The man standing behind Jin Yu had an imposing build, his face a square jawline of righteous features, exuding an air of severity. Just one glance was enough to send chills down anyone’s spine.
At the words, like a tiger advancing with deliberate strides, Xiao Long exited the private room, with Wu Mei’en eagerly following behind, beaming with anticipation.
Jin Yu wasn’t the least bit concerned. Xiao Long was someone he had poached from PT Security Services with a hefty paycheck. His towering height might deceive others, but in truth, his mind was meticulous, and most importantly, the man could fight. In the past two years alone, Xiao Long had shielded him from countless ambushes, both overt and covert. When his father passed away last year and disputes over the family inheritance with his brothers and uncles turned into fierce showdowns, it was Xiao Long who got him safely through several perilous rounds.
One could say that Jin Yu owed his life to Xiao Long.
No wonder a noble acquaintance had recommended PT Security Services to him. Expensive? Sure. But worth every penny.
He had personally witnessed Xiao Long taking down a dozen small-time thugs in under a minute—swift and flawless resolution.
So dealing with a teenage girl who had learned some flashy but useless moves? Jin Yu wasn’t worried in the slightest.
If she ended up crippled, she deserved it for foolishly running into trouble.
Thinking about how his security contract with Xiao Long was nearing its end, Jin Yu didn’t hesitate in his decision—he absolutely had to renew it.
"It’s her. Quick, grab her," Wu Mei’en said while pointing at a young girl in the crowd.
Xiao Long squinted at the target. It was a slender, tall girl. At first glance, her gender might easily be confused, but Xiao Long had traveled extensively and was well-versed in reading people. One look was enough for him to identify her as an underage girl.
Her limbs were thin but carried strength, her stance steady, and her gaze calm yet deeply guarded.
So young, yet possessing such a presence.
Clearly, she was no ordinary person.
Xiao Long quickly assessed the situation in his mind. His contract with Jin Yu obliged him to provide personal security, but that didn’t mean he’d bring unnecessary trouble upon himself just because of Jin Yu’s foolishness.
Loyal but not blind—this was PT Security’s cardinal rule.
Once the contract ended, if either party chose not to renew, their ties would break instantly, leaving them as strangers.
Weighing the situation swiftly in his mind, Xiao Long finally spoke, "President Wu, taking action in public, especially when the disparity in strength is so obvious, might invite trouble. Why don’t we stand down for now and act later when no one’s watching?"
Wu Mei’en hadn’t expected this bodyguard to be so sharp. "Not bad. Let’s do that. Once she’s alone, we’ll see how I deal with her."
Xiao Long furrowed his brows briefly but refrained from saying anything further.
Manager Zhao, catching Wu Mei’en’s signal, promptly bent over obsequiously to apologize.
"We deeply apologize for causing you any trouble due to the oversight of our establishment. I represent Fisherman’s Joy in offering you my sincerest regrets. A private room has been prepared for you. Please, esteemed guests, do come in. To make amends, all your expenses today will be waived, and we’ll also provide you with an additional ten-thousand-yuan meal voucher for use anytime you and your friends return."
Manager Zhao’s servility couldn’t have been displayed more vividly.
The bystanders, however, felt it all became dull. They had been expecting some dramatic escalation, but instead, the matter was being settled with money.
Shen You’an raised an eyebrow and remarked, "Setting a trap for me, huh?"
Manager Zhao’s eyelid twitched slightly. How was this young woman so hard to deal with? No matter—after all, President Wu would have her taken care of later; they would vent their frustrations then.
Casually rolling up her sleeves, Shen You’an turned to Jiang Han and Qi Baotan beside her. "Once we’re inside, stick close to me. Don’t let yourselves get separated."
Qi Baotan clung closely to Shen You’an, nodding vigorously like a little chick pecking at rice. "I’ll never leave your side, not even for a step."
"Good girl." Shen You’an smiled softly and patted Qi Baotan on the head.
Heading inside, Shen You’an’s entrance drew the gazes of nearly every restaurant patron. After all, the commotion at the doorway had been quite the spectacle, and people naturally loved a good drama.
"Please proceed to the second floor. Do watch your step," Manager Zhao advised thoughtfully.
Taking Qi Baotan’s hand in hers, Shen You’an led the way up the staircase, with Jiang Han close behind them.
On the way, the corners of Manager Zhao’s mouth curled into a faint smirk. He had glimpsed Xiao Long’s figure earlier. The second floor was exclusive to private dining rooms, and any confrontations in those corridors would go unobserved and uninterrupted. There was something satisfying about imagining the girl’s impending downfall.
The moment Shen You’an stepped onto the second floor, she was immediately faced with a tall, broad-shouldered man standing directly in her path. His sheer presence startled her at first glance.
Qi Baotan’s heart nearly stopped in fright. She clasped her hands over her mouth to stifle a scream.
Shen You’an lightly patted her back, soothing her gently. "Did I scare my little Tan’er?"
Qi Baotan bit her lip and muttered in a small voice, "I’m okay."
But she subtly tugged at Shen You’an’s sleeve and whispered, "An’an, why don’t we run?"
Running into a crowded area—surely they wouldn’t dare act recklessly there.
Shen You’an chuckled softly and shot a glance at Jiang Han.
Stepping forward, Jiang Han grabbed Qi Baotan and moved her protectively behind him, his gaze ice-cold as he locked eyes with the towering man in black.