The city lights were just beginning to flicker on.

「Lan Gui Casino.」

A women's electric scooter slowly came to a stop at the entrance, its modest appearance starkly out of place among the surrounding luxury cars.

Luo Xiu dismounted at a leisurely pace, then leaned in toward the rearview mirror to adjust his wind-tousled hair.

Xu Qianqing removed her helmet, her face etched with nervousness and fear. "Luo... Luo Xiu, are we really going in?"

The desperados inside the casino had already left her with a deep-seated fear. Besides, she felt that what Luo Xiu was doing was far too impulsive.

But she had no idea that he had brought her here precisely because of that fear. The best way to overcome a shadow is to face it head-on.

Luo Xiu picked up the bag of cash he had just withdrawn and strode toward the casino entrance. "I don't have much time left," he said. "Before I die, I want to help you resolve this."

He glanced back at Xu Qianqing and added, "I grew up in the mountains, so I never made any friends. You're my first."

Xu Qianqing pursed her lips. He's so naïve.

"But even if you go in and beat them up today, it still won't solve the problem. Please, listen to me. Let's just go back."

Luo Xiu smiled. "When dealing with rich and powerful people, fists are the most direct and effective solution."

Xu Qianqing looked helpless and said no more.

…

「Hospital.」

In a special ward.

A burly, heavily tattooed man gazed at Ling Feng on the hospital bed, his expression exceedingly complex. Ling Feng was the "Brother Feng" whom Guan Hao had previously hired to confront Luo Xiu and Lin Xiyue.

Breaking the silence, the burly man spoke. "Just one punch, and you end up lying in a hospital bed. It looks like Guan Hao found you a tough nut to crack this time."

The burly man was named Wu Tianhua, one of East District Boss Huang's four most trusted subordinates. In Sea City's underworld, Wu Tianhua was known as "Hua Butcher" for his infamous ruthlessness!

And Ling Feng was a brother Wu Tianhua had grown up with.

On the hospital bed, Ling Feng clenched his teeth. "Brother, I must have my revenge! I've been around Sea City for so many years, and this is the first time I've ever been humiliated like this!"

"What's that kid's background?" Wu Tianhua asked.

Ling Feng shook his head. "I don't know the details. I only heard from Guan Hao that he's Lin Xiyue's man. His name is apparently Luo Xiu, just some wild dog from the mountains. Lin Xiyue is using this mongrel as a shield to avoid the Cao Family."

Hearing this, Wu Tianhua's mouth twisted into a bizarre smile. "Just a member of the Lin Family..."

Before he could finish, his phone suddenly rang. He took it out, and as soon as he answered, he heard painful groans from the other end.

"Brother Hua, some... something happened at the casino!"

Wu Tianhua's brow furrowed, and he quickly stepped out of the ward.

"What happened?"

A few moments later, Wu Tianhua returned to the room, his face dark.

Ling Feng quickly asked, "What's wrong?"

Wu Tianhua gritted his teeth. "Lan Gui Casino got trashed."

Ling Feng's expression changed. "Was it the guys from the South District? Or the North District?"

Wu Tianhua shook his head and exhaled slowly. "It's not clear yet."

Panic filled Ling Feng's eyes as a thought seemed to strike him. He stammered, "The casino was trashed... If Big Sister finds out..."

Wu Tianhua cut him off. "Enough, Feng. You just focus on recovering. I'm going to head over and take a look."

…

「Meanwhile.」

Lan Gui Casino.

The once lavishly decorated casino hall was now a complete wreck, a truly distressing sight.

Luo Xiu sat in a chair with his legs crossed. The floor around him was littered with scattered chips and the remains of smashed tables and chairs. In addition, several men lay on the ground, groaning in agony.

Xu Qianqing stood beside Luo Xiu, stunned by the scene. Even now, she could hardly believe what she had just witnessed.

Is this Luo Xiu even human? He took on more than a dozen men by himself, and in less than a minute, they were all down!

Expressionless, Luo Xiu looked at the bruised and swollen young man kneeling before him and said coolly, "Every wrong has its perpetrator, and every debt its debtor. Point out every person who went to Xu Qianqing's home to demand money. Otherwise, all of you will shoulder the blame together."

"Yes, yes, right away..." the young man stammered, terrified of provoking Luo Xiu again. He had just witnessed Luo Xiu's methods firsthand, and his body was still throbbing with a pain so intense it felt as if it were being devoured by thousands of ants.

Soon, seven men in suits were brought before Luo Xiu.

Luo Xiu rose slowly, glanced at Xu Qianqing, and asked, "Are these them?"

Xu Qianqing nodded slightly.

He then pointed to the bag of money on the table. "It is right and proper to pay one's debts," he said. "The money owed to your casino, principal plus interest, is all here."

However, the men all kept their heads bowed, not daring to utter a sound.

Luo Xiu's gaze turned icy. "We can consider this debt settled. But now, it's time to settle a different score."

Then he added, "Qian Qing, what's about to happen might get a little grim. Go wait for me at the entrance."

A short while later, having walked to the entrance, Xu Qianqing heard agonizing screams erupt from behind her, making her scalp tingle. Through the commotion, she faintly heard Luo Xiu's voice declare, "Remember, my name is Luo Xiu, the son-in-law of the Lin Family."

...

After settling the matter and leaving the casino, Luo Xiu and Xu Qianqing parted ways.

By the time he got a taxi back to the Lin Family estate, it was already late into the night. The entire villa was silent; everyone had likely gone to sleep.

Luo Xiu tiptoed up to the third floor, only to find that he couldn't open his bedroom door. Left with no choice, he knocked on Lin Xiyue's door.

"What do you want so late at night?" Lin Xiyue opened the door, glaring at Luo Xiu with her cheeks puffed out in annoyance.

Luo Xiu's gaze fell upon her sexy lace nightgown and the flesh-colored, thigh-high stockings held up by suspenders. He suddenly grew restless. Scratching his head and looking away, he said, "Uh... my room's door seems to be jammed. Do you have a spare key or something?"

Lin Xiyue laughed inwardly but kept a straight face. She was the one who had locked his door.

She said in a coy voice, "Who would have a spare key to your room? You'll just have to call a locksmith tomorrow."

Luo Xiu looked frustrated. "Then where am I supposed to sleep tonight?"

Lin Xiyue's expression was flat. "As it happens, I have to work all night. You can have the bed."

Before Luo Xiu could respond, she grabbed him, pulled him into the room, and quickly shut the door as if she were afraid he might escape.

Inside the room, barefoot on the plush carpet, Luo Xiu took off his shoes and looked around, a little uncomfortably. This was his first time in Lin Xiyue's room.

The spacious room was clean and tidy, but also lavishly decorated. It was filled with plush toys, a large wardrobe, and several display shelves lined with designer bags and other luxury accessories.

"What's there to look at? Go take a shower. You reek of sweat," Lin Xiyue said, pushing him forward with a look of disgust.

Luo Xiu figured he should wash up, as he had sweated a lot. Besides, he was exhausted and really needed to rest, so he had no energy to make a fuss. But when he stepped into the bathroom, he nearly had a nosebleed. He was confronted with the sight of various feminine, personal items.

Damn...

「Simultaneously.」

Lin Xiyue tiptoed to her wardrobe and pulled out a jar of medicinal liquor. It was an ancestral heirloom she had secretly taken from Lin Daqi. The liquor was nearly a hundred years old, a relic left behind by her great-grandfather.

So you want to play hard to get with me? We'll see how I deal with you in a bit. Her cheeks puffed out as she shot a fierce glare toward the bathroom. Then, she poured the medicinal liquor.

About ten minutes later, Luo Xiu emerged from the bathroom wrapped in a pink bath towel, his face flushed with embarrassment.

"Uh... I had to use your towel. I'll get my own clothes and wash everything tomorrow once my door is open."

Lin Xiyue, pretending to be absorbed in her work at the computer desk, simply gave a faint smile, seemingly unbothered that he had used her towel.

To break the awkward silence, Luo Xiu forced himself to make conversation. "What are you so busy with that you have to work all night?"

Lin Xiyue replied coolly, "Just the project I'm cooperating on with the Sun Family."

"Oh..." Luo Xiu nodded, saying no more. He was clueless when it came to business matters.

"Well, you get to it then. I'm exhausted, so I'm going to bed."

"Luo Xiu," Lin Xiyue suddenly called out.

"Hm?"

"Would you like a drink?"

"No, thanks. I want to get to sleep early."

Lin Xiyue smiled coyly. "It's fine. A little alcohol helps you sleep better. I'm done with work for now, anyway. Have a drink with me. We can chat."

"Alright, then." Luo Xiu walked over and sat on the stool beside her.

Lin Xiyue chuckled to herself. She handed Luo Xiu the glass of medicinal liquor she had prepared, while her own glass was filled with red wine.

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