Mu Wanqing merely looked at him for a moment without saying anything.
Then, slowly, a faint smile appeared on her lips, “I have not even told them what you did yet,” she said softly.
Her voice was calm, almost gentle, “So why are you already so nervous?”
Liu Qiang’s expression stiffened.
Mu Wanqing turned toward the receptionist and lifted her hand, pointing directly at him, “It was him.”
The moment those two words fell, Liu Qiang’s face changed, “Miss, you cannot simply accuse me like that!” His voice rose sharply, “You attacked me outside, and I have not even said anything about that!
Now you are standing here and accusing me of Heaven knows what?”
Mu Wanqing looked at him with mild curiosity, “Really?
Then how about we call 110 and let the public security officers determine what happened?” her gaze shifted toward the receptionist, “After all, I do not think your front desk intends to help me.
Otherwise, after hearing what had happened, you would have already contacted your manager or at the very least, taken some action.”
The receptionist’s professional smile stiffened slightly.
She was indeed nervous because there were too many people watching.
However, beneath her nervousness was confidence.
She had worked at the hotel for several years and had dealt with all kinds of guests.
She had developed an instinct for judging people, and the girl standing before her did not look like a guest who belonged in a place like this.
Everything about Mu Wanqing suggested trouble.
More importantly, the hotel manager was currently upstairs attending to Young Master Zhang and his guests.
So there was no way she was going to disrupt the manager over an argument involving a troublesoem girl.
After a brief pause, she regained her composure, “Miss, there must be some misunderstanding here.
Please calm down first and tell me exactly what happened.”
Mu Wanqing looked at her for moment , by now she knew the receptionist had already made her judgment.
A cold amusement flickered through Mu Wanqing’s heart.
But she still took a quiet breath before speaking, “That security guard stopped me before I could even enter the hotel.
He looked at my clothes and my bag and immediately decided that I had come here to beg for food.
He insulted me repeatedly and refused to allow me inside.
When I objected, he became even more disrespectful and attempted to harass me.”
The lobby fell noticeably quieter.
She looked directly at the receptionist, “Do you still believe this is merely a misunderstanding?”
Before the receptionist could respond, Liu Qiang exploded, “She is spouting nonsense!
Why would I harass her?
Look at her!
She is in such a pathetic state!
And she is a minor!
Why would I risk my career and my life doing something like that?”
His words were crude, but his confidence made several people hesitate.
Liu Qiang quickly continued, “I was only doing my duty!
Tonight, Young Master Zhang and his friends are celebrating at the hotel.
We have important guests here.
Something similar happened before, and management instructed us to be careful about suspicious people entering the premises.
So I politely asked her what she was doing here.
But she refused to leave.
She insisted on entering the hotel and then suddenly attacked me!
If you do not believe me, check the security cameras outside!”
Liu Qiang inwardly breathed a sigh of relief.
He had considered the cameras before.
When he had approached Mu Wanqing with his own intentions, he had deliberately lowered his voice.
He had also stood one step above her on the entrance stairs, forcing him to bend slightly whenever he spoke.
From the angle of the cameras, his expression would be difficult to see clearly.
As for his suggestive words?
The cameras would never record them.
As long as no one had clearly heard what he said, everything depended upon his word against hers.
And in that situation, he believed he had the advantage.
Several guests who had initially sympathized with Mu Wanqing began to exchange uncertain looks.
The situation suddenly did not seem as simple as it had moments ago.
“That does make sense,” someone whispered.
“Would someone really dare to do such a thing in front of a hotel entrance with so many cameras around?”
“Exactly, he is just a security guard, no man in his senses would harras a girl, especially a minor and risk his life and career, Afterall of doing guilty the least sentence is of nine years.”
“And she did attack him,” another person murmured.
“We all saw him fall.”
A man who had spoken for Mu Wanqing erlier also frowned thoughtfully, “Perhaps the girl misunderstood something.”
The atmosphere in the lobby gradually shifted.
Only moments earlier, Liu Qiang had been the obvious villain.
Now, doubt had begun to spread.
Seeing this the receptionist also relaxed slightly.
She glanced at Mu Wanqing, her expression calm and composed, “Miss, we have now heard both sides of the story.
In my opinion, this was merely a misunderstanding.”
She then gestured toward Liu Qiang, “Security guard Liu has worked at the Bvlgari Hotel diligently for nearly ten years.
During that entire time, we have never received a single complaint against him.
You are the first person to accuse him of such behavior.”
Her tone remained courteous, but there was something unmistakably suggestive beneath those carefully chosen words.
She was not asking Mu Wanqing to reconsider.
She was telling her what conclusion she was expected to accept.
“Security Officer Liu was simply performing his duties,” the receptionist continued.
“We have important guests at the hotel tonight, and we cannot allow anything to disturb their experience.
So, we will not pursue the matter of you attacking our security.
You may simply apologize to him, and then leave.”
For a moment, Mu Wanqing simply stood there as she stared at the receptionist.
Then…
“Ha…
hahaha…” A burst of laughter suddenly escaped her lips.
Her shoulders trembled slightly as she raised a hand to cover her mouth.
The absurdity of the situation was simply too great.
She was shocked at how this receptionist so confidently handed down a one-sided judgment and was now trying to brush her of, it was ridiculous.
After all, was it even her place to make decisions, let alone force her to apologize to that jerk?
After laughing for several seconds, Mu Wanqing finally calmed herself.
She wiped the faint tears that had formed at the corners of her eyes and looked at the receptionist with genuine amusement.
“You are truly an interesting person.”
The receptionist’s expression changed slightly.
Mu Wanqing continued, her voice soft but unmistakably sharp, “And quite a funny one, at that.
I am honestly impressed.
With just a few sentences from each side, you have so righteously delivered such a magnificent verdict.”
The receptionist’s smile gradually disappeared.
Mu Wanqing, however, did not seem concerned.
She slowly turned toward Liu Qiang.
Unlike before, Liu Qiang had completely relaxed.
He stood with a confident posture, the panic from earlier seemingly gone.
The receptionist’s words had reassured him completely.
The hotel had chosen his side.
What was there for him to fear?
A faint smile rested on his lips.
It was not a broad smile.
Yet, for some reason, the moment Mu Wanqing looked directly at him, Liu Qiang suddenly felt a chill travel down his spine.
Her expression was far too calm.
Mu Wanqing looked at him for several seconds before speaking, “Liu Qiang.”
His smile stiffened slightly.
“So confident that you are safe?” Her voice was quiet.
Then her eyes narrowed, “Very well.” She slowly reached into her pocket and took out her mobile phone, “Then let us see whether you can remain this confident when the public security officers are questioning you.”
Mu Wanqing lowered her gaze and began dialing 110.
Liu Qiang’s heart skipped a beat for moment, but almost immediately, he forced himself to calm down.
Do not panic.
There is no evidence.
He reassured himself silently.
But the receptionist was not nearly as calm.
The moment she saw Mu Wanqing preparing to call public security bureau, genuine panic flashed through her eyes.
She could not allow this troublesome girl to contact the Public Security Bureau and turn a small disturbance into a major incident.
There were important guests in the hotel.
Young Master Zhang was still upstairs.
If the police arrived at the Bvlgari Hotel in the middle of the night because of an accusation involving one of their employees, the matter would become impossible to conceal.
So before Mu Wanqing could press the call button, the receptionist suddenly reached across the counter.
Her hand caught Mu Wanqing’s wrist.
Mu Wanqing’s brows immediately drew together.
The receptionist swiftly pushed the girl’s hand downward and locked the phone screen.
Everyone stared at her in stunned silence including Mu Wanqing.
The receptionist seemed to realize that her actions had been too obvious.
She immediately withdrew her hand and straightened her uniform.
Then she looked at Mu Wanqing with a stern expression.
“Miss, I have already explained that this matter appears to be a misunderstanding.” Her tone had lost even a last trace of politeness, “By insisting on escalating this situation, you are only making things more difficult for yourself.
You have no evidence.
If you involve the Public Security Bureau, you will only drag this matter out unnecessarily.”
She paused deliberately before adding, “And let me remind you where you are.
This is the Bvlgari Hotel.
Our legal team is among the best.”
Several guests frowned at those words.
The receptionist, however, seemed not to notice, “Of course, if you still insist on escalating the matter, no one can stop you.” She gave Mu Wanqing a thin smile, “But you are still very young.
You have your entire life ahead of you.”
The meaning behind her words was impossible to misunderstand.
It was not advice but a warning.
Mu Wanqing stared at the receptionist in stunned silence.
For several seconds, she could hardly believe what had just happened.
Inside her mind, System 888 was equally furious.
[This is outrageous!
She actually dared to snatch your phone and threaten you?
What kind of behavior is this?
Just because she works at a luxury hotel, does she think she is above the law?]
The system’s voice was filled with indignation.
[Host, you must teach her a lesson!
That woman and that despicable security guard cannot be allowed to get away with this.
They must pay for humiliating my host!]
Mu Wanqing’s anger had already reached its limit.
Her expression slowly changed and the faint amusement disappeared from her eyes, replaced by a coldness that made the air around her seem to grow heavier.
“Did you just get physical with me,” she asked slowly, “to stop me from calling the Public Security Bureau and threaten me?”
The receptionist’s fingers tightened slightly beneath the counter.
She noticed the numerous gazes around her, but she quickly convinced herself that she had nothing to fear.
She had worked at this hotel for years.
She knew how things worked.
Every establishment had its own rules, and when trouble arose, employees were expected to protect the hotel’s interests.
As long as she could prevent this incident from becoming a scandal, the management would naturally stand behind her.
Besides, in her eyes, Mu Wanqing was still just a poor teenage girl with no influence.
What could someone like her possibly do?
The receptionist once again put on her professional smile, “Miss, you have misunderstood me.” Her voice was gentle and composed, “I was merely reminding you of the possible consequences of escalating the matter.
Please do not take my words the wrong way.”
Her answer was so shamelessly smooth that even some of the guests nearby were left speechless.
A few exchanged glances.
Yet despite the obvious injustice, nobody immediately stepped forward.
After all, there were unspoken rules in every establishment.
When an incident threatened the reputation of the organization, protecting the organization often came before protecting an outsider.
That was especially true in a place like this.
The Bulgari Hotel was not an ordinary establishment.
Behind its luxurious appearance stood an enormous network of wealthy guests, influential clients, powerful connections, and a management structure that ordinary people could scarcely understand.
Most people knew better than to involve themselves.
However, not everyone in the lobby was an ordinary guest.
Several meters away, near the glass railing overlooking the lower level, two teenagers stood casually with champagne glasses in their hands.
Both were dressed in expensive custom-made suits.
Their clothing alone was enough to reveal that they came from wealthy families.
They had been watching the entire spectacle with considerable interest.
One of them frowned and lowered his champagne glass, “Brother Zhang, I honestly cannot believe that receptionist would go this far.
She actually stopped the girl from calling the police.
That’s really shameless.”
The young man beside him merely smirked.
He took an unhurried sip of champagne before looking down at the scene below, “What do you think that little beggar girl will do now, Chen Gang?”
Chen Gang sighed, “Isn’t it obvious?
She is already cornered.
What else can she do?” His eyes lingered on her face for a moment, and a trace of pity appeared in them, “It’s just a pity.
Such a beautiful girl.”
Then he nudged Zhang Jianjun with his elbow, “Brother Zhang, why don’t we go downstairs and become her knights in shining armor?” A mischievous smile appeared on his face, “I’m sure she would be grateful to us for the rest of her life.”
Zhang Jianjun glanced at him.
Then he calmly shook his head, “She doesn’t need our help.”
Chen Gang immediately frowned, “What do you mean?”
Zhang Jianjun did not answer.
Instead, he lifted his chin slightly and gestured, “Just wait.” His lips curled into an amused smile, “The good show is only beginning.”
Chen Gang followed his gaze.
The next moment, his expression changed, “What the hell…
Is that…?”
Zhang Jianjun chuckled softly, “Yes.” He took another sip of champagne, “You are seeing correctly.”
Downstairs, Mu Wanqing spoke, “Very well.” Her voice was surprisingly calm, “You actually dared to lay hands on me to stop me from seeking help, and then tried to frighten me with your hotel’s legal team.
You have made your choice.”
The receptionist’s smile stiffened.
Mu Wanqing’s eyes were slightly red from anger, but there was no fear in them, “If I cannot bring you two shameless people to account for what you have done tonight, and if I cannot make your entire management personally answer for this matter before the night is over…” She paused.
A cold smile appeared on her lips, “Than consider I’m no longer worth my surname.”
The words carried a strange weight. You are reading on g.com, the official source.
The receptionist’s expression became increasingly unpleasant.
But Mu Wanqing had not finished.
She turned her gaze toward Liu Qiang, “You wanted proof, didn’t you?”
Liu Qiang’s heart suddenly tightened.
Mu Wanqing slowly lifted her phone, “I have a recording.
Every disgusting word you said to me outside was recorded clearly”
Liu Qiang’s pupils immediately contracted and the expression on his face froze.
And eveb the receptionist’s professional smile disappeared completely and eyes widened in shock.
The murmurs swept through the entire lobby like a wave.
“She recorded everything?”
“Then there is no need to rely on the surveillance cameras anymore.”
“That security guard and the receptionist are finished.”
“But this is not merely about the two of them, the reputation of the hotel will suffer as well.
A minor was humiliated and harassed by a member of the hotel staff.
If this matter reaches the media, it will no longer remain a dispute between the hotel and this little girl.
It will become a public scandal.”
Mu Wanqing, calmly picked up her old duffel bag and turned toward the exit.
Outwardly, her expression remained composed.
Inwardly, however, her heart was beating like a drum.
“System…
are you absolutely certain this will work?” She asked as tightened her grip around the strap of her bag, “What if your analysis is wrong?
What if this entire plan backfires?”
System 888 immediately responded.
[Host, please remain calm.
The probability of success is extremely high.
According to my analysis, Liu Qiang does not possess a strong psychological constitution.
He was already showing signs of panic before you mentioned the recording.
His guilt and now this fake recording has pushed him close to his breaking point.]
System 888 paused briefly before adding with a hint of pride,
[Furthermore, my scan has confirmed the presence of an extremely important individual among the guests.
The President of LVMH Greater China.]
System 888 continued matter-of-factly.
[His position is at highest levels of the group’s operations in the Greater China region.
And, as you should know, LVMH is the parent group associated with this hotel.]
Mu Wanqing’s finally understood the reason why System 888 had been so confident.
Just as she was about to reach the glass doors…
“Wait!” Liu Qiang’s desperate voice rang out behind her.
Mu Wanqing’s lips curved almost imperceptibly, It actually worked, she thought.
Liu Qiang rushed toward her with a pale face, his earlier arrogance completely gone.
Panic had replaced the smug expression he had worn only moments ago.
He reached out instinctively, intending to grab her by the shoulder.
But Mu Wanqing reacted immediately.
She took a quick step to the side, avoiding his hand completely as her cold gaze landed on him, “What?
Are you trying to harass me openly now, in front of everyone?”
Liu Qiang immediately replied, “No!
No, little sister, I would never dare!” He shook his head violently, “Please…
please forgive me for what happened earlier.
I was foolish.
I was confused for a moment.
My mind was not clear, and I said things that I should never have said.”
His voice trembled, “Please give me another chance.
Just once chance.”
Thud!
Liu Qiang suddenly dropped to his knees making several people gasped.
“Little sister, I was wrong!” Before anyone could react, he raised his hand and slapped himself across the face.
Slap!
The sound echoed through the lobby.
“I was blind!”
Slap!
“I had eyes but failed to recognize Mount Tai!”
Slap!
“Please forgive me this once!”
His face quickly turned red.
Mu Wanqing stood silently before him, her expression unreadable.
Liu Qiang continued pleading desperately, “I swear to Heaven, I will never do such a thing again.
I was possessed by lust and stupidity for a moment.
Little sister, please have mercy!”
Then, to everyone’s shock, he bent forward and started bangging is forehead on marble floor.
Mu Wanqing’s eyes narrowed slightly.
By now, Liu Qiang had truly understood the seriousness of his situation.
The laws and regulations regarding the protection of women were very strict.
What made the matter worse was that Mu Wanqing was still underage.
If this incident were formally reported and investigated, his career would be the least of his concerns.
What terrified him was the possibility imprisonment.
The moment Mu Wanqing had claimed that she possessed a recording, the last trace of confidence in Liu Qiang’s heart had collapsed.
He did not know whether the recording truly existed.
But he did not dare to gamble.
Not with his entire future.
The guests watching the scene but felt no sympathy for him.
At that moment, hurried footsteps sounded from the direction of the entrance.
The security supervisor arrived with several security guards behind him.
Earlier, he had been dealing with a problem near one of the entrances, where several surveillance cameras had malfunctioned.
The moment he received word that an incident was taking place in the lobby, he had rushed over immediately.
However, the scene before him left him completely bewildered, “What is going on?” His eyes immediately landed on Liu Qiang, “Liu Qiang!
What are you doing?
Why are you creating such a disgraceful scene in the lobby?”
He stepped closer, his expression darkening.
“You are a security officer of this hotel.
Look at yourself!
Kneeling on the floor, slapping yourself and banging your head like a madman.
What exactly have you done?”
But Liu Qiang did not answer him.
He seemed unable to hear anything.
His attention remained entirely fixed on Mu Wanqing, “Little sister…
please forgive me.”
The security supervisor frowned deeply.
Something was clearly wrong.
Before he could question anyone further, a deep and authoritative male voice suddenly rang through the lobby.
“He has done something so disgraceful that no amount of regret or apology can erase it.”