Chapter 106: Young Master Duan Invites You for Tea

“Ah, young sir, it’s commendable to have such a strong sense of justice, but unfortunately, you recklessly struck Master Duan. This is a tragedy now.”

“Isn’t that true? I think he looks like an outsider.”

“Sitting in the circle of the Baishi Club, could he be some new executive recently hired by Baishi?”

“Executive my foot! If he were an executive, would anyone dare to confront him? I bet he’s a newcomer, and now he’s finished.”

Everyone eagerly speculated, some with regret, some with sighs, some with admiration, and others with disdain.

Clatter—guests nearby quickly moved aside, fearing to provoke trouble. These bodyguards looked fierce and terrifying; it was best to avoid them.

The sixty or so members of the Baishi Club suddenly grew serious, gathering together with the men at the forefront and the women in the middle. Although the opposing party was aggressive, they still had to maintain appearances. Otherwise, Baishi would be looked down upon.

Jiang Chuxue, holding the highest position, smiled as she stepped forward: “What business do you have?”

The leader was a burly man with bulging muscles, his clothes nearly about to burst, clearly a formidable fighter. His eyes were sharp and piercing, like an eagle’s, scanning swiftly before fixing on Li Xin standing beside the Baishi Club’s circle in the second row.

“I’m here for him.” He pointed from a distance, and everyone immediately looked over, their expressions shifting.

Sure enough, they had come for revenge.

Jiang Chuxue furrowed her brows, pondering briefly, then smiled and said, “Brother, I’m Jiang Chuxue, Vice President of Baishi Club. That gentleman is our honored guest. Would you please show some respect?”

“Vice President Jiang!” The man showed some tact and clasped his fists in salute.

“The name Vice President Jiang is thunderous; I truly wish to give you this respect. But orders from above say we must—”

Before he could finish, Manager Zhang, grinning broadly, interrupted.

“Brother, he blindly struck Master Duan and naturally deserves punishment. But he’s not part of Baishi Club. If you have matters, please take them elsewhere—don’t drag us into this.”

“Yes, sir, as the saying goes, grievances have their origin, debts have their owners. Whoever’s fault it is, they should bear it themselves. Don’t involve Baishi.” General Manager Zhou, in charge of personnel, also smiled warmly and shook the man’s hand.

Seizing the opportunity, he slipped a bank card into the man’s hand as a gesture.

The man’s expression twisted oddly, as if about to say something, but Zhou kept interrupting softly with kind words.

At this moment, the quiet bar erupted with noisy chatter and scorn. Whether Li Xin was Baishi’s man or not, Vice President Jiang had already declared him an honored guest. Surely, some respect was due. These two executives were shameless, saving their own skins while discarding all dignity.

“Zhou Kang, Zhang Xide, what do you mean by this? I told you, he’s our honored guest!” Jiang Chuxue nearly roared—something rare for her.

“Vice President Jiang,” Zhou Kang sneered.

“Can’t you see the situation clearly? Why stir up trouble for Baishi over an outsider?”

“You…” Jiang Chuxue’s expression darkened with anger, her lips turning pale.

Inside Baishi Club, a decision had been made. A faction led by Li Gang and He Mingming stood behind Zhou Kang, making their stance clear. A smaller group of fewer than ten remained neutral, supporting Jiang Chuxue.

The situation was evident, and Jiang Chuxue’s face grew even more sullen. She usually commanded great respect—what was happening today?

Just then, Li Xin strode down two steps and stood before them. His face was calm, eyes steady, neither humble nor arrogant. His demeanor alone inspired admiration; the bar fell silent, all eyes on him.

“Vice President Jiang, General Manager Zhou, there’s no need for tension. This matter is solely mine and has nothing to do with Baishi Club.”

“Brother, lead the way. I’ll follow you.”

His voice was low but calm and steady, like a sharp sword piercing everyone’s nerves.

“Such grace and courage—he’s a real talent!”

“He’s so handsome! I love men who are brave, clever, and upright.”

“Hmph, what courage and grace? To me, he’s just pretending to be impressive. I bet he’ll get beaten to a pulp by Master Duan’s men soon!”

“Oh, look at you talking, as if you’re so capable. Why don’t you try speaking up in front of those thugs? Bet they’d scare you silly!”

Voices clashed, praise and criticism mixed.

Jiang Chuxue was stunned, staring blankly at Li Xin. Jiang Ke’er and Zhao Xue gathered around her before she recovered and quickly said, “No, you’re my guest. I must ensure your safety.”

“Hah, what a joke!” Zhou Kang sneered, full of disdain and sarcasm.

“Vice President Jiang, he already said it has nothing to do with us. If you persist, do you really want to throw Baishi into the fire?”

Upon hearing this, Jiang Chuxue’s face paled and she staggered. She quickly signaled Jiang Ke’er, who astutely understood and hurried out.

At this moment, only calling the old master remained, hoping he could help negotiate with Duan Nanshan.

The kindness from the Jiang sisters did not go unnoticed by Li Xin, who smiled slightly, clasped his fists, and expressed his gratitude.

“Vice President Jiang, barring any unexpected events, I will participate in the competition as planned.”

After speaking, he smiled at the burly man: “Let’s go.”

“Go?” The man’s expression was strange; he truly was baffled by this group.

He laughed loudly, causing confusion among the crowd.

Under hundreds of gazes, he suddenly threw the bank card to the ground and coldly scolded Zhou Kang, “Don’t waste your filthy money on me!”

Zhou Kang’s face changed, and he hurriedly apologized.

“You shameless people, how dare you work alongside someone as loyal and honorable as Vice President Jiang? I’m ashamed for you!”

The crowd was stunned—what kind of act was the leader of the thugs putting on?

“Vice President Jiang, Master Duan instructed us to invite this gentleman. Master Duan invites him to the Drunken Moon Pavilion for tea.” The man clasped his fists and smiled at Jiang Chuxue.

Then he looked at Li Xin: “Please.”

“Please.” Li Xin was surprised but remained composed.

The group quickly exited the bar, leaving behind a crowd of puzzled and bewildered onlookers.

“Wh-why invite him for tea?” Zhou Kang murmured, unable to believe it.

“This... it’s so strange; it’s not Master Duan’s style at all.” Manager Zhang was baffled and exasperated.

“Damn! The Drunken Moon Pavilion? That’s where Master Duan entertains honored guests!” An insider remarked with awe.

“The Drunken Moon Pavilion? The one at 108 Yingze Street?” The crowd eagerly asked.

“Exactly. That place is extraordinary—only special people can get in.”

“Tell us more, tell us more!”

“The owner is Jin Hua, son of Jinrong Investment. You know, Jinrong Investment is the flagship powerhouse of our HZ, with immense strength.”

“Kainan’s right. I was lucky enough to visit once. It’s magnificent—gold and jade everywhere, and all the waitresses wear identical red cheongsams, stunningly beautiful. The tea is top-grade from all over, served in tiny cups worth hundreds to thousands each.” Someone vividly described.

The entire TNT bar instantly buzzed with excitement, envy, and admiration.

The Baishi Club members exchanged glances, utterly at a loss.