The Zhou family villa.
Zhou Wen was drinking with a tall, middle-aged man. He slightly raised his wine glass, positioning it a bit lower than the man’s, and smiled, saying, "Second Uncle, thank you for your help."
Bai Lian also stood beside him. Due to her recent miscarriage, her face was still very pale, and she hadn't raised her glass, only offering a gentle and serene smile. "Second Uncle."
Zhou Li gently pushed his glass forward, clinking it against Zhou Wen's. His eyes, however, couldn't help but linger on Bai Lian. "We are uncle and nephew, no need for thanks. Nephew's wife is beautiful, gentle, and lovely. It's just a pity about your child…"
Zhou Wen used his free hand to gently embrace Bai Lian's slender waist. "We will have children in the future. As for… this matter, that *jianren* must pay the price."
Zhou Li chuckled, "You speak the truth. But that Qian Feng kid, he can't even protect you in this minor matter, forcing the Zhou family to intervene? Your mother should say something to him."
A powerful dragon cannot suppress a local snake; that is the rule.
Therefore, when the Zhou family came to M City to expand their economic influence, they did not completely suppress the economic tycoons already present. They adhered to the principle of cooperation and mutual benefit, aiming for a win-win situation.
It was a pity that this ill-bred wild girl, whose origins were unknown, had no respect. Not only did she ruin the Zhou family's engagement, but she also caused such trouble at the Zhou family's residence, resulting in the loss of his unborn "little grandson."
If they could still tolerate this, where would the Zhou family's reputation stand?
Zhou Wen cautiously added, "Uncle said she… has the Dark Division backing her."
Zhou Li sneered, "The Dark Division? Are you referring to the commander of the Dark Division in M City?"
He certainly knew about the commander of the Dark Division in M City, Shen Mingxun!
It was rumored that Shen Mingxun had curried favor with someone higher up in the Dark Division, which led to his rapid promotion. He had become a mid-level commander at such a young age. But so what? Would their Zhou family fear a mere mid-level commander?
Their Zhou family provided significant business resources and funding annually to support two high-level commanders. How could they possibly put a mere Shen Mingxun in their eyes?
"Wen'er, don't worry. These are minor matters. The Zhou family's reputation is paramount. When that woman comes begging you, we will make her pay for everything she has done."
As he spoke, a smug look crossed his face. He moved his glass forward and drained the red wine in one gulp.
Zhou Wen also brought his glass to his lips and drank it down. Gazing down at the swimming pool from the villa's balcony, he murmured softly, "Bai Xi, you forced me to do this."
Thirty minutes later, someone suddenly scrambled in, "Young… Young Master, someone has broken in."
Zhou Wen's eyes narrowed. "She's here as expected. Second Uncle, let's go and see."
Zhou Li said calmly, "Let's go. I am truly curious to see what this woman who disrespects our Zhou family looks like."
Before he finished speaking, a bodyguard was flung and landed at his feet. Bai Xi calmly walked up to them. "Now you see."
Today, Bai Xi was wearing loose-fitting jeans and a white tight-fitting knit shirt. Her seaweed-like long hair was casually draped behind her back, giving her a lazy and elegant appearance.
If it weren't for the fact that one of her feet was currently stepping on the hand of the bodyguard who had just been thrown before Zhou Li, causing the bodyguard to let out a heart-wrenching scream, others would have assumed she was just a gentle and refined female student.
Zhou Li looked at Bai Xi's beautiful face, a flicker of admiration in his eyes.
After all, Bai Lian's beauty was already considered good, but compared to Bai Xi, she lacked spirit and charm.
No wonder she could get involved with a Dark Division commander; her looks were indeed impressive.
"So it was you who injured my future niece-in-law and caused my future 'little grandson' to become a pool of blood and flesh. How will you repay this debt?"
Bai Xi calmly replied, "Repay? Why should I repay?"
Zhou Li gave a cold smile. "What, you did it but don't dare to admit it?"
Upon hearing this, Bai Lian immediately lowered her head, putting on a pitiful act. "Second Uncle, Xi'er didn't do it on purpose. She can't be blamed for this. Since you've already sanctioned the Bai family, let it be. Please don't make things difficult for her, after all, she's my own sister."
As she spoke, tears streamed down her face, presenting a picture of such vulnerability that it stirred pity.
Seeing this, Zhou Wen felt even more guilt. "Bai Xi, do you see? This is how you treat Lian'er, how you treat her family. Yet Lian'er still considers you her own sister. Aren't you ashamed of your actions?"
Zhou Li, who had been filled with interest towards Bai Xi, lost his patience with her arrogance and defiance. Coupled with Bai Lian's "kindness and innocence," he also felt a pang of sympathy. "Don't worry, niece-in-law, I will certainly get justice for you today."
After saying this, he turned his gaze back to Bai Xi. "Since you've come today, don't expect to leave intact. Since you caused my nephew and his wife to lose their child, you now have two choices. First, break your own legs and disable your hands, and kowtow in apology. Second, have my men break your legs and hands, and then apologize to them."
Bai Xi said calmly, "The Zhou family truly doesn't know how they built such a large enterprise. Every single one of them is so foolish. It seems a change of dynasty is in order."
A surge of anger rose in Zhou Li's chest, but his face showed no hint of it. Instead, a terrifying smile appeared. "Just as I imagined, you refuse to be reasonable. Then don't blame me for being impolite."
As he spoke, he made a slight gesture. Twenty-odd men in military green clothing stood on the balcony, each holding an AK-47 and aiming it into the room, as if ready to fire at any moment.
Bai Xi looked at the people outside, her eyebrows slightly raised. She said nothing.
Seeing Bai Xi remain silent, Zhou Li assumed she was scared and his eyes filled with smugness. "What, scared now? It's too late."
Bai Lian, witnessing this situation, was quite frightened. "Second Uncle, isn't this a bit excessive?"
What if Bai Xi resisted, and there was a hail of gunfire? Wouldn't she be injured herself?
Zhou Li smiled coldly. "Don't be afraid, niece-in-law. These men were personally trained by a high-level commander of the Dark Division for me. Their marksmanship is excellent and they won't misfire. Of course, if the person in front of us is sensible, I won't let them open fire."
Saying this, he walked step by step towards Bai Xi, his eyes filled with provocation and lewdness. A disgusting, grasping hand reached out towards Bai Xi's chin. "Have you considered my proposal from earlier? I see you're quite attractive, and I can offer you another path. As long as you serve me well and conceive my child, I'll even arrange for an artificial abortion, and we'll be even…"
With such looks, if she served him well enough, he wouldn't mind giving her a chance to be elevated by her child.
Unfortunately, before he could finish speaking, a lollipop stick accurately pierced his palm, going straight through. Blood flowed out, dripping onto the white ceramic tiles, as crimson as falling plum blossoms.
The speed was so great that it took him a full second to react, and he cried out in pain!
Bai Xi stood in place, her gaze serene. "Who gave you the audacity?"