C23 Xiao Hong

The following afternoon, Manager Zhao called everyone together to hold an election for a new security team captain.

"By now, you're all aware of the Third Master's incident. Currently, our security team is without a leader, and that's simply unacceptable. That's why I've assembled you all today—to select a new security team captain. A captain must possess exceptional skills and strong management abilities, and of course, must earn the respect and trust of the team," Manager Zhao declared confidently.

"Manager Zhao, I have a recommendation! It's Nie Feng. He's the most skilled among us!" Little Monkey interjected, raising his hand just as Manager Zhao finished speaking.

Upon hearing Little Monkey's suggestion, Manager Zhao turned to Nie Feng and said, "Okay, Nie Feng has been nominated. Step forward, please."

Nie Feng nodded and stepped out from the ranks. Truth be told, he was rather intrigued by the role of security captain. Nie Feng had always been a maverick, disliking constraints, so the prospect of leading the team was appealing. After all, as captain, he would command the most authority here, with even Manager Zhao showing him due respect.

"Nie Feng is now a candidate. Are there any other nominations? Feel free to nominate yourselves as well," Manager Zhao encouraged.

The group exchanged glances, but no one seemed eager to challenge for the role. Little Monkey had already made it clear to everyone that Nie Feng was the chosen one. Plus, the tale of Nie Feng single-handedly taking down a hundred men had been embellished to legendary status over the past few days, instilling a deep-seated awe for him in everyone's hearts.

"I'd like to give it a shot!" Just then, a burly figure stepped forward.

"Lei Hu, what are you thinking? Trying to compete with Feng for the position? Are you asking for trouble?" Lee Erniu immediately bristled with indignation and confronted Lei Hu.

Nie Feng had only encountered Lei Hu once or twice and didn't know him well. Lei Hu was a formidable presence, much like Lee Erniu, both epitomizing the tough-guy type and graduates of the sports school. As for Lei Hu's abilities, Nie Feng was in the dark.

"Lee Erniu, why is it that I can't stand your chatter? What's stopping me from running for captain? If you're itching for a spar, bring it on!" Lei Hu retorted, his temper flaring up instantly.

"Come at me, think I'm scared?" Lee Erniu taunted, brandishing his fists with no hint of fear.

"What's all this? A street brawl? Lee Erniu, get back in line! Everyone has the right to run for team captain!" Manager Zhao scolded, clearly irritated.

Still haunted by the previous incident, Lee Erniu was genuinely intimidated by Manager Zhao. With a fierce glare at Lei Hu, he reluctantly rejoined the ranks.

"The candidates are now Nie Feng and Lei Hu. You two will spar, and the one with superior skills will emerge victorious. Remember, this is about skill, not force—no injuries, please," Manager Zhao instructed, eyeing both contenders.

Lei Hu cracked a smile, peeled off his shirt, and flexed his muscular torso, his chest muscles dwarfing Nie Feng's head. "So the little monkey says you can fight. I doubt it. With your puny frame, one punch from me and you won't be getting back up!"

"Really?" Nie Feng replied with a smirk, shedding his own shirt.

Nie Feng's build might not have matched Lei Hu's bulk, but his muscles were ironclad, his physique impeccably defined. A slight flex of his fists caused his veins to bulge, his entire presence radiating formidable strength, instantly overshadowing Lei Hu. Onlookers couldn't help but be awestruck.

Lei Hu, for all his brawn, was merely a sports school graduate with martial arts training—no match for a warrior like Nie Feng, forged in the crucible of combat.

"Pretender. I'll make sure you stay down," Lei Hu scoffed, closing the distance to Nie Feng and aiming a punch at his face.

The true measure of a master is in their first strike. Lei Hu's power was undeniable, but he lacked the speed and finesse of fighters like Wang San and Yaen Qing.

Nie Feng just smiled, already spotting Lei Hu's weakness. Ducking low, he dodged the punch with ease and countered with a fierce blow to Lei Hu's armpit.

Lei Hu winced in pain and stumbled back. But before he could recover, Nie Feng's leg, swift as a whip, was already in his face. Lei Hu let out a wretched scream, tumbling through the air and crashing to the ground, motionless.

Everyone was left speechless. In a single move, Nie Feng had taken down Lei Hu, who was two sizes his senior, in an instant.

Manager Zhao's heart skipped a beat. Surely Nie Feng hadn't killed Lei Hu?

Noticing Manager Zhao's alarmed look, Nie Feng coolly reassured, "He's okay, just knocked out. A good sleep and he'll be as good as new."

Relieved by Nie Feng's assurance, Manager Zhao quickly had someone take Lei Hu to the security room. Lei Hu's face, where Nie Feng's kick had landed, was now bruised and swollen.

"Feng, you're incredible! Lei Hu is one of our toughest guys, and he didn't last a single move against you!" Lee Erniu exclaimed with admiration.

"Absolutely! Manager Zhao, Feng has got to be our new security captain now, right?" chimed in Little Monkey, glancing expectantly at Manager Zhao.

"Without a doubt," Manager Zhao affirmed, turning to Nie Feng. "Come on, let's go see the chairman."

Nie Feng was taken aback. Meeting the chairman just to be appointed security captain? Wasn't that a bit much?

"What are you waiting for? Get dressed and hop in the car!" Manager Zhao urged, already behind the wheel and growing impatient at Nie Feng's hesitation.

"Oh!" Nie Feng snapped out of it, grabbed his clothes off the ground, and climbed into the car.

They drove straight to the headquarters of Glory Real Estate, a company known for its luxury developments and ranking among Silkwick's elite, second only to the Tian Family, one of the four major clans.

Inside the company, Nie Feng gawked like a kid in a candy store at the opulent decor. How much did all this cost? He couldn't begin to fathom the world of the wealthy.

With a look of mild contempt, Manager Zhao escorted Nie Feng to the top floor. After exchanging a few words with a secretary outside an office, he instructed Nie Feng, "The chairman is inside. Go on in."

Nie Feng nodded, knocked on the door, and upon receiving permission, pushed it open and entered. The office was vast, easily a hundred square meters, and in the midst of the sprawling space sat a single figure—a woman.

The woman appeared to be in her late twenties, her red lips and black stockings complementing the tight short skirt that outlined her impeccable figure. Nie Feng found it surprising that such a young woman had ascended to the role of chairman.

Seated on the sofa, she regarded Nie Feng with a curious gaze, while he returned her look with a cool detachment. Silence hung in the air for a moment before she finally spoke. "You must be Nie Feng, the new head of security for Flourishing Age, correct? Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Xiao Hong, the chairman of Glory Group."

"Good to meet you, Chairman. What was it that you needed to see me for?" Nie Feng inquired with courtesy.

"Flourishing Age is our company's flagship real estate project, home to the elite of Silkwick City. As the new head of security, it's imperative that you ensure the safety of both the residents and their property," Xiao Hong stated gravely. "Should any significant issues arise on your watch, I won't be lenient."

"Rest assured, Chairman, I'll give it my all," Nie Feng replied, flashing a confident smile. He understood the principle of loyalty to those who pay your wage all too well.

"I paid a handsome sum for Wang San's services, and it was unexpected that he met with an accident. Perform well, and I assure you, your compensation will rival his," Xiao Hong promised with a reassuring smile.

Nie Feng's expression faltered. So, Zhu Moyu's intended target was Xiao Hong? As this realization dawned on him, his demeanor grew icy. If she was Zhu Moyu's mark, he had no qualms about aiding in the completion of that mission.

Just as Nie Feng was poised to act, a knock at the door interrupted him.

"Chairman, the meeting is about to start. You should head over," called the secretary from outside.

"I have another engagement and won't be able to escort you out. Please, see yourself out. And remember, you're on a one-month trial period. Any slip-ups, and you're out. Furthermore, should I require your assistance, I expect you to be there immediately," Xiao Hong instructed, then without another glance at Nie Feng, she strode briskly from the office.

Nie Feng paused, wrestling with his decision, but ultimately he shelved the idea of killing Xiao Hong then and there. Without any preparation, such a rash action would risk revealing himself far too easily.

Nie Feng finally realized that Wang San was more than just the head of the security team; he was also Xiao Hong's personal bodyguard. That explained the high level of treatment he received!

"The chairman is in a meeting. Why haven't you left yet?" The secretary's brow furrowed as she noticed Nie Feng lingering in Xiao Hong's office.

"I'm on my way out, right now," Nie Feng said, flashing an innocuous smile before hastily exiting the office.

No sooner had Nie Feng stepped out of the company's main entrance than he was confronted by two individuals clad in police uniforms, one of whom was Ling Xueqi.

"Are you Nie Feng? I'm Ling Xueqi, captain of the City Bureau's Criminal Investigation Unit. We suspect you're involved in a murder case. Please come with us to the station for questioning," Ling Xueqi stated, presenting her badge to Nie Feng.

Nie Feng was taken aback. Could there be trouble on Jasmine's end? Had Wenn Xuan sent that video to the police? Since their last phone call, Jasmine hadn't reached out to Nie Feng again. Maybe she hadn't managed to handle things after all?

Damn it, what's that girl up to? If you can't handle it, at least give me a heads-up so I can be prepared! Now they're here to arrest me! It's likely she failed to resolve the issue and was too embarrassed to face me, so she kept quiet.

With these thoughts, Nie Feng felt a tightness in his chest. He resolved to deal with this girl properly when the chance arose.

"Fine, I'll go with you," he said. Regardless of the situation, it was time to clear things up. Nie Feng nodded in agreement and climbed into Ling Xueqi's police car.

To Nie Feng's surprise, Ling Xueqi, who had reviewed his file, seemed taken aback by his willingness to cooperate. She entered the vehicle and they set off for the police station.