"That was an accident," Shen Hu said. "I didn't intend to choke you to death."
"Yes, it really was an accident. He truly didn't mean it..."
*Slap!*
Su Tian landed a heavy blow to Liu Qian's face. "Did I ask you? Let him speak!"
"It was truly an accident. If I had wanted to kill you, would I have done it in your rented apartment?"
"So, going after my family was an accident too?" Su Tian asked coldly. Shen Hu stiffened, but a moment later, he gritted his teeth and said, "What else could I do? I thought you were dead, so I buried you. Your family would have definitely called the police when they realized you were missing. To keep them from doing that, I had no choice but to smear your reputation and make them believe you’d run off to escape debt."
"You animal!"
Jin Yuan, standing to the side, exploded in rage. He kicked Shen Hu hard in the stomach, causing him to vomit blood on the spot.
"Shen Hu, you son of a bitch! You’re the one who caused all this trouble, and yet you dragged me into doing your dirty work. Do you have any idea how badly you’ve ruined me?"
Shen Hu was dazed, unable to understand why Jin Yuan was so submissive to Su Tian. However, knowing this wasn't the time to question it, he stared at Su Tian. "Su Tian, if an apology could fix this, I would apologize. But I know it can't. So tell me, what do you intend to do?"
Liu Qian spoke up nervously, "Su Tian, we were classmates for four years. For the sake of that friendship..."
"Shut up!"
Su Tian’s gaze turned icy, making Liu Qian shudder. He turned his attention back to Shen Hu. "Where is that twenty-thousand-dollar lottery ticket?"
"I cashed it in. After four thousand in taxes, sixteen thousand went into my account."
"Transfer it to me."
"Fine."
Jin Yuan immediately untied Shen Hu. Shen Hu went to work, and soon, the sixteen thousand was transferred to Su Tian.
"Su Tian, I can give you another million as an apology..."
*Thud!*
Su Tian kicked Shen Hu in the stomach. Shen Hu curled into a ball, his body beginning to convulse.
"You... what did you do to him!" Liu Qian asked, her face pale.
Su Tian didn't explain. He simply looked at Shen Hu and said, "Murder is a crime, so I won't kill you. But don't expect to ever walk properly again."
He then looked at Liu Qian. "As for you, from this day forward, we have nothing to do with each other."
When the words fell, Liu Qian froze. Jin Yuan asked tentatively, "Boss... what about me? That thing you put in my body..."
Su Tian moved his hand and patted Jin Yuan on the shoulder. Jin Yuan shuddered, and his eyes suddenly brightened. Su Tian had deactivated the "Yama’s Hand" within him.
"The rest is up to you. Take them back."
"Yes! Thank you, Boss!" Jin Yuan said immediately. He waved his hand, and his men grabbed Shen Hu and Liu Qian, threw them into a car, and sped away.
"Su Tian, what did that guy mean by the 'thing' you did to him?"
"Nothing, just a minor trick, not worth mentioning," Su Tian replied calmly.
Wang Feng was stunned, then sighed. "Su Tian, you've changed. You've become much more imposing."
Su Tian shook his head. "No, we’ve both changed. We’ve just become more realistic."
"True. Shen Hu used to be the most loyal guy in our dorm, and Liu Qian was so innocent. Who would have thought that less than a year after graduation, things would turn out like this?"
Su Tian nodded, about to speak, when he frowned and looked behind him. A woman wearing a down jacket was walking toward them.
"Fenghua? Why are you here?"
Wang Feng was also surprised. Fenghua smiled. "Haha, I noticed some movement outside while I was in the courtyard, so I followed."
"Su Tian, who is she?"
"Hello, I'm a friend of Su Tian's." Before Su Tian could answer, Fenghua smiled and reached out to shake Wang Feng’s hand.
Wang Feng hesitated. "Fenghua... your surname is Feng? Could you be the eldest daughter of the Feng Family in Quancheng?"
"Oh? You’ve heard of me?"
"It really is you!" Wang Feng was startled. He quickly shook her hand with both of his. "I’m Wang Feng. I wouldn't say I know you, but I’ve certainly heard your name."
"You’ve heard of me? And your surname is Wang... I see. You must be the son of President Wang, the founder of Fuduoduo Company."
"Fuduoduo is indeed my family's business," Wang Feng said with a respectful nod.
Su Tian looked surprised. "Wang Feng, you know her?"
"It's not just knowing her; her reputation is legendary. The Feng Family is the premier family in Quancheng. Their Tianfeng Investment Bank is one of the country's top investment firms. Their visible investments alone are worth tens of billions, not to mention their private holdings..."
"I didn't realize you were so wealthy," Su Tian said, surprised.
Fenghua smiled slightly. "Haha, Young Master Wang isn't doing too poorly himself. The Fuduoduo Group has opened nearly five hundred medium-sized chain supermarkets in the province and built several snack factories. The growth potential is quite significant, though it seems you’ve run into some trouble recently, haven't you?"
Su Tian frowned as he listened. Wang Feng gave an awkward smile but said nothing.
"Su Tian, I know this is abrupt, but I have something I'd like to discuss with you. Would you be free?" Fenghua asked again.
Su Tian was taken aback, but Wang Feng reacted quickly. "In that case, you two talk. Su Tian, I'll catch up with you tonight."
He turned and left. Fenghua watched him go and smiled. "As expected of President Wang’s son, he’s quite perceptive."
"What do you want to talk about?"
"It’s like this: my brother has run into some trouble. He invested in some antiques, but later discovered they were all fakes. He lost a great deal of money, which made my father furious. He's planning to strip my brother of his position in the company. My brother was desperate, so he called me for help."
"What does that have to do with me?"
"It has everything to do with you. I’ve run away from home, and the sellers my brother dealt with are currently waiting at the Wanlong Hotel in Teng City. I need you to accompany me to the hotel and then bring me back safely. I don't want to be dragged home by my father's men."
Su Tian considered this. Fenghua added, "Of course, I can pay you more. If you can get me back safely, I’ll add another fifty thousand."
"Deal," Su Tian agreed immediately, thinking that50,000 for a quick trip was very easy money.
"Great, let's go."
Fenghua and Su Tian took a car to the Wanlong Hotel. Ten minutes later, they arrived. As soon as they stepped out, a man in a black suit hurried over and said respectfully, "Eldest Miss."
"Have they arrived?"
"They are already there."
"Lead the way. Also, this is my friend; don't stop him."
"Yes."
The man nodded respectfully and led the way. Su Tian watched quietly, noting the change in Fenghua's demeanor. If she had seemed like a sheltered young lady earlier, she now projected the aura of a sharp business executive, radiating efficiency and authority.
They took the elevator to the eighth floor, and the man led them into a suite. As soon as he stepped inside, Su Tian’s eyes flashed; the living room was filled with over a hundred antiques.