C15 There Was Something in Her Words.!

Sly as they come, truly sly.

He couldn't resist glancing at the small leather suitcase.

[I just reclaimed two million, and now I'm somehow in the hole for 560 yuan.]

He roared inwardly.

"Come on, Boss, have a heart!"

"What's that? You don't want it? Then, never mind."

Lih Qingcheng was about to pocket the five hundred yuan on the table.

She noticed Qin Xiaoliu's gaze fixed on the suitcase and clearly understood his thoughts.

But she wasn't bothered. Wasn't it about time this kid got a reality check?

"Wait, no, I'll take it. Definitely taking it."

Qin Xiaoliu quickly grabbed the five hundred yuan and shoved it into his pocket, fearing the opportunity might slip away like a duck escaping the pot.

"Alright, if there's nothing else, you can go. Your debt will be taken out of your wages."

"And keep tabs on Zhou Yingxue. I'll let you know if anything comes up."

"Some tasks don't require your direct involvement. Delegate when necessary."

"You're now in charge of the bodyguard squad."

Through recent events, Lih Qingcheng recognized Qin Xiaoliu's potential.

She was even starting to find him a bit inscrutable.

For now, she'd entrust him with some authority.

It was a trial—if he continued to excel, promoting him to second-in-command wasn't out of the question!

But Qin Xiaoliu had other ideas.

All I want is to be a low-key sidekick.

Why saddle me with the bodyguard team? It's a thankless job.

Ah, but there's the upside—perks!

With that thought, Qin Xiaoliu's eyes sparkled with anticipation.

"By the way, Boss, is there a bonus for a job well done?"

Qin Xiaoliu asked eagerly, hands rubbing together in anticipation.

Hearing this, Lih Qingcheng's lips curled into an enchanting smile.

"Get lost!"

Seeing the bloom of a smile on Lih Qingcheng's face, Qin Xiaoliu knew a storm was brewing.

He beat a hasty retreat.

What a farce! But the boss was really overstepping.

She expects the horse to gallop without offering a blade of grass.

He's wickedly cunning!

As soon as Qin Xiaoliu stepped out, he was immediately encircled by a swarm of bodyguards.

"Six Brother, what's the deal?"

"Hey, Six Brother, did you go in for another tea session?"

"Whoa, Six Brother, you're even giving off a whiff of Longjing Tea."

...

The bodyguards closed in, teasing Qin Xiaoliu relentlessly.

With a sly grin, Qin Xiaoliu surveyed the bodyguards, his laugh dripping with mischief.

Ridicule me? Had I known earlier, you'd all be answering to me now.

Just wait and see how I'll put you in line.

The bodyguards involuntarily recoiled at Qin Xiaoliu's salacious smile.

"Six Brother, please, that smile's unsettling."

"Six Brother, I've got no interest in guys, cut it out."

"Six Brother, enough with the magic tricks, you're freaking me out!"

Qin Xiaoliu straightened up, giving his hair a suave toss.

He cleared his throat with a hand over his mouth.

"Now, I have an important announcement to make."

"Effective today, you're all under my command, Qin Xiaoliu."

"I expect everyone to charge ahead with courage and solidarity under my lead."

"Tomorrow, I'll distribute a chart detailing our upcoming assignments."

"I won't make you take on tasks you're opposed to."

"Once the assignment chart is out, pick your task and report back to me."

"After I give the green light, you're cleared for action!"

"That's it for our talk today."

Finishing his speech, Qin Xiaoliu gave his hair another confident flick.

Damn, that felt good!

The bodyguards were left gaping after his declaration.

What the hell? Just like that, he's the boss.

They didn't doubt it, having served under Lih Qingcheng for years.

They were well aware of Lih Qingcheng's character; no one would dare issue a fake order!

They needed to quickly rectify their earlier disrespect.

"Holy smokes, Six Brother, you're the man."

"Six Brother, remember the good times when we're rolling in it."

"Six Brother, I once took a blade for you, remember?"

If not now, when would he seize the opportunity to cling to power?

Just then, Qin Xiaoliu sensed an unusual glare fixed on him.

He swiftly turned to see who it was.

Xiao Qiang, having heard what Xiaoliu said, was seething with jealousy and resentment.

"That should be mine, all mine."

"It's him. He's stolen everything that was rightfully mine."

With these thoughts, Xiao Qiang glared at Qin Xiaoliu with fury.

Qin Xiaoliu looked back and caught Xiao Qiang's hateful stare.

Noticing Xiaoliu's gaze, Xiao Qiang quickly averted his eyes.

Qin Xiaoliu was momentarily baffled.

We don't have any beef, do we?

Ah well, best not to dwell on it. We're both under Lih Qingcheng's command; it's probably nothing serious.

He then motioned for the bodyguards to hush.

"Today's task is to spar with each other."

"No meal for those without a scratch."

"That's it. Get started. I'm heading out."

With that, Qin Xiaoliu strode out the door, full of confidence.

What a laugh. Did they really think a few kind words would make me overlook their earlier insults?

How naive. Enjoy yourselves! I'm off to grab some food!

The bodyguards watched Qin Xiaoliu's departing figure, their eyes blazing with anger.

That sly dog really knows how to stir things up! Making sure everyone gets a piece of the action.

Our boss has never been this harsh!

Unbelievable!

Whistling, Qin Xiaoliu stepped out the door, pondering the unfolding drama.

Next up, Zhou Yingxue was supposed to be kidnapped.

Then Lin Feng would swoop in just in time to rescue her.

Leaving Zhou Yingxue utterly smitten.

But with me, Qin Xiaoliu, in the picture, there's no way I'll let Lin Feng have his moment.

I'm going to be the one to twist the plot!

He then recalled his recent office chat with Lih Qingcheng, and a shiver ran down his spine.

Moments ago, everything seemed peaceful, but danger lurked beneath the surface.

It was more horrifying than the fierce battle he'd endured at the Hong Fu Bath Center.

He could tell that Lih Qingcheng harbored suspicions about him.

She had even put him to the test.

But that hurdle was now behind him.

Thankfully, he had exposed a significant weakness—his greed for money!

And he had deftly steered the conversation away.

With Lih Qingcheng's sharp intellect, he was confident she grasped his message:

'I may be formidable, but I am loyal to you, Lih Qingcheng.'

'I harbor no grand ambitions.'

That's probably why Lih Qingcheng didn't confront him outright or break off their pretense of amicability.

She must have trusted him; otherwise, she wouldn't have delegated such power to him.

He realized he'd need to tread even more carefully from now on.

The old saying rang true: serving a ruler was as perilous as lying with a tiger!

Indeed, being a henchman was an art in itself.

Qin Xiaoliu gazed at the neon lights twinkling on the street, letting out a soft sigh.

The journey ahead was daunting.

He then retreated to his modest rental.

Checking his phone, he saw it was already 8 PM.

He set his alarm for midnight and promptly dozed off.

Why midnight, you ask?

Because, according to the story, that was the exact time Zhou Yingxue would be kidnapped!

A pivotal plot twist was at hand, and he couldn't afford to miss it!

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