The sudden turn of events left everyone present stunned. Liu Ruxue covered her mouth in terror, afraid to make a sound. Lin Tianba's face darkened with rage, but his rationality ultimately suppressed his impulse—though his heart ached, he valued his life more.
Only Liu Yuemei was screaming hysterically, rushing over to cradle Lin Jian. His blood splattered onto her, and the sight nearly made her faint on the spot.
"My son!" she snarled, glaring venomously at Luo Yao. "I’ll kill you!"
That was her intention, but how could she possibly succeed?
Before she could charge forward, Luo Yao kicked her three meters away, sending her writhing on the ground.
Lin Jian had truly provoked her earlier—using such intimate terms had lit the fuse of her fury.
After all, Luo Yao had a severe aversion to men. Apart from Lin Ran, every other man in her eyes was no different from a dog—including the dumbstruck Wu Zhishang standing nearby.
The only reason Luo Yao had rewarded Wu Zhishang was because this particular "dog" had barked pleasantly, lifting her mood momentarily. But fundamentally, she despised all men except Lin Ran.
"Seeking death."
With those words, Luo Yao turned and met Lin Ran’s shocked gaze. She froze.Had she just acted violently in front of Lin Ran?
Had she just exposed her cold-blooded, brutal side so blatantly to him?
Would he be afraid? Would he run?
Her mind raced. Suddenly, she staggered, nearly collapsing, but Lin Ran swiftly caught her.
Luo Yao whimpered, "Husband, I… it wasn’t me! He… he bullied me. Look, I’m hurt!" She extended her delicate hand, showing a smear of bright red blood.
Except—that was Lin Jian’s blood.
Not that Luo Yao cared. Right now, she’d claim it as her own if it meant winning Lin Ran’s sympathy.
Wu Zhishang was speechless.
Sis-in-law, do you think Brother Lin is an idiot?
To his utter disbelief, Lin Ran pulled Luo Yao into his arms and said tenderly, "He deserved it for daring to bully you."
Wu Zhishang’s pupils trembled. What was he witnessing?
A husband and wife team shamelessly twisting the truth?
Well… not entirely. Lin Jian was a scumbag.
Luo Yao sniffled, "A-Ran, they bullied me. I didn’t mean to."
"I know. Yao Yao suffered unfairly." Lin Ran gently stroked her back to soothe her.
Of course, Lin Ran wasn’t afraid of Luo Yao. In his past life, he’d seen her far more deranged and unrestrained.
The four people before them? They’d all been skinned alive by Luo Yao. The memory of their agonized screams under her blade was still fresh in his mind.
Liu Yuemei writhed on the ground, spitting out venomous words, "I’ll… I’ll have you arrested!"
Lin Ran shrugged. "Go ahead. My wife acted in self-defense. Lin Jian assaulted her—everyone here saw it clearly."
Wu Zhishang: ???
"Ahem. You barged into our company to stir trouble, then attacked our Chairman’s wife. By rights… we should… call the police?" Wu Zhishang struggled to keep a straight face.
Luo Yao’s eyes sparkled. The "dog" had pleased her again.
She shot a glance at Uncle Fu, who immediately understood, slipping Wu Zhishang another check while whispering praise.
"‘Chairman’s wife’—well said. Keep talking like that."
Wu Zhishang stared blankly at the check in his hand, momentarily at a loss for words.
Lin Ran noticed the exchange and nearly laughed.
Truly, money could buy anything.
"Yao Yao, let’s go." Lin Ran gazed at his "injured" wife, heart aching.
Luo Yao nodded, nestling against him like a fragile bird. "My legs are weak from fright. Carry me, A-Ran."
Lin Ran’s heart melted. Who could resist such a mercurial little kitten?
As he lifted her and turned to leave, Liu Yuemei shrieked, "STOP!"
Lin Ran glanced back, his clear eyes questioning.
Liu Yuemei, regaining some composure, gritted out through the pain, "You… can’t leave! You hurt… my son! Pay… compensation!"
"Oh? Even the most expensive pet hospital wouldn’t charge more than ten grand. The Lin family’s loaded—why fuss over pocket change?"
Before Liu Yuemei could retort, Lin Jian croaked out through snot and tears, "Fif’een bill’on!" (Fifteen billion.)
Lin Ran smirked.
"Even if I were your grandpa, you can’t extort me like that."
Lin Tianba finally snapped out of his daze. While he didn’t dare touch Luo Yao, Lin Ran was fair game.
"Xiao Jian said fifteen billion."
Lin Ran feigned shock. "Holy hell, is there no justice? My son and grandson are shaking me down for fifteen billion? What kind of luxury pet hospital is this?"
He turned to Wu Zhishang. "Old Wu, what’s your take on this unique logic?"
Wu Zhishang deadpanned, "It’s extortion by any definition. Should we call the cops?"
Lin Ran: "Yao Yao, your thoughts?"
"I’ll listen to A-Ran." Luo Yao clung to him, utterly uninterested in the conversation.
Lin Ran sighed dramatically. "See? My wife says no deal. Do your worst."
Luo Yao: ??? Did I say that?
Lin Tianba growled, "Lin Ran, don’t think Luo Yao’s backing lets you do whatever you want!"
Lin Ran scoffed. "I love flaunting my wife’s power. Got a problem? Hit me, then!"
Luo Yao tightened her grip, adoring this version of Lin Ran.
Lin Tianba fell silent.
"Then at least have your bodyguards release us and bail out Su Ran Group. I’ll drop this."
Lin Ran: "Your demands are as pointless as a snapped kite string—drifting aimlessly with no substance."
Luo Yao blinked her beautiful eyes. "Should we just kill them?"
Lin Tianba’s blood ran cold.
Lin Ran: "No. They’re maggots in a cesspool. I don’t want them dirtying your hands."
As they prepared to leave, Lin Ran suddenly remembered something and glanced at Liu Ruxue.
"You brought them here, didn’t you? Has your face healed from the swelling?"
Liu Ruxue shook her head frantically, too terrified to speak, lest she end up like the Lin family trio.
Lin Ran flashed an eerie smile and carried Luo Yao away step by step. Those who tried to resist were swiftly restrained by bodyguards.
This little excursion had been satisfying.
"Old Wu, what’s Shen Jingbing up to lately? Find him some work."
Wu Zhishang nodded. "He’s still in detention for beating Liu Ruxue. I paid the fine and got him released on medical parole—he’ll be out this afternoon. I’ll fill him in then."
Lin Ran nodded approvingly. "He’s put in effort. Don’t shortchange him."
"Oh, he’s loving it!" Wu Zhishang assured.