“No, A’Li, you can’t go with them!” Zhou Zhou stood up, wanting to intervene, but Yunchuan grabbed her wrist. “Don’t act rashly yet. Let’s see what their intentions are.”
He pressed Zhou Zhou back into her seat and stood up himself, addressing Biao Ge, “Where are you taking her?”
Having spent years navigating the underworld, Biao Ge could tell at a glance that the men in the private room were either wealthy or influential.
They were here for money and didn’t dare cause too much trouble. Offending someone they couldn’t afford to cross would mean taking the money but not living to spend it.
He replied, “We were hired to bring Miss Tangxi to meet a few people.”
Then, cautiously, he added, “That’s all.”
The implication was that they wouldn’t do anything beyond that.
But no one in the private room believed it. With such an aggressive entrance, could it really be just that?
If Tangxi Li hadn’t said she would go with them, a fight would likely have broken out already.
From a corner of the sofa, Yong Zhixu, who had remained silent until now, swept his gaze over the group and settled on Biao Ge.
A faint, elusive smile played on the man’s lips as he spoke in a calm, measured tone, “With me, Yong, here, you won’t be taking her away.”
His thumb gently stroked the Buddhist prayer beads in his hand, his entire demeanor serene and unshakable, exuding a composure that seemed entirely non-threatening.
Yet, at his words, the group of young masters sitting on the sofa abruptly rose in unison, their expressions cold and sharp as they confronted the thugs.
An overwhelming aura of intimidation spread through the room.
The air instantly grew heavy and suffocating.
The thugs were visibly shaken, their faces paling.
It wasn’t just because these men had stood up—it was because the one who had spoken… said his surname was Yong?
Hearing that surname, Biao Ge’s face also showed unmistakable fear.
He stared wide-eyed at Yong Zhixu, taking in his youthful yet distinguished bearing, and the string of Kinan Agarwood prayer beads worth millions wrapped around his wrist.
Prayer beads… Could it be…?
Biao Ge’s face turned ashen, his heart trembling with dread. Without hesitation, he immediately made a ‘retreat’ gesture.
The thugs moved in perfect unison, clearing out of the private room within seconds, leaving no one behind.
As he reached the door, Biao Ge even bowed respectfully to Yong Zhixu and apologized, “Sorry, Third Master, we’re leaving right away.”
They could always capture her elsewhere—no need to risk their lives over this.
But Tangxi Li, leaning lazily against the doorframe, called out to stop Biao Ge, “Wait. Take me with you.”
Biao Ge, who had already reached the hallway, stopped and turned back, a look of confusion on his face.
They had already let her go out of respect for Third Master. Why would she still want to go with them?
The An Family had hired underworld figures like them to capture her, clearly unconcerned about casualties. Did she not understand, or was she truly unafraid?
No one in the private room understood either. Knowing the mountain was full of tigers, why insist on heading straight into it?
Only Yong Zhixu had a complicated look in his eyes.
In truth, the moment the door opened and he saw Tangxi Li, he knew—it wasn’t these men coming to capture her; she had been waiting for them.
Perhaps she didn’t need his help at all, but for some inexplicable reason, he still wanted to offer it.
It was strange—he had never been one to meddle in others’ affairs, yet tonight, he had repeatedly stepped in to assist…
Meanwhile, Biao Ge collected himself and asked seriously, “Little girl, are you sure you want to come with us?”
Tonight, he could let her go—after all, even the An Family wouldn’t dare offend Third Master Yong.That is a true scion of an old-money family—not exaggerating, a single word from him could bankrupt the An Family.
What does being a top-tier wealthy family matter? In the face of a centuries-old lineage, it’s nothing.
Today must be an unlucky day—I actually ran into this formidable figure!
I wonder if he’ll even live to see tomorrow’s sun?
Tangxi Li, however, seemed not to notice the regret in his eyes. She expressionlessly walked past him. “I won’t repeat myself.”
Tap, tap, tap—
Her high heels tapped out a crisp, rhythmic sound on the polished floor, as resolute and unwavering as her attitude.
Watching her graceful, fearless retreating figure, Biao Ge’s eyes flickered with a hint of admiration. So young, yet quite bold.
He waved his hand, and his subordinates immediately surrounded Tangxi Li, escorting her downstairs.
Zhou Zhou rushed out, shouting toward Tangxi Li’s back, “A Li, wait for me. I’ll catch up soon.”
“No need.”
But Zhou Zhou didn’t listen. She turned to the others in the private room. “Who hasn’t been drinking? Quick, take me to the An Family residence on Yiyang Road.”
Silence followed, as everyone had drunk at least a little.
Except, perhaps, for one person.
Everyone’s gaze shifted to Yong Zhixu.
The man picked up his car keys and stood. Even though he knew Tangxi Li might not need it, he still walked out of the room. “Let’s go.”
Zhou Zhou grabbed her bag and stumbled after him.
Yunchuan tried to follow but was stopped by his friends. “Don’t worry, with Third Brother there, nothing will happen. Have some sobering tea first…”
After getting into Biao Ge’s car, Tangxi Li remained silent.
Biao Ge glanced in the rearview mirror at the several Cayennes closely following behind and grew wary.
He tapped the central control screen, about to call his men to deal with them.
From the back seat, the woman’s voice cut in coldly, “Those are my bodyguards. Just take me to the An Family. Don’t cause trouble.”
Hearing this, Biao Ge paused his finger just above the screen and withdrew it.
He discreetly observed Tangxi Li in the rearview mirror, curiosity stirring.
She was just a girl in her twenties, yet she carried an aura of extreme calm.
Without decades of weathering storms, without experiencing great upheavals and dramatic rises and falls, one could never cultivate such composure.
What had she been through to possess such presence at such a young age?
She was right—he just needed to deliver her to the An Family. The rest was none of his concern.
Half an hour later, the car stopped at the entrance of the An Family’s ancestral mansion.
The villa’s gates automatically swung open, revealing rows of servants lined up and waiting at the entrance.
The imposing sight made Biao Ge think Tangxi Li might not make it out alive tonight.
But the next moment, seeing the six tall, blonde, blue-eyed female bodyguards stepping out of the four Cayennes, he dismissed that thought.
These bodyguards carried a heavy aura of lethality—something only those who had taken lives could possess.
It seemed this Tangxi Li was no simple person either. No wonder she dared to come with him.
To avoid getting entangled, after escorting her out of the car, Biao Ge and his men quickly drove away.
The servants at the entrance had received orders from the An Family to “close the gates and beat the dog” once Tangxi Li entered.
Seeing her brought by Biao Ge, they were all pumped up, eager to prove themselves.
But upon spotting the 180cm-tall female bodyguards behind Tangxi Li, their enthusiasm instantly deflated.
Intimidated by their lethal aura, they instinctively parted to make way.Tangxi Li made her way unimpeded to the living room.
As soon as she entered, she saw the An Family sitting in a circle on the sofa.
Everyone was present except for Gu Yuqing’s son and daughter.
The moment An Minghe spotted her, he flew into a rage, “You vile creature! I truly underestimated you!”