Xiang Ri was momentarily "startled." Could things truly escalate this dramatically? He had only just mentioned the "lover," and now the "lover" had appeared. Was he really this "lucky"?
Yet, deep down, he felt entirely unbothered. No matter how fearsome this so-called "lover" might be, even with only one functioning hand, he certainly wasn't anyone's punching bag to toy with.
Scarface, on the other hand, hadn't anticipated such boldness from this young man. Despite the situation and his own warnings, Xiang Ri remained completely unflustered, showing no intention of retreating. Truly, he was fearless—small wonder he dared to pursue that woman.
Still, as daunting as that woman could be, she was nothing compared to the figure now walking toward them. Scarface considered trying to dissuade Xiang Ri once more, but there was no time—the so-called "lover" had already arrived.
The figure sported a short, sleek haircut, framing a pale and delicate face. Slender, sharp eyes lent an air of cunning and danger, while tightly pursed lips bore an uncanny resemblance to the icy demeanor of the woman Xiang Ri had just encountered. However, this individual exuded an unmistakable arrogance, a kind of overbearing confidence typically associated with the most audacious men.
Beneath the androgynous attire lay an undeniable allure, making it clear that, with a more traditional outfit, this individual could be quite captivating.
Behind her trailed six towering men clad in black suits, their physiques far more imposing than Scarface and his team. Their bulging muscles, accentuated by snug attire, seemed to radiate menace.
The "lover" stood squarely in Xiang Ri's path, fixing an unyielding gaze upon him. "An injured right hand, black-rimmed glasses, and an infuriatingly punchable face… Wait a minute!" Her voice suddenly rose in a shrill cry. "I know you! So it's *you*, you bastard!" Pure hatred seeped through her tone.
Xiang Ri recognized her too—the so-called "handsome man" he had encountered dining with his apprentice, Shi Qing, at the restaurant. Pushing his glasses up nonchalantly, he said, "Ah, so you still remember me..." Then, glancing at her entourage, he smirked. "It seems you took my advice—brought not just one but several musclemen to dine with you."
The "lover" ignored his mockery, breaking into a sinister laugh that bordered on madness. "Perfect! I've been looking for you everywhere, and here you come, walking right into my hands. Hahaha!" Her expression suddenly darkened, contorted with rage. "You damned bastard! I told you after you stole my woman last time—I'd cut off your *manhood*! And now you're harassing my woman again? This time, I'll slice it into pieces and feed it to the dogs!"
Scarface and his men felt their stomachs tighten instinctively. To think the two not only knew each other but seemed to share such profound animosity—it was unsettling. Judging by the crazed woman's expression, this feud wasn't just a casual one. Silently, they began to pity Xiang Ri.
Yet, Xiang Ri simply shrugged, his voice laced with disdain. "As I said before, feel free to try—if you're capable."
"Don't worry, kid," she spat venomously. "You'll find out soon enough. I always deliver on my promises!"
"Well then, no need to wait," Xiang Ri said, his tone light as he eyed her provocatively. His gaze deliberately lingered on the curves she couldn't hide, even in her masculine suit, causing him to smile wickedly.
The "lover" erupted in fury. "I'll gouge out your eyes along with everything else!"
Xiang Ri sneered. "All this talk is such a waste of time. If you're going to do something, hurry up—I don't have all day. I still need to go home and enjoy some quality time with my dear Qing. Unlike you, I don't have time for the likes of a freak like you."
His words were sharp and venomous, especially his pointed mention of his "relationship" with Shi Qing. It hit a nerve, sending her into a trembling fit of rage.
Scarface and his team exchanged uneasy glances, their admiration for Xiang Ri's audacity mixed with a growing sense of dread. This was outright reckless—provoking an opponent who could obliterate him, particularly with his injured hand wrapped thickly in gauze.
Sure enough, the "lover" lost all composure, screaming hysterically, "Beat him to death! Don't hold back—I'll take full responsibility!"
The black-suited men surged forward, but Scarface quickly stepped in their path, fixing a firm gaze on the enraged "lover." "Miss An, this is the True Dragon Villa District. Please don't make things difficult for us."
The "lover's" gaze turned icy. "So, you're determined to oppose me?"
Scarface, neither servile nor overbearing, replied steadily, "It's simply our duty, Miss An. I hope you can understand. Besides, Mr. Chu wouldn't want to see another violent incident here."
"Don't try to use that old man Chu to intimidate me!" Miss An, the androgynous figure, spat venomously, clearly harboring deep-seated enmity toward this so-called Mr. Chu. "He may be the richest man, but I don't give a damn about him. I'm asking you—are you going to meddle in this matter or not?"
"As long as…" Scarface glanced at the frail young man nearby, clearly doubting if the latter could even withstand a single punch. Clenching his jaw in determination, he declared, "Yes, I'll intervene in this matter no matter what!"
"In that case…" Miss An let out a chilling laugh. "Don't blame me if—"
"What's going on here?" A melodious voice interrupted her, halting her mid-sentence. From a short distance away, a stunningly beautiful woman in her early thirties approached with an air of sophistication and poise.
"Lady Bing!" Scarface's face lit up with relief—his savior had arrived. He hurried forward, quickly and quietly explaining the situation.
"Bing... Bing-jie?" As the glamorous woman approached, Miss An's demeanor transformed entirely. A blush, rare and unmistakable, spread across her face—a telltale sign reserved for someone in the presence of their heart's desire.
"So, it's you, Miss An," the elegant woman greeted her with a slight bow, her expression serene, as if she were well accustomed to such odd reactions. Her gaze shifted toward the slender young man, and a flicker of surprise crossed her eyes. "Ah, Mr. Xiang. You're here too?"
"Lady Bing," Xiang Ri replied with a polite nod. The detail that lingered most in his memory about her was the thick calluses on her middle and index fingers.
Scarface and his team of bodyguards were utterly stunned. He knew Lady Bing? And judging by her demeanor, she even seemed to regard him with respect? Just who was this young man? Lady Bing might only be the housekeeper of the True Dragon Villa District's owner, but her authority here was absolute. On top of that, she possessed another, far more formidable identity.
"You know him, Lady Bing?" Miss An's expression turned conflicted, her surprise laced with jealousy.
"Yes, Miss An," Lady Bing said with a composed smile. "Could you do me a favor and let this matter rest?"
Miss An, momentarily dazed by Lady Bing's smile, almost agreed on the spot. But then she noticed Lady Bing's gaze wasn't directed at her but at that wretched man instead. A flash of envy and resentment darkened her face. "No!"
Lady Bing hesitated, about to say more, but Xiang Ri interrupted her. "Lady Bing, there's no need for you to get involved. I'll handle this myself."