C5 Another Slap to the Face

The disdain in Lin Xiaoyue's eyes intensified as she regarded him. "It's merely an invitation. Is Young Master Xia really flaunting it? Isn't that a bit juvenile?"

"No, no, no! This isn't just any invitation—it's one personally signed by Director Zhang of the South Group. You're aware of the South Group's reputation, aren't you? I've heard your company didn't receive an invitation. Yet, here I am with an extra one. Quite the coincidence, wouldn't you say?" Xia Xianfeng said, waving his hand with a smug look on his face.

Lin Xiaoyue wanted nothing more than to end the conversation. "I'm working right now. If there's nothing else, please leave."

But Xia Xianfeng seemed unfazed, as if he hadn't heard a word. "Do you realize what partnering with the South Group signifies? I don't need to spell it out for you, do I? This could be a turning point for Lin's Group."

"Two conditions: hand over your new bodyguard for me to deal with, and agree to be my woman. Then, I'll let you have this opportunity."

Lin Xiaoyue's expression chilled instantly. "Firstly, the person from last night isn't my bodyguard. Secondly, I will never marry you. Xiaoyun, show our guest out."

Unperturbed, Xia Xianfeng toyed with the invitation, his gaze on Lin Xiaoyue both mocking and self-satisfied. "You may refuse, but you won't alter the inevitable. After I secure a deal with Director Zhang of the South Group, I'll take over Lin's Group. Then, you'll be the one kneeling before me, pleading to be my woman."

As Lin Xiaoyue stood there, seething and at a loss for words, a figure burst into the room.

"Smack!"

Lin Xiaoyue and Ye Xiaoyun clapped their hands over their mouths in shock, staring incredulously at Qin Dongfang, who had seemingly appeared from thin air.

He had just slapped Xia Xianfeng—again!

Holding his reddened cheek, Xia Xianfeng glared at the unexpected Qin Dongfang, rage boiling over. "You scoundrel! Not you again!"

Qin Dongfang simply arched an eyebrow, unfazed. "A dog can't spit out ivory. How dare you run wild in Director Lin's office? Think this is your house? You've got three seconds to scram!"

Xia Xianfeng glanced outside the door, only to find his bodyguards sprawled motionless on the ground. His pupils shrank as he fought to keep his rage at bay.

It wasn't until he stepped outside that he spat out a venomous threat. "Lin Xiaoyue, don't forget what I just told you. You're going to regret this!"

Seeing Qin Dongfang's piercing stare, she bolted.

Lin Xiaoyue burst into laughter, unable to contain herself any longer. It was a sight to see—one of the Four Young Masters of C City running scared.

She gave Qin Dongfang a look filled with mixed emotions before voicing her concern. "What are you trying to do? I've only met you twice, yet you've confronted Young Master Xia both times. We're strangers, and I don't want you to get hurt on my account. Take the chance and leave C City while he's gone!"

At her words, Ye Xiaoyun interjected with a frown. "Director Lin, if we can't survive this ordeal, you'll be in danger too. How can you afford to worry about him?"

Unruffled by Ye Xiaoyun's icy tone, Qin Dongfang calmly met Lin Xiaoyue's gaze. "Director Lin, I have a way to get you into the South Group's banquet."

Ye Xiaoyun scoffed at his claim, her voice dripping with scorn. "Please! You think you can get into the South Group's banquet? A nobody like you? Rather than spouting such absurdities, you should be explaining to Director Lin why you're even involved with us."

"Shut up!" Qin Dongfang's low bark made Ye Xiaoyun involuntarily shudder.

She was oblivious to the lethal intent he inadvertently radiated—how could an ordinary person recognize such a thing?

Lin Xiaoyue's brow furrowed. "You mentioned you could get me into the South Group's event. Is that true?"

Upon Qin Dongfang's nod, she promptly responded, "I need to get some documents ready. Meet me at the South Group's venue the day after tomorrow."

Without another word, Qin Dongfang quietly withdrew.

Pausing at the doorway, he turned back to catch a glimpse of Lin Xiaoyue, who was engrossed in her paperwork, and allowed himself a silent, knowing smile.

Oh, my foolish princess! Are you aware that the South Group's banquet is entirely in your honor? As the star of the event, you hardly need an invitation, do you?

Consider it a delightful surprise for your return from seclusion!

Outside Lin's Group headquarters.

Xia Xianfeng, his face covered, slumped into his car seat and furiously pulled out his phone to call Donkey Kong: "It's me. I'm calling about our earlier agreement—ten million for the four Donkey Kongs to take action together. I'm in."

But, unexpectedly, Donkey Kong turned him down.

"Young Master Xia, that was yesterday's price. I did some digging; our target is no ordinary man. His actions at the elite banquet alone prove he's a true martial artist."

Donkey Kong on the line stressed the words "martial artist," making Xia Xianfeng seethe with rage, yet feeling utterly powerless.

A martial artist is beyond what any regular person could handle. No wonder his bodyguards were so easily defeated by that man.

Since yesterday, he had been publicly humiliated by that damn troublemaker—twice!

If word of this gets out in C City's business circles, he'd be a laughingstock. To preserve the Xia family's reputation, they would surely strip him of everything and confine him.

To avoid causing a stir within the family, he had to handle this mess on his own.

"Young Master Xia, are you still there?" Donkey Kong's voice inquired over the phone.

Xia Xianfeng, massaging his sore face, replied through clenched teeth, "How much now? Just say it!"

"Twenty million. All four Donkey Kongs in action. That breaks down to a mere five million each—quite the bargain..."

Despite recognizing Donkey Kong's smug tone as he jacked up the price, Xia Xianfeng was cornered. He inhaled deeply and spat out, "It's a deal! I'll send the first ten million immediately, and the rest upon completion. Make it quick!"

Outside the headquarters of Lin's Group, the bodyguards who had been knocked unconscious by Qin Dongfang were wheeled out by a team of security guards, discarded outside like garbage.

Xia Xianfeng clenched his teeth so hard they made a clicking sound.

Noticing his agitation, a close confidant cautiously approached him. "Young Master Xia, last night our men were outwitted by Lee Erxi while pursuing that kid."

At these words, Xia Xianfeng's face turned to ice. "The audacity of the Lee family to play my Xia family? I'll pay them a visit and obliterate them!"

His confidant shook his head. "There's no need to obliterate the Lee family, Young Master. A Lee family that's alive is far more beneficial to us. For instance, they could foot the bill for hiring Donkey Kong—cover at least half the cost."

Xia Xianfeng gave a curt nod, his voice icy. "Send a message to Lee Erxi. The Lee family in C City can either submit to the Xia family as our underlings, or, once I've settled my scores with Lin Xiaoyue and that bumpkin, their family will be next on my list for annihilation."