C26 Su Lan Being Teased

Lin Sheng turned around to find a man in his forties, his face marked by a diagonal scar, striding toward them with a group in tow. The man exuded a murderous aura, radiating a commanding presence that struck fear into the hearts of onlookers. He was Du Xiang, the enforcer of law and order on Yellowstone Street. Locals would respectfully address him as Uncle Xiang.

Du Xiang enjoyed considerable prestige in the Huacheng underworld. With him present, petty thugs wouldn't dare to stir up trouble, and even pickpockets steered clear of doing business in the area. Consequently, Yellowstone Street had always maintained excellent security. Should any foolhardy souls cause a disturbance, Du Xiang could swiftly handle the situation.

"Who dares to make trouble on my Yellowstone Street?" Du Xiang's voice, thick with menace, preceded his arrival. The crowd instinctively retreated, leaving Wang Chao and Su Lan exposed. They knew that if tempers flared, bystanders could easily get caught in the crossfire. Yet, no one left; instead, the crowd swelled, encircling the scene, craning their necks to catch a glimpse of the unfolding drama.

"Miss Su, as long as I'm here, no one can harm you," Du Xiang declared, stepping protectively in front of Su Lan.

"Du Xiang, you think you can play the hero and save the damsel in front of me? You must be looking for trouble!" Wang Chao spat out before Du Xiang had even laid eyes on him.

Both men were well-known figures in Huacheng and familiar with each other. It was only then that Du Xiang realized the troublemaker was none other than Wang Chao, the heir of the influential Wang family.

"Young Master Wang..." Du Xiang's demeanor shifted abruptly. His once formidable presence evaporated, replaced by a servile posture, his stature seemingly diminished.

The Wang family was one of the four great houses of Huacheng, wielding deep and enigmatic connections that held sway over both the lawful and the lawless realms.

Du Yang, who had clawed his way up to make a name for himself, could intimidate the average person, but in front of Wang Chao, he amounted to nothing. With little background to speak of, if someone were to cross him, there'd be no one to seek vengeance on his behalf. Angering Wang Chao could mean not living to see another sunrise.

"It's Young Master Wang!" Du Yang exclaimed with a grin plastered across his face. "I mistook you for some clueless kid. Your presence on Yellowstone Street is truly an honor for us!"

Wang Chao, recognizing Du Yang's acute awareness of the pecking order, let out a scornful chuckle. Waving his hand in irritation, he dismissed him, "Alright, that's enough. Don't be a nuisance; go on with your business."

Du Yang had given Wang Chao respect in Su Lan's presence, and Wang Chao felt smug about it, not bothering to make a big deal out of the encounter.

However, as Wang Chao signaled for him to leave, Du Yang found himself in a bind. As the local enforcer, leaving without a word would turn him into a laughingstock. Moreover, with Wang Chao's unpredictable and reckless nature, there was no telling what he might do next.

Reputation was everything in their world. A solid reputation meant respect and made dealings much smoother. Without it, you were fair game for anyone looking to take a shot at you.

If Du Yang walked away now, everyone would see him as a coward, terrified of Wang Chao, and he would become the butt of jokes in Huacheng's underworld. But if he stayed, what could he possibly do against Wang Chao?

Caught between a rock and a hard place, Du Yang steeled himself and ventured, "Young Master Wang, Miss Su is also a distinguished guest here. Please, let's not make this difficult for her."

Su Lan's family was wealthy, too. Though not on par with the top-tier families, they were certainly not to be underestimated.

Her charisma had already made her quite renowned among Huacheng's elite circles.

Wang Chao's expression turned icy as he glared at Du Yang, his tone laced with menace, "Do you have a death wish, meddling in my affairs?"

"Miss Su and I share a mutual affection, and we're here enjoying each other's company. How is that any of your concern?"

"Get lost!" Wang Chao commanded.

With that, Wang Chao shuddered, squeezing out an apologetic grin. "Ah, so you two are a couple. It seems I've been nosy. My apologies, my apologies!" With those words, Du Yang hastily retreated with his men.

By labeling them a couple, Wang Chao provided Du Yang with an excuse. Should the rumor spread, Du Yang could claim he refrained from interfering because he believed Wang Chao and Su Lan were in a relationship.

"Uncle Hong! It's not like that!" Su Lan was visibly distressed, but Du Yang didn't turn back.

As Du Yang disappeared into the distance, Wang Chao's grin reappeared. "Su Lan, there are too many people here. We shouldn't keep them waiting. How about we find a quieter place to have a drink?" The suggestive tone in Wang Chao's voice made his intentions clear; he wasn't just proposing a simple drink.

Su Lan's voice was icy as she replied, "I'm not going anywhere with you. I'm headed to my store. Now step aside!" Su Lan owned several shops on Yellowstone Street, a true beauty with a head for business.

Wang Chao leaned in closer, tempting her, "If you agree to go out with me today, I'll buy everything in your store!"

He reached for Su Lan's hand, but she was quick to react.

"Slap!"

A sharp slap from Su Lan's hand landed on Wang Chao's cheek, silencing the onlookers who collectively gasped.

Su Lan had actually slapped Wang Chao? They all remembered how Du Yang had been intimidated into fleeing by Wang Chao just moments before.

"Ungrateful wretch! Can't take a hint, can you?" Wang Chao snarled, "How dare you hit me!"

Enraged, Wang Chao seized Su Lan's wrist and began dragging her away.

"Bang!"

In that instant, Wang Chao felt a sharp pain in his chest and involuntarily staggered backward, his grip on Su Lan's hand involuntarily loosening.

Piercing screams erupted from the crowd as the turn of events unfolded rapidly. No one had anticipated that someone would dare to strike Wang Chao.

And to do so without a moment's hesitation, displaying a boldness that far surpassed Du Yang!

Su Lan was startled as well. Who would dare to defend her like this?

As she gathered her wits, she saw a figure standing before her, tall and upright, yet dressed in the most ordinary attire. There was something vaguely familiar about him.

Upon a closer look, she recognized him. Wasn't this the same man who had shared her ride to Huacheng?

Lin Sheng had been quite aloof towards Su Lan earlier, and she had never imagined that he would confront Wang Chao on her behalf.

"Kid! Are you asking for a death wish?!"

"What are you all waiting for!? Attack, and don't hold back! Beat him senseless!" Wang Chao bellowed at his henchmen, who were still in shock.

That's when they sprang into action, fists flying as they rushed towards Lin Sheng.

Unfazed, Lin Sheng had been through countless life-and-death struggles. To him, these men were hardly a challenge.

With the speed of lightning, Lin Sheng moved, his silhouette darting into the throng, unleashing a one-sided onslaught.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

In under a minute, all of Wang Chao's men were down.

Now, Wang Chao was the only one left standing.