Chapter 140 Chapter 137: An Interlude of Passionate Moments

After the woman entered the room, she first tidied up the broken teacups scattered about. Only then did she rise and gradually shed her clothes, revealing a delicate, enticing figure. Yan Bu'er lay back on the sofa, admiring her alluring form. The woman performed a belly dance, but Yan Bu'er soon lost patience. He beckoned her over and commanded, “Come here and serve me!”

“Yes, Boss!” The woman immediately lowered her head, her jet-black hair veiling her face. Her flawless, tender complexion was captivating, and Yan Bu'er had immediately taken a liking to her. Gazing at her shapely figure, he swallowed hard. For Yan Bu'er, it was a daily necessity to have different women attend to him. Yet, just as she had entered, a phone call shattered his blissful moment.

Beep, beep, beep…

The sharp ringing pierced the room’s sensual atmosphere. Yan Bu’er frowned, his eyes fixated on the vibrating phone on the table. Without hesitation, he answered angrily, “You have one minute to explain the facts. If what you say isn’t enough to save your life, then bring your head to me tomorrow!”

“Boss!” An urgent voice shouted from the other end. “A man named Mian Xu is here to see you!”

“What?!” Yan Bu’er was stunned. “Are you sure his name is Mian Xu?”

“Yes!” The subordinate nodded hurriedly. “He’s waiting for you at headquarters. You should—”

Yan Bu’er was immediately alarmed. He hung up, grabbed his coat, and bolted outside. The woman in the room was momentarily taken aback, shyly murmuring, “Boss, you—”

“Get out of my way!” Yan Bu’er snapped with fury. She didn’t even have time to dodge before he delivered a sharp slap that sent her sprawling to the floor beside the sofa. Pointing at her fallen form, Yan Bu’er growled, “Dare to block my path and I’ll take your life!”

Sniffling softly on the floor, the woman covered her reddened cheek, sobbing quietly. Yan Bu’er snorted coldly and rushed out. He hurried downstairs, jumped into his car, and sped toward headquarters, ignoring every red light.

Outside headquarters, a large crowd had gathered, all staring at a stranger who had just arrived. The man wore a black robe, his hands skeletal, and a mask adorned his face—a mask painted with two glaring red eyes, expressionless as he faced the crowd.

“Anyone who blocks me dies!” The man’s eyes were merciless as he looked at those before him. But the thugs, used to their dominance in Jianghuai City, showed no fear. Clutching their machetes, they stood firm and coldly said, “Our boss isn’t someone you can see whenever you want!”

“Hmph!” The masked man scoffed lightly and waved his hand. Suddenly, the closest subordinate collapsed without a sound. No one could tell how the masked man had struck or killed him.

One by one, the henchmen backed away, shocked and dumbfounded by the masked man's lethal stealth.

Suddenly, a black Mercedes roared up. A subordinate shouted, “Boss Yan Bu’er has arrived!”

The crowd turned to see the speeding car. Upon recognizing the license plate, they quickly parted to make way, shouting, “Long live the boss! Long live the boss!”

Yan Bu’er’s face darkened as he glared at them, barking, “What’s all this? Why are you all gathered here?”

“Boss, this guy isn’t here with good intentions!” a subordinate shouted foolishly.

Smack!

Yan Bu’er decisively slapped him and roared, “Damn it, what do you know? He’s my friend! What kind of attitude is this toward your boss’s friend?”

Yan Bu’er’s words stunned the men. The masked man hardly looked like a good person, yet he was the boss’s friend. Reluctantly, the subordinates dropped their weapons and lowered their heads before dispersing.

Yan Bu’er hurriedly greeted the masked man with respect. “Elder Mian Xu, you’re here?”

“Hmph,” Mian Xu nodded. “I didn’t expect Yan Bu’er to have such a big reputation.”

“Oh? Not at all. Elder Mian Xu is a favored subordinate of the Harbor Master, someone we all admire,” Yan Bu’er flattered smoothly. “Please, come inside.”

Mian Xu nodded and followed Yan Bu’er into the headquarters. Yan Bu’er immediately instructed his men to serve tea and sent a few top ladies from their secret training to attend the guest. The subordinates exchanged wide-eyed glances. If Yan Bu’er treated this man as an important friend or guest, perhaps his status was even higher than Yan Bu’er’s own.

In all of Jianghuai City, Yan Bu’er’s word was law. Even Jiang Zhonggen, the city’s Party Secretary, showed him deference. The subordinates were stunned.

Mian Xu followed Yan Bu’er on foot into a VIP room. The lighting was dim, casting an eerie aura over the space.

Yan Bu’er knew the temperament of the Harbor Master’s men and had prepared several rooms like this to suit their mood.

Mian Xu glanced around, satisfied, then said, “The Harbor Master is currently busy, so he sent me to deliver a mission.”

“Yes, yes!” Yan Bu’er nodded eagerly. “Elder Mian Xu’s presence here is as if the Harbor Master himself were here. Everyone knows you are regarded as highly as the Harbor Master by the men.”

A cold smile flickered across Mian Xu’s face, a hint of appreciation for Yan Bu’er’s flattery. Yan Bu’er swallowed nervously. “May I ask what orders the Harbor Master has sent with you?”

Just as Mian Xu was about to speak, a knock sounded at the door.

Yan Bu’er’s expression darkened. “Enter.”

A subordinate in a black suit entered cautiously, bowed to Yan Bu’er, and said, “Boss, there’s a serious problem reported.”

“What problem?” Yan Bu’er asked sharply.

The young man looked around, his gaze settling on the enigmatic Mian Xu. Yan Bu’er shot him a glare. “Speak plainly. Elder Mian Xu is my best friend.”

With Yan Bu’er’s sanction, the subordinate respectfully reported, “While auditing finances, our men found a suspicious batch of US dollars. Upon investigation, they discovered it was the same series of bills that Zhang Dadan lost during a past transaction.”

“Huh? Is that true?” Yan Bu’er was surprised.

“Yes!” The subordinate nodded hurriedly. “More importantly, the person who exchanged the cash was Ye Chen. He had someone convert it for us—a total of 32 million RMB. Because the amount was large, the subordinate reported it to a higher-ranking brother, and with his approval, the transaction proceeded.”

“Excellent!” Yan Bu’er grinned coldly. “That’s Ye Chen’s Achilles’ heel. I was wondering how he could afford a casino and recruit men—apparently, the money came from me!”

“Boss, what should we do next?” the subordinate asked anxiously.

“Don’t rush. Put that aside for now. You may leave.” Yan Bu’er dismissed him.

After the door closed, Yan Bu’er respectfully asked Mian Xu, “Elder, what orders did the Harbor Master send?”

“He told you to expedite cleansing Jianghuai City. Anyone who shouldn’t be here must disappear.” Mian Xu’s voice was lethal.

Yan Bu’er was taken aback. “Elder, who exactly are these undesirables?”

“Heh, you know well enough.” Mian Xu smiled faintly, then rose. “That’s all for today. I have conveyed the Harbor Master’s words exactly.”

“Please stay the night and leave tomorrow!” Yan Bu’er pressed politely.

“No,” Mian Xu declined immediately.

Yan Bu’er saw him off, then sat alone in the VIP room, pondering who exactly must be eliminated. The Harbor Master had long harbored deep hatred toward the Tianya Group. Though Yan Bu’er did not know why, he understood that the Harbor Master wanted the group eradicated. Such a large organization would not be easy to take down, and Yan Bu’er quietly contemplated the difficult path ahead.