Hei Long, the dominant force in Yang City's underworld, was backed by a major family and boasted a massive influence, smoothly navigating both the legitimate and illegitimate spheres. He had nearly half of Yang City's entertainment venues under his control, and even the district mayor had to show him some respect.
What could Liu Xuan, a minor public official, possibly bring to a fight against him?
The expressions on Lu Zitao, Zhai Fei, Tang Lenglan, and others darkened noticeably—they all understood what the name Hei Long meant in Yang City.
Seeing the fear on everyone's faces, Hei Long felt exceedingly satisfied and said haughtily, "I heard the host of our city's entertainment show is here. I'd like to invite her for a drink. Are you not going to give me face?"
Panic flashed across Lu Zitao's face. Although she often attended banquets and similar events, she kept herself clean and had hardly any contact with Hei Long.
Zhai Fei, gathering his courage, stood up and said with a smile, "Brother Long, I'm Zhai Fei from Yunfei Company. I had the good fortune to meet you once before with Boss Zhou, though I suspect Brother Long might not remember me."
The Boss Zhou he mentioned was another big shot in Yang City, known to Hei Long. He took a closer look at Zhai Fei and nodded, "Oh, a friend of Lao Zhou."
Yet, despite his words, a disdainful smile remained on his face. Boss Zhou was Boss Zhou, and Zhai Fei was Zhai Fei—they weren't on the same level.
"Brother Long, these are all my friends. How about I have them toast you instead? Let's not make things difficult for my friends," Zhai Fei offered, his face breaking into an ingratiating smile, as he was the only one qualified to speak to Hei Long here.
"Brother Long, I have long admired your big name. Allow me to toast you first," said Tang Lenglan as she stood up, picked up her glass decisively, and downed the drink.
Hei Long's eyes greedily wandered over Tang Lenglan, who was dressed provocatively and had a fine figure, yet there were a couple of other girls who were even prettier at the scene.
"Fine, I'll give Lao Zhou some face," Hei Long nodded. A big boss was due to arrive today, and he didn't want to stir up trouble.
Zhai Fei finally exhaled in relief and gave Liu Xuan a knowing look. The others also felt like a burden had been lifted, looking at Zhai Fei with even greater admiration. After all, among those present who usually bragged about their high-flying lives, none dared to talk to Hei Long, let alone get him to indulge them with a favor.
Liu Xuan also knew Hei Long was not someone to be trifled with and whispered to Lu Zitao, "Taozi, why don't you just humor him with a drink? Otherwise, none of us will be able to leave here today."
Upon hearing Liu Xuan's words, Lu Zitao clenched her silver teeth, a mix of frustration and reluctant acceptance clear on her face. If Liu Xuan had managed to secure the position of the district mayor's secretary, she wouldn't have to endure this humiliation. Back when they were in school, no matter who they faced, she would never have caved.
But now, four or five years after leaving school, the sharp edges of her character had been smoothed down by society.
After a moment's hesitation, Lu Zitao picked up her glass and forced a stiff smile, "Brother Long, I am Lu Zitao. I'll drink to you."
"Heh, so you're the host Lu. You're even more attractive in person than on TV," Hei Long commented with a lecherous lick of his lips, smiling contentedly.
After taking his drink, Hei Long suddenly set his gaze on Xia Mengdie, clicking his tongue and saying, "Wow, there's another great beauty here. Will you come and drink with me?"
Xia Mengdie was the most beautiful and poised woman among all the girls present. Hei Long had originally intended to seek out Lu Zitao, but upon seeing Xia Mengdie, he'd completely forgotten about the female host.
"Uhm, Meng Die, why don't you have a drink with Brother Long?" Liu Xuan adjusted his glasses and suggested softly.
"I don't want to drink with him," Xia Mengdie replied with a frown, her voice low.
As the words were spoken, the atmosphere in the private room seemed to freeze over, the temperature dropped several degrees, and Liu Xuan's eyes narrowed with a hint of dissatisfaction.
"Meng Die! Offending Brother Long, we're not getting out of here today," Tang Lenglan whispered with a frown.
Zhai Fei's face also paled. Hei Long's dominance in Yang City was founded on his ruthless methods. Those who crossed him rarely had good outcomes. If Zhai Fei didn't produce Boss Zhou, he feared that not even his face would be spared by Hei Long.
"Meng Die, just have a drink, it's nothing much. Why must you be so stubborn?" Zhai Fei said, hurriedly signaling to Xia Mengdie with his eyes.
Hei Long's face darkened, revealing a trace of displeasure. There weren't many in Yang City who dared to refuse him.
Xia Mengdie remained as before, her expression calm but her tone a few degrees colder, "I said, I don't want to drink with him."
"You damned bitch, so ungrateful. Offering you a drink with our Brother Long is a privilege. Don't turn your nose up at it," suddenly, a thug stood out, loudly cursing.
At that moment, the usually silent Lin Mo raised his head, his eyes flashing with icy coldness as he spoke coolly, "You insult my wife, do you have a death wish?"
"Yo, someone like you marrying such a beautiful wife is a total waste. Better to leave her for our Brother Long, guaranteeing she'll live the high life," the thug said brazenly with a laugh.
"Kneel and apologize, or die," said the usually silent Lin Mo, putting down his glass and gazing at them, his eyes glittering with icy coldness.
Zhai Fei, Liu Xuan, Tang Lenglan, and Lu Zitao were all stunned. No one had expected Lin Mo to dare speak such words to Hei Long.
"Do you even know who he is? Hei Long is someone we can't afford to offend. Lin Mo, don't throw your life away for the sake of pride," Lu Zitao said anxiously in a low voice.
"If you want to die, don't drag us down with you," Liu Xuan added.
Everyone looked at Lin Mo with a ravenous expression, Zhai Fei trembling with anger. He had gotten Hei Long to give him some face only by bringing up Boss Zhou. Lin Mo's words were akin to courting death; Hei Long was not someone who held his tongue lightly.
Sure enough, as the words came out, Hei Long narrowed his eyes, his face showing a ferocious look as he said, "Oh? And who are you to her?"
"He is my boyfriend. I advise you to leave now, or else if my boyfriend gets angry, none of you will be able to walk away," Xia Mengdie said, holding Lin Mo's arm and speaking softly.
"Your boyfriend? This is Yang City, I don't care for any big scions. With such a big mouth, I want to see what you're capable of," Hei Long snorted coldly, his eyes glinting coldly.
Without waiting for a command, two thugs approached Lin Mo, cracking their knuckles, ready to show him his place.
Lin Mo stood up, throwing a punch. All around felt a breeze flash by their faces, and the two thugs flew out like cannonballs, smashing into a marble table and cracking it in two, their chests caved in, dead on the spot.
Hei Long, Zhai Fei, and the others stood agape, none having expected Lin Mo to be a Martial Arts Master capable of killing two thugs with a single punch.
Sister Liu, standing to the side, covered her mouth, unable to make a sound, but her eyes filled with terror.
"A Martial Arts Master?" Hei Long murmured, his lips twitching. Then a vicious light returned to his eyes as he said, "You think just because you're a Martial Arts Master, you can do whatever you want in Yang City? Do you know who's backing me?"