Chapter 237 182: Mercenary Summit_3
Moreover, he is narrow-minded and vindictive; anyone who dares to provoke him, even without direct conflict, simply makes him feel displeased or jealous, will end up crippled or even dead.
Previously, Su Mo's methods for dealing with Ou Chenyu were very discreet, and there was no direct confrontation between the two.
But the final result was clear.
The "Rookie of the Year" award that should have belonged to Ou Chenyu ended up in Su Mo's hands.
Nothing else needs to be said; just this fact alone is enough to make Ou Chenyu envy and hate.
Initially, when Su Mo hadn't established himself, he feared this "protagonist" greatly.
But now he has power, connections, and backing; he's no longer afraid of Ou Chenyu.
The plan to completely eliminate the original protagonist is already being considered.
Su Mo took a sip of the rich red wine in his glass, revealing a deep smile: "No problem, he can't outplay me."
...
The summit's proceedings were very traditional.
Various speakers gave speeches.
Awards were presented.
Award recipients spoke.
Then more awards were presented.
It was quite tedious and dull.
Only Dress spiced things up with a comedy routine during his award acceptance, enlivening the atmosphere a bit.
Su Mo, in contrast, recited a prepared speech, bowed, and left the stage.
After the awards ceremony, the highlight of the summit began — the banquet.
The banquet was held like a wine reception, with ample space featuring a split-level design, divided into upper and lower floors by stairs.
The lower floor was the dining area, filled with beverages and dishes that guests could help themselves to.
The upper floor was the stage area; guests could listen to music, dance in the ballroom, or move freely about.
Mercenaries wanting to connect with well-known intermediaries, or intermediaries seeking to expand their mercenary network, found this an ideal setting for conversation.
As this year's Rookie of the Year, Su Mo was surrounded by several intermediaries, engaged in lively discussions, drinking, and socializing, unable to break away.
Future lay asleep on a comfortable couch.
Dongdong was rushing around the dining area downstairs, enjoying a feast, captivated by the various delicacies.
KK, however, found himself in an awkward position; his companions were occupied, and guests weren't familiar with his small-time status, leaving him ignored.
After reflecting, KK decided to head to the dining area downstairs to join Dongdong for a meal.
He'd eat more to fill his stomach, as if saving Edge's meal expenses.
KK jogged to the staircase, just as Ou Chenyu was heading upstairs.
Ou Chenyu held jealousy towards Su Mo, and thus wasn't friendly to Su Mo's companions, casting a cold glance at KK.
KK had joined Su Mo earliest and was the only one in Edge who knew of Su Mo's intent to kill Ou Chenyu.
Now, as Ou Chenyu approached, KK dared not look at him, lowering his head and walking down silently.
As they passed each other...
Ou Chenyu deliberately jabbed backward with his elbow.
The impact on his back caused KK to lose balance, with his feet slipping and his vision flipping.
The sudden jab caught him off guard, providing no chance to protect his head; he fell face-first.
If he landed heavily, his front teeth would undoubtedly be shattered.
Fortunately, Dress and Audiana were just heading up as well.
Dress gasped and dodged as he saw someone falling.
Audiana instinctively tried to catch him.
"Dong!"
KK collided with Audiana, both tumbling onto the stairs, sliding down several steps, luckily not injured heavily.
Audiana held her injured elbow, frowning and asking, "What happened?"
KK, perplexed by the incident, was extremely angry, pointing at Ou Chenyu and cursing, "He pushed me!"
Ou Chenyu stood above, smirking coldly: "Kid, you tripped on your own, and you're blaming me for it?"
The surrounding guests were bewildered, unaware of what had occurred, and remained silent.
"KK! Lady Countess!" Su Mo rushed over upon hearing, concernedly asking, "Are you okay?"
Audiana glanced at her elbow, indifferently saying, "Just a minor injury."
KK whispered, "Luckily, I'm fine."
Su Mo's expression turned icy: "Did Ou Chenyu push you?"
Ou Chenyu's action was subtle; others might not have seen it.
But KK knew clearly that he was the one who pushed.
However, when Su Mo asked directly, KK hesitated.
He knew Su Mo had long been planning to confront Ou Chenyu.
Worried that a conflict now might affect his boss's plan, he decided to suppress his grievances and let it go.
Just as he intended to deny, Su Mo intervened, in a tone not open to questioning: "Tell the truth, don't hide it from me; was it Ou Chenyu who pushed you?"
Facing Su Mo's resolute gaze, KK only hesitated for a moment before confessing: "He pushed me."
Su Mo strode up the stairs, confronting Ou Chenyu head-on, sternly questioning: "What do you mean by this?"
The atmosphere suddenly grew tense, guests' eyes darted uncertainly, whispering as they watched the two mercenary rookies who had gained such fame this year.
Ou Chenyu was no pushover; he emitted a short, cold laugh, responding with a provocative tone, "What can you do about it?"
Su Mo: "I can take you down."
"Whoosh—" Frenzied Corpse Rigid Bone wrapped around Su Mo's fist like a heavy artillery shell, aimed straight at Ou Chenyu's face.
Ou Chenyu hadn't expected Su Mo to be so reckless, daring to strike at the summit venue.
But as a battle-hardened Mercenary Corps Leader, his combat reflexes kicked in instantly, seizing Su Mo's wrist, forcibly halting his attack.
The two were evenly matched in strength; Su Mo's fist was just pressed down before rising again, pushed back repeatedly in a fierce exchange.
The creaking of joints bearing weight was incessant; veins bulged on the foreheads of both Su Mo and Ou Chenyu.
After a brief stalemate, Ou Chenyu became infuriated to the extreme, abruptly shaking off Su Mo's fist, rotating his body to unleash a powerful spinning kick.
"Dong!"
The spinning kick struck Su Mo's Frenzied Corpse Rigid Bone, producing slight cracks under the immense force; the two recoiled several steps due to the counter-force, coldly staring at each other once they regained footing.