A Helping Hand

Lin Qi had guessed correctly—Qiu Third Brother truly no longer dared to seek revenge. He had been utterly terrified by Lin Qi. But that didn’t mean others would be so easily cowed.

In Haitong City, inside the ancestral hall of the Qiu family in a certain urban village, the lights burned brightly. In the south, such ancestral halls were common, and family-based powers abounded. At this moment, the hall was packed with villagers in all manner of attire. Sitting at the head of the room was a stern-faced elder, the highest-ranking leader and manager of the Qiu clan.

Qiu Third Brother sat off to the side, his severed hand now reattached and wrapped in thick white gauze. He looked utterly dejected. “I don’t know who that man is, but he’s ruthless—absolutely the sort who kills without batting an eye!” Qiu Third Brother recalled the previous encounter, his heart still pounding with fear. “Uncle Qiu, compared to Jinyang Group, our strength is far too weak… The contract’s already signed, so let’s stop fighting them. Nothing good will come of it…”

The ancestral hall was steeped in gloom, no one willing to speak up. Uncle Qiu sat on a dragon-carved chair, his hands gripping the armrests so tightly they creaked.

“Our Qiu family village is nothing in Haitong City,” he said, his voice booming like a great bell. “But we’ve never suffered such humiliation! Jinyang Group may be powerful, but they’re not invincible. This concerns the dignity of our clan. No matter the cost, we must reclaim our honor!”

His words struck deep, rousing the spirits and courage of those present.

“Yes, we must not show weakness!”

“Revenge!”

“We must have revenge!”

The hall erupted in fervor. When the clamor gradually subsided, Uncle Qiu spoke again. “Who holds sway over Haitong City’s underground world now?”

If they were to seek help, it had to be from the strongest.

Someone immediately answered, “Black Bear!”

He wasn’t yet the undisputed ruler of the underground, but his influence was unmatched.

“Good, then bring him in!” Uncle Qiu decided on the spot.

The next day.

At Jinyang Group.

Lin Qi drove Song Qingzhu as usual.

“President Song, I haven’t eaten yet. I’m going to the breakfast shop across the street for an egg pancake… Would you like one?”

“No, thank you.”

Song Qingzhu stepped out, heels clicking as she entered the building.

Lin Qi parked the car and walked across to buy breakfast, only to find a long queue at the egg pancake stall.

“No helping it—I really do crave this,” Lin Qi sighed, dutifully joining the line.

Meanwhile, at the entrance of the group’s building.

More than a dozen white vans pulled up in orderly fashion. The doors swung open and seventy or eighty burly men disembarked, all wielding sticks and knives, exuding murderous intent!

At their head was a towering man, nearly two meters tall, his face dark and imposing.

Led by him, the group marched into the building, sending white-collar workers fleeing in panic.

The security guards at the entrance had spotted the situation early and immediately reported it by radio to Gong Jun, the security department supervisor.

In broad daylight, they dared to attack Jinyang Group?

They were causing trouble on his turf!

Gong Jun was furious, instantly calling all security staff to assemble via radio.

Under his command, over a hundred security guards poured out, each armed with shields and batons.

Both groups soon converged in the first-floor lobby.

With more than a hundred men behind him, Gong Jun was emboldened. He strode forward, ready to confront the intruders.

But his eyes flickered, recognizing someone extraordinary.

Black Bear!

The overlord of Haitong City’s underground world!

Gong Jun, as Jinyang Group’s security supervisor, was a prominent figure in Haitong City, well-connected both in legal and underworld circles. He recognized Black Bear immediately.

How could it be him?

This was a notorious scourge—a demon king! Even the once-glorious Chen Yuannan had fallen to his hand!

The moment he saw Black Bear, Gong Jun froze, as if turned to ice, unable to move a muscle.

Many security guards also recognized Black Bear; their previously fierce resolve now melted into trembling knees.

Soon, Black Bear and his men stood before Gong Jun.

“So it’s Little Gong… What are you up to?” Black Bear sized him up, clearly familiar with the Jinyang security supervisor.

“Nothing… nothing… Just taking a walk…” Gong Jun replied, drenched in sweat.

“Oh, then keep walking. I’m heading upstairs for a look.” Black Bear led his men forward.

“Brother Bear, is there something you need?” Gong Jun finally summoned the courage to ask.

Black Bear spun around and delivered a savage kick to Gong Jun’s stomach.

Gong Jun flew eight meters through the air.

“Little Gong, since you usually know your place, I don’t want to ruin you. Don’t force my hand,” Black Bear said coldly, then turned and continued onward.

Gong Jun lay motionless on the ground, not daring to move.