C251

"What did you say?"

Wang Tiancheng glared at Lin Dong with surprise and irritation. He hadn't anticipated Lin Dong's bold retort, especially not in front of such a crowd. Wang Tiancheng had expected Lin Dong to be somewhat more reserved, considering he was without his usual entourage of Liang Yu, Lee Zhan, and others today. His face shifted between shades of anger and composure, torn between his desire to lash out and his memory of Lin Dong's formidable impression from their last encounter. He certainly didn't want to be publicly humiliated by Lin Dong again.

Moreover, their last confrontation had been in the wild, far from prying eyes. But this time, it was happening within Wang Tiancheng's own turf. If his employees witnessed him being overpowered, how could he ever live it down?

At that moment, Han Qingxue's gaze also shifted to Lin Dong, her eyes sparkling with intrigue. She had come to know Lin Dong's character over time; he was not one to seek trouble or flaunt his wealth with arrogance, only standing his ground when pushed too far. Yet today, his assertiveness in the face of Wang Tiancheng was uncharacteristically conspicuous. It was clear that Zhou Huazhi had struck a nerve with Lin Dong, provoking his ire.

The tension in the room was palpable, with the potential for violence hanging in the air. Any rash action from either side could ignite a brawl.

Manager Zhang was beside himself with worry. As the person in charge of the venue, any disturbance would fall squarely on his shoulders. After scanning the room, he found himself in a difficult position, unable to decide whom to counsel or to intervene without offending someone.

After careful deliberation, he sided with Lin Dong. After all, Lin Dong was a client, and a significant one at that, considering his intention to purchase the prestigious Mansion Number One for nearly 70 million. The deal would yield a commission for Manager Zhang large enough to buy a comfortable three-bedroom house in Jiangyang City.

If Wang Tiancheng could just temper his anger, Lin Dong's house-buying plans could proceed, and Manager Zhang's own aspirations would be within reach.

With this in mind, he approached Wang Tiancheng, a placating smile on his face. "Young master, please, let's take a moment to cool down..."

Before he could finish his sentence, a woman approached swiftly. It was none other than Zhou Huazhi, the one Lin Dong had slapped! She was holding one hand over her face and using her hair to cover the other side.

As she reached Wang Tiancheng's side, he expressed his surprise, "Zhizhi, what brings you here? And why are you covering your face?"

Once he posed the question, Zhou Huazhi lowered her hand, revealing a distinct palm print. With a resentful gaze, she said to Wang Tiancheng, "Look, Young Master Wang, Lin Dong slapped me, and not just once!"

She then swept her hair aside to expose another clear slap mark on her other cheek. Zhou Huazhi was naturally quite attractive, but her lack of skill with makeup, coupled with a heavy foundation, usually made her large eyes stand out in a good way. Now, however, the slap marks made her appearance comically similar to that of an elder sister from a pomegranate ad.

Han Qingxue couldn't suppress a smirk, but she quickly composed herself, knowing it wasn't the time to laugh. Wang Tiancheng, upon seeing Zhou Huazhi's state, glared furiously. Her tears had carved tracks through her thick foundation, and with the slap marks, she looked utterly ridiculous. He began to question what he had ever seen in her.

In the midst of her tears, Zhou Huazhi clung to Wang Tiancheng's arm, sobbing and pointing at Lin Dong, "Young Master Wang, you must stand up for me! Lin Dong, just a poor student from our school, befriended my best friend, and I've been nothing but helpful to him! Yet, who would have thought he'd be so violent? I merely spoke to him, and he backhanded me! When I mentioned your name, he slapped me again and even called you a dog to his face! He's far too insolent; you must deal with him properly!"

After Zhou Huazhi's plea, Wang Tiancheng's face went through a rapid succession of changes.

Lin Dong stood opposite Zhou Huazhi, unable to help but look in her direction with a speechless expression.

He had never called Wang Tiancheng a dog.

And when exactly had Zhou Huazhi ever lent him a helping hand? Wasn't it true that she always looked down on him or belittled him whenever they met?

Lin Dong couldn't be bothered to explain.

With his hands in his pockets, he turned his attention to Wang Tiancheng.

To Lin Dong, with his current background, Wang Tiancheng was inconsequential.

Wang Tiancheng, however, was glaring at Lin Dong with a fiery look in his eyes, seething with anger.

He had approached Lin Dong to demand justice for Zhou Huazhi, but Lin Dong had retorted sharply, leaving Wang Tiancheng with no graceful exit.

And just as he was fuming, he overheard Zhou Huazhi claim that Lin Dong had slapped her several times and even called him, Wang Tiancheng, a dog!

This only added fuel to his rage.

Of course, given Zhou Huazhi's current demeanor, Wang Tiancheng felt a twinge of revulsion himself.

Whether or not he could vent his anger was beside the point.

The main issue was Lin Dong's insult, calling him a dog—that was something he couldn't stand for!

His eyes narrowed as he confronted Lin Dong, "You've crossed the line, Lin Dong. If you don't apologize to me today, I swear you'll pay for it!"

He stepped forward after speaking.

His entourage followed, exchanging glances before closing in together.

Zhou Huazhi, emboldened by Wang Tiancheng's show of force, was oblivious to the previous confrontation between him and Lin Dong. She assumed that Lin Dong, a mere student, wouldn't stand a chance.

She faced Lin Dong with her chin lifted.

Her arms wrapped around her chest, she strutted over to Lin Dong and said with a triumphant sneer, "Feeling cocky, Lin Dong? Now that you've offended Young Master Wang, let's see you strut your stuff!

Get on your knees and apologize to Young Master Wang and me. Slap yourself ten times, and maybe I'll consider asking Young Master Wang to let you off the hook!"

She wore an arrogant expression, looking for all the world like she was Wang Tiancheng's bossy spouse.

"Ding! Host has activated the random quest: Domineering Presence!"

"The strong must possess a domineering spirit. When faced with a clown's antics, punishment is in order!"

"Complete the quest to receive your reward??? (Claim it upon completion)"

"Let the show begin!"

The system issued the mission.

Lin Dong's gaze hardened. He raised his hand and delivered a sharp slap to the face of the encroaching Zhou Huazhi.

Smack!

The crisp sound reverberated as Lin Dong's hand made contact with Zhou Huazhi's cheek.

As the slap echoed, Zhou Huazhi's body twisted involuntarily and she tumbled to the ground.

Lying on the ground, Zhou Huazhi was visibly confused.

Clutching her face, she looked at Lin Dong in astonishment and exclaimed, "You hit me? You actually dared to hit me!?"

Lin Dong gave her a cool glance and said indifferently, "You brought this upon yourself. I had no intention of dealing with you, but you couldn't resist making a spectacle of yourself. You got what you deserved."