Bi Jian collapsed to the ground, clutching his chest as though struck by cardiac arrest. Instinctively, he fumbled for the emergency pills in his pocket, but they slipped from his grasp and rolled away. As he reached out desperately to retrieve them, Tang Ze casually nudged the pills further out of reach with the tip of his shoe.
"You look oddly familiar," Tang Ze remarked in a calm, almost indifferent voice. "Ah yes, I remember now—the year-end meeting. You're the hotel manager, aren't you?"
Bi Jian clutched at Tang Ze's pant leg, his eyes pleading for mercy.
"You're repulsively overweight—perhaps death will do what diets couldn't," Tang Ze sneered with chilling disdain.
"You—!!" Bi Jian seethed, consumed by indignation. He had clawed his way up from nothing to become the deputy general manager of the hotel, only to be humiliated by a mere deliveryman!
Without a trace of emotion, Tang Ze watched as Bi Jian's labored breathing came to an abrupt halt. He then unceremoniously dumped both bodies onto the bed.
"Next time, think twice before tangling with forces beyond your comprehension. It won't end well," Tang Ze murmured under his breath.
Moments later, Tang Ze returned to his quarters. An Bai trotted over eagerly, her curiosity piqued. "Master, what punishment did you mete out to her?"
"I crushed her neck with my bare hands," Tang Ze replied nonchalantly, his fingers tightening playfully around An Bai's slender throat. Far from showing fear, An Bai appeared to revel in the macabre display, a twisted smile playing on her lips.
"That's far too merciful," Sun Ting interjected softly. "Were it me, I'd have made her suffer."
"Yes, suffering suits such cases," Ye Qing chimed in, nodding in agreement.
Tang Ze sighed deeply. How had he ended up surrounded by such morally warped individuals? Who had corrupted their minds so thoroughly?
---
In the opulent private suite of the Imperial Club, a fifty-year-old man lounged on a plush couch, puffing leisurely on a cigar. A thick gold chain hung heavily around his neck, while a massive gold ring adorned one finger. Two women knelt submissively before him, catering to his every whim.
"That wretched bitch dared kill my men!" Huo Wannian snarled, his fury reaching a fever pitch. With a sudden burst of rage, he rose to his feet, snatched a leather whip from the coffee table, and strode toward the side of the room.
There, an eighteen-year-old girl hung suspended from the ceiling, her emaciated body already marred by countless bloody welts. She had been captured attempting to flee, and now only faint, shallow breaths escaped her lips.
Crack! Crack! Crack!
Three fresh lashes tore into her battered form, each strike eliciting a guttural cry of agony. Two classmates knelt nearby, trembling with fear, too terrified to utter a word.
"Still gallivanting at clubs this late? This is the price of recklessness," Huo Wannian spat venomously.
He grabbed his phone and dialed Xi Meng's number. "You truly believe those pathetic excuses for men in your little neighborhood can stop me? Think again, you insolent harlot!"
At home, Xi Meng frowned upon seeing Huo Wannian's name flash across her screen. Reluctantly, she answered.
"Hello?"
"Xi Meng, I sent a few men to negotiate with you, and you slaughtered them? That wasn't very hospitable, was it?" Huo Wannian barked.
Xi Meng furrowed her brow in confusion. "Huo Wannian, what nonsense are you spouting? I haven't the faintest idea what you're talking about."
"Stop pretending ignorance! If you don't give me answers, consider yourselves dead!"
Xi Meng's temper flared. "Huo Wannian, watch your tongue! Don't assume for a second that I'm intimidated by you!"
"Good! I was waiting for that defiance. Your precious neighborhood is as good as gone!" Huo Wannian snapped before hanging up abruptly.
Xi Meng slammed the phone down on the table, her frustration palpable.
Just then, a man in his forties entered the room, holding a steaming cup of water. "Darling, don't let it upset you. Have a sip of water."
This refined gentleman was none other than Xi Meng's husband, Fu Qi—a model of domestic support.
Xi Meng took a small sip and set the cup down. "Have some yourself, dear."
"I'm not thirsty," Fu Qi replied gently.
Xi Meng didn't respond further, running her slender fingers through her hair thoughtfully.
"Did something unpleasant happen with Huo Wannian?"
Xi Meng nodded curtly.
"To be honest, cooperating with Huo Wannian might not be a bad idea. He controls the water supply, while we manage the food warehouse. But water is becoming increasingly scarce," Fu Qi suggested diplomatically. This wasn't the first time he'd tried to persuade her, but she remained obstinate.
Xi Meng's voice turned icy. "His demands are monstrous—sending women to him like cattle, forcing men into servitude. When have I ever bowed to such depravity?"
"Times have changed," Fu Qi sighed. "You've allowed strangers into our community and distributed supplies indiscriminately. People are beginning to voice their discontent."
"Who?!" Xi Meng's gaze sharpened, her eyes glinting with suspicion.
"It doesn't matter who. Supplies are dwindling. You can't afford to squander resources on misplaced generosity. If this continues—" Fu Qi's words were abruptly cut short as Xi Meng slammed her palm against the table.
"Who dares challenge me?!"
Fu Qi shook his head, finally grasping the perilous consequences of her unwavering compassion.
---
Back in the club's private suite, Huo Wannian hurled his phone onto the couch and yanked the kneeling girl's hair, venting his frustration.
Thirty seconds later, feeling marginally calmer, he picked up the phone and dialed a number. A smug grin spread across his face as the call connected.
"Mr. Qian, did my gift arrive safely?"
The muffled screams of a girl echoed through the line, followed by Mr. Qian's amused voice. "These girls are exquisite. Quite delightful indeed."
"I have more where that came from. Once you tire of these, I'll send fresh ones."
"Excellent. You know how to please me, Huo Wannian."
"By the way, Mr. Qian, about our previous discussion…"
Mr. Qian paused briefly before chuckling. "Huo, obtaining firearms has grown exceedingly difficult. The authorities would rather destroy all ammunition than surrender it."
"Last time, you mentioned acquiring them from the armed police."
"Hah! The armed police station is surrounded by corpses. They'd rather starve inside than deal with me, my friend."
Huo Wannian cursed inwardly. He had sent several beautiful women, yet still hadn't received a single firearm!
Once I get my hands on those guns, I'll blow your brains out!
"Listen closely, Mr. Qian. I plan to seize control of Hill Lake neighborhood. In exchange for your firearms, I'll deliver Xi Meng to your bed—bound and ready for your pleasure. What say you?"
"Are you serious?" Mr. Qian's tone turned grave, betraying his keen interest in the proposition.
Huo Wannian silently cursed the cunning old fox.
"Would I dare deceive you, Mr. Qian?"
"Hah! I doubt you would. Very well—we recently hijacked a few shotguns from a security company. I'll give you one, along with five bullets."
Huo Wannian wanted to slap himself. Why hadn't he considered targeting security companies sooner? Now Mr. Qian had stolen the initiative.
"Five bullets seem rather insufficient, Mr. Qian."
"Nonsense! These days, firearms serve primarily as tools of intimidation. Who bothers checking whether your weapon is loaded? One shot, and everyone cowers."
A shotgun and five bullets in exchange for a woman like Xi Meng? Huo Wannian nearly laughed aloud. Rot in hell, old fool. First, I'll secure the guns, then I'll deal with you.
"Thank you, Mr. Qian. I'll send someone to collect them shortly."
"And bring two more beauties with you."
Curse you!
"Of course—I'll ensure they're the finest selections for you, Mr. Qian."
After hanging up, Huo Wannian roared in frustration, releasing his pent-up anger. He glanced at the women beside him, realizing his inability to perform, which only fueled his rage further. Grabbing the whip, he lashed out mercilessly.
Fresh cries of torment filled the air.
Once I conquer Hill Lake and recruit its men, I'll carve Mr. Qian into pieces. What use are your bullets when I command an army?