C159 After Settling the Matter They Were Rewarded with Five Hundred Million in Cash

Lin Dong looked at the man before him with surprise. He couldn't recall ever seeing this person before. Everyone else in the room, including Xia Qinghee and Qiao Soong, seemed just as taken aback. Lin Dong's brow furrowed slightly.

Just then, Hao Ge approached Lin Dong with a sycophantic grin and jogged over, saying, "Dong, it's understandable that you don't recognize me, but surely you remember attending Young Master Liang's midnight bash?"

Lin Dong was aware of the event. He nodded, replying, "But I didn't see you there."

Hao Ge chuckled, "Someone of your stature wouldn't normally mingle with us lower-level guys. But you must know Brother Golden Tooth—he's my elder brother!"

At the mention of this, Lin Dong recalled the group. Liang Yu's entourage included Little Yang, Tao Zi, Jin Ya, and Big Mountain. Lin Dong had been introduced to them all at one point. Jin Ya, not particularly tall and somewhat frail, was notable only for the gold tooth that glinted in his mouth. It was surprising to discover that this unassuming man had a whole crew of his own.

Indeed, appearances can be deceiving.

Lin Dong laughed along and said, "Ah, Jin Ya. I remember him as one of Liang Yu's lackeys. He was there playing the silent companion while drinking with Lee Zhan."

"Exactly!" Hao Ge replied with enthusiastic eyes. "My brother is part of Young Master Liang's circle. He's also acquainted with Young Master Li. We lower-level guys were just hanging around the fringes, but I caught a glimpse of your presence from a distance and took note."

Having heard this, Lin Dong understood who he was dealing with and felt even more at ease. He gestured towards Qiao Soong, who was sitting on the ground looking bewildered, and asked, "Is he one of your guys?"

Hao Ge quickly corrected him, "Oh no, not at all. He's actually a broker my junior brought in to attract clientele to our venue, where we take a cut of the action."

He then lowered his voice, adding, "This establishment is backed by Young Master Liang, with Brother Golden Tooth in charge."

Lin Dong simply responded, "Oh."

Brother Hao immediately exclaimed, "It's like a flood has hit the Dragon King Temple today; we can't even recognize our own. Qiao Soong actually had the audacity to mess with Dong. I assure you, I'll make it right!"

With a fierce glance, he commanded, "Take him away. We don't want to sully Dong's sight with bloodshed!"

No sooner had he spoken than several muscular men surged forward from behind.

Qiao Soong, witnessing the scene, was struck with terror.

He cried out desperately, "Don't grab me! Don't grab me!"

"Brother Hao, I had no idea about Dong's status!"

"I never intended to offend Dong!"

"Dong, I was wrong. Brother Hao, I was wrong. It was truly unintentional!"

...

Qiao Soong's pleas continued unabated.

His emotions were indescribable, a tumultuous mix akin to the twists and turns of a roller coaster ride!

He had thought that with Brother Hao's backing, he could dominate Lin Dong and give him a harsh lesson!

Ideally, he would extort money from Lin Dong and Xia Qinghee as compensation.

But to his horror, Brother Hao had addressed Lin Dong with the utmost respect, calling him Dong and acting as if Lin Dong was his own elder brother's superior!

At that moment, Qiao Soong was nearly paralyzed with fear!

In his view, Brother Hao and his crew were already formidable forces!

Yet Lin Dong was on par with Brother Hao's own elder brother, a status far beyond what a small-time thug like him could ever imagine!

He continued to beg for mercy, praying that Brother Hao would spare him.

Despite Brother Hao's subservient demeanor towards Lin Dong, he was known to have a ruthless streak.

If Qiao Soong ended up in his clutches today, he would likely be left with a lifelong disability!

That was not the outcome he wanted.

However, Lin Dong showed no pity for his groveling.

As the burly men restrained Qiao Soong and dragged him away, Lin Dong clapped Brother Hao on the shoulder, saying, "You handle things well. I'll be sure to sing your praises to Jin Ya later."

Brother Hao beamed with a grin so wide his eyes disappeared.

Nodding obsequiously, he said, "Thank you, Dong! Thank you! If there's nothing else, may I take my leave?"

"Remember, I don't want Qiao Soong showing up in front of my cousin again," Lin Dong directed.

Hao nodded in agreement, then led his group away.

"Ding! Congratulations, host, on completing the random mission. You've been rewarded 500 million in cash!"

A system notification chimed in. Lin Dong had received his mission reward!