Seeing this, Lin Heihu quickly moved forward to greet him, clearly excited: "Young Master Su, you've arrived!"
"Lin Heigou, what do you want with me?" Su Lin asked bluntly.
"Young Master, it's nothing major, really. I just wanted to report that I have completely crippled Zhang Shiquan and his son. They shouldn't be bothering you ever again!" Lin Heihu said with a flattering smile.
"You called me over just to tell me that?" Su Lin asked, sounding annoyed.
"Of course not!" Lin Heihu rubbed his hands nervously while laughing. "Last time, my son offended you, Mr. Su, and I have been feeling terrible about it. So, I would like to invite you to a meal today as an apology."
"Fine. You set the time and place," Su Lin replied immediately.
"Thank you, Young Master, for doing me this honor! I will await your arrival at the Dihao Club today at noon," Lin Heihu said, visibly flattered.
Su Lin nodded and said nothing more. Having achieved his goal, Lin Heihu didn't dare to linger and turned to leave the Fengyue Pavilion.
"Young lady, is there anything else?" Su Lin turned to look at Feishuang.
"No." Feishuang replied coldly.
Seeing her personality, Su Lin shrugged. "In that case, I'll be off. If anything happens at the Fengyue Pavilion, remember to notify me at any time!"
Feishuang frowned, looking somewhat displeased. Su Lin’s words made it sound as if he were the owner of the Fengyue Pavilion. But she knew that the Fengyue Pavilion consisted only of women; even though Su Lin had produced the Fengyue Token, Feishuang didn't believe for a second that he would actually become the master of the place.
***
Golden Dragon Hotel.
Su Lin arrived there once again. However, compared to the night before, there were a few more familiar faces at the hotel entrance. These were the subordinates who had been trailing behind Zhou Wanhao the previous night. Upon seeing Su Lin, they immediately called to notify Zhou Wanhao.
At that moment, Zhou Wanhao was inside the hotel, prepared to welcome Su Lin at any time. Receiving the call from his subordinates, he didn't dare to hesitate for a second and rushed out of the hotel as fast as he could. When he saw Su Lin outside, Zhou Wanhao knelt down in front of everyone:
"Zhou Wanhao of the Golden Dragon Chamber of Commerce, pays his respects to the President!"
Seeing Zhou Wanhao kneeling on the ground, those around them lowered their heads, not daring to look.
"Alright, that’s unnecessary. Let’s go inside to talk," Su Lin commanded, then walked into the Golden Dragon Hotel with long strides.
Five minutes later, inside a luxury room in the Golden Dragon Hotel, Su Lin sat in the main seat with a relaxed posture. Zhou Wanhao stood before him, respectful and submissive, having lost all his usual air of authority; he didn't even dare to take a deep breath.
"Zhou Wanhao, you already know my identity. I came here mainly to give you some instructions. First, keep my identity to yourself; do not disclose it to anyone else. Second, I will not intervene in the affairs of the Golden Dragon Chamber of Commerce, but when I need to, I can utilize anything belonging to the Jiang City Golden Dragon Chamber of Commerce as I see fit. Do you have any objections to these two points?" Su Lin asked casually.
"No objections! Certainly no objections!" Zhou Wanhao shook his head quickly, then hesitated, looking as if he had something to say.
Su Lin impatiently interrupted, "Something what? If you have something to say, just say it!"
Only then did Zhou Wanhao summon the courage to speak plainly: "It’s just that ever since the old president left the Golden Dragon Chamber of Commerce, the organization has been slowly going downhill. Are you sure you don’t want to take over, Young Master?"
Su Lin frowned. "What is the current situation with the Golden Dragon Chamber of Commerce?"
"Replying to the Young Master, ever since the old president left, the control of the chamber has fallen to the Four Great Benefactors, all of whom were the old president's disciples. However, they are not united. Since taking over, they have been fighting among themselves for power, splitting the Golden Dragon Chamber of Commerce into four major factions. Coupled with other chambers of commerce seizing the opportunity to unite and expand, the Golden Dragon Chamber of Commerce is now, one could say, on the brink of collapse."
Zhou Wanhao laid out everything he knew. After listening, Su Lin let out a disgruntled snort. "That old guy really isn't doing anything decent. I thought he was giving me the Golden Dragon Chamber of Commerce so I could enjoy myself, but it turns out he just wanted me to clean up his mess. How shameless!"
Zhou Wanhao wiped the sweat from his brow, not daring to interject. He knew that the "old guy" Su Lin referred to must be the former president of the Golden Dragon Chamber of Commerce. In all of Longxia, the only person who would dare to curse him like that was likely the one standing before him.
After finishing his rant, Su Lin looked at Zhou Wanhao again: "I know about the situation with the Golden Dragon Chamber of Commerce now. You just focus on doing your own job; don't worry about the rest. When the time is right, I will take action."
"Understood!" Zhou Wanhao replied respectfully.
Once Su Lin had finished his instructions, he didn't stay any longer and left the Golden Dragon Hotel. Checking the time, he saw it was almost noon and headed straight for the Dihao Club.
Meanwhile, at the entrance of the Dihao Club, Lin Heihu had suspended business for the day to welcome Su Lin, waiting in front of the building with his son, Lin Tianba.
"Dad, who knows when that Young Master Su will arrive? Do we really have to stand out here waiting so early?" Lin Tianba asked under the hot sun, unable to hold back his complaint.
Lin Heihu slapped him across the head. "You don't know anything! How can we afford to show even the slightest bit of disrespect to a big shot like Young Master Su? And let me warn you: when Young Master Su arrives, you must treat him as if he were your own grandfather! If you show even a hint of disrespect, I'll slaughter you myself, as if you'd never been born!"
Lin Tianba gulped, terrified, and nodded hurriedly. "Dad, I understand."
Lin Heihu nodded, satisfied, and returned to his waiting. About twenty minutes later, Lin Heihu's eyes lit up as he saw someone approaching. He stepped forward with long strides. "Young Master Su, you’ve finally arrived! My son and I have been here waiting for a long time!"
Lin Tianba followed, greeting him with a sycophantic expression: "Hello, Grandpa Su."
"What did you call me?" Su Lin looked at Lin Tianba in surprise. Anyone would be shocked if a stranger suddenly called them "Grandpa."
"Grandpa Su! My dad said I have to treat you like a grandfather when I see you. From now on, you're my own grandfather!" Lin Tianba smiled like a wagging puppy.
"Don't. I don't want a grandson like you!" Su Lin shook his head quickly. If he actually accepted Lin Tianba as his grandson, it would be too embarrassing!
"You useless brat, what are you spouting? Get out of here!" Lin Heihu barked, his face turning cold. Lin Tianba felt aggrieved but didn't dare to speak again.
"Young Master Su, I've prepared a meal in a private room. Let’s head in!" Lin Heihu ushered Su Lin into the club respectfully.
Soon, the three of them were seated in a luxury suite.
"Young Master Su, I toast you with this drink as an apology for my previous offenses against you!" Lin Heihu poured a glass and downed it in one go.
"Lin Heigou, I doubt you invited me here just for this," Su Lin said, not believing that Lin Heihu's invitation was merely for an apology.
"Actually, it's nothing much. I just wanted to say that I find being a dog under Young Master Su quite comfortable. If you have anything that needs doing in the future, feel free to call on me anytime!" Lin Heihu said with a fawning expression.
Su Lin knew Lin Heihu was pledging his loyalty, but he didn't agree immediately. He replied offhandedly, "We'll see about that later."
"Very well," Lin Heihu replied, looking somewhat disappointed.
Just as the three were about to eat, Su Lin’s phone rang. He pulled it out to see a call from Lin Feixuan. Su Lin picked up and spoke first: "What is it? I'll say this now: if you want to invite me to the Martial Arts Club, don't even bother!"
Lin Feixuan's voice sounded extremely anxious: "Su Lin, where are you?"
"Dihao Club. What happened?" Su Lin detected something was wrong.
"Yuqing has been kidnapped. It looks like it was the people from the Red Rose Club. Can you please go and save her?!" Lin Feixuan's tone was filled with pleading.
"Why would the people from the Red Rose Club kidnap her?" Su Lin asked, puzzled.
"I don't know! Su Lin, you're the only one who can save her now. I'm begging you—if you save her, I'll owe you a favor, okay?" Lin Feixuan was nearly in tears.
"Alright, I'll head over there now." Su Lin knew this wasn't the time for jokes and agreed immediately. He hung up and stood up, ready to head to the Red Rose Club.
At this moment, Lin Heihu stood up as well, asking cautiously: "Young Master Su, are you going to the Red Rose Club?"
Su Lin nodded. "That's right. Do you have something to say?"
Lin Heihu’s expression turned serious. "Young Master Su, the Red Rose Club is no ordinary place. The owner is notoriously cold-blooded, and she has many experts under her. You had best be careful!"
***
Su Lin became slightly interested. "You know a lot about the Red Rose Club?"
"I wouldn't say that, but the owner, Red Rose, and I both operate in the underworld, so we've crossed paths before. From what I know, even though she is a woman, her methods are more ruthless than many men. Whoever dares to provoke her ends up bleeding. Not only that, but she also keeps a large group of experts under her; their overall strength is far greater than mine, though I can't say exactly how great." Lin Heihu laid out everything he knew.
"I see," Su Lin nodded, not taking it to heart. Even if this Red Rose was formidable, she was still just a woman. And if she was a woman, he would simply conquer her with strength!
"Young Master Su, why don't I accompany you? We are acquaintances, after all; perhaps she will give me some face," Lin Heihu asked, gathering his courage.
"Fine," Su Lin thought for a moment and agreed.
The two of them then headed toward the Red Rose Club. As soon as they got out of their car, Su Lin saw Lin Feixuan pacing anxiously at the entrance. Seeing Su Lin approach, she hurried over. "Su Lin, you're finally here! Go and save Yuqing!"
Su Lin nodded and walked toward the Red Rose Club.
"Stop! This is the Red Rose Club. Show your membership card, or you are forbidden from entering!" Two security guards at the door blocked his path.
Su Lin didn't want to waste words and prepared to deal with them directly. Just then, Lin Heihu stepped forward and cupped his fists. "Gentlemen, I am Lin Heihu of the Black Tiger Sect. I wish to see your boss; I hope you can make things convenient for us!"
*Lin Heihu!*
Upon hearing the name, the two guards exchanged glances. One of them softened his tone: "So it is Mr. Lin. Please wait a moment while I go inform her!"
Hearing this, Lin Heihu looked to Su Lin for his decision. Su Lin nodded; if Lin Heihu’s name could resolve this, that would be for the best.
***
Meanwhile, inside a private room at the Red Rose Club, Jiang Yuqing was tied up. Standing before her was a woman wearing a red cheongsam. The woman was around thirty, with a mature, alluring air; the slit of her cheongsam reached her thigh, leaving much to the imagination.
Jiang Yuqing looked at her, her face filled with fury. "Who are you people? Why did you bring me here?!"
"We at the Red Rose Club are just doing what we were paid to do. As for what we want, you'll find out soon enough." Red Rose held a glass of red wine, swirling it gently.
"I don't think I've ever offended anyone from the Red Rose Club," Jiang Yuqing said, her face turning pale; she had certainly heard of the Red Rose's reputation in Jiang City.
Before Red Rose could answer, the door to the room was pushed open from the outside. A familiar figure walked in.
"Chen Chao! It’s you!" Jiang Yuqing exclaimed in surprise as she saw him.
"Jiang Yuqing, you’ve rejected my pursuit many times—who would have thought you'd end up in my hands after all!" Chen Chao walked toward her with a heated gaze.
Jiang Yuqing gritted her teeth. "Chen Chao, if you dare to touch me, I will never let you go!"
Chen Chao laughed, ignoring her, and turned to Red Rose. "Sister Rose, thank you for this!"
Red Rose stood up and smiled faintly. "Young Master Chen, we've brought the person you wanted. Don't forget the terms you agreed to!"
"Don't worry, ten million will be in your account within half an hour!" Chen Chao boasted.
"Very well. I won't disturb your good time, Young Master Chen." Red Rose smiled meaningfully and swayed as she left.
As soon as she walked outside, her phone rang. Picking up, Red Rose responded calmly: "I know. Let them in; I'll wait for them in the lobby."
***
At the entrance to the club, "Su Lin, it's been so long. If this drags on, will something happen to Yuqing?" Lin Feixuan asked anxiously.
Su Lin was losing patience as well and prepared to force his way in. Just then, the guard on the phone hung up. "Mr. Lin, you may enter."
"Thank you!" Lin Heihu cupped his fists, and he and Su Lin walked inside.
Arriving at the main lobby, they immediately spotted Red Rose sitting on a sofa. She was impossible to miss. Her red cheongsam combined with her mature, charming face was enough to ignite the deepest fires in any man's heart. Even Su Lin couldn't help but look a few times. Of course, he had no ulterior motives. While this Red Rose was a beauty, the allure she radiated was far inferior to that of Xiao Qianmei.
"Little one, am I pretty?" Seeing Su Lin staring at her, a faint smile appeared on Red Rose's lips.
"You're alright!" Su Lin gave his assessment.
Red Rose continued to smile, but her eyes glittered with coldness. Roses always had thorns, and Red Rose was no exception. Over the years, countless men had eyed her, only to be tortured to death by her cruel methods. Yet, not only was this young man not afraid of her, but he was also behaving with such flippancy. If this wasn't a provocation, what was?
"Red Rose, long time no see. Let me introduce you: this is a very good friend of mine. We're here today because we have something to discuss," Lin Heihu said, sensing the atmosphere shift and trying to smooth things over.
"Oh? What do you want to talk to me about?" Red Rose looked Su Lin up and down.
"A person named Jiang Yuqing was kidnapped by your people. You’d better release her immediately!" Su Lin said firmly.
"Are you threatening me?" Red Rose couldn't help but laugh.
"You misunderstand. I'm not threatening you—I'm ordering you," Su Lin corrected, his face serious.
"Ordering me?" Red Rose paused. She couldn't remember the last time someone had dared to speak to her like that!
Lin Heihu, knowing Su Lin’s temperament, let out a bitter laugh and spoke again: "Red Rose, my friend here is no ordinary person. Just give me some face and release his friend; otherwise, this will be difficult for everyone!"
Red Rose took a sip of her red wine. "Respect is never given by others; it is earned by oneself. Lin Heihu, you’re in the business, too—whether you get this favor from me depends on whether your strength is sufficient!"
With that, she threw her wine glass to the ground!
*Crash!* The glass shattered!
A chorus of footsteps suddenly rang out. In less than ten seconds, a large crowd of people appeared in the lobby, surrounding Su Lin and his companions!
"Ah!" A scream came from a room on the second floor.
"Yuqing!" Hearing the scream, Lin Feixuan’s face changed, and she started to dash toward the stairs. But with a single look from Red Rose, several subordinates moved to intercept her and reached out to grab her.
"Scram!" At the critical moment, Su Lin rushed over and blasted them away with a single palm strike. He then scanned the room coldly. "From now on, whoever dares to block my path… dies!"