A Familiar Encounter

The violet eyes sparkled like stars, and the long purple hair only added to the mesmerizing aura she exuded.

This was no ordinary woman—one who should never be in the mortal realm.

I must have her!

This thought consumed Ji Tianhao as he stared at her intently.

Beside him, Li Mu was equally captivated, his gaze fixed on her.

Ji Tianhao straightened his clothes and confidently walked toward Luo Chuan. Li Mu quickly followed, though he remained aware of his place.

Despite his own arrogance, Li Mu knew that a woman like Yao Ziyan was beyond his reach.

As they approached, Yao Ziyan's expression darkened slightly.

Though she worked as a clerk in Luo Chuan's shop, she was still an Eminence expert on the kill list.

If someone like Ji Tianhao thought he could treat her like a simple vase because of her appearance, he was in for a rude awakening.

However, Ji Tianhao didn't understand this.

He flashed a smile that he believed to be charming and addressed Yao Ziyan: "Lovely lady, would you care to join me upstairs for a drink?"

He completely ignored Luo Chuan, thinking him insignificant.

Though Luo Chuan was a valuable customer at Wind Immortal Tower, Ji Tianhao was confident that, should a conflict arise, the restaurant would side with him.

"Your Highness, would you prefer a private room upstairs?" the server stammered, swallowing nervously.

Luo Chuan was a high-roller, and the server understood that either side could cause serious trouble.

"Move aside!" Ji Tianhao growled, pushing the server aside.

Li Mu, realizing this was his moment to intervene, stepped forward.

Pointing at Ji Tianhao, he declared, "This is Ji Tianhao, the Second Prince of the Heavenly Star Empire. If you were to align yourself with him, your future would be guaranteed. Refuse, and... well, you won't like the consequences."

Then he turned his gaze toward Luo Chuan. "As for you... His Royal Highness is in a good mood today. You're fortunate to be spared. Leave now!"

Li Mu played his part well, alternating between flattery and veiled threats. It was clear he had done this many times before.

If the woman had no connections or strength, the outcome would be predictable.

But in this case, the two men had met the wrong people.

The other diners, sensing the tension, had stopped eating and were watching the scene unfold with growing curiosity.

On one side, there was the infamous troublemaker of Nine Stars City; on the other, a mysterious, powerful figure. What would happen when they collided?

Luo Chuan, however, was not in the mood for games.

Ji Tianhao's behavior made him realize that no matter where he went, there would always be brainless people.

At the same time, it felt all too familiar.

It reminded him of Chu Yunfei, who had come to his store days ago, also trying to use his status to get whatever he wanted.

Of course, Chu Yunfei didn't have a good ending. His ashes were barely left behind.

"Do you know what it means to die without even realizing it?" Luo Chuan's voice was cold, like the chill of winter.

Unconsciously, both Ji Tianhao and Li Mu shuddered.

But Ji Tianhao barely registered the threat, dismissing it as a passing breeze.

"Death?" he laughed boisterously. "My father is the Heavenly Star Emperor! Who in Nine Stars City dares to kill me?"

Yao Ziyan, who had been calm up until now, couldn't help but feel an odd sense of relief at hearing Luo Chuan speak up for her.

"So he's being protected by someone like this…" she thought, her anger dissipating, though the situation only seemed more confusing to her.