Chapter 0015: Can You Afford to Play?

Qin Ruohan harbored nothing but hatred for Zhang Yongfu. The moment she saw him, her heart filled with venomous resentment. This despicable bastard was the root cause of her family's ruin!

After Zhang Yongfu finished speaking, he waved his hand dismissively. Zhou Yunkang obediently retreated, leaving only the three of them in the private room, along with five or six bodyguards stationed in the corners.

Chen Liuhan casually scanned the surroundings. Beside the dining table was a floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the bustling city outside. He glanced out, a faint smirk playing on his lips, as though he'd noticed something—or perhaps was plotting something.

"Young Brother Chen, you're not from around here, are you? I've never heard of someone like you before," Zhang Yongfu began, steering the conversation toward Chen Liuhan. His first words were laced with suspicion.

"Sharp as ever, Boss Zhang. I only arrived in Bianzhou recently," Chen Liuhan replied casually.

Zhang Yongfu nodded. "Served in the military before?"

"A few years," Chen Liuhan answered with a relaxed smile, his demeanor unreadable yet radiating an enigmatic confidence.

"No wonder. You strike me as… different," Zhang Yongfu remarked with a chuckle. "They say you shouldn't meddle in others' affairs without the skills to back it up. Since you dared to stick your nose into the Black Dragon Society's business, I assume you've got some *confidence*?"

Chen Liuhan smiled. "Confidence? Not quite. I just hoped you'd show some mercy. Ms. Qin has already suffered enough. Why push her to the brink? We're all here for profit, not blood."

Zhang Yongfu's tone turned cold. "If this is a negotiation, where's your leverage? Don't tell me it's just those threats against Zhou Yunkang. My worthless son-in-law *is* a lecherous fool, and you played your cards right by exploiting his weakness. But you miscalculated one thing: his influence in the Black Dragon Society."

He paused, eyeing them. "Do you know why I've turned a blind eye to his antics—even when he dared to touch *my* women? Because Zhou Yunkang is spineless and ambitionless. That's what makes him a perfect son-in-law. At least he'd never try to kill me and steal my position."

Chen Liuhan sneered. "So you tolerate all his filthy, disgusting schemes?"

"You've got a death wish, punk!" A hulking man behind Zhang Yongfu roared, yanking a pistol from his waist and aiming it at Chen Liuhan.

Qin Ruohan paled, but Chen Liuhan remained unfazed. He lit a cigarette, not even sparing the gunman a glance. His calmness unsettled Zhang Yongfu, who studied him before motioning for his subordinate to lower the weapon.

"Women are replaceable," Zhang Yongfu said flatly. Chen Liuhan laughed, the sound dripping with mockery.

"You don't seem afraid to die," Zhang Yongfu observed.

"Of course I'm afraid," Chen Liuhan replied. "But a few pistols won't kill me." He smirked. "Though *you* seem terrified—bringing so many armed men to a meal. Guilty conscience?"

Zhang Yongfu smiled thinly. "Caution keeps a man alive."

Chen Liuhan's tone turned icy. "Then you'd better be careful. One wrong move, and your ship sinks faster."

"I've got enough men and guns to clear any obstacle," Zhang Yongfu retorted.

Before Chen Liuhan could respond, Zhang Yongfu leaned forward. "You're talented. Join me. I'll give you 10% of 'Golden Jade Hall.' Better than working for her, no?" He glanced at Qin Ruohan, who tensed, her nails digging into her palms.

"And if I refuse?" Chen Liuhan exhaled smoke.

"Then don't blame me for what comes next. You're no savior." Zhang Yongfu's voice hardened. "If I can't have talent, I won't let it oppose me. If you insist… I'll erase you from this world."

"A classic trap," Chen Liuhan chuckled. "But do you really dare shoot here?"

"Try me." At Zhang Yongfu's signal, six gunmen drew their weapons. "The gunfire will sound like firecrackers. Your bodies? Fish food at the bottom of the lake. No one will remember you walked in here."

Chen Liuhan leaned back, unfazed. "I doubt your plan will unfold as you imagine."

"Arrogant fool." Zhang Yongfu scoffed, confident the six guns had sealed Chen Liuhan's fate.

Chen Liuhan glanced around. "Terrible hospitality. We haven't even eaten, and you're already flipping the table."

"Consider bullets your meal."

As Zhang Yongfu waved his hand, Chen Liuhan moved. He kicked Qin Ruohan's chair, sending her sprawling under the table. Simultaneously, he twisted sideways, dodging a bullet. Grabbing chopsticks, he flung them—two bodyguards screamed as the utensils pierced their gun arms.

Chen Liuhan ducked another volley, lunged forward, and disarmed two guards with brutal efficiency. Seizing a pistol, he fired twice—the remaining men clutched bleeding arms.

Three seconds. Six armed men neutralized.

Zhang Yongfu stared, stunned. Qin Ruohan gaped from beneath the table, mind blank.

Chen Liuhan strolled to Zhang Yongfu, pressing the gun to his forehead. "Still think your ship won't sink, Boss Zhang?"

Zhang Yongfu trembled, sweat dripping. *How is this human?*

Chen Liuhan glanced at the skyscraper across the street. "Call off your sniper. He's been baking on that rooftop for hours. Must be exhausting."

"H-how…?" Zhang Yongfu stammered.

"Did you think I'd walk in unprepared?" Chen Liuhan shoved him against the window. Outside, the sniper froze as Chen Liuhan's gaze seemed to pierce him through the glass.

"Betting your life on a sniper's bullet, Zhang? *Can you afford this game?*" Chen Liuhan's voice turned glacial.

Zhang Yongfu forced a laugh. "A… a joke, Brother Chen!" He frantically signaled retreat.

Once the sniper vanished, Chen Liuhan released him, disassembling the pistol with deft flicks. "Just returning the favor, Boss Zhang."

Qin Ruohan stared at Chen Liuhan, awestruck. *What kind of monster did I pick up off the street?*