Chapter Forty-One: Into the Dragon’s Lair

Ling Tian stepped out of the taxi and stood before the entrance of the Nianhua Group’s towering headquarters. He thought to himself, “No wonder they call him a real estate tycoon—this building is even grander than Qingcheng Group’s. Making money in real estate really is easy. The boss of Nianhua Real Estate must have lined his pockets well over the years.”

“Should I come in with you?” Zhang Ding, having parked the car, approached Ling Tian, an eager spark in his eyes. Years of dull routine had left him craving excitement, and now, with something this thrilling unfolding, he felt as restless as a cat on hot bricks.

Ling Tian smiled. “It’s fine if you come along, but be warned—we might have to fight. Think it through.”

“Fight? I figured as much. The boss of Nianhua Real Estate is an old thug—likes to use force in business. I’m ready to throw down if needed. Look, I even brought a weapon.” With that, Zhang Ding pulled a large wrench from his sleeve.

Ling Tian couldn’t help but laugh. He really had found a gem. Zhang Ding seemed honest enough, but the mention of a brawl had him brimming with excitement, weapon at the ready. “If it comes to blows, just stand by—no need to jump in,” Ling Tian cautioned.

Zhang Ding grinned sheepishly. “Don’t worry. I might not be much good at picking fights, but I can handle myself if it comes to self-defense. If they try anything, I’ll swing this wrench right at them.”

As they spoke, the two approached the grand entrance. The European-style iron gates exuded luxury, and even the guard booth was built with no expense spared.

“Do you have an appointment?” A yawning guard ambled over, tilting his head to eye them lazily.

“I’m Ling Tian. Your boss invited me. Open the gate,” Ling Tian replied coolly.

At the sound of his name, the guard perked up. He’d been instructed to give Ling Tian a hard time if he came, to put him in his place and show him that Nianhua Real Estate was no playground.

“Ling Tian? Heard you’re something special—Old Wolf couldn’t even handle you,” the guard sneered, propping himself against the gate with an air of disdain.

“I’ll say it once more—open the gate.” Ling Tian’s brow furrowed ever so slightly.

The guard chuckled. “Aren’t you supposed to be tough? Open it yourself if you’ve got the skills.”

With a snort, Ling Tian strode forward, grabbed the hefty padlock on the gate, and, channeling his inner energy into the keyhole, gave it a subtle jolt. The lock clicked open. To any observer, it looked as though Ling Tian had simply given the lock a casual twist and, as if by magic, the gate swung open.

“Well, well, you’ve got some tricks. Did a stint as a thief, didn’t you?” the guard taunted, twirling his baton as he advanced.

“Get lost,” Ling Tian said without even glancing at him. With a casual slap, he sent the swaggering guard flying over two meters, crashing headfirst into the iron gate before slumping into unconsciousness.

Zhang Ding hefted his wrench, spat disdainfully at the guard, and growled, “Lucky for you you passed out—otherwise I’d have smashed your skull in.”

The remaining guards hesitated, wanting to intervene, but one look at Ling Tian’s steely gaze rooted them where they stood, frozen with fear.

“You lot—lead the way. Otherwise, you’ll end up just like him,” Ling Tian ordered coldly.

The guards nodded frantically and hurried to the front.

Zhang Ding’s eyes sparkled with admiration for Ling Tian’s imposing presence. Life was sure to be thrilling with a boss like this.

Inside the Nianhua Real Estate reception hall, Yuan Xiaotian lounged with a cigar, busy flirting with his voluptuous secretary. “Babe, haven’t seen you in a few days and you’ve grown again. Is it because I’ve been giving you special attention lately?”

“Oh, you’re awful. I’ve always been this big,” the secretary replied coyly, making no effort to retreat. Instead, she thrust out her chest, deepening the alluring valley and leaving Yuan Xiaotian almost drooling. The onlooking henchmen could barely tear their eyes away.

No wonder the boss was so obsessed with this woman—she was outrageously seductive.

“Chairman, Ling Tian has arrived with someone,” a lackey rushed in, shouting.

Annoyed at the interruption, Yuan Xiaotian waved his secretary out and asked, “He brought someone? How many? Is he part of the underworld too, planning to go head-to-head with me?”

“Just one,” the lackey replied.

Yuan Xiaotian burst out laughing. “Only one? He’s certainly confident.”

“Not just confident—arrogant too. He knocked out one of our guards the moment he arrived,” the lackey added.

Yuan Xiaotian snorted. “He’s got nerve, laying hands on my men on my turf. The kid doesn’t know who he’s dealing with. When I was carving my place out in the streets, he was still hiding in his mother’s womb.”

“Don’t worry, Chairman. We’re ready. He’s not leaving here in one piece,” the lackey flattered.

Yuan Xiaotian laughed wildly. “As they say, two fists can’t beat four hands. Even if he’s tougher than Old Wolf, here he’ll have to bow his head—dragon or tiger, it makes no difference.”

At that moment, Ling Tian entered with Zhang Ding. Ling Tian strode in with a proud air, while Zhang Ding looked about nervously, gripping his wrench tightly up his sleeve.

Ling Tian walked straight to Yuan Xiaotian, sat down, swept the room with a calm gaze, and said, “Let’s get to the point. Why did you call me here?”

Yuan Xiaotian locked eyes with Ling Tian. “Good eye. You guessed who I am the moment you walked in.”

Ling Tian noted to himself: one look at his attire, and it was obvious—an underworld boss trying to clean up his image, a classic nouveau riche desperate to break into high society.

“My time is limited. Skip the nonsense and get to the business,” Ling Tian replied, his tone indifferent.

“Watch your mouth when speaking to our boss!” a henchman shouted, jabbing a finger at Ling Tian’s face. Instantly, more than a dozen men surged forward, ready for a fight.

Yuan Xiaotian crossed his arms, content to watch the show. He wanted Ling Tian to feel the weight of his authority, to be intimidated.

“So this is how you discipline your men? Should I give them a lesson?” Ling Tian remained unruffled despite being surrounded. Zhang Ding, however, was clearly shaken, glancing anxiously at Ling Tian, poised to swing his wrench if needed. Ling Tian shot him a reassuring look, signaling him to stay calm.

Most people would have been terrified, but Ling Tian was unfazed. Yuan Xiaotian thought, “He really is a tough one. No wonder even Old Wolf had to back down.”

“All right, stand down. He’s a guest—how can you be so rude?” Yuan Xiaotian said, feigning anger.

“Mr. Ling, forgive my men. They’re a bit hotheaded—apologies for the fright,” Yuan Xiaotian said, though his expression was insincere.

Ling Tian curled his lip in disdain. “A bunch of small fry—they’re not enough to scare me.”

“Impressive courage. I admire that,” Yuan Xiaotian said, motioning for his men to withdraw. He produced a stack of documents and handed them to Ling Tian. “This is the transfer agreement for the orphanage land. Everything’s in here. Take a look, then bring it back for the old director’s signature. Once that’s done, everyone will be happy.”

Ling Tian accepted the documents, quickly scanning them with his spiritual sense. As he suspected, the terms were just as coercive as before—a forced sale in all but name.

“Yuan Xiaotian, do you really think we have no choice but to give up the orphanage land?” Ling Tian asked.

Yuan Xiaotian’s face darkened at the defiance. “What do you think?”