C8 The Sinners Deserve to Die Ten Thousand Times

Qin Fann was just about to exchange a few more courtesies when he suddenly felt Brother Dong's handshake intensify. The mocking smile that appeared on Brother Dong's face was an unmistakable dig at him.

Qin Fann realized that his unexpected entry must have encroached on someone's territory, making things increasingly interesting.

Brother Dong was quite confident in his physical prowess. He saw Qin Fann as a soft, academic-looking fellow, a weakling dependent on a woman's support. Brother Dong was convinced that a bit of strong-arming would easily subdue Qin Fann.

However, the next instant, a piercing pain in his fingers shattered Brother Dong's fantasy. A tremendous force seemed poised to grind his finger bones to dust, as if his hand were clamped in a massive, glowing-hot pair of iron tongs. No matter how much he struggled, he couldn't break free.

"Let go, let it go! Ouch..." Brother Dong howled, casting aside any concern for his image as bystanders looked on in bewilderment.

Qin Fann let go and looked around the nightclub. It was his first visit to this hive of glamour, reminiscent of a contemporary land of women, filled with stylishly dressed girls flaunting their attractive figures and long legs.

The quality of the hostesses at the club was truly impressive, featuring a variety from the pure to the sensual, the flirtatious to the reserved, the distant to those in various uniforms, perfectly satisfying a wide range of preferences.

"I'm the newcomer here, so please bear with me," Qin Fann began, addressing the crowd. "As you might be aware, I'm just here to bide my time and won't interfere with anyone's business. Everything will continue as usual."

"I hope we can get along well and become good friends."

After his succinct introduction, everyone relaxed a bit. It seemed that despite his reputation, Qin Fann was quite reasonable.

"However," he added, changing his tone, "we're all working for Director Tang. As long as you don't go too far, I'm inclined to overlook it. But if anyone steps out of line, don't blame me for not being lenient."

Before arriving, Qin Fann had done his homework. The Era Nightclub was far from the simple, pure establishment it appeared to be on the surface. For Tang Ruoyan, who managed countless affairs daily, the nightclub was barely a blip on her radar. She wasn't involved in its direct management, and her knowledge of its workings was even less than Qin Fann's.

Phoenix Avenue was home to many nightclubs, each embroiled in a fierce struggle for dominance. They fought openly and in the shadows, each eager to devour the other and expand their territory to become the top dog of the area. Outsiders looked on with envy, while internal strife was never-ending.

Qin Fann had secretly learned that Brother Dong and a few trusted associates were covertly running a drug operation under the nightclub's facade. If their scheme were exposed, it would be Tang Ruoyan left to take the fall.

Engaging in such a vile business was reprehensible and deserved severe punishment. Qin Fann watched with a cold, detached interest. Since he had been assigned to this place, he was resolved to sweep away the filth from the streets.

Purifying the social atmosphere, promoting global justice, and enhancing the substance of the youth had always been his goals. Moreover, succeeding in this task would surely improve Tang Ruoyan's opinion of him.

"Hehe, yes, certainly... We'll heed Young Master Qin's guidance," Brother Dong said with a forced smile, nodding before turning to leave, his actions betraying his indifference to Qin Fann's words.

"A newcomer living off others, trying to oppose the local heavy? He's asking for trouble."

Brother Dong had worked at the company for many years, regarding it as his private property and intolerant of anyone else's desire for it. With the Tang family currently in turmoil, he was all the more eager to seize the moment to break free from their control.

The company's security was made up of his own henchmen, and the hostesses were all too keen to curry favor with him, terrified of offending him. Consequently, everyone's attitude toward Qin Fann was dismissively cold, treating him as if he were invisible.

However, Qin Fann had expected this and was not bothered in the least. Setting things straight and establishing authority was not something that happened overnight. Besides, he didn't take these minions seriously; he had all the time he needed to play his game.

Qin Fann sat alone in a corner, sampling a variety of strong liquors. High-proof alcohol was nothing new to him; he'd spent years in the mountains, drinking homemade concoctions like White Flower Snake, Seven Leaf Lotus, June Snow, and Leopard Bone Bear Gall Wine on a regular basis.

He methodically worked his way through one drink after another, leaving the bartender in awe. Throughout the evening, numerous women from the nightlife scene tried to catch his attention, but he dismissed each one. After all, with the breathtaking beauty of Tang Ruoyan and her sister-in-law as the standard, no other woman could compare; they all seemed utterly unremarkable.

He sat in the corner, savoring a variety of strong spirits alone. For him, high alcohol content was nothing new; he had spent plenty of time in the mountains, drinking all sorts of homemade liquors crafted by the old man—White Snake, Seven-Leaf Lotus, June Snow, Leopard Bone and Bear Gall Wine were daily indulgences.

"You're really going to disrespect me like that? You think you can afford not to give me face? Or is it that my reputation isn't intimidating enough for you?" bellowed a towering, menacing middle-aged man with a buzz cut, his arms covered in tattoos. He gripped a young woman's arm, glaring at her with the ferocity of a ravenous wolf, his presence exuding danger and malice.

Ever since this young woman had arrived, he'd set his sights on her. With her classic oval face, reminiscent of an ancient court lady, and her demure charm, she was a vision in her white dress that showcased her slender figure. She was the epitome of innocence and grace, far surpassing any so-called internet sensation.

What's more, his keen eyes had noticed something else about her—her innocence was still intact. If he could be the first with her, the thrill would surpass any monetary gain.

"Third Master, I... I truly don't provide those services; I'm only here to accompany guests for drinks," pleaded Xu Lu, her voice barely above a whisper as she trembled with fear.

"You think you can fool me? What else would you be doing in a place like this? No matter, you'll spend the night with me, and I guarantee you'll be begging for more. I've got plenty of moves up my sleeve," Luo Sanli said with a lecherous grin, clearly confident that he had the girl cornered.

"I've heard about Third Master Luo's brutal methods and strange predilections. Just last time, a girl was nearly broken by his demands after he coerced her into spending the night. It's such a shame for someone as beautiful as her to be in this situation."

"Damn, that's Third Master Luo, a big shot in the Eastern District who has both the underworld and legitimate businesses under his thumb. Even Director Tang looks like an insignificant bug in front of him. Plus, he's got beef with the Tang family; he's probably here to stir up trouble on purpose."

"I've heard Third Master Luo is brutally cruel and has some strange quirks. There was a girl he coerced into going to a hotel with him, and she nearly didn't make it out alive. It's such a shame for such a pretty girl."

"Her family is struggling; her parents are seriously ill, and her brother is in high school. She had no choice but to come here, but she's still too naive. How could she not expect to sell herself? Once you step into this place, you're already knee-deep in the mire. Dreaming of staying clean is just that—a dream."

Once Luo Sanli's name was dropped, Brother Dong and the rest of the security team didn't dare make a move. No one wanted to risk the wrath of Third Master Luo by sticking their neck out. It wasn't worth risking their lives for a stranger.

Everyone in Eastern City knew about Third Master Luo. He was a man with far-reaching influence, and the number of people he'd ruined or destroyed was countless. It simply wasn't worth it to intervene on behalf of a stranger.

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