"A respectful voice rang out once again."
Chapter 35: I Must Get His Face Swollen!
"Huh?" Bai Xining was stunned for a moment.
Looking up, she saw the previously cold, middle-aged man standing at the doorway with a broad smile on his face, his eyes fixed on them.
"I—I am!" she could only say, bracing herself.
Bai Yuexin and the others were filled with jealousy and hatred.
Even they had been tossed out by the manager, so who knew what this gloomy-looking middle-aged man might do to them?
Bai Yuexin and her companion looked on with anticipation.
The general manager had suddenly lost his temper and kicked them out; maybe he would go up and slap Bai Xining a few times.
However, the scene that followed made their jaws drop!
*Swish—*
Including the general manager, everyone bowed in unison toward Bai Xining!
"Welcome, Miss Bai, to our Wuhuju!"
"We have already prepared our best VIP private room for you. Please, this way."
Seeing their respectful demeanor, Bai Xining was stunned on the spot.
What was going on?
This felt like a dream!
She had become a VIP at Wuhuju?
And it was the kind where the entire management team, including the general manager, came out to welcome her!
Bai Yuexin and Wei Xiaofeng’s minds were buzzing. They had wanted to watch Bai Xining make a fool of herself, but this scene…
"Aunt, what is going on!" Wei Xiaofeng said, his face full of shock. "Did they get something wrong? What gives these two the right..."
"Miss Bai is a guest of our boss," the middle-aged woman said. "I don’t know how you offended our boss, but you’d better not come back in the future. It’s embarrassing to be kicked out again!"
Although Wei Xiaofeng was her nephew, her job was more important.
New leaders bring new rules. Since that mysterious new boss had targeted them the moment he arrived, she didn’t have the guts to protect them. That would be suicide!
As for Bai Xining, it was even more impossible to offend her, or she would lose her own job.
"This..." The two were dazed, feeling as if they had swallowed a dead fly.
Xiao Zining chuckled, "I told you I wouldn't let you through this door. Do you believe me now? Get lost; don’t be an eyesore."
"Is this your doing?" Wei Xiaofeng and Bai Yuexin gritted their teeth in anger.
"What do you think?" Xiao Zining smiled contemptuously and pulled Bai Xining inside.
Bai Xining felt like she was in a dream.
After being suppressed by Bai Yuexin for so long, she could finally hold her head up today?
And it was all thanks to Xiao Zining?
"How did you do it?" she asked, very curious. "The boss of Wuhuju is a multi-millionaire. How could you possibly be connected to him?"
Xiao Zining laughed inwardly. Now, he was the boss of Wuhuju, but he said, "Back when my parents were still alive, they did him a favor, so he’s doing me a courtesy."
Bai Xining nodded, but cautioned, "Don’t do this kind of thing often in the future. Favors are used up each time you call on them; they should be saved for when they’re truly needed."
"Alright," Xiao Zining nodded with a smile.
"By the way, my mom and the others are still inside..." Bai Xining said. "I’m sorry about what happened earlier; I misunderstood you."
"I didn’t want to come to this dinner in the first place, but Zhou Shang is, after all, our lifesaver, so I couldn’t refuse..."
"Besides, he is from the Zhou family—wealthy and powerful. I don't want you to clash with him. If you offend him, you won't get any good results."
"Even if you don't think about yourself, you have to think about me and the children..."
Hearing this, Xiao Zining felt a warmth in his heart. Bai Xining was slowly starting to accept him.
However...
"Our lifesaver?" Xiao Zining asked, puzzled.
"Yes, he was the one who personally called for those soldiers."
*Heh!*
Hearing this, Xiao Zining was instantly furious. This guy really had no shame!
He dared to steal the credit for his own actions?
What audacity!
Speak of the devil: as the two were talking, Zhou Shang and the couple from the Bai family walked out... Xiao Zining sneered to himself. Today, he was going to beat this guy’s face until it was swollen!
Daring to covet his woman?
He must be tired of living.
Chapter 36: Setting the Trap!
"Xining, you're still here?"
The moment he saw Bai Xining, Zhou Shang became excited.
"You girl, where did you run off to? You worried us to death!"
"Zhou Shang spent so much money to treat us to dinner, and yet you threw a temper tantrum at him. You really have no manners," Lin Yuemei scolded.
Zhou Shang immediately turned his focus toward Xiao Zining. "You trash, you still dare to pester Xining? Get lost! Why don't you take a look at yourself in the mirror?"
His anger toward Xiao Zining was immense.
He had spent over a hundred thousand, but because of Xiao Zining’s interference, he hadn't achieved anything, and his finger had been broken by Xiao Zining—he was nearly driven mad!
He took a stack of money from his pocket, walked quickly to Xiao Zining, and *slapped* it onto him, pointing arrogantly toward the door. "This is a tip for you. Pick up the money and get out!"
"Otherwise, this young master will make sure you regret it!"
"Is that so?" Xiao Zining looked at him as if he were a clown. "You have successfully stirred my anger. You think you’re very rich?"
"At least, I am richer than you!"
Zhou Shang was full of confidence. "I am worthy of Xining, and you are not!"
"You are just a bankrupt piece of trash now!"
"Got a few hundred bucks in your pocket?"
"Can you give them and their children happiness?"
"Get lost and stop embarrassing yourself here!"
After finishing, he turned his gaze back to Bai Xining, speaking with feigned affection, "Xining, as long as you agree to be with me, I can give you the best of everything: the luxury bags you want, sports cars, the children’s education..."
"This guy can’t give you anything!"
"My patience also has its limits. Don't test me."
Bai Xining said coldly, "I have no feelings for you. Your presence only disgusts me. Zhou Shang, is that clear enough for you?"
These words pierced Zhou Shang’s heart like a steel nail!
He was unwilling to accept this...
How did he lose to this guy?
Bai Xining would rather be with him than with him? No matter what, he had to get this woman!
A strong sense of resentment and possessiveness occupied his heart...
"I don't accept this!" he roared. "Xiao Zining, what do you have that’s better than me? How could I lose to you!"
"I want to compete with you!"
Xiao Zining sneered, "Sure. Let's have a drinking contest. If I win, I'll grant you one condition, but you have to pay for the drinks."
Hearing this, Zhou Shang sneered immediately. This guy really dared to say that!
"Fine!!!"
Zhou Shang’s head was hot with anger. He scoffed, "Today, if I win, I want you to leave Bai Xining and never pester her again!"
"Fine," Xiao Zining said calmly. The fish had finally taken the bait. Playing games with him? This guy was still too green!
"You two—" Bai Xining was somewhat angry. Was she being treated like a commodity?
"Don't worry," Xiao Zining held her hand. "I won't lose."
Xiao Zining waved his hand, saying, "General manager, please bring out all the most expensive wine you have here. Our Young Master Zhou is treating us today."
"Certainly."
The general manager smiled. He was the only person in the shop who knew the truth, because the mysterious new boss of Wuhuju happened to have the surname Xiao.
Could this young man in front of him be the man himself?
Most expensive wine?
Zhou Shang’s heart skipped a beat. Was he being scammed?
"What's wrong?" Xiao Zining gave a playful smile. "Young Master Zhou, you’re so rich, surely you can’t afford the wine here? If you really don't have the money, we understand..."
"Let’s just get the cheapest one. After all, our Young Master Zhou is just putting on an act and can't really afford it."
Hearing Xiao Zining’s sarcasm, Zhou Shang was stuck in a bind. He could only grit his teeth and say, "No need! Just bring the most expensive one. This young master has plenty of money!"
Xiao Zining just smiled.
Today, he would make this guy kneel before him and beg for mercy!
Chapter 37: Kneel and Apologize to Me!
Bai Xining’s eyelids twitched.
Could it be that this guy really had some evil plan up his sleeve?
Looking at the situation, Zhou Shang was likely going to suffer a massive financial loss today.
Lin Yuemei and the others were also heart-stricken; this game would likely cost millions, but it also showed that Zhou Shang’s family background was indeed substantial.
How could an ordinary person afford such a display?
Bai Shan lit a cigarette and took a puff. Compared to Lin Yuemei, he saw things more clearly.
Zhou Shang had obviously taken the bait. A few words of provocation from Xiao Zining were enough to make him lose his head in anger. Furthermore, Zhou Shang’s performance today made him feel somewhat unreliable.
Besides, as a man, he knew that the current Zhou Shang felt nothing more than possessiveness toward Bai Xining, and once he actually got his hands on her...
He fell silent.
Soon, the general manager had his staff bring out the wine.
"Romanée-Conti, 1.88 million a bottle. We have five bottles in total."
"Ming Dynasty Fairy’s Drunkenness, 1.28 million a bottle. We have three bottles."
"Qing Dynasty Jiangnan Spring..."
Almost all of the prized wines of the establishment were brought out. The prices made even Zhou Shang’s heart skip a beat.
"I’ll drink this, you take your time!" Xiao Zining opened a bottle of Romanée-Conti and downed it in one go.
*Hiss...*
Zhou Shang’s heart was bleeding. 1.88 million! Gone just like that?
And Xiao Zining didn't even blush or lose his breath. Was his drinking capacity that terrifying?
"Young Master Zhou, drink up! Why aren't you drinking? Do you want to admit defeat?" Xiao Zining said playfully.
"Drink! I must drink!" Zhou Shang couldn't afford to lose face now. He had no choice but to pick up a bottle and gulp it down.
After struggling to finish one bottle, his stomach was bloated, and his head felt a bit dizzy.
Xiao Zining finished another bottle of Conti...
Then, a third bottle, a fourth...
He was completely unaffected.
Zhou Shang was dumbfounded.
"Can’t drink anymore? Young Master Zhou, with that kind of capacity, how can you fight me?"
Xiao Zining smiled with disdain, deliberately provoking Zhou Shang.
"You—"
Zhou Shang was intimidated. After just one bottle, he already felt the alcohol hitting his head.
If he kept drinking, he would surely make a fool of himself, but Xiao Zining had already pushed him this far!
How could he lose face?
He gritted his teeth and opened another bottle. Halfway through... *blerg*, he vomited. A foul, fishy smell spread through the air!
He had made a complete fool of himself!
Bai Shan, Lin Yuemei, and the others covered their noses in disgust.
"It seems Young Master Zhou admits defeat. Since that’s the case, let’s settle the bill."
Xiao Zining smiled calmly and signaled the general manager.
The general manager understood immediately. He stepped forward and said, "Young Master Zhou, the total consumption is 10.42 million."
"We will give you a discount, making it exactly 10 million. Would you like to pay by card or cash?" the general manager asked with a smile.
*What!?*
Hearing this, Zhou Shang jumped up, his mind instantly sobered by half!
Ten million...!?
Bai Shan and the others were also shocked. It seemed... that was indeed the amount?
"Young Master Zhou, you aren't going to welsh on the bill, are you?" Xiao Zining looked at him playfully. "Aren't you very rich? Can't you even bring out ten million?"
"You set me up?!" Realizing what happened, Zhou Shang was so angry that fire seemed to be spewing from his eyes.
"You agreed to all of this yourself. I didn’t force you."
"You should consider how to solve your current predicament."
The general manager’s expression darkened, and he said coldly, "Young Master Zhou, are you trying to dodge the bill? According to our store rules, those who dare to dodge their bills get the tendons in their hands and feet cut, and are beaten until crippled before being thrown out!"
"Young Master Zhou, you’d better think carefully!"
"Are you threatening me?" Zhou Shang said furiously. "It must be that you all conspired together..."
Before he could finish his sentence, a crisp *slap* rang out—he had been hit hard across the face!
The general manager grabbed him by the hair, tapped his face lightly, and pulled out a knife. "Kid, do you think I’m joking with you?"
Zhou Shang was so scared he nearly wet himself!
"I, I..." He trembled all over. "I didn't drink the wine; that guy drank it!"
The general manager pressed his head onto the table and said coldly, "You said you were treating the guests. I heard you quite clearly."
Zhou Shang was crying without tears!
Ten million!
How could he possibly afford that?
His family only had assets worth about 20 million! Even having a few million in cash flow would be a good month; if he took out 10 million, his company would go bankrupt...
Chapter 38: Zhou Shang Backs Down
"You, you!" Lin Yuemei was also terrified. If Zhou Shang were really...
How would she latch onto her golden son-in-law?
"Xiao Zining, this is all your doing! Quickly take responsibility for this ten million! Don't drag Young Master Zhou down, or I won't be finished with you!"
Even if Zhou Shang could afford the ten million, if that much money were lost, Bai Xining would lose out when she married into his family...
If Xiao Zining took on this debt, it would definitely be a good thing for them.
As for whether Xiao Zining lived or died... she couldn't care less!
She had already decided that Zhou Shang would be her son-in-law, so she naturally protected him.
Hearing this, Xiao Zining said calmly, "Zhou Shang, since Mom has spoken, I’ll give you a chance."
"First, tell the truth: did the garrison deployment really have anything to do with you?"
Seeing Xiao Zining’s sharp gaze, Zhou Shang felt as if a heavy stone were pressing on his chest. The pressure was immense. He shook his head repeatedly. "No, no! I stole the credit. It was Auntie who told me about this matter..."
"Actually, I didn't do anything!"
"What?" Bai Xining was surprised. No wonder she felt something was wrong; it turned out that her and her children’s rescue had nothing to do with Zhou Shang—it was a lie concocted by Lin Yuemei and Zhou Shang!
Lin Yuemei’s face turned red. She explained, "Xining, I did it for your own good, just to set you two up and ensure you have a good home."
Seeing that Zhou Shang had finally confessed, Xiao Zining said, "I have a friendship with the boss of Wuhuju. I don't need to spend money here."
"Kneel down and kowtow to me, admit your mistake, and I’ll put today’s bill on my tab."
Xiao Zining said coldly.
"Take your pick."
"Master Xiao doesn't need to pay when he consumes here," the general manager confirmed.
Zhou Shang’s heart skipped a beat.
But what other choice did he have?
He was at his wits' end!
One kneel was worth ten million!
If he didn't kneel, his family might go bankrupt...
Circumstances were stronger than the man!
He felt so frustrated!
He had actually fallen into the hands of this loser?
"Drag him out and cripple him," the general manager said coldly when he saw him hesitating.
"No, don't!"
"I’ll kneel, I’ll kneel!"
Zhou Shang immediately went before Xiao Zining and collapsed at his feet!
Lin Yuemei was stunned.
Bai Shan let out a soft sigh.
Bai Hao showed disdain.
"I'm sorry! I apologize, I was wrong!"
"Please, have mercy, don't hold this against me!"
*Thud, thud, thud!*
Zhou Shang kowtowed heavily, begging for mercy at Xiao Zining’s feet like a dog.
"Get lost—"
Xiao Zining scolded coldly, "Don't let me see you pestering Xining again. Otherwise, your fate will be ten times worse than today."
"Yes, yes, I’ll leave immediately!"
Zhou Shang endured the great humiliation and left in defeat.
He had lost all his face today...
From now on, wanting to hold his head up in front of the Bai family would be impossible!!
But what could he do?
After Zhou Shang left, Bai Shan’s expression was dark. "Zining, what you did today was too extreme; you’ve completely offended Zhou Shang."
"With his personality, he certainly won't let you off easily in the future. That was reckless."
Bai Shan’s eyes showed disappointment.
Xiao Zining was still not seasoned enough; wasn't he just asking for trouble?
"Don't worry, Dad. I can certainly handle this matter."
Xiao Zining didn't care about a small fry like him at all.
"It's all your fault!" Lin Yuemei was still bitter. "You think you’re so great? Relying on some old connections to throw your weight around here!"
"You’re hurting Xining!"
"If Xining marries Young Master Zhou, at least she could have a lifetime of wealth. What is there besides suffering if she follows you? Don't you have any self-awareness?"
"Don't come near our Xining again, or I won't be polite to you!"
"Let's go—" Lin Yuemei scanned the others coldly.
Bai Xining hesitated.
"Xining, if you keep hanging around him, don't come back."
Seeing that Lin Yuemei was truly angry, Bai Xining sighed. "I’ll go back first. You go home and get some rest."
"Alright, take care on the way," Xiao Zining just nodded.
—
That evening, after caring for the two children at the hospital, Xiao Zining’s phone suddenly rang.
"Xiao Zining, what happened today—you hitting Bai Yuexin—they’ve reported it to Grandpa. Grandpa wants us to go over and see him tomorrow."
Bai Xining’s voice carried a hint of helplessness.
"Hmm," Xiao Zining nodded. "Don't worry, with me by your side, no one will dare to bully you."
Given how biased the old patriarch of the Bai family was, he would definitely take their side; it would be hard for Bai Xining to avoid being wronged if she went alone.
He would not let that happen.
Early the next morning.
Xiao Zining went to the rental house to pick up Bai Xining and went straight to the Bai family mansion.
On the way, Bai Xining was restless and uneasy.
Chapter 39: Disrespecting Her Deserves a Beating!
"Don't you go causing trouble when we get there later. They are my family after all, and I don't want to make things too awkward with them."
Bai Xining cautioned him.
"They kicked you out and bullied you like this, and you call them family?"
Xiao Zining stood up for her. Such family wasn't worth having.
"Isn't that all your fault?!" Bai Xining glared at him, her pretty face blushing slightly.
Xiao Zining didn't speak. In his view, this group of people from the Bai family weren't good things at all, actually driving Bai Xining’s family to the brink...