Chapter Fifty-Six: An Apology in Person

Shen Qingqiang’s expression shifted from surprise to an icy coldness. Since things had come to this, there was nothing left to say.

“Madam, you have two options. First, compensate us five times the price of the goods. Second, invite President Chen Muxue back—perhaps then, there’s still room for negotiation!”

“What... what?!” Old Madam Chen was momentarily stunned, her face frozen in disbelief.

She never expected that these people, arriving in such force and with an attitude that they wouldn’t rest until Haoyuan Trading was destroyed, would suddenly present such a condition.

“Alright! Gentlemen, please wait a moment. I’ll send someone to call Muxue here immediately!” After a brief deliberation, the old lady decided to steady the situation first.

Soon, her subordinate returned to report that Chen Muxue was not in the office.

“That wretched girl, who knows where she’s run off to!” Old Madam Chen muttered a reprimand, then took out her phone to call Chen Muxue herself.

Chen Xiong, crouched nearby, grew anxious at the scene.

He feared that if Chen Muxue came, she would expose the lies they had fabricated. He was about to intervene, but Chen Wenli, beside him, subtly shook her head to stop him.

Chen Wenli blinked covertly, signaling her father not to worry; everything was still under control. She was even a bit delighted—since Chen Muxue was absent from the company, perhaps her brother Chen Peng had already succeeded!

“Muxue, where are you? Come to the office at once, hurry!” Old Madam Chen urged as soon as she got through.

“What? You won’t be back for another half hour? No, I don’t care how important your errand is, come back immediately!” Her tone grew colder upon hearing the reply.

“You... wretched girl, how dare you hang up on me! I’m furious!” Old Madam Chen slammed down her phone, breathing heavily in anger.

She had never imagined Chen Muxue would not only refuse to return immediately but would also hang up, not even giving her a chance to speak again!

In truth, Old Madam Chen misunderstood Chen Muxue. The current circumstances allowed no time for explanations.

Especially as Su Zheng had signaled to Chen Muxue not to waste words with the old lady, suggesting she deal with the immediate trouble first.

At that moment, not far from Haoyuan Trading’s building, in a secluded alley.

Su Zheng and Chen Muxue, returning after their meal, were blocked by a group of men.

Both ends of the alley were guarded, preventing outsiders from entering. Over a dozen burly men, faces twisted with malice and a sinister grin, advanced toward Su Zheng and Chen Muxue.

“Tell me, were you sent by Chen Peng? Have him come apologize in person, maybe you won’t end up too badly!”

Su Zheng remained calm and composed in the face of these thugs, showing no sign of panic. Instead, he spoke first.

“Hmph! Since you already know, why bother asking? You offended Young Peng—serves you right for not watching where you tread. Next life, try to be born into a better family! Ha ha...” The leader’s laughter was savage.

As his laughter echoed, the dozen men pulled knives from their waists, gleaming coldly in the light.

Chen Muxue had never witnessed such a scene. Instinctively, she clung to Su Zheng’s arm, her face pale, eyes filled with despair and terror.

“Relax, as long as I’m here, they won’t harm you.” Su Zheng gently patted her hand, signaling her to let go, then stepped forward with calm composure.

Facing the armed gang alone, he remained unruffled.

“Brothers, get him!” The leader, his face murderous, gave a chilling command.

With a rush, the dozen men lunged at Su Zheng.

“Cut the man to pieces for the dogs. Don’t hurt the woman—let me have my fun with her first, then deal with her later, heh heh...” The leader stayed back, greedily eyeing Chen Muxue’s graceful figure and stunning beauty.

Hearing this, a coldness flashed in Su Zheng’s eyes. He had intended to go easy on them, but after those words, he felt no need to restrain himself.

With a flick of his wrist, silver needles shot forth, targeting the vital points of the attacking men.

With barely a sound, those charging thugs convulsed as if struck by a powerful shock, their bodies trembling violently before collapsing to the ground!

In the blink of an eye, the dozen robust men lost all fighting ability.

Su Zheng hadn’t moved from his spot, only flicked his wrist several times, making it look effortless.

Only the leader remained standing, some distance away.

“You... are you even human or a ghost?!” The man was terrified, his lips trembling as he stammered the question.

Su Zheng glanced at him sideways and retorted, “Now, can you call Chen Peng over?”

As he spoke, another silver needle appeared, twirling between his fingers.

Earlier, Su Zheng had used silver needles to subdue the men.

With a constitution far stronger than ordinary people, his control and use of force surpassed others by far.

Though the needles seemed light and small, in Su Zheng’s hands, combined with the Poison Sutra’s deadly techniques, they became the most terrifying weapons against enemies.

“Wait... let’s talk, it’s all a misunderstanding, brother. Please, don’t do anything. I’ll call him right now, immediately.” Seeing Su Zheng raise his hand again, the leader turned pale with fear.

He had seen his comrades writhing and groaning on the ground—he didn’t want to end up the same.

“Damn! The call won’t go through? Brother, Chen Peng blocked me—I can’t get through!” The man lowered his phone, eyes filled with frustration and terror as he explained hastily.

With a flick of his wrist, Su Zheng dispatched him with a needle as well, unwilling to waste any more time.

“The death penalty can be spared, but you won’t escape punishment. Try to live as better men from now on.” Su Zheng surveyed the men sprawled on the ground, speaking quietly.

He hadn’t dealt fatal blows, only activated a small amount of latent poison in their bodies. Even so, it would irreparably damage their gallbladders.

The gall governs emotion; injury leads to loss of spirit.

He believed these men would no longer breed violent tendencies and would become much milder in temperament.

Chen Muxue, beside him, had closed her eyes in fright as they charged.

But as the sounds of bodies hitting the ground continued, she realized no one had come near her. Opening her eyes in puzzlement, she saw the last man fall before Su Zheng.

Looking at the men lying on the ground, then at Su Zheng’s serene demeanor, a wave of shock surged in her heart.

She could hardly believe it was real—when had Su Zheng become so formidable?

Was this still the frail, useless husband she knew?

“You... you know martial arts? How come I never knew?” Chen Muxue asked, astonished and curious.

Su Zheng smiled, about to find an excuse to reassure her, when he heard a rush of hurried footsteps approaching from the end of the alley.