Chapter Fifty-Eight: The Aura of the Queen Bee

Only fifteen minutes had passed, yet outside the café, across the street, two opposing crowds had already gathered with an air of confrontation. Each side boasted two or three hundred people, their presence fierce and unmistakably on the verge of erupting into a massive brawl. Passersby hurried to avoid the fray, though none fled too far; after all, such a spectacle might be a once-in-a-lifetime event, and missing it would mean losing the chance forever.

The leaders of both gangs exchanged glances, nodding subtly to one another. Then, chaos broke loose. Fists and feet flew as the melee unfolded, the battle intense and relentless. However, it soon became apparent that the group closer to the café had not eaten well; their strength faltered as they were pushed back by the opposing gang across the street. Those closest to the café retreated while fighting, and soon, a dozen of them slipped into the café itself.

These dozen thugs ignored the waitress's terrified screams, moving with discipline toward Xue Xi's table. At that moment, Xue Xi was still watching the turmoil outside, puzzled. Ever since Bing Ling had taken to frequenting nightclubs, Xue Xi herself occasionally indulged in playing the role of the mob boss's wife. She had met many of Li Tao's subordinates, and now, many of the gangsters brawling in the street seemed familiar. Could this be a power struggle?

Lost in speculative thought, Xue Xi debated whether to inform Bing Ling and have her tell Li Tao and Liu Yixian to be cautious, since those two were being groomed by Chen Hongxu. Yet before she could act, the dozen fierce thugs reached her, seized the man sitting opposite her without hesitation, and swiftly dragged him out toward the café entrance.

Xue Xi stared in surprise, then quickly recovered, rising to call out to the group about to leave, "What are you doing?"

The last thug in line turned back and gave Xue Xi a reassuring look that said, "Don't worry, we've got this," leaving her baffled. Still, she couldn't accept that the private detective she had hired was being taken away so abruptly.

Snatching her handbag from the chair, Xue Xi dashed out, facing the still-fighting crowds and shouted with commanding energy, "Stop it, all of you! What on earth are you doing?"

Many bystanders watched with wide eyes, lamenting the fate of this fearless heroine. Could a woman possibly halt such a large-scale brawl? What a shame for such a beauty. As their imaginations ran wild, something happened that nearly made their eyes leap from their sockets.

The combined five or six hundred gangsters abruptly ceased fighting, lining up with faces full of fear. It was as if the woman at the café entrance was their commander, and they were soldiers awaiting inspection.

Standing straight, the thugs bowed respectfully and called out, "Hello, Sister-in-law!"

Xue Xi waved impatiently, scanning the area but failing to spot the private detective who had just been taken. She took a deep breath, pointed at a thug she recognized from Li Tao's territory, and said, "Er Bao, right? What's going on here?"

The surrounding thugs looked enviously at Er Bao, who was singled out by Sister-in-law; surely, he was destined for greatness now, for pillow talk was the most influential of all.

"Sister-in-law, it's like this!" Er Bao replied, trotting over and explaining in a hushed, mysterious tone. Matters concerning indecent photos were best kept quiet; though everyone present likely knew, secrecy was still a matter of attitude.

"Indecent photos?" Xue Xi muttered, then said sharply, "I wish someone could actually take some! Fine, it's a misunderstanding. Call those people back."

"A misunderstanding?" Er Bao was stunned. So many people had blundered?

"That man is the private detective I hired. Bring him back, and don’t disperse. I’ll need you later!" Xue Xi’s expression turned ominous as she asked, "How did you all follow me?"

"Tao said Brother Chen was worried you might run into trouble," Er Bao replied, head bowed.

"At least he has a conscience," Xue Xi smiled sweetly as her grim look faded, patting Er Bao on the shoulder. "If things go well later, tonight I'll host a celebration for everyone. How does that sound?"

"Really?" Er Bao’s eyes lit up. Xue Xi’s reputation in the underworld was nearly as formidable as Chen Hongxu’s. While Chen Hongxu had fought his way to the top, Xue Xi, to match him, had carved out her own path with generosity and boldness.

"Do you think my reputation is just talk?" Xue Xi laughed, waving her hand impressively. "Go tell them to stop. When Fat Wang arrives, it’ll be hard to explain. A brawl involving five or six hundred people is a big deal; he’ll have a tough time handling it."

"Understood. We’re good citizens!" Er Bao laughed excitedly, turned, and relayed the message. News spread quickly, and soon, the thugs were all catching their breath, ready for action.

Moments later, the private detective was returned, his face marked by a bright red handprint but otherwise unharmed. With teary eyes, he looked at Xue Xi and choked out, "I won’t speak of this matter, I don’t want the money anymore, please don’t silence me!"

Xue Xi glared fiercely at the dozen who had kidnapped him. They smiled awkwardly, having apparently learned the truth from others.

Sticking her tongue out, Xue Xi inwardly cursed the mess. She didn't bother explaining further, simply took out a bank card and handed it to the detective. "This is your agreed payment; I'll add more later. It's really a misunderstanding. Go on now."

The detective, bewildered and panicked, clutched the card and stumbled out.

Xue Xi’s expression shifted from embarrassment to a cold, steely resolve. She smirked, tilted her head, and strode off in a determined direction. The crowd of thugs followed in orderly fashion behind her, their presence overwhelming, as if she were an invincible queenpin.

...

"Chen Huanyu Tong" was property transferred by Chen Hao from Chen Hongxu’s father through various means.

As usual, Chen Hao sat with his feet propped on his desk, reading newspapers about major events in HJ City. Though none of them related to him, he considered himself a successful man, and successful men must pay attention to current affairs!

Soon, his secretary’s shriek rang out from outside. Before Chen Hao could rise, the office door was kicked open with such force the walls trembled, leaving him thoroughly alarmed.

Two men in black tank tops stood aside respectfully after kicking open the door. A striking young woman strode past them into Chen Hao’s office.

“Hongxu’s fiancée?” Chen Hao felt a twinge of discomfort, but he knew this woman had a formidable reputation. He ignored the ruined door, instead plastering a smile on his face and greeted her, "Hey, niece-in-law, what brings you here today?"

Xue Xi looked at the smiling Chen Hao and sneered, "Enough with the nonsense. I’m here for serious business."

"We’re family, sit and talk, don’t be so formal," Chen Hao squinted, unconcerned.

"Of course, no need for formality. This company originally belonged to the uncle I’ve never met," Xue Xi replied coldly, pulling over a swivel chair and sitting down.

"Not here for friendly chat," Chen Hao thought, his expression souring. "You shouldn’t say that. I’ve worked my whole life for this company!"

"Is that so?" The words didn’t come from Xue Xi, who merely sneered, uninterested in wasting time with Chen Hao. Her anger simmered; otherwise, she wouldn’t have brought so many people along. Numbers were meant to intimidate, and hundreds against one—Xue Xi found a certain mischievous satisfaction in it.

From the stairwell to the corridor and at the office door, thugs lined up in two rows. As the figure approached, each bowed respectfully and called out, "Brother Chen!"

Chen Hongxu, leaning against the wall at the office entrance, wore an expression identical to Xue Xi’s, and said, "Is that so?"

...

The chapter “The Queenpin’s Aura” is now complete.