Slapping the Brat

Though years had tempered Du Fei's brashness, his rebellious spirit remained. No sooner had he spoken than he called his old crew. Within thirty minutes, five core members arrived—each bringing three to five friends.

The gathering swelled by another dozen, totaling nearly eighty. These were scions of military and political dynasties, each formidable in their own right.

Seeing the packed room, Shen Rong tugged Huo Xuan's sleeve anxiously. "Isn't this too much? What if things escalate?"

Huo Xuan replied calmly, "Whether it escalates depends on Chen Wan's attitude. If he treats you as a friend, he's our friend. If he's petty or humiliates you, he's our enemy. In which case, he's not worth your sympathy—or your company."

Shen Rong nodded in understanding.

Du Fei grinned at Huo Xuan. "With this crowd, let's make it spectacular. Charging in together would terrify that bastard. Better split forces—you two go first; we'll observe from the sidelines."

Huo Xuan agreed. "As you suggest."

The venue was a five-star hotel's grand hall, half-sectioned by an ornate screen. Chen Wan, late twenties with a chiseled jaw and black suit, held court among two dozen guests.

A curly-haired man smirked. "Wan-ge, where's Shen Rong?"

Chen Wan's eyes chilled momentarily. A moderately attractive woman in a gown sneered, "We never included her. She won't come."

Just then, the bead curtain parted. Shen Rong entered with Huo Xuan. Silence fell.

"Long time no see," she greeted evenly.

Chen Wan's face darkened at Huo Xuan's presence but feigned indifference, sipping his drink.

Following Huo Xuan's advice, Shen Rong mingled without approaching Chen Wan. Huo Xuan stood by, smiling wordlessly.

The woman—Gu Min—sidled over mockingly. "Little Rong has a boyfriend! Do introduce us."

Shen Rong hesitated, then said, "This is Huo Xuan." My boyfriend. The lie sent her pulse racing—until Huo Xuan squeezed her hand reassuringly.

Gu Min's eyebrows shot up. "And what does he do? Politics? Business?"

"A police detective," Shen Rong replied.

Laughter erupted. Among these privileged elites, a cop was laughably beneath them.

Gu Min cackled. "How far you've fallen! Cutting ties with us really dulled your wits."

Shen Rong's eyes hardened. "Explain how I'm 'dull,' Gu Min."

"Darling, dragons don't mingle with snakes," Gu Min drawled. "Your father's a police chief, yet you date some lowly detective?"

Shen Rong's temper flared. "He's ten times the man any of you will ever be!"

A bald youth stepped forward, cigarette dangling. "Wow, Rong. Your tits didn't grow, but your mouth sure did."

The crowd roared—even Chen Wan smirked.

Shen Rong's heart sank at their cruelty. These weren't childhood friends; they were strangers.

Then—

"Who the fuck are you calling 'little Rong'?" Huo Xuan materialized before Baldie, eyes blazing.

Baldie blinked, then swung. "You dare—?"

CRACK!

Huo Xuan blocked with his left hand while his right sent Baldie sprawling, teeth flying. He pummeled the youth into a groaning pulp before standing, straightening his collar.

"Brat had it coming."

The room froze. No one expected a "lowly cop" to strike first.

Chen Wan was first to recover. "Do you know who you just hit?"

Huo Xuan met his glare. "I hit a loudmouthed brat. Got a problem with that?"

Chen Wan's lips curled into a mirthless smile. "Brave words for a dead man walking."