"We're not murderers!"
"Wrongful accusation! We're really not murderers!"
"Wrongful accusation..."
"No matter how loudly Rubber Eraser and his gang protested their innocence, insisting they weren't murderers, the cops still slapped silver bracelets on them and shoved them into the police van.
They never expected that turning themselves in would land them more than just a few days in jail.
But with just one sentence from the young mistress of the Ten Thousand Dragons Syndicate, their fate was sealed.
Accomplices to murder—wasn’t that the same as being murderers themselves?
Life imprisonment at best, or a bullet to the head.
Had they known this would be the outcome, they would’ve preferred Young Master Lin tossing them into the river. At least then they’d have a sliver of hope—they could doggy-paddle, after all.
The scene left bystanders stunned.
They had assumed the cops would bring some sense of security.
But reality proved darker than they imagined.
Normally, for minor scuffles or brawls, the police wouldn’t immediately resort to handcuffs.
Yet here, not only were the dozen or so thugs cuffed, but officers even drew their guns, aiming straight at them.
All because of that girl’s single sentence—their charges had just skyrocketed.
"This is outrageous! Sure, those punks didn’t look like saints, but getting beaten up and then framed as murderers? That’s just insane!"
"Exactly! Look at those hundreds of black-suited enforcers—untouched. Meanwhile, these few kids get the book thrown at them. Anyone with eyes can see something’s off here."
"What can you do? Those black suits have numbers and connections. These nobodies picked a fight with the wrong people. Beaten for nothing, now branded as killers—their lives are over."
"Right? Those enforcers are terrifying. And now with the authorities in their pocket, is there any justice left in this city?"
"And that girl… She looks so young and innocent, but turns out she’s a ruthless mafia princess."
"Lesson learned: pretty faces are the most dangerous. The more beautiful, the deadlier. Just like in the movies—venomous beauties, that’s what they are."
"Ugh, terrifying. If my son ever brings home a pretty girl, I’m making him break up. Better find an ugly one—disabled, even. Safety first."
"..."
Su Qing watched as the cops hauled the thugs away, their stern faces a show of exaggerated diligence, and her mind went blank.
She turned to Xue Linna. "This… this…"
Xue Linna gave her a sympathetic nod.
After a long pause, Su Qing exhaled sharply. "This is beyond absurd. Seriously, beyond absurd!"
She considered herself well-traveled and worldly. She knew that with the power Liu Yutong had just displayed, the cops wouldn’t dare touch her.
At most, she’d be taken in for a token questioning before walking free.
But reality took a wilder turn.
In broad daylight, in front of a crowd, without even pretending to follow procedure.
And the most insane part? Liu Yutong had casually labeled a bunch of street thugs as murderers with just a few words.
Utterly lawless!
Right now, only four words echoed in Su Qing’s mind: Above the law.
"Qing-jie, this is actually very, very normal for Liu Yutong. No need to be so shocked," Xue Linna reassured her.
"What do you mean? This isn’t her first time?"
Su Qing’s worldview shattered again. "Wait, are we still in Long Nation? Am I still in Long Nation?"
She’d lived in Demon City for years, traveled to many places, and rubbed shoulders with influential figures both inside and outside her circle.
But never had she seen someone so brazenly escalate a minor scuffle—something that should’ve ended with a few days in lockup—into a murder charge in public, right in front of everyone.
Xue Linna had never seen Su Qing so rattled. Though she felt a tiny flicker of schadenfreude, the thought of approaching Liu Yutong now made her hesitate.
Their acquaintance was shallow—just one conversation last year.
"Qing-jie, should we still go greet her?"
Su Qing had to admit, facing a mafia princess who could casually brand people as murderers in front of the police… she was intimidated.
"Let’s just—"
Before she could finish, a black-suited enforcer strode toward them.
"Ladies, the young mistress requests your presence."
Xue Linna and Su Qing’s hearts dropped in unison.
What now?
They were standing so far apart and hadn’t done anything, so why were they being approached?
Xue Linna was a little nervous: "Sister Qing..."
Su Qing feigned calm: "It’s fine, it’s fine, don’t worry. I’m here."
Xue Linna raised her hand slightly: "Sister Qing, I meant... could you not squeeze my hand so tight?"
Su Qing finally realized and awkwardly let go: "Huh? Oh, sorry! I usually like playing with stress balls, so it’s a habit..."
Xue Linna: "..."
Though she could tell her agent Su Qing was nervous, she didn’t call her out on it.
Then, at the invitation of the black-clad man in front of them,
the two had no choice but to brace themselves and walk cautiously toward Liu Yutong.
"Xue... Sister Yutong."
Xue Linna almost called her "junior," but caught herself and quickly corrected it.
Liu Yutong smiled: "Senior Linna, what a coincidence. I happened to see you and thought I’d chat for a bit."
"Is this your agent?"
Su Qing adjusted quickly.
Perhaps because the intimidating men in black had dispersed after the police left, easing the tension in the air, she felt less pressured now.
Gradually, she regained her usual composed, professional demeanor and extended her right hand with confidence.
"Hello, Ms. Liu. I’m Su Qing."
Liu Yutong shook her hand: "Su Qing? I think I’ve heard your name before."
Su Qing was surprised: "I didn’t expect Ms. Liu to know of me. I’m honored."
"Was there something you wanted to discuss with us? Whatever it is, we’ll do our best to cooperate."
Liu Yutong: "Nothing major. I just wanted to ask you a few questions. Do you know that General Manager Sun from earlier?"
Su Qing nodded: "He’s the deputy general manager of Spark Entertainment, mainly overseeing their film division."
Liu Yutong: "I overheard him mention a gathering tonight with Director Wang. Could you tell me who else might be there besides Director Wang?"
Su Qing hadn’t expected this question. Though puzzled, she didn’t hold back.
"Aside from Director Wang, there are a few investors and the CEO of Serendipity Media. If you’re asking about the specifics of their discussion, I’m afraid I can’t disclose that."
After all, the project they were discussing was somewhat tied to her own company.
Liu Yutong shook her head: "I’m not interested in their project details."
She turned to Lin Muyang: "Lin Muyang, there’s a chance to make big money here. Want in? Just know—once this opportunity’s gone, it’s gone for good."
Lin Muyang hesitated for a second before nodding: "Alright, count me in!"
Liu Yutong looked back at Su Qing: "Then please take us to meet Director Wang and the others."
