In S City, the clientele at the Santa Fe Blues Club were no ordinary men.
Mr. Zhang hung out on a regular basis with people from the underworld and was well-informed about the illicit dealings of the many people in the upper echelons of society.
So, naturally, he knew everything and anything about the high-society people in S City. However, he realized that he had no impression whatsoever of this person.
Very rudely, he grunted, "Who are you? Why are you interfering in my affairs?"
On the other hand, An Ziqi, upon recognizing the person approaching, felt like she had been struck by lightning and trembled uncontrollably. All she wanted was to disappear before his eyes.
Why, oh, why did she have to bump into him when she was at her shabbiest and lowest point in life?
From the side, Qin Yong had noticed the person and walked hurriedly toward him. He smiled and tried to ease the tension by introducing the person to Mr. Zhang.
"This is Mr. Lim of the Four Seas Group."
The Four Seas Group was one of the oldest real estate organizations in S City and had always been personally controlled by old Patriarch Lim.
Lin Xilu had just returned from abroad to take over from him, and they had had a brief encounter previously.
In recent years, with the rapid growth in the entertainment market, many bosses from other industries had begun investing in the entertainment industry.
In the past two years, the Four Seas Group had also invested in entertainment. Mr. Qin was a long-time collaborator with the Four Seas Group, and he did not want a minor incident such as this to adversely affect the relationship between the two parties.
He was just about to introduce Mr. Zhang when…
"Hold it. I have no interest whatsoever in people who would take a life on a whim," lips curled, Lin Xilu announced mockingly.
As he spoke, he raised his eyes to look at the disheveled An Ziqi.
With that glance, his eyes instantly puckered as he stepped forward and tugged at An Ziqi, uttering, "An-an, is it you?"
"No, no it's not."
Frantically, An Ziqi tried to cover her face with her hands.
How could she let him see this disheveled and downcast part of her?
Shaking, she took a step backward, wanting to run away.
Initially, Lin Xilu had intervened because he just could not ignore what was going on. He had not expected that, by intervening, he had inadvertently saved An Ziqi.
He was at once angry and worried.
When he saw the blood on An Ziqi's hands and body, and that she was shaking violently, his heart ached beyond words.
Ignoring the urge to get even with scar-faced, he immediately wrapped his jacket securely around An Ziqi and proceeded to check her thoroughly and carefully for any injuries.
"An-an, what happened to you? Tell me, are you hurt?"
His voice shook uncontrollably.
Hearing him, An Ziqi felt even worse and shook her head vehemently.
"Don't be scared. It's all right now. Don't be afraid," Lin Xilu continued to soothe and reassure her.
Little did he know that, at this very moment, the last person that An Ziqi wanted to see was him.
Struggling hard to push him away, An Ziqi said chokingly, "Let me go. Please…I beg you. Just let me go."
Lin Xilu's heart ached even more as he said, "An-an, it's me, Lin Xilu. I'm here, and no one will harm you."
The door to another private room located not far away opened up.
Xiao Moli and Yun Yi had just had a business meeting here.
Emerging from the room, Yun Yi, looking amused, gestured to Xiao Moli.
"Isn't that Lin Xilu from the Four Seas Group? He's barely off the flight from overseas and is already demonstrating the brutal tactics of capitalism. That little rabbit looks really pitiful. Would you like to show off your charm and be the hero who rescues his beautiful maiden?"
Xiao Moli's eyes narrowed as he glanced at the scene ahead and replied curtly, "If you want in on the action, please go ahead."
Just as he was about to turn around and leave, he inadvertently caught sight of the frail figure struggling in Lin Xilu's arms.
Instantly, his eyes radiated fury as he took a few strides forward, pulled An Ziqi away, and, without a word, raised his arm and hit Lin Xilu hard on the face.
Yun Yi was so pumped up that his eyes shone brilliantly.
Xiao Moli's aim was indeed swift and spot on.