C92 At the Banquet

Qin Hu nodded emphatically, "Boss, your words have enlightened me more than a decade of study ever could!"

Lin Xuan probed further, "I've heard that guy repeatedly calling himself Boss Cheng. By taking out his men, you've essentially declared war on him. What's your next move?"

With a steely tone, Qin Hu replied, "I already crossed him last time. Scar Cheng has aligned himself with the White-headed Old Man of North City, but I'm not scared. If he dares to show up, I'll mince him and feed him to my dogs. I run a dog kennel, and Scar Cheng's weight wouldn't even be enough to get stuck between their teeth! I'd grind his bones to dust!"

Lin Xuan advised calmly, "Despite your strength, it's wise to stay under the radar. Some people may look invincible, but they vanish without a trace because they've tangled with forces beyond their understanding."

"You might handle one Scar Cheng, but what if several like him band together against you?"

At Lin Xuan's words, fear crept into Qin Hu. He blurted out, "Boss, that's exactly why I called. I'm genuinely scared."

"The White-headed Old Man is merciless, and with Scar Cheng and his ilk, I'm outmatched."

Lin Xuan smiled, "Qin Hu, do you know what I value in you?"

"What is it, Boss?" Qin Hu asked eagerly.

"You've reached this point not just through skill and luck, but also because you're astute. That's your edge, and it's why you've been able to grow your influence."

Qin Hu was struck by Lin Xuan's words, falling into a contemplative silence.

Lin Xuan offered, "I'm giving you an opportunity now. If you truly want to work for me, there are risks, but I assure you, you won't regret it."

Without hesitation, Qin Hu declared, "Boss, Little Tiger is ready to serve! I'll face any danger for you! I'm begging you to trust me with greater responsibilities!"

Lin Xuan's smile was faint as he responded, "Take some time to think it over. Once you've made up your mind, give me your formal answer. Remember, once you commit, there's no turning back."

"Little Tiger has no regrets! I'm Boss's man for life!"

Lin Xuan nodded in approval. "Good. With that attitude, I'll give you an opportunity to rise to the top."

Hearing this, Qin Hu eagerly responded, "Thank you, Boss! Thank you so much!"

Lin Xuan had his reasons for making such an offer to Qin Hu. He saw the potential to utilize someone with Qin Hu's resources.

Qin Hu had his own crew, and there were matters that could be handled by his kind without official involvement.

Naturally, Lin Xuan intended to keep his word.

As long as Qin Hu remained loyal and dedicated, Lin Xuan was prepared to provide him with the chance to thrive!

...

Upon Lin Xuan's return to the hospital room, he found Pei Qiang had just finished a minor surgery, with several nurses attending to him carefully. The nurses shuddered with fear at the sight of Lin Xuan.

Pei Qiuyu, noticing Lin Xuan's arrival, pulled him out of the room and whispered urgently, "The nurses filled me in on what happened."

"Haven't I warned you about tangling with the likes of Qin Hu? Why won't you listen?"

Lin Xuan replied with a smile, "My dear, if Qin Hu hadn't come to our aid, would you have preferred those thugs to beat me senseless?"

Pei Qiuyu fell silent. She had anticipated Lin Xuan's call to Qin Hu; only he could have resolved the situation.

Yet, Pei Qiuyu couldn't help but feel a deep-seated aversion to people like Qin Hu.

With a stern look, Pei Qiuyu insisted, "Listen to me, this is the last time. No exceptions. Do you understand?"

"Hehe, loud and clear."

"I'm serious..." Pei Qiuyu continued, giving Lin Xuan's arm a firm twist.

"Ow, that hurts, honey..."

"So you do feel pain!" Pei Qiuyu said earnestly. "Promise me!"

"Okay, I promise."

"Hmph," Pei Qiuyu pouted, her displeasure evident.

Just then, the nurses quietly made their exit, careful not to catch Lin Xuan's gaze. To them, he was far too intimidating, someone they dared not cross.

Pei Qiuyu gave the nurse a quick look before turning to Lin Xuan with a serious expression. "See, you've got him scared."

Lin Xuan let out a soft chuckle. "Sometimes, instilling a little fear can be a good thing."

Pei Qiuyu watched Lin Xuan in silence, contemplating his words. He had a point.

Without Lin Xuan's intervention, the young nurses at this hospital were insufferably arrogant, lacking in ability yet acting high and mighty.

Now, they were attentive in caring for her father. As Lin Xuan had suggested, in a way, it was indeed beneficial.

Noticing that Pei Qiuyu wasn't upset with him anymore, Lin Xuan mentioned, "On my way back up, I ran into Sun Jianguo."

"Oh? What's he doing here?" Pei Qiuyu inquired.

It had been a while since Lin Xuan had seen Sun Jianguo, not since he helped him deal with that unfaithful couple at the hospital.

Sun Jianguo was deeply appreciative of Lin Xuan's assistance and for recovering his money. He had insisted on hosting a meal to express his gratitude and made sure to extend the invitation to the couple.

He planned to invite a few close friends and classmates as well, to liven up the celebration of his discharge.

"He's just been discharged and was picking up some medication. He's planning a dinner with a few classmates and wants us to join them tomorrow," Lin Xuan explained.

Pei Qiuyu nodded in agreement. "Sounds good. I've been too busy to visit him during his hospital stay. This will be the perfect chance to catch up and celebrate his discharge."

The following noon, Pei Qiuyu drove Lin Xuan to the Golden Fortune Hotel, as Sun Jianguo had arranged.

The Golden Fortune Hotel wasn't the epitome of luxury, but it was renowned in A City. For someone like Sun Jianguo to host them there was a genuine gesture of goodwill.

Sun Jianguo had spared no expense, reserving an opulent private room at the hotel.

The room was a blend of classic elegance and luxury, with a grand round table that could seat over twenty guests. The minimum spend alone was a steep five to six thousand yuan.

Upon their arrival, Lin Xuan and Pei Qiuyu found several people already seated, including their host, Sun Jianguo, Xu Wanhua, and a few other classmates.

As soon as Sun Jianguo caught sight of the couple walking in, he quickly rose to his feet and exclaimed, "Oh, Mr. Lin, Qiuyu, welcome! Please, take a seat right away!"

Sun Jianguo's greeting carried a tone of utmost respect. He held Lin Xuan in high regard and was deeply appreciative of him.

Lin Xuan observed that Xu Wanhua seemed somewhat distracted, as though preoccupied with her thoughts. However, her demeanor brightened considerably upon seeing Pei Qiuyu, as though she had just found a trusted friend to share her innermost feelings with.