Chapter 124 The Silent Disharmony, Jinzun Nightclub - The Rich Second-Generation Villain With No Morals

"Qi Lin, you're way out of line. I gave you CPR to save your life, and now you're using these photos to threaten me." Yan Yan's beautiful eyes gazed at Qi Lin with a hint of embarrassment. Her previous fondness for him had faded away. She hadn't even imagined that Qi Lin would have photos of the two of them kissing. "Ms. Yan Yan, if it was just CPR, these photos are useless," Qi Lin said nonchalantly. "But do you realize how much you invested in these photos?" He paused for a moment. "I wonder, do you not like Li Zhou, that old fool? For years, he's been living a solitary and bitter life, yearning for a sweet love?" "Speaking of threats, that wasn't my original intention," he continued. "I saved you, and what did your husband and son do? Treated me like a dog. I'm someone who retaliates when wronged. Since they treated me this way, I can do the same to you." Yan Yan's eyes flickered with resentment upon hearing his words. Indeed, their relationship was normal, with occasional flirtation not affecting their bond. But Li Zhou and Li Jia Ming's treatment of Qi Lin could anger anyone. "Qi Lin, it's too late to take back what you said," Yan Yan advised softly, her tone filled with sincerity. "Sister Yan Yan still sees you as her little brother. I apologize on behalf of my husband and son. In the future, if anything major happens, just call us instead of coming by." She was a woman with limits. She could tolerate an extraordinary relationship with Qi Lin but could never accept him blatantly trampling on her dignity, turning her into a wanton woman. "No, if apologizing was enough to solve problems, what need would there be for the police?" Qi Lin replied. "Not only do your husband and son need to pay for their mistakes, they should brace themselves for my retaliation. Of course, as I've mentioned before, Sister Yan Yan is still in her prime. It's a pity to be tied down taking care of a dying old man. I can help you escape misery. As long as Li Jia Ming and Li Zhou disappear, you'd finally be free." Qi Lin whispered seductively with convincing seriousness. "Qi Lin, say another word, and I'll be angry. Back when my parents faced misfortune, it was my husband who selflessly helped them. Even if I have no feelings for my husband, I'd never stoop to such sordid deeds." Yan Yan's eyes were filled with anger and a trace of pain. She did genuinely have some affection for Qi Lin. But in this kindness, her feelings for him were insignificant. Most importantly, she couldn't tolerate Qi Lin's bullying. Why couldn't he treat her like a sister, maintaining that subtle, elusive feeling? Qi Lin didn't realize that. After some thought, he recognized that Li Jia Ming, as the protagonist, would eventually encounter misfortune, leading to chaos and bloodshed. Yan Yan was both Li Jia Ming's mother and Li Zhou's wife. Without using drastic measures to turn Yan Yan to his side, how could he ensure she wouldn't join forces with the two men against him? "Two days of connection can't compare to years of life together," Qi Lin mused. "Sister Yan Yan," Qi Lin said, gracefully embracing her. Her burgundy dress highlighted her beauty ever more. Yan Yan struggled at first, resisting. But she was now 33 years old. Despite remaining pure, she had longed for love. She secretly admired the tall and handsome Qi Lin. "Fine, this will be the last time. Our next encounter, if ever, will make us enemies." Yan Yan closed her eyes, her cheeks flushed, indulging in a taste she might never experience again. With shimmering hair in the light, Yan Yan showed a hint of relief. "Let's forget the past." She gently pushed away Qi Lin, calmly smoothing her dress. Qi Lin shrugged. Mature women like Yan Yan were indeed harder to deal with than younger ones like Wang Si Ling. "Aren't you afraid your husband will see these photos?" Qi Lin asked with a teasing smile. Yan Yan stiffened. "Try it. I've always seen you as a brother. If you seek danger, then let’s take it to the end." Qi Lin chuckled. "Sister Yan Yan, consider these photos a keepsake. When you think of me at night, take a look." As shrewd as Qi Lin was, he believed no young woman yearning for sweet romance would easily delete photos of their happiest moments. He sent all the photos to Yan Yan, including ones of her giving him CPR and them playing together at a water park. Her radiant smile in the photos was proof of those joyful times. Yan Yan hesitated as she hovered over the delete button on her phone. Particularly when she looked at the photos of their kiss, her cheeks flushed, feeling both bittersweet. "Perhaps I'll keep a few, just as a memory," she decided, tucking the phone into her bag. "Where’s Qi Lin?" Li Zhou and Li Jia Ming, now dressed, came down, perplexed to find only Yan Yan at the table. "He's gone," she replied tersely. Although she resented Qi Lin's ruthless disruption of their lifesaving relationship, she also blamed Li Zhou and Li Jia Ming for their lack of compassion. Despite everything she had done for their family, they showed little regard by secretly disrespecting her benefactor. Confused and troubled, Yan Yan wondered if years of toil were truly worthwhile. Did Li Zhou and Li Jia Ming indeed see her as family? Meanwhile, as Qi Lin left Yan Yan's villa, he got a call from Chen Xi Meng. "Lin, you've asked me to keep an eye on Wang Cheng. I’ve got thrilling news about him!" Chen Ao Meng's voice was excited over the phone. "Get to the point, don't waste time with pleasantries," Qi Lin replied with a chuckle. Chen Ao Meng quickly recounted his findings. Wang Cheng had been frequently visiting a certain establishment, often adorned in upscale attire to blend in. Most strikingly, Wang Cheng seemed to have gained favor in the underworld, entering rooms guarded like fortresses. After ending the call, Qi Lin met with Chen Xi Meng ten minutes later. A punch-drunk appearance on Chen left Qi Lin surprised, leading Chen to explain a run-in during his surveillance endeavor. "Hah, nothing much. Just got in the way of some underworld operation and caught some blows," Chen admitted, lightly tapping his head and wincing in pain minutes later. Such wildness in their endeavors continued to weave complex tapestries of relationships and power struggles, as all involved eyed their next move. "It's just a surface wound. They thought I was stupid and kicked me out without bothering much," Chen Xi Meng said nonchalantly. But Qi Lin knew things weren't that simple. The notion of keeping male pets was inherently embarrassing. If you were caught up in such a significant secret, there was surely more to it than being merely dismissed. There were two possible scenarios in Qi Lin's mind. One, Chen Ao Meng was an exceptional actor, and his comical demeanor convinced the thugs to beat him up a bit but ultimately leave him with no questions asked about any mastermind. Two, Chen Ao Meng had betrayed him and was now luring him into a trap laid by some underworld boss. Staying calm, Qi Lin internally asked the system for some information on Chen Ao Meng. The system responded, "Chen Ao Meng, male, 17 years old, Appearance: 82, IQ: 128, skilled at observing and gathering information, current loyalty to host: 88." Receiving the quick feedback, Qi Lin mused, "An 88 loyalty score isn't low, and with a 128 IQ, this kid's smart. His specialty is gathering information, meaning he's good at feigning silliness. It's unlikely he'd betray me." Qi Lin's eyes glinted with a subtle amusement. "Easier to find thousands of troops than one good general," he thought. If Chen Ao Meng was genuinely committed, Qi Lin could nurture this handy ally. "Great job today. Here's your reward. Remember, gather intel carefully next time, and don't be reckless. Losing your life isn't worth it." Qi Lin tossed a thick wad of cash—around ten thousand yuan—toward Chen Ao Meng. After nearly risking his life for intel, Qi Lin felt it was only fair not to be stingy. "Master Lin~" Chen's eyes welled up as he looked at the stack of money. No one willingly joins the underworld without necessity. His childhood was marked by parental separation, a remarried mother, and a father who drowned in a drunken stupor. Raised by his grandparents, with no money and unable to work, he turned to petty thuggery to support his family. Meeting Qi Lin felt like a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. Qi Lin taught him that even a thug could earn respect and make something of himself. Chen Ao Meng realized he'd met a benefactor, presenting him with a golden chance. Hence, he put his all into every task Qi Lin assigned. He refrained from mentioning an extremely dangerous scene from earlier. Several suited men had put a knife to his throat, demanding to know who sent him. Despite shaking with fear, he grit his teeth and claimed he was lost. They eventually beat him and threw him out, sparing his life, as they couldn't believe a mere kid would remain silent for his boss. Qi Lin's generosity and concern reaffirmed to Chen that his sacrifices indeed had purpose. "Dropping the emotional talk, you've completed your task. Visit a clinic to get patched up and get some rest. I'll have more for you to do soon," Qi Lin said, giving him a reassuring pat. Chen Ao Meng wiped his eyes, nodded firmly, and limped off. "System, let’s verify the details on Chen again," Qi Lin requested once Chen was gone, his earlier warm smile replaced with a calm demeanor. Reborn, apart from his parents, Qi Lin trusted no one. People's hearts could change, and loyalty could wane, just like those women he enchanted. They might not have favored the protagonist initially, now they were his playthings. The system confirmed, "Chen Ao Meng, male, 17, Appearance: 82, IQ: 128, skilled in observation, intelligence gathering, current loyalty to host: 88." Seeing this, Qi Lin chuckled. "His loyalty's not likely to falter easily unless something drastic happens. I'll keep an eye out to ensure no threats remain around me." Watching Chen leave, Qi Lin turned and entered the Gold Honor Nightclub. He needed to assess how far Wang Cheng's male pet status had progressed to plan his next steps. Qi Lin, with his branded attire and the air of a confident young master, had no trouble passing the first checkpoint at the entrance guarded by suited men. Inside, he keenly observed the lavish hall, its people, and any who emerged from private rooms. His attention eventually fixed on a man with a tag around his neck, instructing staff to serve guests impeccably. He was likely a senior figure at the nightclub. Qi Lin memorized the man’s appearance, then headed to the restroom. Emerging later, he appeared as a spitting image of that same man. With Chen Xiao Meng's briefing in mind, Qi Lin made his way to the General Manager's office. "Mr. Jin, any instructions?" the guard at the door asked politely, welcoming Qi Lin.