I kicked the talkative bean sprout in the stomach and sent him to the corner, making the accompanying girls scream.
Seeing me make a move, the Crown Prince flinched and quickly let go of my hand. Then, with bloodshot eyes, he asked, "What do you want?"
He probably didn't know his men were surrounding the place, so his words still lacked confidence.
I said, "Whether you're a Crown Prince or a Crown Grandson, it has nothing to do with me. If you cause trouble here, I'll deal with you. There's no room for negotiation. You called for people today, and if you dare lay a single finger on me, I'll make sure you lose your life first!"
This kid had tasted my fist and was probably still hurting. He dared not retort.
He said, "You must give me an explanation today, or we're not done!"
I said, "Fine, I'll give you an explanation right now, and I guarantee you'll be satisfied!"
Without waiting for him to react, I landed another punch on his nose. He immediately fell backward, lying flat on the ground.
His few companions were likely pampered young masters like him. They were so scared by the situation that they didn't dare to breathe, cowering on the sofa.
I stepped on his face and asked, "Is this explanation enough?"
Pressed by my foot, he stammered, "Are you trying to die? Do you know how much power my father has? If you mess with me, one life of yours won't be enough to compensate!"
I pressed down harder and continued to ask, "Is this enough to compensate?"
He grimaced in pain but still stubbornly refused to yield.
He was probably counting the time until his men broke in.
I released my foot, letting him stand up. He struggled to straighten himself and looked at me defiantly.
I told him, "Your men are downstairs. If you want a fight, we'll go to the plaza. If not, you take your men and get lost. Remember my words: if anything in my establishment is touched, I will take your life. Even if you were the king of heaven, you'd only be enjoying yourself in the underworld. I won't let you leave here alive!"
I hated these parasites the most. They were useless themselves but constantly flaunted their fathers' names, bringing shame to them.
I didn't know who Kang Gong of Nancheng was, but if he had such a bastard son, he couldn't be much better!
I lifted him up, grabbed his belt, and pushed him out the door, heading downstairs.
The first-floor lobby was brightly lit but eerily silent. There were no people in the dance floor or bar. All the patrons stood at the back, not a soul speaking.
Outside the door, forty to fifty security guards stood in two rows, guarding the entrance. Beyond them, hundreds of people stood in a dark mass, confronting the security guards with clubs!
It seemed this kid did have some influence, otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to mobilize so many people at once.
Seeing all his men outside, he became excited and shouted loudly, "Damn it, all of you charge in! Smash this damn place! Anyone who crosses this threshold gets a reward of ten thousand!"
His men, hearing his shouts, were about to rush in, led by someone holding a club.
I handed the Crown Prince over to the security guards, then walked through our two rows of men and stood at the front, saying, "Anyone who dares to enter today, I guarantee your pathetic Crown Prince won't go back alive! If you think you can report back, then come at me!"
The leader, holding a club, approached me and pointed it at me, saying, "You truly have the audacity of a leopard! You've offended someone you shouldn't have. Hand over the Crown Prince quickly, or wait for Kang Gong to emerge. He might flatten your little club!"
I said, "Are you all shitting your way through life? You spew nonsense the moment you open your mouths. He was causing trouble here, and we merely stopped him. He threatens to flatten my place, why?"
The leader said, "Are you reasoning with me? Then ask my club if it agrees!"
He then signaled his subordinates, and they all surged towards us.
I met him head-on. Before the club could hit my head, I raised both hands, caught the club, and then rammed my knee into his chest.
He instinctively let go of the club. I used the club to pin him and shouted, "Everyone, stop!"
The mass of people, who were just about to reach the security guards, paused at my shout and slowed their advance, looking towards me.
I kept the club pressed against the leader's chest. Already in pain from my knee, he was sweating profusely and desperately gripping the club to prevent me from exerting more force.
Our security guards stood firm, like an unyielding wall.
I said, "Tell your men to step back ten paces, and I'll hand him over. If you refuse, I'll drag you in to accompany him, and wait for your so-called Kang Gong to bail you out!"
The pain of the club against his chest was unbearable. He quickly waved his hand, signaling his men to retreat.
His men hesitated and began to move back, stopping after about ten paces.
I didn't release the club. With my back to the security guards behind me, I said, "Bring that garbage out!"
A security guard turned and went into the lobby, then dragged the Crown Prince out.
The Crown Prince's mouth was still busy, cursing as he was dragged.
I kicked him to the ground and told the leader, "Take him back and keep him in line. If he causes trouble again, I'll skin him alive!"
With that, I released the club, dropped it on the ground, and watched as his men clumsily helped the Crown Prince into a car.
The other young masters seized the opportunity to escape.
The leader shot me a fierce look but didn't speak. However, I could read the meaning in his eyes: I was as good as dead.
Understanding him didn't mean I was afraid. I had nothing to lose, and by challenging him, the scion of privilege, I was still at an advantage!
Watching the dark mass retreat, I told the security guards, "Ten of you stay at the entrance, twenty in the lobby, and the rest upstairs. Be sharp tonight, or face disciplinary action for any screw-ups!"
The security guards loudly confirmed, and I went up to the office.
Lan Ya was sitting in the executive chair. Seeing me enter, she asked, "All sorted?"
I replied, "It's sorted, but I don't think this is over."
Lan Ya: "What do you mean?"
I said, "Do you know Kang Gong of Nancheng?"
Lan Ya: "Who doesn't know Kang Gong? What happened? Were those causing trouble his people?"
I said, "It was his son, the Crown Prince!"
Lan Ya immediately stood up: "Are you sure?"
I said, "Over a hundred people came and blocked the entrance. I just drove them away."
Lan Ya: "No wonder you said it's not over. It truly isn't. You didn't happen to hit the Crown Prince, did you?"
I said, "This kid has no manners, so I disciplined him for his father. But I didn't break any bones."
Lan Ya: "This is a bit tricky. Let me tell you about Kang Gong first, then about today's events."
She continued, "Kang Gong is called Kang Gong of Nancheng not because of our city, but because of his dominance across the river. He monopolizes the rosewood business there, transporting it to us via water, land, and even secret routes. Domestic timber merchants can only buy from him, taking what he leaves. Not only does he have a market here, but across the river, he commands a vast transportation network and an armed force of no less than three thousand men. His influence makes even Bo Gang seem insignificant, and Qing Ge keeps his distance, avoiding any interaction.
So, think about it yourself, isn't this a bit troublesome?"