"Haha, who do you think you are, Lin Mu? How dare you speak such self-righteous nonsense?"

Su Ming suddenly burst into laughter, then sneered, "Today, I don't care if Qin Yan is protecting you or if you're too cowardly to act. I'm going to make you pay!"

Ordinarily, Su Ming wouldn't have made a big deal over such a trivial matter with Lin Mu. The real reason was his long and fruitless pursuit of Qin Yan. Lin Mu's appearance had simply been a trigger. On top of that, he had drunk a lot during the gathering today. Alcohol can make a person bold, but it can also make them lose their sanity.

"Today, I'm going to teach you that you can't afford to mess with people like us, people with status and connections!" Su Ming said to the bar manager, "Manager Shi, as long as nobody dies in this bar, it should be fine, right?"

Manager Shi glanced at Lin Mu. He didn't seem to belong to any of River City's major families, and he had never heard of a Lin Family. Judging by his clothes and demeanor, he wasn't some prominent young master either, so the manager made his decision quickly.

"Young Master Su, as long as nobody dies, a broken arm or leg is no big deal."

The Enjoyment Bar was backed by River City's kingpin, Dao Wuming. On his turf, any issue short of murder could be smoothed over. Besides, while the Su Family wasn't one of River City's most prestigious households, they still had some clout. At worst, they'd just have to pay some compensation after a beating. Could a nobody like Lin Mu possibly do anything to Su Ming? As for causing trouble for him, Shi Kaimin, that was pure fantasy. The name Dao Wuming alone was enough to intimidate countless people.

"That's good to hear," Su Ming smiled. "I might also need to borrow a couple of your men, Manager Shi."

"No problem at all, Young Master Su. Feel free to do as you wish," Shi Kaimin chuckled, then told the two bouncers behind him, "You two, follow Young Master Su's orders."

"Yes!" the two bouncers nodded. Anyone working security in a bar like this had ties to the underworld. They understood how things worked. Helping Su Ming would obviously come with benefits.

Su Ming said to the two bouncers, "Don't worry, it's just a small favor. Once it's done, I'll give each of you one hundred thousand yuan."

"Young Master Su is too generous! We wouldn't dare accept payment for such a small favor," one of the bouncers said, though his eyes lit up with joy. One hundred thousand yuan just for teaching a kid a lesson? That's more than half a year's salary!

At that thought, the bouncers' gazes turned unfriendly as they looked at Lin Mu. Kid, you can only blame yourself for being blind and running into Young Master Su.

Su Ming gave a slight smile, looked at Lin Mu, and said, "See? This is the power of status and position. It's far beyond what a small fry like you could ever understand."

"Su Ming, I'm warning you, don't you dare do anything reckless!" Qin Yan's expression changed as she pulled out her phone. "If you try anything, I'm calling the police right now."

"The police?" Su Ming sneered coldly. "Qin Yan, you're so naive. Even if the cops showed up, what could they do to me? I haven't even done anything yet." This was the source of his confidence.

Just as Qin Yan was about to speak again, Su Ming added, "Of course, if you agree to be my woman and spend the night with me, I can let this kid go."

"In your dreams!" Qin Yan trembled with rage. I can't believe he's so despicable! Has he decided to tear down all pretenses? Using Lin Mu to threaten me... Who does he think I am?

Liping, however, scoffed, "Qin Yan, you really don't know what's good for you. What's wrong with being with Doctor Su? You'd be living a life of luxury. If you're lucky, you might even become the young mistress of the Su Family."

Her words were tinged with envy and jealousy. Liping had studied hard and gotten into a good university, thinking she could escape poverty for good. But at university, she saw others—less intelligent and less attractive than her—living lavishly, with designer bags, expensive jewelry, and luxury cars picking them up every weekend. Back then, Liping had felt resentful but also looked down on those who debased themselves. So she studied even harder, hoping to land a respectable job after graduation and finally hold her head high. She succeeded, getting a job at a hospital right after graduating, making her parents proud.

However, she soon discovered that getting promoted in the hospital without seniority, connections, or a powerful background was nearly impossible. By the time she could afford the designer jewelry she had once envied, those other girls were buying luxury cars and moving into villas. This growing sense of injustice warped her mindset.

Marrying well is better than being beautiful!

At the hospital, she met Su Ming, a young man who was outstanding in both family background and looks. She had often daydreamed about being with him. But Su Ming was relentlessly pursuing Qin Yan, which filled Liping with a bitter jealousy. Although she resented it, she was powerless. She even felt a secret delight whenever Qin Yan rejected Su Ming, often gossiping that Qin Yan was too arrogant and didn't appreciate Doctor Su.

You, Qin Yan, with no status or background, what right do you have to be so proud in front of me? And look at you now, being forced to give yourself to Doctor Su.

Therefore, Liping would target Qin Yan whenever she got the chance. The current competition for the attending physician position added fuel to the fire, as Qin Yan was her greatest rival.

If Qin Yan gives in to Su Ming this time, how will she ever compete with me again? Once you've become Doctor Su's plaything, what face will you have left to fight me for the position?

Liping had even planned to spread rumors to completely ruin Qin Yan's reputation. She stared at Qin Yan, her eyes filled with mocking contempt.

The others in their group looked on, feeling a bit sorry for her, but they knew better than to say anything. The adult world was often a filthy and difficult place.

"This is the first time I've seen someone so proud of being another man's dog. If you want to grovel, that's your business, but don't drag other people into your filth," Lin Mu said, glancing coldly at Liping, his voice laced with undisguised sarcasm.

His words made Liping's face turn ugly. "You cowardly weakling, what did you just say? I dare you to say it again!" she shrieked. "Doctor Su, this Lin Mu is despicable! Teach him a good lesson!"

Su Ming looked at Qin Yan with a dark expression. "Since you're unwilling, don't blame me for being ruthless!" He then turned to the two bouncers. "I'll leave him to you."

"No problem," the two bouncers chuckled, turning to Lin Mu. "Alright, kid. How do you want to die?"

"Take him to the back alley. Don't disrupt business," Shi Kaimin said nonchalantly.

"You got it!" The two bouncers sneered at Lin Mu. "Let's go, kid. Unless you want to get hurt badly right here."

Lin Mu looked at the two bouncers and shook his head slightly. I've never seen anyone so eager to die.

"Let's go." With his hands in his pockets, Lin Mu calmly started walking ahead.

"Smart kid." The two bouncers exchanged a knowing smile and flanked him, one in front and one behind.

"Lin Mu...!" Qin Yan cried out, her face etched with worry. Guan Jiaojiao also looked anxious, but there was no one there they could ask for help.

Lin Mu turned back. "Wait for me here. I'll be right back."

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