Chapter 1336 - 1312: Xiao Lin’s Provocation

Chapter 1336: Chapter 1312: Xiao Lin’s Provocation

Provocation isn’t just suggested through words or glances; there’s an even more direct and audacious way. When Quan Mingyuan attended the annual business charity gala and saw Xiao Lin, he noticed an unprecedented expectation in his eyes. This wasn’t because Xiao Lin was immensely powerful or because he eagerly anticipated the assassin Quan Mingyuan had planted. It was all because of that incredulous look in his eyes when he saw the person beside Xiao Lin.

Chu Qi openly followed behind Xiao Lin, playing the role of his personal bodyguard. Even if Quan Mingyuan wanted to apprehend him, he couldn’t make a move in public because he had no legitimate reason.

The identity of a death row inmate is extremely secretive, and Chu Qi’s face had never appeared in any criminal record. So now he was essentially a man with a clean slate. Trying to apprehend Chu Qi as a criminal would surely allow Xiao Lin to make an issue of it, thereby exposing the existence of the death row organization.

Quan Mingyuan walked up to Xiao Lin, extended his hand politely, and the two shook hands, appearing harmonious. "When did Young Master Xiao start using bodyguards? Where are your helpers? I don’t see a single one."

"Lately, there have been some cockroaches running around my place uninvited, so I had to get a bodyguard for a bit of safety," Xiao Lin said with a chuckle. "Is Young Master Quan interested in my helpers?"

"Young Master Xiao’s people, how could Quan Ming dares to have intentions of spying on them? It’s just that I’ve never seen this gentleman before. I’ve heard that Young Master Xiao likes to recruit talented individuals. Surely someone capable of being your personal bodyguard must have impressive skills." Quan Mingyuan watched Chu Qi closely, the latter merely nodded without any other reaction.

"Young Master Quan truly understands Xiao Lin. Chu Qi is indeed a newly recruited talented person," Xiao Lin said, patting Chu Qi on the shoulder, about to leave when Quan Mingyuan suddenly stepped up from behind, blocking his path. "Young Master Quan, is there something..."

"Please don’t misunderstand, Young Master Xiao. Quan Ming has an unsolicited request and hopes you can agree."

Chu Qi furrowed his brows, instinctively trying to stand in front of Xiao Lin, but Xiao Lin waved him back. "Young Master Quan, you’re too kind. Please speak freely; anything Xiao Lin can do for you, I will."

"With Young Master Xiao’s assurance, Quan Ming is relieved." Quan Mingyuan deliberately leaned in closer to Xiao Lin, lowering his voice. "To be honest, Young Master Xiao, I’ve recently gotten quite a few new recruits. I want someone to spar with, to see if they’re really that formidable, so I’d like to ask for your help. Is it possible to borrow your helper?"

Just as Xiao Lin was hesitating, a light figure suddenly appeared from behind, trying to dive at Xiao Lin’s back, only to be slapped away by Chu Qi. The girl let out a cry of pain, drawing the attention of many and interrupting Quan Mingyuan’s conversation.

"Xiangxiang?" Xiao Lin glanced at the girl slapped away by Chu Qi, looking a bit amused. "It’s okay, she’s someone I know."

Xun Xiangxiang looked at Chu Qi fearfully, not daring to move her feet. "Brother Xiao, who is this person?"

"My new bodyguard." Xiao Lin rubbed Xun Xiangxiang’s head affectionately. "Chu Qi, this is Xun Xiangxiang. Next time, don’t hit so hard."

"Yes, Young Master Xiao." Although Chu Qi agreed, he showed no sign of compromise, following Xiao Lin expressionlessly.

Completely ignored, Quan Mingyuan clenched his fists tightly. Xun Xiangxiang’s sudden appearance had ruined his plan. After shooting a fierce glare, he turned to walk towards Shao Qinyi, who was conversing with Murong Lengyue.

The attendees of this charity gala were all prominent figures from the business world. So it’s not surprising that Murong Lengyue attended such a social event. However, despite the Xiao Family’s absence, Xiao Lin, who usually avoided these occasions, had been attending frequently. Although she was chatting with veteran business figures, Murong Lengyue’s eyes remained fixed on Xiao Lin’s figure.

"That girl is called Xun Xiangxiang, a friend Young Master Xiao knew back when he was in Yanjing, and also the only daughter of a real estate mogul," Shao Qinyi noticed Murong Lengyue’s distraction. With Xia Xue gone and Xun Xiangxiang around, Xiao Lin sure has a lot of romantic encounters.

"Do you think I’m jealous?" Murong Lengyue raised her glass, listening to the champagne bubbles fizzing in the crystal glass. "Such an undeveloped girl can’t compete with me. Shao Qinyi, you’re underestimating me."

Shao Qinyi merely smiled without explanation. A confident woman undoubtedly adds to her charm, but overconfidence can be repulsive. Being around Murong Lengyue for a long time, these repulsive traits became more noticeable. If it weren’t for the Quan Family, he wouldn’t be giving this woman advice or flattering her.

"Shao Qinyi, you’re well-informed. Do you know where Xia Xue went?" Murong Lengyue asked, aware that the only woman she was wary of was Xia Xue.

"I honestly don’t know. After being seriously injured during an attack, Xia Xue hasn’t been seen in Sin City since."

"Injured?" Murong Lengyue’s beautiful eyes scanned Xiao Lin. She didn’t care about Xia Xue’s life or death; what mattered was Xiao Lin’s attitude toward this incident. Judging by his cheerful demeanor, perhaps Xia Xue was no longer the goddess in his heart. Otherwise, how could he remain so indifferent and unaffected? "Do you know who did it?"

"I’m not sure about that, but it seems the target was Young Master Xiao."

"Shao Qinyi, whatever issues you have with the Xiao Family, I won’t intervene. But you better tell Quan Mingyuan that bringing people to my place is a direct provocation to our Murong Clan. The heavy machine gun destroyed one of my villas; if he wants the man, he should come to collect the corpse himself." Murong Lengyue observed Quan Mingyuan approaching and immediately fluttered like a butterfly with her wine glass, joining the mayor and some officials for a chat.

"What was that woman saying to you?" Murong Lengyue’s obvious avoidance left Quan Mingyuan embarrassed. He took a drink from a passing waiter’s tray in one go.

"Miss Murong was very dissatisfied with Young Master’s previous attempt to snipe Xiao Lin. She said you should collect the bodies of those assassins personally." Shao Qinyi repeated Murong Lengyue’s words to Quan Mingyuan.

"Collect the bodies!? That damned woman." Flames seemed to shoot from Quan Mingyuan’s eyes. The harder something was to obtain, the more he wanted it.

"Young Master, since Chu Qi has become Xiao Lin’s man, we should think about how to deal with..."

"I know! Stop nagging. Just get Murong Lengyue for me. Once it’s a done deal, are you worried the old geezers in the Murong Family won’t hand over the woman to me?" (To be continued. If you like this work, you’re welcome to vote for it on Qidian (qidian.com), your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read on m.qidian.com.)