Suppressing the Protagonist at the Start to Seize the Heroine

Chapter 238: The Showdown Begins, Su Lin Watches!

Upon seeing Qin Jiuyue, Xiao Feiyu instinctively crossed his legs, then glared at her with hatred. He could never forget the excruciating pain of the two Ice Soul needles she had administered, a bone-chilling agony he never wanted to experience again.

Qin Jiuyue, noticing Xiao Feiyu’s hateful gaze, smiled and flicked two silver needles in her hand, causing Xiao Feiyu to shudder. She chuckled again and tucked the needles away.

Meanwhile, Li Bowen, Liu Shiwen, and Ma Junjie noticed Su Lin and his group. It was hard to miss them; the man was handsome, the women beautiful, and they were seated right at the first table by the entrance.

Li Bowen was particularly struck by Zhao Yanyan’s long, attractive legs, despite his extensive experience with women. Even he couldn’t help but be captivated by her pale, shapely legs.

However, Li Bowen quickly composed himself. He and Ma Junjie exchanged a glance, understanding each other’s intentions, and walked towards Su Lin’s group.

“Su Shao, we meet again.”

“Su Shao, fancy seeing you here.”

[TL: Shao is just used for formality in China like young master.].

As the saying goes, one does not strike a smiling face, and seeing Ma Junjie and Li Bowen approaching with smiles, Su Lin was not about to turn them away.

“Just chatting away to pass the time. I didn’t expect such esteemed young masters to arrive so early.”

“Early birds get the worms, we’re just trying our luck,” Li Bowen responded with a laugh.

“Shiwen, you always say you find it boring following me, why don’t you chat with them for a bit?”

Liu Shiwen looked intrigued as she glanced at Lin Xiaowan and Xia Shiyu, then at Su Lin, “May I?”

Su Lin stood up with a smile, “Of course, I’m not some overbearing CEO who forbids you from making friends.”

“Hehe… Xiaowan, you see me but don’t say hi.”

Liu Shiwen blushed as she sat down; she had just taken the seat that Su Lin had vacated. The warmth of the leather chair was still palpable, slightly hot to the touch.

“Su Shao, shall we find a place to talk?”

Su Lin nodded, “Of course.”

“Ma Junjie, why aren’t you with your girlfriends today?”

Ma Junjie shook his head, “They’re not suitable for this kind of event.”

Ma Junjie envied the background and personalities of Su Lin’s companions. Unlike his, who were mostly attracted by money, offering little beyond their good looks and willingness. But Su Lin’s girlfriends were beautiful, shapely, and each had unique qualities, not to mention their respectable family backgrounds.

Each could easily attend this banquet on their own merit. In contrast, his companions would not be appropriate for such high-profile events.

“Su Shao, I must say I’m both envious and jealous of you. Look at your girlfriends, like plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum, each has her charm. They’re distinctive yet obedient and well-mannered. I’m no match for you there.”

Li Bowen nodded in agreement, “Indeed, I could learn a thing or two from Su Lin on this front.”

Su Lin humbly replied, “Treating women doesn’t require splashing cash or much effort. The key is attraction; let them see your merits and admire them enough to fall for you and become inseparable. That’s how you keep a woman interested.”

Li Bowen agreed, “Such great wisdom.”

Whenever men discuss women, they quickly build rapport. Both Li Bowen and Ma Junjie, despite their high status, did not feel any inferiority in chatting with Su Lin.

Aside from anything else, Su Lin’s martial prowess alone earned their respect, and while they referred to each other as friends, it was largely because Su Lin was not someone they could subdue as a subordinate.

But as the trio were getting engrossed in their discussion, Xiao Feiyu felt left out. He was already wary of Su Lin’s strength, and seeing them chat so amicably made him uneasy. He couldn’t just interrupt them.

His status as Modu’s top young master might sound impressive, but it paled in comparison to Ma Junjie and Li Bowen. Although Ma Junjie, like him, was a prominent young master in Yangcheng, the Ma family dominated there, unlike Modu, where the Xiao family was just one among many top-tier families.

[TL: By the way Modu sometimes used to refer to Shanghai. It’s derived from the Chinese name for Shanghai, which is 上海 (Shànghǎi), and “Modu” is a phonetic adaptation of an old name for the city.].

“Xiao Feiyu, why so quiet? I heard there was some friction between you and Su Shao, is that true?”

Ma Junjie’s words put Xiao Feiyu on the spot. His grudge against Su Lin was no small matter, a vendetta for the ages. Ma Junjie’s tone was that of someone ready to enjoy a good show, his eyes flitting between Su Lin and Xiao Feiyu.

Xiao Feiyu replied calmly, “Indeed, there are some grievances. Ma Junjie, I hear you’re looking to take over Su’s mobile business? But I also heard that Su has outsourced most of that to Li’s Group.”

Despite the Xiao family’s lesser dominance compared to the Ma family, Xiao Feiyu wasn’t one to be easily cowed. Ma Junjie’s attempt to make light of his situation was not going to go unchallenged.

Li Bowen watched with interest as Xiao Feiyu and Ma Junjie spoke. He had always seen Xiao Feiyu as somewhat contrived due to his efforts to woo his sister, but now he respected him for showing some backbone, just a bit too obsequious with his sister.

Ma Junjie’s expression turned sour as Xiao Feiyu’s pointed remark hit home. Everyone in Donghai with a bit of influence knew about Su’s outsourcing to Li’s, but knowing didn’t mean there were no opportunities left to exploit.

“Xiao Feiyu, you’re quite something!”

“I’ve always been quite something, no need for you to remind me.”

Su Lin watched the two with a smile, seemingly detached from the dispute. Ma Junjie had started this for a bit of fun, and now he got what he deserved. Whatever the future held with these men, Su Lin knew that tonight, this place was his domain, and none would cross him without consequence.

Being ousted here would be a spectacle; within a day, every major family in the nation would know. So, even if Xiao Feiyu loathed Su Lin, he wouldn’t dare openly oppose him here, knowing any disgrace could become another topic of gossip for the Xiao family. But giving Ma Junjie a hard time carried no such risks.

“Today is a good day; why so tense?” Su Lin interjected.

“Just smile, no need for conflict.” Li Bowen’s timely comments eased the tension.

Ma Junjie scoffed, “Li Bowen, your sister is quite the beauty, make sure no frogs are trying to eat swan meat.”

Xiao Feiyu, unfazed, retorted, “At least someone desires it, unlike certain frogs that can only settle for ugly ducks and seem quite happy about it.”

Pleased that the conversation had cooled, though still sharp, Li Bowen appreciated that both gave him face.

He turned to Su Lin, “Su Lin, the banquet is about to start. I’ll leave you to it; I have some things to discuss with Uncle Li.”

Su Lin nodded, “Feel free, Li Bowen.”

Watching Li Bowen leave, Su Lin was surprised at his restraint today, far from the arrogance of their first meeting. What changed? Curious but unwilling to pry, Su Lin decided it was a positive development regardless.

He looked at Xiao Feiyu and Ma Junjie, chuckling, “You two continue, don’t mind me.”