Chapter 13: You... Are Not Entitled to Know

"Three years!"

A sharp intake of breath.

Black Rose’s pupils contracted instantly. In just three years, this man had risen from an ordinary person to such heights. Heavens, is he even human?

"You are truly a legend, young master! Your very presence makes River City shine with brilliance."

Ming Cheng grinned mischievously.

"It may not shine, but there will certainly be rivers of blood!"

Black Rose arched her delicate brow, clearly puzzled.

Ming Cheng clasped his hands behind his head, looking thoroughly pleased. "The killing spree in River City two days ago was exhilarating!"

Black Rose’s eyes narrowed even further.

"Could it be... the Chen family of River City...?"

"Exactly. That old man deserved to die a thousand deaths for what he did to the young master’s parents."

"For what he did..." Black Rose clapped a hand over her mouth, her beautiful eyes wide in disbelief. In that moment, she realized Ling Xiao’s true identity.

Ling Xiao shot Ming Cheng a sharp glare. "If you keep quiet, no one will mistake you for a mute."

Ming Cheng scratched his nose awkwardly, saying nothing more.

...

The car soon arrived in River City, heading straight for Black Rose’s club.

Though the club was small, just seven stories high, it was perfectly equipped—a microcosm of nightlife, with a dance hall, karaoke rooms, bar, and bathhouse, all under one roof.

"Young master, my club may not be famous in Jiangzhou, but here in River City, it’s second to none. I hope you’ll enjoy yourself."

Ling Xiao nodded and followed the group inside.

"You go on ahead. I’ll stop by the restroom."

"Yes, young master. We’ll wait for you in the main hall."

"No need. You go first—I’ll join you shortly."

"Understood!"

The others went upstairs while Ling Xiao made his way to the restroom.

At the restroom door, in the shadows, a man was groping a young woman, taking full advantage with hands and arms.

The girl’s face was tender and youthful, not at all like someone who frequented such places.

She seemed timid, only daring to shield herself with her hands, too afraid to anger the man before her.

"Mr. Du, please don’t."

"Heh... Xiaoxue, don’t be so resistant. I’ve liked you for a long time."

"Mr. Du, I’m just here to sing. I don’t do that. Please let me go."

"It’s just a bit of money, isn’t it? What’s the big deal? Spend one night with me and I’ll tip you two thousand yuan."

"Mr. Du, I really can’t. Please, I beg you. I just need to earn some money for my mother’s treatment. I’m still a student. Please, let me go."

Her resistance finally angered him. He slapped her hard, knocking her to the ground.

Half her face swelled, blood trickled from her nose, her ears rang, and her gaze turned vacant.

"You little whore! Coming to a place like this and still pretending to be pure? Who do you think you are?"

He grabbed her hair without hesitation and began dragging her toward a private room.

Terrified, the girl burst into sobs. Catching sight of Ling Xiao, she pleaded desperately, "Sir, please save me! I beg you, please!"

The despair and fear in her eyes made Ling Xiao’s brow furrow. In that instant, he saw his younger self—three years ago, that helpless boy kneeling and kowtowing.

"Please... spare my parents. If you want to kill someone, kill me. Don’t hurt my mom and dad..."

...

As Mr. Du was passing by, Ling Xiao, almost involuntarily, raised his arm to block him.

"Show some mercy. Don’t bully the poor."

Mr. Du shot him a cold glare. "Who the hell are you? Get lost! My business is none of yours!"

Ling Xiao’s eyes turned icy. "I’ll give you three seconds to apologize. Then you can live."

"Apologize, my ass! I’ll—"

He hadn’t finished the word before Ling Xiao slapped him, sending him flying.

With a crash, Mr. Du landed hard, screaming in pain.

"My face! You little bastard, you dare hit me? You’re dead! Do you know who I am? I can call a whole crew over to break your arms and legs. Get on your knees and apologize now!"

Ling Xiao stood with his hands behind his back, face calm. "Kneel and apologize now, and I’ll leave you a whole corpse."

"Fine! You’ve got guts. Wait here if you dare! I’ll go get my people right now!"

With that, Mr. Du dashed towards the main hall. Ling Xiao didn’t stop him—he knew the man would be back.

The girl, Xiaoxue, scrambled to her feet and grabbed Ling Xiao’s hand, pleading, "Sir, thank you for saving me, but you have to run! Mr. Du won’t let you go. He’s connected to Liu Qing, Black Rose’s favorite. He’s not afraid to kill here!"

Ling Xiao gently pulled his hand free. "No need."

He turned and calmly entered the restroom.

Xiaoxue stamped her foot in anxiety. "This is bad. If he doesn’t leave, Liu Qing and Du will kill him for sure. No, I can’t let him be dragged into this because of me. I have to find Sister Hong and ask for help."

Moments later, Ling Xiao emerged from the restroom, washing his hands at the sink, as a group of men stormed toward him.

"Brother Qing, that’s him! Not only did he ruin my fun, he slapped me, and even threatened to make me kneel and apologize or else he’d kill me!"

Liu Qing snorted coldly, hands clasped behind his back as he stepped forward.

Tall and gaunt, with swollen eyes and a sallow look—he was the picture of a man ruined by vice. His gaze was clouded and sinister.

"You’ve got a lot of nerve, kid! Causing trouble in Black Rose’s club—are you tired of living?"

Ling Xiao didn’t spare him a glance, continuing to wash his hands as he replied indifferently, "If Black Rose knew you dared speak to me like this, do you think she wouldn’t flay you alive?"

Liu Qing was taken aback, then his expression darkened. "What’s your relationship with our boss?"

Ling Xiao turned off the faucet, summoned his inner energy, and dried his hands instantly with the heat.

He stood, hands behind his back, finally facing Liu Qing. "You’re not qualified to know."

Liu Qing exploded with rage. "You think I’m a fool? Causing trouble here and daring to use our boss’s name as a cover—you’re dead. Break his arms and legs!"

"Yes, sir!"

Just as the men moved in, a woman’s sharp voice rang out behind them.

"Wait!"

Liu Qing glanced back, frowning. "Sister Hong, what’s the meaning of this?"

She was in her thirties, with a delicate face and hair coiled elegantly atop her head. She wore a sky-blue cheongsam, slit high up her thigh, exuding charm.

She sashayed forward, smiling sweetly. "Brother Liu, do me a favor—let this one go, all right?"