{Chapter: 117 Scarlet Bar, Intercept!}
Lin Yuan immediately smiled and said, "What are you two little girls looking at? After watching for so long, were your hearts moved? Do you want to try it too?"
Seeing Lin Yuan's playful smirk, the two little girls' faces instantly turned bright red, their cheeks burning with embarrassment.
"Ka! Young Master is such a hooligan!"
"Ka! Young Master is so bad!"
They both blurted out a sentence each before dashing away in a flustered panic, their giggles trailing behind them.
Just as Lin Yuan was about to chuckle at their reaction, his phone vibrated with a message from Long Wu, stating that he had already arrived at the door.
Without hesitation, Lin Yuan turned and walked out.
Upon reaching the entrance, he tossed the car key to Long Wu and gestured for him to drive. Lin Yuan then settled comfortably into the passenger seat.
"Where are we headed, Young Master?" Long Wu asked respectfully, gripping the steering wheel.
"Scarlet Bar," Lin Yuan responded casually.
"Scarlet Bar?" Long Wu muttered instinctively before quickly realizing his slip and immediately apologizing, "Master, I'm sorry! I spoke out of turn!"
Lin Yuan waved a hand dismissively. "It's fine."
Long Wu had always been fiercely loyal to him, even in the original novel. He had ultimately sacrificed his life, taking a bullet for Lin Yuan without hesitation. Given that unwavering devotion, Lin Yuan never minded such minor lapses from him.
"I'm heading to Scarlet Bar this time to acquire a bodyguard," Lin Yuan said nonchalantly.
"A bodyguard?" Long Wu was momentarily puzzled but wisely chose not to probe further. Instead, he simply nodded and replied, "Understood, Young Master."
As Lin Yuan gazed out the window, he contemplated his next moves carefully.
He was already preparing to put immense pressure on Gu Qingshan and the Qingshan Gang, aiming to crush them entirely. However, he knew better than to back an enemy into a corner without proper precautions. A desperate man was the most dangerous, and if Ye Feng found himself with no way out, the monstrous potential within him would undoubtedly erupt, causing immense trouble.
Lin Yuan's current bodyguards were competent, but they wouldn't stand a chance against someone like Ye Feng if he was pushed too far.
Although Lin Yuan himself could hold his ground against him temporarily, he wasn't yet at the level where he could decisively overpower Ye Feng. He still needed more time—perhaps a few months. In that time, he was confident he could surpass Ye Feng completely, but he had to ensure his safety until then.
That was why he was taking extra precautions.
He recalled that in the original novel, there was a particular bodyguard of exceptional skill. This bodyguard had been meant to serve Ye Feng, specializing in close-quarters combat, and was practically on par with Ye Feng himself in terms of raw fighting ability. His strength and resilience made him a force to be reckoned with.
But Lin Yuan had no intention of letting this bodyguard fall into Ye Feng's hands. Instead, he planned to intercept him first.
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Following Lin Yuan's directions, Long Wu skillfully navigated the streets until they turned into a narrow alleyway. At the very end of the alley stood a dimly lit establishment—a bar with a crimson sign that read "Scarlet."
The atmosphere inside was subdued. Unlike the rowdy bars filled with music and drunken chatter, Scarlet Bar had an eerie stillness to it. Only a few scattered customers occupied the corners, their expressions guarded.
Long Wu's sharp eyes swept the room, instantly alert. His instincts as a retired soldier kicked in, sensing the potential danger that lingered beneath the surface. He remained close to Lin Yuan, ever watchful.
Lin Yuan, however, remained indifferent, walking up to the bar counter with a relaxed demeanor.
Behind the counter stood a bartender. His name tag read "Xiao Qi."
Seeing Lin Yuan approach, Xiao Qi offered a professional smile. "Good evening, sir. Would you like a drink?"
Lin Yuan leaned slightly against the counter and responded lightly, "Three glasses of Scarlet Mary. Two with ice."
The bartender's smile didn't falter, but there was a flicker of recognition in his eyes. The seemingly simple drink order was, in fact, a secret passcode.
"Understood, sir. Please, follow me." Xiao Qi gestured for Lin Yuan to walk with him.
Without hesitation, Lin Yuan complied, Long Wu following close behind with a vigilant stance.
They were led to a private room, where Xiao Qi walked to the far wall and, with practiced ease, pushed open a concealed door.
"Your last name?" Xiao Qi asked quietly.
"Lin," Lin Yuan replied calmly.
Upon hearing the response, Xiao Qi's demeanor shifted. He immediately bowed and respectfully extended his hand toward the hidden entrance. "Mr. Lin, please proceed inside."
Lin Yuan did not bother with unnecessary words and stepped through the doorway.
Long Wu, ever the protector, scanned the surroundings carefully before following, his muscles tensed in readiness for any potential threat.
Beyond the secret door, they walked through a narrow passage for about half a minute before emerging into a more spacious and well-lit room.
There were already people inside.
At the center of the room sat a man whose obesity and ostentatious attire screamed of newfound wealth. Beside him, a stunningly attractive woman draped herself seductively over the couch, her eyes lazily surveying the newcomers.
The moment the woman laid eyes on Lin Yuan, her expression changed. Her previously disinterested gaze sharpened, her pupils dilating ever so slightly with intrigue.
Before anything else could happen, Xiao Qi stepped forward. "Mr. Lin, please wait a moment. I will inform the host of your arrival and ensure that the goods are prepared for you. Once everything is in order, you will be invited inside for the transaction. Is that acceptable?"
Lin Yuan gave a slight nod. "Go ahead."
Xiao Qi bowed once more before exiting through another doorway in the room.
Just then, the obese man rubbed his stomach and groaned, "Afang, I need to use the restroom."
"Alright, darling. Come back soon," the woman—Afang—responded in a honeyed voice.
The moment her companion disappeared, she stood up with a graceful sway. Her curvy figure moved with practiced allure as she slowly approached Lin Yuan.
Her sultry gaze locked onto him, her red lips parting slightly as she spoke, "Handsome, are you here to buy bodyguards as well?" She bit her lower lip lightly, her voice carrying a tantalizing hint of seduction.
Lin Yuan, possessing an undeniable charm with his two hundred charisma points, had clearly caught her attention the moment he stepped in.
'He's so attractive…' she thought, her heart skipping a beat.
She had encountered many wealthy and powerful men before, but none had captivated her like this one. There was something about him—an aura of confidence, mystery, and undeniable allure.
Even though he wasn't dressed in anything overly extravagant, his presence alone exuded a refined dominance that set him apart from the vulgar, pretentious men she was used to.
Afang felt that this man is definitely not ordinary, much better than the upstart.
Afang's mind raced. If she could get close to this man, even just for a night, it would be worth the effort.
However, Lin Yuan didn't even spare her a glance. He merely checked the time on his watch, lost in thought.
Seeing his complete disregard, Afang was momentarily stunned.
Had her charms… failed?
Is this man not attracted to her?
Afang thinks that she is a charmer.
She prided herself on being a seductress, capable of captivating even billionaires. Yet this man remained utterly unmoved.
Afang's eyes gleamed with curiosity and determination.
This man was different. And that only made her want him more.
*****
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