."


    Lan Cai looked at her and warned, "Yuanyuan, please don''t do anything rash. Li Xiaoyao did go a bit too far today, but you yed a role in it too."


    "I don''t care; I still want to teach him a lesson. But don''t worry, I''ll just discipline him," Lin Yuanyuan said with a sly smile on her face, but inside, she was plotting mischief.


    ...


    On the way home, Li Xiaoyao was also puzzled.


    He thought that after crippling Long Zaitian, Long Feiyang should have tried to deal with him by now, but it had been two days without any sign of retaliation from Long Zaitian.


    Could it be that Long Zaitian knew his son was in the wrong, so he didn''t n to take revenge?


    Li Xiaoyao felt this possibility was very slim.


    He figured Long Feiyang must have sent someone by now, but for some reason, they had yet to make a move.


    However, Li Xiaoyao wasn''t worried at all. The Long Family wasn''t significant enough to concern him.


    When he returned to the residential area, Li Xiaoyao took the elevator upstairs.


    Standing outside the door, Li Xiaoyao took out his keys to unlock it. The split second he pushed the door, a sense of danger surged in his heart, and he instinctively jumped back several steps.


    As he backed away, a sh of cold light streaked from inside the door¡ª it was a de!


    As Li Xiaoyao retreated, the person hidden inside missed their target and immediately charged out.


    Five men, tall and muscr with cold eyes. The arms holding the machetes were muscr; these were clearly trained fighters.


    Li Xiaoyao immediately unleashed his awareness, enveloping the room only to find it in a mess, and Tang Tiantian was nowhere to be found.


    "Dammit!" Li Xiaoyao cursed, his eyes cold as ice as he fixed his gaze on the five men and asked in a deep voice, "Who sent you?"


    One of them chuckled coldly and said, "You should''ve anticipated this day after offending the Long Family."


    The Long Family, it was indeed the Long Family!


    Li Xiaoyao wasn''t wrong. Long Feiyang had had him tailed for two days, waiting for the right moment to strike and capture Li Xiaoyao.


    And before that, they had made other preparations.


    Upon learning that a woman was living under the same roof as Li Xiaoyao, Long Feiyang arranged for Tang Tiantian to be captured first.


    But what Long Feiyang didn''t realize was that the moment he had Tang Tiantian abducted, the situation had escted far beyond a simple conflict.


    "The Long Family, very well!" A murderous intent shed in Li Xiaoyao''s eyes as he dashed towards the five men like lightning.


    Seeing his approach, the five raised their machetes and whispered, "Catch him!"


    [A new week, please support with rmendation tickets]


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 68 Relentless Revenge

    The re of the de shing, Li Xiaoyao moved as if he were in uninhabited territory. With a single chop of his palm, he struck the neck of the man in the lead. The man didn''t even have the chance to scream before he copsed.


    "Damn!" A man next to him was startled by Li Xiaoyao''s swift and fierce move. His arm swung high, bringing the machete down towards Li Xiaoyao''s back.


    Killing intent flickered in the man''s eyes; he almost saw the oue of Li Xiaoyao being hacked to the ground by the machete.


    However, just as the machete was about to fall, it was as if Li Xiaoyao had eyes on his back. Without turning his head, he delivered a sideways kick, striking the man''s face hard and sending him flying away.


    After about fifteen seconds, four of the five meny on the ground unable to get up. The remaining one, holding a machete, was staggering, his eyes filled with panic as he watched Li Xiaoyao and kept retreating backward.


    Li Xiaoyao approached him like the Grim Reaper, and the man swung his machete wildly, shouting, "Don''te any closer, don''te any closer!"


    Li Xiaoyao reached out and grabbed the de. To the man''s horror, he took the machete right out of his hand. Then, reversing the handle, he pressed the machete against the man''s neck.


    Li Xiaoyao closed in on the man, his voice sounding as if it came straight from Hell, "The woman in the house, where is she?"


    The man''s voice trembled, "I don''t know."


    Li Xiaoyao''s arm holding the knife moved like lightning, and with a "swish!" a spurt of fresh blood sprayed out. At the same time, the man''s right ear was severed and dropped to the ground.


    Li Xiaoyao said expressionlessly, "You have one more chance."


    Screaming in agony and clutching his ear, the man looked at Li Xiaoyao in terror and shouted, "You''re a madman, a madman!"


    The corner of Li Xiaoyao''s mouth twisted into a terrifying smile. The edge of the de slowly moved beneath the man''s neck as he said, "Don''t test my patience."


    Nearly breaking down, the man found Li Xiaoyao''s expression too frightening. Not daring to im ignorance, he blurted out everything he knew.


    "The Long Family, the woman was taken back to the Long Family."


    Li Xiaoyao asked, "The location of the Long Family!"


    Without holding anything back, the man quickly gave an address.


    With the address in hand, Li Xiaoyao pped the machete''s handle forcefully, and the de smacked into the man''s temple. His eyes rolled back, and he passed out.


    Li Xiaoyao dragged the five men into the room and grabbed a mop to clean the blood off the floor outside. Then, looking down at the five men, he slightly furrowed his brows.


    He couldn''t merely lock them up; he had to figure out how to dispose of them.


    But Li Xiaoyao didn''t have anyone he could use at hand. Just as he was feeling troubled, an image suddenly shed in his mind.


    Zhao Ge!


    A retired special forces soldier, Zhao Ge!


    Perhaps, he could do it.


    Li Xiaoyao pulled up Zhao Ge''s contact and, after hesitating for only two seconds, made the call.


    "Beep¡ªbeep-beep¡ª"


    The phone rang only twice before it connected.


    "Hello, who is this?" Zhao Ge didn''t have Li Xiaoyao''s number, so he asked upon receiving a call from an unfamiliar number.


    Li Xiaoyao said, "It''s me, Li Xiaoyao."


    Zhao Ge paused for a moment, then recognizing who it was, replied, "Hello, Minister Li."


    Li Xiaoyao cut to the chase, "One hundred thousand yuan to do me a favor, not anything illegal or unprincipled."


    He was certain that Zhao Ge must be in need of money.


    A retired special forces soldier who had been out of work for a long time due to killing people in the line of duty would certainly be in need of money; otherwise, he wouldn''t be applying for a job as a security guard.


    Zhao Ge fell silent for a few seconds before asking, "Where are you?"


    Li Xiaoyao sighed with relief. He hadn''t guessed wrong, nor had he misjudged.


    Perfect, Li Xiaoyao could also take this opportunity to probe Zhao Ge''s capabilities. If this man was truly exceptional, then he would be worth employing.


    Zhao Ge lived nearby, and it only took twenty minutes to arrive.


    Li Xiaoyao opened the door and let Zhao Ge in.


    Zhao Ge saw the mess in the room and the five unconscious men on the floor, but he remained very calm.


    Looking at Li Xiaoyao, Zhao Ge asked, "What do you need me to do?"


    Li Xiaoyao said, "For some reason, I''ve offended an entrepreneur with some clout in Ling City. These five guys were sent by that man. He has taken my woman, and I''m going to rescue her. What you need to do is help me throw these five men out, anywhere is fine."


    Li Xiaoyao then took out a bank card and said, "There''s eighty thousand in the card, the password is xxxx, take it for now. The remaining twenty thousand will be given to you at thepany tomorrow."


    Zhao Ge didn''t decline, took the bank card, and said, "This job isn''t worth a hundred grand, but I''m in urgent need of money right now, so consider this a loan from you."


    "Debts must be paid, and if you think it''s not worth it, I think it is. The money is yours by right. Men should stand by their word, spit in the hole you dig," Li Xiaoyao finished speaking, threw the keys to the ce at him, and said, "I''ll leave this matter in your hands, I''m leaving first."


    Zhao Ge nodded, looking at the five men on the floor as if considering how best to deal with them.


    Li Xiaoyao trusted him; otherwise, he wouldn''t have called him for such a dirty job after just one meeting.


    Li Xiaoyao left the residential area, his figure quickly disappearing into the darkness.


    Long Feiyang lived in a high-end vi neighborhood, a half-hour drive away.


    But for a cultivator like Li Xiaoyao, flying there was a matter of minutes.


    Hovering high in the air, Li Xiaoyao''s thoughts rapidly covered the entire viplex, and just as he was using his mind to search for Tang Tiantian''s whereabouts, suddenly, he opened his eyes in astonishment.


    "A cultivator!" Li Xiaoyao widened his eyes in disbelief, staring at a vi below.


    Just now, when Li Xiaoyao was probing with his thoughts, he suddenly sensed a special aura, one that felt familiar. That was the unique aura of a cultivator!


    Li Xiaoyao had encountered one of his own kind.


    It had to be a cultivator, Li Xiaoyao couldn''t be mistaken.


    In this world, there was indeed more than one cultivator with unique abilities like himself.


    However, Li Xiaoyao noticed that the cultivator seemed not to have detected him, which probably meant that he was stronger than that cultivator.


    Li Xiaoyao focused his search on that vi, and soon, he spotted Tang Tiantian inside.


    Tang Tiantian was in that vi, which confirmed that this was Long Feiyang''s home.


    Li Xiaoyao carefully descended to the ground, concealed his presence, and step by step moved closer to the Long Family''s vi.


    Inside the vi, in the spacious living room,


    a corpulent man sat on the sofa, with a pale-faced Long Zaitian beside him.


    Ever since Li Xiaoyao had crushed Long Zaitian''s family jewels, the man had been terribly weak. However, with modern medicine being so advanced and the Long Family being so wealthy, they had already found a top-notch doctor, ready to give him a transnt.


    "Dad, I must kill that bastard!" Long Zaitian said with venom in his eyes.


    Long Feiyang snorted and replied, "I''ve already sent people to capture him. They should bring him back soon. Once we have him, you can torture him however you want."


    Long Zaitian''s eyes glittered viciously as he said with a twisted smile, "I want to grind his family jewels to a pulp, I want to burst his, I want to make him a eunuch!"


    Just as Long Zaitian uttered these words, a familiar voice, ghostlike, resounded in the room.


    "To make me a eunuch, you might just not have that fate!"


    With the sound of the voice, the figure of Li Xiaoyao stepped in from the entrance, appearing before the eyes of Long Zaitian and his son.


    [Vote to urge more updates~~ If the votes are strong today, I''ll add another update]

 Chapter 69: Chapter 69 Mr. Ling, the Cultivator!

    As Li Xiaoyao appeared, Long Zaitian immediately stood up from the sofa and shouted angrily, "Grab him, I''m going to cripple him today!"


    Sitting beside Long Feiyang was a middle-aged man in his forties, the cultivator that Li Xiaoyao had sensed.


    The middle-aged man merely nced at Li Xiaoyao and didn''t pay much attention to him.


    As Long Zaitian''s roar erupted, instantly more than a dozen men ran into the vi from outside, all carrying electric batons and machetes.


    In the blink of an eye, these men had surrounded Li Xiaoyao. A pale-faced Long Zaitian slowly walked over, took a machete from one of the men, and red at Li Xiaoyao with venomous eyes, saying, "Hold him down for me! I''m going to cripple him today!"


    The men immediately rushed forward, trying to grab Li Xiaoyao''s arms, but he punched each one away, causing their noses to bleed as they stumbled backward.


    "Quite bold to dare tie up my woman," Li Xiaoyao said with a coldugh, his face full of murderous intent.


    Enraged at Li Xiaoyao''s audacity to strike out here, Long Zaitian cursed, "Still resisting when death is upon you, today I''ll first cut off your dick, then your balls, and then stuff your mouth, watching you suffocate to death."


    "I was wondering how to teach you a lesson, thank you for the inspiration," Li Xiaoyao said with a cold chuckle as he snatched a machete, his wrist dancing, de shing, and in a mere moment, he had taken care of the dozen men.


    Long Zaitian watched, dumbfounded. His angry expression eager to kill Li Xiaoyao had now turned to one of stupefaction.


    "Little Tian,e back!" Long Feiyang, seeing Li Xiaoyao''s formidable skills, furrowed his brows and called out to Long Zaitian.


    Long Zaitian was already terrified by Li Xiaoyao''s sharp moves. He hadn''t expected this man, who had ruined him, to possess such terrifying skills.


    Long Zaitian quickly retreated, hiding behind Long Feiyang. More precisely, he hid behind the middle-aged man.


    Li Xiaoyao didn''t pursue. After all, they couldn''t escape tonight, and there was no difference between resolving it sooner orter.


    Long Feiyang turned to the middle-aged man beside him and said with respectful tone, "Mr. Ling, I''m troubling you."


    Mr. Ling chuckled and shook his head, saying, "Mr. Long, you tter me. Taking your money is to take on your troubles. Since you''ve hired me to protect you, naturally I''m here to ensure your safety."


    From behind him, Long Zaitian said in a low voice, "Uncle Ling, please cripple him for me!"


    Mr. Ling nodded and slowly rose from the sofa, taking measured steps toward Li Xiaoyao.


    In Mr. Ling''s eyes, Li Xiaoyao was merely a brute skilled in some punches and kicks, not worth his serious attention.


    "Such a young age, yet so ruthless in your moves. Today, this old man shall teach you a good lesson," Mr. Ling huffed, speaking with the tone of an elder.


    Li Xiaoyao scoffed disdainfully, "What are you? Daring to speak to me like that?"


    A sh of cold light passed through Mr. Ling''s eyes. This Li Xiaoyao dared to show him such disrespect.


    Mr. Ling''s feet moved swiftly, and in the blink of an eye, he was right in front of Li Xiaoyao.


    Li Xiaoyao was slightly surprised in his heart, for sure, this old fellow did have some skills.


    However, ording to Li Xiaoyao''s estimation, this Mr. Ling was only at the ninth level of Qi Cultivation.


    To Li Xiaoyao, such a level didn''t warrant his full attention; Mr. Ling''s ability was considered less than nothing in his eyes.


    Mr. Ling stepped forward with his right palm raised high, aiming straight for Li Xiaoyao''s throat.


    Seeing Mr. Ling take action, a cold smile emerged on the faces of Long Feiyang and his son.


    In their eyes, as long as Mr. Ling made a move, they wouldn''t stand a chance to resist.


    Perhaps the previous Mr. Ling had never failed, but from this moment on, from the instant he encountered Li Xiaoyao, he was doomed to end in defeat.


    Li Xiaoyao also raised his right palm, butpared to Mr. Ling, Li Xiaoyao''s speed was undoubtedly several times slower. If Mr. Ling''s move was the Baji Fist, swift as Running Thunder, then Li Xiaoyao''s move was Tai Chi, slow and deliberate like an old dragon moving its body.


    However, to Mr. Ling''s horror, no matter how fast he was, Li Xiaoyao''s bted hand seemed to be able to grasp his own palm every time.


    How could this be possible?


    Astonishment welled up in Mr. Ling''s heart, and he couldn''t help but look towards Li Xiaoyao, only to see a hint of a barely-there mocking smile on Li Xiaoyao''s face.


    ''How can this young man be so powerful?'' he thought, shocked, but filled with even more questions.


    Mr. Ling was a cultivator. Although his cultivation level was not high, ordinary people were definitely no match for him.


    Yet now, he actually felt danger from this young man, Li Xiaoyao, which was simply unbelievable.


    "p!"


    Mr. Ling''s right palm stopped in front of Li Xiaoyao''s head, while Li Xiaoyao''s right hand, like iron tongs, grasped his wrist firmly, preventing any movement.


    "Who exactly are you?" Mr. Ling stared at Li Xiaoyao, his previous calm and disdain reced by fear and panic.


    Li Xiaoyao, of course, was not going to answer his question. He raised his left arm and performed a palm chop just below Mr. Ling''s nape. The sight was such that Mr. Ling, whom Long Feiyang and his son had revered like a deity, rolled his eyes back and fell unconscious to the ground.


    Li Xiaoyao had only temporarily knocked Mr. Ling unconscious, for Mr. Ling was the first fellow cultivator, a peer besides himself, that he had encountered in so many years. Li Xiaoyao needed to learn more information from him, guessing that Mr. Ling surely couldn''t be the only cultivator aside from himself.


    There must be more cultivators in this world. It had to be so.


    Upon seeing Li Xiaoyao easily take down the formidable Mr. Ling, Long Feiyang and his son were greatly shocked, even the alwaysposed Long Feiyang was scared at this moment.


    Li Xiaoyao walked over to the sofa opposite Long Feiyang and his son, then slowly sat down.


    Long Feiyang, his voice tinged with a hint of fear, asked, "What do you want?"


    Li Xiaoyao looked at him and asked, "Do you know why I crippled your son?"


    Long Feiyang nodded, "I know."


    Li Xiaoyao continued, "Do you think I was wrong to cripple him?"


    Long Feiyang forced a smile onto his face and shook his head, "No, you weren''t wrong."


    Li Xiaoyao abruptly stood up from the sofa, walked over to Long Feiyang, and under Long Feiyang''s mix of shock and terror, he raised his hand and pped him hard across the face.


    Long Feiyang''s mouth and nose immediately bled from the p, his head buzzing.


    "Damn, are you even his real dad? To see your own son get crippled and still think it wasn''t wrong? Damn!" Li Xiaoyao yelled at Long Feiyang, in truth looking for an excuse to hit him.


    Long Feiyang and his son were just too top-grade, and aside from bullying others with their power, they were good for nothing else. Li Xiaoyao felt that it was imperative to subdue the two today; otherwise, other girls would definitely suffer at their hands in the future.


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 Chapter 70: Five Million

    Long Feiyang was pped by Li Xiaoyao and didn¡¯t dare show any dissatisfaction, merely nodding vigorously as he said, "Mr. Li¡¯s p was well deserved."


    Li Xiaoyao narrowed his eyes slightly. This Long Feiyang, even after being struck until he bled, still managed to behave this way; he truly knew how to bend or stand firm.


    However, such a calcting and enduring person was generally more dangerous.


    Li Xiaoyao asked, "Where is Tang Tiantian?"


    Long Feiyang didn¡¯t dare to conceal anything, nor did he dare to use Tang Tiantian as a bargaining chip to negotiate any conditions with Li Xiaoyao. Instead, he obediently said, "She is on the second floor, the third room to the left of the staircase."


    Li Xiaoyao nodded, stood up, and said, "Wait for me here. Of course, you could choose to run away, but trust me, you definitely won¡¯t escape my grasp."


    Long Feiyang¡¯s face was stacked with smiles as he nodded continuously and said, "Rest assured Mr. Li, I definitely won¡¯t leave. After all, I also want to resolve the issue properly."


    Li Xiaoyao hummed nomittally and headed upstairs.


    As soon as Li Xiaoyao¡¯s figure disappeared from the living room, Long Zaitian, who had been hiding behind Long Feiyang, immediately whispered, "Dad, where¡¯s your gun? I¡¯ll go get it, and when hees downter, we¡¯ll finish him with one shot!"


    Long Feiyang frowned, shook his head, and said, "You know Mr. Ling¡¯s capabilities; even Mr. Ling is no match for him. Do you think a gun could threaten him?"


    "Are we just going to let him go like this?" Long Zaitian was not willing to give up.


    Long Feiyang sighed and said, "Xiaotian, haven¡¯t you understood yet? It¡¯s not a question of whether we can let him go, it¡¯s about whether he is willing to let us go."


    Perhaps Long Zaitian didn¡¯t understand how formidable Li Xiaoyao was, but Long Feiyang did.


    He had spent a lot of money to hire Mr. Ling as his personal bodyguard, and people like Mr. Ling were not avable for hire by just anyone with money.


    Long Feiyang knew to some extent that Mr. Ling was not just any martial artist; he was far superior to them.


    But even with Long Feiyang¡¯s status, he was unable to connect with that mysterious circle.


    Therefore, when he saw Li Xiaoyao easily knock Mr. Ling unconscious, he no longer harbored any thoughts of opposing him. What he was thinking now was how he could convince Li Xiaoyao to spare him from his murderous intent.


    After Li Xiaoyao went upstairs, he walked to the third room, pushed open the door, and saw Tang Tiantian tied up, lying on the bed.


    Tang Tiantian, hearing the opening of the door, looked up in rm at the entrance but when she saw a familiar figure enter from outside, she was first taken aback and then immediately showed a joyful expression.


    "Brother Li!" Tang Tiantian eximed in surprise and delight.


    Li Xiaoyao quickly walked over, untied the ropes from her limbs, and as Tiantian¡¯s hands were freed, she immediately threw herself into Li Xiaoyao¡¯s arms, tightly wrapping around his strong waist.


    "I knew you woulde, I just knew it." Tang Tiantian said softly, crying.


    Li Xiaoyao gently stroked her hair with a tender motion and said, "It¡¯s alright. As long as I¡¯m here, no one can hurt you."


    Though Li Xiaoyao¡¯s voice was not loud, it gave Tang Tiantian a profound sense of security. It was as if Li Xiaoyao were a towering mountain, standing firm in her heart.


    This sense of security was irreceable by anyone else.


    Afterforting Tang Tiantian and calming her nerves, Li Xiaoyao said, "I¡¯m going to make a phone call."


    "Okay," Tang Tiantian replied, gripping his clothes tightly, unwilling to have him too far from her because that made her feel anxious.


    Li Xiaoyao didn¡¯t leave; he held Tang Tiantian tightly in his embrace, took out his mobile phone with his right hand, and made a call to Zhao Ge.


    As soon as the call connected, before Li Xiaoyao could speak, Zhao Ge promptly said, "It¡¯s all been taken care of, and the room is clean now."


    Li Xiaoyao nodded inwardly, acknowledging that Zhao Ge was indeed talented.


    "I¡¯m at Donghu First Grade Vi Area,e over immediately."


    "Okay, I¡¯ll be there in twenty minutes." Zhao Ge didn¡¯t waste any words and hung up the phone to rush over.


    Li Xiaoyao put away his cell phone, helped Tang Tiantian out of bed, and said, "Let¡¯s go downstairs."


    Tang Tiantian felt lost and worried, "Those bad people... won¡¯t they find out?"


    Li Xiaoyao smiled, ruffled her hair, and said, "I scared away those bad guys."


    "Really?" Tang Tiantian looked at Li Xiaoyao with surprise and curiosity.


    Li Xiaoyao flexed his arm muscles and said, "Of course, when have I ever lied to you? Plus, with muscles this big, how could those baddies ever be my match?"


    "But, since when did you be so powerful?" Tang Tiantian asked in puzzled amazement.


    Li Xiaoyao chuckled naughtily and gave her a light p on the buttocks, saying, "Don¡¯t you know how capable your man is?"


    Tang Tiantian¡¯s cheeks flushed as she pinched Li Xiaoyao¡¯s waist.


    The two went downstairs, and upon spotting Long Feiyang and his son, Tang Tiantian instinctively snuggled into Li Xiaoyao¡¯s embrace like a startled little rabbit, whispering, "Big Brother Li, it was them, they were the bad guys who captured me."


    Li Xiaoyao patted her arm and said softly, "Don¡¯t be afraid, they wouldn¡¯t dare hurt you."


    Holding onto Li Xiaoyao, Tang Tiantian walked toward the sofa, ncing cautiously at Long Feiyang and his son. When she saw a look of respect on their faces, she couldn¡¯t help feeling surprised.


    Long Feiyang, noticing how frightened Tang Tiantian was, quickly said, "Miss Tang, I¡¯m deeply sorry for the fright you experienced tonight. On behalf of myself, I offer you my sincerest apologies."


    Long Feiyang stood up from the sofa and bowed deeply to Tang Tiantian.


    Tang Tiantian was stunned, staring nkly at Long Feiyang.


    What was going on? Wasn¡¯t this man the one who had brought her here? Why was he apologizing to her now?


    Li Xiaoyao said, "Mr. Long, you took my woman, do you think a mere apology will do the trick?"


    Long Feiyang offered an apologetic smile and said, "Tonight¡¯s incident was indeed due to my oversight. Of course, I will express my apologies to Miss Tang with the utmost sincerity for the fright she experienced."


    After speaking, Long Feiyang pondered for a couple of seconds and said, "Five million."


    Five million!


    This figure startles Tang Tiantian, but Li Xiaoyao remains unfazed.


    Five million is not a small sum, but to Li Xiaoyao, it really wasn¡¯t much.


    During his time abroad as a mercenary, he had earned far more than this figure.


    Long Zaitian stood behind Long Feiyang, ring at Li Xiaoyao, who should have been disabled by him, but was now sitting across from them, conversing with his father in a controlling manner¡ªanger and resentment burning in his heart.


    However, he knew Li Xiaoyao wasn¡¯t someone the Long Family could afford to provoke; even his father had to approach Li Xiaoyao with the most respectful attitude.


    Although Long Zaitian was a rich second generation, this didn¡¯t mean he was unintelligent or thoughtless.


    He understood that if he wanted to continue enjoying a life where money was paramount, he absolutely couldn¡¯t afford to anger Li Xiaoyao today.


    [Vote, vote, vote for the tickets!!!]

 Chapter 71: Chapter 71 Interrogating Mr. Ling [With Group Number]

    Group number: 339620269, Knock-Knock Question: Any character''s name from the book.


    Wee all book fans to join the group for lively discussions and to urge updates!


    .......................................


    Price represents sincerity.


    Li Xiaoyao clearly remembered these words that his fourth brother had once told him.


    Five million, this price made Li Xiaoyao feel that Long Feiyang''s sincerity was insufficient.


    So, after Long Feiyang had stated his willingness, Li Xiaoyao did not respond immediately.


    He held Tang Tiantian, quietly sitting on the sofa.


    Tang Tiantian also did not speak, just obediently sitting there with Li Xiaoyao.


    After a few minutes of silence, even Long Feiyang was beginning to feel ufortable with the somewhat oppressive atmosphere.


    And just when Long Feiyang thought he was about to be driven mad by the silence, Li Xiaoyao suddenly spoke, "Twenty million."


    Long Feiyang breathed a sigh of relief; Li Xiaoyao had finally spoken.


    Twenty million, it was indeed a lot, but for Long Feiyang, it wasn''t too much.


    Still, Long Feiyang put on a troubled expression and said, "Mr. Li, isn''t this amount a bit too much?"


    Li Xiaoyao ignored his feigned bitterness, took out the bank card that Tang Tiantian had ced on him from his pocket, and casually threw it in front of Long Feiyang, saying, "The price has gone up now, thirty million."


    Long Feiyang''s face changed as he said, "Mr. Li..."


    Li Xiaoyao stared at him, "Fifty million!"


    Li Xiaoyao''s voice, like the scythe of the Grim Reaper, pressed against Long Feiyang''s neck, making him afraid to speak rashly.


    "You have half an hour to transfer the money into this bank card. If you exceed this time, it will no longer be fifty million, do you understand?" Li Xiaoyao enunciated every word, and after finishing, he took out his phone to check the time, "It''s now 8:17 PM."


    Long Feiyang did not dare utter a single word of protest; he felt a sense of danger from Li Xiaoyao, a danger that threatened his own life.


    "Alright, I''ll transfer it now, Mr. Li, please wait a moment," Long Feiyang took out his phone and immediately began making calls.


    To Long Feiyang, five million might not mean much, but fifty million was definitely a significant amount of money.


    Rich people are indeed very wealthy, but making a wealthy person cough up fifty million in cash all at once is not something just anyone can aplish.


    Long Feiyang had a profitable real estate developmentpany, and his worth was several hundred million, but that money wasn''t in cash.


    Getting together fifty million in half an hour was nearly impossible for him.


    But even if it was impossible, he had to try, because Li Xiaoyao would not care whether he could put together that much money.


    As Long Feiyang was calling around trying to gather the money, Li Xiaoyao''s phone rang.


    It was Zhao Ge.


    Li Xiaoyao''s mind covered the vi area and immediately found Zhao Ge hiding in a corner unseen by the surveince cameras.


    "Building 12,e straight in."


    Two minutester, Zhao Ge, dressed like a construction worker, walked through the vi''s main gate.


    Long Feiyang, busy making calls, nced at this man who appeared from nowhere and then continued to focus on his phone calls.


    Li Xiaoyao, with Tang Tiantian in his arms, also looked at Zhao Ge curiously and then gazed at Li Xiaoyao with an inquiring look.


    Zhao Ge walked up to Li Xiaoyao and asked, "What do you need me to do?"


    Li Xiaoyao patted the shrunken Tang Tiantian in his embrace and said, "Take her back, I have some things to deal with."


    Zhao Ge nodded, and Tang Tiantian reluctantly looked at Li Xiaoyao. Li Xiaoyao kissed her on the forehead and said, "Be good, go home first, I will return home after resolving the matters here."


    Tang Tiantian was not a woman who liked to make unreasonable troubles, she knew Li Xiaoyao had important matters to handle, so she nodded her head and left with Zhao Ge.


    Not long after Zhao Ge left with Tang Tiantian, Long Feiyang, who was nervously making phone calls to gather money, suddenly let out a long breath and then sat down on the ground with a thud.


    Long Feiyang, exhausted, said, "Mr. Li, the money has been transferred to the bank ount you specified, please check it."


    Li Xiaoyao nodded, made a phone call to Tang Tiantian, asked a few questions, then hung up. A few minutester, Tang Tiantian called back, telling Li Xiaoyao that the money had all been credited to the ount.


    Li Xiaoyao yed with his phone, a smile in his eyes as he looked at Long Feiyang and said, "Good, from now on, all conflicts between us are resolved."


    Hearing Li Xiaoyao''s words, Long Feiyang and his son both sighed in relief, the heavy stone that had been pressing on their chest instantly fell to the ground.


    Li Xiaoyao stood up and walked toward Mr. Ling, who he had knocked unconscious on the ground. Under Long Feiyang''s fearful gaze, he hoisted Mr. Ling up by his clothes and walked out of the vi.


    Long Feiyang wanted to ask Li Xiaoyao to spare Mr. Ling, but he held back when the words reached his lips.


    He had spent fifty million to have Li Xiaoyao spare him and his son, heaven knows how much it would take to save Mr. Ling.


    Li Xiaoyao dragged Mr. Ling out to a deserted, dark ce and instantly disappeared.


    A few minutester, Li Xiaoyao arrived with Mr. Ling in a deste, uninhabited wastnd.


    The area was deserted, with a dpidated building not far off. The asional breeze that blew past gave one chills down the spine.


    Li Xiaoyao casually dumped Mr. Ling on the ground and gave him a few kicks. Mr. Ling slowly opened his eyes, his consciousness gradually returning.


    "Where is this?" Mr. Ling sat up from the ground, at first not noticing Li Xiaoyao standing by.


    "Mr. Ling, I have some questions for you. If your answers satisfy me, I will let you go." The sudden voice startled Mr. Ling.


    "It''s you!" Once Mr. Ling saw Li Xiaoyao''s face, his pupils visibly constricted, and then he scrambled up from the ground, quickly retreating to what he considered a safe distance.


    Li Xiaoyao showed an innocuous smile and said, "Mr. Ling, if I wanted to kill you, you wouldn''t be alive right now. Simrly, if I wanted to harm you, you wouldn''t be able to escape from me."


    As much as he was reluctant to admit it, the fact was that he couldn''tst a single move against Li Xiaoyao.


    Mr. Ling''s face turned sour as he asked in a deep voice, "What exactly are you going to do?"


    Li Xiaoyao smiled slightly, his gaze intense as he stared at him and said, "You''re not an ordinary person."


    Mr. Ling''s face changed abruptly, instinctively stepping back two paces and said, "What do you mean by that? I don''t understand."


    "Don''t understand? Heh, no matter, then let me ask you in another way." After saying this, Li Xiaoyao suddenly vanished from the spot, and when he reappeared, he was already standing in front of Mr. Ling.


    Mr. Ling, looking at Li Xiaoyao whose silhouette flickered like a phantom, was greatly rmed.


    He knew, Li Xiaoyao was of the same kind as him.


    Li Xiaoyao stood in front of him, his right palm resting lightly on his shoulder, his eyes coldly saying, "Tell me everything you know."


    .......................................


    Group number: 339620269, knocking on the brick: any name from the book.


    Wee all book friends to join the group to chat and urge updates!

 Chapter 72 Cultivator! [Third Release, Seeking Recommendation Votes]

    Li Xiaoyao stood in front of him, his right palm gently resting on his shoulder, and asked, "Tell me everything you know."


    Mr. Ling swallowed hard, countering, "You don''t know anything?"


    Li Xiaoyao narrowed his eyes, indeed, he knew nothing, for it was by pure chance he had begun his cultivation, and possessed these abilities that seemed like special powers to outsiders.


    "Just talk, what exactly is the existence of you people?" Li Xiaoyao did not answer his question but asked one that weighed on his own heart.


    Mr. Ling was the first human he had encountered in this world who possessed the same aura as him, and he had to understand whether there were others in the world who knew about cultivation besides him.


    Li Xiaoyao''s eyes flickered with a murderous intent, saying, "Of course, you can also choose not to speak, but the consequence of silence, I believe you will definitely not want to know."


    Mr. Ling was no fool; he clearly understood what Li Xiaoyao''s words meant.


    Mr. Ling took a deep breath and said, "We people have amon name¡ªCultivators!"


    "Cultivators!" Li Xiaoyao''s pupils constricted, Cultivators, indeed, there truly were Cultivators in this world.


    Li Xiaoyao was ustomed to calling himself a cultivator, because it was through the cultivation of a technique that he had obtained his current abilities.


    But now, Li Xiaoyao finally knew that the group of people simr to himself in this world were called Cultivators.


    This term, often heard in novels and on television, actually existed in this world.


    Li Xiaoyao suddenly felt a surge of excitement; if Cultivators existed, then did that mean there were gods in this world?


    Perhaps, those like himself, with abilities not possessed by ordinary people, were the so-called gods?


    Li Xiaoyao looked intently at Mr. Ling,manding, "Keep talking!"


    Mr. Ling dared not hold any hope, saying, "Cultivators are of two kinds: one is the secluded families that don''t emerge in public, families thatmon people can''te into contact with. The other kind is the most powerful group of people in the world."


    There indeed existed Cultivators in this world; it''s just that these Cultivators were of two sorts¡ªone type immersed themselves in cultivation, not engaging with the mundane world, belonging to Hidden Sects.


    The other type, as history evolved, gradually merged into society; they might appear as wealthy and influential families on the surface, but in fact, they could be Cultivation Sects or families passed down from ancient times.


    Li Xiaoyao asked, "How many such families are there?"


    Mr. Ling shook his head, replying, "Very few, and even those that integrated into society are not within my reach."


    Li Xiaoyao stared at him, asking, "And whencees your cultivation level?"


    Mr. Ling responded, "I was an ordinary person and was adopted by a Loose Cultivator in my childhood. My cultivation level was taught by that Loose Cultivator, and the information I share is what he told me."


    Li Xiaoyao inquired, "Where is that Loose Cultivator now?"


    Mr. Ling''s eyes dimmed, replying, "He has already ascended to immortality."


    So he was dead.


    Li Xiaoyao frowned, initially thinking that by encountering a fellow practitioner, he could garner the information he desired, but unexpectedly, Mr. Ling turned out to be a half-baked practitioner; he could not extract anything useful from him.


    "Today, I will let you go, but if I find you colluding with these unscrupulous businessmen again in the future, I will personally take your life!" Li Xiaoyao''s gaze was cold as he uttered each word slowly.


    Mr. Ling suddenly felt a great sense of relief in his heart, nodding repeatedly, "Not at all, not at all. From now on, I will devote myself to cultivation and dare not get involved in worldly matters again."


    Li Xiaoyao waved his hand dismissively, "Get lost!"


    Mr. Ling, as if granted amnesty, turned and ran. Within a few breaths, he had disappeared from the ce.


    Li Xiaoyao didn''t see it, but as Mr. Ling turned to flee, his eyes revealed a glint of chilling malice.


    When Li Xiaoyao returned home, Tang Tiantian was sitting on the couch with a trace of worry and anxiety on her face.


    Zhao Ge sat silently in a chair by the door.


    As long as Li Xiaoyao hadn''t returned, he couldn''t leave.


    As Li Xiaoyao took out his keys and opened the door, Zhao Ge, who had been sitting in the chair, immediately stood up, his gaze fixed on the entrance.


    Pushing open the door, Li Xiaoyao''s figure appeared at the entrance, and Zhao Ge''s expression rxed.


    "If there''s nothing else, I''ll head back first," Zhao Ge said.


    Li Xiaoyao nodded, "Don''t forget toe to thepany tomorrow morning toplete the hiring process."


    "Okay." Zhao Ge, a man of few words, nodded in response and then left.


    Li Xiaoyao closed the door and looked around the house. The previously messy room was now back in order.


    Tang Tiantian got up from the sofa and quickly approached, throwing herself into Li Xiaoyao''s arms, "I was so scared."


    Li Xiaoyao sighed and said, "Tiantian, I''m sorry. Those people came after you because I offended them. But don''t worry, this won''t happen again."


    "But I was really scared," Tang Tiantian said, her voice trembling.


    She had truly been terrified. That evening, a group of men had suddenly burst into her home and took her away without a word; she didn''t even know what was happening and thought she had encountered robbers.


    After tonight''s events, Li Xiaoyao also realized more clearly that he needed to secure some loyal confidants as soon as possible.


    Zhao Ge was a good candidate, possessing both skill and integrity.


    "Tiantian." Li Xiaoyao held her cheeks, speaking softly, "Quit your job."


    Tang Tiantian was about to refuse, but Li Xiaoyao continued without waiting for her to speak, "Don''t rush to refuse me. I know you want to make money through your own efforts. But, I''m nning to open a store, and I''ll need someone to manage the finances and day-to-day operations. You know that finance is important, and I don''t have anyone trustworthy by my side, so I hope you''ll quit your job to help me."


    Li Xiaoyao''s words were a mix of truth and pretense, but he truly didn''t want Tang Tiantian to continue working there. Working for others always meant taking some dissatisfaction, and Li Xiaoyao had seen their manager today, aware that the manager had improper thoughts about Tang Tiantian. If she stayed there, she would definitely be unhappy.


    After hearing Li Xiaoyao''s words, Tang Tiantian also hesitated. After thinking for a while, she said, "When your store opens, I will quit. But until then, I''ll keep working."


    She was truly a stubborn girl. Li Xiaoyao knew she still doubted the sincerity of his words. She feared he had mentioned opening a store just to persuade her to quit.


    But it didn''t matter. Even if Li Xiaoyao hadn''t originally nned to open a store, he would do it for Tang Tiantian''s freedom and happiness.


    [Third release, ah~ asking for rmendation tickets~~~]

 Chapter 73 - 73 Charity [Seeking Recommendations]

    Tang Tiantian snuggled into Li Xiaoyao¡¯s arms as he stretched out two fingers, ying with her hair, the two whispering sweet nothings to each other.


    Under Li Xiaoyao¡¯s gentle constion, the fear in Tang Tiantian¡¯s heart was dispelled entirely.


    Li Xiaoyao said softly, "Resign tomorrow."


    Tang Tiantian pouted, "No, we agreed I¡¯d resign after you open your shop."


    "I forgot something just now, and only you can do this, so you have to resign quickly. Otherwise, it won¡¯t be good if this drags on."


    Tang Tiantian asked curiously, "What thing?"


    Li Xiaoyao answered, "Charity work."


    "What?" Tang Tiantian¡¯s eyes widened as she blinked, clearly not grasping Li Xiaoyao¡¯s meaning.


    "The Long Family gave me fifty million, but the money isn¡¯t clean, and I never nned to use it, so I decided to donate it to charity under your name," Li Xiaoyao exined.


    After hearing Li Xiaoyao¡¯s words, Tang Tiantian¡¯s brain shut down for a moment.


    "Of course, we can¡¯t donate to organizations like the Red Cross; if we donate to them, the money would be wasted." Li Xiaoyao was aware of Xuan Country¡¯s state of affairs¡ªcharitable institutions under the guise of charity were actually soulless tigers.


    Therefore, Li Xiaoyao decided to ensure the fifty million was put to good use.


    The donated money had to be visible; thus, it wasn¡¯t a small amount of work.


    Once Tang Tiantian recovered, she looked at Li Xiaoyao¡¯s thoughtful expression and suddenly a smile bloomed on her face.


    Fifty million, Tang Tiantian truly wasn¡¯t tempted at all, just like Li Xiaoyao had said¡ª the fifty million from the Long Family wasn¡¯t clean.


    And donating the money was also a good deed, a way of umting virtue.


    In that moment, Tang Tiantian suddenly felt that Li Xiaoyao¡¯s stature was grand; fifty million Renminbi, to donate without hesitation.


    "I¡¯ll go handle the resignation procedures tomorrow," said Tang Tiantian, this time without any objections.


    Li Xiaoyao gave her buttocks a pat andughed, "Let¡¯s go to sleep."


    ...


    Without further conversation, the next morning, Li Xiaoyao got up early to make breakfast.


    After breakfast, they changed clothes and left the house.


    Li Xiaoyao, as usual, took a taxi to drop Tang Tiantian off outside the mall, then headed for the office.


    He had already told Tang Tiantian that after she finished with the resignation procedures, she should go home first and then think about how to donate the money.


    No sooner had Li Xiaoyao stepped into the office, Zhang Meng followed closely behind him.


    "Xiaoyao brother, Zhao Ge is here."


    "So early?" Li Xiaoyao was surprised; Zhao Ge was really diligent toe for onboarding first thing in the morning.


    Li Xiaoyao nodded and said, "Take him to HR for onboarding, then bring him to see me."


    After Zhang Meng left, Li Xiaoyao leaned back in his chair, his mind upied with ns to deal with Hu Zhi.


    He decided to act within the next two days. The sooner he resolved the issue with Hu Zhi, the sooner he could move into San Tiao Alley.


    But there was a problem: Li Xiaoyao had no one he could rely on.


    If he entered San Tiao Alley without any trustworthy people under him, it would be a sad affair.


    As Li Xiaoyao was troubled about theck of manpower, at the same time in the CEO¡¯s office, Lan Cai suddenly received an unexpected phone call.


    "Cai¡¯er, I heard you were attacked yesterday?" On the other end of the phone, a woman¡¯s voice sounded, seemingly very concerned.


    Lan Cai hummed a response, "It was a minor incident; it¡¯s been resolved now, thank you for your concern, Auntie."


    "Hehe." The woman Lan Cai addressed as ¡¯Auntie¡¯ughed and said, "Cai¡¯er, this is not okay. Look at you, apany CEO without a bodyguard? Here¡¯s what I¡¯ll do, I¡¯ll arrange two bodyguards for you who are very skilled."


    Lan Cai immediately declined, "Thank you for your kind offer, Auntie, but it¡¯s not necessary; I already have a bodyguard."


    The auntie responded with an ¡¯Oh¡¯, then asked, "What kind of bodyguard did you hire? If they are just average at martial arts, that won¡¯t do. After all, you are a direct descendent of the Lan Family; your personal safety must be guaranteed."


    "He¡¯s very capable. I would have been in danger yesterday if he wasn¡¯t there," said Lan Cai, who was referring to Li Xiaoyao. She honestly hadn¡¯t intended to hire Li Xiaoyao as her bodyguard, but with her auntie calling to arrange for one, she had to respond in this way.


    "Auntie will visit Ling City someday; then you should introduce me to this bodyguard," her auntie suggested.


    Lan Cai replied, "Sure, give me a call before youe, Auntie, and I¡¯ll pick you up."


    After hanging up, Lan Cai let out a long breath.


    Lan Cai¡¯s auntie was Xu Wan, the wife of her third uncle, Lan Li.


    Before yesterday, Lan Cai had great respect for her Auntie Xu Wan, but after yesterday¡¯s incident, she became wary of this third aunt.


    Under Li Xiaoyao¡¯s intense interrogation, the men who tampered with the elevator had mentioned the name Zhang Qingfeng.


    Li Xiaoyao was unaware who Zhang Qingfeng was, but Lan Cai knew.


    Zhang Qingfeng was a trusted subordinate of Xu Wan.


    When Lan Cai heard this name, she was shocked.


    In other words, the person trying to kill her was her own third aunt!


    Lan Cai didn¡¯t want to believe it, but the reality was undeniable.


    [Modify]

 Chapter 74: Private Bodyguard Li Xiaoyao

    "Thump, thump, thump!"


    "Pleasee in." Lan Caiposed herself and reverted to her usual aloof executive demeanor before she called out to the person outside the door.


    Zhuo Yi pushed the door open and said, "Director Lan, there¡¯s a Miss Lin Yuanyuan here to see you."


    "Yuanyuan?" Lan Cai was momentarily stunned, her confusion apparent. Why had Yuanyuan suddenlye?


    Lan Cai said, "Let her in."


    Zhuo Yi nodded, turned, and left the office. After about ten seconds, she came back, only this time with a woman following her. This woman was Lan Cai¡¯s best friend, Lin Yuanyuan.


    After Zhuo Yi closed the door and departed, only Lan Cai and Lin Yuanyuan remained in the office.


    Today, Lin Yuanyuan was dressed in an ultra-short skirt with a sleeveless ck tank top, exuding a wild vibe.


    "Yuanyuan, what brings you here?" Lan Cai asked curiously.


    Lin Yuanyuan plonked herself onto the desk and said, "Aren¡¯t I worried that you got scaredst night? So I came over to check on you."


    Lan Caiughed and said, "Scared? It¡¯s not that easy to scare me. I¡¯m fine."


    Lin Yuanyuan looked at her seriously, her face stern, "Cai¡¯er, you really need to find yourself a bodyguard. If that jerk hadn¡¯t been there yesterday, I don¡¯t even want to think about what might have happened."


    Lan Cai smiled bitterly, "So you¡¯re telling me to get a bodyguard too?"


    Lin Yuanyuan asked, "Has someone else told you to get one as well?"


    Lan Cai said, "I just got a call from my family, saying they found a few bodyguards for me, but I turned them down."


    Lin Yuanyuan¡¯s eyes widened, "Cai¡¯er, have you lost your mind? Why would you refuse? If your family has found bodyguards for you, why on earth would you reject them?"


    Lan Cai shook her head without exnation, simply stating, "Because I already have a bodyguard."


    "What? You have a bodyguard?" Lin Yuanyuan looked at her in surprise, asking, "But howe I don¡¯t know about this?"


    Lan Cai said, "Because I just made the decision to have Li Xiaoyao as my bodyguard."


    Lin Yuanyuan¡¯s eyes widened further, her disbelief evident, "What? You¡¯re going to let him be your bodyguard?"


    Lan Cai nodded and said, "He¡¯s very skilled, and I trust him. There¡¯s no one better suited to be my bodyguard than him."


    Hearing such high praise of Li Xiaoyao from Lan Cai, Lin Yuanyuan couldn¡¯t help but pout, "What¡¯s so great about him?"


    Lan Cai grasped Lin Yuanyuan¡¯s hands, "Yuanyuan, I know he picked on you yesterday, but he¡¯s really a good guy. Can you please not be mad at him anymore?"


    Lin Yuanyuan huffed, "Do you think I¡¯m that petty?"


    Lan Cai immediately broke into a happy smile, "I knew Yuanyuan was the best."


    Lin Yuanyuan said, "Cai¡¯er, it¡¯s not that I disapprove of him being your bodyguard. It¡¯s just... his little kung fu, can it really protect you?"


    As Lan Cai thought back to the harrowing momentst night when Li Xiaoyao rescued her from the elevator, she said, "He¡¯s really capable."


    Lin Yuanyuan chuckled, "Capable? With his little kung fu calling himself capable? Humph, just yesterday the best bodyguard I had took a day off, which is why he could strut around so confidently."


    Lan Cai shook her head helplessly, "Okay, Yuanyuan."


    "Not okay." Lin Yuanyuan pouted and said, "Cai¡¯er, he can be your bodyguard if you like, but only if he canst ten moves against my number one bodyguard."


    Lan Cai frowned slightly and said, "Number one bodyguard? Is that the bodyguard Uncle Lin found for you?"


    Lin Yuanyuan raised her chin proudly and said, "Yes, that¡¯s him."


    Lan Cai frowned and said, "No, Li Xiaoyao is definitely not his match."


    Lin Yuanyuan spread her hands and said, "Then that¡¯s not my problem. After all, if you want him to be your bodyguard, you have to pass my test first, otherwise, I won¡¯t be at ease."


    Lan Cai knew Lin Yuanyuan was looking out for her and replied, "Alright then. But, tell your bodyguard to go easy, definitely don¡¯t hurt Li Xiaoyao."


    "I know, I know, I won¡¯t harm your little lover," Lin Yuanyuan said with a mischievous smile.


    Lan Cai¡¯s cheeks flushed red, and she didn¡¯t respond.


    Lin Yuanyuan picked up the desk phone and dialed the internal line, "Ask Director Li toe here."


    Director Li, naturally, was Li Xiaoyao.


    When Zhuo Yi received Lin Yuanyuan¡¯s call, she was somewhat puzzled; she was curious about why Lin Yuanyuan would want to see Li Xiaoyao out of the blue.


    Zhuo Yi was a woman with high standards, and ordinary men couldn¡¯t catch her eye. But Li Xiaoyao was different from other men; he was brave, had a strong masculine presence, and being with him made Zhuo Yi feel safe.


    Zhuo Yi had been in a dilemma these past few days. On one hand, she wanted to find Li Xiaoyao and talk to him¡ªabout anything, as long as she could see him. However, on the other hand, she was worried that seeking him out too often might make him think she was annoying.


    So, she agonized for two days until finally, an opportunity arose to meet Li Xiaoyao openly and aboveboard.


    Zhuo Yi could have called Li Xiaoyao directly, but she chose not to. Instead, she looked in the mirror, applied a delicate makeup, and went personally to the floor where Li Xiaoyao was to notify him face to face.


    At the moment, Li Xiaoyao was chatting with Zhao Ge. Afterst night¡¯s events, their rtionship had progressed even further. However, Zhao Ge was generally silent and not much of a talker.


    But when he was with Li Xiaoyao, they found plenty to talk about.


    One was a retired special forces soldier, and the other had been a mercenary. Zhao Ge could bring up any topic, and Li Xiaoyao could keep up with him.


    "You¡¯ve been in the military?" Zhao Ge looked at Li Xiaoyao curiously.


    Li Xiaoyao shook his head and said, "Just a military enthusiast."


    Zhao Ge nodded without asking further.


    "Knock, knock, knock."


    "Come in," Li Xiaoyao looked toward the door.


    Zhuo Yi pushed the door open and, smiling at Li Xiaoyao whom she hadn¡¯t seen in two days, said, "Director Lan is looking for you."


    "I¡¯ll be right there," Li Xiaoyao stood up and said to Zhao Ge, "You go straight to the security department. The folks there are pretty nice, oh, and there¡¯s one called ¡¯Doggy¡¯. Keep an eye on him; that kid is quite cunning, be careful not to get tricked by him."


    Zhao Ge nodded and said, "Okay, I got it."


    Li Xiaoyao walked out, smiled at Zhuo Yi, and as they walked shoulder to shoulder, he asked, "What does Director Lan want with me?"


    "I don¡¯t know either," Zhuo Yi shook her head, her gaze fleetingly caught his, and then let her arms hang slightly lower, inadvertently pulling her neckline down a bit, revealing a swath of her white chest.


    While in the elevator, Li Xiaoyao nced over and just happened to see Zhuo Yi¡¯s neckline, which had been pulled rather low, and his eyes were instantly fixated.


    Zhuo Yi could feel Li Xiaoyao¡¯s gaze but pretended to see nothing, keeping her eyes straight ahead in the elevator, feeling a bit of joy in her heart.


    She was not a promiscuous woman, but at that moment, she felt that it was worth it to sacrifice a little to get Li Xiaoyao¡¯s attention. Besides, she was quite willing to let Li Xiaoyao see her body; she believed her body was perfect, and that was something to be proud of.


    [The updates these past few days have been energizing, but the rmendation tickets are not as many as before~~ I¡¯m not motivated to add more updates /(¨Òo¨Ò)/~~]

 Chapter 75: Chapter 75 Betting with Lin Yuanyuan!

    Li Xiaoyao had been watching all the way, and when he arrived at the door of Lan Cai''s office, he was still staring unabashedly at Zhuo Yi''s chest.


    The most tempting time for a woman is always when she is half-concealed and half-exposed.


    "Big Brother Li, we''re here," Zhuo Yi turned her head and said softly.


    Li Xiaoyao reacted incredibly fast, and the moment she turned her head, he averted his gaze and looked at her with a smile, saying, "The weather is getting colder, remember to wear more clothes."


    Zhuo Yi was taken aback, then her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She watched as Li Xiaoyao entered the office and she stamped her foot lightly. But in her heart, she was somewhat pleased. Was Li Xiaoyao saying these things because he cared about her?


    Inside the office, Lan Cai and Lin Yuanyuan were discussing matters that were typical among women.


    Lin Yuanyuan had a bold personality, sitting in her chair with her long, white, shapely legs propped up on the desk, not the least bit worried about an unintended reveal.


    Lan Cai said, "Yuanyuan, put your legs down."


    Lin Yuanyuan replied nonchntly, "Why should I put them down?"


    Lan Cai said, "Li Xiaoyao ising in soon, he''ll see."


    Lin Yuanyuan huffed, "If that dog ve dares to look, I''ll gouge out his dog eyes."


    Lan Cai shook her head helplessly, and just at that moment, the door to the office was pushed open, and Li Xiaoyao walked in from the outside.


    Lin Yuanyuan instinctively wanted to put her legs down, but remembering what she had just said, she didn''t retract them and left them propped up on the table.


    When Li Xiaoyao walked into the office, he saw a woman with a fiery figure, her long legs nonchntly draped over the table.


    Li Xiaoyao stared at her unapologetically, without any hint of restraint.


    "Dog ve, where are those dog eyes of yours looking?" Lin Yuanyuan immediately got angry and yelled loudly.


    Hearing this familiar voice, Li Xiaoyao narrowed his eyes and thought to himself it was this woman, then he said with a smile, "Aren''t you showing off for men to see?"


    Lin Yuanyuan snapped back, "Even if I''m showing off, it''s not for you, dog ve. If you keep looking, I''ll gouge out your eyes."


    For some reason, whenever she saw Li Xiaoyao, Lin Yuanyuan felt an uncontroble anger inside her.


    Li Xiaoyao sneered, "A woman like you could strip naked in front of me, and I wouldn''t even nce at you."


    Lin Yuanyuan sneered back, "You bumpkin, have you ever seen a naked woman before?"


    Li Xiaoyaoughed, "Women with two legs are ten a penny, I could see them any minute I want, someone like you, two hundred bucks at most."


    Lin Yuanyuan was stunned, and then she quickly realized what Li Xiaoyao meant. He was insulting her as a prostitute, suggesting she was like a chicken, avable to anyone with money.


    "Bastard, smelly bastard, big bastard!" Lin Yuanyuan cursed, reaching for anything she could find to throw at Li Xiaoyao.


    Li Xiaoyao, however, didn''t even give her a nce, and turned to Lan Cai, "Director Lan, did you want to see me for something?"


    Lan Cai, holding back Lin Yuanyuan who was on the verge of a breakdown, said, "I called you here, indeed because there is a matter I would like to discuss with you."


    Li Xiaoyao was somewhat surprised, Lan Cai spoke of discussing, and he was curious what matter the chairman of thepany needed to discuss with him.


    Lan Cai said, "It''s like this, after yesterday''s incident, I feel that I should have a bodyguard by my side. So, I want to hire you as my bodyguard."


    Before Li Xiaoyao could speak, Lin Yuanyuan already said, "You cur, let me tell you, if you want to be Cai''er''s bodyguard, you need to get past me first."


    Li Xiaoyao, smiling gleefully, looked at Lin Yuanyuan and said, "Oh? You want to try out my kung fu?"


    Lin Yuanyuan puffed up her chest and dered, "Exactly, I want to test out your kung fu."


    Li Xiaoyao narrowed his eyes and gave Lin Yuanyuan a thorough once-over, saying, "Alright, then let''s change the venue."


    "Change the venue? Change to what ce?" Lin Yuanyuan did not understand what Li Xiaoyao meant.


    Li Xiaoyao chuckled mischievously and said, "To a ce with a bed, so you can find out whether my kung fu is any good."


    Even though Lin Yuanyuan was bold and unrestrained on normal days, she couldn''t help but blush at Li Xiaoyao''s tantly explicit words.


    This damned cur, his mouth really deserves a beating.


    Lin Yuanyuan bit her lip and red at Li Xiaoyao hatefully, saying, "You cur, I want to see how tough you can talk."


    Lin Yuanyuan called out to someone outside the door, "Han Dao,e in!"


    As her words fell, Li Xiaoyao saw a tall man enter from outside the door.


    The man was dressed in a suit, with short hair standing up like bristles, and he exuded a dangerous aura that warned others to keep their distance.


    Lin Yuanyuan''s eyes curved into crescents, her smile teasing as she looked at Li Xiaoyao and said, "If you want to be my Cai''er''s bodyguard, you have to get past Han Dao first. As long as you can withstand ten moves from him, I will agree to let you be Cai''er''s bodyguard."


    Upon hearing this, Li Xiaoyao couldn''t help but roll his eyes. When had he ever agreed to be Lin Yuanyuan''s bodyguard? This woman really had an unfounded sense of superiority.


    However, Li Xiaoyao didn''t mind ying along with her.


    "Oh? Ten moves, huh?" Li Xiaoyao looked at Lin Yuanyuan and said, "How about this, let''s make a bet, shall we? Of course, if you''re scared, you don''t have to bet with me."


    "Sure, I love making bets with others. Tell me, what do you want to bet on?" Lin Yuanyuan was determined not to rest until she had put Li Xiaoyao in his ce.


    Li Xiaoyao said, "Simple, if I can withstand your bodyguard''s ten moves, you give me a kiss, how about that?"


    When Lin Yuanyuan heard that the bet Li Xiaoyao proposed was this, she immediately was so irritated she gritted her teeth. However, she didn''t explode with anger but instead narrowed her eyes and with a smile said, "Since you''re not afraid to die, why would I be afraid to kiss you? But the stakes are too small; it''s not fun. How about this, if you can withstand his ten moves, I''ll kiss you. If you can defeat him, I''ll let you kiss me. Of course, if he kills you, I''m not responsible for collecting your corpse."


    Lan Cai was listening on the side, worried to death. This Li Xiaoyao was really too good at attracting trouble, why did he have to antagonize Lin Yuanyuan for no reason?


    But she also knew that even if she tried to persuade him now, it would be of no use.


    After hearing her words, Li Xiaoyao''s eyes suddenly lit up, and he asked, "What about if I knock him out in one move, how does that count?"


    Lin Yuanyuan clutched her stomach andughed loudly, with tears almost spilling out, "You knock him out? Are you dreaming? Okay okay, everyone needs to have dreams, it''s good to have aspirations; I can''t squash them, can I?"


    A look of undisguised mocking smile was on Lin Yuanyuan''s face as she said, "If you knock him out with one punch, you are free to do whatever you want to me, even if you want me to be your girlfriend, that''s fine."


    Li Xiaoyao''s eyes sparkled; he raised his eyebrow and said, "Oh? Those are your words, right? Then I really won''t hold back!"

 Chapter 76 Big Breasts, No Brains

    Upon hearing Li Xiaoyao''s words, Lin Yuanyuan burst intoughter, pointing at Han Dao loudly andmanding, "Han Dao, knock him out with one punch for me."


    Obeying themand, Han Dao stepped in front of Li Xiaoyao, his gaze cold and indifferent as he stared at Li Xiaoyao. Without saying a word, he delivered a punch directly at Li Xiaoyao.


    Li Xiaoyao quickly sensed the punch and discovered that Han Dao indeed had some skill; there was a whistling sound with the punch.


    However, Li Xiaoyao showed not the slightest fear. Everyone saw Li Xiaoyao also raise his right hand, clench it into a fist, and punch towards Han Dao''s fist.


    Li Xiaoyao punched out fiercely, and his fist collided with Han Dao''s fist.


    Lin Yuanyuan''s legs were still perched on the table as her big eyes sparkled with excitement, as she seemed to have already seen the disheveled scene of Li Xiaoyao being smashed to the ground by Han Dao''s punch.


    Lan Cai looked at Li Xiaoyao with a worried face. When she saw that Li Xiaoyao had chosen to confront Lin Yuanyuan''s bodyguard head-on, she couldn''t help but fearfully close her eyes. She was afraid to see Li Xiaoyao being knocked down by Han Dao''s punch.


    "Bang!"


    A sudden explosion sounded!


    Immediately afterwards, Lin Yuanyuan''s smug smile froze on her face because she saw that Han Dao, after the head-on collision of their fists, was sted away.


    The whole person flew out, a good seven or eight meters away.


    Then they watched Han Dao groan,y on the ground, his body twitched twice, and he moved no more.


    Lin Yuanyuan stared at the stationary Li Xiaoyao, blinking her big eyes, filled with disbelief.


    When Lan Cai heard themotion, she slowly opened her eyes and immediately saw Li Xiaoyao standing unharmed on the spot. A hint of confusion arose in her eyes, then she turned her head to look elsewhere, and upon seeing Han Dao lying unconscious on the ground, she couldn''t help but cover her small mouth.


    Li Xiaoyao turned around, his gaze still unabashedly appraising Lin Yuanyuan, whose legs were raised high. He said, "One move KO, I win."


    "You... you... how did you do that? Impossible!" Lin Yuanyuan herself didn''t believe it, even as it happened right before her eyes, she still couldn''t believe it.


    How could it be? How could Li Xiaoyao be so strong? To knock out her most formidable bodyguard with just one move!


    Li Xiaoyao shrugged and said, "He''s just a guy who knows a bit of cat''s cradle kung fu. Did you think he was really that good?"


    "A bit of cat''s cradle kung fu..." Lin Yuanyuan''s pretty lips trembled. This guy actually said that her most formidable bodyguard only knew a bit of cat''s cradle kung fu!


    Lin Yuanyuan was angry but helpless because what Li Xiaoyao said was true.


    Han Dao couldn''t even withstand a single move from Li Xiaoyao. Compared to him, wasn''t it just a bit of cat''s cradle kung fu?


    Li Xiaoyao''s eyes continued to appreciate the sight as Lin Yuanyuan realized what was happening, immediately putting her legs down and cursing angrily, "You cur."


    I, this cur, just won, you know. ording to our bet, you''re now my woman." Li Xiaoyao said, advancing towards her with an attitude that terrified Lin Yuanyuan.


    She was genuinely afraid of what Li Xiaoyao might do to her, and she also regretted making that bet with Li Xiaoyao.


    Why did she bet with him?


    Although Lin Yuanyuan had a carefree personality, deep down she was a traditional and conservative woman. If Li Xiaoyao did anything to her today, she would definitely break down.


    At this moment, Lan Cai stepped forward and said, "Li Xiaoyao, that''s enough. Don''t scare Yuanyuan."


    Li Xiaoyao puckered his lips and told the nearly crying Lin Yuanyuan, "Don''t look like you''ve been vited; I''m not interested in your kind of woman. As for that bet, I''m not interested in enforcing it on you either."


    Upon hearing Li Xiaoyao''s words, Lin Yuanyuan sighed with relief but immediately became angry again, demanding, "You cur, what does that sentence mean? What kind of woman am I? Make yourself clear!"


    Li Xiaoyao spread his hands and said, "A proud and conceited rich girl, what, am I wrong?"


    Lin Yuanyuan was so annoyed her teeth itched, and she wanted to scold him but was pulled back by Lan Cai, who said, "Enough, Yuanyuan, stop it. I have business to discuss with him."


    Lin Yuanyuan huffed and sat quietly to one side, no longer speaking.


    Lan Cai looked at Li Xiaoyao and said, "Li Xiaoyao, I want to hire you as my bodyguard."


    Li Xiaoyao didn''t even think about it and shook his head, "Sorry, Director Lan, you should find someone else. I''m not interested in being a bodyguard."


    Lan Cai was stunned for a moment. She hadn''t expected Li Xiaoyao to refuse, so his rejection left her somewhat at a loss.


    Lin Yuanyuan, seeing that Li Xiaoyao had actually refused, couldn''t help but snort, "You don''t want to do it, Cai''er doesn''t even want to hire you. With someone like you as a running dog, I''d really be uneasy having you as a bodyguard for Yuanyuan."


    Li Xiaoyao acted as if he didn''t hear her speak at all,pletely ignoring her.


    This woman was the type, the more you paid attention to her, the more arrogant she became.


    Lan Cai asked, "Why?"


    Li Xiaoyao was suddenly stumped.


    Yeah, why?


    Why did he refuse?


    Li Xiaoyao thought for a moment and said, "I''m used to being free and casual. If you ask me to be a bodyguard, I would definitely skip work often."


    Lin Yuanyuan suddenly said, "Cai''er, did you hear that? Your employee is free and casual and often skips work. You should dock his pay."


    Li Xiaoyao narrowed his eyes and looked at her, threateningly said, "Little girl, if you make me angry, I will execute you right here and now!"


    "You wouldn''t dare!" Lin Yuanyuan red at him furiously.


    Li Xiaoyao chuckled, "Why don''t you try and see if I dare?"


    Lan Cai, feeling helpless, rested a hand on her forehead and said, "Yuanyuan, enough."


    "Hmph!" Lin Yuanyuan turned her head away, refusing to look at Li Xiaoyao. Just seeing him made her itch to argue with him.


    "To be my bodyguard, you do indeed need to protect me by my side, but at the same time, I will give you a satisfactory sry," Lan Cai looked at Li Xiaoyao, her tone very sincere.


    Li Xiaoyao smiled and said, "Director Lan, are you sure, you can give me a satisfactory sry? My requirements are quite high."


    Lan Cai nodded and smiled as well, "No matter how high they are, I can afford it."


    Li Xiaoyao looked at the infuriated Lin Yuanyuan and asked, "Little girl, how much do you pay that Han Dao of yours a month?"


    "Hmph, why should I tell you?" Lin Yuanyuan said angrily.


    Li Xiaoyao stared at her bottom and raised his palm, saying, "You can choose not to say, but then my hand gets a bit itchy, and when it''s itchy, I like to touch something soft."


    "You... you''re shameless!" Lin Yuanyuan was outraged, finally blurting out that line.


    "Thank you for thepliment," Li Xiaoyao was not angry at all, instead he smirked.


    Lin Yuanyuan, afraid that Li Xiaoyao would really touch her, said very reluctantly, "Two million a year."


    "Two million a year?" Li Xiaoyao was stunned when he heard the price, immediately cursing, "Fuck, you''re spending two million to keep such a waste? You really are big-chested and brainless!"


    [Please rmend and tip~ Every penny is love~ The third update ising tonight~~~]

 Chapter 77 Five Million a Year

    Li Xiaoyao was truly astonished. He had thought that Lin Yuanyuan hiring a bodyguard would only cost twenty or thirty thousand Xuan Country Currency a month, but he hadn''t expected it to be two million a year.


    This was simply a waste of money. Spending two million a year to hire such a useless bodyguard, wasn''t that just a case of "bigger chest than brains"?


    When Lin Yuanyuan heard Li Xiaoyao berating her intelligence, she retorted angrily, "You''re the one with bigger chest than brains, your whole family has bigger chests than brains!"


    Li Xiaoyao ignored her and turned to Lan Cai, saying, "Director Lan, you heard for yourself. If that kind of worthless person can be worth two million, how much do you think you should pay me?"


    Lan Cai said, "Five million a year, how does that sound?"


    Li Xiaoyao looked at Lan Cai in surprise, noticing that when she said this number, her tone was very calm, as if five million was to her what five hundred might be to someone else.


    Five million wasn''t a small sum, and just to be her bodyguard too¡ªit was a very fair price.


    However, Li Xiaoyao didn''t feel like five million was a lot at all. Given his abilities, charging five million to be someone''s bodyguard was not excessive.


    If it was a month or twoter, Li Xiaoyao might not have epted, but at the moment, he was in desperate need of money. This five million could temporarily solve his financial problems.


    When Lin Yuanyuan heard that Lan Cai was willing to pay Li Xiaoyao five million, she was taken aback and said, "Cai''er, have you gone mad, hiring him for five million?"


    Li Xiaoyao nced at her sideways, replying, "What''s wrong with hiring me? Do you think everyone is like you, spending two million to hire a waste of space?"


    Lin Yuanyuan pointed at Li Xiaoyao, her face turning red with anger, "You..."


    "What about me? Did I say something wrong?"


    Li Xiaoyao really hadn''t said anything wrong, and because of this, Lin Yuanyuan had no way to refute it.


    Lan Cai looked at him, asking, "Five million¡ªif you agree, I can transfer the money to you right now."


    Li Xiaoyao nodded his head, saying, "Since Director Lan has already put it that way, it would be rude of me to refuse."


    Lan Cai felt a sense of relief when Li Xiaoyao epted the offer.


    She might not be able to directly perceive how formidable Li Xiaoyao''s strength was, but she felt that as long as he was by her side, she had a sense of security.


    In all these years, ever since her father vanished from her world, she had never felt this safe again.


    After Li Xiaoyao agreed, Lan Cai immediately said, "Send me your bank ount number, and I''ll transfer it now."


    Li Xiaoyao asked, "Don''t we need to sign a contract?"


    Lan Cai gave a slight smile, saying, "No need, you''re a man, I trust you."


    Li Xiaoyao was somewhat taken aback. This Lan Cai was indeed extraordinary, ready to hand over five million as easily as if it were nothing.


    Li Xiaoyao nodded his head. He didn''t say it out loud, but in his heart, he was touched by Lan Cai''s trust.


    Li Xiaoyao still gave her Tang Tiantian''s bank ount number. Then Lan Cai made a phone call. In less than ten minutes, the five million was in the ount.


    No sooner had the money hit the ount than Tang Tiantian''s call came through.


    Without a doubt, Tang Tiantian was calling to ask why there was suddenly an extra five million in the ount.


    Tang Tiantian felt her life these days was somewhat surreal, her entire existence fluctuating.


    Fifty million! She wouldn''t have dared to dream that one day her bank ount would hold fifty million.


    But now, that very scene had unfolded in her life, forcing her to believe it.


    However, Tang Tiantian also understood that everything she now possessed was all thanks to Li Xiaoyao.


    The arrival of Li Xiaoyao had changed the trajectory of her life.


    Upon answering the phone, Li Xiaoyao said, "We''ll talk when I get back."


    "Oh, okay," Tang Tiantian acknowledged, feeling a pang of guilt for bothering him when she knew he must be busy. She shouldn''t have called at this time.


    But she couldn''t be med; after all, anyone who suddenly found an extra five million in their bank ount would have trouble remaining calm.


    Pocketing his cellphone, Li Xiaoyao said, "I''m going to wrap up work first. If you need anything, just call me."


    Lan Cai said, "All right, go ahead with your work then."


    After Li Xiaoyao left, Lin Yuanyuan snorted and said, "Cai''er, you''re seriously hiring her as your bodyguard?"


    Lan Cai replied, "I can''t think of anyone more suitable to be my bodyguard than him."


    "Humph, just a bodyguard, right? I can find ten for you with five million."


    Even if you found ten, none wouldpare to Li Xiaoyao alone.


    Both Lan Cai and Lin Yuanyuan were aware of this fact; Lin Yuanyuan was just acting on anger for the moment.


    After leaving Lan Cai''s office, Li Xiaoyao immediately headed to the Security Department.


    Zhao Ge had already gotten a general understanding of the staff in the Security Department and, from what some security guards told him, knew who the guard called ''Doggy'' was.


    Li Xiaoyao walked into the Security Department and saw Zhao Ge sitting in the office, looking a bit awkward all over.


    Upon seeing Li Xiaoyao, Zhao Ge quickly stood up and said, "Director Li."


    Li Xiaoyao smiled and said, "You can call me Li Xiaoyao or Old Li. As far as positions go, we''re both department heads, equals."


    "How are you settling in?" Li Xiaoyao asked as he handed him a cigarette.


    Zhao Ge took the cigarette, lit it, took a drag, and his gaze slowly swept across the not too big nor too small office before saying, "Nothing about getting used to; having a stable job with an ie makes me quite content already."


    From Zhao Ge''s words, Li Xiaoyao could guess that there must be many stories behind him. But Li Xiaoyao didn''t ask, for even if he did, Zhao Ge might not tell.


    "Let''s have lunch together at noon. I promised to treat you yesterday," Li Xiaoyao said.


    Zhao Ge shook his head, using few words to say, "I''ll treat you."


    "I said I would treat, so it''s on me. Don''t argue with me about it."


    Zhao Ge fell silent. A few secondster, he took out a bank card from his pocket, the same one Li Xiaoyao had given him the night before.


    Only then did Li Xiaoyao remember that he had given him the bank card. He didn''t know if Zhao Ge had checked the bnce in the ount.


    One should know that this card contained over fifty-five million units of Xuan Country Currency.


    Li Xiaoyao took back the bank card and asked, "Did you withdraw the money?"


    Zhao Ge nodded, "Yes, eighty thousand."


    Li Xiaoyao didn''t say anything. He had said yesterday that thepensation would be one hundred thousand, and it would be that amount.


    Moreover, he wasn''t short of money now, not even that extra twenty thousand.


    While they were talking, a young security guard knocked and entered the office. Seeing Li Xiaoyao there too, he greeted, "Director Li."


    Li Xiaoyao gave him a smile. Zhao Ge asked, "What''s up?"


    The security guard handed over a stack of papers and said, "Director Zhao, this is the attendance record for us security guards fromst month."


    Zhao Ge nodded and began to slowly read through it.


    About two minutes in, Zhao Ge''s brow suddenly furrowed and he said, "What''s with this Zhang Shan?"


    Zhang Shan was the guard who was also known as ''Doggy''.


    "He was frequentlyte and left earlyst month," the security guard whispered.


    Zhao Ge closed the attendance report and said, "Call Zhang Shan here."


    The guard replied, "Zhang Shan hasn''t shown up today."


    Zhao Ge''s eyebrow raised a notch, "Hasn''te yet?"


    The guard nodded and said, "These past few days, Zhang Shan has been showing up around eleven."


    Zhao Ge stated, "When he arrivester, tell him to go directly to the HR department to process his resignation. He doesn''t need toe to work anymore."


    "Understood, Director Zhao!" The guard stood up straight, his eyes full of excitement, finally someone was going to deal with Zhang Shan.


    [Third release~~ Requesting rmendation tickets~ Requesting rewards~]

 Chapter 78: Chapter 78 Tang Tiantians Bestie is Malicious

    After the security guard left, Zhao Ge said, "This Zhang Shan is really arrogant."


    Li Xiaoyaoughed and replied, "He used to rely on others'' power. Now that his master has been kicked out, this dog stillcks self-awareness."


    Li Xiaoyao had originally nned to take care of this ''dog'' himself, but unexpectedly, Lan Cai suddenly asked him to be her bodyguard, so he had no choice but to leave the matter to Zhao Ge.


    When the ''dog'' came to work, someone told him that he had been fired.


    The ''dog'' was immediately enraged. After asking around, he learned that it was the newly appointed Security Chief Zhao Ge who had fired him.


    The ''dog'' cursed loudly, "Damn it, even Li Xiaoyao doesn''t dare to fire me, and you, a newbie, have the guts to fire me?"


    The ''dog'' stormed into the security department and kicked the office door open with a bang. Zhao Ge and Li Xiaoyao, who were chatting andughing inside, suddenly turned cold and looked towards the ''dog'' at the door.


    Seeing Li Xiaoyao in the office, the ''dog'' immediately suspected that Li Xiaoyao must have instigated the new chief to fire him. Otherwise, why would this neer have any reason to fire him when there was no previous feud?


    Zhao Ge looked at the ''dog'' expressionlessly and asked, "Who let you kick the door?"


    The ''dog'' silently encouraged himself, "The timid fear the fierce, and the fierce fear those who are desperate. Today I''m risking it all; I don''t believe I can''t intimidate them!"


    With this thought, the ''dog'' instantly felt empowered. He strode into the office, his face twisted with aggression, his fists clenched tightly, and as he charged at Zhao Ge, he cursed and swung his fist, "Motherf*cker, you dare to fire me!"


    "Hmph!" With a light snort, Zhao Ge stood up, made no attempt to dodge or hide, suddenly raised his right hand, and pped a giant palm across the ''dog''s face.


    "Smack!"


    With that crisp sound, the ''dog'' felt stars shing before his eyes as the world spun around, and he staggered and fell onto the ground with a thump.


    The ''dog'' was right to some extent, the weak indeed fear the fierce, but this tactic was useless against the retired special forces soldier Zhao Ge. To Zhao Ge, the ''dog'' was just bluffing.


    "You dare to hit me..." The ''dog''s voice was weak.


    Zhao Ge lifted his foot and gave another fierce kick, saying, "Comingte and leaving early, do you think you''re a leader? You''ve already been fired. If you have anyints, feel free toe see me anytime. My name is Zhao Ge."


    Having dealt with the ''dog'', Li Xiaoyao said, "It''s gettingte; let''s go have lunch."


    After the two left the office, the other security guards couldn''t help but start discussing.


    "This new Chief Zhao is awesome. He doesn''t hesitate to strike and doesn''t give any face."


    "To deal with someone like the ''dog'', that''s the way to do it."


    ...


    As Li Xiaoyao stepped out of the elevator, he called Tang Tiantian and said, "Tiantian,e join us for lunch... What?"


    Whatever Tang Tiantian said on the phone, Li Xiaoyao''s face suddenly turned extremely ugly.


    "I''ll be right there." After hanging up, Li Xiaoyao gave Zhao Ge an apologetic smile and said, "Something came up; I can''t have lunch with you today."


    Zhao Ge asked, "Do you need my help?"


    Li Xiaoyao thought for a moment and replied, "We might end up at the station, but I can get you out."


    Zhao Ge rarely smiled and said, "Let''s go, don''t keep others waiting anxiously."


    Tang Tiantian had gone to thepany today intending to handle her resignation, but she hadn''t expected her manager to deliberately make things difficult for her.


    Using a random excuse, the manager told Tang Tiantian that she would only be paid a thousand yuan forst month''s sry, with the rest being docked.


    Tang Tiantian was furious. Her sry of five thousand yuan a month had been deducted by four thousand without her knowledge. Anyone in her ce would be unable to tolerate such an act.


    "Why are you docking my pay?" Tang Tiantian said indignantly.


    The manager leaned back in his chair, a cigarette dangling from his left hand, his eyes never leaving Tang Tiantian''s curvaceous body. "You want your money? Fine, spend the night with me and I''ll give you the money right away," he said.


    Tang Tiantian''s eyes reddened with anger as she cursed, "You''re shameless!"


    The manager chuckled, "Call me whatever you want, but I simply desire you. If you want your money, then obediently sleep with me. Of course, if you''re not willing, I won''t force you. It''s just that, this money, it''s definitely going to be deducted."


    Tang Tiantian had never imagined someone could be so utterly shameless, and just then, Li Xiaoyao''s call came through.


    Suddenly feeling as if she had found her backbone, she tearfully ryed the situation to Li Xiaoyao in fits and starts, and he rushed over without dy.


    In less than ten minutes, Li Xiaoyao and Zhao Ge arrived at the ce where Tang Tiantian worked.


    Li Xiaoyao approached the cosmetics counter where Tang Tiantian worked and asked the woman standing inside, "Where''s the manager''s office?"


    The woman was startled and asked warily, "Who are you? What do you want with our manager?"


    At that moment, Lili walked over.


    This Lili was the woman who had previously helped Zhang Biao invite Tang Tiantian to the bar for a drink.


    Hearing what Li Xiaoyao had just said, Lili asked, "Who are you?"


    Li Xiaoyao replied, "Tang Tiantian''s man."


    A sh of surprise crossed Lili''s eyes. She had heard about Li Xiaoyao from Tang Tiantian, and she also knew that Zhang Biao had failed that night because of Li Xiaoyao.


    Lili was a smart woman; from the information she had, she knew that Li Xiaoyao was someone formidable, at least more so than Zhang Biao.


    Moreover, Li Xiaoyao was more handsome than Zhang Biao. If she could lure Li Xiaoyao away from Tang Tiantian, she wouldn''t have to worry for the rest of her life.


    Having thought this through, Lili gave Li Xiaoyao an alluring smile and said, "Tiantian should be in the middle of discussing important matters with the manager. Why don''t you wait here for a bit?"


    Li Xiaoyao scoffed, "Important matters?"


    Feigning innocence, Lili nodded, "Yes, Tiantian often talks business with the manager in his office, each time for over an hour. Oh, and once, as I happened to be passing by the manager''s office, I saw the two of them..."


    Li Xiaoyao asked, "Saw what?"


    Lili said, "If I tell you, you mustn''t get angry, alright?"


    "Speak."


    Looking around furtively, Lili whispered, "I saw Tiantian, naked, sitting on top of the manager, and the two of them were... doing that thing in the office."


    After just one nce at Lili, Li Xiaoyao could tell that she was not a good woman, and the story she was telling now was most likely fabricated.


    As for why she would say such things, Li Xiaoyao guessed she must have some grudge against Tang Tiantian, which is why she spoke ill of her in front of him.


    Narrowing his eyes, Li Xiaoyao asked, "Oh? When did you see this?"


    Putting on an act of deep thought, Lili replied, "Just yesterday, I saw it yesterday."


    Li Xiaoyaoughed softly, "Yesterday? Tang Tiantian didn''te to work at all yesterday. You must be hallucinating."


    Lili stood with her mouth agape, at a loss for words.


    Her intention had been to speak ill of Tang Tiantian in front of Li Xiaoyao, hoping to break them up, so she could take her chance. But she hadn''t expected Li Xiaoyao to bepletely unpersuaded.


    [First update in the early morning, everyone please cast your rmended tickets to me, continuing the effort for three updates today~]

 Chapter 79: Chapter 79 Cant Help But Kill Him [Second Update]

    Li Xiaoyao didn''t know what issues Lili had with Tang Tiantian, as he took out his cellphone to call Tang Tiantian. The phone was answered after just one ring.


    "I''ve arrived, where are you?" he asked.


    "I''m in the office... Ah, what are you doing?" Tang Tiantian was midway through speaking when suddenly, the manager in front of her lunged at her, tearing at her clothes.


    In the chaos, her phone fell to the ground.


    Li Xiaoyao took a deep breath, his thoughts swiftly epassing the floor of the mall, and almost instantly, he located Tang Tiantian.


    Under the mantle of his thoughts, he also saw clearly that the manager, with his dog-like appearance, was forcefully tearing at Tang Tiantian''s clothes.


    "Call emergency services," Li Xiaoyao suddenly instructed Zhao Ge.


    Zhao Ge was stunned for a moment and couldn''t help but ask in confusion, "Why call emergency services?"


    As Li Xiaoyao strode toward the manager''s office, he replied with a cold voice, "I''m afraid I won''t be able to stop myself from beating him to death!"


    Zhao Ge noted the murderous tone in Li Xiaoyao''s voice and thought to himself, what on earth did this manager do to provoke Li Xiaoyao to such fury?


    Lili watched Li Xiaoyao walk away and murmured softly, "A man like this, I won''t give up on easily. Tiantian, thank you for bringing me such a great man."


    It took Li Xiaoyao only a few breaths'' time to reach the manager''s office door. He lifted his foot and kicked the door open violently, then under the stunned gaze of the manager, he walked over and kicked him in the head.


    The next moment, the manager passed out.


    "Did you call emergency services?" Li Xiaoyao looked down at the unconscious manager and asked.


    Zhao Ge replied with a bitter smile, "No."


    "Then don''t bother calling," said Li Xiaoyao as he pulled out his phone and called the well-endowed policewoman Zhu Xiaoyue. Without preamble, he asked, "Is this part of the city under your jurisdiction?"


    Zhu Xiaoyue had thought Li Xiaoyao was calling her to treat Officer Zhang''s wife, not expecting such a sudden question.


    "Have you caused trouble again?" Although Zhu Xiaoyue hadn''t interacted deeply with Li Xiaoyao, she knew he was a troublemaker; there was never peace where he was involved.


    "Some blind beastid hands on my woman, and I''ve knocked him out cold. Of course, it was self-defense. If you''re free,e on over. After all, if scum like this doesn''t get taught a lesson, other women will suffer in the future," Li Xiaoyao exined.


    Zhu Xiaoyue was speechless, realizing that he had indeed hit someone, yet he soundedpletely justified in doing so.


    However, she also knew that Li Xiaoyao had a strong sense of justice deep in his bones. Since he dared to make this call, it meant he must be on the side of righteousness in this matter.


    Zhu Xiaoyue sighed and asked, "Where are you? I''lle now."


    After Li Xiaoyao gave her the address, he hung up the phone.


    Tang Tiantian leaned against Li Xiaoyao''s chest, her clothes somewhat torn but thankfully not too severely.


    Li Xiaoyao stroked her hair and said, "I''ll arrange for a bodyguard for you from now on. If such scum dares to touch you again, have the bodyguard cripple him."


    Tang Tiantian wasn''t too scared, probably because she knew Li Xiaoyao could arrive straight away.


    "You''re my bodyguard," said Tang Tiantian sweetly.


    Li Xiaoyao chuckled bitterly and replied, "I forgot to tell you, our chairman has hired me as her bodyguard for an annual sry of five million."


    "Ah!" Tang Tiantian eximed in surprise, "Five million? Five million a year, that''s so high?"


    Zhao Ge, who was nearby, also showed some surprise upon hearing this. He knew Li Xiaoyao was a martial artist, but he wasn''t clear on just how formidable Li Xiaoyao truly was.


    Still, to be hired as a bodyguard for an annual sry of five million suggested that his skills must be quite exceptional.


    "Is it high?" Li Xiaoyaoughed, not at all concerned as he said, "If I weren''t tight on money right now, I wouldn''t work as her bodyguard for five million, not even fifty million."


    Tang Tiantian only thought that Li Xiaoyao was bragging, but in fact, Li Xiaoyao wasn''t exaggerating at all.


    Given his glittering experiences as a mercenary, an annual sry of fifty million was low rather than high.


    The saying "Even a tiger can be bullied by a dog when it''s on t ground" applied here, though Li Xiaoyao hadn''t fallen low enough to be bullied by dogs, he was indeed troubled by money.


    Otherwise, he wouldn''t have sold himself for just five million.


    Li Xiaoyao and the others waited in the office for about fifteen minutes when the manager, whom Li Xiaoyao had knocked out, suddenly woke up.


    The manager climbed up from the ground, still dizzy, but he knew exactly what had happened.


    Pointing at Li Xiaoyao, the manager furiously cursed, "Bastard, you dare hit me!"


    Li Xiaoyao looked down at him coldly, and without another word, he started to fiercely kick the manager in the head, who let out pitiful cries.


    Li Xiaoyao was holding back his strength; otherwise, a single kick could have sent the manager off to meet the King of Hell with his slight frame.


    After a dozen or so kicks, the managery on the ground, only able to exhale and not inhale.


    Another fifteen minutes passed, and several police cars arrived, stopping in front of the mall.


    Zhu Xiaoyue got out of the car, and seven or eight police officers also disembarked from the other vehicles.


    Zhu Xiaoyue waved her hand and said, "Follow me inside."


    Zhu Xiaoyue led a team of police officers into the mall and into the office.


    Seeing the manager unconscious at Li Xiaoyao''s feet, Zhu Xiaoyue didn''t even ask any questions and directly ordered the manager to be arrested and taken back to the station for interrogation.


    Before leaving, Li Xiaoyao approached Zhu Xiaoyue and whispered, "Thanks."


    Zhu Xiaoyue turned her head to look at him, then nced at Tang Tiantian beside him and said, "Wait for my call."


    After Zhu Xiaoyue left, Li Xiaoyao and the others also departed.


    Li Xiaoyao said, "Let''s find a ce to eat something."


    In the restaurant, the three of them ordered a table full of dishes.


    Li Xiaoyao''s voracious eating scared both Tang Tiantian and Zhao Ge.


    "Xiaoyao, are you sure you''re okay eating like that?" Even Zhao Ge, who was worldly-wise, was afraid for Li Xiaoyao''s stomach as he watched him eat as if he was a starving ghost reincarnated.


    "No problem, no problem, this is barely enough to fill the gaps between my teeth," Li Xiaoyao waved off the concern and continued to devour his food.


    After nearly cleaning out the dishes on the table, Li Xiaoyao pulled Tang Tiantian closer and whispered in her ear, "Go to the bank and withdraw twenty thousand in Xuan Country Currency in cash."


    Tang Tiantian took the bank card, didn''t ask why, and stood up to look for a bank.


    Li Xiaoyao watched Tang Tiantian leave the restaurant, then turned his gaze to Zhao Ge and asked, "When can your formerrades get here?"


    Zhao Ge inquired, "Are you in a hurry?"


    Li Xiaoyao nodded and said, "Old Zhao, if yourradese, you can have them work at thepany, the sry will be as much as I previously mentioned to you. If they want to make money, they can work with me. You can tell them this, and let them decide for themselves."


    Zhao Ge asked, "Work with you? Doing what?"


    Li Xiaoyao, knowing that Zhao Ge was also interested, smiled and said, "I have some businesses in San Tiao Alley, but I don''t have many people I can trust. If yourradese, they''ll mainly work on security. Of course, asionally they''ll definitely have to deal with some issues. After all, people oftene to make trouble at these ces."


    Zhao Ge nodded and said, "I''ll talk to them."


    [Here''s the second update, looking for rmendations~]

 Chapter 80 I Can Cure This Disease!

    Zhao Ge knew what Li Xiaoyao meant, and Li Xiaoyao also knew that Zhao Ge must be considering the matter.


    At that moment, Li Xiaoyao''s phone rang; it was Zhu Xiaoyue calling.


    Zhu Xiaoyue asked directly, "Where are you?"


    Li Xiaoyao replied, "Just now at the restaurant on the third floor of that mall."


    "Wait there for me."


    Li Xiaoyao looked at his phone, thinking to himself, what''s wrong with this woman now?


    Before long, Tang Tiantian came back, holding an envelope that was bulging and thick.


    Tang Tiantian handed the envelope to Li Xiaoyao, who put it on the table, slid it over to Zhao Ge, and said, "Here''s twenty thousand yuan, take it."


    Zhao Ge wanted to refuse, but Li Xiaoyao said, "Let''s keep separate things separate; this is what I promised you."


    After hearing this, Zhao Ge nodded, tucking the envelope into his pocket.


    Li Xiaoyao then said to Tang Tiantian, "I have something else to do in a bit; you go on with your work. I''ll call you when I''m done."


    Tang Tiantian hummed in acknowledgment and said, "You go about your business, don''t worry about me. I''m nning to visit a charity organization this afternoon to learn from their experience."


    Knowing Li Xiaoyao would be busyter, Zhao Ge got up and said, "I''ll head out first, call me if you need anything."


    Zhao Ge and Tang Tiantian left one after the other, while Li Xiaoyao called the waiter over to clear away the leftovers from the table and then ordered a cup of coffee.


    Zhu Xiaoyue drove her BMW out of the police station and made her way to the mall.


    Because she was in a hurry, Tang Tiantian didn''t even have time to change out of her police uniform.


    Wearing an ill-fitting police uniform, Tang Tiantian walked through the mall, attracting countless men''s gazes.


    Especially when the passersby saw Tang Tiantian in her police uniform, they couldn''t help but drool.


    "Is this ying at uniform seduction?"


    "Damn, this woman is Top Grade!"


    Unaware of the situation, some thought Zhu Xiaoyue was engaging in uniform seduction. A clueless man approached her, intending to flirt, but Zhu Xiaoyue immediately drew her gun and pressed it against his forehead, saying coldly, "Scram!"


    Okay, so she is a real cop!


    Zhu Xiaoyue had drawn her gun outside the restaurant, and just so happened that Li Xiaoyao was inside, drinking coffee. Seeing this scene, he immediately spat out all his coffee.


    Several ck lines appeared on Li Xiaoyao''s forehead, thinking to himself, when would Zhu Xiaoyue ever change her habit of drawing her gun so impulsively?


    Zhu Xiaoyue put away her handgun, and after that, no one on the street dared to approach her again.


    Zhu Xiaoyue walked into the restaurant, looked around, and Li Xiaoyao helplessly waved at her, saying, "Over here."


    Zhu Xiaoyue walked over, didn''t sit down, and instead said directly, "Come with me."


    Li Xiaoyao rolled his eyes and asked, "Where to?"


    Zhu Xiaoyue replied, "To Officer Zhang''s house. I have already called Officer Zhang, and he''s waiting for us at home."


    Li Xiaoyao suddenly realized, smacked his forehead, and said, "I almost forgot about that, let''s go, we''re heading over now."


    Officer Zhang''s wife had contracted a strange disease, and Li Xiaoyao had promised to take a look at her, but the promise had been dyed for some time. Despite several reminders from Zhu Xiaoyue during this period, Li Xiaoyao still forgot about it.


    If it weren''t for Zhu Xiaoyueing to him directly today, Li Xiaoyao wouldn''t know when he would have remembered.


    There was no help for it; he was a busy man with a lot on his mind.


    Now that he remembered, Li Xiaoyao was certainly going to go. Whether he could cure the illness or not, the least he could do was pay a visit.


    Officer Zhang is also the captain of the police force, and fostering a good rtionship with him only brings benefits, not drawbacks.


    The two walked downstairs, and Li Xiaoyao got into Zhu Xiaoyue''s BMW. Zhu Xiaoyue drove extremely fast, nearly scaring Li Xiaoyao out of his wits.


    Officer Zhang''s home was in a very old neighborhood. Zhu Xiaoyue parked the car by one of the apartment buildings and said, "We''re here."


    Li Xiaoyao reached to push the car door open when Zhu Xiaoyue suddenly called out to him, "Li Xiaoyao."


    "What''s up?" Li Xiaoyao turned his head to look at her.


    Zhu Xiaoyue''s face was serious, and her voice carried a hint of pleading, "Please, you must cure my sister-inw."


    This was the first time Li Xiaoyao had seen Zhu Xiaoyue like this. She was gentle, she was kind, and all the inherent violence in her seemed to have vanished at that moment.


    Lix Xiaoyao had intended to crack a few jokes with her, but seeing her expression, he shelved the idea of making light of the situation. He nodded solemnly and said, "I will do my best."


    "Mhm," Zhu Xiaoyue looked at Li Xiaoyao gratefully and nodded firmly.


    They both got out of the car and headed towards Officer Zhang''s home.


    Officer Zhang had already received a call from Zhu Xiaoyue earlier. She had told him she woulde over with Li Xiaoyao today and that they would also take a look at his sister-inw.


    After hanging up the phone, Officer Zhang was extremely excited.


    His wife had taken a bullet for him during a bank robbery a year ago.


    Since then, his wife had been in aa and had not woken up.


    Officer Zhang had nearly bankrupted himself, spending all his savings, but in the end, he could not cure his wife.


    The doctors said she was brain dead, beyond hope.


    Yet Officer Zhang was not willing to just abandon his wife. Whenever he had the chance, he would seek the most renowned doctors from all ces, asking them to help treat her. But all the doctors said there was no cure.


    He had thought his wife would remain in aa, but then, at the hotel barst time, he saw Li Xiaoyao cure a man with a strange illness, and hope suddenly stirred in his heart again.


    "Knock, knock, knock!"


    Hearing the knock on the door, Officer Zhang quickly stood up from the bed and hurried to open it.


    "Big Brother Zhang," Zhu Xiaoyue stood at the door, smiling broadly.


    Seeing the two of them, Officer Zhang forced a smile onto his face and said, "Come in,e in."


    They walked into the house, and Li Xiaoyao said, "Sorry for the inconvenience, Officer Zhang; I''ve been a bit busy recently."


    Officer Zhang said with augh, "As long as you coulde, that''s enough. Even if you can''t cure her, I appreciate your effort."


    Li Xiaoyao nodded silently. Officer Zhang hadn''t said anything about absolutely having to cure someone; had he done so, Li Xiaoyao would have just walked away.


    Officer Zhang got them beverages and fruit, but Li Xiaoyao said, "Don''t bother, just take me straight to see my sister-inw."


    Hearing Li Xiaoyao say this, Officer Zhang showed a hint of excitement and responded, "Alright, follow me."


    The two followed Officer Zhang into the room, which wasn''trge, but very tidy and clean, clearly well-kept by Officer Zhang.


    As soon as Li Xiaoyao entered the room, he released his mental perception, enveloping the woman on the bed, inch by inch checking her body.


    "How beautiful!" Li Xiaoyao inwardly eximed. The woman appeared to be only in her mid-twenties, and even though she had been lying in bed for a year, her figure had not lost its shape.


    Li Xiaoyao sat down beside the bed, his right hand''s two fingers gently resting on the woman''s wrist. He closed his eyes, pretending to take her pulse when in fact, he was feeling her body''s condition.


    Officer Zhang and Zhu Xiaoyue stood by, watching him intently with nervous expressions.


    A few secondster, Li Xiaoyao opened his eyes and dered, "I can cure this illness."


    [Third update, seeking rmendation votes~~]

 Chapter 81 Chapter 81 A Candid Meeting

    "I can cure this disease,"


    Li Xiaoyao''s voice was not loud, yet it was filled with confidence.


    Officer Zhang''s body shook slightly, as if he still could not quite believe it.


    He had taken his wife to many major hospitals, but all of them had told him that his wife''s condition was incurable.


    Yet now, Li Xiaoyao, after looking for less than a minute, had just told him that he could cure the disease.


    Officer Zhang''s lips trembled, both excited and anxious, he asked, "Li... Mr. Li, can you really... cure her?"


    Li Xiaoyao nodded with a smile, "Yes."


    "Li Xiaoyao, you''d better not be joking," Zhu Xiaoyue interjected from the side, genuinely afraid that Li Xiaoyao was just saying this to tease Officer Zhang.


    Li Xiaoyao shook his head and said, "A healer has a heart of a parent; I would not joke about such a matter."


    Zhu Xiaoyue let out a sigh of relief, "That''s good then."


    On hearing Li Xiaoyao''s assurance, Officer Zhang said, "Mr. Li, as long as you can cure my wife, I''ll give you anything you ask for."


    Li Xiaoyao waved his hand and said, "Brother Zhang, let''s not talk about that. Since I promised to treat your wife, I will definitely not take a penny from you. If you talk about money, then I won''t treat her."


    Officer Zhang took a deep breath, picking up on a lot of useful information from Li Xiaoyao''s recent words.


    First, Li Xiaoyao calling him "Brother Zhang" indicated that Li Xiaoyao was indeed interested in forming a bond with him. And if he could cure his wife, Officer Zhang would owe him an enormous favor.


    What Li Xiaoyao wanted was not money, but his favor.


    Officer Zhang nodded firmly, looking at Li Xiaoyao, "Young brother, since you put it that way, I won''t say much else. If you ever need me in the future, I''ll be there, no questions asked."


    What Li Xiaoyao needed was Officer Zhang''s promise. He said, "Brother Zhang, I can definitely cure your wife''s illness, but, I''ll need you two to leave the room for a while."


    Zhu Xiaoyue asked, "Why should we leave?"


    Li Xiaoyao gave her a nce, "The medical skills I possess were imparted to me by an elderly predecessor, and must not be seen by outsiders during the treatment."


    Officer Zhang nodded, "I understand, let''s go, Xiaoyue."


    Zhu Xiaoyue was slightly annoyed, but she didn''t lose her temper at such a time.


    After the two left the room, Li Xiaoyao turned his gaze to the woman on the bed.


    He actually didn''t have any medical skills. That earlier talk was just a convenient excuse. After all, what he possessed was not medical expertise, but intention.


    However, the fact that he possessed Qi Cultivation had to remain a secret.


    Officer Zhang''s wife was a stunning beauty with fair skin, a slender figure, and delicately beautiful features. It was a pity for Li Xiaoyao to think of such a beauty lying unconscious.


    But soon, this beautiful woman was going to wake up.


    Li Xiaoyao closed his eyes, extended his forefinger, and gently ced it on the woman''s brow.


    Intention concentrated at his fingertip, entering the woman''s brow.


    The woman was brain dead, meaning her consciousness was asleep.


    What Li Xiaoyao needed to do was awaken her consciousness. Simply by awakening her dormant consciousness, he could bring the woman back to consciousness.


    Such a feat was impossible for an average person, even the most renowned doctors of the day couldn''t revive someone who was brain dead.


    But Li Xiaoyao could do it, because he possessed intention.


    Li Xiaoyao''s intention prated deep into the woman''s mind, and soon, he located her consciousness, hidden deep within her mind.


    ```


    It was a miniature woman, naked and huddled in a corner.


    Experience exclusive tales on empire


    Li Xiaoyao''s consciousness also took the form of a tiny person and walked up to the woman.


    The woman red at Li Xiaoyao and cursed, "Pervert!"


    Pervert?


    Li Xiaoyao was momentarily confused, then looked down and had an epiphany.


    Because he had entered the woman''s mind in the form of consciousness, he found himself in the same state as the woman, without a stitch of clothing on.


    Li Xiaoyao coughed twice, covering his embarrassment, and said, "I''m here to save you."


    The woman asked doubtfully, "Save me?"


    "Yes, you''ve been unconscious for a whole year, and now, I''m here to take you out," Li Xiaoyao said, his gaze drifting around the room, avoiding looking at the woman.


    The woman murmured to herself, somewhat bewildered, "I''ve been unconscious for a year?"


    Li Xiaoyao didn''t waste any more words with her and stepped forward, reaching for the woman''s hand.


    The woman was startled by Li Xiaoyao''s sudden move and instinctively struggled, but couldn''t break free.


    Li Xiaoyao coughed and said, "Close your eyes, I''ll take you out of here."


    "Mhm," the woman replied in a barely audible voice and closed her eyes.


    Li Xiaoyao looked down at the woman, whose face was as beautiful as blooming peach blossoms, and couldn''t help but sigh; such fleeting beauty, what a pity.


    Carrying the woman, Li Xiaoyao retraced his steps. As they moved through the previously dark space, a glimmer of dawn began to shine from afar.


    ...


    Ten minutester, Li Xiaoyao opened his eyes; he was pale and his forehead was covered in sweat.


    Rescuing someone with consciousness was not as simple and easy as Li Xiaoyao had thought.


    The woman''s consciousness was hiding in the deepest recesses of her mind. To wake her up, Li Xiaoyao had to use almost all his strength. He originally thought it would be a straightforward task to rouse her with his consciousness, but it turned out to be far from simple.


    "I was careless; it seems I must gauge my own strength in the future," Li Xiaoyao whispered to himself.


    The path of cultivation is divided into realms.


    And Li Xiaoyao, he was just an ordinary cultivator. The lowest realm for a cultivator is the Qi-Training Mirror.


    Above the Qi-Training Mirror is the Condensing Qi Bone Refining Realm, which is further divided into nine levels.


    And Li Xiaoyao had only just managed to reach the fourth level of the Condensing Qi Bone Refining Realm.


    The woman on the bed also slowly opened her eyes.


    Propping herself up with her hands, she slowly sat up from the bed, then turned her head and saw Li Xiaoyao sitting by her side.


    "Is it you?" The woman looked at Li Xiaoyao in surprise. She had just had a dream¡ªa very long dream.


    In the dream, she had been trapped in an extremely small space, and she didn''t know how long she''d been there until one day, a man appeared.


    This man looked exactly like Li Xiaoyao before her eyes.


    She dreamt that this man, stark naked, appeared before her, and then carried her away from that cramped space.


    Then, she woke up.


    [More toe~ Stay tuned~]


    ```

 Chapter 82 Chapter 82 A Dream

    "It''s you!"


    The woman stared at Li Xiaoyao, her face filled with disbelief.


    She had never met this man before, but why, then, had she dreamed of him?


    Li Xiaoyao, with a calm and steady face, feigned a puzzled expression and asked, "Do you know me?"


    The woman''s beautiful eyes were fixed on Li Xiaoyao, but all she saw in his eyes was confusion.


    Could it be that she was just dreaming?


    Yet the dream felt too real, didn''t it?


    The woman''s gaze instinctively shifted towards Li Xiaoyao.


    Seeing her eyes nce his way, Li Xiaoyao quickly turned and yelled toward the door, "Brother Zhang, sister-inw is awake."


    "Creak!"


    The door was pushed open from the outside, and Officer Zhang and Zhu Xiaoyue stepped into the room, one after the other.


    Officer Zhang saw the woman sitting on the bed, his eyes instantly reddened, and he moved step by step towards the bedside, his voice trembling, "Qinglian, is it really you?"


    Ye Qinglian was the woman''s name.


    It had to be said, the name suited her perfectly.


    This woman was as pure as a lotus.


    "Zhang Jianguo?" Ye Qinglian looked at Officer Zhang, first frowning and uttering the name, then followed by demanding sharply, "Where am I?"


    This question confused both Li Xiaoyao and Zhu Xiaoyue. They thought to themselves, aren''t you spouses? Why ask such a silly question?


    Zhu Xiaoyue exined from the side, "Sister-inw, this is Brother Zhang''s home, where he has taken care of you during the year you''ve been unconscious."


    "Sister-inw?" Hearing this title, Ye Qinglian''s eyes immediately narrowed to slits, and she said coldly, "Zhang Jianguo, you''d better exin to me clearly what this is all about!"


    Zhang Jianguo''s forehead was dripping with sweat. He touched his forehead and said to Li Xiaoyao and the others, who looked puzzled, "You two go out first."


    Ye Qinglian snorted and said, "Don''t move, today you''re going to make it clear to me¡ªwhen did I be your wife?"


    What?


    These two aren''t husband and wife?


    Li Xiaoyao looked at Zhang Jianguo with an odd expression, then turned to Zhu Xiaoyue. But Zhu Xiaoyue was alsopletely bewildered at this moment.


    Li Xiaoyao coughed twice and added, "Brother Zhang, the sister-inw has just woken up and might not remember many things. Be patient and exin things properly to her; we''ll head back first."


    Having said this, Li Xiaoyao was about to leave with Zhu Xiaoyue, but Ye Qinglian would not let them go.


    "Stay right there," Ye Qinglian called out. Then she got out of bed and stared intently at Zhang Jianguo, her frown growing deeper as she said, "Zhang Jianguo, I''m asking you something¡ªare you deaf? Can''t you hear?"


    Zhang Jianguo suddenly let out a long sigh and said, "Qinglian, you were injured at that time, and the doctors diagnosed you with brain death. But I couldn''t just watch you lying there in aa and do nothing. So, I decided to take care of you. Even if you never woke up, I would still do it."


    "Bastard, who needs you to take care of them? I sacrificed for my country; the country will take care of me. Who needs you to meddle?" Ye Qinglian was so angry her pretty face turned red as she said, "Zhang Jianguo, let me tell you, don''t think that just because you took care of me while I was in aa for a year, I would like you. You''re dreaming."


    ```


    After dropping those words, Ye Qinglian stepped right out the door, and a few secondster, there was a loud mming sound from outside.


    "Big Brother Zhang, don''t be angry, my sister-inw just woke up and her emotions can easily be agitated; it''s all normal," Li Xiaoyao said tofort him, but inside he felt a small surge of happiness.


    For some reason, when Li Xiaoyao learned that they weren''t officially husband and wife, he actually felt a sense of relief.


    Perhaps it was because he had the most intimate physical contact with Ye Qinglian.


    "This matter is indeed my fault too, I didn''t seek her consent before bringing her back home to take care of her. I had already guessed she would react this way today; after all, she is that kind of woman," Zhang Jianguo suddenly took a deep breath and, with a slight smile of relief on his face, said, "I have repaid what I owed her, and from now on, we owe nothing to each other anymore, Li Xiaoyao, thank you!"


    Li Xiaoyao asked with some surprise, "Big Brother Zhang, don''t you have feelings for my sister-inw?"


    Zhang Jianguo shook his head, then nodded, saying, "I do like her, but more than that, I feel guilty. After all, she took a bullet for me back then, which is why I brought her back home and have been taking care of her. But I know, she has no feelings for me, and now that she has woken up, naturally there won''t be any more marital rtionship between us."


    Alright, so Zhang Jianguo had been caring for her all this year because of this responsibility.


    "Squeak!"


    The door opened again, and all three turned their heads to see Ye Qinglian standing at the doorstep.


    Ye Qinglian''s gazended directly on Li Xiaoyao and said, "Come out with me."


    "What? Me?" Li Xiaoyao looked puzzled.


    Ye Qinglian''s eyebrow raised, "Was I not clear enough?"


    Perhaps because he had seen Ye Qinglian''s body, Li Xiaoyao felt somewhat weak at heart; he nodded repeatedly and said, "Very clear, very clear."


    Li Xiaoyao followed Ye Qinglian out of the house, with Ye Qinglian leading the way and Li Xiaoyao falling half a step behind.


    Seeing that Li Xiaoyao didn''t catch up, Ye Qinglian simply stopped and turned to face him.


    Li Xiaoyao was startled by her sudden movement and took two steps back, meeting her gaze.


    "Are you afraid of me?" Ye Qinglian''s eyes probed as if trying to see through Li Xiaoyao.


    Li Xiaoyao coughed and said with an awkward smile, "Why would I be afraid of you?"


    Ye Qinglian asked, "Was it you who woke me up?"


    "Hmm." Li Xiaoyao knew denial was futile and admitted openly.


    "I just had a strange dream. In the dream, there was a man who said he would take me out," Ye Qinglian asked as she gazed toward Li Xiaoyao.


    Li Xiaoyao looked so nervous that he could only crack a goofy smile, but did not speak.


    "Dreams are all illusory; you''ve been in aa for a year, having dreams is normal, not having them would be abnormal."


    With a mysterious smile, Ye Qinglian''s eyebrows raised, "Is that so? But, I dreamt of you in my dream, how strange is that?"


    Li Xiaoyao withdrew into himself and said, "From a scientific standpoint, that''s impossible, because we had not met before. Of course, from a physiological standpoint, it could be possible, after all you were unconscious for a year and certain needs have to be met. So, dreaming of a man is very normal. As for you feeling like you dreamt of me, it might be because the first thing you saw when you opened your eyes was me, so you subconsciously connected me to the man in your dream."


    Ye Qinglian''s cheeks turned red for a moment; this jerk, is he teasing me?


    But that dream just now was so real. Stay connected through empire


    [There''s a third updateingter~ With such effort to update, dear readers, cast your rmendation tickets for me~]


    ```


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 83 Chapter 83 Physical Examination

    Ye Qinglian''s eyes flickered a few times before she said, "There''s something I''d like to ask for your help with."


    "Sure, tell me." Li Xiaoyao couldn''t think of anything that this woman might need help with.


    "Could you help me... check... my body?" Ye Qinglian''s voice grew softer and softer until it was almost as faint as a mosquito''s buzz. If it weren''t for Li Xiaoyao''s exceptional hearing, he wouldn''t have been able to hear what she was saying at all.


    "Check your body?" Li Xiaoyao was stunned. What kind of request was this?


    Seeing his puzzled expression, Ye Qinglian blushed and said, "Before I lost consciousness, I was still pure, so I would like you to help me check whether I still am... pure."


    Li Xiaoyao suddenly understood. So that''s what it was about.


    Ye Qinglian was worried that, during the year of her unconsciousness, Zhang Jianguo might have taken advantage of her.


    It was natural for her to be worried; after all, as a big beauty with both figure and looks, lying motionless in bed day after day, any normal man would have thoughts about her.


    However, Li Xiaoyao felt that Zhang Jianguo probably wouldn''t do such a despicable thing.


    But since Ye Qinglian had made such a request, he naturally had to help her check, considering it a favor between friends.


    Li Xiaoyao stared at her for a few seconds and said, "I''ve studied ancient medicine and can determine whether you are still pure by taking your pulse."


    "What do I need to do?" asked Ye Qinglian.


    "You don''t need to do anything, just extend your right hand to me," Li Xiaoyao replied.


    "Oh." Ye Qinglian nodded, pointed to a worn flower bed not far away, and asked, "Shall we sit over there?"


    Li Xiaoyao had just said that to make Ye Qinglian feelfortable with his professionalism; otherwise, he just needed to use his thoughts to probe a bit, and he would know whether her body was intact. There was no need for all this trouble.


    But doing so would surely make Ye Qinglian doubt his examination.


    The two sat on the flower bed. Ye Qinglian extended her arm, reminiscent of a lotus root, and Li Xiaoyao lightly ced two fingers on her wrist, pretending to close his eyes. In fact, he had already released his Divine Sense, which was now wandering through her body.


    Ye Qinglian, on the other hand, was a bit nervous. When Li Xiaoyao''s fingers touched her skin, she felt a surge of electricity throughout her body.


    When she had been unconscious, she had dreamed of Li Xiaoyao¡ªit was definitely this man, she was certain.


    Taking advantage of Li Xiaoyao''s closed eyes, Ye Qinglian freely scrutinized his face.


    Li Xiaoyao wasn''t so handsome that it''d make people swoon at first sight, but he was the type who was very pleasing to look at, with distinct features; sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, and a straight nose.


    While Ye Qinglian was stealing nces at Li Xiaoyao, he was using his thoughts to observe her body.


    Even as he examined Ye Qinglian''s body without restraint, Li Xiaoyao remained calm, harboring no inappropriate thoughts.


    His thoughts delved deep into her body, and soon, he was certain that Ye Qinglian was still a virgin, a genuine one.


    Li Xiaoyao opened his eyes and saw Ye Qinglian staring at his face. He smiled, touched his own cheek, and asked, "What''s wrong? Is there something on my face?"


    Ye Qinglian''s cheeks flushed slightly as she shook her head and said, "No, did you find anything during the check?"


    Li Xiaoyao hummed affirmatively and said, "I''ve checked; your body ispletely intact."


    Hearing Li Xiaoyao''s definite reply, Ye Qinglian felt instantly calm and then said, "Thank you for waking me up today. I will remember this favor. If you ever encounter any trouble you can''t solve,e to me."


    With that, Ye Qinglian got up and left.


    Li Xiaoyao watched her leave, wanting to ask, "But where do I find you?"


    She was a strange yet individualistic woman.


    "Li Xiaoyao, what are you doing?" Zhu Xiaoyue''s voice suddenly sounded from behind him.


    Li Xiaoyao didn''t turn around and said, "Nothing."


    Zhu Xiaoyue looked at Li Xiaoyao curiously and surveyed the surroundings before asking, "Where did Sister Ye go?"


    "She left," Li Xiaoyao replied nonchntly, pulling out a cigarette as he turned around.


    "She left?" Zhu Xiaoyue frowned and said, "How could you let her leave?"


    Li Xiaoyao spread his hands innocently and replied, "I can''t exactly stop her from leaving."


    "Let her go if she wants. Now that she''s awake, whatever she wants to do is her business." Zhang Jianguo suddenly appeared and said.


    Li Xiaoyao walked over and said, "Brother Zhang, you seem to take it quite easy, don''t you? That''s your wife. It wasn''t easy for her to wake up, and now you just let her go without feeling any reluctance?"


    Zhang Jianguo smiled, shook his head, and said, "She once saved me. That''s why I would go to any length to cure her disease; that''s a man''s responsibility. Now that she''s awake, where she wants to go is her freedom; I can''t control it, nor will I interfere. Moreover, we never registered our marriage, so we''re not really husband and wife."


    Li Xiaoyao gave a thumbs up and said, "Brother Zhang, you are truly impressive. The way you see things, not bing a monk would be a waste."


    Zhang Jianguo chuckled, shook his head at Li Xiaoyao''s jest, and put a hand on his shoulder, saying, "Come on, let''s go have a drink."

 Chapter 84 Chapter 84 Killing the Tiger [Part 1]

    ```


    The rtionship between Li Xiaoyao and Zhang Jianguo was formally established at this moment.


    That day, Zhang Jianguo got dead drunk, and it was Li Xiaoyao and Zhu Xiaoyue who ended up taking him home.


    After leaving Zhang Jianguo''s home, Zhu Xiaoyue said, "Officer Zhang has had a tough year."


    Li Xiaoyao, slightly intoxicated, asked, "Tough? In what way tough?"


    Zhu Xiaoyue nced at him and said, "All his money has been spent on Ye Qinglian, do you think he''s had it easy?"


    Li Xiaoyao suddenly realized, so it was ack of money. Then he smacked his forehead in a sudden revtion, ''ouch,'' how could he have forgotten such an important matter.


    Zhang Jianguo was currently out of money, which made this the easiest time to get close to him.


    But for today, let it be, his financial difficulties weren''t a new issue anyway; he would wait a while and then offer help when most needed.


    Zhu Xiaoyue reached out to steady Li Xiaoyao and asked, "Where do you live? I''ll take you back."


    Li Xiaoyao''s feet slipped, and he leaned against Zhu Xiaoyue.


    "Are you all right?" Zhu Xiaoyue looked at Li Xiaoyao with concern.


    Li Xiaoyao shook his head and said, "No problem, no problem. You go ahead and leave first; there''s no need to take me. I''ll just walk and get some fresh air."


    Zhu Xiaoyue saw that Li Xiaoyao insisted and said nothing more, but before leaving she suddenly said, "If the Long Family causes you trouble, give me a call."


    Li Xiaoyao paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "Sure, I''ll definitely call you."


    This Zhu Xiaoyue was quite interesting, but she didn''t know yet that the Long Family had already been dealt with by him.


    After Zhu Xiaoyue left, Li Xiaoyao circted his internal energy to refine all the alcohol within him, and his brain became extremely clear in an instant.


    Tonight, Li Xiaoyao had another important matter to attend to.


    It was time to take action on the matter he had promised his fourth brother.


    Hu Zhi was the biggest thug in San Tiao Alley; it took him only five years to progress from an unknown small-time hoodlum to his current status.


    Hu Zhi was not only ruthless but most crucially, he possessed formidable martial skills.


    If it came to one-on-one fighting, there was no one in the whole San Tiao Alley who could beat him head-on.


    Moreover, it was said that Hu Zhi had once apprenticed under a famous master and learned an excellent knife technique, which could double his strength when he had a knife in hand.


    Li Xiaoyao went straight to the Hengtian Golf Vi area and located Hu Zhi''s vi, stealthily entering the ce.


    Li Xiaoyao''s approach was very simple: kill Hu Zhi when he was off guard.


    Hu Zhi must die; such a man''s continued existence in the world was only a threat to Li Xiaoyao.


    Li Xiaoyao used his mind to scan the area, and found to his surprise that the huge vi was empty.


    Li Xiaoyao walked into the vi nonchntly and sat on the couch, while his mind covered the entrance to the vi area, ready to detect Hu Zhi''s return instantly.


    Suddenly the rain began to pour outside, and it was a downpour.


    ```


    At that moment, a BMW X7 SUV drove into theplex from outside.


    Li Xiaoyao suddenly opened his eyes and rose from the sofa, muttering to himself, "A dark and windy night, perfect for a murder."


    As his words fell, his body also slowly moved to hide behind the front door.


    The BMW stopped in front of the vi. Hu Zhi saw the heavy rain pouring down outside and couldn''t help frowning and cursing, "What the hell is up with this weather?"


    The driver, who was his confidant, chuckled and said, "Brother Hu, this weather is great. Later, when you''re ying with this chick, you won''t have to worry about disturbing the peace. You can do whatever you want."


    Hu Zhiughed and cursed, "A dog can''t spit out ivory." Then he looked down at the woman in his arms, whose face was flushed with seduction, and said, "Brother Hu, you have to be gentle."


    Hu Zhi licked his lips and fiercely kneaded the woman''s body, saying, "I''m always gentle."


    The driver parked the car, got out, and opened an umbre, then opened the rear door. Hu Zhi and the woman got out of the car and walked into the vi.


    Hu Zhi had no idea that danger was drawing near him.


    Li Xiaoyao had originally been hiding behind the front door on the ground floor, butter changed his mind and hid behind the first door on the second floor instead.


    Under Li Xiaoyao''s mental influence, he clearly saw Hu Zhi, hugging a hot-bodied, scantily dressed woman, slowly approaching the vi.


    Hu Zhi raised a finger and picked the woman up by the waist, eliciting an exaggerated yell from her.


    Hu Zhiughed wickedly and said, "Go upstairs, clean yourself up, then pick a uniform from the closet to put on and wait for me."


    The woman, with a suggestive look in her eyes, hummed affirmatively and twisted her waist as she made her way upstairs.


    Hu Zhi hummed casually, "It''s been a long time since I''ve had a proper y."


    The driver parked the car and walked into the vi. Hu Zhi sat on the sofa, took out a cigar, lit it, took a drag, and said, "Dahai, you sleep in the vi tonight. I''ve been feeling uneasytely, and you just happen to be able to help me guard the door."


    Dahai nodded and said, "Brother Hu, you must be worried about too many thingstely. Have a good rest tonight; I''ll sleep in the living room and watch the door for you."


    Hu Zhiughed and pped his shoulder, saying, "There''s everything in the fridge. If you can''t stand the loneliness, just wait for me to finish, and I''ll send her down to keep youpany."


    Dahai shook his head continuously, "Brother Hu, that''s like pping my face. She''s Brother Hu''s woman, that would make her my sister-inw. Even if you''re only with her for a day, that day she''s still my sister-inw."


    Upon hearing that, Brother Hu nodded in satisfaction and said, "Alright, I''m going upstairs."


    Dahai watched Brother Hu leave and muttered to himself, Are you kidding me? Passing off the women you''ve yed with to me? Do you think I''m a scavenger?


    Li Xiaoyao was supposed to be hiding behind the door, but who would have thought this woman woulde in, and even start undressing in front of him.


    The woman undressed very quickly, and in a short while, she waspletely naked.


    Li Xiaoyao had seen Ye Qinglian''s body this morning, and now he was looking at this woman''s body, both bodies so perfect.


    Li Xiaoyao felt if he continued to watch, he would surely be unable to restrain himself frommitting a crime, so he had no choice but to knock the woman out,y her on the bed, and wrap her in a nket.


    Just after wrapping the woman up, Li Xiaoyao heard footsteps outside the door; he knew Hu Zhi wasing up.


    Hu Zhi pushed the door open, but before he could react, he felt a gust of wind attacking him. Instinctively, he retreated rapidly, while his hand reached for the dogleg knife hanging on the wall.


    [Still three updates today, dear readers. Please cast your rmendation votes to the beauty first~ The next two updates will follow shortly.]

 Chapter 85 Killing the Tiger [Part 2]

    Li Xiaoyao didn''t continue to stay invisible, dealing with a thug like Hu Zhi didn''t warrant the use of such abilities ¡ª it would be giving him too much credit.


    Seeing Li Xiaoyao suddenly appear like a ghost, Hu Zhi''s pupils rapidly constricted, and his grip on the cleaver tightened involuntarily.


    "Who are you?" Hu Zhi kept retreating to the door, loudly demanding.


    Dahai, who was getting ready to rest downstairs, immediately sprang up from the sofa upon hearing Hu Zhi''s voice, looking up towards the upper floor.


    Li Xiaoyao gave a cold smile and approached Hu Zhi step by step, saying, "It doesn''t matter who I am, what''s important is that tonight, you''ll stay here forever."


    No sooner had he spoken than Li Xiaoyao suddenly leaped forward like a fierce tiger, charging at Hu Zhi with his left leg bent forward to m into him.


    Hu Zhi gripped the cleaver with both hands, and before Li Xiaoyao''s feet could hit the ground, the cleaver, glinting with a cold light, was already stabbing toward Li Xiaoyao''s waist.


    Li Xiaoyao''s right calf changed direction in mid-air, and his toes kicked the de, transferring a huge force into the cleaver and up to Hu Zhi''s hands.


    Hu Zhi felt his arms go numb, shaking violently, with the forceful impact splitting open the webbing of his palms, blood flowing freely.


    After years of martial training and fighting, even if Li Xiaoyao was several times stronger than him, Hu Zhi still made the quickest reaction in the face of extreme danger.


    Using the force, Hu Zhi fell backward, rolled on the spot, and dashed out of the room. He covered two meters in the second-floor corridor and avoided Li Xiaoyao''s next kick.


    Dahai, seeing a sudden ident in the living room, reached for the handle of the katana at his waist and drew it out sharply, then took several quick steps toward the second floor, standing beside the disheveled Hu Zhi.


    In Dahai''s hands was a katana, which he held horizontally in front of his chest, looking coldly at Li Xiaoyao. He nced down at Hu Zhi, saw his hands covered in blood and the cleaver lying on the ground, and his heart sank with shock.


    There''s a stark difference between Hu Zhi armed with a cleaver and without one.


    It could be said that if Hu Zhi had a cleaver in hand, even if he were facing twenty or thirty men, he could still break through their encirclement.


    Yet now, Hu Zhi had been beaten by this suddenly appearing man to the point of even dropping his weapon.


    "Brother Hu, how''s it going? Any trouble?" Dahai asked.


    Hu Zhi picked up the cleaver, shook his hands, and looked fiercely at Li Xiaoyao, who walked out step by step with an air of nonchnce, and said, "Brother, which gang are you from?"


    Li Xiaoyao just sneered, not even bothering to speak.


    Hu Zhi said, "Brother, it''s better to have more friends than enemies. There''s no need to take things to the extreme; that way, it''s no good for you or me, right?"


    Li Xiaoyao showed a disdainful smile, saying, "Do you think you''re worthy of calling me ''brother''?"


    Hu Zhi knew that the other party was serious about killing him, and thest bit of hope in his heart was shattered. This man was too strong for him to handle.


    Hu Zhi''s eyes grew even more ferocious as he bent his legs slightly and said, "So, there''s no room for negotiation?"


    Li Xiaoyao stepped forward, his right fist slowly clenching. Through his actions, hemunicated to Hu Zhi that today, he had to die!


    Hu Zhi shouted, "Dahai, go for his left side!"


    Dahai swung up the katana and shed at Li Xiaoyao, who kicked out like lightning, delivering a whip kick to the katana in Dahai''s hands.


    But as the two fought, Hu Zhi turned and fled downstairs, not caring if Dahai lived or died.


    Li Xiaoyao''s kick hit Dahai with a massive force that traveled from the de into his arms, making him feel as if his arms had snapped instantly; his whole body was kicked back several meters by this power.


    Dahai saw Hu Zhi abandon him and couldn''t help but curse angrily, "Hu Zhi, I fuck your mother!"


    Li Xiaoyao only nced at the fleeing Hu Zhi before approaching Dahai, and with a flick of his toe on the katana, the de was sent flying up into the air.


    Li Xiaoyao reached out to grab the handle of the katana and, with a reverse tug, a "thud" sound was heard as the katana plunged into Dahai''s chest, the life quickly fading from his eyes.


    "Don''t worry, he will be joining you in a moment," Li Xiaoyao said indifferently. The next moment, his figure vanished from the second floor.


    Explore new worlds at empire


    After Hu Zhi came down from upstairs, he ran towards the main entrance, and just as he was only two meters away from the door, suddenly, Li Xiaoyao appeared mystically in front, blocking his path.


    Hu Zhi, terrified by Li Xiaoyao''s sudden appearance, fell back with his legs giving way beneath him.


    He looked at Li Xiaoyao in disbelief, shouting, "Impossible, impossible!"


    Li Xiaoyao advanced toward him step by step, and Hu Zhi, iling madly, swung around the cleaver/knife he had in his hands.


    "Don''te any closer, you demon!" Hu Zhi screamed in terror.


    Li Xiaoyao easily snatched the knife from his hands with a stretch of his hand, while Hu Zhi thrashed with hands and feet on the ground, continuously backing away.


    "What do you want, I will give you anything, just don''t kill me, please don''t kill me!" Hu Zhi cried and wept, loudly begging for mercy.


    Contempt shed in Li Xiaoyao''s eyes, and with a sh of cold light, the cleaver/knife thrust into Hu Zhi''s throat. His eyes bulged, mouth agape, halfway through his plea for mercy, he could no longer make a sound.


    After dealing with Hu Zhi, Li Xiaoyao casually wiped the cleaver/knife on Hu Zhi''s clothing, then stored it in his System Space.


    Then, Li Xiaoyao went back upstairs, pulled out the katana from Dahai''s body, cleaned off the bloodstains, and stored it simrly in his System Space.


    Both des were hand-forged and incredibly sharp, capable of slicing through hair; to leave them behind would be a sheer waste.


    Having collected the two des, Li Xiaoyao concealed himself and walked out of the vi outright.


    The storm tonight was bound to dy the discovery of Hu Zhi''s death for some time.


    Li Xiaoyao was drenched in a smell of blood; he circted his inner force to disperse the blood scent before taking the elevator upstairs.


    Upon entering the door, he saw Tang Tiantian dressed in a light home outfit, sitting at a table, fiddling with theputer in front of her.


    Hearing the sound of the door, Tang Tiantian looked back and saw Li Xiaoyao standing at the doorway, his body wet from the rain.


    "Why didn''t you carry an umbre? Quickly take off your clothes and go take a hot shower, or you might catch a cold," Tang Tiantian walked over and reached for the buttons of Li Xiaoyao''s shirt.


    Li Xiaoyao caught Tang Tiantian''s soft palm with his hand in response. She was slightly startled, and then she saw a deep warmth in Li Xiaoyao''s eyes.


    "Stop it, go take a shower first," Tang Tiantian said with a flushed cheek and a coquettish tone.


    Without a word, Li Xiaoyao wrapped his arm around Tang Tiantian''s waist, lifted her, sealed her red lips with his, and took steps toward the bedroom.

 Chapter 86 Eleven Veterans [Third update, asking for recommendation tickets]

    After a bout of intimacy, the twoy in bed, the pitter-patter of rain outside, like background music, made Tang Tiantian feel an unprecedented sense of satisfaction.


    Li Xiaoyao was Tang Tiantian''s first man, and before him, she had been naive about matters between men and women. Since that night with Li Xiaoyao, she had suddenly discovered that this sacred act could be so delightful.


    "How is the charity working along?" Li Xiaoyao asked.


    Tang Tiantian twisted her body and said, "I''m selecting impoverished mountain areas to build some safe school buildings. Fifty million can probably build about twenty school buildings."


    Li Xiaoyao said, "Don''t build the school buildings, that issue is tooplex. Let me tell you, those leaders in the impoverished areas, each is more corrupt than thest. If you go there with money to build school buildings, they will skin you alive."


    Tang Tiantian didn''t understand these things at all, so she asked, "Then what should I do?"


    Li Xiaoyao said, "Directly sponsor the students. As long as they want to go to school, sponsor them all. Fifty million can almost sponsor five hundred students. This is much better than donating money to build school buildings."


    Tang Tiantian nodded and said, "Hmm, then I''ll go do that tomorrow."


    Li Xiaoyao gently patted her hand and said, "Don''t be in a hurry. Sponsoring students isn''t a matter of just one or two days. You need to personally visit those impoverished areas and then select carefully. But I''m not at ease with you going alone, so wait a little longer. I''ll have someone apany you when the timees."


    Tang Tiantian had no objections to Li Xiaoyao''s arrangements. She knew she was attractive and had a good figure, which could easily draw men''s attention. If she were to go to those poor mountain areas alone, it wouldn''t take long for her to run into trouble.


    Stay tuned for updates on empire


    "Xiaoyao, why are you so good to me?" Tang Tiantian asked with her little head up, her big eyes blinking.


    Li Xiaoyao gently lifted her delicate chin with his palm and said, "Because you are my woman."


    With a light chuckle, Tang Tiantian blushed at the sweet words. The next moment, Li Xiaoyao had rolled over on top of her...


    ...


    Li Xiaoyao arrived at thepany. Now his role was as Lan Cai''s bodyguard, and specifically, her personal bodyguard.


    Therefore, Li Xiaoyao''s workce had also be an office next to Lan Cai''s.


    Li Xiaoyao somewhat regretted agreeing to be Lan Cai''s bodyguard, as he found there might be a bit too much on his te.


    But Li Xiaoyao was a man of his word. Once he promised something, he would not go back on it. So even though he regretted it now, he had no choice but to grit his teeth and bear with it.


    Li Xiaoyao sat in his office, bored out of his mind, when a knock on the door sounded. An exhausted-looking Zhang Meng walked in.


    "Brother Xiaoyao, Minister Zhao is looking for you and wants you to visit the security department," said Zhang Meng, her voice lifeless and her spirits seeming rather low.


    Instead of rushing to find Zhao Ge, Li Xiaoyao walked over to Zhang Meng and asked, "What''s wrong? Is something the matter?"


    Zhang Meng forced a weak smile, shook her head, and said, "I had insomnia, didn''t sleep wellst night."


    Li Xiaoyao did not doubt her, touched her hair gently, and said, "If you''re tired, you can sleep in my office for a bit, or if that won''t do, I''ll give you the afternoon off so you can go home and rest properly."


    Zhang Meng looked at Li Xiaoyao with her big eyes, her eyes suddenly welling up, and said, "Brother Xiaoyao, why are you so good to me?"


    Li Xiaoyao paused for a moment before smiling and saying, "You call me brother, so you''re my sister. Shouldn''t a brother be good to his sister?"


    Zhang Meng gave a bitter smile and said, "Just a younger sister?"


    Li Xiaoyao shut his mouth, not speaking anymore, he had actually realized long ago that Zhang Meng liked him.


    Seeing that Li Xiaoyao was silent, Zhang Meng turned around and left.


    Li Xiaoyao watched her somewhat deste back and sighed, then also walked out.


    Li Xiaoyao arrived at Zhao Ge''s office, where, in addition to Zhao Ge, there were eleven other men. Each of these eleven men was a strong and sturdy fellow. Even though they sat motionless, an aura that warned strangers to keep away radiated from them.


    Li Xiaoyao had already guessed the identities of these eleven men. Without asking, it was clear that these men were Zhao Ge''srades-in-arms.


    After Li Xiaoyao entered the office, Zhao Ge immediately stood up from his seat, came over, and a trace of a smile appeared on his solemn face as he said, "They are myrades-in-arms, also my good brothers."


    The eleven men also stood up, now standing beside Zhao Ge, expressionless as they looked at Li Xiaoyao.


    Li Xiaoyao didn''t get angry because of the eleven men''s expressionless demeanor. He smiled and reached out his hand, shaking hands with each one, then said, "My name is Li Xiaoyao. Zhao Ge is my big brother, and if you are Zhao Ge''s brothers, you are my brothers too."


    The eleven men didn''t speak, just quietly listening.


    Li Xiaoyao continued, "There are two jobs. One is to work as a security guard in thispany, with a base sry of three thousand five hundred. With attendance and bonuses each month, you can nearly make five thousand. The other is to work with me, which is not regr employment, but includes food and amodation and guarantees at least ten thousand a month."


    Upon hearing this, the eleven men couldn''t hold back anymore and one asked, "What would we be doing with you?"


    The others also looked curiously at Li Xiaoyao, and even Zhao Ge watched Li Xiaoyao with curiosity now.


    Li Xiaoyao said, "Running a ce, managing a bar, in general, just a mix of various things."


    Then someone else asked, "Would we do anything illegal?"


    Li Xiaoyao''s gaze swept over the faces of the eleven men one by one, then he suddenly smiled and said, "If one day you really end up in the lockup, I''ll be able to get you out."


    With that said, there wasn''t much more to be said.


    Li Xiaoyao would only trust people he could rely on, so he wouldn''t deliberately hide anything from them, as that wouldn''t be good for either party.


    The eleven were silent, and Li Xiaoyao didn''t press them, saying, "Take your time to think about it. Today at noon, I''ll treat everyone to a meal, to wee you and help you settle in. After we eat, we''ll go for a bath and have a good rest today."


    After Li Xiaoyao finished speaking, suddenly a man said, "I''ll work with you."


    Li Xiaoyao looked towards him. He was a man of about the same height and build as Li Xiaoyao, with tanned skin and a knife scar one finger long behind his ear, his eyes filled with resoluteness.


    "Good," Li Xiaoyao patted his shoulder and said, "Have a good rest today, and we''ll start work formally tomorrow."


    Following this, several more men stepped forward and said, "I''ll work with you!"


    Where there was one, there were two, and soon, all eleven men had decided to work with Li Xiaoyao.


    [Please vote for rmendation tickets, let the author sleep well~ All those who vote are nice people~]

 Chapter 84 Killing the Tiger [Part 1]

    ```


    The rtionship between Li Xiaoyao and Zhang Jianguo was formally established at this moment.


    That day, Zhang Jianguo got dead drunk, and it was Li Xiaoyao and Zhu Xiaoyue who ended up taking him home.


    After leaving Zhang Jianguo¡¯s home, Zhu Xiaoyue said, "Officer Zhang has had a tough year."


    Li Xiaoyao, slightly intoxicated, asked, "Tough? In what way tough?"


    Zhu Xiaoyue nced at him and said, "All his money has been spent on Ye Qinglian, do you think he¡¯s had it easy?"


    Li Xiaoyao suddenly realized, so it was ack of money. Then he smacked his forehead in a sudden revtion, ¡¯ouch,¡¯ how could he have forgotten such an important matter.


    Zhang Jianguo was currently out of money, which made this the easiest time to get close to him.


    But for today, let it be, his financial difficulties weren¡¯t a new issue anyway; he would wait a while and then offer help when most needed.


    Zhu Xiaoyue reached out to steady Li Xiaoyao and asked, "Where do you live? I¡¯ll take you back."


    Li Xiaoyao¡¯s feet slipped, and he leaned against Zhu Xiaoyue.


    "Are you all right?" Zhu Xiaoyue looked at Li Xiaoyao with concern.


    Li Xiaoyao shook his head and said, "No problem, no problem. You go ahead and leave first; there¡¯s no need to take me. I¡¯ll just walk and get some fresh air."


    Zhu Xiaoyue saw that Li Xiaoyao insisted and said nothing more, but before leaving she suddenly said, "If the Long Family causes you trouble, give me a call."


    Li Xiaoyao paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "Sure, I¡¯ll definitely call you."


    This Zhu Xiaoyue was quite interesting, but she didn¡¯t know yet that the Long Family had already been dealt with by him.


    After Zhu Xiaoyue left, Li Xiaoyao circted his internal energy to refine all the alcohol within him, and his brain became extremely clear in an instant.


    Tonight, Li Xiaoyao had another important matter to attend to.


    It was time to take action on the matter he had promised his fourth brother.


    Hu Zhi was the biggest thug in San Tiao Alley; it took him only five years to progress from an unknown small-time hoodlum to his current status.


    Hu Zhi was not only ruthless but most crucially, he possessed formidable martial skills.


    If it came to one-on-one fighting, there was no one in the whole San Tiao Alley who could beat him head-on.


    Moreover, it was said that Hu Zhi had once apprenticed under a famous master and learned an excellent knife technique, which could double his strength when he had a knife in hand.


    Li Xiaoyao went straight to the Hengtian Golf Vi area and located Hu Zhi¡¯s vi, stealthily entering the ce.


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    Li Xiaoyao¡¯s approach was very simple: kill Hu Zhi when he was off guard.


    Hu Zhi must die; such a man¡¯s continued existence in the world was only a threat to Li Xiaoyao.


    Li Xiaoyao used his mind to scan the area, and found to his surprise that the huge vi was empty.


    Li Xiaoyao walked into the vi nonchntly and sat on the couch, while his mind covered the entrance to the vi area, ready to detect Hu Zhi¡¯s return instantly.


    Suddenly the rain began to pour outside, and it was a downpour.


    ```


    At that moment, a BMW X7 SUV drove into theplex from outside.


    Li Xiaoyao suddenly opened his eyes and rose from the sofa, muttering to himself, "A dark and windy night, perfect for a murder."


    As his words fell, his body also slowly moved to hide behind the front door.


    The BMW stopped in front of the vi. Hu Zhi saw the heavy rain pouring down outside and couldn¡¯t help frowning and cursing, "What the hell is up with this weather?"


    The driver, who was his confidant, chuckled and said, "Brother Hu, this weather is great. Later, when you¡¯re ying with this chick, you won¡¯t have to worry about disturbing the peace. You can do whatever you want."


    Hu Zhiughed and cursed, "A dog can¡¯t spit out ivory." Then he looked down at the woman in his arms, whose face was flushed with seduction, and said, "Brother Hu, you have to be gentle."


    Hu Zhi licked his lips and fiercely kneaded the woman¡¯s body, saying, "I¡¯m always gentle."


    The driver parked the car, got out, and opened an umbre, then opened the rear door. Hu Zhi and the woman got out of the car and walked into the vi.


    Hu Zhi had no idea that danger was drawing near him.


    Li Xiaoyao had originally been hiding behind the front door on the ground floor, butter changed his mind and hid behind the first door on the second floor instead.


    Under Li Xiaoyao¡¯s mental influence, he clearly saw Hu Zhi, hugging a hot-bodied, scantily dressed woman, slowly approaching the vi.


    Hu Zhi raised a finger and picked the woman up by the waist, eliciting an exaggerated yell from her.


    Hu Zhiughed wickedly and said, "Go upstairs, clean yourself up, then pick a uniform from the closet to put on and wait for me."


    The woman, with a suggestive look in her eyes, hummed affirmatively and twisted her waist as she made her way upstairs.


    Hu Zhi hummed casually, "It¡¯s been a long time since I¡¯ve had a proper y."


    The driver parked the car and walked into the vi. Hu Zhi sat on the sofa, took out a cigar, lit it, took a drag, and said, "Dahai, you sleep in the vi tonight. I¡¯ve been feeling uneasytely, and you just happen to be able to help me guard the door."


    Dahai nodded and said, "Brother Hu, you must be worried about too many thingstely. Have a good rest tonight; I¡¯ll sleep in the living room and watch the door for you."


    Hu Zhiughed and pped his shoulder, saying, "There¡¯s everything in the fridge. If you can¡¯t stand the loneliness, just wait for me to finish, and I¡¯ll send her down to keep youpany."


    Dahai shook his head continuously, "Brother Hu, that¡¯s like pping my face. She¡¯s Brother Hu¡¯s woman, that would make her my sister-inw. Even if you¡¯re only with her for a day, that day she¡¯s still my sister-inw."


    Upon hearing that, Brother Hu nodded in satisfaction and said, "Alright, I¡¯m going upstairs."


    Dahai watched Brother Hu leave and muttered to himself, Are you kidding me? Passing off the women you¡¯ve yed with to me? Do you think I¡¯m a scavenger?


    Li Xiaoyao was supposed to be hiding behind the door, but who would have thought this woman woulde in, and even start undressing in front of him.


    The woman undressed very quickly, and in a short while, she waspletely naked.


    Li Xiaoyao had seen Ye Qinglian¡¯s body this morning, and now he was looking at this woman¡¯s body, both bodies so perfect.


    Li Xiaoyao felt if he continued to watch, he would surely be unable to restrain himself frommitting a crime, so he had no choice but to knock the woman out,y her on the bed, and wrap her in a nket.


    Just after wrapping the woman up, Li Xiaoyao heard footsteps outside the door; he knew Hu Zhi wasing up.


    Hu Zhi pushed the door open, but before he could react, he felt a gust of wind attacking him. Instinctively, he retreated rapidly, while his hand reached for the dogleg knife hanging on the wall.


    [Still three updates today, dear readers. Please cast your rmendation votes to the beauty first~ The next two updates will follow shortly.]

 Chapter 87 An Important Matter

    These men decided to follow Li Xiaoyao, which is actually understandable.


    Working as a security guard, one can earn at most 5000 Xuan Country Currency a month, but following Li Xiaoyao, not only do they get food and lodging, but they can also make 10000 Xuan Country Currency a month.


    Indeed, they were aware that following Li Xiaoyao meant doing things like watching over ces and asionally getting into fights, but they felt that these were within an eptable range of tasks.


    After leaving the security department, Li Xiaoyao made a phone call to Zhang Meng, saying, "Meng Meng, help me book a table at the hotel for lunch, for thirteen people."


    "Okay, I got it," Zhang Meng''s voice still sounded very tired.


    Li Xiaoyao felt that something was off with Zhang Meng today and said, "Are you busy right now? If not,e over for a bit."


    Not long after the call ended, Zhang Meng arrived.


    Zhang Meng still looked the same, with a somewhat paleplexion, as if she really hadn''t rested well, but Li Xiaoyao saw worry in her eyes.


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    This girl must have something on her mind.


    Standing in front of her, Li Xiaoyao asked, "Meng Meng, are you in some kind of trouble?"


    Zhang Meng looked at Li Xiaoyao with a bit of surprise, then shook her head and said, "No."


    Zhang Meng wasn''t a girl who would lie. Li Xiaoyao touched her hair and said, "Meng Meng, if you have any trouble, you must tell me. Just call me brother, and no matter what trouble you face, I, as your brother, will help you solve it."


    "Mm," Zhang Meng replied softly, head lowered.


    Seeing that she was unwilling to borate, Li Xiaoyao didn''t press further and said, "Go on with your work, but remember, if somethinges up, you must tell me."


    Zhang Meng stepped out of the office and looked back with lingering affection, giving a self-deprecating smile and said, "Just treating me as a sister, huh? Thank you, Brother Xiaoyao."


    Zhang Meng returned to her desk, and her phone rang, showing a call from a man named Liu Yang.


    Zhang Meng picked up the phone and went outside thepany to answer the call.


    "Hello?" Zhang Meng''s voice was timid and weak.


    "Meng Meng, have you quit your job yet?"


    "I''ll quit today."


    "Oh, good, then I''ll drive over and wait for you downstairs at yourpany."


    Zhang Meng bit her lip, saying, "No need, I can go back by myself."


    "Heh heh, how could that be possible? You''re going to be my little concubine in the future." A sleazyugh came through the phone.


    Zhang Meng''s eyes reddened slightly as she said, "Liu Yang, don''t go too far!"


    "Me? Going too far?" Liu Yang chuckled disdainfully, "Zhang Meng, I didn''t force you into this; it was your own choice. Of course, if you regret it now, you''re free to refuse, but then, your dad, he''ll be in great danger."


    Zhang Meng angrily said, "You''re shameless!"


    "Debts are meant to be repaid; it''s only natural. Your old man owes me 200,000 and not repaying it; I''ve already spared him from breaking his arms and legs, which is giving you a lot of face. If it were anyone else, I would have thrown them in the fishpond to feed the fish long ago."


    Tears streamed down her face as Zhang Meng sat crouched in a corner, her body trembling slightly, crying in distress.


    Her father gambled at home and owed the gaming hall 200,000.


    Liu Yang was the owner of the gaming hall; knowing that Zhang Meng''s father had a young and beautiful daughter, he coerced her into marrying him with the 200,000 debt. If Zhang Meng refused, he would cripple her father.


    Zhang Meng only found out about thisst night, and she cried all night. But crying couldn''t solve any problems.


    Zhang Meng wiped her tears, stood up from the ground, took out her phone, and proactively made a call to Liu Yang.


    "Meng Meng, how about it? Have you thought it over?" Liu Yang asked.


    Zhang Meng said calmly, "Wait for me outside the house I''m renting at ten-thirty tonight."


    "Okay."


    After hanging up the phone, Zhang Meng walked to the restroom, washed the tears from her face with water, then looked at herself in the mirror and smiled sweetly.


    She had decided that before leaving, she would do one thing.


    This matter was very important, and if she did not do it, she would regret it for the rest of her life.


    ...


    Li Xiaoyao sat in his office, pondering over theyout of San Tiao Alley, when suddenly, he received a call from Zhao Si.


    "Little brother, are you busy?"


    Li Xiaoyao knew that Zhao Si must have learned of Hu Zhi''s death, which is why he was calling him.


    "Hehe, Si Ge, what brings you to call me?"


    Zhao Si said, "Little brother, Hu Zhi is dead."


    Li Xiaoyao replied with a faint smile, "If he''s dead, then he''s dead."


    "When are you free, little brother? Let''s have a drink."


    "I probably can''t make it these next few days, I''m pretty busy. I''ll call you when I''m free," Li Xiaoyao replied, not wanting to be evasive but was truly busy during this time.


    "Alright then, once you''re free, let''s have a good drink, the two of us."


    Sitting in a bar at that moment, Si Ge ced his cell phone aside, picked up a ss of red wine, downed it in one gulp, and eximed loudly, "Refreshing!"


    Hei Zi sat next to Zhao Si and asked, "Si Ge, that big piece of cake in San Tiao Alley, are you really going to share it with that kid?"


    Si Ge nced at him and said, "Do you know how Hu Zhi died?"


    Hei Zi shook his head.


    Si Ge said, "He did it."


    Hei Zi said, "Even if he killed Hu Zhi, it''s no big deal. I could also take down Hu Zhi."


    Si Geughed and replied, "I believe you could take down Hu Zhi, but you definitely couldn''t do it like he did. There were no traces of a third person at the scene of Hu Zhi''s murder, not even the special case team could find a single clue. This shows that he had made very thorough preparations before taking action. Additionally, he is a smart man. At that time, I only asked him to help deal with Hu Zhi, but I didn''t tell him to kill anyone. However, now Hu Zhi is dead. This move was risky, but also very clever!"


    Hei Zi looked puzzled, and Si Ge poured himself some more red wine, saying, "Let me ask you, when Hu Zhi died, who did the police suspect first?"


    Hei Zi frowned, thought for a while, and said, "Could it be you, Si Ge?"


    Si Ge raised his hand and pped him on the head, cursing, "Idiot."


    Hei Zi rubbed his head and muttered, "You told me to guess, then you scold me when I guess wrong."


    Si Ge shook his head helplessly and said, "When Hu Zhi died, the police would suspect whoever stood to gain the most benefit."


    Hei Zi nodded thoughtfully, as Si Ge continued, "There are three gang leaders in San Tiao Alley, and Hu Zhi was the biggest one. Hu Zhi was on bad terms with the other two gang leaders even when he was alive. Now that he is dead, do you think the police will suspect that the other two gang leaders banded together to kill him?"


    With Si Ge''s analysis, Hei Zi had a sudden realization, pped his hands, and said, "Right, the police will definitely suspect them."


    "Li Xiaoyao must have taken this into consideration beforehand, otherwise, he wouldn''t have made such a ruthless move," Si Ge smiled at his own perfect reasoning ability, lifted his ss, and drained it in one gulp.


    In reality, Li Xiaoyao''s killing of Hu Zhi was not asplicated as Si Ge had described.


    The real reason and process were, in fact, very simple: Hu Zhi had offended Li Xiaoyao, so Li Xiaoyao wanted to kill him.


    But Li Xiaoyao''s cunning backfired; by killing Hu Zhi, he was seen by Si Ge as having had everything nned in advance. Thus, in Si Ge''s eyes, Li Xiaoyao became a tough character with both courage and strategy.

 Chapter 88 I Will Miss You

    "Ding-a-ling~"


    The telephone on the desk rang, and Li Xiaoyao put it to his ear, "Hello."


    "Drive me to the airport," came Lan Cai''s voice over the phone.


    "To the airport? What for?"


    "Business trip."


    Li Xiaoyao was taken aback for a moment before it sank in.


    He was now Lan Cai''s personal bodyguard, which meant if Lan Cai was going on a business trip, did he have to go along too?


    Li Xiaoyao asked, "Am I going too?"


    Lan Cai replied, "No need for you to go, you just have to take me to the airport."


    Li Xiaoyao breathed a sigh of relief; he really feared Lan Cai might ask him to apany her.


    This was Li Xiaoyao''s busiest time, and he genuinely didn''t have time to follow Lan Cai around everywhere.


    But fortunately, Lan Cai didn''t request him to join her.


    "Alright, I got it." After hanging up the phone, Li Xiaoyao got up and headed out.


    Lan Cai''s office was just next to his, a couple of steps away.


    Li Xiaoyao habitually reached out to push the door open, his palm already on it, when he remembered he should knock first, so he raised his hand and knocked.


    "Thump, thump, thump."


    "Come in."


    Li Xiaoyao pushed the door and entered, only to see Lan Cai carrying a handbag anding towards him. She tossed a set of car keys to Li Xiaoyao, saying, "You go down and bring the car to the front, I''ll be right down."


    Li Xiaoyao caught the car keys and couldn''t help but take an extra nce at her.


    Today, Lan Cai was wearing a hip-hugging mini skirt that wrapped her round and perky buttocks very smoothly, and with every step she took, her long legs moved with endless charm.


    Lan Cai wasn''t actually the sensual type of woman; she gave Li Xiaoyao the impression of being pure, extremely pure.


    Long, straight hair, a slender figure, clear,rge eyes, there wasn''t a single aspect that didn''t exude purity.


    After going downstairs, Li Xiaoyao quickly found the car, a ck Mercedes sedan.


    Having driven the car to the front of the building, Li Xiaoyao nced at the time; it was already eleven o''clock, and he couldn''t help but grimace.


    Li Xiaoyao had promised to treat Zhao Ge''srades to lunch at noon, and now it seemed he wouldn''t make it back in time.


    "Always standing people up, that''s not a good habit," Li Xiaoyao muttered to himself, then picked up his phone and called Zhao Ge, "Hey, Brother Zhao, I have to take Director Lan to the airport. I might not make it back for noon. Please take good care of the brothers for me, and I''ll reimburse youter."


    Just after hanging up the call, Li Xiaoyao saw Lan Cai walking out of the building.


    From a distance, Lan Cai looked even more enchanting, her perfect figure almost made Li Xiaoyao unable to take his eyes off her.


    Lan Cai pulled open the car door and sat in the passenger seat, saying, "Let''s go."


    Li Xiaoyao started the car and drove towards the airport.


    "Director Lan, where are you headed?" It was just the two of them in the car, and with a forty-minute drive to the airport, Li Xiaoyao could only chat with her.


    "Jindu."


    "Jindu, huh? I''ve never been there before,"ughed Li Xiaoyao.


    Lan Cai looked at him curiously and asked, "You''ve never been?"


    "Yeah, I''ve only ever been to Ling City."


    Lan Cai''s gaze grew even more quizzical as she said, "Weren''t you the one who came back from studying abroad?"


    Err...


    He had trapped himself.


    Li Xiaoyaoughed heartily and said, "I was just joking."


    Seeing Lan Cai''s disbelieving expression, Li Xiaoyao said, "You don''t believe me? If you don''t, I could show off a bit of English for you."


    Lan Cai shook her head and stopped talking to him.


    Li Xiaoyao, feeling a little embarrassed, also fell silent.


    The atmosphere in the car grew somewhat quiet. Li Xiaoyao couldn''t stand it and asked, "Director Lan, how old are you this year?"


    "25 years old."


    "So young and already sitting in the chairman''s position? Director Lan, you''re really awesome," Li Xiaoyao eximed in surprise.


    Lan Cai said, "The founder of Pan-Blue Group was my grandfather. After I graduated, I was assigned to manage the Pan-Blue Company in Ling City."


    "So it''s a family business. Your grandfather is really impressive," Li Xiaoyao sincerely remarked. He had looked into Pan-Blue Company before and knew how vast thepany was.


    Li Xiaoyao suddenly became curious and asked, "That Lin Yuanyuan, are you close with her?"


    Lan Cai gave him a nce and said, "She''s my best friend and confidante."


    Li Xiaoyao curled his lips and said, "I''m puzzled, you say you have such a nice temperament, how do you have such a confidante."


    "What''s wrong with Yuanyuan? She''s quite a good person, just a bit direct." Lan Cai started defending Lin Yuanyuan.


    Li Xiaoyao disdainfully said, "That''s not called being direct; that''s called not thinking before acting or speaking."


    Lan Cai smiled wryly. She was, of course, aware of the friction between Lin Yuanyuan and Li Xiaoyao and, to be honest, even she found it a bit strange. Ever since she''d known Lin Yuanyuan, she had never seen her act that way with anyone else.


    If there was one word to describe them, it would be ''nemesis''. The two of them were like a pair of nemeses, always starting a quarrel whenever they met.


    The car arrived at the airport. As Lan Cai got out, Li Xiaoyao asked, "Director Lan, how long will your business tripst?"


    Lan Cai paused for a moment and asked, "Why are you asking me this?"


    Li Xiaoyao smiled and blurted out, "I''m concerned about you. If you''re gone too long, I''ll miss you."


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    Lan Cai''s face flushed at this, and she feigned anger, "What nonsense are you talking about, who needs your concern?"


    "It''s quite normal for a subordinate to care about their superior, isn''t it?" Li Xiaoyao said with an innocent face.


    Lan Cai snorted and said, "This time it might be about a week, or maybe just a few days. I can''t be certain of the specific timeframe, but I''ll call you when I return. You can pick me up then."


    "Okay, I got it. Have a safe trip, Director Lan," Li Xiaoyao said, waving his hand.


    "Be careful driving back, too," Lan Cai said before turning and walking into the airport.


    Li Xiaoyao watched Lan Cai''s swaying figure and mumbled, "She''s beautiful, and she has such a good temper. Such a wonderful woman, I wonder which lucky man will get to marry her."


    Of course, Li Xiaoyao''s recent inquiry about the length of her trip wasn''t really because he would miss her. He just wanted to know how much time he had to attend to his own matters.


    He was Lan Cai''s personal bodyguard, meaning, bluntly put, that he only had to serve her. So when Lan Cai was away, he was free, with no need to report to thepany every day.


    On the way back, Li Xiaoyao sped up the car.


    He checked the time; it was only half-past eleven. So, he called Zhao Ge, "Brother Zhao, I''m on my way back. I should make it for lunch. You guys go ahead and start at the hotel; I''lle straight there."


    Li Xiaoyao floored the gas pedal, and the car shot out like an arrow released from a bow.


    In just half an hour, Li Xiaoyao was back in the city center. He drove straight to the hotel.


    Zhao Ge and the others had already arrived at the hotel. They had just sat down when Li Xiaoyao pushed the door open and came in.


    As he entered, Li Xiaoyao apologized with a smile, "Sorry, something came upst minute. But luckily, I didn''t miss the main event."


    When big guys eat, booze is a must. Li Xiaoyao ordered Moutai liquor for everyone, a bottle per person.


    Everyone present was an ex-soldier, none of whom couldn''t handle their liquor.


    Li Xiaoyao moved around the table, toasting everyone. With a couple of ounces down the hatch, the atmosphere at the table became lively.


    In just one meal''s time, Li Xiaoyao established a manly camaraderie with these forthright fellows.


    [The third update willeter. While waiting, throw a few rmendation votes to the lovely and diligent author, O(¡É_¡É)O~~]

 Chapter 89 Stealing My Brothers Woman

    Li Xiaoyao decided not to go to thepany in the afternoon. After having dinner at the hotel, he took a group of people to switch venues and headed for San Tiao Alley.


    San Tiao Alley was much quieter because after Hu Zhi''s death, the other two big shots from the alley were suspected of murder and had been invited by the police to "have tea" at the station.


    Nowadays, there were plenty of hooligans in San Tiao Alley, but not a single leader among them, so on the surface, it looked peaceful, but underneath, there were undercurrents stirring.


    Huaqing Pool was a bath center in San Tiao Alley, and it was not only famous in the alley, but also throughout Ling City.


    Leading the group to Huaqing Pool, Li Xiaoyao was greeted by the lobby manager who, seeing the fierce look on their faces, did not dare to neglect them and hurriedly came over with a smile, "Sir, hello, what services do you need?"


    Li Xiaoyao nced at the man and pointed at the dozen or so people, saying, "These are all my brothers. I have only one simple request¡ªwe want the best girls."


    The manager felt a great pressureing from Li Xiaoyao and guessed that this man must be no ordinary person. So after hearing Li Xiaoyao''s words, he quickly nodded and said, "Of course, we''ll arrange the best for you."


    Meanwhile, the veterans blushed, and one of them whispered to Li Xiaoyao, "Brother Li, this isn''t a regr bathhouse, is it?"


    Li Xiaoyao looked at him with a half-smile and said, "What''s the matter? Afraid of getting eaten by a woman?"


    The veteran''s face turned red, and he quickly straightened his neck and said, "I''m afraid of a woman? I''m just worried one wouldn''t be enough for me to show off my skills."


    These veterans had hardly had any contact with women while in the service, and even after being discharged, they rarely got the chance. So for all these years, at least ny percent of these dozen veterans were still virgins.


    As for ying with women at this kind of bath center, they had never experienced it. However, far from being repelled, they were just a little nervous, with a hint of anticipation.


    After hearing this, Li Xiaoyao burst intoughter and shouted to the lobby manager, "Did you hear that? My brothers want two girls each."


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    The lobby manager was in the middle of arranging the girls from the bath center and, hearing the words, smiled broadly and said, "Sure, sure, not just two¡ªif you want ten, I have them. Boss, why don''t you guys go soak in a bath first, and after you''re done, I''ll have the girls take you over."


    The group went for a bath first, soaking leisurely in therge bath and then heading to the sauna.


    While steaming in the sauna, the eleven veterans chatted quietly among themselves.


    "Brother Li is really good to us."


    "Yeah, he really is beyond reproach."


    "Haven''t touched a woman in years, Brother Li truly understands the hardships of the people."


    "Haha, yes, hasn''t been close to a woman in so many years."


    "I heard from others that Huaqing Pool is the best bath center in Ling City; even the cheapest girl here costs three to four thousand."


    "Adding us up, we are going to spend tens of thousands tonight."


    "Brother Li is really generous."


    The veterans came out of the sauna room and washed off the sweat and dirt, just stepping out when the girls took the initiative toe up and greet them. One by one they paired off and went into the rooms.


    Li Xiaoyao and Zhao Gey on lounge chairs, smoking cigarettes and drinking ice-cold beer.


    Li Xiaoyao didn''t really like paying for sex; he believed that when it came to women, it wasn''t only about mutual consent but also important to have feelings. Pure physical release was something the current Li Xiaoyao did not need.


    "Are you still short of people?" Zhao Ge suddenly asked.


    Li Xiaoyao looked at him and asked, "Has Zhao Ge made up his mind?"


    Zhao Ge nodded. Of course, he had.


    He had thought it through the entire night before. He felt that since Li Xiaoyao asked him if he wanted to follow him, it meant that the sry and benefits would definitely not be worse than his current earnings, at least not less.


    Zhao Ge didn''t care about working in a bigpany; what he cared about was how much more money he could take home each month.


    Li Xiaoyao said, "Brother Zhao, your following me would be a great help, but it can''t happen right now."


    Zhao Ge felt somewhat disappointed, and Li Xiaoyao continued, "The Pan-Blue Company is short-staffed. It was not easy for me to bring you on board. If you were to leave after just a few days, thepany would have to recruit again. For the next few days, please make an extra effort to find a suitable candidate. Once you''ve found someone, then you cane over. After all, Director Lan has paid us, and we can''t let him down."


    Zhao Ge had an epiphany and looked at Li Xiaoyao with admiration.


    Those who remember kindness and seek to repay it are rarely bad people.


    Zhao Ge nodded, "Okay, I''ll sort things out here and thene and be your right-hand man."


    Li Xiaoyao smiled, "There''s no need to be my right-hand man. Once you''re here, you''ll be in charge."


    Zhao Ge asked, "You trust me that much?"


    Li Xiaoyao took a drag of his cigarette and said, "Don''t employ those you suspect and don''t suspect those you employ."


    Li Xiaoyao trusted his own judgment. Since Zhao Ge had decided to work with him, Li Xiaoyao would never doubt him.


    Li Xiaoyao suddenlyughed lewdly, "Aren''t you going to rx a little?"


    Zhao Ge shook his head, saying nothing.


    Li Xiaoyao knew that he and Zhao Ge were likely cut from the same cloth; neither enjoyed the kind of soulless physical transaction.


    It was just after three in the afternoon when Li Xiaoyao and Zhao Ge took a bath, chatted for a bit, and then fell asleep on the small bed.


    About half an hourter, Li Xiaoyao suddenly woke up to the sounds of amotion and smashing.


    Zhao Ge was also startled awake, sat up quickly and frowned, "What''s going on?"


    "Let''s go have a look." Li Xiaoyao had heard a familiar voice; it seemed to be those eleven ex-soldiers.


    Li Xiaoyao put on his shoes and went over with Zhao Ge closely following.


    In the corridor outside the second-floor private room, eleven ex-soldiers in their shorts stood in the hallway, facing them were more than a dozen tattooed men, each of them either bald or sporting brightly colored hair.


    At a nce, this group of people looked like thugs as they carried sticks and daggers. For some reason, they had gotten into a dispute with the ex-soldiers.


    Li Xiaoyao quickly stepped forward, noticing the clear anger on the ex-soldiers'' faces.


    "What happened?" Li Xiaoyao asked.


    One of the ex-soldiers said, "These sons of bitches stole our woman."


    The thugs across from them immediately cursed, "Motherfucker, who are you calling a son of a bitch?"


    The ex-soldier swore, "Whoever the hell steals my woman, I curse them."


    The thugs were instantly annoyed and reached for their weapons, ready for a fight, but Li Xiaoyao snorted and red at the thug who had just cursed, "You stole my brother''s woman?"


    The thug was not scared and even puffed out his chest, saying, "The woman I fancy, no one else can touch!"


    Li Xiaoyao smiled and said, "Fuck, are you trying to be tough with me?"


    "I''m badass today, what are you gonna do about it? You should go check up on who I, Wang Xiaomao, am. Even when Hu Zhi was alive, he had to show me respect. Who the fuck do you think you are?" Wang Xiaomao pointed at Li Xiaoyao''s nose and cursed vehemently.


    Li Xiaoyao''s eyes narrowed, and a chill shed through them. Without any warning, he suddenly stepped forward and pped Wang Xiaomao hard across the face, producing a crisp sound.


    [Third release, please vote.]

 Chapter 90 Summoning Someone

    Li Xiaoyao''s p immediately swelled up half of Wang Xiaomao''s face; several teeth mixed with blood were spat out from his mouth.


    Wang Xiaomao staggered several steps backward before steadying himself and turned his head to curse angrily, "Fuck, dare to hit me! Brothers, chop this fucker to death for me."


    Li Xiaoyao was not afraid; he casually lifted his hand and said to the ex-soldiers, "The rest is up to you."


    The group of ex-soldiers had already been itching to go; they were just enjoying themselves with thedies when these hooligans suddenly barged in ¨C who wouldn''t be pissed?


    Despite these hoodlums being covered in dragon and tiger tattoos, armed with daggers and iron rods, in the eyes of these ex-soldiers, they were nothing to be concerned about.


    At Li Xiaoyao''smand, the ex-soldiers immediately charged at them like a pack of wolves breaking into a flock of sheep.


    At first, the hoodlums were waving their daggers and iron rods around, but they quickly realized that these items couldn''t harm the ex-soldiers at all.


    "Aaaahhhh!!!"


    Screams of agony from the hoodlums rose one after another, and then one could see them falling to the ground one by one.


    The ex-soldiers had still held back in their attacks; otherwise, with the small frames of these hoodlums, they would probably have been dead by now.


    Upon hearing the news, the manager of Huaqing Pool rushed over, but it was somewhat toote. By the time he arrived, a group of hoodlums was already lying motionless on the ground.


    Swallowing nervously, the manager looked at Li Xiaoyao and the ex-soldiers standing behind him in just their boxer shorts, and said with a smile, "Boss, what''s going on here? How did a fight break out? We all go out for a good time, and enjoying ourselves is the most important thing, don''t you think?"


    Li Xiaoyao nced at the manager and said, "It''s none of your business, stand aside."


    Huaqing Pool rarely had such incidents because it was backed by a big boss and was the only venue in San Tiao Alley that didn''t have to pay protection money to the gangsters there.


    No thug dared to cause trouble at Huaqing Pool; the power behind it was too formidable.


    Seeing that Li Xiaoyao was not taking his advice, the manager smiled and seemingly in goodwill reminded him, "Boss, this is Huaqing Pool. If you have any problems, you can settle them outside, but it''s better not to resort to violence inside Huaqing Pool."


    "Oh? And what if I do resort to violence here?" Li Xiaoyao asked the lobby manager with a smile that wasn''t quite a smile.


    The lobby manager chuckled and replied, "Since Huaqing Pool opened, no one who has caused trouble here has left unscathed."


    "Fine, I''ll give you this face," Li Xiaoyao conceded. He wasn''t clear about the big shot behind Huaqing Pool, so he decided not to act recklessly.


    Li Xiaoyao walked over to Wang Xiaomao, squatted down, patted his face, and said, "Kid, remember, my name is Li Xiaoyao. I''ll give you one hour to pull in all the pull you have. In one hour, my brothers and I will be looking for you after we''re done bathing."


    After dropping those words, Li Xiaoyao waved his hand and said, "You have one hour to sort things out, is that enough time?"


    "Enough!" the ex-soldiers shouted unanimously.


    But one of them scratched his head and said, "Brother Li, I''ve got two going on, one hour isn''t quite enough."


    Li Xiaoyaoughed and scolded, "You fuckin'' stud, if it''s not enough, just hold it in for now and continueter tonight."


    The ex-soldier chuckled and replied, "Okay."


    After that, the ex-soldiers returned to their rooms, and Li Xiaoyao and Zhao Ge found a ce to rest. With this calm and collected demeanor, they clearly didn''t take the group of hoodlums seriously.


    Wang Xiaomao felt a surge of impatience and got up to lead his men to hack at Li Xiaoyao, but the hall manager coughed and said, "This is Huaqing Pool, you''d better think carefully before making a move."


    Wang Xiaomao was startled and then remembered that this ce was Huaqing Pool.


    Those who were part of the underworld knew what Huaqing Pool was, a ce rumored to be backed by a powerful and influential big boss, not someone ordinary people couldpare with.


    Wang Xiaomao was just a petty gangster who had heard that Hu Zhi, the big shot of San Tiao Alley, had been killed, and the other two bosses had been invited to the police station for tea. He saw this as an opportunity to enter San Tiao Alley and see if he could carve out a piece for himself.


    As for Huaqing Pool, he wouldn''t dare to cause any trouble, so upon hearing the hall manager''s words, he immediately led his men out, tails between their legs.


    After leaving Huaqing Pool, Wang Xiaomao began to make phone calls. Although just a petty gangster, he had a widework on the streets. A phone call from him would gather at least a dozen or twenty people.


    In an hour''s time, Wang Xiaomao had gathered about a hundred people, and together with his own dozen men, there were more than a hundred and seventy in total.


    Meanwhile, Li Xiaoyao was lying in bed, resting with his eyes half-closed,pletely unaware of themotion outside.


    San Tiao Alley hadn''t seen a gang fight in a long time, so when Wang Xiaomao rallied more than a hundred and seventy people outside of Huaqing Pool, it gave the nearby shop owners quite a scare.


    Was this going to blow up into something big?


    Those who didn''t know the specifics thought that with the three big bosses of San Tiao Alley either dead or invited for tea by the police, suddenly a lot of hoodlums appeared, hoping to get a share of the pie during this turmoil.


    The hall manager of Huaqing Pool just smiled at the scene outside and didn''t go to warn Li Xiaoyao or drive the crowd away.


    It had been so many years since San Tiao Alley had been this alive; it was about time it livened up.


    Moreover, the hall manager was quite curious. Li Xiaoyao gave him a strange feeling, and he wanted to see if this young man really had any skills or was just all talk.


    Li Xiaoyao woke up and stretched, saying, "Let''s go."


    After changing clothes, the two came downstairs to the lobby, then asked the waitress to summon the group of veterans.


    These studs, true to their military background, had gone at it for over an hour non-stop, and Li Xiaoyao worried they might actually kill those girls.


    Zhao Ge nced outside the door and froze at the sight.


    Outside, there was a dense crowd of people, at least a hundred strong. Each person was armed with knives or clubs, their gazes fierce as they stared down at the interior of Huaqing Pool.


    "Xiaoyao, look outside," Zhao Ge said with a grave expression.


    Li Xiaoyao lifted his head to nce outside and was momentarily taken aback, but his expression wasn''t as serious as Zhao Ge''s.


    "Wow, this kid''s got quite the pull, actually managed to round up a bunch of people," Li Xiaoyao said nonchntly.


    Zhao Ge''s face turned grim, "This hurdle won''t be easy to cross. They have at least a hundred and fifty people, while we are only thirteen. We''ll probably take a fall here tonight."


    Li Xiaoyao chuckled, "No worries. It doesn''t matter if they are a hundred or even if their number doubles, there''s nothing to be afraid of."


    As the two were talking, the veterans beganing down one after another, each with a face of satisfaction, still carrying their lecherous demeanor. Discover stories at empire

 Chapter 91 Fighting One Hundred Enemies Alone

    The veterans came down, and they also saw the over a hundred people Wang Xiaomao had called for. They immediately got angry and cursed, "Fuck, think you''re great just because you''ve got more people?"


    Li Xiaoyao looked at these veterans with a smile and asked, "Scared or not?"


    The veterans kept stern faces and shook their heads with stiff necks, saying, "We''re not scared! Isn''t it just a fight? Which of us soldiers hasn''t had a brawl in the service?"


    Li Xiaoyao nodded, then turned his gaze to Zhao Ge. Zhao Ge also had a serious face and said, "Let''s do it!"


    Experience new tales on empire


    Li Xiaoyao said nothing further; he just wanted to see if these veterans were afraid of trouble. After all, fighting would be a regr part of life if they followed him.


    The oue was promising; not a single one of these veterans was afraid of trouble, each with the bullish temperament of thinking they were the best in the world.


    Li Xiaoyao liked their spirit¡ªit suited him.


    "Come out with me. After we take care of them, we''ll go to the bar for drinks," said Li Xiaoyao with a wave of his hand.


    Zhao Ge nced at Li Xiaoyao and sighed inwardly, feeling somewhat disappointed.


    He had thought that Li Xiaoyao would deal with the situation calmly, but to his surprise, Li Xiaoyao nned to face the opposition head-on.


    The other side had over a hundred people, nearly two for one, while they had only thirteen. Even though they were all veterans, capable of fighting five or six each, there''s an old saying that in a melee, even a master can be beaten by a swarm of fists. With over a hundred opponents swarming in, even the most capable fighters among them would surely get hurt.


    The lobby manager, standing in the hall of Huaclear Pool, watched Li Xiaoyao and his dozen or so men walk out imposingly and could not help but shake his head, murmuring softly, "In this day and age, too many people are not afraid to die. But those who think they can make their way in the world simply by being ruthless are sorely mistaken."


    Outside the Huaclear Pool, Wang Xiaomao stood at the forefront, a cigarette dangling from his mouth, his eyes coldly fixed on the Huaclear Pool. Although he''d suffered his share of setbacks in his life, he had never taken as big a loss as he had today.


    He had to take back what was his.


    "Dare to hit me? Fuck your mother, don''t you know who Wang Xiaomao is?" Wang Xiaomao snorted coldly to himself, seemingly already envisioning Li Xiaoyao begging for mercy beneath his feet.


    "Brother Mao, what''s the background of that group?" ackey asked.


    "Who cares about their background? If they dare to mess with me, I''ll beat them till they question their existence," replied Wang Xiaomao coldly.


    Theckey said with a tteringugh, "Right, that kid really had the guts of a bear and the heart of a leopard, daring to mess with Brother Mao."


    Suddenly, ackey shouted, "They''reing out, they''reing out."


    Wang Xiaomao looked over and sure enough, Li Xiaoyao was leading a group of tall and sturdy veterans with a fierce aura from the Huaclear Pool.


    As Li Xiaoyao exited the Huaclear Pool and stopped about ten meters away from Wang Xiaomao, he took out a cigarette and put it in his mouth, then pulled out a box of matches. Just as he was about to strike a light, he heard an angry roar from Wang Xiaomao on the other side.


    "Hack him!"


    Following Wang Xiaomao''s roar, the crowd of over a hundred people erupted and charged toward Li Xiaoyao.


    The sight of over a hundred people charging at the same time was stunningly shocking, causing the shopkeepers in San Tiao Alley and the passersby who were out shopping or eating to stand on the sidewalk, looking on with a hint of fear in their eyes.


    Such arge-scale melee was not amon sight in Ling City.


    Many people stretched their necks, trying to catch a glimpse of the poor souls who were being ganged up on by over a hundred people, curious about their appearance.


    But when they looked through the crowd and saw Li Xiaoyao lighting his cigarette with an air of nonchnce, they were all dumbfounded.


    What the fuck, what time is it? And he still has the leisure to smoke?


    Has he gone mad? Can''t he see there are over a hundred people charging at him?


    The onlookers sighed inwardly, thinking that someone could still take the time to show off by smoking at a time like this, and they figured he deserved it if he got beaten to death.


    The former soldiers standing behind Li Xiaoyao were also looking gravely serious. To tell the truth, seeing Li Xiaoyao smoking calmly in such a situation made their hearts twitch as well.


    Of course, Li Xiaoyao wasn''t insane. There were just over a hundred street thugs. In his eyes, these hundred-plus people weren''t even as big a threat as the eleven former soldiers behind him.


    In the face of absolute power, any strategy of outnumbering the opponent is garbage.


    The thug at the very front, holding a steel pipe in his right hand, lunged forward. He raised the pipe high and aimed to smash it down on Li Xiaoyao''s head.


    But just then, Li Xiaoyao suddenly moved. He took a lightning-fast step forward, his right hand shaped into a de, and he stabbed fiercely into the man''s chest.


    "Crack!" The man''s chest emitted a sound of breaking bones, his body as if struck by a massive force, flew backward violently.


    Li Xiaoyao took the opportunity to reach out with his right hand and snatch the steel pipe from the man''s grasp, then dashed into the crowd in an instant.


    The former soldiers behind him joined the fray at this point. They had all been the best of their units and had to leave the service for various reasons.


    But facing these thugs, who only knew how to fight and intimidate, they showed no fear. With only their bare fists, they were capable of killing all around them.


    The watching crowd''s eyes widened in shock as they saw Li Xiaoyao''s small team of just over a dozen people. They thought their eyes mist be ying tricks on them, otherwise, how could these few manage not to be overwhelmed by the hundred-plus thugs?


    Especially Li Xiaoyao, who was like the Grim Reaper walking out of Hell¡ªwherever he went, the thugs fell like harvested wheat.


    Wang Xiaomao had gone from full confidence at the start to fear now, watching Li Xiaoyao crazily knocking down the thugs almost one punch at a time.


    The manager of Huaqing Pool had gone from initial calmness to surprise, and now stood up from the sofa, shock written all over his face.


    Over 170 thugs, in less than five minutes, were all lying on the ground, they were all out of breath.


    And out of these more than 170 thugs, Li Xiaoyao had taken care of 120 by himself. The horror of hisbat prowess was in to see.


    Zhao Ge and the others stood panting on the spot, looking at the thugs lying on the ground in shock, then they turned their astonished gazes toward Li Xiaoyao.


    "Is Brother Li really this fucking awesome?" The former soldiers'' eyes were about to pop out.


    "Fuck, Brother Li is too fucking awesome, damn, could it be that Brother Li retired from the Dragon Group?"


    "Even the Dragon Group isn''t as badass as Brother Li."


    Zhao Ge''s shock was no less than theirs; he had originally thought that Li Xiaoyao was overestimating himself, but now he understood Li Xiaoyao wasn''t boasting at all ¨C he truly possessed absolute strength.


    The onlooking crowd was so shocked they were at a loss for words. The entire San Tiao Alley was filled with people from back to front, and yet the atmosphere was eerily quiet.


    Wang Xiaomao was the only one who hadn''t been hurt because Li Xiaoyao had deliberately left him alone.


    A gust of wind blew by, and Wang Xiaomao could even hear the faint whistling sound as it passed by his ears. His eyes were filled with terror, and his body was shaking uncontrobly as he watched Li Xiaoyao steadily approaching him without daring to make a move.


    [The third update is being written. As you wait, dear readers, cast your votes for the beauty.]

 Chapter 92 Name Your Price

    Li Xiaoyao''s cigarette had burned down to the filter as he casually dropped it on the ground and stopped. He then fished out another from his pocket and slowly lit it up.


    Li Xiaoyao walked with his left hand in his pocket and his right hand holding the cigarette, taking puffs as he went.


    The silent San Tiao Alley, the howling wind, and Li Xiaoyao with his cigarette¡ªthese elements came together to create a striking image.


    All the onlookers held their breath, wanting to know how this man, with his overwhelmingbat strength, would handle Wang Xiaomao.


    As soon as Li Xiaoyao approached, Wang Xiaomao bent his knees and fell to the ground with a thud.


    Wang Xiaomao knelt on the ground, clutching at Li Xiaoyao''s legs out of sheer terror, his voice quivering as he spoke.


    "I was blind not to recognize Mount Tai," Wang Xiaomao pleaded. "Big brother, spare me, okay?"


    Li Xiaoyao kicked him over, stepped on his face, slowly crouched down, flicked the ash from the cigarette in his hand, and then chuckled, "You brought over a hundred people to block me, and now you want me to spare you? How do you expect me to face my brothers?"


    Tears and snot streamed down Wang Xiaomao''s face from sheer terror. He genuinely feared Li Xiaoyao, a tough guy who could fight a hundred people on his own. There might not be a second person like that in the entire Ling City. This was someone he definitely couldn''t afford to provoke.


    Li Xiaoyao slowly stood up, his gaze sweeping around him. Everyone who made eye contact with him involuntarily shuddered.


    Suddenly, Li Xiaoyao lifted his foot and stomped down viciously on Wang Xiaomao''s head.


    "Bang!"


    Wang Xiaomao''s head made intimate contact with the ground, his eyes rolled back, and he passed out.


    After finishing, Li Xiaoyao turned and said, "Let''s go."


    The onlookers were still immersed in the impact of Li Xiaoyao''s kick, thinking that at the very least, Wang Xiaomao would end up with a concussion.


    Zhao Ge and the others followed behind Li Xiaoyao, and as they passed by, the crowd automatically parted, each person looking at Li Xiaoyao with a mix of fear and respect.


    Li Xiaoyao, along with Zhao Ge and others, entered the Troubled Times Beauty Bar. The bar had already started business for the day, and the staff, having just witnessed Li Xiaoyao''s ferocious behavior outside, greeted them with smiles, "Boss, what drink would you like?"


    Without looking at the menu, Li Xiaoyao said directly, "Bring ten dozen Carlsberg and two bottles of Hennessy first."


    The bartender nodded, turned, and quickly went to get the drinks.


    In less than five minutes, all the drinks were brought. The bartender didn''t mention payment but quietly slipped away instead.


    "Li Ge, how did you train to get such skills?" asked Zhuo Li, a former soldier, looking at Li Xiaoyao curiously.


    "I trained with an old man in the vige when I was a kid. Winter training for three-nines and summer training for three-fus. Stick with it for over twenty years, and you can be just like me," Li Xiaoyao said with a smile, though of course, it was all fabricated to deceive.


    Fortunately, Zhuo Li and the others didn''t question it. Having been soldiers for several years, they knew well that developing martial skills required daily dedication to practice.


    The group was drinking beer and boasting. After the afternoon''s bathing service and the recent brawl, their admiration for Li Xiaoyao grew even more.


    The bartender ran to the office and ryed the events to the boss, who then instructed the bartender to take the best bottle of foreign liquor from stock. Holding the bottle, the boss approached Li Xiaoyao''s table.


    Li Xiaoyao noticed a middle-aged man, in his thirties or forties, dressed in what seemed like expensive clothes, carrying a bottle of foreign liquor and smiling as he approached.


    Zhao Ge, Zhuo Li, and the others also noticed the man and immediately looked at him with suspicion.


    The middle-aged man approached with a smile, "I''m the General Manager of Chaotic Beauty, my name is Hu Fei. How may I address the owner here?"


    Not wanting to p a smiling face, Li Xiaoyao also smiled, "Myst name is Li."


    "So you are Owner Li, I''ve heard much about you." Hu Fei ced the foreign liquor on the coffee table and said, "Owner Li, your visit today is such an honor, unfortunately, I haven''t prepared anything special. This bottle is from my private collection, I''ve brought it out specifically to wee you. Additionally, today''s expenses are all on the house."


    Li Xiaoyao watched Hu Fei with a grin. This Hu Fei really knew how to deal with people; most likely, he had found out about his recent heroic deeds and thus made every effort to curry favor with him.


    After Hu Fei had offered a drink to each person, just as he was about to bid farewell, Li Xiaoyao suddenly gestured to him and said, "Manager Hu, please sit here."


    Hu Fei was taken aback, but dared not say anything and sat down next to Li Xiaoyao.


    Carefully, Hu Fei asked, "Is there anything you would like to instruct, Owner Li?" Explore new worlds at empire


    Li Xiaoyao patted his shoulder and said, "I''ve heard that your boss is from Zhu Ind City, right?"


    Hu Fei nodded and replied, "Indeed, Boss Huo is from Zhu Ind City."


    Li Xiaoyao said, "Could you do me a favor, Manager Hu? Call your Boss Huo and tell him I need to talk to him about something."


    Hu Fei didn''t know what Li Xiaoyao wanted with Boss Huo, but he didn''t dare to ask. He simply nodded and said, "Alright, I''ll call Boss Huo right away."


    Li Xiaoyao smiled and said, "Thank you, Manager Hu."


    Manager Hu waved his hands saying there was no need for thanks, jokingly, in his eyes, Li Xiaoyao''s smile was no different from the Grim Reaper''s.


    Manager Hu made the call to Boss Huo in front of Li Xiaoyao, and a few minutester, he hung up, turned to Li Xiaoyao, and said, "Boss Huo will be here shortly."


    Li Xiaoyao smiled and said, "Oh, what a coincidence."


    "Yes, yes, a real coincidence," Manager Hu secretly wiped sweat from his forehead.


    Half an hourter, three men walked in from outside the bar. The man in the middle was not tall and had a potbelly, probably around 1.7 meters tall, while the two men beside him were tall, strong, and stoic.


    As soon as the man entered, Manager Hu quickly got up, walked over, and called out, "Boss Huo, you''ve arrived."


    This short, plump man was the behind-the-scenes owner of Chaotic Beauty, Boss Huo.


    Manager Hu said a few words to Boss Huo and then pointed towards where Li Xiaoyao was sitting.


    After speaking, Boss Huo walked over to Li Xiaoyao.


    "Young Master Li is quite young," Boss Huo greeted Li Xiaoyao as ''Young Master Li'', seemingly amon badge of address among Zhu Ind City inhabitants.


    Li Xiaoyao smiled, shook hands with Boss Huo, poured a drink, and said, "Boss Huo, I''vee to see you today, actually, to discuss a business deal."


    Boss Huo uh''d, looked at him with some surprise, took a sip from the drink Li Xiaoyao had poured, and said, "May I ask what Owner Li wishes to discuss?"


    Cradling the ss in his hand, Li Xiaoyao swirled it gently, causing the liquid to slide back and forth against the crystal clear wall of the ss. With an air of nonchnce, he said, "I''m fond of Chaotic Beauty, name your price."


    [Third update delivered, going to sleep, fourth update will be written tomorrow during the day...]

 Chapter 93 Zhang Meng Has an Appointment [Fourth Update, Request for Recommendation Tickets]

    Li Xiaoyao liked the bar the first time he came here.


    He was not a man to take something by force, so he nned to buy it with money.


    ording to his estimation, the price of the bar was probably around two million.


    Because thend on which the bar sat was leased, not purchased, otherwise thend alone would have been worth more than that price.


    When Mr. Huo heard Li Xiaoyao''s words, the smile on his face vanished immediately, and he put down his wine ss, saying, "Mr. Li is surely joking."


    Li Xiaoyao''s tone was neither light nor heavy as he spoke, "Do I look like I''m joking with you? Mr. Huo, name your price. If you don''t, then I will set it myself."


    Whether Mr. Huo was willing to sell or not, Li Xiaoyao was going to buy the bar. Although he would not take by force, if Mr. Huo did not recognize what was good for him, Li Xiaoyao might well have to engage in a forced purchase.


    Mr. Huo''s face turned unpleasant as he looked at Li Xiaoyao and asked, "Mr. Li, which ''path'' do you walk in?"


    Li Xiaoyaoughed slightly, the man was probing his strength. He replied, "Currently, I am involved in San Tiao Alley, and starting from now, San Tiao Alley will be under the name Li."


    "Mr. Li speaks big!" Mr. Huo said with a smile that did not reach his eyes.


    Li Xiaoyao''s eyes narrowed, emitting a cold aura, but before he could speak, his phone on the coffee table suddenly vibrated. It was a call from Zhang Meng.


    Li Xiaoyao picked up the phone and said, "Mr. Huo, take your time to think, I need to take this call."


    Li Xiaoyao walked to the side and answered the phone, "Hello, Meng Meng, what''s up?"


    It was the time when people got off work. Zhang Meng was leaving Ling City tonight, but she hadn''t told anyone about it. She had one thing to do before leaving, and this matter was rted to Li Xiaoyao.


    "Xiaoyao brother, can you pick me up after work?" Zhang Meng''s voice was shy and somewhat tired.


    Li Xiaoyao guessed that something must have happened to Zhang Meng, but since the girl was not willing to say, there was nothing he could do. However, now she had called him to pick her up after work, which likely meant she was ready to reveal her troubles to him.


    Li Xiaoyao said, "Wait for me at thepany, I''ll be right there."


    After hanging up the phone, Li Xiaoyao returned and said to Zhao Ge and Zhuo Li, among others, "I''ve got something to deal with, so I''ll head off first. Drink slowly, and call me if you need anything. We''ll all rest at the hotel where we ate lunch; I''ve already arranged everything."


    After speaking, Li Xiaoyao walked up to Mr. Huo and said, "Mr. Huo, you have one evening to think it over carefully."


    Li Xiaoyao turned to leave when Mr. Huo suddenly asked, "Mr. Li, may I know your name?"


    "Li Xiaoyao." Li Xiaoyao gave Mr. Huo a cold smile, knowing the man would definitely check his background thoroughly tonight.


    However, Li Xiaoyao was not at all concerned. Even if Mr. Huo turned him upside down and inside out for inspection, Li Xiaoyao was still determined to take down the bar named Chaos and Beauty.


    Li Xiaoyao parked thepany''s Mercedes in the hotel parking lot; he then took a taxi there and drove the Mercedes directly downstairs to thepany.


    When Li Xiaoyao arrived at thepany, Zhang Meng had juste out of the building.


    Zhang Meng was wearing a denim miniskirt today with a pure white one-shoulder chiffon blouse. The semi-transparent chiffon blouse looked very cool and refreshing.


    Sitting in the car, Li Xiaoyao looked through the ss with interest at Zhang Meng, who was dressed innocently today. After taking a good look, Li Xiaoyao rolled down the window and called out to her, "Meng Meng, this way."


    Zhang Meng looked at Li Xiaoyao in the car, surprised, and asked, "Xiaoyao brother, did you buy a car?"


    Li Xiaoyao replied with a smile, "It''s thepany car, get in first."


    Zhang Meng got into the car, and Li Xiaoyao asked, "Where do you live?"


    Zhang Meng gave him an address, and Li Xiaoyao pressed the elerator; the car drove off.


    "Xiaoyao brother, you''re driving thepany''s car. Director Lan will be angry if he finds out," Zhang Meng said with some concern.


    Li Xiaoyao said, "Director Lan has gone on a business trip, it''s fine."


    Zhang Meng turned her head and sneakily looked at Li Xiaoyao, not knowing what to say for a while.


    Li Xiaoyao knew she must have something on her mind, but he didn''t know how to broach the subject.


    Zhang Meng suddenly asked, "Xiaoyao brother, do you have any ns tonight?"


    "No," Li Xiaoyao took out his phone and quickly sent a text message to Tang Tiantian, telling her he had social obligations that evening and would return veryte.


    Zhang Meng must have had something on her mind, otherwise, she wouldn''t have called him over at this time. Li Xiaoyao was very fond of this girl, so he didn''t want her to be upset over anything. Let alone the fact that he was free now, even if he had been busy, he would have certainly canceled his ns tofort Zhang Meng.


    Zhang Meng joyously said, "Then I''ll cook dinner for you tonight, is that okay?"


    "Okay," Li Xiaoyao replied.


    Li Xiaoyao drove to the supermarket, parked the car, and they both went inside to buy groceries. Throughout the supermarket visit, Zhang Meng clenched Li Xiaoyao''s arm, and from a distance, the two of them looked just like a couple.


    Half an hourter, Li Xiaoyao left the supermarket with a big bag of groceries in his left hand and his right arm around Zhang Meng.


    Zhang Meng herself didn''t know what was happening, but suddenly she became extremely clingy to Li Xiaoyao, almost as if she wanted to melt into his body.


    At first, Li Xiaoyao tried to push her away now and then, while also saying things about how men and women should not get too intimately close. However, Zhang Meng simply didn''t listen, no matter what Li Xiaoyao said.


    When they got into the car, Li Xiaoyao helplessly said, "Meng Meng, if you don''t let go, I won''t be able to drive."


    Only then did Zhang Meng reluctantly release Xiaoyao''s arm.


    Ten minutester, the car stopped in the residential area where Zhang Meng lived, an extremely ordinary old neighborhood without security guards or gatekeepers.


    Zhang Meng lived on the top floor of one of the buildings. By the time they climbed up to the sixth floor, she was slightly out of breath.


    Li Xiaoyao asked, "How much is the rent here per month?"


    As Zhang Meng used her keys to open the door, she replied, "Thirteen hundred."


    Zhang Meng''s sry was six thousand yuan a month, which could amount to eight to nine thousand with bonuses for perfect attendance. This sry wasn''t low in Ling City, but if you deducted rent and monthly living expenses, there wasn''t much left.


    Moreover, Li Xiaoyao didn''t know much about Zhang Meng''s family situation or whether she had to send money home every month.


    Upon entering the room, Li Xiaoyao couldn''t help but be impressed.


    Although the exterior of the house was old and dpidated, the inside was exceptionally clean, offering a breath of fresh air.


    Zhang Meng pushed Li Xiaoyao towards the sofa in the living room and said, "Xiaoyao brother, sit and rest for a while. I''ll go pour you a ss of water."


    Li Xiaoyao knew Zhang Meng wasn''t in a good mood today, so he went along with whatever she wanted.


    After Zhang Meng walked into the kitchen, she took out a ss and then retrieved a bottle of medicine from her bag, opened the bottle, and poured a white pill into the cup.


    As Zhang Meng did this, there was a hint of hesitation in her eyes, but it quickly turned into unwavering determination.

 Chapter 94 Establishing Contact

    The white pill dissolved in the water immediately, showing no unusual signs.


    Zhang Meng carried the cup out and handed it to Li Xiaoyao, "Xiaoyao brother, drink some water."


    Li Xiaoyao took the cup without any suspicion and gulped down the water.


    After drinking, Li Xiaoyao suddenly felt his eyelids were heavy, he faintly sensed something was wrong, but before he could use his internal strength to refine this sudden wave of drowsiness, he had already passed out.


    Zhang Meng watched Li Xiaoyao lean against the sofa, falling into a deep sleep. She slowly approached and sat beside him, gently caressing his face with her palm.


    "Xiaoyao brother, I have to leave soon, but I really don''t want to leave you," Zhang Meng''s voice trembled slightly, and her eyes reddened a touch.


    Zhang Meng leaned over and kissed Li Xiaoyao''s forehead, her movements awkward, even shy.


    She looked at the unconscious Li Xiaoyao, her gaze bing more resolute.


    "Xiaoyao brother, I like you, even though I know you see me as a sister, but I just like you. I''m leaving tonight, and I don''t know if I''ll ever have the chance to see you again. But tonight, I want to give myself to you¡ªI don''t want to leave with regrets!"


    Zhang Meng slowly stood up and walked to Li Xiaoyao''s side.


    Zhang Meng kissed Li Xiaoyao''s lips awkwardly, and their lips and tongues touched, sending a tremble through her heart.


    Zhang Meng suddenly remembered her first love in college, those wonderful times, which she missed dearly.


    College romance was the purest, without a hint of impurity.


    After entering society, people became more realistic, but also more timid.


    However, Zhang Meng had no regrets; she liked Li Xiaoyao from the first moment she saw him.


    Zhang Meng opened her eyes, moved away her flushed lips, and looked at the sleeping Li Xiaoyao, feeling shy inside.


    Her cheeks reddened involuntarily; deep down Zhang Meng was a very conservative girl, but the thought of returning home to marry a man she didn''t like in order to pay off her father''s debts made her feel resentful.


    So, before she left, she wanted to leave behind her most precious thing, to give it to the man she liked.


    Regret?


    In her heart, there was a bit of regret, but more than that, a sense of relief.


    At least, when she grew old and looked back on this day, she would feel that her youth had not been wasted.


    In her heart, Xiaoyao brother was the best man, and for him, even offering her body was worth it.


    Zhang Meng curled up in Li Xiaoyao''s arms like a kitten, her body feeling as if it had been electrified.


    She hugged Li Xiaoyao tightly with both arms, gently biting her red lip and whispering, "Since I''ve decided, I won''t regret it."


    ...


    ...


    ...


    Li Xiaoyao had a dream in which he saw Zhang Meng strip naked and then she stripped him as well.


    ...


    ...


    ...


    Time passed, but when the sun outside rose and a ray of sunlight came through the crack in the window and fell on Li Xiaoyao''s face, he suddenly opened his eyes and sat up from the sofa.


    "Hiss~"


    Li Xiaoyao suddenly gasped; his movement upon waking up was a bit too abrupt.


    Li Xiaoyao cracked a smile and looked down, only to freeze with shock the moment he caught sight of himself.


    "What the... what the heck is this?" Li Xiaoyao stared at hispletely stripped bare body, dumbfounded: "What the hell happened?"


    "Could it be? Did someone rape me?" Li Xiaoyao blinked, suddenly recalling the strange, erotic dream he had had the night before.


    Li Xiaoyao looked around and confirmed this was Zhang Meng''s house.


    "She gave me a cup of water, and then I fell asleep," Li Xiaoyao recalled the events with furrowed brows.


    He suddenly felt a chill on his back. Since acquiring the System, he had believed nothing in this world could harm him. But the previous day, a woman had felled him with just a ss of water and sleeping pills.


    It was true that Li Xiaoyao had let down his guard around her, but he had to admit that drugs still affected him. His body was not yet strong enough to be immune to these neurotic substances.


    This was not good news for Li Xiaoyao.


    Li Xiaoyao rubbed his temples, stood up from the sofa, and his eyes were immediately drawn to a spot of red on the chaotic furniture.


    There was a red mark on the sofa.


    Li Xiaoyao went over, examined it, and confirmed that the red mark was blood.


    If Li Xiaoyao was not mistaken, this was Zhang Meng''s deflowering.


    Meaning,st night was Zhang Meng''s first time, and she had given it to him.


    After walking around the small rented house, Li Xiaoyao discovered Zhang Meng was nowhere to be found.


    He took out his phone to call Zhang Meng, but the phone was turned off.


    Li Xiaoyao felt a hint of unease; why would Zhang Meng suddenly do something like this? She had been a virgin until yesterday, yet inexplicably, she had given her first time to him.


    Li Xiaoyao was certain that something had happened to Zhang Meng.


    The most important thing now was to get in touch with Zhang Meng.

 Chapter 95 Zhang Meng Gets Married

    Li Xiaoyao quickly got dressed and sat on the sofa, spacing out for a moment as though he was still thinking about the erotic dream he had the night before.


    "So it wasn''t a dream after all..." Li Xiaoyao felt emotional inside, wondering what on earth had happened to Zhang Meng to knock him out and then have her way with him.


    This was truly a somewhat... bemusing situation for Li Xiaoyao.


    In theory, such an event happening to any man would make him feel excited.


    But Li Xiaoyao felt no such thrill; in his view, these kinds of things should be consensual between a man and a woman, and moreover, it should be the man taking the initiative.


    But now, what did all this amount to?


    Li Xiaoyao decided not to dwell on it for the time being, as now wasn''t the time to fret over such things.


    Zhang Meng''s phone was unreachable, so Li Xiaoyao called Zhuo Yi.


    The phone rang twice, and Zhuo Yi''s voice came through.


    "Hello, Brother Li, what''s up?" Zhuo Yi was very happy to suddenly receive a call from Li Xiaoyao.


    Li Xiaoyao didn''t notice the excitement in Zhuo Yi''s voice and got straight to the point, "Is Meng Meng at thepany?"


    Zhuo Yi said, "Meng Meng has resigned."


    "Resigned?" Li Xiaoyao was shocked and hurriedly asked, "When did this happen?"


    "Yesterday." Zhuo Yi inquired, "What''s the matter?"


    Instead of answering, Li Xiaoyao asked, "Where are you right now? I''lle to you."


    Zhuo Yi said, "I''m at the office."


    "I''ll be there right away."


    Having hung up the phone, Li Xiaoyao rubbed his face and took a final nce at the room before heading out the door.


    On the drive to the office, Li Xiaoyao pondered the reasons for Zhang Meng''s resignation, but he couldn''te up with any by the time he reached the office.


    This was something he was going to have to ask Zhang Meng herself to understand.


    There must have been something happening to Zhang Meng, and Li Xiaoyao felt he had to find her quickly.


    This was a man''s intuition.


    Li Xiaoyao entered the building and quickly made his way to Zhuo Yi''s office.


    Zhuo Yi was Lan Cai''s secretary, and with Lan Cai away on a business trip, Zhuo Yi suddenly had a lot more work to contend with.


    Apart from the documents that required Lan Cai''s signature, all other documents or meetings had to be handled by Zhuo Yi.


    When Li Xiaoyao entered Zhuo Yi''s office, he saw a mountain of files piled high on her desk, and she was deeply immersed in her paperwork.


    Stay tuned to empire


    Upon seeing Li Xiaoyao, Zhuo Yi put down the papers, leaned back in her chair, and stretched her arms wide, elongating her body vigorously.


    Zhuo Yi stood up and walked to Li Xiaoyao, suddenly leaning in and sniffing him, asking, "Have you been drinking?"


    "I drankst night," Li Xiaoyao said, his gaze shifting ufortably, feeling somewhat guilty.


    Li Xiaoyao shifted his gaze back and asked, "Do you know why Meng Meng resigned?"


    Zhuo Yi sat down on the couch and answered, "Meng Meng said she''s going home to get married."


    "Going home to get married!" Li Xiaoyao''s eyes widened in an instant.


    Zhuo Yi had not expected such a strong reaction from Li Xiaoyao and asked in confusion, "What''s wrong?"


    Li Xiaoyao frowned and pressed on, "Where is Meng Meng from?"


    This time Zhuo Yi didn''t answer but instead asked, "Brother Li, why are you suddenly asking about this?"


    Li Xiaoyao naturally wouldn''t tell her the truth, merely saying, "Meng Meng came to say goodbye to me yesterday, and I could tell that she was emotionally very disturbed; it can''t just be about getting married, it''s very likely something happened at her home."


    Upon hearing this, Zhuo Yi immediately gave him a strange look.


    Li Xiaoyao kept probing, "Where is Meng Meng from?"


    Zhuo Yi, feeling a pang of jealousy at his concern for Zhang Meng, still ryed what she knew to him.


    "Meng Meng''s home is in Zhangshan County. When she left today, she gave me a farewell call. I could tell that she was quite reluctant to leave here," Zhuo Yi sighed softly as she spoke about Zhang Meng.


    Zhuo Yi, who got along very well with Zhang Meng on normal days¡ªnot exactly like besties, but close enough¡ªwas prepared to take leave to attend her wedding when she was told about it, but Zhang Meng had not disclosed the wedding date.


    Now hearing Li Xiaoyao''s suggestion that Zhang Meng might be involved in some other matter, Zhuo Yi admittedly felt jealous that Li Xiaoyao cared so much for Zhang Meng, but she was even more concerned for Zhang Meng.


    "Zhangshan County." Li Xiaoyao memorized the ce and turned to leave.


    Zhuo Yi asked, "You''re going to Zhangshan County?"


    Li Xiaoyao paused his stride, turned around and said, "Yes, I have to see what exactly has happened to her."


    Zhuo Yi really wanted to say ''I''ll go too'', but considering the pile of tasks pending at the office, she had to abandon that idea.


    "Be careful on your way," Zhuo Yi told Li Xiaoyao softly.


    Li Xiaoyao gave a slight smile and said, "I will."


    After leaving, Li Xiaoyao called Tang Tiantian and informed her he wouldn''t be in Ling City for the next couple of days, and if anything came up, she should call him.


    After the call, Li Xiaoyao went to the security department. Zhao Ge had arrived early. Seeing Li Xiaoyao, he smiled, walked up and said, "Zhuo Li and the others are all waiting for you to assign tasks."


    Li Xiaoyao gave a wry smile and said, "Zhao brother, I have something to attend to for today and tomorrow, and I''ll be out of town. Tell Zhuo Li and the others there''s no rush to get busy. They''ve just arrived in Ling City, so take them around to get familiar. I''ll assign tasks when I''m back."


    Zhao Ge looked at Li Xiaoyao helplessly and said, "You really are a busy man."


    Li Xiaoyao spread his hands, helplessly responding, "I wish I wasn''t, but it can''t be helped; too many unexpected things keep happening."


    "Alright, I''ll talk to Zhuo Li and the others. You do what you need to, and we''ll talk about the rest when you get back."


    Li Xiaoyao gave Zhao Ge''s shoulder a firm pat and said, "Zhao brother, I''ll leave it in your hands."


    [The third update willeter... Still being edited. While you were waiting for those few minutes, you can cast your votes for the favorite character. Rmendation tickets refresh every day after midnight, and they will appear in your ount for you to cast directly.]

 Chapter 96 Sniper [Third Update]

    Li Xiaoyao was driving, following the navigation to set off for Zhangshan County.


    The estimated travel time was about an hour and a half.


    When he had driven halfway, the car suddenly jerked twice, followed by the engine shutting off...


    Li Xiaoyao furrowed his brow and checked the car, only to find out that it had run out of gas.


    "Forgot to check the fuel before leaving," Li Xiaoyao smacked his head, got out of the car, pushed it to the side of the highway, and then turned on the hazard lights.


    There were always patrol officers on the highway, Li Xiaoyao figured he would have to wait at most half an hour before one showed up.


    So Li Xiaoyao leaned against the car, lit a cigarette, and whittled away the time in boredom.


    Not far away, a ck BMW came driving over; the BMW''s speed gradually slowed down, and eventually, it stopped in front of Li Xiaoyao.


    Li Xiaoyao looked up and through the dark car window, he saw the person sitting in the driver''s seat, a woman with an almost perfect face.


    Most importantly, Li Xiaoyao recognized this near-perfect face.


    "Well, isn''t this Officer Zhu?" Li Xiaoyao chuckled, surprised to encounter an acquaintance here.


    Ten minutester, Li Xiaoyao sat in the passenger seat of the BMW, which had a towing rope hanging behind it, with the other end attached to the front of the Mercedes.


    Li Xiaoyao leaned back in his seat and asked, "Officer Zhu, where are you headed?"


    Zhu Xiaoyue didn''t even look at him as she said, "Zhangshan County."


    "What a coincidence? You''re going to Zhangshan County too?" Li Xiaoyao asked, "What are you doing there, Officer Zhu? Is that where your home is?"


    Zhu Xiaoyue nced at him with a touch of disdain and said, "Have you ever seen anyone going home in their police uniform?"


    Li Xiaoyao took a look and realized, oh, he hadn''t noticed that Zhu Xiaoyue was indeed in full police uniform today, with her chest straining the fabric as well.


    Li Xiaoyao stared at her chest and gave a friendly reminder, "Officer Zhu, you can''t exactly be called poor, so why not change into a uniform that fits?" Readtest stories on empire


    Zhu Xiaoyue suddenly red with widened eyes and asked, "Where are you looking?"


    Fearing the madwoman might draw her gun at any disagreement, Li Xiaoyao quickly averted his gaze and said, "Look at the sky today, how blue it is."


    "Humph," Zhu Xiaoyue snorted in annoyance, and then she abruptly asked, "What are you going to Zhangshan County for?"


    Li Xiaoyao simply replied, "To find someone."


    Seeing that he was unwilling to borate further, Zhu Xiaoyue didn''t press the matter.


    After leaving the highway, the car took the intercity road, which was less populous, with only a few vehicles passing by asionally.


    Suddenly, Li Xiaoyao felt a surge of danger in his heart. Almost instinctively, he released his thoughts, covering a radius of ten miles.


    But just as he had released his thought, a loud gunshot rang out from the empty space, echoing for a long time without fading.


    Apanying the gunshot was the sound of the BMW''s windshield shattering.


    A bullet smashed through the windshield, grazed Zhu Xiaoyue''s shoulder, passed through the leather seat behind her, and brought up a trail of blood.


    "Hmph~"


    Zhu Xiaoyue let out a light grunt, her face turned abruptly pale, and her body weakly slumped to one side. Consequently, the car spiraled out of control and spun crazily on the road.


    At the moment the gunshot sounded, Li Xiaoyao felt a chill down his spine.


    Even with his cultivation level and mental acuity, faced with a well-prepared sniper, he still felt powerless.


    Li Xiaoyao could evade bullets head-on, but that was under the premise that he had sensed his opponent''s intentions in advance.


    A sniper concealed in the dark was Li Xiaoyao''s greatest enemy.


    Li Xiaoyao withdrew his mental focus, enveloping both himself and Zhu Xiaoyue''s bodies, then reached out to grab Zhu Xiaoyue''s waist. With a strong tug, he lifted Zhu Xiaoyue into his arms and ced her in the back seat of the car.


    Li Xiaoyao jumped into the driver''s seat. At that moment, he released his mental focus and immediately sensed the hidden position of the sniper.


    The sniper was roughly three hundred meters away from Li Xiaoyao, to his rear right.


    If Li Xiaoyao were alone, he would have gotten out of the car immediately to deal with the sniper''s trouble.


    But now that wasn''t an option. Although the bullet had merely grazed Zhu Xiaoyue''s shoulder, it was still a sniper rifle round.


    Li Xiaoyao could clearly assess with his focus that the sniper was using a semi-automatic sniper rifle made in Yun Country. The rifle had an effective range of 1000 meters and a firing speed of up to 800 meters per second.


    If the sniper had been more experienced, with just this rifle, he could have taken on two toons of army soldiers on his own.


    Fortunately, this sniper wasn''t professional enough, or else Zhu Xiaoyue would not just be seriously wounded but dead.


    Li Xiaoyao floored the elerator, and the BMW, towing the Mercedes, sped away, quickly disappearing on the interstate highway.


    The sniper hidden in the shadows watched the car speed away, unable to help mming the ground in frustration, cursing, "Damn, just missed."


    ¡­


    Li Xiaoyao quickly drove to Zhangshan County, where he had temporarily stopped the bleeding for Zhu Xiaoyue.


    Li Xiaoyao parked the car outside a pharmacy, went in to buy hemostatic powder, medicated bandages, alcohol swabs, and other medical supplies. He also bought a case of mineral water from a nearby store and got back into the car with a big bag full of items.


    Li Xiaoyao drove to a secluded spot. He carefully took Zhu Xiaoyue out of the car andid her down on the grass.


    Zhu Xiaoyue''splexion was pale, devoid of any color.


    Li Xiaoyao nced at her wound. To stop the bleeding, he needed to remove her shirt, but that would inevitably result in skin-to-skin contact.


    Li Xiaoyao clenched his teeth and cursed, "Damn, what''s the time for propriety?"


    With that, he reached out to undo the buttons of Zhu Xiaoyue''s tightly stretched shirt.


    But as fate would have it, Zhu Xiaoyue chose that moment to open her eyes. She looked fatigued as she gazed at Li Xiaoyao, reaching out his hands toward her. She was momentarily stunned, then anger red in her face as she weakly eximed, "Li Xiaoyao, what are you doing!"


    Li Xiaoyao cleared his throat and said earnestly, "You''ve been shot in the shoulder, it must be treated immediately, or the scap might necrotize."


    Zhu Xiaoyue instinctively moved her shoulder, sucking in a breath of cold air as intense pain radiated from the wound, numbing half her body.


    Only then did she remember, just when they had started driving, it seemed like a gunshot had sounded, and then she had passed out.


    She had been shot.


    Zhu Xiaoyue nced at herself and immediately knew that Li Xiaoyao was preparing to remove her shirt. Otherwise, there was no way to treat the wound on her shoulder.


    "Just... take it off," Zhu Xiaoyue said resignedly, closing her eyes with a hint of frustration and helplessness in her voice.


    She would be fully exposed to Li Xiaoyao if she took off her shirt. But without doing so, he wouldn''t be able to treat her wound.


    However, preserving her life was the most important thing at this moment. Zhu Xiaoyue could tell which was more critical.


    [The third release is here; the fourth will be updated tomorrow afternoon since I will be visiting my wife''s family and have to get up at seven to take the bus. I will only have time to write in the afternoon. Also, please vote for a rmendation.]


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!