Chapter 6

The tension in the lounge was palpable as onlookers watched the standoff with growing interest. Fang Ning, who had been clutching the fabric of Jin Lin's shirt, peeked out from behind her friend's shoulder. Despite her earlier anger, she now felt an odd sense of admiration bubbling up inside her. Jin Lin wasn't just standing up for her—she was doing it with such composure and grace that it left Fang Ning in awe.

The escalating situation in the lounge reached a boiling point as the manager, a middle-aged man with sharp features and a polished demeanor, hurried toward the commotion. Two burly bodyguards flanked him, their imposing frames creating an unspoken warning that they wouldn't hesitate to intervene if necessary. The murmurs of the onlookers grew louder, curiosity and tension buzzing in the air.

The manager's expression was tight, a mix of frustration and urgency. Normally, in such situations, their policy was clear—both parties involved in a disturbance would be asked to leave the premises immediately. This was a high-end establishment, and keeping its reputation spotless was a top priority. He approached the shouting woman first, raising a hand to signal the bodyguards.

"Miss, please calm yourself," the manager said firmly, his tone measured yet authoritative.

The bodyguards stepped forward, their presence alone enough to subdue the woman's frantic flailing. Her shouting faltered as she realized where she was and the consequences of her actions. A flicker of panic crossed her face as the gravity of her surroundings dawned on her. She quickly adjusted her posture, smoothing her hair and trying to regain some semblance of dignity, though her flushed cheeks betrayed her embarrassment.

Meanwhile, one of the bodyguards turned toward Xu Jin Lin, his hand reaching out with the intent to guide her away from the scene. But before he could even touch her, Jin Lin shifted, her movements fluid and precise. With a single graceful motion, she intercepted his hand and blocked it effortlessly.

The bodyguard froze, his brows furrowing in disbelief. He was no novice—years of training and daily physical exercise had made him a formidable presence. Yet, this seemingly ordinary woman had not only stopped him but done so with an air of absolute calm. It wasn't just her strength that startled him; it was the look in her eyes—cool, steady, and unbothered.

The commotion caught the manager's attention, and he turned to see Jin Lin calmly reaching into her wallet. From its depths, she retrieved a sleek, deep-red card that gleamed under the lounge's ambient lighting. The card was simple but unmistakably prestigious, with an intricate ruby emblem embossed in the center.

The manager's breath hitched, and a bead of sweat formed on his forehead as he stepped closer to examine the card. His expression shifted from irritation to shock, then to outright panic.

"Miss… this is…" he stammered, his voice faltering as recognition dawned.

The ruby card.

The lounge operated on an exclusive membership system, with the platinum card being the highest tier most customers ever saw. But few knew about the existence of the ruby card—a legendary status symbol reserved for only ten individuals. These cards weren't something that could be purchased, no matter how deep one's pockets were. They were personally issued by the lounge's founder, a figure shrouded in mystery but known to wield immense influence. Holding a ruby card was akin to holding a key to the inner sanctum of elite society.

The manager's face paled. He quickly gestured for the bodyguards to step back, his hands trembling slightly. "Miss, I… I deeply apologize for the misunderstanding," he said, bowing his head respectfully. "Please forgive us for any offense caused."

Xu Jin Lin held the ruby card between her fingers, staring at it with a faint look of exasperation. Her lips twitched slightly, though whether it was amusement or annoyance was unclear. She hadn't intended to make such a scene, but the situation had spiraled out of control.

The new actress, who had been standing off to the side, watched the exchange with wide eyes. Her earlier arrogance drained away, replaced by a dawning horror as she realized just how out of her depth she was. Her face went through several shades of color—flushed red with embarrassment, pale with fear, and finally a dull, defeated hue. She clutched her purse tightly, as if hoping it might somehow save her from the humiliation she was now enduring.

Jin Lin finally turned her gaze toward the manager, her expression unreadable. "There's no need for apologies," she said evenly, her tone calm but carrying an undertone of authority. "But ensure your staff doesn't act rashly in the future. Not everyone is as understanding as I am."

The manager nodded vigorously, bowing once more. "Of course, Miss Xu. I will personally ensure it doesn't happen again."

With a faint sigh, Jin Lin slipped the ruby card back into her wallet, the action casual yet deliberate. She glanced at Fang Ning, who had been watching the entire scene with her mouth slightly agape.

"Ning Ning," Jin Lin said, her voice softening as she addressed her friend. "Let's go to our table. I'm hungry."

Fang Ning snapped out of her daze and quickly followed Jin Lin, though not before throwing a smug glance over her shoulder at the stunned actress.

The playful voice echoed through the hall, catching everyone's attention. A group of young men strolled in, each radiating confidence and affluence. Their tailored suits and casual charm were enough to make heads turn, and whispers rippled through the crowd. These were the infamous second-generation heirs of the city's elite, their mere presence enough to draw attention wherever they went.