"More than just the Hundred Flowers Bank, the World Bank and the Four Seas Bank have also announced a blockade against the Xia Group?!"
"Alright, I know about this matter, I'll figure out a way to handle it."
By the end of her sentence, Xia Bingyu's voice was filled with powerlessness.
After hanging up the phone, Xia Bingyu clenched her fists tightly, her expression shifting constantly.
"Sister Bingyu, did something happen at the company?" Lin Feixuan asked with concern.
"A couple of days ago at a dinner, I offended Sheng Lei, the president of the Hundred Flowers Bank. He sought out people from the Golden Dragon Chamber of Commerce and, along with two other major banks, launched a blockade against the Xia Group."
"This time, I'm afraid the Xia Group really won't be able to hold on."
Xia Bingyu gave a helpless smile, truly feeling a sense of despair.
The Golden Dragon Chamber of Commerce was a behemoth throughout Longxia, controlling astonishing wealth.
Now that people from the Golden Dragon Chamber of Commerce had stepped forward to blockade the Xia Group, she didn't need to guess to know that tomorrow, probably no one would dare to cooperate with them anymore.
At that moment, Su Lin suddenly stood up: "Wife, leave this matter to me. I'll help you solve it!"
Xia Bingyu was already in a bad mood, and hearing Su Lin say this, she couldn't help but let out a cold hum: "The Golden Dragon Chamber of Commerce is no small family. Just based on you, how are you going to solve this?"
Hearing this, Su Lin was just about to say that the Golden Dragon Chamber of Commerce was actually his sixth master's property, when Xia Bingyu's phone rang again!
Seeing that the caller was Sheng Lei, Xia Bingyu's expression instantly turned icy. She answered the call and asked, "Sheng Lei, is there something you want by calling me?"
"Miss Xia, you must already know about the joint blockade of the Xia Group by the three major banks!"
"However, this matter is not without a turning point. As long as you arrive promptly at the top floor of the Golden Dragon Hotel at nine o'clock tonight, we can talk about this matter again."
"Remember, you only get one chance. Whether you can grasp it depends entirely on yourself!"
After speaking with a playful tone, Sheng Lei directly hung up the phone.
Xia Bingyu glanced at the time and stood up without hesitation!
Lin Feixuan couldn't help asking, "Sister Bingyu, what are you going to do?"
"Sheng Lei invited me to the Golden Dragon Hotel to discuss the company blockade. I'm planning to go take a look."
Xia Bingyu replied truthfully.
Lin Feixuan hurriedly advised, "Sister Bingyu, I'm afraid this is a trap. You must stay calm!"
Xia Bingyu shook her head: "The Xia Group was built by my grandfather with his own hands. It cannot be destroyed in my hands. So no matter if it's a trap or not, I have to make this trip!"
Lin Feixuan frowned, a strange look flashing in her eyes as if she wanted to say something.
But right at that moment, Su Lin also stood up and grabbed Xia Bingyu's hand: "Wife, I'll go with you!"
"A mere Golden Dragon Chamber of Commerce dares to bully you? I'll make sure they all kneel down and apologize to you!"
Xia Bingyu frowned, completely disbelieving Su Lin's nonsense!
"Sister Bingyu, just let Su Lin follow along. He has some skills when it comes to fighting. If there really is any danger, he can protect you!" Lin Feixuan offered a word of persuasion.
Xia Bingyu thought about it and ultimately didn't refuse, taking Su Lin with her as she headed out.
Watching their retreating figures, a flash of determination crossed Lin Feixuan's eyes.
She planned to see how things stood when Xia Bingyu returned. If the issue couldn't be resolved, reluctant as she might be, she would have no choice but to use her family's influence to help!
On the other side, after Xia Bingyu and Su Lin got into the car, they headed straight for the Golden Dragon Hotel.
Sitting in the car, Xia Bingyu kept her face cold throughout, showing no intention of speaking.
Sensing this, Su Lin didn't go out of his way to court trouble either, choosing instead to sit in the passenger seat and rest with his eyes closed.
Suddenly!
Bang!
A black van slammed fiercely into the front side of Xia Bingyu's car!
Instantly, the entire vehicle spun out of control, sliding sideways until it crashed into the roadside green belt!
"Wife, watch out!"
Su Lin reacted instantly, pulling Xia Bingyu into his arms to shield her and ensure she didn't suffer any harm!
Afterwards, Su Lin frowned and surveyed the situation outside, seeing a large crowd pouring out of the black van, every single one of them wielding thick, long steel pipes!
"People inside, get the hell out here!"
A shirtless man kept bashing the car body with a steel pipe.
"What kind of people are you?" Xia Bingyu calmed herself down, trying her best to maintain her composure as she asked.
"You've probably heard of the Black Tiger Sect, right? If you know what's good for you, get out here right now and obediently do as we say, or you'll suffer less physical pain!"
The shirtless man declared with an arrogant expression.
The Black Tiger Sect!
Hearing those three words, Xia Bingyu turned ashen with terror!
This was a notoriously ruthless faction in Jiang City. It was said that Lin Heihu, the leader of the Black Tiger Sect, used extremely cruel methods; just hearing his name sent chills down people's spines!
"Damn it! That Black Dog Lin just got a beating from me during the day, and now he's back to trouble me again at night. Looks like he's really tired of living!"
Hearing that these people were from the Black Tiger Sect, Su Lin couldn't tolerate it any longer. He directly pushed the door open and stepped out!
"Su Lin!"
Xia Bingyu's expression changed drastically; she hadn't expected Su Lin to walk right out.
These men from the Black Tiger Sect were hardened thugs who had blood on their hands, and there were many of them. Even if Su Lin had extraordinary martial arts skills, he could easily fall into their hands.
Xia Bingyu had originally intended to drive straight through and force her way out, but now that plan had to be abandoned.
Sighing helplessly, Xia Bingyu followed Su Lin out of the car.
"Hmph, guess you two know what's good for you!"
"Kid, you can clear off now. As for this beauty..."
The shirtless man let out a cold hum, shifting his gaze to Xia Bingyu and smiling lewdly, "You're coming with us. As long as you obediently come along, I guarantee..."
Slap!
Before the shirtless man could finish speaking, Su Lin sent him flying with a single slap, saying impatiently, "I don't have time to waste talking nonsense with a bunch of small fries like you. Where is your boss, that Black Dog Lin? Tell him to get his ass over here and see me!"
"Kid, how dare you insult our sect leader! You're really asking for death. Brothers, let's take him together and finish him off first!"
Seeing that Su Lin completely disregarded their sect leader, the other henchmen shouted and prepared to attack him.
Seeing this scene, Xia Bingyu turned somewhat pale. Su Lin had actually cursed the leader of the Black Tiger Sect as a "black dog"; this time, truly no one could save them!
"Damn it, all of you stop!"
Right at that moment, an angry roar rang out.
Immediately afterward, everyone saw a figure leap down from the black van and hurry toward Su Lin.
"Oh, it's you."
"What? You and your father, that black dog Lin, are unconvinced and want to take revenge on me?"
Seeing this person, Su Lin asked indifferently.
That person was none other than Lin Tianba. Hearing Su Lin's question, he dropped straight to his knees and explained with a crying face, "Young Master, you've misunderstood! Even if we were given ten guts, we wouldn't dare seek revenge on you!"
"This matter happened because the Zhang Family came to the Black Tiger Sect and ordered us to capture someone named Xia Bingyu. That's why I brought my men out to handle it."
"I just never expected that you would also be in the car, Young Master. If I had known, how could I ever have dared to do such a thing!"
"Is that really so?" Su Lin stared at Lin Tianba, pressing for confirmation.
"Young Master, I can swear to heaven, I'm not lying to you at all! If I am, let my entire family die a horrible death!"
Lin Tianba hurriedly raised his hand to swear, looking on the verge of tears.
Originally, he had thought tonight's mission was a simple task, so he hadn't planned on showing his face; he just let his subordinates handle it while he stayed in the car watching short videos of pretty girls.
Who would have guessed that right as he was enjoying himself, he would hear Su Lin's voice.
At first, he thought it was his imagination, but when he peeked through the window, Lin Tianba nearly scared his soul out of his body—he never expected to run into Su Lin again.
This was the god of death who had killed Elder Hou with a single punch! And he had gone and offended him again; he must have had the worst blood-luck in existence!
Seeing that Lin Tianba didn't seem to be lying, Su Lin thought for a moment and said, "Seeing as you weren't intentionally looking for trouble with me, I can let you go, but on one condition!"
"Right now, call your father, that black dog Lin, bring your men, and go straight to the Zhang Family. Cripple everyone in the Zhang Family."
"I'll only give you one night. If you can't get it done, I'll personally come and collect both your heads!"
Not daring to make decisions on his own, Lin Tianba could only force a dry smile and say, "Don't worry, Young Master, I will definitely pass this message on to my father!"
"Good. There's one more thing: this woman is my wife. If your Black Tiger Sect ever dares to lay a hand on her again, I won't give you a second chance!"
Su Lin pulled Xia Bingyu into his embrace as he issued the warning.
"Don't worry, Young Master, we wouldn't dare!"
Lin Tianba nodded repeatedly in panicked agreement.
"Oh right, I almost forgot the most important thing!"
Su Lin suddenly thought of something and pointed at Xia Bingyu's car: "You rammed my wife's car into this state. Don't you plan on paying for the damages?"
"Compensation? Of course I'll compensate!"
Lin Tianba hurriedly pulled a card from his pocket and offered it respectfully: "Young Master, there's over a million in this card. Take it as my compensation—the PIN is the last six digits of the card number."
Su Lin accepted the card and then waved his hand with satisfaction: "You can go now."
Granted a reprieve, Lin Tianba scrambled to his feet and quickly fled the scene with his gang of subordinates.
"Wife, take this card!"
Su Lin smilingly handed the bank card over to Xia Bingyu.
Xia Bingyu looked at Su Lin with a frown: "What was that just now? Why are the people from the Black Tiger Sect so terrified of you?"
"That's simple. Their boss offended me during the day and got a sound beating from me, so naturally these underlings are afraid of me!"
Su Lin explained casually!
"Even so, the Black Tiger Sect wouldn't have to listen to you to that extent, to the point of going after the Zhang Family?"
Xia Bingyu remained somewhat skeptical.
"Alright, Wife, stop worrying about all that. Weren't you going to the Golden Dragon Hotel? Let's get moving!"
Su Lin took Xia Bingyu by the hand and walked her back toward the car.
Xia Bingyu didn't say anything further. After all, the most urgent priority right now was still to resolve the issue of the three major banks joining forces with the Golden Dragon Chamber of Commerce to blockade the Xia Group!
Meanwhile, inside the black van, Lin Tianba dialed his father's phone number and recounted everything that had just happened!
Upon hearing the story, Lin Heihu flew into a rage: "You bastard! You went and offended Young Master Su again?! Do you have any idea that with his strength, he could wipe out the entire Black Tiger Sect?!"
"Dad, you can't blame me for this!"
"Who could have known that the woman the Zhang Family told us to target was actually Young Master Su's wife?"
Lin Tianba felt deeply aggrieved.
Lin Heihu managed to calm himself down: "Enough, it's useless to say more now. The most important thing is to make amends."
"Didn't Young Master Su tell us to deal with the Zhang Family? I'm taking men there right now. You head straight to the Zhang Family immediately as well!"
Lin Tianba's expression shifted slightly: "Dad, the Zhang Family's standing in Jiang City isn't weak. Are you sure you want a complete falling out with them?"
Lin Heihu let out an exasperated hum and scolded, "You idiot! No matter how powerful the Zhang Family is, how can they compare to Young Master Su? Young Master Su is a genuine advanced martial artist, and he's very likely connected to the Fengyue Pavilion!"
"No matter what kind of demands someone like that has, we must fulfill them. If we can get into his good graces, maybe our father-son duo can rise to even greater heights in Jiang City!"
Never expecting his father to hold such deep awe for Su Lin, Lin Tianba's expression instantly turned serious: "Dad, I understand!"
On the other side, Xia Bingyu pushed her car to its maximum speed and finally arrived at the entrance of the Golden Dragon Hotel just before nine o'clock!
Stepping out of the car, Xia Bingyu felt overwhelmed with tension as she thought about what lay ahead.
Looking up at the luxurious hotel, Su Lin suddenly thought of something: "By the way, Wife, does this Golden Dragon Hotel belong to the Golden Dragon Chamber of Commerce too?"
Xia Bingyu nodded: "That's right. The Golden Dragon Chamber of Commerce is the largest chamber of commerce in Longxia, with countless members and unimaginable assets. A luxury hotel like this is just a fraction of their empire."
"Well? Do you realize how powerful the Golden Dragon Chamber of Commerce is now?"
Hearing this, Su Lin smiled indifferently: "Listening to you, Wife, the Golden Dragon Chamber of Commerce really is impressive. But after tonight, all of this will belong to me!"
Xia Bingyu rolled her eyes at Su Lin, figuring he was just spouting nonsense again.
As the largest chamber of commerce in Longxia—one that could even go toe-to-toe with certain financial conglomerates—how could it possibly ever become his property?
Without saying another word, Xia Bingyu stepped directly into the Golden Dragon Hotel!
Meanwhile, on the top floor of the Golden Dragon Hotel.
Before a massive floor-to-ceiling window, a young man was lounging comfortably in an executive chair, enjoying the night view with a photograph in his hand while two stunning women attended to him on either side.
Standing nearby were three middle-aged men, one of whom was precisely Sheng Lei.
As for the other two, they were Hong Chang, the boss of the World Bank, and Lin Feng, the boss of the Four Seas Group!
Aside from them, a wizened, withered elder stood silently in the corner, motionless and highly inconspicuous.
"Sheng Lei, is that woman you mentioned really as pretty as the picture?"
The young man in the executive chair suddenly asked.
"Young Master Zhou, I can stake my life on it—that woman is an absolute top-tier beauty. The moment you lay eyes on her, you'll never be able to forget her!"
Sheng Lei hastily patted his chest in guarantee.
Seeing how confident Sheng Lei was, the young man licked his lips as he looked at Xia Bingyu's photograph, feeling somewhat impatient!
This young man was named Zhou Ang, the son of Zhou Wanhao, the head of the Jiang City branch of the Golden Dragon Chamber of Commerce.
Because Zhou Wanhao had fathered him late in life, he doted on this son immensely, granting him virtually every request he made!
Zhou Ang didn't have many hobbies, save for one: he loved women. Whether they were married wives, young matrons, or college students, not a single woman he set his sights on had ever escaped his clutches.
To secure Zhou Ang's help in dealing with the Xia Group, Sheng Lei had specifically recommended Xia Bingyu to him and devised today's plan to trick her into coming here.
"It's almost nine o'clock. Why hasn't this Xia Bingyu shown up yet?"
Gazing at Xia Bingyu's ethereal, fairy-like beauty in the photo, Zhou Ang's entire body was beginning to heat up. He spun his chair around and asked impatiently.
"Young Master Zhou, don't worry. With the three major banks jointly blockading the Xia Group, she wouldn't dare not come!" Sheng Lei laughed ingratiatingly.
Zhou Ang frowned, just about to speak, when a knock on the door suddenly sounded.
"Come in!"
Sheng Lei's eyes lit up as he spat out the two words.
The door swung open, and Xia Bingyu and Su Lin walked in one after the other.
Seeing Su Lin, a flash of resentment crossed Sheng Lei's eyes, followed immediately by a cold smirk.
Last time, Su Lin had humiliated him. Today, with Zhou Ang here, he would make him pay it back tenfold!
At the same time, Zhou Ang's gaze landed squarely on Xia Bingyu.
In his eyes were:
Blazing heat!
Greed!
Unconcealed lust!
To be honest, for all the women Zhou Ang had played with, this was the very first time he had ever laid eyes on one of such supreme quality.
Her appearance was celestial, and the aura about her in particular felt like a snow lotus atop a towering mountain.
Surely any man would desperately want to witness the moment such a woman was conquered by him!
Being stared at with such a gaze made Xia Bingyu feel deeply uncomfortable, and she instinctively hid behind Su Lin.
"Miss Xia, you've finally arrived. I was starting to think you were going to stand us up!" Sheng Lei let out a sarcastic chuckle!
Ignoring him, Xia Bingyu looked instead at Hong Chang and Lin Feng. "Two bank presidents, the Xia Group hasn't offended either of you, as far as I know. Why would you follow the Hundred Flowers Bank in blockading us?"
"Miss Xia, you should be asking Young Master Zhou that question."
Hong Chang gave a playful smile and cast his gaze toward Zhou Ang.
Xia Bingyu frowned; Zhou Ang's gaze filled her with intense revulsion.
"Miss Xia, let me introduce you. This Young Master Zhou is the son of the president of the Jiang City Golden Dragon Chamber of Commerce. Tonight, the fate of your Xia Group rests entirely in his hands!"
Sheng Lei introduced him with a mocking smirk.
Xia Bingyu's expression changed instantly!
The son of the Golden Dragon Chamber of Commerce president—based on this identity alone, a single word from Zhou Ang could plunge the Xia Group into irreversible ruin!
In the end, Xia Bingyu could only take a deep breath, summon her courage, and step forward to ask, "Young Master Zhou, I am the president of the Xia Group, and I've come here with sincerity. I'd like to know the reason behind your blockade of the Xia Group, and what it will take for you to let us go?"
Zhou Ang stared at Xia Bingyu and said playfully, "Making me let go of the Xia Group is simple—as long as you become my woman!"
"Young Master Zhou, you must be joking. You should know that I am already a married woman!"
Xia Bingyu paused, forcing a smile.
"So what if you're married? A woman like that has even more flavor, and besides, it saves me the trouble of slowly teaching you things myself!" Zhou Ang licked his lips.
"I'm sorry, Young Master Zhou, I can't do that."
Refusing him outright, Xia Bingyu turned and prepared to leave.
Seeing this, Sheng Lei let out a sarcastic laugh: "Miss Xia, you better think carefully. If you just walk out like this, the Xia Group will go bankrupt tomorrow!"
Xia Bingyu's footsteps immediately halted as she clenched her fists.
"Miss Xia, Young Master Zhou taking a fancy to you is your honor. Don't be ungrateful!" Hong Chang threatened with a sinister undertone.
"Miss Xia, you need to think this through. If you become Young Master Zhou's woman, what is a mere Xia Group compared to a lifetime of wealth and luxury?" Lin Feng chimed in with enticement.
As for Zhou Ang, he simply sat there calmly, looking as if he had already won Xia Bingyu over.
After all, with his status laid out like this, whenever he dealt with women, the mere mention of who he was usually made them throw themselves into his arms voluntarily!
After waiting a moment, Zhou Ang spoke indifferently: "My dear, that's enough playing hard to get. I know your heart has already surrendered to me, and you're just putting on an act right now. You want to use this routine to show others your loyalty and persistence, and then pretend you were forced into becoming my woman against your will."