Bahu stood like a tank, his tiger-like eyes wide as he looked down at Qian Sili as if he were nothing more than an ant.
"Choose your words carefully. I have already given you two chances, and I will not give you a third." Lin Ce spoke indifferently, taking a casual sip of wine.
Had it not been for the fact that they were in the Zhou household, Qian Sili would already be a dead man for the incident with the business card and for throwing away the bracelet he had gifted.
Qian Sili swallowed hard. In front of Bahu, he felt a genuine sense of dread; he didn't even have the courage to meet his gaze. However, with so many people watching—especially Zhou Peipei and his future mother-in-law—he knew that if he backed down now, he would be looked down upon forever.
Stiffening his neck, he sneered, "What? Did I say something wrong? An orphan with no one to protect him, coming to the Zhou family to act all high and mighty? The Lin family is finished. Do you really think I’m afraid of you?"
Lin Ce shook his head faintly and said, "His mouth is foul. Slap him."
Bahu grinned savagely and brought his hand down in a swift, cracking slap. The force of it sent Qian Sili, who had carried himself like a refined young master, crashing to the floor. Qian Sili’s mouth went numb, and he spat out a mouthful of blood along with two molars!
Everyone was stunned. They had not expected Lin Ce to actually dare to strike him.
"Kid, if you dare to spout nonsense again, I’ll tear your mouth apart." Had it not been for the Dragon Head’s orders against laying hands on the Zhou family, he would have sent Xing Hui, Zhou Peipei, and the others flying long ago.
"You... you bastard, you actually dare to hit me?" Qian Sili clutched his face, furious and deeply humiliated. He scrambled to his feet and slammed his hand onto the table, ready to challenge Lin Ce.
But just as he did, Bahu’s hand—as large as a palm-leaf fan—clamped onto Qian Sili's head and hoisted him into the air.
"Everyone, how about an extra dish of 'crushed human brain' for the table?" Bahu asked with a cold, mocking smile.
Qian Sili’s feet dangled in the air as he kicked out frantically. His skull felt as if it were being crushed, and the sound of cracking bone echoed through the room. Terrified, his entire body trembled like a frightened bird.
"Let go! My head is about to explode!"
"Help! Help me!"
The entire hall fell into a deathly silence, so quiet one could hear a pin drop. Everyone stared at Bahu; the brute was truly terrifying, and the iron-blooded aura he radiated was clearly no joke.
"Lin Ce, what on earth are you doing? Tell him to let go!" Zhou Peipei cried out in alarm, watching Qian Sili with a pained expression, tears welling in her eyes.
Lin Ce waved a hand. "Enough. This is the Zhou residence; I don't want to see blood."
Bahu tossed Qian Sili aside and said respectfully, "As you command!"
"Lin Ce, you’ve gone too far!" Zhou Peipei pointed at Lin Ce, her voice trembling with indignation.
Too far? Lin Ce raised an eyebrow. "He insulted me, and that wasn't too far. I retaliate, and suddenly it is? Zhou Peipei, since when did you become such a hypocrite?"
Zhou Peipei’s breath hitched.
*Slap!*
Xing Hui slammed her hand on the table and stood up. She realized that if she didn't drive Lin Ce away today, this dinner would be impossible to finish.
"Lin Ce, since you're here, let’s get things straight. Now that the Ye family has fallen, your engagement with Peipei..."
Before Xing Hui could finish, Lin Ce interrupted her. "The engagement between Peipei and me is to be canceled, is that it?"
Xing Hui snorted. She didn't answer, but her attitude made her meaning clear.
"Does Uncle Zhou know about this?" He asked this not because he wanted to salvage the engagement, but because if it was to be canceled, it was best that the entire Zhou family knew to avoid future trouble.
"This is my own business; I don't need my father’s permission. Didn't you say as much in the hallway earlier? What, are you still refusing to let go?" Zhou Peipei said with dissatisfaction.
"You’ve misunderstood. I have the very same intention."
"Then, from this moment on, no matter what happens to the Zhou family, it has nothing to do with me, Lin Ce. And whether I, Lin Ce, am poor or wealthy, it will have nothing to do with the Zhou family."
Although the engagement had been arranged by his father, a forced melon is never sweet. Since the Zhou family insisted, Lin Ce had no objections. When he said this, the Zhou family members were momentarily stunned; they had expected him to pester them, not to agree so cleanly and decisively. It was so sudden that it caught them off guard.
"Fine. Lin Ce, from now on, try to live a steady life. You and I, in the end, are people from two different worlds," Zhou Peipei said coolly.
Hearing this, Bahu’s large mouth curled into a grin. "Dragon Head, this woman thinks quite highly of herself. But you’re right—how could someone as common as her ever be worthy of the King of the Northern Territory?"
Since Lin Ce had completely severed ties with the Zhou family, Bahu spoke without restraint. However, the mention of "Dragon Head" left everyone present in shock. If they hadn't misheard, he had just said—Dragon Head?
The King of the Northern Territory, the leader of the Yinglong! How could this be possible?
***
Zhou Peipei looked at Lin Ce with deep disappointment. What kind of status was the Northern Territory Dragon Head? Across the billions of people in Huaxia, there were only four Dragon Heads: the Azure Dragon of the East, the Canglong of the West, the Black Dragon of the South, and the Yinglong of the North. Every one of them was a figure of supreme reverence.
"Lin Ce, is this really necessary? How can you just pretend to be someone as revered as the Northern Territory Dragon Head?"
"To save your pathetic dignity, you even hired an actor to play along with you. You truly have disappointed me." No matter what, she had thought Lin Ce was a down-to-earth person. How had he become so pathetic? Being a failure was one thing, but now he was learning to put on a grand act.
"Heh, Northern Territory Dragon Head? *Tsk, tsk.* You really dare to say anything. If this reaches the authorities, you’ll be charged with the crime of high treason!" Qian Sili sneered.
Bahu’s expression turned stern. "Insolent! How dare you show such disrespect to my master's name!"
Bahu flung open his heavy coat, revealing the uniform beneath. His aura shifted instantly, transforming into that of a god of war on the battlefield. Everyone looked up to see a dragon-shaped emblem pinned to his chest. The dragon had wings and spined scales, rendered in vivid detail—it was the Yinglong emblem!
Of the four territorial Dragon Heads, only the Yinglong had wings. There was no mistake! Everyone in Huaxia knew the Northern Territory’s armored legions were the strongest fighting force in the world, striking fear into the hearts of every enemy they encountered. Their leader, the Yinglong, was ranked above the other three.
No one in the hall dared to speak. The Yinglong emblem came in four colors: gold, green, crimson, and blue. Only a General-level powerhouse was qualified to wear the gold emblem. They could not believe that the man before them held such a high rank! Could it be that the Lin Ce standing before them really was the Northern Territory Dragon Head?
The crowd was dumbstruck. Xing Hui dared not utter a word, and Fang Rou covered her mouth in shock, unable to speak. Even Zhou Peipei stood frozen at the sight of the emblem.
At that moment, a graceful, sharp-looking woman walked straight into the room and came to Lin Ce’s side. She bowed and spoke in a low voice: "Dragon Head, everything is ready. We can depart for the Beiyu Group building at any time."
Lin Ce glanced indifferently at the crowd, his gaze lingering on Zhou Peipei’s face for a moment. "I have matters to attend to. I’ll be taking my leave now. Enjoy your meal."
With that, he turned, his black trench coat billowing behind him as he walked away, accompanied by Qili and Bahu.
Not until Lin Ce had completely vanished did they recover from their shock. Zhou Peipei bit her lip, her fists clenched tight. Had she underestimated Lin Ce? Could he have actually made a name for himself in the Northern Territory?
*Impossible!* What could someone with only a high school education do in the Northern Territory? The Northern Territory Dragon Head was a figure of both intelligence and valor. How could he possibly be worthy of such a title? She couldn't accept that she, who had received higher education in the big city and graduated from a top university, had lost to a man she had looked down upon for years.
"Heh, you guys don't actually believe that, do you?" Qian Sili sneered suddenly. "Don't say I didn't warn you—that big oaf didn't even have shoulder boards on his uniform!"
The crowd paused. That was true! There were no shoulder boards!
Xing Hui slapped her thigh. "Ha! I knew it! Those guys put on quite a show. They probably bought some fake emblem somewhere just to act tough! They left so suddenly because they were afraid of being exposed. Everything was pre-planned!"
Zhou Peipei nodded, feeling enlightened. "Even if we take a step back and assume Lin Ce has achieved *something* in the North, it is impossible for an ordinary person to become a Dragon Head in just a few years. Experience is everything on the battlefield. How old is he? He’d be crushed under the weight of a Dragon Head’s epaulets!"
The crowd nodded in agreement, pointing out various "flaws" as if they were investigators at a crime scene. In the end, they reached a conclusion: Lin Ce was a fraud.
"Should we report him? Pretending to be a Dragon Head is a capital offense!" the Zhou family aunt suggested maliciously.
Just then, a coughing sound came from the back door, and Zhou Pengju walked in. Xing Hui rushed over. "Pengju, you’re finally here! That Lin Ce just—"
"Enough. I saw everything that just happened." Zhou Pengju waved his hand impatiently. This group was truly lacking in decorum. No matter what, Lin Ce was the son of an old friend; to mock him so openly was beneath them. "Peipei, you’ve become rather snobbish," he scolded his daughter.
Zhou Peipei lowered her head, biting her lip in grievance. "Uncle, it’s not Peipei’s fault. If you have to blame someone, blame Lin Ce. He’s the one who cares so much about face that he’d rather lie and claim to be the Northern Territory Dragon Head. Isn't that laughable?"
Zhou Pengju glanced at Qian Sili but said nothing. As for the Dragon Head claim, he dismissed it as a joke. At that moment, he spotted the bracelet Lin Ce had left on the floor and bent to pick it up.
"Dad, that thing is dirty. Just throw it away."
Before Zhou Pengju could respond, an old man walked in from the courtyard, his eyes locked onto the bracelet. "Ah, Elder Wu! You’ve arrived. Why didn't you look for me in the back courtyard?"
Elder Wu was Zhonghai’s top appraiser; he had never misidentified an object in his life. Zhou Pengju and Elder Wu were long-time friends, and since both enjoyed collecting, their families were close. But now, Elder Wu looked like a different person, staring at the bracelet in disbelief. His aged hands trembled as he touched the cracks in the beads, tears of excitement welling in his eyes.
Qian Sili stepped forward. "Elder Wu, this piece of junk isn't worth mentioning. How could it catch your eye? I'll throw it away right now."
"You scoundrel! What do you know?" Elder Wu roared in anger. "Do you have any idea what this is? This is Star-Shining Stone! It is a treasure from beyond the heavens, extremely rare. Every single bead is worth a fortune and has health-restoring properties—it’s known as the 'Ageless Stone'!"
Elder Wu added excitedly, "Pengju, how did you get this? Star-Shining Stones are rarely circulated in the market; they are bestowed by the highest authorities only upon those with monumental achievements. To possess even one is an immense honor! And this entire string—my God, there are seven of them! Anyone who possesses this many must be a pillar of Huaxia!"
Zhou Pengju’s body trembled. "Elder Wu, are you... are you sure? This is really—Star-Shining Stone?"
"Good heavens, how could I be mistaken? At last year’s Sotheby’s auction, the descendant of a powerful family auctioned off a single Star-Shining Stone for fifty million! And its quality was far inferior to what you have in your hand. Simply put, this stone is a symbol of status. Whoever obtains one brings honor to their entire lineage!"
The crowd was hit by a tidal wave of shock. If Lin Ce was lying, surely Elder Wu, the famous appraiser, wouldn't be? Their minds felt as if they had been struck by lightning; they couldn't recover their senses for a long time.
***
What kind of status was the Dragon Head? It was a position beneath only one person, but above millions. And just a moment ago, the Zhou family had unilaterally torn up the marriage contract. Zhou Peipei had missed her chance to be the Dragon Head’s wife. If she had become the Dragon Head’s wife, any wealthy clan or powerful family would have had to step aside.
Zhou Peipei’s face turned crimson, her heart in turmoil. "No, this is impossible. I absolutely don't believe it!" She never regretted her decisions—not dating Qian Sili, nor tearing up the contract with Lin Ce. But as the ironclad proof lay before her, every excuse she searched for felt pathetic.
Zhou Pengju clutched the Star-Shining Stone tightly. No wonder he had been overwhelmed by Lin Ce's aura and imposing presence in the back courtyard earlier. He had overestimated Lin Ce, thinking he was merely a general in the North, but he had never imagined Lin Ce would be the Northern Territory Dragon Head himself—a figure who stood shoulder to shoulder with the heavens.
"Old Lin, your family has finally produced a remarkable figure. You can rest in peace." He shook his head with a bitter smile. He had never looked down on Lin Ce; he had only tried to protect him by hiding the truth. Now, Lin Ce was qualified to know the secret. He took out his phone and dialed the number Lin Ce had left.
"Hello? Is that Ce'er?"
Lin Ce, sitting in his car, heard the familiar voice and smiled slightly. "Uncle Zhou, it’s me."
"Ce'er, I’ve thought it over. You wanted to know that secret, right? Come find me at 8:00 tonight. I’ll be waiting in the tea room."
Lin Ce nodded faintly. "All right, Uncle Zhou."
He hung up, feeling a bit relieved. It seemed things were finally coming to light. "Qili, how is the investigation into the Beiyu Group going?"
Qili tucked a strand of black hair behind her ear and spoke in a low voice: "The Hidden Dragon Guards have obtained evidence of the malicious seizure of the Beiyu Group. However, there is one document—a waiver of rights signed by your father and Zhao Hongguang. This means that although you are a Lin, you technically have no right to inherit the Beiyu Group."
Lin Ce narrowed his eyes. The Zhao family was as cunning as a fox; they had made the seizure look legally flawless. "Just tell me what needs to be done," Lin Ce said, his voice cold, revealing a hint of murderous intent. Zhao Hongguang would die today.
Qili hurried to say, "I have organized the files. All we need is Zhao Hongguang’s signature and thumbprint. Once this is done, whether he lives or dies is entirely up to you, Dragon Head."
Lin Ce nodded in satisfaction. "Good. Do as you said."
Qili agreed, then smiled coldly. "Zhao Hongguang must have caught wind of something; the Beiyu building is crawling with security right now, fortified like an iron barrel. But don't worry, Dragon Head. A few petty thugs won't stand a chance against the Hidden Dragon Guards."
Lin Ce said nothing and closed his eyes to rest.
***
2:00 PM. Outside the Beiyu Group.
The Beiyu building soared hundreds of meters into the sky, its presence imposing. Lin Ce stepped out of the car and looked up. The top of the building was emblazoned with the words "Zhao Group." Lin Ce’s expression turned cold.
"Hidden Dragon Guards, are you in position?"
"Reporting to the Dragon Head, one thousand Hidden Dragon Guards have mobilized and are currently standing by!" Qili replied solemnly.
Lin Ce spoke with absolute finality: "Have the Hidden Dragon Guards fully arm themselves. I don't want to see a single soul within five hundred meters of the Beiyu Group! Anyone who violates this will be treated as an insurrectionist!"
Both Bahu and Qili shivered, clearly sensing the murderous intent radiating from Lin Ce. It seemed the Dragon Head was getting serious this time.
"As you command!"
Qili immediately dialed a number. "One thousand elite units, fully armed, depart immediately! Encircle the Beiyu Group within a five-hundred-meter radius! Anyone who attempts to force their way through is to be eliminated on sight!"
With the orders given, Lin Ce, Bahu, and Qili walked toward the building. Draped in his black trench coat, Lin Ce stood tall, his noble and domineering aura instantly catching the eye of several beautiful women nearby. They wanted to approach him, but seeing Bahu and Qili flanking him like two cold-blooded guardians, they dared not move. They could only stand and watch as the strange trio entered the elevator.
"Hey, sir, you haven't checked in yet!" the young receptionist called out, but the three were already gone.
"Who was that? Does anyone know him? He was so handsome and had such a presence."
"He had such a strong, masculine face—much better than those 'little fresh meat' idols on TV."
"I’m sure he must be a descendant of a powerful family. How else could someone so exceptional be raised? The Zhao Group really hit the jackpot today."
...
Top floor, 28th floor.
The elevator doors opened to reveal a dozen bodyguards wielding stun batons, standing in wait.
"Who goes there? Mr. Zhao is not seeing guests today! Leave immediately!" the security captain shouted.
Lin Ce acted as if he hadn't heard a thing. With one hand behind his back, he walked forward at a measured pace. The guards, seeing this, charged forward without a second thought.
*Puff, puff!*