Chapter 462: Hook and Counter-Hook

Garten Chen rose abruptly and strode toward Li Yue, who remained frozen on the floor.

He plucked a tissue from the table and dabbed at the blood on her forehead.

"Tell me," he murmured, "did anyone force you to drink just now?"

Li Yue shook her head frantically.

"Did anyone hit you?"

"No—no, I bumped my head myself!"

"Heh."

Garten Chen’s lips curled into a cruel smirk.

He pinched her cheek.

"Not completely stupid. Just annoying when you cry. Get out. I’m bored of you."

Li Yue scrambled to her feet and bolted from the room.

I released Red Hair.

His glare burned with fury, but without Garten Chen’s order, he dared not act.

The night resumed its usual rhythm: drinks, karaoke, idle chatter.

Then, mid-song, Garten Chen beckoned Red Hair close and whispered something I couldn’t hear over the music.

When he finished, Garten Chen turned to me, eyes glassy with a drink.

"Ning says you want my help getting my old man to settle your coal payments, right?"