Chapter 122: Ding Jun's Scheme
Afterward, Ding Jun explained the next steps of the plan to Zhang Yang.
Upon hearing Ding Jun's plan, a smug, malicious grin spread across Zhang Yang's face. He gloated inwardly, *Lin Le, oh Lin Le, you're just a country bumpkin. How dare you offend us? This time, I'll make sure you're utterly ruined!*
A moment later, the dinner was drawing to a close. Ding Jun shot a glance at Zhang Yang, who immediately understood and stood up.
"Alright, now that we're almost done eating, shouldn't we move on to the next activity?" Zhang Yang said with a broad smile.
"The next activity? Zhang Yang, you planned something else?" Lingling asked in surprise.
"Well, Xiaorui finally returned after a long time, and she even brought her boyfriend today. As her good friends, we naturally have to play the hosts. How about I treat everyone to karaoke at Purple Gold KTV later?" Zhang Yang said this, of course, to lure Lin Le into the venue.
"Zhang Yang, I didn't expect you to be so thoughtful!" Ji Xiaorui did not think too much of it. She simply assumed Zhang Yang was showing her respect by offering to treat them.
Ni Fang, Lingling, and the other girls were also overjoyed. Purple Gold was practically the finest KTV in the capital. All of its equipment was imported, making it extremely high-end, and the decor was incredibly luxurious.
It was said that many big celebrities living in the capital loved to hang out at Purple Gold. If they were lucky, they might even run into a few A-list stars!
Of course, with such premium amenities, the prices at Purple Gold were naturally astronomical. Spending a night there started at thirty thousand yuan at the very least. A better private room could easily run fifty thousand or a hundred thousand, and that was not even including the cost of drinks.
Thus, even though they came from relatively well-off families, these wealthy youths rarely frequented such a place. Today was different, however. Since Zhang Yang was willing to foot the bill, they were getting a free ride and just had to tag along to enjoy the perk. Consequently, the moment Zhang Yang offered to treat them to Purple Gold, everyone was thrilled.
Even Ji Xiaohai felt the same. Although his family had no shortage of money, his father never allowed him to go to such places. Now that he was being led by the older crowd, he naturally had nothing to fear.
While Ji Xiaorui and the others were ecstatic, Lin Le saw through the situation clearly. As the saying goes, unsolicited friendliness always conceals a sinister motive. His arrival had practically cuckolded Zhang Yang, and he had just humiliated Ding Jun. He did not believe for a second that these two would be so kind as to host a karaoke session to welcome him. Only a brainless girl like Ji Xiaorui would fall for Zhang Yang's lies.
Furthermore, the moment Ding Jun walked in, he had been whispering with Zhang Yang, clearly plotting against him. If he guessed correctly, they must have set some sort of trap at Purple Gold KTV, waiting for him to walk right into it. Lin Le was not that foolish and had no intention of falling into their trap.
"Sorry, everyone. I have things to attend to tomorrow, so I won't be joining you for karaoke," Lin Le said calmly.
"Ah?" Hearing this, everyone felt a wave of disappointment, and the girls began to grumble.
"Lin Le, you're the guest of honor for this trip to Purple Gold. If you don't go, then we'll just have to call it off," Zhang Yang said, feigning disappointment.
As soon as Zhang Yang said this, the others immediately grew upset and began complaining about Lin Le, which was exactly what Zhang Yang had anticipated.
"Lin Le, don't be such a party pooper!" Lingling grumbled.
"Exactly. It's just a quick karaoke session. It won't be too late to head back afterward," the others chimed in with their complaints.
Having finally landed a chance to enjoy a free night out at a place like Purple Gold, they were not about to let it slip away so easily.
"Xiaorui, hurry up and convince your hubby," someone urged.
"Xiaorui, don't tell me you can't even manage your own man?" another teased.
Feeling embarrassed by the group's teasing, Ji Xiaorui could no longer hold out.
"Hubby, why don't you just come with us?" Ji Xiaorui resorted to her coquettish, wheedling tone, pressing her ample chest against Lin Le's arm.
Lin Le felt utterly helpless. This girl was the definition of a terrible teammate, helping others dig a pit for her own man without even realizing it.
"Yeah, brother-in-law, just come with us," chimed in Ji Xiaohai, terrible teammate number two.
*Ji Xiaorui, we had a deal before we came here. We go home right after dinner,* Lin Le sent a telepathic message directly to her mind.
"I know, but it's hard to decline such hospitality, and all my close friends are here. Just think of it as a favor to me, please?" Ji Xiaorui whispered into Lin Le's ear. Her warm breath tickled his ear, sending a shiver through his body.
Lin Le realized that under the circumstances, if he refused, he would immediately become public enemy number one, and Ji Xiaorui would lose face in her social circle.
"Fine, I'll go," Lin Le finally relented.
Aside from being unable to withstand their relentless badgering, Lin Le also wanted to see what kind of tricks Zhang Yang and Ding Jun were trying to pull. *So you want to deal with me? Fine, I'll play along! Otherwise, you'll think I'm actually afraid of you!*
Hearing Lin Le agree, everyone immediately beamed with joy.
Zhang Yang and Ding Jun exchanged a glance, both wearing smug expressions. *Lin Le, oh Lin Le, it seems you are quite the fool to fall into our trap so easily. Just wait until we get to Purple Gold, we'll show you what we've got in store!*
Shortly after, the group left the restaurant, got into their cars, and drove toward Purple Gold KTV.
As they neared the destination, Lin Le's phone suddenly rang. He glanced at it, saw it was an unknown number, and ignored it.
A moment later, the phone rang again. This time, it was Guan Tianxiong.
Lin Le frowned, wondering if the Red Blossom Society had run into some trouble the moment he stepped out.
"Hello, Xiong," Lin Le quickly answered.
"Mr. Lin, I'm sorry to disturb you," Guan Tianxiong said apologetically.
"Did something happen?" Lin Le asked.
"Oh, no, it's not about the Red Blossom Society," Guan Tianxiong said, sensing Lin Le's concern.
"Then what is it?"
"It's Fourth Master. Fourth Master wishes to see you." When mentioning Fourth Master's name, Guan Tianxiong's voice carried a distinct note of reverence.
Twenty minutes ago, Gu Hanliang, also known as Fourth Master Gu, had called him. Because the incident with the Red Blossom Society had blown up so much, word of it had eventually reached Fourth Master Gu's ears. Fourth Master Gu had given Guan Tianxiong a severe tongue-lashing over the phone; even now, Guan Tianxiong's eardrums still throbbed from the shouting.
On the call, Guan Tianxiong had detailed exactly how Lin Le disposed of the Four Great Guardians. Gu Hanliang was thoroughly shocked by Lin Le's formidable methods.
Later, when Guan Tianxiong mentioned that Lin Le had already departed for the capital, it triggered another round of cursing from Fourth Master Gu. *Damn it, a guest as important as Mr. Lin has arrived in the capital, and you didn't even bother to inform me? Do you have a pig's brain?*
Guan Tianxiong had been scolded so fiercely he could barely stand. Afterward, Fourth Master Gu demanded Lin Le's number, saying he would contact Lin Le himself.
Hearing this, Lin Le finally realized that the call he had just ignored was actually from the prominent Fourth Master Gu...
Fourth Master Gu was probably feeling quite frustrated. He was, after all, a prominent figure in the capital's elite circles, and whenever he returned to Haizhou, even the top local officials would visit him in person. Yet, Lin Le had just hung up on him.
"Ah, alright. I understand. I'll call him back right now," Lin Le said, feeling a bit apologetic.
"No need. Fourth Master said I should find out where you are, and he will come to pick you up personally," Guan Tianxiong said, his voice entirely stripped of its usual arrogance. Whether it was Lin Le or Fourth Master Gu, both were people he could not afford to offend. At this moment, he was merely a messenger.
"We might be heading to Purple Gold KTV in a bit. Just tell him to call me when he arrives," Lin Le replied casually, not thinking too much of it as he gave his location.