Chapter Sixteen: The Fugitive

Shen Guodong waited quietly in the lobby.

There were some things he still wanted to ask the other party in private, to find out what exactly was going on.

It wasn’t long before a man with a scar on his face and a ferocious expression swaggered in, a cigarette dangling from his lips, his arrogance practically overflowing—clearly, he didn’t take anyone seriously.

“So, you’re Scar?” Shen Guodong narrowed his eyes, looking at the man before him with clear displeasure.

“That’s me. Who are you? Why did you want to see me?” Scar glanced at Shen Guodong. This guy looked so thin he was practically just bones, with no flesh on him at all. The way he was looking at him, did they have some kind of grudge?

“What do I want? Let me remind you. Today, did you block a woman, not only rob her but also lay hands on her? That woman is my wife.” Shen Guodong’s smile was cold and insincere as he spoke.

Scar thought for a moment before replying, “I’ve never bullied a woman in my life. Brother, you’re wronging me with such words. Maybe you’ve mistaken me for someone else. What you’re saying is unjust. I’m not a good man, but I’ve never done anything so heartless! If your wife’s been bullied, just say the word—if you need help, I’d be the first to step up.”

Scar’s words were perfectly delivered, leaving no gaps for criticism.

But in Shen Guodong’s eyes, things were far from so simple. He narrowed his eyes dangerously at Scar. Liu Yueru would not have made a mistake—this matter was not something that could be waved away with a few words.

“Heh, so you dare to do it but not to admit it?” Shen Guodong sneered.

Scar was no fool. He knew this was Baldy’s territory, and Shen Guodong had chosen to meet him here, which meant he had some backing—perhaps even Baldy himself was on his side. There was no way he’d confess easily.

Even Baldy had to act with reason; acting rashly was taboo in their world.

“Brother, that’s going too far. If I didn’t do it, how can I admit it? Baldy sent me here, but done is done, and if it isn’t, it isn’t. Even if you beat me to death today, I didn’t do what you’re accusing me of.” Scar was determined to deny everything. As long as there was no evidence, even Baldy couldn’t do anything to him, let alone Shen Guodong, whom he didn’t fear at all.

No matter how close this man was to Baldy, someone of Baldy’s status had to act with fairness and justice, or how would he command the loyalty of his men?

In this line of work, loyalty comes first, but handling matters with impartiality comes a close second. Only then can one win people’s hearts.

“So even if I beat you to death, you still didn’t lay a hand on my wife, didn’t rob her? Fine, then today I’ll beat you to death!” There was a ruthless edge to Shen Guodong’s bones. Without another word, he snatched up a bottle from the table and smashed it hard over Scar’s head.

There was a sharp crack, and both beer and blood poured down in an instant. Scar let out a wail and collapsed to the ground. Shen Guodong’s eyes were bloodshot as he straddled Scar, grabbing a jagged shard of glass and pressing it to his throat.

“I’ll ask you one last time—did you do it? Answer me honestly. If I’m not satisfied, the ambulance will carry you out and the police will take me away.” Shen Guodong’s voice was cold and full of menace.

He was a desperado by nature—otherwise, in his past life, he wouldn’t have risen from nothing to become the CEO of a publicly listed company. His ruthless way of dealing with people was evident.

Everyone around was stunned. Was this guy serious?

To go to such lengths over a small matter!

Even Baldy, watching the scene from behind the scenes, had a look of appreciation in his shrewd eyes. A man who is ruthless with himself is destined for great things. If Shen Guodong were the kind to shy away from trouble, how could he be trusted?

“Baldy, this kid isn’t yet thirty, but the ruthlessness in his actions is chilling—he’s got your fire from your younger days!” crew-cut Wang commented with admiration.

Baldy looked over. In Shen Guodong, he saw himself at twenty, the same spirit that had carved out his own place in the world. But now, he couldn’t act that way anymore.

Time changes people.

His sharp edge had been sheathed; now, he preferred to orchestrate everything from behind the scenes, winning battles from a thousand miles away.

Truly, the world belongs to the young.

Back to the present—

Everyone outside was shocked. None had imagined that this young man, with a scholarly air about him, could act with such ruthlessness. He didn’t hesitate for a moment—moving with lightning speed, he took Scar down before anyone could react.

Had they not witnessed it themselves, they wouldn’t have believed it.

“Brother, let’s talk this out!” Scar might have looked like a desperado, but he was nearly forty and still deeply afraid of death. Shen Guodong didn’t look like he was bluffing—if Scar kept denying it, this man might well send him to his grave. Now, Scar was truly terrified.

“Talk it out? You dared to bully my wife and want to talk it out? Hahaha! What a joke. If a man can’t protect his own woman, what kind of man is he? I have nothing more to say—just tell me, was it you?”

Shen Guodong burst out laughing.

Scar was on the verge of tears. He nodded repeatedly, “Brother, it was me, it was me… I acted impulsively and didn’t know she was your wife. It was a misunderstanding—we’re all family here. You’re Baldy’s honored guest, I’m his man—there’s no need to take this so far. I apologize. Whatever you say goes—I’ll accept it.”

For Scar at this moment, survival was all that mattered. Pride and dignity were cast aside.

Shen Guodong smiled and released him. Now that the other had confessed, it was easy to handle. He always believed in returning respect with even greater respect.

“Baldy, you heard it too. How do you plan to handle this? Our future cooperation will depend on how you deal with this matter!” Shen Guodong called out to the back.