C12 Unable to Shake off Sticky Candy

High-interest loans are like weeds, sprouting wildly at any time, indestructible even by fire.

Elder Xu stood at the doorway, taking in every detail.

"Just have your manager come over; I'll handle the rest with them."

Elder Xu's abrupt statement captured everyone's attention, including Lin Luo, who hadn't anticipated his return.

He had just taken a call and left. How could he have come back so quickly?

"Mr. Lin, what a coincidence to meet you again. I had hoped to invite you for a meal sometime in the future. I heard your daughter was ill, so I thought I'd come by to see how she's doing."

No sooner had Elder Xu finished speaking than his assistant presented a generous gift.

Lin Luo looked at the premium tonics and nourishing treasures, feeling undeserving.

He had already received his fee for treating Elder Xu. In principle, there should be no further interaction between them.

The man at the entrance squinted, unable to place Elder Xu's identity.

"You wish to meet our boss? That depends on whether you have the status. If you can show a few million now, maybe I can arrange a meeting."

The man's tone was mocking until Elder Xu produced a black card.

"Shall you call, or shall I assist? If I get your manager here, it won't be just a simple chat."

Elder Xu spoke with evident impatience, not wanting to waste time on such individuals.

His focus was Lin Luo, not the others; the man before him was nothing but an annoyance.

Upon seeing the black card, the man's demeanor shifted instantly. "Rest assured, I'll call our boss right away. He'll be here shortly."

He made a firm promise and chose the hospital's open area as the meeting spot.

After all, discussing money in a ward was inauspicious.

As they dispersed across the hospital's open space, Elder Xu sought an opportunity to converse with Lin Luo.

He had more to consult with Lin Luo about, which is why he had boldly approached him, also hoping to request further assistance.

"Elder Xu, allow me to introduce my wife. Because of you, I had to leave abruptly that night to attend to this esteemed gentleman."

Elder Xu allowed me to introduce my wife to you. I disappeared that evening because I was attending to this elderly gentleman's medical needs.

After the introductions, Lin Luo remained silent, while Xiao Qingli was engulfed in a whirlwind of emotions. She had initially believed Lin Luo's words that day were nothing but lies, but to her astonishment... Upon realizing her grave misunderstanding, Xiao Qingli opened her mouth to apologize, yet the words failed to escape her lips. She couldn't fathom what was amiss with her; perhaps it was the residue of past events that made her subconsciously doubt him. This skepticism extended even to the matter of the medical fees; she had assumed Lin Luo was boastfully exaggerating, which led her to resort to a high-interest loan.

A short distance away, a black motorcycle came to a halt before the group. The rider dismounted with what he thought was a suave motion, revealing disheveled hair as he removed his helmet. "Boss, a VIP customer with a black card requested to meet you, so we took the liberty of bringing you here today," the man said cautiously, while casting meaningful glances at his boss.

Upon hearing about the VIP customer, the boss's face was wreathed in smiles. "What do you mean 'took the liberty'? A VIP customer deserves my personal attention. Next time something like this happens, just call me directly," the boss said, rubbing his hands together. However, upon spotting Elder Xu, his legs buckled, and he found himself kneeling in reverence.

The man was taken aback by his boss's sudden genuflection, having not anticipated such a grand gesture for a VIP customer. "What are you waiting for? Pay your respects! This is a VIP customer, someone even the boss must attend to," he urged, his eyes conveying a hint of pity toward his subordinates.

No wonder they were stuck at the bottom rung; they couldn't even interpret a simple look, let alone take the lead. "Elder Xu, how, how come you're here?" the boss stammered, his gaze filled with undiminished respect.

He had never imagined encountering Elder Xu in such a place, especially given Elder Xu's financial standing, which negated any need for high-interest loans. "Your man swindled my lifesaver, so I just happened to stop by today. I never expected it to be one of your people," Elder Xu explained, leaving the boss dumbfounded as he processed the gravity of the situation.

The boss was taken aback for a moment before he grasped the meaning of the other's words.

Cheated? Cheated one of Elder Xu's people?

The realization made the boss swallow nervously, unable to muster even a forced smile.

He wouldn't dare cross Elder Xu's people, not even if he had the courage of a lion.

"Elder Xu, this is all a big misunderstanding. It's my fault for not seeing things clearly. I've failed to manage my people properly."

The boss, steeling himself, tried to explain, desperately seeking Elder Xu's forgiveness, but Elder Xu seemed uninterested in engaging further.

"Mr. Lin, this matter is yours to handle. As an outsider, I shouldn't get too involved. Now that you've reclaimed your money, the next steps are up to you."

Elder Xu passed the decision-making power to Lin Luo, not wanting to spend more time on the issue.

He was there to support Lin Luo, but getting involved was not his style.

Realizing Elder Xu was backing him up, Lin Luo smiled knowingly.

"I've repaid all the money, and even added a bit extra. My only condition is that from today on, you stop trying to collect from me."

Lin Luo stated his terms, awaiting a response.

If they didn't agree, he'd have to resort to force, a method he didn't endorse.

Using brute force was too crude for someone as thoughtful as him; it didn't suit his style.

The boss found Lin Luo's easy forgiveness hard to believe.

But with Elder Xu present, he held back any further comments. "We'll do as Mr. Lin says. Starting today, my men won't bother you again. You have my word."

The boss kept signaling to the man in the floral shirt, who fortunately lived up to expectations.

"Our boss is right. From today, we won't interfere with your life anymore."

Despite the assurances, Lin Luo still felt unsatisfied.

"You just laid hands on my other half. That score needs to be settled. I don't ask for much—just let me blow off some steam."

Lin Luo said, loosening his shoulders, each step he took weighed heavy with the others' fear.

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