In the car.
The dim light cast shadows on Liu Yutong's face as she frowned slightly, seemingly deep in thought.
Today’s events had caused quite a stir, yet not a single officer had shown up. She knew full well that someone was pulling strings behind the scenes.
But that alone wasn’t enough. Now that she had completely torn ties with Niu Ben, she had to uproot him entirely.
She lowered her head and scrolled through her phone, scanning message after message.
Without hesitation, she turned to Yun Cheng and said, "Call the police. Report that Caesar Nightclub is involved in illegal activities."
Yun Cheng nodded and swiftly dialed the number.
After hanging up, he glanced at Liu Yutong through the rearview mirror and asked quietly, "What’s next, Miss?"
"We’ll discuss it at the hotel."
Back at the hotel, Liu Yutong compiled the photos and videos she had gathered into a folder and sent them anonymously to Qi Wei via email.
She attached a brief message: [Here’s your second gift.]
Long ago, she had instructed Ma Da to station some of his men to keep an eye on Niu Ben’s businesses, waiting for this very moment.
Over the years, Niu Ben had built an extensive network of connections in Wushui County. Otherwise, his nightclub—with its shady dealings and illegal substances—wouldn’t have remained untouched for so long.
A simple police report might not be enough, but what if there was photo and video evidence?
Liu Yutong was certain that, no matter the resistance, Qi Wei wouldn’t pass up the chance to avenge his mentor.
Meanwhile, in a teahouse in Wushui County.
Master Jin, Lame Kun, and Hua Mao—figures of some repute in the underworld—sat around a table, steaming cups of tea before them.
Lame Kun laughed so hard he nearly fell off his chair, slapping the table. "You should’ve seen Niu Ben today—scrambling like a stray dog! Hilarious!"
"First time I’ve ever seen him like that, hahaha!"
"......"
The men shared an unspoken satisfaction, perhaps because they’d been under Niu Ben’s thumb for far too long.
After a moment, the laughter died down.
Master Jin took a slow sip of tea and remarked, "I never thought Niu Ben would be pushed to this point by a young girl. Seems we underestimated her."
Hua Mao frowned slightly. "You think if she actually takes Niu Ben down, Wushui County will become her playground? What happens to us then?"
Lame Kun waved a hand dismissively. "No way. If Niu Ben falls that easily, it’d mean we’re all useless."
Master Jin nodded. "We know Niu Ben’s methods. I bet he’ll strike back tonight."
That girl’s men were indeed formidable fighters.
But if brute strength alone could dominate a place, that’d be pure fantasy.
Niu Ben had held his ground in Wushui County not just because of his enforcers, but because of his intricate web of connections—something Liu Yutong and her Yilian Society lacked.
Just then, one of Master Jin’s men rushed in with an update.
"Master Jin, there’s movement at Caesar Nightclub!"
Master Jin’s eyebrows rose, his expression one of expectation. "Just as I thought. Niu Ben’s countering."
He lifted his cup, blowing gently on the steam, his tone tinged with regret. "Ah, what a shame..."
He made as if to pour out the tea and replace it with a fresh cup.
But before he could, his subordinate added, "Master Jin, I wasn’t finished. The police have surrounded the nightclub with a large force."
Clatter. Master Jin nearly dropped his cup, his composed demeanor shattered. "What? The police? Are you sure?!"
Lame Kun’s eyes widened in disbelief. "You saw this with your own eyes?"
The subordinate nodded emphatically. "No mistake! They arrested a bunch of people—some weren’t even dressed. Damn, those pale backsides were something else!"
Recalling the sight of middle-aged men in bathrobes being hauled into police vans, he couldn’t help but grin.
Once the news was confirmed, Master Jin silently set down the tea he’d almost discarded and waved the man away.
After the subordinate left, the teahouse fell into an uneasy silence.
The three men exchanged glances, their expressions complex.
They’d expected Niu Ben to strike first, but it was the girl who’d made the opening move—and seemingly caught him red-handed.
"Well... she’s full of surprises!"
"No kidding! Never thought she’d be the one to act first—and with such precision."
"So what now? Keep watching from the sidelines?"
"Best to wait. The situation’s still unclear. Jumping in now would only get us burned."
"Right. We’ll wait and see."
"......"
Silence settled over them again as they lifted their cups, their minds far from the tea.
They’d hoped to play both sides and reap the rewards, but it seemed the time wasn’t ripe yet.
Caesar Nightclub.
Niu Ben was fuming.
"I was in the middle of something, and now the cops show up?!"
Though furious, he knew this wasn’t the time to lose his temper. Suppressing his rage, he hurried out of the nightclub.
Once in his car, he immediately dialed a number.
"Captain Zhang, what the hell are you playing at? Why wasn’t I warned about the raid?"
On the other end, Captain Zhang frowned, irritated by Niu Ben’s tone but keeping his anger in check. "I had no idea either. The bureau didn’t inform me."
Niu Ben scoffed, his voice sharp. "I don’t care what’s going on. Caesar is a legitimate business! Release everyone, now!"
Captain Zhang’s expression darkened. "Niu Ben, who the hell do you think you are, giving me orders?!"
"Who am I? How about the fact that you still owe me money—does that count?!"
Captain Zhang’s fist clenched, his voice tight with suppressed fury. "I paid you back long ago. Don’t you dare threaten me with that!"
Niu Ben sneered. "Oh, so you say it’s settled? Funny—your son borrowed 80,000 from me half a month ago. I’ve been very patient about collecting."
"What?!" Captain Zhang’s face twisted in rage. "Niu Ben, you goddamn monster!"
"Stay the hell away from my son, or I swear—"
Niu Ben cut him off, unfazed. "Captain Zhang, no need for theatrics. We’re old friends, aren’t we? I’d never harm your boy. But young people can be reckless. As an elder, it’s only right I keep an eye out for him, don’t you think?"
Captain Zhang trembled with fury, his knuckles cracking from the force of his grip, but no words came.
Just as the standoff continued, Niu Ben's phone suddenly vibrated.
After confirming the news, he spoke into the phone to Captain Zhang on the other end: "I just received word that two of my demolition crew brothers were beaten to death today. They didn’t survive despite emergency treatment. We were carrying out legal demolition work, yet we were attacked by violent thugs. Captain Zhang, don’t you think you owe me justice?"
"Is this true?!" Captain Zhang stood up abruptly, his voice filled with shock.
Niu Ben: "Confirmed. It’s true. Captain Zhang, now will you help?"
Captain Zhang fell silent for a moment before finally gritting his teeth and saying, "I’m not doing this for you. I’m enforcing the law impartially!"
With that, he hung up the phone.
Listening to the dial tone, Niu Ben let out a cold laugh and muttered to himself, "Trying to shake me off? Hmph..."
After setting his phone down, he leaned back in his chair, lit a cigarette, took a deep drag, and slowly exhaled a cloud of smoke.
Although the raid on the Caesar Nightclub had cost him quite a bit, as long as no contraband was found, the worst he’d face was a fine and a temporary shutdown for a few days.
To him, it was no big deal.
As long as he could deal with that little girl, everything else was manageable.
He’d been operating in Wushui County for years, and this was the first time he’d suffered such a heavy blow.
But those people were real reckless fools—daring to kill, and in broad daylight no less.
"Still too green. No sense of restraint, killing two of my men. You’ll be rotting in prison for this."
As he spoke, Niu Ben mimicked a pistol with his fingers, making a "pew" sound, as if he could already see Liu Yutong and her crew being hauled away by the police.
