Urban Seduction: Housewives Club Chapter 1959 - 288: Teasing 1
Previously on Urban Seduction: Housewives Club...
Wang Yue, however, remained completely unperturbed. With a composed expression, he stated, "Indeed, I am the one responsible. That individual earned every bit of that beating. Had you all not been present, I would have ended his life right then and there!"
A frown deepened on Xin Xiaoxiao’s face.
As the official authority tasked with upholding the peace in Jinling, the police department maintained a vigilant watch over the city's influential clans, compiling extensive dossiers on each.
Driven by her ambition to be an exemplary officer, Xin Xiaoxiao had committed all that intelligence to memory. Consequently, even though this was her first physical encounter with Wang Yue, she possessed a thorough understanding of his background.
From what she gathered, Wang Yue typically maintained an extremely low profile.
While this was largely due to the constraints placed upon him by the three major families, there was no history of him inciting trouble even during the three days a month he was granted freedom of movement.
His solitary "transgression" involved the public thrashing of Zhang Qingtian nearly a fortnight ago, though that incident had been provoked.
In stark contrast to Wang Yue, his current adversaries—including the short man currently grounded with a fractured leg—possessed atrocious reputations. Exploiting their family status, they were known for frequent acts of intimidation and tyranny.
Because of this, Xin Xiaoxiao’s sympathies naturally leaned toward Wang Yue.
However, Wang Yue’s blatant arrogance surprised her, souring her initial impression. She demanded sharply, "What justification do you have for these actions?"
"That man hurled vulgar insults at my cousin," Su Jiaojiao intervened swiftly. "We might have let it slide if he had only targeted him, but he went as far as insulting my second aunt... It's only natural my cousin would be livid!"
Xin Xiaoxiao’s brow furrowed once more, though this time her irritation was directed at the short man on the floor rather than Wang Yue.
Being well-versed in the dynamics of Jinling’s three major families, she was aware that Su Jiaojiao’s second aunt was Wang Yue’s birth mother.
Having been orphaned at a young age, Xin Xiaoxiao had been raised and mentored by her master. To her, that master was a maternal figure, and the concept of "mother" was something she held in the highest regard.
Upon hearing Su Jiaojiao’s explanation and seeing the silent confirmation from Su Jin’er, Su Xiu’er, and Chu Mo—not to mention the lack of denial from the opposing side—she felt the short man’s punishment was well-earned.
Nevertheless, her role as a police officer was to preserve order, not encourage conflict. She spoke firmly, "I will overlook this instance. You may settle this matter privately, but there must be no further violence, or I will be forced to intervene according to the law."
Wang Yue was indifferent to Xin Xiaoxiao’s legal stance; his only goal had been to discipline that specific individual.
The others lacked the courage to actually engage Wang Yue in combat. Seizing the opening, they hoisted their injured companion and retreated to seek medical attention.
Slap! Slap! Slap!
Just as the tension seemed to dissipate, the sound of slow clapping echoed through the area.
Zhang Shao of Tianhai wore a smirk as he applauded. "Splendid, truly splendid! It has been quite a while since I've witnessed such a captivating performance."
Zhang Qingtian offered a quick, fawning smile. "Jinling is a far cry from the sophistication of Tianhai. We are merely unrefined locals here. I hope our lack of decorum hasn't offended you, Mr. Zhang."
"Not in the least. I found it quite amusing," Zhang Lingfeng replied with a chuckle. "However, the entertainment ended too quickly for my liking. Is there no one else here capable of fighting? Why doesn't someone challenge Young Master Wang to a proper duel?"
The gathered youths exchanged uncertain glances. While a few believed they could best Wang Yue, none were foolish enough to provoke him without cause.
After all, Wang Yue was the most precious asset of Jinling’s three major families.
Should he be harmed, even if the three families were currently in a precarious state, they possessed enough power to annihilate any aggressor and their respective clans long before reinforcements from the Zhang family of Tianhai could arrive.
Seeing the lack of volunteers, Zhang Lingfeng’s smile vanished. He turned his gaze toward Wang Yue. "It appears Young Master Wang wields significant influence in Jinling. Since no one dares step forward, why don't you select your own opponent?"
Though phrased as a suggestion, his tone left no room for refusal. To him, these scions of Jinling were little more than playthings, monkeys meant for his amusement.
Wang Yue didn't even grant him a glance. Instead, he signaled to the four women. "Let’s depart. There is nothing worth our time here."
The four women nodded in unison and began to follow Wang Yue toward the exit.
"Halt!" Zhang Lingfeng barked, his frustration boiling over. He had come to see a show, yet the performers were not only refusing to play their parts but were ignoring him entirely.
Having been bloated by the constant flattery of people like Zhang Qingtian since his arrival in Jinling, his ego could not withstand such a slight.
Yet, Wang Yue and his companions acted as if he hadn't spoken, maintaining their steady pace toward the door.
If they were permitted to walk out now, Zhang Lingfeng’s reputation would be utterly tarnished.
However, he hesitated to strike Wang Yue directly. While the Zhang family of Tianhai considered themselves far superior to the local powers, Zhang Lingfeng was currently under-guarded, accompanied only by two lackeys and two bodyguards at the Tianyuan realm.
If he triggered a full-scale war with the three major families right now, he wouldn't be able to withstand their desperate retaliation.
Still, while Wang Yue and the Su sisters were beyond his reach, there was another point of leverage.
Zhang Lingfeng took a stabilizing breath to mask his rage and turned to Zhang Qingtian. "Zhang Qingtian, I've heard you have a fiancée. Where is she?"
Zhang Qingtian considered his fiancée’s public association with Wang Yue a source of deep shame and usually avoided the topic. Now, it was being dragged into the spotlight.
Had anyone else raised the subject, Zhang Qingtian would have retaliated with violence. But against Zhang Lingfeng, he was powerless. He managed a strained smile and replied, "That would be Chu Mo."
He then directed his voice toward her, "Mo Mo, come here and pay your respects to Young Master Zhang."
Chu Mo gave him no response whatsoever.
Zhang Lingfeng pressed on, "A simple greeting is hardly enough. Zhang Qingtian, you are fortunate to possess such a rare beauty. Even in Tianhai, she would be considered exceptional. Since she is your fiancée, surely you wouldn't mind if she kept me company for the night?"
Rage flared within Zhang Qingtian. He felt no genuine affection for Chu Mo beyond her physical appearance, but she was still his promised bride, and this was a direct assault on his manhood.
Even Wang Yue had never humiliated him so brazenly in public. For Zhang Lingfeng to openly demand his fiancée was an insult no man of pride could stomach.
Yet, his fear outweighed his fury. Forcing a submissive smile, he choked out, "It would be an honor for her to serve you."
Zhang Qingtian wasn't the only one seething. Chu Kuo was trembling with indignation at Zhang Lingfeng’s words, and seeing Zhang Qingtian’s spineless surrender filled him with a wave of revulsion; the thought of his daughter marrying such a coward was unbearable.
Xin Xiaoxiao was equally incensed. Her inherent sense of justice flared, and she moved to reprimand Zhang Lingfeng. However, before she could utter a word, one of Zhang Lingfeng’s men struck her precisely on the neck, sending her into unconsciousness.
Zhang Lingfeng ignored the surrounding turmoil. His eyes were fixed on Wang Yue, who had finally stopped and was now slowly walking back toward him.
His crude demand was more than just lust for the four women; it was a calculated provocation. He couldn't safely initiate the attack, but he could certainly goad Wang Yue into striking first.