C8 Provocation

Just as Soong Yang was about to accept, Soong's mother gestured dismissively and said, "You two chat; I've got to run. Yang, no need to see me out. I'll hitch a ride back with someone from our hometown."

Before Soong Yang could respond, she hurried downstairs.

Watching her leave, Soong Yang could only smile wryly, understanding all too well what his mother was thinking.

He chose not to say more at that moment. He planned to bring some money to his parents soon, to ensure they could enjoy a comfortable life for a while. Once he got his own affairs in order, he intended to visit them.

Turning to Xia Yumeng, Soong Yang asked, "So, what's my next step?"

"Come with me to meet my dad," Xia Yumeng replied briskly.

Soong Yang was taken aback, having assumed he'd start work immediately, not realizing an interview was still in store.

But having given his word, he was committed to meeting her father.

Together, they rode in the Rolls-Royce back to Xia Yumeng's home.

The Xia Family, as controllers of the largest group in the region, resided in the grandest villa complex around. They passed through three security checkpoints before arriving at the inner sanctum of the estate.

Xia Yumeng stepped out of the car first and burst through the door, calling out with glee, "Dad, I'm home, and I've brought a bodyguard for you to meet!"

Following her announcement, a middle-aged man with his hair neatly slicked back approached from within the house. His sharp eyebrows and piercing gaze gave him an air of authority.

He moved with a deliberate pace, exuding the natural presence of a leader.

This was Xia Yumeng's father, Xia Zhenshan, the supreme head of Xia's Group.

Yet, in Xia Yumeng's presence, his stern facade softened to one of tenderness. "Mengmeng, your timing is perfect. I've hired a personal bodyguard for you. He'll be responsible for your safety from now on."

"You hired a bodyguard for me?" Xia Yumeng asked.

"Yes. It's far too risky for you to be out there on your own. Knowing you have a bodyguard with you at all times will put my mind at ease," he explained.

After Xia Zhenshan had his say, a towering, muscular man strode up from behind him. His physique was sculpted with bulging muscles, and his fists were each the size of a traditional clay pot—anyone on the receiving end of his punch would surely sustain severe injuries.

Stepping forward with an imposing air, he declared, "Miss, from now on, I'm your protector!"

As he concluded, Xia Yumeng pursed her lips, gesturing towards Soong Yang. "I've already hired my own bodyguard. His services are unnecessary," she stated.

Hearing this, Xia Zhenshan glanced up at Soong Yang. Soong was undeniably attractive, though somewhat slight in build.

Confronted by Xia Zhentian, Soong Yang greeted him, "Hello, Uncle Xia. My name is Soong Yang."

Xia Zhentian's brow creased in a frown, his voice dripping with contempt. "Young man, don't assume that your good looks and sweet talk have fooled my daughter into giving you a ticket to the upper echelons. I suggest you make a swift exit to avoid further embarrassment."

Soong Yang's temper flared at Xia Zhentian's words, his smile vanishing as he retorted, "Mr. Xia, I've committed to this role, and I have no intention of walking away."

With a dismissive snort, the burly bodyguard stepped forward, boasting, "I could take you down with one hand. There's still time to kneel and save yourself the trouble."

Alarmed, Xia Yumeng quickly interjected, "Dad, what are you planning to do?"

Xia Zhentian shot her a stern look. "You're naive, Mengmeng. You can't even tell when you're being duped. It's time I showed you the reality of the situation!"