Chapter 38: A Clash of Power

Zhou Ming, a well-known local rich second-generation, sat frozen in shock, orange juice dripping from his hair. His face twisted in humiliation as whispers spread through the hot pot restaurant.

The girl beside him gasped, hastily pulling out a tissue to wipe his face.

"Brother Yiming, are you alright?"

Zhou Ming scowled and shoved her away. "Go away!"

The girl flinched and retreated to the side, her face downcast.

The onlookers murmured among themselves—

"Damn, who is this guy? Even the prince of the Zhou Group dares to provoke him?"

"The Zhou Group? You mean the company that just won the biggest real estate project in our city?"

"Yeah, that one."

"Looks like this guy is doomed…"

Hearing their whispers, Zhou Ming's fury erupted. He lunged at Jiang Han, grabbing his collar.

"Kid, are you looking for death?!"

Jiang Zhiyu's heart skipped a beat. Though Zhou Ming was a scumbag, his family was powerful. Offending him now, when their company was on the brink of collapse, could be disastrous.

She quickly intervened, her voice gentle but firm.

"Yiming, this is all just a misunderstanding. My younger brother is still immature. Please don't take it seriously."

Zhou Ming's expression softened slightly. "Younger brother?"

"He's my younger brother, Jiang Han. We grew up together."

Zhou Ming released Jiang Han's collar and sneered. "Zhiyu, you should've said so earlier."

His hand slipped into his pocket, and he pulled out a room key, stuffing it into Jiang Zhiyu's palm. His gaze swept over her curves with a greedy glint.

"If you really want to apologize, then let's talk in private tonight." He smirked. "We're old classmates, after all. If your family's struggling, I can help you… for the right price."

Jiang Han's blood boiled.

Jiang Zhiyu clenched her fists, trembling with suppressed rage, but she forced herself to remain calm. Right now, Huaifeng was barely surviving. She couldn't afford to create more enemies.

But Jiang Han could.

Without warning, Jiang Han grabbed Zhou Ming and slammed him onto the table.

BANG!

Dishes clattered as Zhou Ming's face smashed against the tabletop.

"You… what the hell are you doing?!" Zhou Ming gasped in shock.

Jiang Han's fist cocked back, his cold eyes burning with fury.

"What am I doing? Beating the crap out of you."

CRACK!

Jiang Han's punch landed squarely on Zhou Ming's cheekbone. A shrill cry escaped his lips.

"Ahhh!"

"I dare you to disrespect my sister again!"

Zhou Ming squirmed, but Jiang Han's grip was unshakable.

Jiang Han had trained in Sanda since childhood, even winning the East China Sanda Championship. A pampered rich kid like Zhou Ming was no match for him.

Blow after blow rained down.

Zhou Ming's face turned red, then purple, then swollen.

"Stop! Stop! I give up!" he wailed.

The entire hot pot restaurant erupted—

"Good punch! That rich brat deserved it!"

"Yeah! Just because he has money, he thinks he's above everyone else?"

"Damn, this guy's a real man! Where do I find a boyfriend like him?"

Jiang Zhiyu watched in awe.

Jiang Han had always been the troublemaker, the one she had to clean up after. But now, he was standing up for her?

A strange warmth bloomed in her heart.

But she also knew Zhou Ming was dangerous. If they pushed him too far, he'd retaliate against Jiang Han.

She stepped forward. "Xiaohan, that's enough."

Jiang Han slowly unclenched his fists. He sneered at Zhou Ming, who was now whimpering like a beaten dog.

"You beg for mercy now?"

Zhou Ming nodded frantically. "I was wrong, Brother Jiang! I won't dare anymore!"

Jiang Han let go.

Zhou Ming staggered to his feet, his face unrecognizable with swelling. He shot Jiang Han a venomous glare before storming out.

But deep inside, his rage festered.

This isn't over.

Huaifeng owed the bank 100 million. It wouldn't be long before their company went bankrupt. And when that happened…

Jiang Zhiyu, that arrogant goddess, would have no choice but to crawl to him.

A twisted smile crept onto Zhou Ming's bruised lips.

Just then, a middle-aged man in a sharp suit entered the restaurant.

Zhou Ming's eyes flickered with recognition.

The account manager from Zhongxin Bank?

As the heir of the Zhou Group, Zhou Ming dealt with banks regularly. This man was probably here to sell him investment products.

Annoyed, he waved dismissively. "I don't want any financial plans."

But the manager ignored him.

Instead, he strode past Zhou Ming—

And walked straight to Jiang Han.