Jason Luo was burning with fury. His hidden enemies had sunk to new lows—framing his friends, drugging him, trying to ruin him completely. If he didn't fight back now, who knew what else they'd try next?
He had to drag the mastermind out of the shadows, or he'd never have peace again. He already had his suspicions, but without proof, there was no way to strike back directly. This was the perfect opportunity, and Jason wasn't about to let it slip away.
Pulling Tony up to the second floor, Tony immediately recognized one of the black-suited bodyguards standing guard outside a nearby room.
Jason released him and strode forward, pushing open the door. The guard grabbed Jason's arm, twisting it behind his back to lock him in a Grappling Technique—but Jason didn't give him the chance. One powerful uppercut dropped the man instantly. It was a bare-knuckle blow—the bodyguard didn't even have time to groan before collapsing unconscious...
"Ding, congratulations..."
Jason ignored it and burst through the door. Inside, an old man and another bodyguard were hastily packing luggage, clearly preparing to flee. Good thing he'd come fast.
Jason didn't recognize Charmu—but Charmu certainly recognized him. The moment Jason entered, Charmu's heart sank. "Take him out!" he barked to his guard.
Without hesitation, the bodyguard dropped the suitcase and reached for his gun. But Jason was faster. He lunged forward and drove a fist into the man's midsection. The guard, realizing he couldn't draw in time, crossed his arms to block and countered—grabbing Jason's neck with one hand while driving his knee upward, aiming straight for his skull!
Seeing Jason entangled, Charmu seized the suitcase and bolted for the door. The man was no fighter; he knew the plan was finished, and if he didn't run now, he'd have no chance later.
Jason pressed down on the guard's flying knee with both hands, then used the force from his waist to surge upward, countering with a sharp front-hand hook. But the guard had anticipated it, rolling backward over the bed and ducking to the far side, trying again to pull his gun!
Jason realized he wouldn't reach him in time, so he acted fast. He kicked the bed frame with a heavy thud. The guard, trapped in the narrow gap between the bed and the wall, was caught off guard. The impact slammed the bed into the wall, crushing his arm and pinning his hand tight against the frame. He couldn't pull it free...
Jason vaulted onto the bed and threw two solid punches. The guard went limp, completely out cold. Against someone like that, Jason couldn't afford mercy.
"Ding, congratulations..."
Without hesitation, Jason jumped down and sprinted after Charmu.
As he reached the hallway, he saw Tony blocking the stairway, wrestling with the old man.
Jason exhaled in relief and strode over. The moment Charmu saw him, he stopped struggling—he knew it was over.
Just then, Harold Huo and Rod finally caught up, panting hard. "What happened? Why the fight?" The casino staff, clearly unwilling to get involved, were nowhere to be seen.
Jason knew it was better to keep them out of this. "Tony, go grab those two guards' guns. Uncle Huo, Mr. Rod—this is my personal matter. Please, don't get involved. Take Tony and leave first. Wait for my call."
"But—"
"It's fine. Trust me, I can handle it."
"Well... alright then. Be careful, Jason."
Once they were gone, Jason grabbed Charmu by the collar like a rag doll and dragged him back into the room. He locked the door behind them and threw the old man onto the bed.
"Well then, care to introduce yourself?"
Charmu glanced nervously at the unconscious bodyguard beside the bed and swallowed hard. "I... I don't even know you!"
Jason frowned and didn't bother replying. He drove his fist into the old man's thigh. It was a heavy blow. Though there was muscle there, Charmu was just an ordinary man—he screamed in agony, tears and snot running down his face like a slaughtered pig.
Jason showed no mercy, striking the other leg next. When he raised his fist again, Charmu broke completely. "I'll talk! I'll talk! My name is Charmu, alright?"
Jason's gaze was ice-cold. "Where's Tutkason? Why didn't he come himself?"
"Huh? You... you know about that?" Charmu was stunned.
"What Tutkason? We were just hired to deal with you! I don't know who you're talking about!"
Jason gave a cold chuckle. "Loyal, aren't you? Fine then—let's put it this way. You're the one who drugged me, right? I can call the police right now. With evidence and witnesses, they'll figure out exactly who you are. Once you're in custody, we'll see how long it takes before Tutkason's name comes out!"
Charmu fell silent. Jason was right—he had been with Tutkason for over twenty years. If he was arrested, even if he took all the blame himself, Tutkason would inevitably be dragged into it.
Seeing his hesitation, Jason pressed on. "This is between him and me. You've got nothing to gain by protecting him. Give me his number—I'll talk to him directly. You, on the other hand, I couldn't care less about."
Charmu hesitated again, then sighed. There was no point hiding anymore. "Then... what happens to us?"
"Get out of here," Jason said coldly. "If I ever see you again, I'll break every bone in your body and count them one by one."
After a long pause, Charmu gritted his teeth, pulled out his phone, and dialed a number. The moment the line connected, Tutkason's angry voice thundered through the receiver. "Charmu, you useless idiot! The media's all over the VADA investigation failure! Are you a pig? Speak!"
Charmu opened his mouth but couldn't get a word out.
Jason took the phone. "This pig's in my hands, Tutkason! If you want to come after me, do it openly. Stop hiding behind dirty tricks. If you dare touch my family again, I swear I'll kill you!"
Tutkason hadn't expected Jason himself to pick up. The call caught him completely off guard. "You? Damn that useless Charmu! Jason Luo, I admit it—I'm the one targeting you. So what? You ruined my boxing career! Don't I have every reason to hate you?"
"Tutkason, you've got some nerve. You cheated, nearly beat me to death, and you still act like the victim? Don't think your money puts you above everything. If you've got any guts, face me one-on-one! Using filthy tricks—what kind of boxer does that make you?"
"You—!" Tutkason was furious but couldn't argue back. Jason was right, and he knew it. Challenging Jason now would be suicide—he couldn't match Jason's current strength.
"You brat, what the hell do you want?"
Jason knew a fair match was out of the question. "I'm calling for a gentleman's agreement. I'll let your man go, but you'll swear never to touch my family again. As for me, come at me anytime, fair and square. I'll take you on to the end."
Tutkason's rage exploded. "Fine! You're way too cocky! Let's do it your way! You think you're unbeatable? I'll find someone to challenge you publicly. When that time comes, don't you dare back down! If you lose, you'll kneel before me and apologize. Do you dare?"
"Damn right—deal!"
"You broke loser! Just wait..."
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / GhostParser
