Chapter 198: Zhou Ming, You Wait

"Zhou Ming, weren't you a bit too absolute in front of the old man just now?"

In the car from the Central Office, Du Peng said to Zhou Ming. At this point, they had already left Zhongnanhai. After all, that wasn't a place they could stay for long. More importantly, Du Zhongyuan would definitely not be indifferent after hearing the news. He needed to immediately inform other central leaders, whether for a meeting to discuss or to take immediate action. Zhou Ming had no role in this; he could only leave for now.

Facing Du Peng's words, Zhou Ming only shook his head and said, "I had to be absolute in what I said."

Du Peng replied, "I understand your concerns. You're worried that the old man might not believe you, but have you considered that all you've presented are just your speculations? You have no evidence to back it up. How can you be so sure that Western countries will definitely act this way? What if they don't?"

"It's impossible to have any unexpected outcomes!" Zhou Ming was very confident in his mind because it was based on his previous life's history, even the kind that made it into textbooks. There was no way he could be wrong. Additionally, considering that he had only been reborn for a little over half a year, his actions had all been within the country and could not affect the global situation. Therefore, major events from the original history would still occur, especially in critical moments like the upheaval of the red camp.

But Zhou Ming couldn't explain this to Du Peng, so he just smiled and said, "I actually hope that's the case. At least it would only be me suffering, while the country remains stable and united. I think it's worth it."

Zhou Ming's words were originally casual, but they made Du Peng respect him deeply. He said seriously, "I didn't expect Zhou Ming to be such a self-sacrificing hero. Don't worry, even if something really goes wrong in the end, I will definitely speak up for you with the old man. Even if they break my legs at home, I will still make a fuss in front of the old man!"

Zhou Ming looked at Du Peng, surprised that he took his casual remark so seriously, but he couldn't explain himself, so he just let him misunderstand.

"Du Peng, can you say something nice? Why does your tone make it sound like I'm definitely going to face trouble?" Zhou Ming said unhappily.

While the two were talking, the car arrived at the Central Office building. When Zhou Ming got out to find Su Han, a staff member informed him that Su Han had already left.

Zhou Ming was a bit taken aback. "She left? Did she say where she was going?"

"She seemed to be going to the Xidan Shopping Center," the secretary replied.

Zhou Ming thanked the secretary and then went to the car with Du Peng, heading straight to Xidan. On the way, Du Peng said to Zhou Ming, "Don't worry. Didn't she say earlier that someone from the Central Office was following her? And it's Xidan, such a bustling place. Nothing will happen."

"I'm not worried about something happening. I'm just curious why she came here alone. She could have waited for me to come out if she wanted to shop. I just don't understand," Zhou Ming said.

"If you don't understand, then don't think about it! We'll know when we see Xiaohan later."

Du Peng said this while stepping on the gas to speed up. Zhongnanhai was very close to Xidan, and in those days, traffic in the capital wasn't as congested. They arrived quickly.

They parked the car at the shopping center entrance. Zhou Ming and Du Peng got out and walked toward the center. At the entrance, they saw a female secretary in the Central Office uniform. Zhou Ming approached her and asked, "Hello, are you the one who came with Su Han? Why are you here alone?"

The secretary replied, "Hello. Su Han said she wanted to shop alone and told me not to accompany her. She asked me to go back first. I heard you were coming, so I waited here for you."

Zhou Ming asked where they had parted ways and then hurriedly went upstairs with Du Peng. Du Peng felt puzzled by Zhou Ming's urgency. Zhou Ming himself wasn't sure why he felt this way, but he had a strong sense that something bad was about to happen.

On the third floor, a sudden remark made Zhou Ming stop in his tracks: "Another scion of the powerful. Looks like the young lady's chastity is in jeopardy."

The remark made Zhou Ming's heart skip a beat. He immediately ran over and asked, "Which young lady's chastity is in danger? What happened? Where?"

Zhou Ming, very anxious, didn't even phrase his question properly. The person he questioned was frightened by Zhou Ming's imposing presence and answered hesitantly, "Just… just in the restroom over there."

Receiving this information, Zhou Ming rushed in the direction pointed out. At an intersection, he was blocked by two thuggish men with dyed yellow hair.

"Hey buddy, you can't go that way. It's not your path."

Zhou Ming glanced at the thugs and said, "Get out of my way. I don't have time to deal with you."

One thug sneered, "Didn't expect to meet a troublemaker today. From your accent, you're not from Beijing, right? Let me tell you, Beijing isn't a place for you outsiders to be arrogant. If you're smart, get out of here. This road is closed for you!"

Zhou Ming was about to retort when he heard a scream from ahead. His heart tightened. He pushed past the thugs and rushed inside, only to see a young man blocking the restroom door, taunting someone inside.

"Come on, little girl, don't be afraid! Come out and play with me. You wanted to buy clothes, right? I can buy you lots of beautiful clothes. Just stay with me tonight, and I'll make it a great night for you. How about it?"

"You scoundrel, I don't know you. Get lost! I'll call for help!" The woman's voice came from inside. Zhou Ming recognized it as Su Han's voice.

"So you're spicy, huh? Nice, I like that kind of personality. I wonder if you're as spicy in bed," the young man continued, even reaching out towards Su Han.

"Damn it!"

Zhou Ming cursed and was about to step forward when his hand was grabbed. He turned around to see the two thugs holding him back.

"Friend, are you deaf or what? Didn't my brother tell you this is none of your business? If you don't leave now, it'll be too late. Otherwise…"

The thugs' words stopped abruptly when they saw Zhou Ming's eyes. His gaze was filled with murderous intent, so chilling it felt like it penetrated to the bone. The thugs felt their souls trembling in fear. Instinctively, they let go, fearing that Zhou Ming might actually kill them.

Freeing himself from the thugs, Zhou Ming rushed forward. Inside the restroom, the young man was still provocatively holding Su Han's arm as she struggled desperately.

"Stop it!"

Zhou Ming shouted and rushed forward, pulling the young man away and shielding Su Han behind him.

Seeing Zhou Ming arrive, Su Han burst into tears and clung to him, "Zhou Ming, you're here! I'm so scared!"

Zhou Ming embraced Su Han and gently patted her back to comfort her. "Don't worry, Xiaohan. I'm here. No one can bully you."

"Damn it, where did this little brat come from? Didn't I tell you two to guard the door?" The young man's voice came from behind. Zhou Ming turned around and was surprised to see that the young man was the manager of the Golden Splendor Nightclub he had encountered in Nanjiang—Niu Jie.

Niu Jie also recognized Zhou Ming. He sneered, "So it's Consultant Zhou. I didn't expect to run into you everywhere. Why aren't you developing well in Nanjiang and instead came to the capital?"

"That's none of your business," Zhou Ming said.

"Right, where you are isn't my concern. But your little sister behind you is my girlfriend, so that's my business," Niu Jie said.

"You're talking nonsense. I don't know you at all!" Su Han said.

Zhou Ming patted Su Han's hand to calm her and said to Niu Jie, "I've seen shameless people before, but never someone as despicable as you. Let me tell you, Xiaohan is my girlfriend!"

"Is that so? I didn't know that," Niu Jie said deliberately. "But it doesn't matter now because from now on, she will be my girlfriend."

"You son of a bitch! Are you crazy?" Zhou Ming roared, unable to contain his anger. He had always regarded Su Han as his own woman, and now this guy had almost assaulted her and was arrogantly claiming her as his own. If Zhou Ming didn't get angry, he would truly be a turtle!

Niu Jie laughed mockingly and said to Zhou Ming, "You dare to curse me? Do you think you're something special? Do you think this place is your playground? Let me tell you, this is Beijing, the capital, my turf. Do you really think you can act all high and mighty with just yourself? Do you believe my brothers and I won't wipe you out in minutes?"

As Niu Jie finished speaking, a voice came from outside, "What if there's one more?"

It was Du Peng who entered with two iron hooks. He said to Zhou Ming, "Sorry, it took a while to find the right tools."

Zhou Ming shook his head, indicating it was fine. Du Peng then turned to Niu Jie and said, "Little girl, if you're so arrogant knowing this is Beijing, do you believe I can split your head open in minutes?"

Du Peng emphasized his point by knocking on the iron hooks. Niu Jie was so scared that he stepped back but still remained defiant, "Du Peng, you have some nerve coming back to Beijing. I tell you, you've already pissed off Brother Tan. When he comes back, he'll deal with you in no time!"

"I don't know if Brother Tan will deal with us in no time, but right now, I can definitely deal with you in no time!"

As Zhou Ming spoke, he took advantage of Niu Jie's unpreparedness and punched him directly in the face. Niu Jie's two thuggish companions were about to act when they saw Du Peng's iron hooks and heard him coldly say, "Let's see who dares to move!"

"You… you dare to hit me?" Niu Jie looked at Zhou Ming in disbelief, covering his face.

"Damn it, did you eat shit? Why is your mouth so filthy?"

Zhou Ming cursed and kicked Niu Jie in the waist, sending him crashing to the ground. Niu Jie tried to get up and argue but saw the iron hooks in Du Peng's hands and was so frightened that he jumped up, yelled, "Zhou Ming, you wait!" and fled the scene.

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