Niu Ben certainly didn't dare to accept. Even if it wasn't holding its value, at only thirty percent of its original price, it was still 300,000 Dayang!

"Brother Lie, no! How could I possibly take..." Niu Ben started to decline, but Han Lie's gaze stopped him midway.

Han Lie's eyes were inherently clear, but paired with his calm demeanor and profound stare, they exerted immense pressure on Niu Ben. In fact, Han Lie's every subtle movement and expression had already been exerting a kind of pressure on him. Finally, Han Lie gently patted his shoulder and said meaningfully, "You're a smart man. I reckon you know how to make me happy."

As he said this, he glanced sideways at Wen Yu. This was the second time he had made this gesture.

Niu Ben, capable enough to secure his position as head of security at a nightclub, wasn't as lacking in emotional or intellectual intelligence as many might assume. He understood almost instantly. But he hesitated greatly—anyone suddenly faced with such an insinuation would find it difficult not to be conflicted and apprehensive.

Han Lie understood this feeling well, so he calmly added the final reason. "Many people want to befriend me, but few succeed. After returning to Dream City, the last person to achieve this was Pan Dajun. He used a condition I couldn't refuse to make me willingly forgive Pan Shaohang. That man is truly remarkable! Alright, this is my business card. You have one chance to call this number, tonight only."

After Han Lie finished speaking, his voice calm yet authoritative, the room fell so silent you could hear a pin drop. Truthfully, many people hadn't fully grasped the entirety of Han Lie's meaning. Yet, every single person was shocked. No one failed to feel the oppressive atmosphere, and no one dared to utter a word at that moment.

This big shot, is he really my peer, my former classmate?!!!

Niu Ben felt it most acutely, as he was the direct focus of Han Lie's gaze. In that instant, he suddenly recalled the rumors from the previous night: Pan Shaohang, Young Master Pan, had become someone's lapdog and was cast out of his circle. Mocking calls of 'Pan Dog' were everywhere, and even Brother Tian and Brother Liao had publicly declared, "That idiot is no longer our brother."

Previously, he'd dismissed it as a joke, only half-believing it. But now, he suddenly understood.

In the blink of an eye, Niu Ben made his final decision. He gritted his teeth hard, slipped the watch onto his wrist, then bowed deeply, forcing the most 'enthusiastic and amiable' smile onto his coarse, fleshy face, which only made him look comical.

"Thank you for the reward, Young Master Lie! Please, take your wife and head back. I'll call you later with a report!"

Han Lie nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips—a look that could be taken as appreciative or mocking. Then, without another word, he turned and walked towards the hall entrance. 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

Pan Ge, however, did not follow immediately. She paused, retrieved a business card from her Hermès bag—a metal, gold-plated, partially filigreed creation as exquisite as a piece of art. She placed the card on the dining table, tapped it lightly with her index finger, and, chin held high, declared icily, "The Pan Family will handle any trouble!"

Having said that, she turned and quickly caught up with Han Lie, reverting to her demure demeanor.

When the pair walked past Wen Yu, the little schemer's face was so pale it was devoid of color, his eyes filled with terror and bewilderment.

The moment the private room door clicked shut, a collective "WHOOSH" echoed through the room. It was the distinct sound of many people exhaling in unison.

Everyone exchanged glances, unsure if they should speak to break the tension, or what they could possibly say. They had all been genuinely intimidated by Han Lie. No, it wasn't mere fear; it was a complex mix of shock, awe, bewilderment, and deep respect, as if gazing up at an unscalable mountain.

Hu Jing bit her lower lip. Thinking of Chen Yanfei, who had suffered a great loss and fled in tears, she felt no satisfaction. Instead, a wave of sympathy and sorrow washed over her.

Your judgment wasn't wrong. Who wouldn't desire a man like Han Lie? I was the blind one! Why on earth am I defying my family for a mama's boy, a mere child?! It's a shame... That Miss Pan is so outstanding, it's enough to make anyone feel hopeless by comparison...

Most of the girls felt similarly: they admired Han Lie and felt a sense of inadequacy when faced with Pan Ge.

Envy? Jealousy? No, no, no, that's not it. We're not even in the same league!

The boys, however, had no time for such thoughts. They were beginning to realize something major was about to go down today...

Sure enough, Niu Ben suddenly planted one foot on a chair and bellowed commandingly, "Brothers, come on! Young Master Lie has left, so let's keep the party going! Eat, drink, and be merry!"

"Uh, you guys drink first. I need to use the restroom..." Wen Yu abruptly stood up, an extremely forced smile on his face that couldn't conceal the panic in his eyes.

"Hey, hey, hey!" Niu Ben immediately stopped him, glaring fiercely. "Young Master Wen, Class President Wen, esteemed Young Master Wen, what's this? Looking down on us brothers? Not giving us face, huh?!"

"I didn't..." Wen Yu struggled to maintain his smile. "I genuinely don't feel well..."

He wasn't afraid of Chen Yanfei. While he needed to curry favor with rich scions like those from the Pan and Liao families, he wasn't truly afraid of them either. Previously, he'd also believed he had no reason to fear Han Lie. So what if you're rich? Can you control my father, the bureau chief? But now, he knew he was gravely mistaken.

When it came to making someone suffer, no one was more adept than a thug like Niu Ben. The most vexing part was that any retaliation Wen Yu could inflict on Niu Ben would be severely disproportionate. And to get a guy like this to go all out, all Han Lie had to do, it seemed, was casually toss him a bone and offer a vague promise... Wen Yu was overwhelmed with bitter regret, but it was far too late.

If Han Lie were still present, Wen Yu would willingly cast aside all pride to apologize, in any way required. Unfortunately, the one now sneering at him was 'Brave Niu Niu,' freshly pumped with adrenaline and deaf to any reason...

Damn it! Let go of me, you bastard! Wen Yu screamed internally, offering virtually no resistance as Niu Ben forced a cup of 50% ABV baijiu down his throat.

And this was far from the outcome Niu Ben desired.

For Wen Yu, this night would be exceptionally long...