Chapter Twenty-Nine

“And another thing, I don’t know how you gentlemen got in here, or what your connection with Huo Lingtian might be. But now—” Rong Qing’s tone shifted, her eyes shimmering with a kaleidoscope of colors, emanating the presence of someone accustomed to command. “A helpless young woman alone in a room with four grown men—doesn’t that seem a bit improper? So, if you would, please.” She pointed confidently at the door, her smile playful and provocative as she looked at the four titans before her.

“You…” Yan Dong, a man built like a mountain, drew in a sharp breath. Throughout Asia, he was a notorious crime lord, someone everyone deferred to. Yet here he was, being ushered out by a mere slip of a girl. If word of this got out, how could he ever show his face again? “You—are—truly—fearless.”

Rong Qing planted her hands on her hips and sat regally on the sofa, feigning puzzlement. “Oh? If you won’t leave, do you mean that I should?” She gestured delicately at their imposing frames with a finger as white as jade. The meaning was clear: four strong men bullying a poor, defenseless woman.

“You’re saying we’re picking on you because we’re bigger?” Yan Dong was instantly ruffled, his voice rising in protest.

Idiot! He’d admitted it himself! The other three covered their faces, determined to disown him.

Rong Qing couldn’t help but laugh aloud; she had never seen someone so guileless and blunt, falling into her trap so easily.

“Miss Rong, with such wit and courage, you are indeed a match for Young Master Huo. It’s we who have overstepped,” Gu Lingfei remarked. This girl had played Yan Dong like a fiddle, but more impressively, she remained perfectly composed before the Black Flame Overlord—a feat enough to earn their respect. Her quick thinking had immediately targeted Yan Dong, the least eloquent of the four. Truly…she was not simple!

Suddenly, with a loud bang, the bulletproof door to the rooftop garden was kicked open. A man strode in, dressed in a black trench coat, his expression arrogant and overbearing, his eyes blazing like meteorites. He marched straight to Rong Qing, circling her once to ensure she was unharmed. “Qing, did those four bully you?” Huo Lingtian demanded anxiously.

Just as Gu Lingfei had predicted—putting romance above friendship. Look at that bootlicking attitude; clearly, the future lady of the house would have him wrapped around her finger.

Rong Qing’s gaze sparkled mischievously as she surveyed the four men. Yan Dong’s eyes, as big as oxen, were locked nervously onto her rosy lips, at a complete loss.

“I’m fine. I was just woken up from my nap,” she replied.

“Hmph, I knew you four were up to no good, sneaking in here while I was in a meeting. If I hadn’t caught you in time, my precious one would’ve surely suffered at your hands,” Huo Lingtian declared self-righteously.

“Boss, I remember you said we could come and go from your room as we pleased,” Yan Dong protested indignantly.

“Not anymore!” Huo Lingtian announced imperiously. Of course—if these guys had free access, his darling would never set foot in his company again. In Huo’s eyes, a wife was to be cherished, while friends were for fighting alongside.

“Oh, my latest prototype weapons, my Desert Eagle…” Yan Dong clutched his head and wailed, lamenting that a mafia boss like him could be so pathetically bullied.

“Shut up. My supercomputer’s defense system is still locked up here!” Li Mingze, who had been silent, finally couldn’t hold back.

Rong Qing watched the five of them bicker, amused. There was an easy rapport among them, a camaraderie that spoke of deep trust—perhaps even deeper than what was visible on the surface.

“Qing, these are my lifelong brothers. You’ve met Xing Hao already—the general manager of Ding Sheng. That hot-tempered, blunt fellow is Yan Dong, who controls half of Asia’s underworld and arms trade; the sly, fox-faced one with the charming smile is Gu Lingfei, CEO of Global Petroleum; and the one with the perpetually stern face, who barely utters three words, is Li Mingze, president of the largest restaurant chain in Asia.” Huo Lingtian revealed all their secrets in one go.

Rong Qing committed it all to memory. Each of these men was powerful enough to shake the world with a single command. She stared inscrutably at the man beside her. If these four already encompassed so many realms, then the Huo Corporation… was beyond imagination.

“Nothing brings people together like adversity. Rong Qing, currently just a minor actress under Ding Sheng Entertainment—pleased to meet you all.”

“I have high hopes for you, future lady of the house,” Gu Lingfei said, raising an eyebrow.

“Hmph. You’re the first woman to ever back me into a corner like this. I acknowledge you as a friend!” Yan Dong declared, clapping Rong Qing on the shoulder with such force that her slender frame nearly buckled. “Heh, sorry… force of habit…” he muttered, retreating hastily under Huo Lingtian’s murderous glare.

“Well done, Rong Qing! Also, you’ve officially been cast in ‘Splendid Years.’ Report to the set tomorrow,” Xing Hao said, pushing his glinting glasses up his nose.

Li Mingze lifted his head and regarded the girl before him for a moment, then finally nodded and grunted in approval.

Different reactions, but in the end, they all accepted Rong Qing—not just as an actress, but as someone who dared to challenge them: stubborn, clever, beautiful, and radiant, a woman who left an indelible mark on their hearts.

—End of Side Note—

Blue wants to be bookmarked! Friends, please show your support!