Chapter 190

Chapter 190 - You will Definitely Regret It!

The robbers hadn't actually died; they had fallen into a state of rigid paralysis, akin to a deep coma, yet distinct from it.

But nobody paid much attention to that detail. After all, it was the police's job to wrap things up.

Xu Shaoning was inevitably detained, and his father, Xu Jindou, couldn't escape the same fate. He too was taken away by the authorities for questioning.

The Xu's Strong Dragon Group, which had been basking in glory just a short while ago, was likely to crumble overnight.

“Smart move, kid. I didn't see that coming,” Lee Donghua could easily guess who was behind it all, as there was no other candidate at the scene. “Without your intervention, even if Xu Shaoning hadn't managed to get his way, it would have been a major headache for us to break free.”

Xu Shaoning's ambition had indeed reached insane levels. He aimed to strip all the wealthy in Qingyang and its environs of their fortunes, a feat that seemed nearly impossible.

Yet, with this group of individuals present, caution was paramount for anyone involved, including the police. There was a chance that they might actually manage to abscond with some cash.

“Perhaps they were struck by a sudden illness; I'm not quite sure what happened,” Zhang Xiaolong said with a smile, opting not to take credit for the deed.

He had already drawn enough attention for one day and preferred not to be thrust into the spotlight once more.

“Alright, alright. You've earned another favor from me,” Lee Donghua said, scanning the surroundings before speaking in a hushed tone, “With the Xu family's Strong Dragon now toppled, it looks like it's your turn to ascend, Xiaolong!”

Zhang Xiaolong's mind raced, pondering the implications.

The Xu family had been a powerhouse in Qingyang's beverage industry. Despite their current troubles, the mere framework of their enterprise remained formidable.

If he could take over that framework and revitalize it with new vigor...

Indeed, it would become a Divine Dragon, capable of soaring through the heavens and transforming the landscape!

Her words were tinged with flirtation, which Chen Yaru did not miss. Yet she was not one to be easily outmaneuvered. Holding Zhang Xiaolong's arm tightly, she replied, “Miss Su, there's no need to worry. Xiaolong and I have been together for a long time, and he saves people nearly every day. He already told me about the incident a few days ago. It was initially for Wang Zongming's sake, but saving a great beauty like you, Miss Su, is certainly a happy outcome.”

Su Mei's mood soured immediately. It was as if she was being told not to get ahead of herself. Xiaolong saved people every day; it wasn't anything special. Moreover, it was pointed out that Zhang Xiaolong's trip to Yishui wasn't for her. He went to rescue Wang Zongming, and saving her was merely incidental.

“Regardless, I owe Xiaolong my thanks for this time. I'm quite eager for the chance to collaborate with him in the future,” Su Mingtang said, stepping forward to alleviate the tension after witnessing his daughter's embarrassment.

“Mr. Su, you're too kind,” Zhang Xiaolong replied, exchanging courtesies.

“Yes, Xiaolong, remember you mentioned wanting to work with me on a new beverage?” Su Mei seized the moment to bring up the subject again. “Why don't we discuss it now?”

?Chen Yaru tensed up at these words. The Elegant Dragon Drinks brand symbolized their partnership, a blend of their names. If Su Mei was proposing to develop a new drink with Zhang Xiaolong now, it seemed like a clear attempt to wedge herself into their partnership.

Zhang Xiaolong gently patted Yaru's hand to calm her and said soothingly, “Miss Su, I never agreed to create a new drink brand with you. We may have an opportunity to work together in the future, but that time isn't now. Moreover, I have no plans to develop any brand other than Elegant Dragon Drinks.”

To an outsider, this conversation might sound purely business-related, but to Chen Yaru, it was a declaration of love, sending her heart aflutter.

“Hehe, young people are always so eager,” Su Mingtang commented with a knowing smile, trying to put both parties at ease. “There will be plenty of opportunities for collaboration in the future. But even if we don't work together, that shouldn't stop us from enjoying a casual meal together now, should it?”

Su Mei realized she had been too impatient. Zhang Xiaolong was a remarkable man, and Chen Yaru was equally impressive. She knew she was no less so, but if Zhang Xiaolong had immediately embraced her at a mere suggestion, he wouldn't be the man she admired.

“Absolutely, Miss Chen. I believe we should get to know each other better, don't you agree?” Su Mei was quite intrigued to learn more about the woman Zhang Xiaolong was fond of.

“I apologize, Mr. Su. It wasn't right to decline your kind offer, but I'm just too exhausted tonight. Let's plan to get together another time,” Zhang Xiaolong said with a sense of resignation.

Yet, his sincere explanation sounded like a heartless excuse to Su Mei. Accustomed to being pampered, the young lady's mood soured. “Won't you even extend me this courtesy?”

“I truly am exhausted. I'll make amends to both of you on another occasion. Goodbye for now.” With those words, Zhang Xiaolong departed, leaning on Chen Yaru for support.

“You're going to regret this!” Su Mei watched them go, biting her lip and angrily tapping her slender high heels.