Chapter 134: The Slap Resounds Again

"I’m in too!"

"I’m in too!"

"..."

For a moment, those three words filled the entire scene.

Jiang Hao grinned and said, "Chen, even though these people aren’t your brothers, they are my brothers. It’s only right for brothers to help each other. Come on, brothers, let’s take down these bastards!"

"Let’s do it!"

Instantly, hundreds of people charged towards Zhu Hong’s men.

Zhu Hong only had a dozen men, and even though they were skilled, they were no match for the hundreds. In no time, all of them were knocked to the ground, unable to get up.

Seeing this, Zhu Hong’s face turned ashen, and with a murderous look in his eyes, he shouted, "Sto..."

Bang!

Before he could finish saying ‘stop’, an unexpected fist came flying and smashed into his face, knocking him to the ground.

"Stop your mother. Brothers, beat him up!"

"Stop hitting him, enough already."

Seeing the situation spiraling out of control, Ling Chen grew anxious and hurriedly yelled.

Damn it, I wanted to get a taste of the action myself, but these guys finished it all, and I didn’t even throw a punch.

Hearing Ling Chen speak, the hundreds of people, still wanting more, reluctantly backed off.

In the center of the arena, Zhu Hong and his men were all lying on the ground, hands over their heads, not daring to get up, fearing they would be hit again.

Ling Chen glanced at Zhu Hong not far away and almost couldn’t help laughing. Zhu Hong’s handsome face was swollen, looking almost like a pig’s head, with patches of black and blue around his eyes. His expensive suit was torn, and his hair a mess, resembling a beggar. He looked utterly wretched, with no trace of the noble young master’s demeanor.

He walked up to Zhu Hong, squatted down with a smile on his face, and said, "Mr. Zhu, I deeply sympathize with what you’ve gone through, but as you can see, I was not the one who laid hands on you, so please don’t hold it against me."

Zhu Hong looked up, his eyes coldly fixed on him, and through clenched teeth said, "Ling Chen, the humiliation I suffered today will be returned a hundredfold someday. Remember my words, I will make your life a living hell."

"Is that so? Well then..."

Slap!

Another loud slap.

Zhu Hong covered his cheek and yelled, "Ling Chen, you..."

Ling Chen, looking at his palm, said with a smile, "Since you already hate me so much, I can’t lose out. Hitting you one more time won’t change anything. Wouldn’t you agree, Mr. Zhu?"

After speaking, he leaned in closer, lowering his voice, "Mr. Zhu, listen well, I don’t care who you are, but if you dare trouble me, I guarantee you’ll live the rest of your life in fear. Remember my words."

"Ling Chen, what are you doing?"

At that moment, Xia Mutong finally led her subordinates into the crowd.

Ling Chen stood up, spread his hands, and said, "Officer Xia, I haven’t done anything. These people can vouch for me; ask them if you don’t believe me."

Xia Mutong glanced at Zhu Hong, who now looked like a pig’s head, and couldn’t help but feel amused, which alleviated much of the annoyance she had felt earlier. However, as a law enforcement officer, she needed to be fair and stern.

"Are you saying these people weren’t beaten by you?"

Ling Chen protested: "Officer Xia, I truly did not initiate anything. If I am lying, let lightning strike me dead."

Hearing his severe oath, Xia Mutong snorted lightly, then turned to the bodyguards with swollen faces and asked, "You tell me, who was the one who hit you?"

The crowd glanced at Ling Chen and then at each other, shaking their heads one after another. The scene earlier had been too chaotic; they had no idea who actually hit them.

"Fine, since you’re not willing to pinpoint anyone, you might as well admit defeat. Take all these people back with me."

Watching Zhu Hong and his group being led away by the police, Ling Chen gestured with his hands to the people around and said, "Brothers, thanks. I’ll set up a feast one of these days to treat you all well."

"Chen, if there’s nothing else, we’ll be heading off first," Jiang Hao said.

Ling Chen patted his shoulder and chuckled, "Alright, you guys have worked hard too. Head back first; we’ll be in touch another day."

After seeing off everyone, Ling Chen and Nanrong Hao got into the Range Rover and followed the convoy all the way to the hospital.

After having his wounds tended to, the doctor wanted Ling Chen to stay in the hospital for a few days, but he felt it was unnecessary as he knew his own condition best.

Exiting the medical office, Ling Chen went straight to the inpatient department. Seeing Nanrong Hao in the corridor, he greeted him, "Where’s Sister?"

"Inside."

"I’ll go in to take a look."

Saying so, he pushed open the door of the hospital room and walked in with large strides.

At that moment, Su Lin, Nanrong Yong, and Liu Kun were all in the room, sitting around Nanrong Wanqing’s bedside, chatting with her.

Seeing Ling Chen enter, Nanrong Yong stood up immediately to greet him, grabbing his hands gratefully, "Ling Chen, thank you so much for this time. If it weren’t for you, Wanqing might have..."

Ling Chen grinned, "Old master, please don’t say such things. I am employed by the Nanrong family as security; safeguarding the chairman’s safety is my duty." After speaking, he walked to the bedside, looking at Nanrong Wanqing lying in bed, "Chairman, how are you feeling? Are the wounds alright?"

Hearing him mention her wounds in front of everyone caused Nanrong Wanqing to feel slightly embarrassed. Fortunately, she was adept at hiding her emotions, and her face did not reveal anything.

"Thank you for your concern, I’m fine. How about you?"

"It’s just a minor injury; it’s nothing."

"That’s good to hear. Grandfather, Lin, could you please step out for a moment? I’d like to talk to Ling Chen alone."

"Sure, you guys take your time." Nanrong Yong nodded and walked out.

Although Su Lin really wanted to stay, since Nanrong Wanqing made the request, she did not want to disobey. However, before leaving, she gave Ling Chen a curious look, secretly wondering what Nanrong Wanqing wanted to talk about with him alone.

Once Nanrong Yong and the other two had left, Ling Chen unceremoniously pulled up a chair and sat down beside Nanrong Wanqing.

"You want to ask me about Zhu Hong?" he asked with a smile.

"Let’s talk about his matter later; I have other questions."

"Sure, go ahead."

"Though I don’t know much about your past, I believe you must have a complicated history. Earlier, I was discussing with Grandfather that those who attempted to kidnap me likely aren’t enemies of the Nanrong family. Snake King hasn’t been caught yet; our enemies wouldn’t send someone else so soon. I wonder if, like you speculated, those people were after the research lab’s results."

"The suspicion on them is indeed strong, but so far it’s all conjecture with no solid evidence. So, we can only suspect, not confirm."

"Based on your experience, who do you think they might be?"

"I’m not sure; I’ve already withdrawn from that world, so I lack access to many details." He paused then continued, "Chairman, I know what you’re worried about; rest assured, someone else is handling this matter. They will deal with it. In the meantime, I’ll ensure your safety."

Nanrong Wanqing nodded gently, "I trust you will."