Xu Yaoyao, ever tactful, moved to a corner, doing her best not to be a hindrance to Chen Jinzhao.
The five bodyguards abandoned Xu Yaoyao, focusing their attention on Chen Jinzhao. Cheng Xue, remembering Chen Jinzhao’s considerable skill, quickly cautioned the bodyguards not to underestimate him.
They were warned against having an upset in calm waters.
Heeding the warning, the five bodyguards became even more alert, allowing no room for laxity.
However—
In the face of absolute strength, all caution and vigilance are in vain.
The five bodyguards attacked, intending to kill Chen Jinzhao. Instead of retreating, Chen Jinzhao charged into their midst.
Yes, that was right.
Chen Jinzhao plunged into the group, like a fierce tiger descending from a mountain. In the first exchange, he sent two bodyguards flying.
What was more terrifying was that both bodyguards showed signs of fractured ribs and forearm bones. They lost their combat ability the moment they hit the ground.
The remaining three bodyguards were struck with fear but could only brace themselves and press forward.
Chen Jinzhao let out a cold snort.
Mere grasshoppers, a pair of them, worthy of engaging him?
Under the astonished gazes of Zhang Lian and Cheng Xue, Chen Jinzhao disabled the remaining three with a single punch, a palm strike, and a kick.
In their direct confrontation with Chen Jinzhao, the five bodyguards couldn't last even three seconds.
Faster than Zhang Lian’s performance in bed!
Cheng Xue’s face turned pale with fright, having never witnessed such a terrifying scene.
Zhang Lian was also extremely shocked, especially when Chen Jinzhao’s cold gaze fell upon him. His beer belly even jiggled thrice.
After a few seconds of eye contact, Zhang Lian’s nether regions erupted in a fresh wave of intense pain, causing him to grit his teeth and exclaim, “Who exactly are you? Causing trouble in my territory, I think you’re tired of living.”
Xu Yaoyao walked to Chen Jinzhao’s side, sighing at how strong he still was.
No.
To be precise, he was even stronger than before.
Chen Jinzhao said with a chilling voice, “You intended to lay hands on Xu Yaoyao, that is a grave offense.”
Zhang Lian glanced at Xu Yaoyao before turning his gaze back to Chen Jinzhao. “Hmph, it’s because I was showing her favor. Don’t think too highly of yourself. It’s true you’re a capable fighter, but this is no longer an era where martial prowess reigns supreme. You are implicated in assaulting someone and causing severe injuries. This charge alone is enough to keep you in prison for a very long time.”
Xu Yaoyao lifted her chin, retorting defiantly, “You were the one who tried to force yourself on me first. I was merely acting in self-defense.”
“As for what happened next, it was your men who tried to attack Brother Jinzhao and were subsequently defeated.”
“Call the police if you want. Justice will prevail.”
Zhang Lian, of course, would not call the police.
Within Ninghai’s jurisdiction, who didn’t know that Wang Zhenliang, the incorruptible and upright official of Ninghai, and his formidable subordinate, Tao Qiyue, who could not tolerate even a speck of darkness, would skin them alive if they fell into their hands?
That would be a last resort.
He gritted his teeth and sneered, “Calling the police is fine, but I’ll call them after I return to Donghai.”
That was his home turf!
Chen Jinzhao understood Zhang Lian’s intention upon hearing this and shook his head, “No matter where you go to call the police, the outcome will be the same.”
Xu Yaoyao was the granddaughter of Xu Hanchen.
Even if someone tried to back Zhang Lian, they would have to consider Xu Hanchen’s wrath.
After all, Xu Hanchen was currently looking for an excuse to curb the influence of the aristocratic families. Who would dare to court his displeasure?
Zhang Lian let out a mocking laugh upon hearing this. “Heh, judging by your tone, you have someone backing you as well? However, compared to the one behind me, your supposed backer is nothing but an ant.”
Chen Jinzhao raised an eyebrow, suddenly curious about who Zhang Lian's backer was.
Another wave of pain coursed through him. Zhang Lian’s lips twitched a few times as he gritted his teeth and spat, “You little slut, truly ungrateful! You just wait. Once I’ve had surgery at the hospital, I’ll deal with you!”
Xu Yaoyao shook her head and sighed, “It’s all shattered. I’m afraid there won’t be enough time.”
“You!”
Zhang Lian was furious.
If he hadn’t been no match for Chen Jinzhao, he would have slapped Xu Yaoyao a few times.
He planned to have Cheng Xue take him to the hospital as soon as possible, but Chen Jinzhao stopped him from leaving, evidently wanting him to provide an explanation.
“You can’t leave. I’m going to call the police,” Chen Jinzhao stated.
Upon hearing this, Zhang Lian and Cheng Xue exploded. If Chen Jinzhao were to call the police, they would truly fall into the hands of Wang Zhenliang and Tao Qiyue, and they would all suffer dire consequences.
However, Chen Jinzhao’s resolute attitude made their faces grim.
Zhang Lian, with no other choice, decided to show Chen Jinzhao a bit of his power, otherwise, it would be troublesome if he actually made the call.
What he didn't know was that Chen Jinzhao’s constant threat to call the police was precisely to ascertain the identity of Zhang Lian’s backer. Unwittingly falling into the trap, Zhang Lian said to Chen Jinzhao in a deep voice, “Young man, do you really want to cross me? Do you know that this will bring you unimaginable trouble?”
Chen Jinzhao flicked his fingers. “I, personally, am not afraid of trouble.”
Zhang Lian took a deep breath and slowly uttered, “Heh, then I don’t mind telling you. The one standing behind me is the second young master of the Su family in Jiangnan, Su Hao!”
Swish!
The air in the main hall seemed to freeze instantly.
Chen Jinzhao’s brow furrowed slightly, then he exchanged a brief glance with Xu Yaoyao.
Fearing they might not know, and with a hint of pride, Zhang Lian continued, “That’s right, it’s the foremost family in Jiangnan, the Su family! And you should have heard of Su Hao’s father, who is the high-ranking official of Jiangnan Province, Su Canghai! If you don’t want to die, then quickly get out of my way!”
“So it’s the Su family…” Chen Jinzhao withdrew his gaze, murmuring to himself.
He had searched high and low without success, and now the opportunity presented itself effortlessly.
This Zhang Lian might just be the breakthrough!
“So, are you scared now? If you’re sensible, move aside immediately. Otherwise, don’t blame me for being impolite.” Zhang Lian’s tone had become significantly more assertive. Just as Xu Yaoyao was about to retort, Chen Jinzhao stopped her with a look. This scene further solidified Zhang Lian’s assumption. Zhang Lian continued with a smile, “I forgot to mention, I have more than just the Su family behind me. There’s also the Han family from Donghai.”
Zhang Lian laid bare his connections, completely unaware that he was pushing these two influential families to the brink of disaster.
Chen Jinzhao obtained what he wanted. He turned and took Xu Yaoyao’s hand, saying, “Yaoyao, let’s go.”
Xu Yaoyao found it peculiar. Given Chen Jinzhao’s identity, there was no reason for him to fear these two families. Since he was acting this way, there must be a valid reason, and all she could do was obey Chen Jinzhao.
Seeing the two preparing to leave, Cheng Xue immediately stepped forward to stop them. However, Zhang Lian’s sharp command stopped her. He then watched them depart.
“President Zhang, how can you let them go? That girl injured you like this…” Cheng Xue asked, confused. Zhang Lian’s teeth itched with hatred, and he said with murderous intent, “Can you stop him? Aren’t you afraid he’ll strike again? Even a cornered rabbit will bite, let alone a mad dog! Take me to the hospital first, then I’ll contact Second Young Master Su to handle this matter.”
“Committing a crime in Jiangnan territory, do you think he can escape the grasp of the Su family?”
“He can just wait for his death!”