"Young Master Liang," Dou Qiankun said, turning to Liang Zhu with feigned concern, "since this trash dared to lay hands on you, I'll leave him for you to deal with." Though his words were fierce, he deftly redirected the conflict toward Liang Zhu, revealing his cunning reputation for letting others fight his battles.
Liang Zhu eyed Dou Qiankun suspiciously. "Young Master Dou, surely you're not afraidto touch this piece of trash?" Dou Qiankun's plan was clear—use Liang Zhu to test Lin Chen's current strength. He never acted without absolute certainty.
"What's wrong, Young Master Liang?" Dou Qiankun smirked coldly. "Don't you want to repay that slap? If you're too scared, I'll handle it myself. But if word gets out that you backed down..."
Liang Zhu's face darkened. The thought of becoming a laughingstock in Yan City was unbearable. "Of course I'll teach this trash a lesson!" he snapped, waving off Dou Qiankun before glaring at Lin Chen. A stray dog like him should be easy prey.Crushing the former heir of the mighty Lin family would cement his own status.
"Lin Chen! You dare hit me? This isn't over!" Liang Zhu spat, eyes burning with malice. "Kneel and apologize now, or I'll have my men beat you to death!"
Liu Ruyan watched with detached amusement, savoring the sight of Lin Chen's humiliation.
Lin Chen burst out laughing. "Pfft! Fat Pig, thanks for reminding me. Five years ago, you were whimpering 'Grandpa' as I beat you. Have you forgotten your own grandpa so quickly?"
The memory of his former subservience struck a nerve. Liang Zhu's face flushed purple with rage. "LIN CHEN! YOU'RE DEAD! BEAT HIM! NOW!"
His bodyguards surged forward, fists raised—
"STOP!"
Murong Qingcheng's commanding voice cut through the chaos. She strode toward them, a sharp-eyed woman in a professional suit following close behind, shooting daggers at Lin Chen.
The guards froze, glancing uncertainly at Liang Zhu.
"Murong Qingcheng!" Liang Zhu snarled, teeth clenched. "Are you really willing to burn bridges with me over him?"
Ignoring him, Murong Qingcheng walked straight to Lin Chen's side and linked her arm through his. Lin Chen stiffened slightly, surprised by her boldness.
She lifted her chin, her gaze icy. "Liang Zhu! If you touch my husband, you declare war on me and my family!" She'd been delayed by boardroom chaos after announcing her marriage to Lin Chen—and nearly arrived too late.
Liang Zhu stared in disbelief. "Murong Qingcheng! Is this worthlesstrash worth it?!"
"Lin Chen is my husband," she declared, unwavering. "Whoever moves against him is moving against me!"
"You—!" Liang Zhu choked on his fury. He couldn't strike Lin Chen with Murong Qingcheng shielding him. Five years under his boot, and even as a stray dog, he's still above me!Rage boiled in his veins, hot enough to taste blood.
"Lin Chen!" he hissed, struggling to breathe. "All of Yan City will know you're nothing without your family!" He turned to Murong Qingcheng. "You'll see—he's unworthy of you!" Then, to his guards: "KILL HIM! I'LL BEAR THE CONSEQUENCES!"
Murong Qingcheng paled. She was a healer, not a fighter—powerless against brute force.
"HALT! WHO DARES TOUCH MY HUSBAND?!"
Before Lin Chen could react, a figure darted through the entrance. Two swift punches—
THUD! THUD!
The guards flanking Lin Chen were smashed away, crashing into a table laden with fruit. Glass shattered; fruit scattered.
"War God of the Northern Frontier… Gu Ruohan!" someone gasped.
Dressed in an elegant gown that did nothing to soften her lethal aura, Gu Ruohan stood protectively before Lin Chen. The remaining guards backed away, intimidated.
Liang Zhu knew the fight was over. "Stand down," he muttered bitterly. But not for long.He signaled his aide: "Call in a hundred men. Wait outside. When this farce ends, make sure Lin Chen disappears."
Aloud, he sneered, "Can the War God shield him forever?"
Gu Ruohan's voice rang out, clear and commanding: "With me here, no one touches my husband!"
A blush crept up Lin Chen's cheeks. "Second Wife! You made it!"
Gu Ruohan's face flushed crimson, but her warrior's stance never wavered.
Seeing the situation slip away, Dou Qiankun melted into the crowd.
Liang Zhu stormed toward the stage, throwing a final threat over his shoulder: "Murong Qingcheng! Cross the Liang family, and your corporation is finished!"
The crowd followed, sensing the night's true drama was about to unfold. Murong Qingcheng and Gu Ruohan had drawn a line: the fallen Lin family still had powerful allies.
Liang Zhu grabbed the microphone. "Ladies and gentlemen! Tonight, the Liang family has gathered Yan City's elite to announce a partnership that will reshape our future!" He puffed out his chest. "We proudly welcome the Long Group from the capital—and its visionary heiress, Third Miss Long!"
Whispers rippled through the room. The Long Group?Their influence spanned the entire southwest. A deal with them would catapult the Liang family to the top.
"Please welcome," Liang Zhu announced triumphantly, "Third Miss Long!"
Applause erupted as a stunning woman in an evening gown walked onto the stage, a discreet earpiece visible in her ear.
"It's an honor to be in Yan City," she began, her smile polished. "A hub of medicinal trade, ripe for investment. The Long Group seeks a local partner to expand our herbal empire…" Her gaze swept the room. "While the Liang family is a strong contender, everydistinguished house here tonight has a fair chance."
Liang Zhu's smile froze. After all I've arranged… she's opening the door to rivals?!
Lin Chen stared at Third Miss Long, a flicker of recognition in his eyes. Have we met?